Thrive Summer 2019 by DFWChild

thrive DALL AS-FORT WORTH

VOL. 11 ISSUE NO. 2

SUMMER 2019

A RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES LIVING WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

MEET PODCAST HOST

MIA FRANCISPOULIN

BAD DAYS IS IT CAREGIVING FATIGUE OR SOMETHING MORE?

TIPS FOR SUMMER TRAVEL PUBLISHED BY

DFW

FIVE THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER

MUST-HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

pages

VOL. 11 NO. 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S U M M E R 2 01 9

Departments TAKE NOTE 5 Have Autism, Will Travel

Tips for trippin’ by car or plane words Lisa Salinas

6 Stories We Tell

6 Sound Off

A local author releases an inclusive children’s book inspired by his family An app to find peaceful public places 6 Sweet Smiles Treats you can feel good about

ABOVE // Mia Francis-Poulin is raising a son with autism and building her empire, page 9.

Feature 16 Parenting in a Haze When caregivers face depression, where can they turn for help? words Sundey McClendon

Column 26 Humor Me

LOL parenting moments for some comic relief

compiled by Lisa Salinas COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Carter Rose

REAL MOMS 9 Mom Next Door / Mia Francis-Poulin

The mom and marketer hosts a podcast for other momprenuers raising kids with special needs words Nicole Jordan 12 Mother’s Little Helpers The books and communities our Mom Next Door relies on for raising a child with autism 14 Mommy Diary / Amanda Clark Her three boys (including one with autism) keep the Dallas mom on her toes with carpool, therapy and Hot Wheels. ID CULTURE K 17 5 Things to Do Special needs-friendly events for the family in May, June and July

DIRECTORY 22 Special Needs Resources

Listings every family should have at their fingertips

staff box Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Joylyn Niebes PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARTER ROSE; ©ISTOCK; PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY HILL

Creative + Content Director Lauren Niebes

Editorial

MANAGING EDITOR Carrie Steingruber ASSISTANT EDITORS Lisa Salinas, Elizabeth Quinn CALENDAR EDITOR Elizabeth Smith

COPY EDITOR Leslie Sherman Jackson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sara Frederick Burgos, Stephanie Sarles

Art

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Susan Horn CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Lesley Busby

Advertising

PR/Marketing

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Alison Davis, Maggie Egly, Kristen Gramling, Nancy McDaniel, Sandi Tijerina

MARKETING ASSISTANT Corey Tate

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Diana Whitworth Nelson

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Alexa Wilder

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Candace Emerson

Administrative

BUSINESS MANAGER Leah Wagner

Dallas-FortWorthThrive is published four times a year by Lauren Publications, Inc. Address: 4275 Kellway Circle, Ste. 146, Addison, TX, 75001. Phone: 972/447-9188. Fax: 972/447-0633. Online: dfwchild.com/thrive. DallasFortWorthThrive is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only Dallas-FortWorthThrive authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. Dallas-FortWorthThrive is ©2019 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

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NEWS

take note

ETC.

Sillan began planning for the trip well in advance; three months prior, she began showing Blake YouTube videos of various rides at Disney World—though Sillan adds that if she could go back in time, she would give Blake a little less notice. “It just made him like, ‘Is today the day? Is today the day? Is today the day?’” she laughs. “And watching ‘It’s A Small World’ videos for three months.” But Sillan had the right idea: Exposing your child to as much of the experience as possible before it actually happens is key. For example, the CR Smith Museum in Fort Worth is home to a real airplane for kiddos to board and a baggage loader activity where they can practice grabbing their luggage.

Have Autism, Will Travel Tips for trippin’ by car or plane WORDS LISA SALINAS

MELTDOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF

Disney World is the last thing any parent wants. Southlake mom Amy Sillan experienced this firsthand in October when 6-year-old Blake, who has autism spectrum disorder, let her know he was really ready to leave the parade, when they were surrounded by crowds and there was no easy way to exit the park. For families with children on the autism spectrum, this scenario is all too familiar. But the fear of a meltdown didn’t stop Sillan from giving Blake and his 5-year-old sister, Eloise, that magical Disney experience. “Having the courage to take your child and have any sort of experience is really what parenting is about,” Sillan shares. “Sometimes you win and sometimes you don’t, but even as hard as that trip was for us, they don’t remember the meltdown of the parade.” Kristi Mannon, a child psychologist with Cook Children’s, agrees that providing your child with new experiences is vital to their personal growth.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

In the car, you can’t always be right next to your child to keep them entertained. So for a recent road trip, Highland Village mom Practice Makes Shelley Stone came up with indePerfect American Airlines hosts a free pendent tasks and play activities for her 6-year-old son Cody, who program called “It’s Cool To has autism and is nonverbal. Fly,” usually held in the fall “One that he currently does is at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The event counting 1 through 30,” she shares. allows kids on the autism “I have 30 Legos that I’ve taken the spectrum to go through a Sharpie marker and written the simulation of airplane travel, number on them. He stacks them in “There are the additional from check-in to boarding. a long tower ordered by number.” challenges and preparations Learn more at news.aa.com. Take into account your temthat we have to go through, porary living quarters too. For but it’s helpful for the kid to be Stone, this meant booking a hotel able to experience those things room on the first floor, as Cody loves jumping. too,” Mannon says. “They are going to be able Stone begins planning for trips a month in to push themselves and make gains in their advance, with help from his therapists. own boundaries.” “A few weeks before we go on a trip I FLIGHT PLAN identify some of the things [his therapists] use For kids on the autism spectrum, flying can be that are considered reinforcers, which are just a source of anxiety and sensory overload. Sillan highly recommended toys that he loves,” Stone explains that for Blake, sitting in one spot for shares. “It helps him when we are in those new a long period of time is hard—even watching environments that could be a little scary.” a movie is usually out of the question. So she She also incorporates social stories and prepared activities for him in 30-minute increimages of where they will be going and staying ments for their three-hour flight to Orlando. in order to alleviate his fears. “I picked his passions, which at this point “It’s very much of a balance when we do in time was dogs, and I made a coloring sheet those things,” Stone says. “I have to step back with five dogs on it,” she says. “Every 30 minand anticipate what he’s feeling, what his needs utes we would note the time and he could are … to not push him too far.” color a dog.” Sillan also had a bag of toys for Following a family trip, Mannon recomhim to pick from. She prepared enough of mends taking a day or two of rest. “[This] will these activities for four to five hours, just in give you guys a chance to kind of all get back case there were delays. into your normal routine,” she says. summer 2019

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BRIEF

Stories We Tell

Twenty-nine-year-old Dallasite

Kelly and the Great Pinewood Derby, $12 kellyandkelso.com

T-shirts and K E L L Y

AND THE GREAT

Jordan Burk grew up caring for

PINEWOOD DERBY,

his uncle Kelly, who had Down

Burk’s series. He’ll be at the Notre

syndrome. After seeing that many

Dame School in Dallas on May 7 and

schools and parents were not

Half Price Books in Dallas on June

teaching children about the needs

23; check the website for more lo-

of people like his uncle, Burk began

cal events as they’re announced.

a children’s book series designed to educate kids through inclusive storytelling. On kellyandkelso.com, you and your little can find printable games and coloring pages,

the first book in

—Elizabeth Quinn

Sound Off Everyone enjoys a little peace and quiet from time to time, but for people with sensory disorders, autism or hearing loss, quiet spaces are vital for overall well-being (and meltdown-free outings). That’s why Gregory Scott, who has hearing loss, created the S O U N D P R I N T A P P , a handy tool that measures venues’ decibel levels and lets you know which ones won’t send your family scrambling for the door. With colored labels indicating quiet, moderate, loud and very loud environments, you can easily find quiet restaurants, coffee shops and more up to 25 miles away. Help out your neighbors by contributing your own venues too. —Lisa Salinas SoundPrint, free for iOS and Android soundprint.co

SWEET SMILES

Sweets make just about anyone smile—even more so when they support a good cause. Founded in Phoenix in 2013 by Matt Resnik, who has autism, S M I L E B I S C O T T I employs a workforce of neurodiverse adults, demonstrating that everyone can contribute to their community. Local Mom Debra Caudy and her son Jon Heighten, who also has autism, were so inspired by Resnik’s mission that they founded SMILE Biscotti DFW in 2016. The treats come in flavors like mocha magic and cinnamon vanilla. Purchase online or at Texas Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Group in Dallas; we’ve spotted them at Ascension Coffee too. —L.S.

SMILE Biscotti, from $3 per biscotti (price varies by retailer), $12 for six and $22 for 12; $10 per package of bite-size Grins // smilebiscottidfw.com 6 thrive

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY HILL/KELLY AND KELSO; DEBRA CAUDY; SMILE BISCOTTI; SOUNDPRINT

tn: I N

One size does not fit all. ALL CHILDREN DESERVE AN EDUCATION TAILORED TO MEET THEIR UNIQUE NEEDS. Jane Justin School and Child Study Center Upper School provide a state-of-the-art, individualized education to children in preschool through High School with learning and developmental disabilities. We understand finding the right school can be overwhelming. We are here to help. Contact the office at 682-303-9287 or via email at liliana.erazo@cookchildrens.org for more information about our school programs.

Jane Justin School & CSC Upper School 1300 W Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2019.

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LOCAL

real moms

Mom Next Door

STORIES

Poulin left corporate life behind, launched her The 28-year-old New own business and set out to connect with likeOrleans native and her minded women who are balancing entrehusband of five preneurial endeavors with raising years, Steven, kids with special needs. moved to THRIVE: How is Roman Anna on doing today? MIA FRANCISMay 1, POULIN: When he first came “For me, self-care is 2015. It’s home, he was on a trache being able to drive for a date she and a ventilator. He had 24/7 an hour and listen to says they’ll oxygen support and a whole never forget, assortment of attachments. He’s an audiobook.” because just doing a lot better health-wise. eight days He doesn’t have a trache anymore, later, Roman was born at 27 but he needs oxygen intermittently. weeks gestation. After 292 days in Now, we have this diagnosis of autism the neonatal intensive care unit and two and it’s a new journey. That’s what kicked off near-death scares, Roman went home and the my exit from the corporate world. I design my day new parents adjusted to their new normal. around him, therapies and my podcast. He just Last year, when Roman was diagnosed with started ABA therapy. He’s been getting occupationautism, the family pivoted once more. Francisal and speech therapy, which has helped a lot. Mama, Build Your Empire!

Mia Francis-Poulin WORDS NICOLE JORDAN

PHOTOGRAPHY CARTER ROSE

S A MULTIHYPHENATE MOM OF

two, Mia Francis-Poulin wears many hats. When she’s not caring for her two sons, 4-year-old Roman and 1-year-old A.J., she’s running her digital marketing agency, R + A Creative Co. And when she’s not running the agency, she’s connecting with other special needs moms via her podcast,

ABOVE / After her son Roman’s autism diagnosis, Mia Francis-Poulin became a full-time entrepreneur—and she’s helping other moms do the same. summer 2019

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MIA FRANCIS-POULIN

T: It must have been so difficult to hear the autism diagnosis after all you’d already been through with his premature birth. MFP: We’re

T: Were you worried about having another baby after the trauma of your first pregnancy? MFP: We wanted to make sure that

The biggest motivator for me is making sure my kids are OK. I grew up with the mindset that you have to work really hard to get where you want to be. Entrepreneurship is hard. Raising kids with special needs is definitely a challenge. The hard work hasn’t deterred me. What keeps me going is that I want my kids to be set up so they don’t have the worries that I had when I was growing up.

T: How did you know it was time to leave corporate life behind? MFP: I was on this

ple. I find a lot of inspiration from people I’ve read books from like Marie Forleo or Lisa Nichols. Then there are other autism moms I’ve met like Aundrea Caldwell, the founder of Autism Moms Getaways. She created the platform to bring moms of kids with autism together because there’s such a rampant health crisis among the autism community, as it relates to parent caregivers. I love that she’s giving that attention.

just so grateful that he’s here. We almost lost him twice in that nearly 300-day journey. That really changed our perspective.

we were fully prepared. So before we got pregnant, I went to see the perinatologist who saved Roman’s life, Dr. Brown-Elliott. She was there all along with my regular obstetrician. I think doing the preconception planning and having an action plan helped my anxiety. The birth experience was completely different from my first. I had my essential oils and my doula. Nobody was in panic mode.

rampant path of climbing the ladder. Then I got pregnant with A.J., and then the autism diagnosis came. I knew I needed something that would feed my ambition and allow me to design my day around the needs of my children, so I started R + A Creative Co. T: What is the agency’s focus? MFP: I

specifically help female entrepreneurs grow their audiences and launch new products or services. It’s kind of what I was doing in corporate. I worked on a lot of different launches for a lot of different organizations. That framework really excites me.

T: What does self-care look like for you? MFP: I’ve

“WATCHING OUR SON FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE, WE HAD TO LEARN HOW TO LEAN INTO EACH OTHER IN TIMES OF CRISIS.”

T: How did the podcast come about? MFP: I realized that this

entrepreneurial road and this special needs road are very isolating. I had two goals: I wanted to be able to build up a community and have a voice for moms who are doing two really hard things: starting businesses and raising kids who have different needs. I also wanted to showcase other moms like me. I wanted to know they were out there and that I’m not alone in this journey. It’s been an amazing experience. I’ve talked to people as far away as Israel and Australia who are in similar positions as I am. T: What motivates you every day? MFP:

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T: You’re such an inspiration. Who inspires you? MFP: Oh, man. There are so many peo-

accepted that my self-care isn’t going to look like going to the spa—as much as that would be amazing. For me, self-care is being able to drive for an hour and listen to an audiobook. I love reading, but I never have time to sit down with a paperback. T: How have you and Steven navigated the challenges of the past five years as a couple? MFP: When

we were in the NICU, we saw some beautiful moments and some that break people apart. A nurse said, “Going through a trauma like that will either bring you closer or it will tear you apart.” It brought us so much closer. We navigate it all together. Watching our son fight for his life, we had to learn how to lean into each other in times of crisis. T: What’s next on your bucket list? MFP:

Personally, the next big thing for us is a really big vacation. I’m really excited about being able to take my kids to Disney World. That’s our big 2020 plan. Professionally, just continuing to grow my business and the podcast. I have some really exciting collaborations coming at the end of this year. T: Is there a mantra you live by? MFP:

Yes: “Everything is figureoutable.” It’s from Marie Forleo. I live by that. I really do. There’s a solution to everything, even if it isn’t the one we want.

BE A PART OF THE FUN

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• Continuing education and vocational programming for adults offered year-round, both part- and full-time. • Medicaid waiver funds may be used for many of the programs.

Preparing individuals with intellectual disabilities for fully included lives.

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Here at the Dallas YMCA, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to be a part of something great. Join us for Miracle League baseball, buddy sports, adaptive swimming lessons, and Angel Camp and be a part of the fun! Visit www.YMCADallas.org/Adaptive-Needs to learn more about our programs designed for children with special needs.

Ads with © are © of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2019.

Providing peace of mind for parents and a safe place where special needs family members can learn about Jesus. A Special Needs Ministry designed to support families and special needs family members while assisting them on their spiritual journey to KNOW and FOLLOW Jesus.

LANETTE JAMES

SUNDAYS 9:00 AM • 10:15 AM • 11:30 AM

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June 10−13

Kids & Family Minister lanettej@firstcolleyville.com

firstcolleyville.com/kids 5300 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville, TX 76034 817.281.4158

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Mother’s Little Helpers Mia Francis-Poulin’s favorite resources for raising a child with autism INTERVIEW NICOLE JORDAN

HER PEOPLE GRATEFUL WELLNESS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS MOM //

MAMA, BUILD YOUR EMPIRE! “It’s a podcast and tribe for moms who are growing businesses while raising kids with special needs.”FREE // Available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher

facebook.com

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HER READING LIST

PARENTING LIKE A NINJA: AN AUTISM MOM’S GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTIVITY BY FAITH CLARKE

THIS FACEBOOK GROUP FOR MOMS OF KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS EMPHASIZES WELLNESS AND SELF-CARE.”

AUSOME MOMS “ This Facebook group is for mothers of kids on the spectrum in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It provides support, resources and community.” facebook.com/ ausomemoms

HER SABBATICAL

AUTISM MOMS GETAWAYS: “It’s a

yearly retreat for moms who have kids on the spectrum to relax, relate and regroup. It’s full of workshops that give us tools to assist in supporting our children and ourselves.” AUTISM MOMS GETAWAYS // aundreacaldwell.com/autism-

mom-retreats

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM BY JONATHAN LEVY “THIS HELPED ME SO MUCH IN LEARNING HOW TO LEAN INTO MY SON’S STIMS IN ORDER TO ENTER HIS WORLD. IT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARTER ROSE; PHOTOS COURTESY OF P MAMA; BUILD YOUR EMPIRE; PARENTING LIKE A NINJA; ©ISTOCK

HER PODCAST

DIARY

A Day in the Life of Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark and her husband, Jeremy, have been married for six years and moved to Dallas two and a half years ago for Jeremy’s dream job as a private practice radiologist. Amanda works part-time from home for a large, national health care organization. They have three boys: Jackson, 5, Cooper, 4, and Austin, 1. Their middle son, Cooper, was diagnosed with autism a little over a year ago.

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:50AM Alarm goes off. Jeremy is already in the shower. I feel the pressure to hustle since he’s taking Cooper to school this morning. 7AM Wake Cooper up. “Turn on dinosaur show, please, Mommy?” he asks. 7:30AM Walk Cooper out to Jeremy’s car so he can take him to the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD). Cooper cries for his dinosaurs because he can’t take them to school— a battle we have most mornings. 7:40AM By the time I get back in the house, Jackson is on the couch and ready for breakfast. 8:05AM Austin is up. He waves at Jackson from the stairs and says, “Hi!” Being a younger male sibling of an older brother with autism, he is 30–50 percent more likely to have autism as well. His growing vocabulary is reassuring, but I always worry. 8:15AM Austin and I FaceTime Jeremy, just like every morning. I get the lunches out of the fridge and get the backpacks ready while Austin sits in his highchair. 8:30AM Get in the car, and head off to school. Jackson is the star of the week in his classroom, so we talk about the fun he is going to have today being the line leader again. 8:52AM We get to school early for the first time in a long time. The boys go to preschool three days a week. 9:25AM Drive to the gym, and make a mental to-do list. I remind myself to grab a snack for Cooper for applied behavior analysis (ABA) and to start looking at

other ABA centers for when he graduates out of his current program. 9:40AM Walk in the gym, and get my cardio in for the day. Jeremy and I have made a goal to go at least four days a week. 10:25AM Get in the car, and head home for a shower. I quickly throw some food in the Crock-Pot. I make one of the boys’ favorite meals, red beans and rice stew, so I’m hoping it will make for a chaos-free dinner. 11AM Drive to PPCD and make it into the carpool line while fielding a work call. 11:10AM Buckle Cooper in the car and head to Jeremy’s hospital. Cooper is always in a good mood after PPCD. I let him know we are going to lunch with Daddy today. He plays with his dinosaurs on the ride there. 11:30AM Jeremy only has 10 minutes to eat with us, but it’s nice to see him and hear about his day. 12PM Drive to ABA. Cooper asks, “Go home, Mommy?” “No, bud. ABA first, then speech, then home.” He whines, and I think of ways to avoid a meltdown. 12:02PM As I’m pumping myself up to carry an unhappy boy to ABA, I realize that I forgot to bring a snack for him. I say, “Want to go get some Cheetos for snack, Cooper?” 12:30PM Cooper happily walks into ABA with his bag of Cheetos tucked in close to his side. Cooper started ABA a year ago, and he’s grown so much. This time last year, he only had five intelligible words. 12:45PM Drive to Starbucks. I’m almost finished with my latest work contract, so I’ve cut way back on my hours and am ready for a few months’ break. 2PM Off to preschool to pick up Austin and Jackson. 2:10PM Now to a sweet friend’s house nearby to play until it’s time to pick up Cooper from therapy. 3:25PM Drive to ABA. We see Cooper and then send him off to speech therapy, which is in the same office. The boys and I play cars in the waiting room, and I can’t help but feel mom guilt when I calculate that they spend over four hours a week in a waiting room. 4:05PM Time to go home from ABA and speech. I put a movie on in the car, so the older boys are excited. Poor Austin tiredly cries the whole way home. 4:30PM We’ve made it home and eaten a snack. We head to the toy room and pull out our new Hot Wheels set, along with every other toy on the shelf. 5:30PM Jeremy’s home, and I’m getting both Jackson’s and Cooper’s shoes on so that they can go with him to the gym. They

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA CLARK

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All About Amanda FAVORITE INDULGENCE Chocolate YEARLY DESTINATION Louisville, Kentucky (my hometown) WHAT’S IN HER NETFLIX QUEUE Grey’s Anatomy WHERE SHE GOES FOR RETAIL THERAPY Nordstrom FAVORITE MOVIE One Day FIRST CELEBRITY CRUSH Jordan from NKOTB FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT Legacy West BEVERAGE OF CHOICE Coffee FAVORITE SCENT The ocean WORDS SHE LIVES BY Oh well! SECRET TALENT Field hockey—I played in college. BIGGEST PET PEEVE Inefficiency WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL Call my husband. (Lucky him!) DREAM VACATION Greece MOTHERHOOD IN FIVE WORDS Hardest but most rewarding job. GREATEST FEAR Dying before Cooper DREAM JOB AS A KID McDonald’s fry cook GO-TO SPOT

ST. TIMOTHY

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St. Timothy’s wonderful ministry

was the answer we needed.” Serving Grades K–12 Individualized Instruction Low Student-Teacher Ratio Positive, Nurturing Environment Multi-Sensory Approach to Teaching Social Skills Integrated into the Curriculum 6801 W. Park Blvd., Plano 75093 | 972/820-5460 staplano.org

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• Anxiety • Depression • Neuropsychological Disorders

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Concerning behavior can be a symptom of many neurological or psychological diagnoses, not bad parenting. As a mother of a child with Special Needs, I understand the unique challenges faced in every aspect of your lives and the ripple effect they have on the entire family.

Now Scheduling ADOS-2 Assessments! 2100 Hedgcoxe Rd., Ste. 190, Plano 75025 | 972-208-8668

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FOR SELF-CARE Starbucks

love going to play there. 5:35PM Austin and I get some muchneeded alone time to snuggle and play. 6:30PM Everyone’s back, and dinner is served. Once again, Cooper is eating a grilled cheese—he is a very picky eater. 6:50PM Jeremy and Jackson sit at the kitchen table working on handwriting while Cooper, Austin and I play with dinosaur window stickers. 7:10PM I put Austin down to bed so Cooper and I can do our nightly feeding therapy exercises, which includes lots of oral motor tools and activities, such as moving a sucker from one side to the other, having beef broth and apple juice sprayed into his mouth, and lots of biting and chewing of tools. We’re a month into his new program, and he’s already eaten eight new foods, including celery, almonds and turkey. 7:45PM Head upstairs and brush the boys’ teeth. Jackson and I read two books about pirates in his room while Jeremy and Cooper read a book about snakes in Cooper’s room. 10PM After packing lunches, cleaning up the kitchen, picking up the toy room and folding a load of laundry, Jeremy and I watch a little TV, and we head to bed.

Sculpture Exhibit Through October 15 Presented by

The acclaimed sculptor returns with “Celebrate the Children” exhibition featuring 25 handcrafted bronze sculptures on display throughout the garden. Family Fun Fridays Friday, May 31-July 26, 10am-2pm – Petting zoo, face painting and more.

DallasArboretum.org

8525 Garland Road • Dallas, Texas 75218 The Dallas Arboretum is a non-profit organization supported, in part, by funds from Dallas Park & Recreation.

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Parentin in a Haze When depression strikes, it’s not easy to seek help. But solutions are more accessible—and cheaper—than you might think. WORDS SUNDEY MCCLENDON

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NDREA MITCHELL IS PEPPY. With doe-like eyes and a warm, easy smile, the Richardson mom doesn’t seem a likely candidate for depression. But she remembers well the first time she told someone she thought she might be depressed. “I remember I was in an OB-GYN visit and I just said, ‘I feel nuts. I feel like I can’t get a grip. Everything feels dark and gloomy,’” she recalls. Less than two years after giving birth to her daughter Ella, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, severe developmental delays and epilepsy, she had a second child, Will. That’s when the feelings started. Mitchell was not sure if it was just a funk or something more. Her husband, Joe, noticed too. “I was on a medication to help with my breast milk for Will,” Mitchell explains, “and I got off of it, and Joe gently pointed out that I still wasn’t myself.” Depression is more common among parents of kids with disabilities than parents of typically developing kids, though a 2012 study conducted by Texas A&M University gives reason to be hopeful: Their research suggests that the rate of depression in parents of children with disabilities might be significantly lower than previously thought. While prior studies pointed to a rate of more than half, Texas A&M researchers put the number closer to 20 percent. Still, it is difficult for parents of kids with special needs to seek treatment—or to even see past their child’s needs and recognize their own. Amid therapy appointments, doctors’ visits and other caregiving responsibilities, parents might feel they don’t have the time, energy or money for their own therapy. But for Mitchell, seeking treatment for depression was ultimately something she did for her family as well as herself. “That saying that you can’t pour from an empty cup is true,” she says. With the growing amount of resources and support for parents of children with special needs, treatment is easier than ever once signs of depression are identified. “There are so many solutions available for dealing with depression,” says Michele Greer, a psychotherapist with practices in Corinth and Frisco. “You have to know that what you are feeling is treatable, and that there is hope.”

©ISTOCK

THE JOY L ACK CLUB

Looking back, Mitchell says the first real sign that what she was feeling might be more serious than just the regular stress of being a caregiver was that she felt low-functioning—like she was in a haze, still getting things done but lacking joy. In hindsight, Duncanville mom Kay Scott (whose name has been changed at her request) recognizes similar symptoms in herself. Scott’s 4-year-old son, Landon, is on the autism spectrum. “I was struggling to find energy every day,” she remembers tearfully. “Previously, I would wake up filled with purpose and excited to start the day, but then I got to the point where I would just lay in bed and ask God to just help me to get out of bed. Every day felt like a bad day.” → summer 2019

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“Force yourself to be in a community, accept help from them, and be honest with them.” A lack of joy, heightened anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and a change in attitude and behavior are hallmarks of depressive episodes; however, Greer says that for parents of children with special needs, separating the normal stress and fatigue of being a caregiver from the symptoms of depression might be slightly different than for their counterparts with typical kids. “In caregivers, alongside the symptoms of isolation and a falling off in functioning, I check for purpose and meaning in other aspects of their lives,” Greer says. She looks to see “if there are still areas of joy as a spouse, a friend, a daughter or son, or if their lives are boiling down to one thing.” Often the needs of their children are still met, but they begin to retreat from things that bring them joy or give them an identity outside of their child. “It may manifest as being able to meet the needs of your child but not making time or having interest in much else,” Greer says. Jamie Candler oversees a program that provides support groups, Bible studies and respite nights for families of children with special needs through First United Methodist Church in Mansfield. She has learned to look for signs of depression in parents who come to her programs. “For me, it goes beyond the basic symptoms of fatigue because all of these parents are tired,” she explains, “but isolation is a red flag—if they begin to withdraw, if they were once very talkative and now they clam up.” She also says a change in appearance can be a sign. “We had 18 t h r i v e

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a mom who came regularly who had a lot of fun dressing herself and really enjoyed looking nice, and I noticed that she stopped finding joy in that—her style of dress changed,” Candler recalls. “I asked if she was OK, and she said she was feeling pretty down lately, which lead to more discussion and the realization that she might be depressed.” LET’S TALK

These discussions are critical in helping parents realize that they might be experiencing more than just stress and are usually the first step toward getting help— but talking about it is not easy, especially for caregivers. Scott says her husband noticed the change in her, but she tried to hide the way she was feeling from others. “I didn’t want to overwhelm people or be a burden,” she explains. Ultimately she needed prompting from a trusted friend in order to seek help. “Because of Landon’s diagnosis, I had to learn to filter out a lot of what people were saying to me,” she recalls, “so it’s possible that someone else may have hinted that I was depressed, but when you are the mom of a special needs child, you are constantly bombarded with information, and you get good at blocking some of that out.” But when her best friend suggested counseling, Scott listened— sort of. “Well, I listened, but I also told her she was mistaken,” she admits, laughing. “I didn’t see what she was seeing in myself.”

Her friend what she allows her mind to focus again pushed on. “You have to redirect your for her to try mind back to your truth about who one counselyou are and who your child is,” she ing session, explains, “so for me, I read a lot of and that sesscripture, I listen to uplifting music sion put Scott and I feel my countenance change.” on a path to wellness. HELP FROM THE CROWD If no one is Many parents of children with reaching out to special needs put off getting help you, don’t be because they lack resources or afraid to reach time, says Greer. “Or sometimes out yourself, they have gotten so caught up in advises Greer. being a caretaker that they don’t “You have to set aside your assumpregister their own needs as justifitions that people around you might able,” she adds. not want to hear from you,” she That’s why Mitchell chose says. “The very best thing you can to confide in a doctor she was do for yourself and ultimately for already seeing. “I didn’t feel like I the health of your family is to reach had the time to find a counselor out and let people know what you and add that to my list,” she exneed or if you are struggling.” plains, “but I already had this OBGreer adds that what you say GYN appointment, and I trusted to yourself is just as important my doctor. He knew my baseline, as what you say to others, and so I addressed the issue there.” examining you inner dialogue is Her doctor, who had been a good way to see if you might be involved in her care since before depressed. “A change in self-talk Ella was born, put Mitchell on language where there is more Lexapro, a medication used to use of absolutes like ‘always’ and help increase serotonin levels in ‘never’ can indicate a feeling of the brain. “After a few weeks, Joe hopelessness,” she explains. noticed that I seemed more like Scott says that on days when myself,” she says. “And it helped she felt the lowest, she would fall me just to get a handle on things, into fearful thinking patterns. “I to feel like me again.” would be projecting our current Mitchell stayed on the Lexapro situation into our future, thinking things “Depression can be a chemical problem, but it’s like ‘It will always definitely triggered by stress,” says Richardson mom be like this’ or ‘It Andrea Mitchell. One of the major culprits? Social will never get better,’ media. Mitchell says those shareable moments like when really things the first day of school or trick-or-treating can be are changing all the difficult because her oldest child has cerebral palsy, time,” she recalls. “I epilepsy and developmental delays. was definitely using Duncanville mom Kay Scott, whose son has autism, can relate. “Our milestones didn’t look like ‘always’ and ‘never’ statements, and when every else’s,” she explains. “My son didn’t want a I started to feel better, birthday party surrounded by his friends. He wanted to be alone in a room.” I learned to replace Social media also provided information overload those with ‘somethat triggered Scott’s anxiety. “People would share times’ and ‘often.’” so many articles about autism that were so negative,” Mitchell says she says. friends helped her For Scott, the best option was to cut social media out of her life. “It was easier for me just not to engage change her mindset. in that instead of comparing myself,” she explains. “They continually Mitchell enjoys the connections and support she pointed me back has through social media, but she is careful what she toward the truth and lets in. “You have to really focus on things that you reminded me who I know are good and true,” she says. “Have joy for otham,” she says. Now ers but be OK with saying, ‘It’s different for us and she’s proactive about that’s where we are.’”

SOCIAL CHECK

for a few months and then, with her doctor’s guidance, began to wean off it. “The medicine gave me the desire I needed to work on my mindset,” she says. For Scott, the counseling session her friend recommended turned into a few repeat visits where she learned that anxiety was what was leading to her depression. “My counselor recognized that counseling can be expensive, and so she focused on helping me create coping strategies and identify things that were bringing unnecessary anxiety into my life,” Scott says. She adds that being in counseling helped her see that her son’s older sister might need some emotional therapies as well, so the couple put her in play therapy. “It was wonderful for her,” Scott says. Greer points out that there are treatment solutions to match the needs, time restraints and financial limitations of caregivers. “I don’t think people realize that there are so many solutions to deal with depression,” she says. For example, Scott joined a nocost support group for parents of kids with special needs. “That was a game changer for me because it’s such an environment of support and understanding,” Scott says. She reveals that simply hearing that other people have the same struggles she does changed the way she felt about herself and her situation. Candler echoes Scott’s praise of support groups. “None of their children have the same diagnosis,” she says, “but they can walk in and feel vulnerable enough to say when things are hard.” She says that while money might keep many parents from getting the help they need, in support groups they can rally around each other with encouragement, advice and resources to keep each other afloat. Being part of a community was critical to combating the loneliness and isolation that Mitchell felt as a mom of a child with special needs. “Even when you don’t feel like it, or you don’t want to be vulnerable, I would say it’s worth it to force yourself to be in a community,

accept help from them, and be honest with them,” she says. RECL AIMING JOY

It’s important for parents to not only realize the toll their depression might be having on their families, but to also understand what a gift it is to the family when the depressed parent gets help. “It’s like the oxygen masks on an airplane,” Greer explains. “You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.” Looking back, Mitchell is so glad that her husband said something to her about her depressive symptoms. “I thought I was feeling down, so there was huge relief in that validation that no, I am not myself right now,” she says. She believes that getting treatment while Will was a baby gave her the energy she needed to involve him in Ella’s care. “Will has been a helper since he could walk,” she says. These days, staying busy, having a supportive community, attending a church that meets Ella’s needs and monitoring herself when she feels down all help her to avoid the stresses and anxieties that can trigger depression. Greer says that a healthy caregiver is one who finds purpose and meaning in several areas of their lives outside of caregiving. Getting to that point requires support—and time. Scott gives a long sigh as she thinks back to her most depressed days. “Looking back, you do what you have to do to get to the next day,” she says, “and it’s not until now that I can sit here and realize how bad [my depression] actually was.” The strategies she learned through her support group and counseling sessions, combined with the passage of time, have helped her to feel joyful again. “I used to think to myself that every day was a bad day, and that wasn’t really true,” she says. “Now I am able to say, ‘Some days are bad, and some days are good, but we are OK,’ and I can handle the bad days, and I can celebrate the good days.”

A Night Off

According to Michele Greer, a psychotherapist with practices in Corinth and Frisco, the best way to stave off depression is to make time for your joys and interests, including spending time with your partner. The following respite care programs for families with special needs can help you take a night off: ALLEN

Parents’ Night Out is held one Saturday a month during the school year. Ages kindergarten to sixth grade. // First Baptist Church // 201 E. McDermott Drive, Allen 972/727-8241; fbcallen.org APT G: A Place To Go is held the third Saturday of each month (September–May) from 7–9:30pm. Grades six and up. Free; register online by the Wednesday before. // First United Methodist Church // 601 S. Greenville Ave., Allen; 214/385-8850; firstallen.org C A R R O L LT O N

Harvey’s Kids takes place the second Saturday of every month from 5–8pm. Reservations required. // Holy Covenant United Methodist Church // 1901 E. Peters Colony Road, Carrollton; 972/492-2432; hcumc.org COPPELL

Loving Hands Ministry offers respite care for kids up to age 16 and their siblings up to age 10 one Saturday a month from 5:30–8:30pm. // First United Methodist Church // 420 S. Heartz Road, Coppell; 972/462-0471; fumccoppell.org DALL AS

Nights Lights takes place from 5:30–10pm on the first, second and third Friday of every month (except January and July) at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, the first Friday of the month at White Rock United Methodist Church, and the third Friday of the month at Christ Foundry United Methodist Mission (for Spanish-speaking families). Free; registration required. // Multiple locations; 214/706-9535; raysoflightdallas.org NightOWLS happens two Fridays a month from 6–10pm. Ages 3 months–13 years. Free, but families must apply in advance. // Munger Place Church // 5200 Bryan St., Dallas 214/823-9929; mungerplace.org FORT WORTH

Breakaway is a respite night for kids with special needs (all ages) and their siblings (0–12 years) on the third Friday of the month except June, July and December. // Christ Chapel Bible Church 3701 Birchman Ave., Fort Worth; 817/546-0876; ccbcfamily.org GRAPEVINE

Bryan’s Buddies takes place one Friday a month from 6:30–9:30pm. Ages 3–18. Free; contact Joyce King at fumcdt@gmail.com. // First United Methodist Church // 422 Church St., Grapevine; 817/481-2559; firstmethodistgrapevine.org IRVING

Arise is held one Saturday a month from 5:30–8:30pm; all ages welcome. Free. // Irving Bible Church // 2435 Kinwest Parkway, Irving; 972-560-4600; irvingbible.org MANSFIELD

Friday Night Respite takes place the last Friday of the month from 5–8:30pm. Dinner provided. All ages welcome. Free; register in advance. Contact Jamie Candler at ext. 150. // First United Methodist Church // 777 N. Walnut Creek Drive, Mansfield; 817/477-2287; firstmethodistmansfield.org PL ANO

Friday NITE Friends is a respite program for ages 0–15 and their siblings (up to age 12) on Friday evenings from 6–10pm. // Custer Road United Methodist Church // 6601 Custer Road, Plano; 972/618-3450; fridaynitefriends.org Kids Night Out and Teens Night Out are for kids ages 1–15 and their siblings on the second Friday of each month (except June and July) from 5:45– 8:45pm. $20 per family or $40 for four or more kids; reservations required. Email dianned@plano.gov to let her know if you will be bringing siblings. // Carpenter Recreation Center 6701 Coit Road, Plano; 972/941-7272; plano. gov/408/adapted-recreation R O C K WA L L

Friday Night Fun takes place on the third Friday of the month for kids 6 months–13 years and their siblings; 6–9pm. Non-church members accepted when space is available. Email katym@lakepointe.org to register. // Lake Pointe Church // 701 E. Interstate 30, Rockwall; 469/698-2310; lpkids.com summer 2019

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BESTSummer EVER SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

EPIC SUMMER PLANNING STARTS HERE ABA therapy makes happy campers out of everyone.

Plano Hive: 6105 Windcom Ct. Suite 400, Plano, TX 75093 Frisco Hive: 8501 Wade Blvd. Building 12, Frisco, TX 75034 971-312-8733 behaviorexchange.com

270 Private Rd. 3475 Paradise, TX 76073 972-484-8900 camp@campsummittx.org campsummittx.org

Our Summer Camp combines ABA therapy services with a fun curriculum of activities to bring about measurable improvements in the behavior of children with autism. We collect and analyze extensive data from each therapy session, so we can ensure every child is making progress on their goals. Our unique learning programs and proven ABA therapy techniques help children communicate better, successfully participate in group activities, get ready for school, and develop their social skills—all in a colorful, caring, and engaging environment. Once you see the results, you can’t help but be happy. Reserve your spot today! Our programs, including Summer Camp, are covered by insurance in most cases.

Camp Summit is a one-of-a-kind camp for children and adults with disabilities. Campers enjoy a variety of activities adapted to their individual needs, including horseback riding, archery, swimming, ropes course, photography, arts & crafts and more. Weeklong overnight camp sessions are held throughout Spring, Summer and Fall for campers age 6–99. Financial assistance is available. Camp Summit is located in Paradise, Texas, just north of DFW on 460 acres of land. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed as a Youth Camp in the State of Texas. Registration opens January 22 at noon!

Summer at Oak Hill

Ages 3–5 Led by speech-language pathologists, this morning camp offers a therapy-rich learning experience for children diagnosed with receptive and/or expressive language delays and social communication disorders. • Session 1 dates: June 10–21 • Session 2 dates: July 8–19

9407 Midway Rd. Dallas, TX 75220 214-353-8804 OakHillAcademy.org/summer

Heights Recreation Center 711 W. Arapaho Rd., Richardson, TX 75080 972-744-7850 • www.corcamps.com

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Grades 1st–8th With a fun approach to learning, campers will enjoy interactive activities, outdoor adventures and special projects. They will develop skills in math, technology, language arts, reading comprehension and social learning. • Space Camp: June 3–14; half and full-day options available with before/after camp available • Ocean Camp: July 8–19; half and full-day options available with before/after camp available

Richardson’s Parks and Recreation presents Camp Courageous—an indoor day camp program providing education and recreational activities for children ages 7–11 living with special needs. Campers enrolled in program enjoy a weekly field trip, games, arts and crafts along with outdoor activities like swimming. We welcome all capabilities and look forward to becoming your number one choice for your child’s summer day camp experience.

kid culture

P L AY

F IV E May, June + July

WORDS ELIZABETH SMITH

things to do this

Improv & Comedy for All

Just for J Glow Run

Sign up for an intro workshop at Stomping Ground Comedy Theater on May 4 introducing improv basics and music technology to kids with sensory sensitivities, taught by a team of improv, music and special ed instructors. $50 fee (email andrea@stompinggroundcomedy.org about sponsorships) includes tickets to all-ages, sensory-friendly shows offered the first Saturday of every month: comedy from Magic Mike Williams followed by Irregular Nonsense, an improv team of adults with autism. Single tickets to Saturday shows: $10 adults; $5 students. Dallas; 469/206-0082 stompinggroundcomedy.org

Crack open some glow sticks and necklaces and let them light up the trails at Bear Creek Park during this after-dark 5K and 1-mile fun run. On Saturday, May 18, join fellow supporters of the Fort Worth-based nonprofit Just for J, which raises awareness and funds for children facing medical challenges, and stay for the family-friendly rave party with DJ-spun music. Register in advance for guaranteed glow sticks in your swag bag. Wheelchairs and pets welcome. Registration for 1-mile is $25 through May 17 or $30 the day of. 5K pricing: $35 through May 17 or $40 the day of. Keller; 817/203-2075; justforj.com/5k-north-texas

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUST FOR J; FORT WORTH ZOO; DEEN VAN MEER; CITY OF ROWLETT; ACCESS-LIFE

Aladdin

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing have never had a friend like an American Sign Language interpreter, so don’t wait to claim your up-close seats for the best views during the 1:30pm performances of Aladdin on Saturdays, JUNE 15 AND 22. Dallas Summer Musicals brings the live musical version to the small stage at Music Hall in Fair Park shortly after the live-action remake of the classic Disney film hits big screens nationwide. General tickets from $25. VIP packages available. Dallas; 800/745-3000; dallassummermusicals.org/shows/aladdin For more events tailored to you, check the Special Needs Friendly option on our online calendar at dfwchild.com/ calendar.

Access-Life Fun Day

The Christian-based nonprofit Access-Life returns to Oak Grove Park on Saturday, June 8, with a boatload of free activities and entertainment for those of all ages living with disabilities. Come for boat rides and adaptive kayaking around Lake Grapevine, with (safe) archery using Hoverball, a rock climbing wall and an appearance by the furry volunteers of Canine Companions for Independence. Free admission and activities. RSVP is preferred online. Lunch provided as well as popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy. Grapevine; 214/8939056; access-life.com/ntxexpo

Angel Swim

Avoid the summer crowds at the pool when Rowlett’s Wet Zone water park brings back its Angel Swim days. The park opens early for those with special needs and their families for Saturday morning swim times on June 8 and July 20 (and Aug. 10, if you’re planning ahead). Enjoy the run of the park’s attractions—the water slides, kiddie playground, lap pool and possibly mascot Haley the Hippo—from 8:30– 10:30am. Free admission for those with special needs; $4 per family member and caretaker. Outside food and drinks welcome. Rowlett; 972/412-6266 wetzonewaterpark.com summer 2019

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directory texas.org. Nonprofit day care and day habilitation center for children and adults with disabilities or other special needs. Also offers arts exploration, educational assistance and community inclusion. Brighter Day Academy Dallas; 214/2658585. Fully inclusive day care for nonaggressive children with special needs, infant to age 12. Medications and breathing treatments can be given on-site if necessary. Children accepted case by case. BrightStar Care Multiple locations, 866/618-7827; brightstarcare.com. In-home care for high-functioning children with special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and more. Availability of services is evaluated on a case-bycase basis. Calab, Inc. Multiple locations; calabinc. com. Provides quality individualized child care that encourages independence in individuals with disabilities.

Horseback

WE KNOW SHOPPING FOR RESOURCES riding at CAMP PROBABLY ISN’T AT THE TOP OF YOUR SUMMIT // DAY-OFF TO-DO LIST, so we’ve packed this page 24 handy directory with as many local support groups, recreational activities and respite programs in Dallas-Fort Worth as we could find. If you know of something we missed or have an idea for a new listing, send your recommendations to editorial@dfwchild.com. ADD & ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorders Association (ADDA) Southern Region Mesquite; 972/882-7519; adda-sr.org. Designed to be a resource network to support individuals with ADHD and/ or related conditions and to advocate for community resources. Support group meets from 7–8:30pm every other month during the school year (the second Tuesday of the month in February, April, September and November) at the Mesquite ISD Professional Development Center. Email opal.harris@att.net or kesmith@mesquiteisd.org for more information. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) ntxchadd.com. Works to educate and empower others with information about ADD/ADHD by providing parents with tools and information to help their child reach their full potential. Tarrant County support group meets the fourth Monday of each month from 22 t h r i v e

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7–9pm at the White’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake. Call 817/707-6264 or 304/834-5678 for more information.

ASPERGER’S & AUTISM

AUsome Moms Flower Mound; ausomemoms.org. A nonprofit that provides support, social opportunities and education to Dallas-Fort Worth families with children on the autism spectrum. Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT-NT) Richland Hills; 682/6265000; featnt.org. Provides resources, support, education and advocacy for families in the autism community. Our Children’s Circle McKinney. Support group of parents, educators and community leaders that strives to provide resources for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Find information on Facebook.

CHILD CARE

Achievement Center of Texas Garland; 972/414-7700; achievementcenterof-

The Clubhouse for Special Needs Bedford; 817/285-0885; theclubhouse.org. After-school programs, school holiday programs, summer programs and all-day programs for teens and young adults (ages 13–22) with special needs. Easter Seals North Texas Child Development Center Carrollton; 972/394-8900; easterseals.com/ northtexas. Provides a preschool program for children with autism ages 6 weeks–6 years and typically developing children to learn alongside one another. Emma’s House Irving; 972/839-1502; emmashouse.net. Provides functional, vocational and life skills to promote independence and self-sufficiency for teens and young adults with disabilities. After-school and summer programming is also available. KinderFrogs School at TCU Fort Worth; 817/257-6828; kinderfrogs.tcu. edu. Early childhood program (ages 18 months–6 years) designed to accommodate children with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. The Kristine Project Plano; 469/2124254. A private child care, preschool and respite service on the east side of Plano with 35 years of experience serving children with special needs. Full-time, drop-in or respite care available. For more information, email colleeneggert@yahoo.com. Mary’s House Dalworthington Gardens; 817/459-4494; maryshouseinc. org. Provides before- and afterschool care (Monday–Friday), day habilitation, activities and therapeutic options for teens ages 13 and older and adults with disabilities. Mom’s Best Friend Carrollton; 972/446-0500; momsbestfriend.com.

SUPPORT

The nanny agency and babysitter service provides referrals for in-home care for children of all ages with special needs throughout the DallasFort Worth area.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Blue Caboose Children’s Fund Dallas; 228/341-0403; bluecaboose4cf.org. Provides back-to-school assistance, a Christmas toy drive and a parent network for the families of children with cystic fibrosis. The adults-only support group meets on the second Monday of each month (location varies; see Facebook page for details or email kiri@ bluecaboose4cf.org).

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

North Texas FASD Network Richardson. Support group for parents of children and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Meets the fourth Monday of every month (except May and December) from 7–8:30pm in the Activities Center at First Baptist Richardson; email dallasfasd@gmail.com for more information.

DOWN SYNDROME

Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas Fort Worth; 682/316-3121; dspnt.org. Provides information, social and educational activities and events, and support for new parents, families and caregivers of those with Down syndrome.

DYSLEXIA

International Dyslexia Association – Dallas Branch Dallas; 972/233-9107; dal.dyslexiaida.org. The Dallas branch provides information and resources concerning learning differences to parents, educators, professionals and anyone who wants to be more informed about dyslexia. The group meets from 7–8:30pm on the second Monday of each month (except July and December). Discussion topics change monthly; check the website for the meeting topic and location.

EQUESTRIAN THERAPY

Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite Krugerville; 469/450-9594; blueskytexas.org. Provides a safe, happy and healthy therapeutic community that works to empower and propel citizens with special needs to their fullest potential through therapeutic horseback riding and respite, vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Born 2 Be Therapeutic Equestrian Center Sanger; 940/595-8200; born2betec. org. Dedicated to safe and affordable horseback riding and carriage driving for children with disabilities through small-group or private lessons. Riders have the opportunity to participate in the Texas Special Olympics and in exhibitions, includ-

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP SUMMIT

JOIN

ing the Chisholm Challenge for Special Riders Horse Show held in Fort Worth each January. Equest Dallas; 972/412-1099; equest.org. Strengthens and rehabilitates children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and learning disabilities through equine-facilitated programs and therapies. Programs are taught by credentialed professionals and assisted by over 400 trained volunteers. Grace Lake Ministries, Inc. Anna; 972/837-4621; gracelakeministries.org. Godcentered therapeutic riding program with the goal of developing wholeness in the lives of the people served. Riders include anyone in need of hope and healing, including children and adults with disabilities or social challenges. ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship McKinney; 469/742-9611; manegait.org. Provides a fun, enriching and supportive environment for riders to reach their potential. Offers group, semiprivate or private lessons taught by certified riding instructors with the assistance of volunteer aides. As much as possible, riders participate in pre-mounted and post-mounted horse care. New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy Argyle; 817/729-5315; newhopeequine.com. Provides therapeutic horseback riding services for people with a wide variety of disabilities. Program is designed to bring hope, healing and happiness to riders through encouraging the horse and human connection. Riding Unlimited Ponder; 940/479-2016; ridingunlimited.org. Provides smallgroup and individual lessons for age 4 to adult. Students can participate in therapeutic horsemanship classes, hippotherapy, exhibition and drill teams, Special Olympics equestrian events, and shows like the Chisholm Challenge for Special Riders Horse Show. Stable Strides Farm Therapeutic Riding Flower Mound; 940/595-3600; stablestridesfarm.org. Children and adults age 2 and older with physical or cognitive disabilities learn to become effective, competitive riders. Students are encouraged to ride independently as soon and as safely as possible. Riders participate in the Special Olympics and other competitions and shows. Unbridled Horse Therapy Flower Mound; 817/319-7778; unbridledhorsetherapy. com. Aims to effectively intercede and encourage unrealized potential for those with special needs and disabilities through the connection between horse and rider and the use of physical, speech and behavioral therapy. Email shelly@unbridledhorsetherapy.com for more information. Victory Therapy Center Roanoke; 682/831-1323; victorytherapy.org. Cares for the physical, mental and emotional needs of children, adults, veterans, first responders and their families through the healing power of horses.

MENTAL ILLNESS

Mental Health America of Greater Dallas Dallas; 214/871-2420; mhadallas.org. Works to stop the stigma around mental illness and build awareness of mental health issues while providing resources from providers in the community. Offers multiple support groups at varying times.

Creative and integrated approaches to speech and feeding therapy

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE

OCD and Anxiety Support Group DFW Bedford; ocdsupportgroupdfw.wordpress.com. Support group for families and friends of individuals with OCD and other anxiety disorders. Meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month (except on holidays) from 6:30–8pm at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford.

We believe in a multi-sensory holistic approach to therapy to meet individual needs by embracing the PROMPT philosophy. Reshaping speech movements and phrases liberate our patients, who become more effective communicators in motivating play and social interaction routines.

OCD Support Group Richardson; 214/906-1692. Professionally-led support group serving the Dallas/Richa;dson/Plano area for parents of children with OCD, adults with OCD, family members/friends of people with OCD and teens with OCD. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month (except December) from 7:45–9pm at the Methodist Richardson Medical Center – Bush/Renner Campus, second floor, Education Room B. Email ocdparenthelp@ yahoo.com for more information.

Angel League Baseball Program Rockwall; 972/722-6001; angelleague.org. Baseball program for boys and girls with physical or mental disabilities ages 4–15 and adult league for individuals with mental disabilities ages 16–60. Seasons last nine weeks and start in March and September.

RECREATION

ACEing Autism Dallas Richardson; 214/901-9010; aceingautism.org/locations/ dallas-tx. Nonprofit organization that provides a weekly program to teach children (5–18 years) and young adults (19–30 years) on the autism spectrum the game of tennis while improving their gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and social skills. Sessions are held in the fall (mid-September to midNovember), spring (February to early April) and summer (June to mid-July).

Rebecca L. Dana, MS, CCC/SLP, PC, SIPT-C 7002 Lebanon, Suite 102, Frisco, TX 75034 469-408-4634 • F: 972-618-1051 • walkeztalkez@gmail.com

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