Inspiring in Spring.
It’s the most beautiful time of year in Texas. Bluebonnets, paintbrushes and exceptional weather. We want our patients to experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring. When mobility is hard, the small, light Vivo 45 makes it easier to enjoy the natural wonders of Texas.
We provide ventilator based care in the home for pediatric patients, as well as nutritional supplies and support.
Publisher: Exceptional Kids, LLC
Owner & Managing Editor: Kameron Chicoine
Graphic & Art Design: Valor Design, Inc.
Website & Logo Design: Red Rattler Creative
Apple Cake in A Mug
Ingredients
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. whole milk
• 2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 Apple
Optional, but oh so good.
• Vanilla ice cream, to serve
• Caramel sauce, to serve
Directions
1. In a 14- to 16-ounce microwave-safe mug, combine the butter, milk, brown and granulated sugars, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Stir with a fork until the butter is melted. Add the flour, apple
spice, baking powder, & salt and stir with a fork.
2. Chop the apple into small dice, leaving the skin on. Stir ¾ cup of the chopped apple into the mug cake. Clean off any batter on the insides and rim of the mug.
3. Microwave on high until the top of the cake is set, about 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 to 7 minutes. Top with ice cream, and garnish with the remaining chopped apple and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve hot.
Why Family Pets Matter: Positive Outcomes for Children with Disabilities
When families consider adding a pet to the home, they often think about companionship and responsibility. For families raising a child with a disability, however, a pet can become part of the support system — not as a trained therapy animal, but as a steady, everyday presence woven into daily life. Research increasingly shows that ordinary household pets can play an important role in emotional regulation, social development, and family bonding.
Emotional Security at Home
Children with disabilities frequently experience anxiety, sensory overwhelm, or difficulty expressing emotions. A family pet offers comfort without expectations or judgment.
Researchers note that animals provide “nonjudgmental and unconditional love,” helping children feel safe and accepted. (godsownchild.com)
Simply petting or sitting with a dog or cat can calm the nervous system and lower stress hormones while increasing serotonin and endorphins — brain chemicals associated with relaxation and emotional stability. (advancedtherapyclinic.com). And your family and child may do better with a bird, guinea pig or fish in an aquarium.
Because the pet lives in the home, children can seek comfort whenever they need it — after school, during transitions, or in overwhelming moments — rather than waiting for a scheduled therapy session.
Social Growth Happens Naturally
Family pets create daily opportunities for communication.
A large review found 84% of studies showed improved communication and social interaction when children with autism interacted with dogs. (pmc. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
At home, these interactions happen organically:
• Talking to the pet
• Giving simple commands
• Reading aloud to the animal
• Explaining feelings to a trusted companion
Children who struggle to communicate with people often begin by communicating with their pet first. Over time, those skills transfer to parents, siblings, teachers, and peers.
Pets also become social bridges. Children are more likely to be approached by others when walking or talking about their animal, making social situations less intimidating. (godsownchild.com)
Responsibility, Routine, and Confidence
Daily pet care creates predictable routines — something many children with developmental or attention challenges need.
Feeding, brushing, filling water bowls, or helping with walks teaches:
• responsibility
• sequencing skills
• independence
• cause-and-effect understanding
These small tasks build competence. As children realize an animal depends on them, confidence grows.
Researchers also report that caring for animals improves daily functioning and motor engagement in children with developmental conditions. (link. springer.com)
Benefits for the Entire Family
The impact of a family pet extends beyond the child. Families often report calmer homes and improved relationships after bringing a pet into daily life. Studies have linked household dogs with reduced parental stress and improved family interactions. (godsownchild.com)
Siblings share caregiving tasks, parents see more emotional expression, and the child experiences belonging — not as a patient in therapy, but as a kid with a pet.
Everyday Moments, Lifelong Growth
Unlike structured interventions, family pets help through ordinary moments — sitting together during homework, greeting a child after school, or lying quietly nearby during difficult days.
A pet does not replace therapies or medical care. Instead, it strengthens the environment where development actually happens: the home.
For many families, the biggest change isn’t dramatic. It’s subtle — fewer meltdowns, more smiles, more interaction, and a growing sense of connection.
Sometimes progress begins with something simple: a child talking to a pet who always listens.
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com
ABA THERAPY
Centria Autism Pg 5
210-293-7714
1920 Grandstand Drive www.centriahealthcare.com info@centriahealthcare.com
Mindcolor Autism
833-646-3222
8507 Culebra Rd Suite 101 info@mindcolorautism www.mindcolorautism.com
Shelby May Behavioral Consulting 210-239-7181
shelbynunn@maybehavior.com www.maybehavior.com
ACUTE/SKILLED CARE
LifeSpan Home Health Pg 2 877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
ADAPTIVE SPORTS (COMPETITIVE & RECREATIONAL)
◆Kinetic Kids
210-748-5860
11931 Starcrest Dr info@kinetickidstx.org www.kinetickidstx.org
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Brain Therapy Clinic -San Antonio 210-926-7847
901 NE Loop 410 Suite 405 www.mipcare.com
Brain Therapy Clinic - Houston 832-271-4775
2200 North Loop West Suite 106, Houston www.mipcare.com
◆Pathways Youth & Family Services 210-733-7117
1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
Clarity Child Guidance Center 210-616-0300
8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
COUNSELING PROVIDERS
Catholic Charities 210-377-1133
San Fernando Community Center 231 W Commerce
DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Wave Healthcare
& SUPPLIES
Pg 3 866-935-9283
121 Interpark Blvd #300 www.wavehealthcare.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
EDUCATION ADVOCACY RESOURCES
uHoly Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm
210-577-6500
150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
A.I.M. Educate
210-838-5351
10127 Morocco St #202 privateclinic@aimeducate.com aimeducate.com
Texas School, Community & Public Policy Liaison TBI SOS 4 Kids Project Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) University of Oregon cmagrane@uoregon.edu
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Catholic Charities
210-293-1009
202 W. French Place www.ccaosa.org
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
www.unitedwaysatx.org
2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
City of San Antonio - Utility Assistance 210-207-7830
Hill Country MHDD Centers
358 Landa Street, Suite 300, New Braunfels 888-315-3277
http://www.hillcountry.org
Kerr County MH Center 955 Water Street, Kerrville 888-445-5232
http://www.hillcountry.org
Clarity Child Guidance Center 210-616-0300 8535 Tom Slick info@claritycgc.org www.claritycgc.org
Project Warm - Bexar County Dept of Community Assistance 210-335-3666
Salvation Army 210-226-2291 226 Nolan St
San Antonio Food Bank 210-337-3663 5200 Old Hwy 90 West
Society of St. Vincent de Paul 210-225-7837 WIC Program 210-207-4906
MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
CDS in Texas Pg 2 210-798-3779 Toll Free 866-675-7331 www.cdstexas.com
CLASS - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
DBMD-Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877-438-5658
Disability Services of the Southwest 210-798-0123
6243 IH-10 West Suite 114 www.dsswtx.org
HCS - Home & Community-Based Services Program 210-832-5020
MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
LifeSpan Home Health
Pg 2 877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
Texas Home Living Waiver 210-832-5020
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Red Cross 210-224-5151
Cerebral Palsy Foundation ucp.org 210-520-1686
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 800-572-1717
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), SA 210-734-3349
National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 www.ndss.org
Scleroderma Foundation www.Sclerodema.org
Spinal Bifida Association Texas Chapter 972-238-8755
Williams Syndrome 800-806-1871
www.Williams-syndrome.org
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MGA Homecare 210-200-8928 9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
Pg 15 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
Children's Home Health 806-367-6612 1612 S Van Buren - Amarillo www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
Children's Home Health
361-204-2198
301 Texas Trail Suite 1, Corpus Christi www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Health 915-955-9797
1250 East Cliff Dr 5C - El Paso www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 915-955-9797
5225 S Loop 289 Suite 126, Lubbock www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 972-661-3737
901 Waterfall Way Suite 105, Richardson www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 210-530-1098 / 737-320-5887
8418 Fountain Circle, San Antonio/Austin www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Children's Home Healthcare 903-348-9020
293 W Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne www.childrenshha.com amelia@childrenshha.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 512-532-4800
2921 Steck Ave A-120, Austin www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 469-753-4901
7929 Brookriver Dr Suite 640, Dallas www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 915-343-7744
1790 Lee Trevino Dr Ste 202, El Paso www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 682-450-2495
2001 Beach St, Suite 102, Fort Worth www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
713-597-1230
2626 South Loop West Suite 325, Houston www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Page 16 956-449-1818
6826 Springfield Ave #204A, Laredo www.entrustedphc.com Entrusted Pediatric
16 469-827-7500
275 W Campbell Rd, Suite 255, Richardson www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 210-447-1650
4502 Centerview Dr, Suite 233, San Antonio www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 832-280-8500
24624 Interstate 45 N Suite 241, Spring www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
16 254-935-0450
2027 S 61st Street, Suite 121, Temple www.entrustedphc.com
MGA Homecare 210-200-8928
9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
15 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
RESOURCE DIRECTORY
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
PHYSICAL THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months
Easy to refer, no medical referral needed
Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MGA Homecare
210-200-8928
9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 15
210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department 210-207-3018
PRESCRIBED PEDIATRIC EXTENDED CAR CENTER (PPECC)
Health Care for Kids
210-951-4840
16019 Nacogdoches Rd Suite 119 www.healthcareforkids.com
SPECIAL EDUCATION/504 ADVOCATE
uHoly Spirit Special Education Advocacy Firm 210-577-6500
150 Bentwood Ranch, Cibolo Cristina.Dorta@holyspiritadvocacy.com www.holyspiritadvocacy.com
SPECIAL NEEDS ADULTS
uMarbridge Foundation 512-282-1144
2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca TX info@marbridge.org Marbridge.org
SPEECH THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed
Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
MGA Homecare
210-200-8928
9901 W IH 10, Suite 1005 www.mgahomecare.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 15 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
STATE ORGANIZATIONS
Customer Service Line (Ombudsman) 877-787-8999
www.hhsc.state.tx.us
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services NOW Texas Work Force www.twc.state.tx.us
North Field Office 210-561-8600 12000 Network Blvd #210
West Field Office 210-522-8010 5309 Wurzbach, Suite 102
Northeast Field Office 210-590-5740 10303 Nacogdoches
South Field Office 210-927-8300 1011 Ada St
The Power of Volunteering — and Why Doing It as a Family Matters Even More
Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time — it’s about building connection, confidence, and belonging. When families volunteer together, the impact multiplies. Children learn compassion by watching it in action, and children with disabilities gain opportunities to participate, contribute, and feel valued in their community.
For many families raising a child with special needs, daily life often revolves around appointments, therapies, and schedules. Volunteering flips that experience — your child is no longer the one receiving help, but the one giving it. That simple shift can be life-changing.
Why Volunteer as a Family?
Life gets busy, but setting aside even a small amount of time to serve others strengthens your family in ways activities and outings simply can’t.
Families who volunteer together often notice:
• More communication between siblings
• Increased patience and empathy
• Greater independence in children with disabilities
• A stronger sense of purpose and confidence
Most importantly, it creates shared memories rooted in kindness instead of obligation.
The Benefits for Children with Disabilities
1. Builds Confidence and Self-Worth
Children with disabilities frequently spend much of their time being supported by others — teachers, therapists, and caregivers. Volunteering allows them to experience the opposite role.
They might:
• Pack food bags
• Hand out supplies
• Sort donations
• Help greet visitors
• Care for animals
Completing real tasks shows them they are capable and needed. That feeling of contribution strengthens self-esteem far more than praise alone.
2. Improves Social Skills Naturally
Social skills can be hard to teach in structured environments. Volunteering creates real-world interaction without pressure.
Instead of “practice conversations,” children learn organically by:
• Working beside peers
• Thanking recipients
• Asking simple questions
• Following group routines
Because everyone shares a common goal, communication becomes easier and more meaningful.
3. Encourages Independence
Volunteer environments introduce flexible problem-solving situations:
• Where does this box go?
• Who needs help?
• What comes next?
(continued on next page)
The Power of Volunteering — and Why Doing It as a Family Matters Even More
These moments encourage decision-making and responsibility — key life skills that support long-term independence.
4. Strengthens Sibling Relationships
In many families, siblings fall into helper or observer roles. Volunteering levels the playing field. Everyone participates together with equal purpose.
Instead of one child always needing help, the family becomes a team helping others. This reduces resentment and increases understanding.
The Benefits for Parents
Parents often report volunteering reduces stress and isolation. Rather than focusing on challenges, families experience their child’s strengths.
Research consistently shows volunteering improves mental health by reducing depression and increasing overall life satisfaction. The reason is simple: purpose changes perspective. You stop asking, “What does my child struggle with?” and start seeing, “Look what my child can do.”
Finding the Right Opportunity
You don’t need a huge time commitment. Start small and choose flexible environments:
• Animal shelters
• Community gardens
• Food banks
• Library programs
• Community events
• Donation drives
• Non-profit events
Look for places that allow families to participate together and offer predictable tasks.
A Different Kind of Growth
Therapies teach skills. Volunteering gives those skills meaning.
When a child with disabilities helps someone else, they gain something no program can fully replicate — dignity, belonging, and pride.
And for families, those moments become powerful reminders:
Your child is not just supported by the community.
They are part of what makes the community stronger.
Kameron Chicoine Exceptional Kids A Resource Guide for the Special Needs Community
(210) 867-7202 direct www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com facebook.com/ExceptionalKidsTexas instagram.com/exceptionalkidstx linkedin.com/in/kameronchicoine
San Rafael Healthcare: Where Care Meets Connection
For families caring for children with complex medical needs, home can feel like both a sanctuary and a hospital all at once. Between medical equipment, appointments, and constant vigilance, parents often nd themselves carrying an emotional and physical weight that few others fully understand.
at’s where San Rafael Healthcare steps in.
As one of San Antonio’s most trusted pediatric home health providers, San Rafael specializes in high-acuity care for children with serious medical conditions. Rather than asking families to adjust their lives around healthcare, San Rafael brings expert, compassionate care directly into the home — where children are most comfortable and families can remain together.
One mother recently re ected on her experience:
“Before San Rafael, I felt like I was constantly on edge — afraid to sleep, afraid to leave the room, afraid to make a mistake. eir nurses didn’t just care for my son; they taught me, supported me, and helped me breathe again.”
San Rafael’s highly trained nursing team works closely with families to develop individualized care plans that re ect each child’s unique medical and emotional needs. From ventilator support and tracheostomy care to feeding tube management and medication
administration, their nurses provide critical, lifesustaining services with skill and empathy.
But their role goes far beyond medical tasks.
Parents consistently describe San Rafael’s team as partners — professionals who listen, advocate, and truly become part of the family’s support system. Whether it’s answering late-night questions, coordinating with physicians, or simply o ering reassurance during di cult moments, San Rafael ensures families are never alone in their journey.
For many parents, the presence of San Rafael means something priceless: peace of mind. Knowing their child is receiving expert care at home allows families to focus less on medical logistics and more on what truly matters — time together, small milestones, and moments of joy.
Every child’s medical journey is di erent, but San Rafael’s commitment remains constant: to provide the highest quality pediatric care in the place children feel safest — home.
If your family is navigating the complexities of highacuity care, San Rafael Healthcare is here to walk beside you. Visit their website to learn how they can support your child and your family with compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication.
Providing Private Duty Nursing Services for infants, children, and adults across Central Texas.
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care is the leading provider of pediatric nursing services in Texas. Our clinical team works with physicians and case managers to ensure children transition safely home from the hospital. Whether it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or a few &hour shifts per week, we have you covered. Our comprehensive approach to care includes coordinating with your team of medical professionals to implement the best possible outcomes for your child.
"You guys make an amazing team and are changing families' lives for the good! We could not be more thankful for all the e ort you put in to making the transition to Entrusted go so smoothly. Not only that, but y'all hit the ball WAY out of the park finding us excellent nursing sta . Thank you for all of the many hours in the o ce and on call that it takes to make our lives better. We couldn't be happier to call Entrusted our family."
-Erica S
