A Visit to the Park is a Brain Booster for Developmentally Delayed Toddlers

Amy Nielsen

Children love to be outside, and the research is undeniable that physical activity is so important for them.  For my little guy, Barclay, physical activity is imperative!  He has profound ADHD, in addition to a speech delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder, so if I don’t take the time to help him get the urge toContinue reading A Visit to the Park is a Brain Booster for Developmentally Delayed Toddlers

A Trip to the Supermarket Can Be So Much More Than a Trip to the Supermarket!

Amy Nielsen

A year ago, trips to the supermarket with my son, Barclay, were not pleasant. Barclay has a speech disorder, ADHD, and ASD. It was sensory overload for both of us!  He’d try to wriggle out of the cart, throw items from the cart, and grab things as we walked by aisles.  But part of theContinue reading A Trip to the Supermarket Can Be So Much More Than a Trip to the Supermarket!

Making Screen Time Interactive for Children with Exceptional Needs

Amy Nielsen1 Comment

Screens often get a bad rap in the parenting world, especially when speaking about children with developmental disabilities. Overuse is a serious problem, and understandably so.  A study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that many children are spending an average of 7.5 hours a day in front of a screen SITTING.  Add toContinue reading Making Screen Time Interactive for Children with Exceptional Needs

Using Sign Language to Help Move Your Child Along the Language Continuum

Amy Nielsen1 Comment

Barclay was diagnosed with a severe language delay at around 20 months and later, more specifically, a disorder called Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).  He was in speech therapy, but progress was slow.  I started learning that sign language can help bridge the gap in communication skills for late talkers.  I discovered Baby Signing TimeContinue reading Using Sign Language to Help Move Your Child Along the Language Continuum