Category: New Diagnosis

Mental health in kids is rarely simple, and rarely fits into just one neat label. For our kiddos, it can feel like everything is layered on top of everything else. Anxiety, tics, compulsions, emotional regulation struggles, and trauma responses don’t always show up separately or take turns. They can overlap, interact, and sometimes make it …

How to support autistic and 2e kids April is Autism Acceptance Month! If you’re parenting an autistic child, chances are you’re already thinking about what helps your child feel comfortable in their own skin, connect with others, and move through the world in a way that keeps them regulated (and true to themselves!). And then …

How to build supports around your child Have you ever found yourself Googling your child’s diagnosis at midnight, trying to piece together what support should actually look like for your child and what services, therapies, and specialists should be on your radar? Or sitting in an IEP meeting hearing terms, therapies, and acronyms that feel …

If you’re raising a child with a disability, chances are you’ve spent a lot of time trying to make sense of your child’s behaviors and big emotions — whether it’s an emotional outburst, hitting, avoiding tasks, shutdowns, head banging, wandering off, refusing to go to school, or constant calls from school about “non-compliance” and “discipline." ...

Hey parents, did you know that starting fall 2025, California schools will be giving early reading screenings to kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade? If you’re wondering, What is this screener for? Will it be used to diagnose a learning disability? Is this a dyslexia screener?! — you’re in the right place. This screener will …

When you’re parenting a child with disabilities, the phrase “early intervention” gets tossed around a lot, and for good reason. Getting the right support early on can make a world of difference in your child’s growth, development, and daily life. But here’s the thing: knowing where to start (and how to get through all the …

If you’re raising a child with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or Down syndrome, you’re probably already living a reality many people wouldn’t understand: navigating therapy schedules, medical appointments (like EEGs!), and medication; advocating for inclusion and accommodations at IEP meetings; overcoming stigma, stereotypes, and misconceptions (even from providers?!); juggling overlapping needs like support with mobility, communication, …

Dear new parent, You may not be new to parenting, but if your child has just been diagnosed with a disability or developmental delay, you are likely new to disability parenting (what some call being a “special needs parent”) — a phrase that, as you’ll find with so many words, doesn’t come close to describing …

Early intervention is a powerful tool that can make a great, big impact on the lives and development of children with developmental delays and disabilities. However, as a parent, trying to figure out the best care options, tackle wait lists, and secure funding can be incredibly challenging and often frustrating. If you’re wondering about your …

Neurological disorders, which affect the way the brain or nervous system functions, present with a unique set of symptoms and challenges that impact areas such as speech, mobility, vision, and behavior. It’s natural for parents’ anxiety to rise when faced with navigating and supporting your child through diagnosis, treatment options, and ensuring they’re not only …