Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a challenging and complicated neurological speech disorder which makes speaking difficult. Generally, kids who are diagnosed with CAS have an understanding of language and what they want to say; however, they have difficulty carrying out the complex sequenced movements that are necessary to create intelligible speech. This creates the challenge to accurately …
Meet Expressable, An Affordable Alternative for Speech Therapy
Everyone deserves access to amazing speech therapy. Unfortunately, between insurance coverage denials, ridiculously high out-of-pocket costs for non-covered services, and access issues for rural residents, too many families go without the care they need. At the Orange Effect Foundation (OEF), we’re dedicated to providing grants to children who desperately need consistent speech therapy …
Orange Effect Foundation 2019 Grants Exceed $130,000
Communication devices and therapy provided for dozens of children across the United States CLEVELAND - Dec. 17, 2019 - PRLog -- The Orange Effect Foundation Board of Directors is proud to announce that in 2019, more than $130,000 was awarded to children in need across the United States. These grants for speech therapy and speech devices will ensure that the recipients, …
My New Year’s Resolution This Year is Simple
This article was featured on the Autism Speaks blog in January 2019. It’s only the first week of January, and I’m already wavering on my “reduce chocolate” resolution. Maybe some things are for the best. Generally I am a person who takes New Year’s Resolutions seriously. The holiday reminds me of my teaching days, when the end of August usually found me setting up my classroom, excited …
For Some Children with Autism, Dance is a Form of Expression
Researchers are studying how movement helps children with special needs improve social communication and motor skills. Learn more in this recent New York Times article. …
Holiday Shopping Ideas for Every Kid on Your List
These 8 key categories will teach you how to spot the best toys for language learning and getting cognitive wheels turning! Go Old School The classics are classic for a reason! Baby’s first Christmas? Check out these Uncle Goose classic blocks. Second time around, upgrade to these awesome Hape blocks. Maybe you’re kiddo is a bit older and ready for Legos. My favorite …
Happy Thanksgiving!
No, My Son Isn’t Rude. He’s Autistic, and We’re All Doing the Best We Can.
Midway through American Airlines Flight 101 from Heathrow to JFK, shortly after our microwaved meatball dinners were tossed out like frisbees, the flight attendant asked my son Ian if he wanted another beverage. He intently played his Tetris game on the backseat video console without replying or glancing her way. Missing most of that exchange, I looked over in time to hear the flight attendant …
To Parents of Children With Autism Who Worry About the Future
Dear Parents of Children with Autism, You are true warriors. You’re the most determined individuals on Earth. You’re tired. You’re probably in need of a shower because you haven’t been able to leave your child’s side for even a few minutes. You may be running around trying to balance work and meeting your other family needs. Yet you’re here, pushing through each day giving your child with …
Is Your Website Accessible to Children with Special Needs?
Roughly 34.2 million people in the United States have a functional limitation; this number encompasses children as well. It’s easy to take for granted the little things we can easily do everyday, like accessing the internet. Online access has become a staple in children’s education, and for those who have more difficulty, it can not only hinder their learning, but also make them feel alienated …
Catching Waves For Well-Being
Surf therapy programs often focus on children with autism or anxiety, or groups like veterans or cancer survivors. Evidence indicates that surfing has a positive effect on mindfulness in addition to its physical benefits. Learn more about surf therapy and a California-based surf therapy nonprofit that focuses on children with neurological disabilities in this recent New York Times article. …
Remembering How Mel Tillis Overcame Stuttering To Be A Country Music Star
Did you enjoy watching Ken Burns' latest documentary, "Country Music" on PBS? I can't say that I'm a big country music fan, but I truly enjoyed learning the way that history, culture, and geography have woven together over time to produce what we now know as country music. I liked learning the stories of Johnny Cash, Elvis, and the Carter Family, but I was particularly interested to learn that …
