and special needs are important to address early, to get expert help that will give your child the best start in life. Speaking to your pediatrician about your concerns about possible delays in developing physical, cognitive, communication, social or other skills can help. He or she can direct you to getting a free evaluation of possible issues and special services for early intervention for your child, which are available throughout Los Angeles County.
Autism and Parenting: How to Help Your Child Thrive Autism is a broad range of conditions that influence how a person processes information, their sensory environment and how they interact with other people. While autistic people share some similar characteristics,...
Asking Is Advocacy: Demystifying Developmental Milestones A developmental milestone is a checkpoint for growth in the average developing child. While every child gains a variety of skills at their own unique pace, one child may walk “early” but talk “later,” and...
Demystifying Down Syndrome October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S. About one in 700 babies — approximately 6,000 children — are born with Down...
Demystifying Developmental Screenings and ACEs May 4, 2019 Developmental Screenings assess whether your child has or is at risk for developmental delays and can help determine appropriate services and interventions. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressors...
Demystifying ADHD and Learning DisabilitiesADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and learning disabilities affect a child’s ability to learn, remember and recall information. Each may have an impact on speech, reading, writing and doing math. While ADHD and...
Prematurity Awareness MonthEach year, one in 10 babies – about 15 million worldwide – are born prematurely. To raise awareness of issues surrounding “preemies” and their families, November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Typical pregnancies last for 40 weeks, though...
Rachel Pitzel's Tips for Being Your Child's Development Advocate As a parent, we wear many hats. Mom or dad, caretaker, role model, teacher, friend, driver, chef, boo-boo kisser and advocate. Now I know the role of advocate might not be one of the first things you...
First 5 LA’s Five Ways to Advocate for Your Child with Special Needs As a parent, you know your child best. And if you have concerns (or know) that your child may have special needs, you are their first and best advocate for getting help and resources. To make sure...
Yoga for Children With Special Needs From a young age, yoga can help boost a child’s confidence, along with building concentration, flexibility and strength. Practicing yoga offers benefits for all children, including those who have physical, emotional, learning, and...
Good Beginnings 15: Mother Learns Learns Important Lessons From Daughter with Spina BifidaWhen mid-way through her pregnancy, Nicte Mack found out that her baby would be born with spina bifida, she was devastated."I told my older daughter, Diana, that I had failed in...
