Breakfast plays a critical role in setting the tone for the day, especially for children with special needs. The right foods in the morning can help improve focus, regulate emotions, and support overall brain function. On the other hand, the wrong choicesâespecially those filled with sugar and processed carbohydratesâcan lead to energy crashes, behavioral challenges,…
Redefining Potential: What Can Be by Bob Doman Our perception of our childrenâs potential is limited by what we believe is possible. The opportunities we provide for them reflect that perceived potential, and the opportunities determine the outcomes. Let me start by getting your attention. I want to introduce you to Ellen, a not-so-typical, âtypicalâ…
by Sara Erling Are you a vision board person? A New Year’s Resolution person? A âwordâ for the year person? I am. There is always something about new beginnings, fresh starts, etc., that gets me excited! My word for the year 2024 was âdisciplineâ. At the time, I felt the need to be more disciplined…
By Bob Doman My colleagues and I have a fantastic job. We spend our days helping families help their children develop and improve their lives. We do this without actually working hands-on with any children beyond doing evaluations and then designing the childrenâs comprehensive home programs. As an organization, NACD has proudly been changing lives…
Picking up the pieces after ABA By Carolyn Takos Intro by Lyn Waldeck In many of our recent newsletters, NACD has been focusing on creating and changing behavior for the better by the feedback the child is given. Carolyn Takos is a very dedicated NACD mom who first came to us in desperation to reverse…
New research disputes a previous study involving the efficacy of EIBI/ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and investigates whether it actually produces adverse effects and can even be harmful. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics involving 9,038 young autistic children has confirmed what we have known for decades. The research disputes the âstudyâ from the â80s that had…
How to Provide Your Child with Effective Feedback by Bob Doman Rewards and consequences are the tools we have as parents, or, for that matter, as a society, to provide feedback, guidance, encouragement, and instruction, and to maintain order. Lack of consistent quality feedback leads to ambiguity, confusion, poor outcomes, and potentially chaos. We need…
by Lyn Waldeck Recently I ran across a study from 2006 that presented what was labeled as ânewâ and exciting findings. Let me start by explaining why I placed the word ânewâ in quotations. I began as a parent on program and quickly moved into being a volunteer and then on to being a staff…
Understanding the Relevance and Significance of Cognitive Function by Bob Doman The key to understanding and improving global function in children and adults with Down syndrome is determining and developing their cognitive function. Whether we are looking at a two-year-old or an adult with Down syndrome, their level of function, their ability to learn, think,…
by Melody DeLuca Bread for Life. It has a catchy tune, doesnât it? This was the name of the bread business where I was co-owner and partner with my older sister, Jennifer. We started this business when I was ten years old, and she was twelve. Little did we know we would spend the next…