How She Overcame Cerebral Palsy by Sara Erling M.ED. “Program has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. For many years, the focus was primarily on addressing my physical, visual, and processing abilities. Despite ongoing physical and visual challenges, by the time I got through high school and into college, I had a solid … Read More
by Bob Doman Most of us have no idea what creatures of habit and patterns we are, nor how stuck we can be in these behavior patterns. I have three dogs that keep reminding me of what a creature of habit I am. If I’m watching TV in the evening and pick up the TV remote, my dogs notice; and … Read More
by Bob Doman For many preschool children and children with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum, getting them to tolerate a mask can be a daunting task. For a child who doesn’t understand the need for a mask and who has some tactile defensiveness, getting them to wear a mask can be extremely difficult. Some of you might … Read More
by Bob Doman You say nice things –I like you! You’re fun to be around! You think I’m good-you like me! I’ll be good for you and try hard! You just say ugly things to me! You think I’m bad and dumb—then I’ll be bad and dumb! Simple statements: The more positive you are with a child, the … Read More
Was That Right or Wrong? (And does it matter?) by Bob Doman Was that right or wrong? Did I do well or not? Was that important or not? Does getting it right matter, and if so how much? Should I care—do I care? Is it fun? Do I like this and want to do it again? Am I good at … Read More
You Like Things You Think You’re Good At by Bob Doman I’m good at reading! I love to read! I stink at reading—I hate it! I’m great at soccer! I really like playing soccer; let’s play some more! I’m lousy at soccer—I hate it, I quit! Simple statement: You like what you think you’re good at. The ramifications of this … Read More
by Lyn Waldeck Today’s spotlight is on a fine young man who I have known since 1996. Yes, that is correct, 1996. I have been with NACD long enough now to have several adults that I have seen since they were infants, Nicolas Cooke being one of them. When I think of individuals that I have the greatest amount of … Read More
Introduction by Lyn Waldeck Let me introduce you to a lovely young lady that I think the world of, Ava Penkilo. I have had the pleasure of working with Ava for some time now and can honestly say that to know Ava is to love Ava. She is an exceptionally kind girl and a very hard worker. Not everything has … Read More
A study out of Simon Frazer University indicates that cognitive-motor function begins to decline at the age of 24. In this study the researchers analyzed the data derived from 3,305 players, ranging in age from 16 to 44, of a complex computer game called Starcraft 2. According to Joe Thompson, the lead investigator of the study, “After around 24 years … Read More
At NACD, we work with children that have every imaginable developmental issue in addition to typical and gifted children. In the process we have explored, researched and utilized many thousands of toys and products that we have found to be fun, educational, engaging and helpful. At the request of families from throughout the world, we have put together a list … Read More