This Blog Has Moved!!

I know there's a stigma with the term special needs.  I get it--no one loves saying they have a special needs child. 

At the same time, there are many, many of us who have what is not a profound special need, but a struggle--one that's real, whether slight or huge--that we must figure out.  Whether it's a child who reverses letters, or who constantly bounces off the walls (and down the stairs), whether it's a student who can't remember yesterday's memorized math facts, or one who has a meltdown at every incorrect answer, these are all struggling learners in one sense or another.  And, this blog is for you, for me, for all of us who need to seek out answers.

Because I want to reach out to and serve as many families as possible, I've renamed this blog and republished it.  You may find it here at this new link:

Illinois Struggling Learners

This link will remain here for awhile before I permanently delete this blog.  Please bookmark the new website!!

Thriving in Adulthood

Since this blog is a clearinghouse for all things special and struggling, I wanted to share this article I ran across today about helping our atypical children thrive as they enter adulthood.  Here's the link!

Helping Special Needs Children Thrive as Adults

 

If you find other helpful information on this topic, please forward it to me! (Thank you!)

Christine

NEWS - Success Story of a Boy with Autism

As an intro to this article, many loving friends send me articles and news items about autism, since we have an autistic son.  I would love for you to send me similar items that span the spectrum for special needs and struggling students!  Please email me at indeedmyheritage@gmail.com.

Here is the first paragraph of the article, to pique your interest.  :)

(NaturalNews) When the experts told Kristine Barnett of Indiana that her two-year-old son would probably never be able to read or even tie his shoes due to his severe case of autism, the brave mother of three decided to take matters into her own hands. And as a result, she helped nurture the young boy into the genius he is today, defying all odds and proving that the government-run education system as we currently know it is a complete failure.

Read the full article here.

NEWS - Unique Talents of Autistic People Sought by Employer

This article was published last year, but bears hopeful news of bright futures for some special needs adults.

The German software company, SAP, says it hopes to recruit hundreds of people with autism, saying they have a unique talent for information technology.

Click here to read the entire article.

The article is mentioned here in another online article.

Homeopathy and Autism

A friend forwarded a post to me recently regarding using homeopathy to help those with autism.  I cannot vouch for the "Scriptur-ality" of this blog; however, its explanation and information regarding homeopathy may be one avenue to explore as you work with your autistic child.

Homeopathy for Autism

Autism, Aspergers, and Sports

For many on the autism spectrum, rhythm and repetitive motion are key issues.  They tend to soothe the brain and offer comfort.  While some perseverative behaviors are not desired, certain rhythm and motion can be helpful, especially those that accompany various sports.

My son Jacob met Josh Davis in 2012 at Western Illinois University, where they both attend college.  They shared a homeschool connection, and something else.  Jacob's brother is autistic.  Josh has Asperger's.  Through conversation with Josh, Jacob learned that sports, namely swimming, played an integral part of Josh's positive social and academic development.

Josh was featured in an article in Pantagraph.com in 2008.  Here is the link:

Pool Helps State Qualifier Cope with Autism, Life

Families Conference -- October 13, 2012

Event

Empowerment for Families

A "Families Conference" presented by Special Olympics

October 13, 2012.  Held at DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center in Downers Grove, 8:00am-5:00pm.

Special Olympics is excited to present this opportunity to reach families with members who have intellectual disabilities and give them an opportunity to network and learn about great programs available to them. Professional speakers from a variety of fields such as health and nutrition, financial planning, transitioning, government benefits, and employment will provide to families advice and programs to make everyday tasks easier.

Special Olympics is a non-profit organization designed to give children and adults with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

If you are at all interested, please feel free to contact the following:

Karen Milligan:  kmilligan@soill.org
Makenzie Meier sports@soill.org

You may also reach us by phone if it is easier, (309) 888-2551.