Report by the Staff of American Swing Products
American Swing has looked for and found products for special needs children that greatly improve quality of life. The JennSwing and other special needs products offer the means to turn “acting out” into great behavior. Instead of swinging randomly, why not try swinging or twirling on a tire swing? Changing the setting makes all the difference in the world. Instead of climbing things at home that ought not to be climbed, set up a simple rock wall using our rock panels and “acting out” becomes great behavior instead, and builds muscles.
Play for special needs children should integrate the senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Our swings are great for improving gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, vestibular activities and visual stimulation. The motion of swinging restores the feeling of balance to those with balance issues. It soothes them and provides relaxation. It even helps increases concentration.
It is wonderful to find something that is fun and positive on many different levels. Our playground equipment offers an activity that your family can enjoy and improves your special needs child’s quality of life.
The JennSwing, in particular, is designed to help meet the American Disabilities Act guidelines for playground equipment in public applications and makes the term “Handicapped Accessible” means more than just being able to watch. The JennSwing is also convenient because a child can be more easily lifted onto the swing and quickly strapped in. With its partially reclined, body-embracing design and easily adjustable safety harness, the JennSwing offers children a safe and comfortable fun ride.
All of our commercial and residential playground equipment are made from many durable materials and are tested by National Testing Standards. The material that we use is not the material typically used in this industry but it’s our only choice; because it’s the safest, most durable, and the highest quality. There is no compromising when it comes to the safety of our children; and for American Swing there is no compromising on that commitment we made all those years ago.
Please contact us during business hours at 1-800-433-2573 or after hours at play@americanswing.com or visit us at www.americanswing.com.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Enhancing Playtime With Toys That Teach!
By Michelle Lee
Children gain a tremendous amount of their knowledge and experience through playing. They learn how to problem-solve, how to share, and even how to cope with their frustrations. Playtime can also be a significant tool in helping a child to develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, communication, and social skills. To a child, playtime is more than just a time for fun- it is an opportunity to grow, discover, and explore the world around them.
“Every day parents, educators, therapists, daycares, and school districts come to visit our website and consult with our Special Needs Advisory Board to purchase useful and fun educational toys and games for both children and adults of different ages, attention spans, and abilities” says Carol, co-owner of GlammaTOYS.com. “Educational toys and family games can be used to help to bridge the age and ability gaps and to create a fun and memorable social/learning experience for everyone involved.”
As a parent, introducing educational toys into your child’s playtime can help you to maintain a safe and productive play environment at home. “Every single item that we carry on GlammaTOYS.com has been thoroughly tested to ensure its quality and safety” says Carol. “We won’t even consider a toy line if they haven’t undergone rigorous safety testing or if they lack the proper safety documentation. We’re parents too… Our commitment to our customer’s safety and 100% satisfaction is far more important to us than any bottom line.”
When considering which toys to buy, it is important to take your child’s specific needs and abilities into consideration. Selecting a toy based on your child’s age is not always enough when it comes to toys for children with special needs- You will instead want to consider and evaluate toys that are suitable to your child’s particular abilities. When choosing a toy, consider the level of skill that is required to utilize the toy. Can your child handle it without too much frustration? If you don’t think so, pass it up. This will help to ensure that playtime is a safe and positive experience for both you and your child.
Positive stimulation is always encouraging and more importantly, rewarding. In the long run, positive experiences will help to enhance and maintain your child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. The ultimate goal is for your child to feel challenged, but not frustrated while playing. After all, above all else, playtime is supposed to be fun! Positive playtime experiences will go a long way to helping your child develop both emotionally and socially while still embracing the learning process.
Make time for play time. By taking the time to sit down and play with your child you can follow, supervise, and monitor their progress. Keep in mind that developing imaginations will often disregard the “intended use” a toy and will simply make up their own game instead. One of our favorite toys for imaginative play is the Bilibo.
These colorful shells leave room for your child's imagination while to helping to develop their proprioception, which is the body's sense of itself in space. Instead of imposing any specific play pattern, the Bilibo is open for a wide range of interpretations and even encourages children to invent their own games, play, and just have fun in an active and creative way. Indoors and outdoors, in the sand-pit, in the water, or even in the snow... Like your child, the Bilibo is always full of surprises.
Another one of our toy toys for special needs are Citiblocs. According to GlammaTOYS Special Needs Advisor Benjamin Takemori, “These beautiful wooden building blocks are a great tool for learners and children of all ages and abilities. The simple uniform shape allows children to discover cause and effect and problem solving as a natural learning process. Additionally, the natural wood has a tactical quality that is intrinsically appealing and comforting.“
Remember that the best educational toys are safe toys which will both attract your child’s attention and provide them with a positive learning experience. For more information on toy safety or toys for special needs, please visit us on the web at www.GlammaTOYS.com or call us toll free at 1-866-967-TOYS to speak with one of our toy consultants.
About GlammaToys: Specializing in Toys that Teach, GlammaTOYS is an e-retailer of educational toys, unique specialty toys, games and gifts. Owned and Operated by moms and dads with years of experience in the toy industry, our product lines are carefully chosen to include items that are not only are the best at enriching lives & entertaining kids, but are also the safest and highest quality toys available. For our full catalog please visit us on the web at www.GlammaTOYS.com or call us toll free at 1-866-967-TOYS to speak with one of our toy consultants.
Children gain a tremendous amount of their knowledge and experience through playing. They learn how to problem-solve, how to share, and even how to cope with their frustrations. Playtime can also be a significant tool in helping a child to develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, communication, and social skills. To a child, playtime is more than just a time for fun- it is an opportunity to grow, discover, and explore the world around them.
“Every day parents, educators, therapists, daycares, and school districts come to visit our website and consult with our Special Needs Advisory Board to purchase useful and fun educational toys and games for both children and adults of different ages, attention spans, and abilities” says Carol, co-owner of GlammaTOYS.com. “Educational toys and family games can be used to help to bridge the age and ability gaps and to create a fun and memorable social/learning experience for everyone involved.”
As a parent, introducing educational toys into your child’s playtime can help you to maintain a safe and productive play environment at home. “Every single item that we carry on GlammaTOYS.com has been thoroughly tested to ensure its quality and safety” says Carol. “We won’t even consider a toy line if they haven’t undergone rigorous safety testing or if they lack the proper safety documentation. We’re parents too… Our commitment to our customer’s safety and 100% satisfaction is far more important to us than any bottom line.”
When considering which toys to buy, it is important to take your child’s specific needs and abilities into consideration. Selecting a toy based on your child’s age is not always enough when it comes to toys for children with special needs- You will instead want to consider and evaluate toys that are suitable to your child’s particular abilities. When choosing a toy, consider the level of skill that is required to utilize the toy. Can your child handle it without too much frustration? If you don’t think so, pass it up. This will help to ensure that playtime is a safe and positive experience for both you and your child.
Positive stimulation is always encouraging and more importantly, rewarding. In the long run, positive experiences will help to enhance and maintain your child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. The ultimate goal is for your child to feel challenged, but not frustrated while playing. After all, above all else, playtime is supposed to be fun! Positive playtime experiences will go a long way to helping your child develop both emotionally and socially while still embracing the learning process.
Make time for play time. By taking the time to sit down and play with your child you can follow, supervise, and monitor their progress. Keep in mind that developing imaginations will often disregard the “intended use” a toy and will simply make up their own game instead. One of our favorite toys for imaginative play is the Bilibo.
These colorful shells leave room for your child's imagination while to helping to develop their proprioception, which is the body's sense of itself in space. Instead of imposing any specific play pattern, the Bilibo is open for a wide range of interpretations and even encourages children to invent their own games, play, and just have fun in an active and creative way. Indoors and outdoors, in the sand-pit, in the water, or even in the snow... Like your child, the Bilibo is always full of surprises.
Another one of our toy toys for special needs are Citiblocs. According to GlammaTOYS Special Needs Advisor Benjamin Takemori, “These beautiful wooden building blocks are a great tool for learners and children of all ages and abilities. The simple uniform shape allows children to discover cause and effect and problem solving as a natural learning process. Additionally, the natural wood has a tactical quality that is intrinsically appealing and comforting.“
Remember that the best educational toys are safe toys which will both attract your child’s attention and provide them with a positive learning experience. For more information on toy safety or toys for special needs, please visit us on the web at www.GlammaTOYS.com or call us toll free at 1-866-967-TOYS to speak with one of our toy consultants.
About GlammaToys: Specializing in Toys that Teach, GlammaTOYS is an e-retailer of educational toys, unique specialty toys, games and gifts. Owned and Operated by moms and dads with years of experience in the toy industry, our product lines are carefully chosen to include items that are not only are the best at enriching lives & entertaining kids, but are also the safest and highest quality toys available. For our full catalog please visit us on the web at www.GlammaTOYS.com or call us toll free at 1-866-967-TOYS to speak with one of our toy consultants.
The Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet (GFCF)
By LynnRae Ries
Gluten Free Creations
Up until the last seven years or so, the words ‘gluten’ and ‘casein’ were not used in every day conversations. But times are changing and those two words are becoming more useful to parents.
According to Theresa Cornelius, MS, RD, CLC, LND, “The GFCF diet is the removal of all gluten and casein products from the diet. Individuals with autism as well as those who are intolerant to both gluten and casein are typically on this diet. It is an unproven treatment for autism. However, some studies have found the diet to be helpful in some autistic children who are diagnosed before the age of three.”
In like manner, many parents have seen positive changes in their child’s behavior at many different ages when s/he is on a GFCF diet. Some children start saying words, some make eye contact and others simply become more responsive overall.
A gluten-free diet means the total elimination of the offending gluten-protein that is in wheat, rye, barley and all of their derivatives.
Initially this may appear as a daunting task. This GFCF lifestyle initially starts with elimination of all gluten. That means elimination of regular breads, muffins, desserts, sauces, coatings, processed foods, many seasonings, fillings, and prepackaged foods.
Reading ingredient labels becomes a part of every day life. Wheat/gluten travels under many names. Words to watch out for include: durum, couscous, gluten, matzoh, farina, kamut, semolina, spelt, seitan, graham, malt, wheat, rye and barley. (This is not a complete list.)
Casein-containing foods to be avoided include all dairy products from any animal in any form. This includes milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, and casein-containing ingredients found in butter flavored oil, nougat, whey, whey protein, and sometimes in lactic acid, artificial and natural flavoring, soy products and processed foods. (This is not a complete list.)
“This is a major lifestyle modification and if the child is eased into it, it will be much easier for them to make it a permanent lifestyle change,” writes Ms. Cornelius. According to the Autism Research Unit of the University of Sunderland (Great Britain), initially there may be some negative effects, including upset stomach, anxiety, clinginess and slight ill-temper. These are good signs and precursors of a positive response. The Research Unit recommends a trial period of about 1 year before determining the child’s response to this dietary regimen. The GFCF diet is not a cure for autism, but many have found that it can enhance the quality of a child’s life.
When starting on this diet, look for help from support groups, your reliable health food store, and gluten-free bakeries to make life easier.
Gluten Free Creations
Up until the last seven years or so, the words ‘gluten’ and ‘casein’ were not used in every day conversations. But times are changing and those two words are becoming more useful to parents.
According to Theresa Cornelius, MS, RD, CLC, LND, “The GFCF diet is the removal of all gluten and casein products from the diet. Individuals with autism as well as those who are intolerant to both gluten and casein are typically on this diet. It is an unproven treatment for autism. However, some studies have found the diet to be helpful in some autistic children who are diagnosed before the age of three.”
In like manner, many parents have seen positive changes in their child’s behavior at many different ages when s/he is on a GFCF diet. Some children start saying words, some make eye contact and others simply become more responsive overall.
A gluten-free diet means the total elimination of the offending gluten-protein that is in wheat, rye, barley and all of their derivatives.
Initially this may appear as a daunting task. This GFCF lifestyle initially starts with elimination of all gluten. That means elimination of regular breads, muffins, desserts, sauces, coatings, processed foods, many seasonings, fillings, and prepackaged foods.
Reading ingredient labels becomes a part of every day life. Wheat/gluten travels under many names. Words to watch out for include: durum, couscous, gluten, matzoh, farina, kamut, semolina, spelt, seitan, graham, malt, wheat, rye and barley. (This is not a complete list.)
Casein-containing foods to be avoided include all dairy products from any animal in any form. This includes milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, and casein-containing ingredients found in butter flavored oil, nougat, whey, whey protein, and sometimes in lactic acid, artificial and natural flavoring, soy products and processed foods. (This is not a complete list.)
“This is a major lifestyle modification and if the child is eased into it, it will be much easier for them to make it a permanent lifestyle change,” writes Ms. Cornelius. According to the Autism Research Unit of the University of Sunderland (Great Britain), initially there may be some negative effects, including upset stomach, anxiety, clinginess and slight ill-temper. These are good signs and precursors of a positive response. The Research Unit recommends a trial period of about 1 year before determining the child’s response to this dietary regimen. The GFCF diet is not a cure for autism, but many have found that it can enhance the quality of a child’s life.
When starting on this diet, look for help from support groups, your reliable health food store, and gluten-free bakeries to make life easier.
Ask Dr. Dolly
Question:
Dear Dr Dolly,
Could mild autism in a child result from a physical accident during pregnancy, or is it something that comes in the genes?
Concerned Future Parent
Answer:
Dear Concerned Future Parent,
Wikipedia defines the autism spectrum, also called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or autism spectrum conditions (ASC), as a spectrum of psychological conditions characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior. In plain language, there are quite a few conditions, from mild to severe, that fall under this definition. ASD are complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
Many causes of autism have been proposed, but there is no clear answer. Definitely, the popular belief in genetics is somewhat true, and genetics do contribute about 90% of the risk of a child developing autism, but the genetics of autism are so complex that typically it is unclear which genes are responsible.
In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with the same factors that cause birth defects. Many other causes have been proposed, including viral infections, maternal stress, maternal exposure to lead or mercury, and even increased maternal participation in the workforce. Is a physical accident stressful, especially during pregnancy? Of course! Could it then cause the child to be born autistic? Possibly, with about 10% probability. But it is just as possible if you are employed, or have had the flu while pregnant.
The frightening fact is that the incidence of autism has risen tenfold during the last 20 years, and there is no one-word explanation. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way at all! Our brain is not “hardwired.” On the contrary, it is very plastic, and responds very well to external stimuli, i.e. different experiences. In fact, our ability to learn depends on neuroplasticity, as this is called. The right treatment program, created specifically to the needs of your child, will create neuroplastic changes, regardless of the cause of your child’s condition.
Dr Dolly Aizenman is one of the founders of Neytz haChochma Exceptional Student Education comprehensive psychoeducational program for children with special needs. She has been its Academic Director since its inception in 1998. Dr Aizenman has presented various workshops, seminars, and other types of teacher and parent training conducted annually on the state, national, and international level. She has over 30 years experience in education and 20 years of teaching pre-service teachers and supervising intern teachers in public and private schools. Dr Aizenman can be reached at 305.945.7443 or by e-mailing DrDolly@Neytz.org.
Dear Dr Dolly,
Could mild autism in a child result from a physical accident during pregnancy, or is it something that comes in the genes?
Concerned Future Parent
Answer:
Dear Concerned Future Parent,
Wikipedia defines the autism spectrum, also called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or autism spectrum conditions (ASC), as a spectrum of psychological conditions characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior. In plain language, there are quite a few conditions, from mild to severe, that fall under this definition. ASD are complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
Many causes of autism have been proposed, but there is no clear answer. Definitely, the popular belief in genetics is somewhat true, and genetics do contribute about 90% of the risk of a child developing autism, but the genetics of autism are so complex that typically it is unclear which genes are responsible.
In rare cases, autism is strongly associated with the same factors that cause birth defects. Many other causes have been proposed, including viral infections, maternal stress, maternal exposure to lead or mercury, and even increased maternal participation in the workforce. Is a physical accident stressful, especially during pregnancy? Of course! Could it then cause the child to be born autistic? Possibly, with about 10% probability. But it is just as possible if you are employed, or have had the flu while pregnant.
The frightening fact is that the incidence of autism has risen tenfold during the last 20 years, and there is no one-word explanation. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way at all! Our brain is not “hardwired.” On the contrary, it is very plastic, and responds very well to external stimuli, i.e. different experiences. In fact, our ability to learn depends on neuroplasticity, as this is called. The right treatment program, created specifically to the needs of your child, will create neuroplastic changes, regardless of the cause of your child’s condition.
Dr Dolly Aizenman is one of the founders of Neytz haChochma Exceptional Student Education comprehensive psychoeducational program for children with special needs. She has been its Academic Director since its inception in 1998. Dr Aizenman has presented various workshops, seminars, and other types of teacher and parent training conducted annually on the state, national, and international level. She has over 30 years experience in education and 20 years of teaching pre-service teachers and supervising intern teachers in public and private schools. Dr Aizenman can be reached at 305.945.7443 or by e-mailing DrDolly@Neytz.org.
NAET - Relief from Autism Symptoms and More
Report by Health From Inside Out, Corp.
Anne Silva, R.N., P.C.C.N., has been a registered nurse for ten years on a cardiac unit. While working, she suffered an injury and was told that unless she had surgery she would remain in excruciating pain. Her aunt, also a registered nurse, told her to try acupuncture, which she did, and after 3 months she went back to work full duty, never having surgery. Another MRI proved that her injury had gotten better.
With these results, she knew that alternative medicine can work extremely well without any side effects. She enrolled in the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine to be an acupuncture physician. There, many people told her about NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique) and said that it changed their lives. NAET is needle-free and is as effective and sometimes more effective than acupuncture.
After graduating, Silva flew to California and took the intensive training to get certified in NAET. To this day, continuous training takes very few months. One of the many intensive trainings is on how to treat Autism. Since Anne has begun her NAET trainings, she gets excited about the many miracles that she has seen resulting from NAET treatment.
These treatments are non invasive, drug free and needle free techniques which detect areas of imbalance. They have helped relieve symptoms of Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and an almost endless list of ailments.
Explained Silva: "My first step is to test the patient for allergies and other imbalances by using kinesiology, which is muscular analysis, to help determine what the allergies are, not just the symptoms. We then use an acupressure device at specific locations on the body. I offer a free consultation and treatment to help new patients understand how this works. I am completely sold on what I do and its benefits because of my own positive experience and by seeing the success I have had with my patients." This technique, first used to treat allergies, has been found to eliminate autism, ADHD, anxiety symptoms and much more.
The following is a brief overview of NAET from the book "Say Goodbye to Allergy-Related Autism with NAET" by Devi S. Nambudripad, M.D., D.C., L AC., PH. D. (Acu.):
"Autism is a nutritional deficiency disorder causing biological, neurological and developmental problems in children. The nutritional deficiency is not caused by failing to take enough nutrients by mouth but by poor digestion, absorption, assimilation and utilization of essential nutrients due to allergies. Autistic children are not digesting whatever they consume and their bodies do not receive essential nutrients from food or supplements they take."
"We can help all these children with different intensities of Autism when we identify the toxin and the area that is affected. Using NAET, we can identify the toxin that triggered the chain event in the child even if it happened years before. Then eliminate the adverse reaction between the nervous system and the toxin. Releasing the bond between the nervous system and the toxin will enable the toxin to transport out of the body through appropriate elimination pathways. This will allow the affected area of the nervous system to resume its function to supply the brain or body with appropriate nutrients. Slowly the damaged area will receive nourishments and repair to normal status. When the nerve interferences in these centers are removed, the expected function of the organs will return. Thus these children will hear things again; comprehend again; and manifest communication skills like normal people."
Anne Silva says, "Unfortunately not everyone knows what NAET is. One of my missions is to educate the public that there is a natural treatment which proves to be successful. I am confident that anyone who takes advantage of this benefit will understand that NAET makes sense. We also show the Autism Study DVD, showing children before and after NAET Treatments. The results are amazing."
For more information, go to NAET.com to see the Autism Study results. Also, read "Say Goodbye to Allergy-Related Autism with NAET" by Devi Nambudripad, M.D.
Call Anne Silva, R.N., P. C. C. N., today for an appointment at 561-414-1587. A free consultation exam and first treatment is available until Dec. 30, 2009.
Anne Silva, R.N., P.C.C.N., has been a registered nurse for ten years on a cardiac unit. While working, she suffered an injury and was told that unless she had surgery she would remain in excruciating pain. Her aunt, also a registered nurse, told her to try acupuncture, which she did, and after 3 months she went back to work full duty, never having surgery. Another MRI proved that her injury had gotten better.
With these results, she knew that alternative medicine can work extremely well without any side effects. She enrolled in the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine to be an acupuncture physician. There, many people told her about NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique) and said that it changed their lives. NAET is needle-free and is as effective and sometimes more effective than acupuncture.
After graduating, Silva flew to California and took the intensive training to get certified in NAET. To this day, continuous training takes very few months. One of the many intensive trainings is on how to treat Autism. Since Anne has begun her NAET trainings, she gets excited about the many miracles that she has seen resulting from NAET treatment.
These treatments are non invasive, drug free and needle free techniques which detect areas of imbalance. They have helped relieve symptoms of Autism, ADHD, Anxiety and an almost endless list of ailments.
Explained Silva: "My first step is to test the patient for allergies and other imbalances by using kinesiology, which is muscular analysis, to help determine what the allergies are, not just the symptoms. We then use an acupressure device at specific locations on the body. I offer a free consultation and treatment to help new patients understand how this works. I am completely sold on what I do and its benefits because of my own positive experience and by seeing the success I have had with my patients." This technique, first used to treat allergies, has been found to eliminate autism, ADHD, anxiety symptoms and much more.
The following is a brief overview of NAET from the book "Say Goodbye to Allergy-Related Autism with NAET" by Devi S. Nambudripad, M.D., D.C., L AC., PH. D. (Acu.):
"Autism is a nutritional deficiency disorder causing biological, neurological and developmental problems in children. The nutritional deficiency is not caused by failing to take enough nutrients by mouth but by poor digestion, absorption, assimilation and utilization of essential nutrients due to allergies. Autistic children are not digesting whatever they consume and their bodies do not receive essential nutrients from food or supplements they take."
"We can help all these children with different intensities of Autism when we identify the toxin and the area that is affected. Using NAET, we can identify the toxin that triggered the chain event in the child even if it happened years before. Then eliminate the adverse reaction between the nervous system and the toxin. Releasing the bond between the nervous system and the toxin will enable the toxin to transport out of the body through appropriate elimination pathways. This will allow the affected area of the nervous system to resume its function to supply the brain or body with appropriate nutrients. Slowly the damaged area will receive nourishments and repair to normal status. When the nerve interferences in these centers are removed, the expected function of the organs will return. Thus these children will hear things again; comprehend again; and manifest communication skills like normal people."
Anne Silva says, "Unfortunately not everyone knows what NAET is. One of my missions is to educate the public that there is a natural treatment which proves to be successful. I am confident that anyone who takes advantage of this benefit will understand that NAET makes sense. We also show the Autism Study DVD, showing children before and after NAET Treatments. The results are amazing."
For more information, go to NAET.com to see the Autism Study results. Also, read "Say Goodbye to Allergy-Related Autism with NAET" by Devi Nambudripad, M.D.
Call Anne Silva, R.N., P. C. C. N., today for an appointment at 561-414-1587. A free consultation exam and first treatment is available until Dec. 30, 2009.
The Textured Spoon
by Johnson Therapeutic
Dawn Peters and Lori Johnson MS,CCC/SLP are sisters and the co-owners of Johnson Therapeutic, LLC. The company began with the Textured Spoon which was developed by Lori, speech language pathologist. In February 2007, the Textured Spoon was one of 28 products selected by Therapy Times to receive the Most Valuable Product (MVP) award.
The concept of the Textured Spoon is to provide oral-sensory stimulation along with feeding. These spoons are perfect for individuals who exhibit hypersensitivity to certain food textures or decreased oral-sensory awareness while eating. The Textured Spoon features a shallow bowl which offers decreased bolus size and a textured bottom which provides increased sensation to the tongue. The Large Textured Spoon is available in silver to resemble conventional utensils while the Small Textured Spoon has three child friendly colors (orange, purple and teal).
Johnson Therapeutic has now expanded their business to market innovative products designed by parents and specialists that will assist individuals with special needs. Additions to their product line include the Controlled Flow Baby Feeder, Tongue LifteR and Snacker Catcher.
To find out more about the Textured Spoons and additional products offered by Johnson Therapeutic, go to www.johnsontherapeutic.com.
Testimonials:
I would like to thank you for your miraculous product. My little boy spent 6 months in the NICU and other pediatric units during the first year of his life. He was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis at 4 weeks of age and underwent a pylorotomy. Two weeks after the pylorotomy, he began vomiting severely and 8 weeks later, we were forced to do a nissen fundoplication and G-tube placement. He began to refuse the bottle and stopped eating all together. Our speech therapist came across the Textured Spoon and he ate like a different child. He was opening his mouth and utilizing his lips and tongue. We are still working on different foods and textures, but attribute his eating to you and your wonderful product.
Mary is a 3 year old who is primarily G-tube fed. She has poor oral-motor organization and low tone. After using the Textured Spoon I found that she had improved tongue cupping and was able to take consecutive bites more quickly. The Textured Spoon seemed to increase her sensory awareness during eating and improve the overall quality of spoon-feeding.
Have You Planned for the Future of Your Loved One with Special Needs?
By Howard S. Krooks, JD, CELA, CAP
Caring for a child or loved one with special needs carries certain challenges that many cannot understand, and yet too many of us are confronted by these challenges on a daily basis. A Special Needs Planning Attorney can assist you with Medicaid Planning, planning for your loved one with special needs trusts and comprehensive estate planning. A Special Needs Planning Attorney recognizes that caregivers typically do not add up the cost of support and caring for an individual with a disability. Caregivers provide many services “naturally” and willingly to loved ones to help enhance their quality of life. These services might include any one or more of the following:
- Advocate
- Social service coordinator
- Companion
- Guardianship
- Job coach
- Chauffeur
- Personal care attendant
- Money manager
- Recreation director
If you become unable to provide these services or die without planning for the continuation of these services, your loved one’s quality of life may suffer.
An experienced Special Needs Planning Attorney will:
- Establish comprehensive care plans organized so that monies for your loved one with special needs will not be at risk from estate taxes or the long-term care costs of caregivers
- Assist with applying for SSI benefits for a person with disabilities
- Apply and qualify for Medicaid for a person with disabilities
- Provide for a person with special needs in your Will
- Apply for Guardianship
- Set up a Special Needs Trust
- Set up a Supplemental Needs Trust
- Assist in the creation of a Letter of Intent
- Inform you of the estate planning options available to you
- Assist families with long term care planning for loved ones with special needs
What is a Special Needs Trust?
A special needs trust (usually funded with the assets of the disabled individual) or a supplemental needs trust (usually funded with the assets of a third party, such as the parents of a disabled individual) makes it possible to appoint a trustee to hold property for the benefit of your disabled child after you're gone. A special needs trust provides for the needs of a disabled person without disqualifying him/her from government benefits programs such as Social Security and Medicaid.
Why Can’t I Leave My Assets to Other Family Members?
While it might seem like a good idea simply to leave a certain amount of money to your disabled child's sibling or other close relative, with the understanding that the money will be spent on the disabled child, this approach is not the best strategy and often produces negative consequences. For example, any one or more of the following can occur by leaving your assets to another family member:
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