Dina Alsaid of Richardson never imagined she’d be a pageant queen, and she certainly never thought she’d become an autism advocate. But the 37-year-old wears both titles proudly, along with the title of wife and mother of 2.
Special Needs
Latest stories
Making an All-Ability Playgrounds a Reality
Plano unveiled an impressive all-abilities playground last year, but the Dallas-Fort Worth area still has work to do before every…
Accesible Accommodations
Big news for travel junkies: Airbnb just acquired Accomable, an online listing service with hundreds of accessible properties in more…
Life Goes On: Labels
Ethan, our 8-year-old, had his three-year reevaluation and annual ARD meeting recently. Yes, he still qualifies for special education services and all the therapies and supports that come…
Finding Child Care for Kids with Special Needs
While the rare child care facility will accept a child with serious medical needs or behavioral challenges on a case-by-case basis, parents’ best bet is finding a program developed specifically to help kids and young adults with special needs flourish. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of local child care options designed to do just that.
Sound Advice: How to Overcome Stress from Bullying?
Expert Dr. Colleen Logan weighs in: how parents can help their children deal with the stress caused from bullying?
Mom Next Door: Erika Slater
At least five days a week, Erika Slater takes her body to the brink, running, riding and swimming in preparation for whatever race…
Life Goes On: Sibling Struggles
It is true that my boys take up most of my time and energy. So much so, that I sometimes…
Sound Advice: How to Prep for ARD Meetings?
An expert shares how to prepare for Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meeting for your child with special needs.
Mom Next Door: Michele Erwin
Michele Erwin is changing the world—one crash test at a time. In 2011, the Frisco mom of two launched All Wheels Up…
How To Prepare Your Child With Special Needs for Lockdown Drills
Since my daughter Dawn was diagnosed with intellectual and developmental delays, I have worried about her safety. I worried that…
Five Things to Do in July & August
Special Needs Sleepover Roll out your sleeping bags inside the glittery Gems and Minerals Hall or beside the towering dinosaur…
Sound Advice: How to Pick a School for Your Child with Special Needs
A special needs mom shares how to help your child with special needs find the right school for them.
The Fort Worth Clothing Brand That’s Keeping Kids Cool
One Fort Worth clothing brand is bringing together style and safety, making it easy for your little ones to look…
These Wearable Bands Will Track and Treat Your Child’s Autism-Related Anxiety
Step aside, Fitbit. New wearable technologies are making it easier than ever to track and treat your child’s anxiety.
My Wife, My Life
I am not sure where to even begin to describe my wife, Jackie. Wow, has life been turned upside down…
Five Things to Do in July and August
Special Needs Sleepover Roll out your sleeping bags inside the glittery Gems and Minerals Hall or beside the towering dinosaur…
Mom Next Door: Danielle Natoni
Danielle Natoni of Frisco isn’t one to sit idle, literally or otherwise. She’s constantly moving to make herself better, always striving to be…
14 Water Attractions for Special Needs in Dallas-Fort Worth
Dip your toes into our roundup of the best splash pads, pools and water parks in North Texas for kids with disabilities and sensory sensitivities
Why Kids With Disabilities Have Trouble Getting the Right Diagnosis
Children with special needs may be more vulnerable to getting the wrong treatment for routine medical problems.