All Together Now
Today autism affects one in 110 children and one in 70 boys. It’s a staggering statistic. Gone are the days when you can pretend autism doesn’t affect you too. We are all in this together. Even if your child does not have autism there’s a good chance that one of their classmates, friends, neighbors, cousins, or a brother will. And autism isn’t the only special need being diagnosed today. The list is endless: ADD, ADHD, APD, dyslexia, apraxia, Asperger syndrome and on and on.
Almost two years ago Lindsey Christ, NY1’s education reporter brought to light that the number of students with special needs in New York City was on the rise – dramatically. Then School Chancellor Joel Klein indicated that the school system had enrolled 14,000 more students than expected and about half required special education services.
The trend continues across the country. This month we take a look at special needs as it affects parents, educators and students. Read Sharon Fuentes’ “My Son Has Asperger Syndrome,” a mother’s view of parenting a young son with special needs. Her revelations are pertinent and touching. We also look at the world of Psycho-Educational testing as Diane Slonim, SLP, Ph.D. demystifies this battery of tests that often overwhelms parents. And for a subject that absolutely affects all children, Colette Connolly weighs in on the state of our classrooms with “Inclusion: Is It Working?” Read this article and then let us know what’s happening in your child’s class.
Besides examining special needs issues we are also here to make your life as a parent easier. Parents have told us that it can be difficult to find the special resources they need so we’ve complied a Special Needs Resource Guide that includes educators, tutors, schools, as well as recreation and support providers in and around our area. Find this guide online at westchesterfamily.com. We’ll be updating this list regularly so check back often.
These are serious topics for sure. But after you have done your homework it’s time to play. We have an extraordinary calendar of events this month offering more activities and events than you can imagine. Make sure to read the “Let’s Go To …” article on the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. Never heard of it? Ah, yet another well-kept secret that we are pleased to uncover for you.
Have fun,
Jean Sheff
Editor
