Children in foster care are disproportionately represented in the special education system. Despite this, foster parents are largely unfamiliar with special education processes and rights and there is no uniform requirement or provision of training for them on this topic. There is a gap in the research gathering the input of foster parents on the…

The purpose of this applied research project was to investigate the problem of the lack of parent training and advocacy centers in rural areas, which currently affects many parents of children with disabilities and educational agencies across the United States. This research paper will enhance the readers understanding of why the problem exists,…

One of the biggest milestones in an adolescent's life can be getting a driver's license. However, compared to the general population, individuals with ASD get their driver's license later in life, and drive less often. Adolescents with ASD who are eligible to get a driver's license are encouraged to do so, as having a license can result in…

Finding a school or program for your child can be a very stressful process. However, there are lots of resources out there, and many parents who have been on this journey are willing to help. This article offers an overview of the types of schools, programs, and options available to gifted children including charter, magnet, gifted, and online or…

There is a myth that some people are creative and others are not. However, all children are born creative. They love to explore, ask questions, and are incredibly imaginative. Parents are key in nurturing their child's creativity in the early years. This article offers resources and strategies parents can use at different ages and stages (newborn,…

In this article, Riverdale Country School (New York) learning specialist, Brooke McCaffrey describes teaching methods, motivational techniques, and resources for parents of struggling readers.

The nutritional guidelines for individuals with autism are the same as those for the general population. However, many teens with autism face challenges related to food and/or eating that can negatively impact their health. "Autism at-a-Glance" is a series of practitioner and family-friendly documents created by the Center on Secondary…

Fear of failure starts early in life, and is common among high achievers. From their earliest years, many gifted children are successful in almost everything they try because they are under challenged, and paradoxically, become failure-avoidant. When parents always encourage their children to get the highest grade or to be "the best,"…

One of the most respected and widely used autism interventions, Pivotal Response Treatment uses natural learning opportunities to modify key behaviors in children--leading to widespread positive effects on communication, behavior, and social skills. Now the pioneering experts behind PRT have created a comprehensive modern guide to this…

Parents and grandparents are always looking for new ways to engage their kids and grandkids in meaningful, enriching educational activities. While there is evidence that playing games can increase numerical fluency, research also shows that parental involvement outside of school is one of the best predictors of student achievement and that games…

The DEC Recommended Practices provide guidance to families and professionals about the most effective ways to improve learning outcomes and promote development of young children, birth through age 5, who have, or are at-risk for, developmental delays or disabilities. "Instruction: Effective Strategies to Support Engagement, Learning, and…

Adopted by 45 states, the Common Core State Standards are now in full implementation throughout the country. Parents need to be informed about these new rigorous, college-and career-ready standards in order to support their children's learning and development. As critical partners in children's education, this article highlights some of…

The new year brings about one's desire to change and to improve one's self. These emotions quickly fade and turn into lofty resolutions that are not fulfilled. For parents of gifted children, many parallels can be made between making New Year's resolutions and setting more long-term goals related to their education and/or career.…

Parents of gifted children play a powerful role in expanding their world and helping them discover what they love. When gifted children have impassioned, open-minded, and creative family members, they are free to discover what they love and who they are as people. For gifted learners, curiosity, passion, and interest are absolute essentials.…

Parents of children with autism face many challenges that arise from the practical, day-to-day issues of living with autism. The specific goals of this guide are to help parents: (1) find information about autism; (2) distinguish between research-based and non-research-based information; (3) become savvy consumers of information by giving them the…