Posts Tagged ‘Tip of the Week’
Tip of the Week: In his words – Sean
Sean is an extraordinary young man who has been with us at Latham School since last December. He has an enormous heart, always knows when someone isn’t feeling well, and does whatever he can to make everyone around him smile. He’s an avid and fierce Harry Potter fan and friend to all animals big and…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Connecting with other “ordinary parents with special children”
Every other year, I attend the National PWS conference and meet new people who share their unique and helpful experiences. Today, our team met Gina (Terrasi) Gallagher and Patricia Kinjoian, authors and sisters who discuss their experience as “ordinary parents with special children.” In their book, they discuss the “frustrations, sadness and stigmas they…
Read MoreTip of the Week: Slowing down fast eaters
Many children and adults with PWS have an uncoordinated swallow, placing them at risk for choking. Fast eating can make the risk even higher. Here are some things that can help reduce the risks of choking by slowing down and pacing while eating: Bite, sip, hands in lap. This is an easy way to remind…
Read MoreTIP of the WEEK: Spring Break
Many of you will be traveling for spring break. Here are some tips for safe and successful travels with your child with PWS. 1. Make prior arrangements with the airline. Most airlines will accommodate children with special needs by allowing pre-boarding and sometimes a tour of the plane while it is empty allowing your child…
Read MoreTIP of the WEEK: Complicated Topics
There are times when we need to explain things to our kids that we ourselves cannot understand. Divorce, death, family members fighting or not speaking, seeing something good happen to the kid at school who picks on them- all of these are circumstances that can have complicated and confusing details that many of our kids…
Read MoreTIP of the WEEK: Halloween Tips
With more awareness of children of non-typical diets and children with different needs it is a bit easier these days to celebrate Halloween minus all of the candy. Schools are getting better and better about leaving candy out of lesson plans and even neighborhoods are joining the teal pumpkin craze and offering nonfood treats for…
Read MoreTIP of the WEEK: Community Based Activities
While there are many benefits to any kind of exercise, participating in community based activities has the added benefit of inclusion and relationship building. Three of our residents from the adult program have been golfing at a nearby golf course for the past several months. Not only have their golf games improved but they have…
Read MoreTIP of the WEEK: Communication with Schools
As the school year begins you will likely run into some bumps in the road, especially if your child has started a new school where he or she is unfamiliar to the staff. Here are some ways to effectively communicate with your child’s school staff: 1. Don’t assume. Get both sides of the story before…
Read MoreTIP of the WEEK: To Cook or Not to Cook
We are often asked if it is ok for a person with PWS to cook meals with or without assistance. The answer really comes down to the individual person. Some people with PWS can manage to help with food prep without stealing any food but it may increase their anxiety. Others need full food security…
Read MoreTIP of the WEEK: Staying Connected
As I am preparing to attend the international conference in Toronto next week I want to encourage everyone to stay active in the PWS community. Whether you are the parent of a newborn or of an older child or adult, get and stay involved. Every age brings new challenges and celebrations and your experience is…
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