
Disability-Specific Information
The following links may be of interest as you search the world wide web for information on inclusive child care and other related topics. Many of the sites listed below are good starting points for additional links. The descriptions come from the sites themselves and are not offered with any official Map to Inclusive Child Care or WestEd endorsement.
Attention Deficit Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) provides information, resources, and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) lead better lives. Local chapters in California are listed on this website.
Added: Feb 2015
With more than 20,000 members and 200 affiliates nationwide, CHADD is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization serving individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support, CHADD provides science-based, evidence-based information about AD/HD to parents, educators, professionals, the media and the general public. Local chapters in California are listed on this website.
Added: Feb 2015
Information about learning styles and Multiple Intelligence (MI) is helpful for everyone especially for people with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder. Knowing your learning style will help to compensate for weaknesses and capitalize on strengths. This page provides an explanation of what learning styles and multiple intelligence are all about, an interactive assessment of your learning style/MI, and practical tips to make your learning style work for you.
Added: Feb 2015
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Feb 2015
Parents want the best for their children. We do, too. For the first time ever, 15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. We want to empower them to understand their children's issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving.
Added: Sep 2016 | Updated: Apr 2020
The first community app for parents and caregivers of children who learn and think differently. Wunder is the only place where parents can safely connect while being supported by a team of leading experts - all for free.
Added: Oct 2021
Autism Spectrum Disorder
July 2016
In this article you will find 15 supportive behavior strategies for children on the autism spectrum (some strategies can be used with adults as well). Many of the strategies can also be used to help children without autism who have challenging behaviors.
Added: Jul 2019
Helping young children develop emotional regulation skills is a critical goal for every parent and teacher. When kids can skillfully manage their emotions and behavior in a variety of settings and situations, they’ll have a stronger foundation for both academic and social success.
Added: Sep 2018
An online tool, About Autism in Toddlers, is now available free of charge for families and professionals interested in learning how to recognize the early signs of autism spectrum disorder in very young children. The tool includes videos on the core features of autism and information on the importance of early identification. You can watch a preview of the tool or sign-in at no charge to access other resources. This is the first in a series of free online tools being developed by the Autism Institute at Florida State University College of Medicine.
Added: Sep 2016
Psychology Today | April 26, 2022
Autism Acceptance Month – a shift from the prior messaging of April as Autism Awareness Month reflects the importance of making space for all kinds of minds, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This article
- We need neurodiverse thinkers in our world.
- There are three defined types of specialist thinking related to ASD: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, and verbal thinkers.
- Each type has many strengths and adaptable qualities.
Added: Jul 2022
AFIRM Modules are designed to help you learn the step-by-step process of planning for, using, and monitoring an evidence-based-practices with learners with autism spectrum disorder from birth to 22 years of age. Supplemental materials and handouts are available for download.
Added: Sep 2016
AUTCOM is the only autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Our organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior.
On this web site you will find the most recent issue of our newsletter; updates on politics and judicial decisions; commentary by people with autism; information about developmental and relationship-based approaches to early intervention and education; coverage of issues affecting community living, home-owning, and consumer choice; advocacy for access to augmentative, assistive, and facilitated communication; plus in-depth book reviews and information on how to order important works through our Book Store.
Added: Jul 2019
Disruptions to our personal and professional lives, schedule changes, and school closings present unique challenges for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. In these challenging times, we are sensitive to the needs of these individuals and their families. To help, we have compiled these resources aimed at reducing anxiety and restoring a sense of routine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources include recorded webinars on a variety of topics, social stories and video aids.
Added: Jan 2021 | Updated: Feb 2021
Providing medical and functional information about a person with ASD to the local 911 dispatch center will enable a dispatcher to alert police, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics so they could be more prepared when responding to an emergency.
Added: Mar 2022

ASA, the nation's leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. We do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
- The Autism Speaks Network
The Autism Speaks Network is a new digital network designed to be the home of premier autism video content online and mobile. The Autism Speaks Network (TASN) is a subsidiary of Autism Speaks and will curate important shows like Autism Live, @AspergerSadie, Kerry's Korner, The Autism Team, The Dr. G Aspie Show and Autism Today TV, and house them in one location for simple and convenient viewing. - Sitio en Español (Site in Spanish)
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Dec 2018

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
- COVID-19 Resources Jan 2021
- COVID-19 Resources in Other Languages Jan 2021
- Additional Resources from Autism Speaks
- 100 Day Kit for Kids with Autism Mar 2019
- Early Childcare Provider's Guide to Managing Challenging Behaviors Oct 2018Autism Speaks has published this toolkit to assist early childcare providers to improve their management of challenging behaviors in the classroom. Although the focus is on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the intervention strategies and positive behavioral methods described in the toolkit can be used for any child struggling with attention deficits, intellectual disability, anxiety and delayed social skills.
- Glossary (Check out Autism Spectrum Disorders or Developmental Milestones – Stanley Greenspan)
- Autism Everyday 13 minutes
- Recursos en Español (Resources in Spanish)
- Autism and Health: A Special Report: Advances in Understanding and Treating the Health Conditions that Frequently Accompany Autism (PDF) Published: 2017
- Talking to Parents About Autism (Tool kit and video training)
- Family Support Tool Kit
- Two Words You Should Say to Someone Facing an Autism Diagnosis
- Social Training with Peers Helps Kids with Autism
A newly published study documents the lasting benefits of a program that enlists typically developing kindergarteners and first graders to help teach social skills to classmates who have autism – all in the context of an after-school playgroup.- Play Tips (Video) YouTube | 2:23 minutes In a follow-up to their playgroup study, the Kansas University researchers created "Connecting Kids," a series of child-friendly videos that help typically developing children understand and support friends and classmates who have autism.
- Including Kids with Autism: School Community Tool Kit
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Jan 2021

Published: Jun 2013 | 9 minutesThe Kennedy Krieger Institute and Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have published a free online video to improve the recognition of the early signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among pediatricians, parents and early intervention providers. The tutorial consists of six video clips that compare toddlers with no signs of ASD to toddlers with early signs of ASD and includes an explanation of how the specific behaviors exhibited by each child are either suggestive of ASD or typical child development.
Added: Sep 2016 | Updated: Dec 2018
California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)Webpage was recently updated with data on changes in autism spectrum disorder Regional Center caseload changes from 2008 to 2020
Added: May 2024
- New Data on Autism Published: April 2018The incidence of autism in 2018 is 1 in 59.
- Autism
- Signs and Symptons
- Links to Autism Resources
- Learn the Signs Act Early
- Autism Case Training (ACT)
- Autism Case Training Videos
Added: Jul 2016
Center for Disease Control (CDC) | 2023Second report highlights disruptions in early autism detection at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
Added: May 2024
Center for Disease Control (CDC)This web page describes the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder as well as the diagnosis, treatment and services need. It also provides links to additional resources.
Added: May 2024

CPAD Is a non-profit organization dedicated to help individuals with special needs and their families (e.g. Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy… etc). All the parent members are volunteers, and strive to help each individual achieve his or her full potential toward a meaningful and productive life; to encourage opportunities of social integration, and social inclusion into mainstream society. We can provide information about various disabilities, suggest referrals to appropriate community resources, and offer interpreter/translation assistance. On a periodic basis, CPAD also invites subject matter experts and legal petitioners to speak on subjects such as how to fight for better educational services and gain better understanding of their legal rights.
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Dec 2018
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Prevalence
- About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. [Read article]
- ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. [Read article]
- ASD is nearly 4 times more common among boys than among girls. [Read article]
- About 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability, as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009-2017. These included autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, blindness, and cerebral palsy, among others. [Read summary]
Added: Jun 2023

Edutopia is dedicated to transforming kindergarten through 12th-grade (K-12) education so all students can thrive in their studies, careers, and adult lives. We are focused on practices and programs that help students acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, skills and beliefs to achieve their full potential.
- Additional Resources from Edutopia
- Helping Students with Autism Transition Into a New School Year In this article a mother reflects on what helped her son with successful transitions to a new class and teacher. She provides common sense suggestions that can contribute to reducing stress and encouraging well-being for both the teacher and student.
- Response to Intervention: Meeting Students at Their Learning AbilityMeyer Elementary uses RTI to provide targeted instruction and support to meet students at their learning ability.
- Special Report: Overcoming Autism
- Autism Peer Help (Video)
- Enabling Dreams (Assistive Technology) (Video)
- Introduction to Social-Emotional Learning (Video)
- Fundraising and Grant Resources for Tech Integration
- 5 Educational Resources for Parents and Families
- Free tools and guidelines for Social-emotional learning in after school programs
- Building Social and Emotional Skills in Elementary Students: Passion and Strengths
- Simple Music Integration for Primary Classrooms
- Empathy In the Classroom: Why Should I Care?
- The Long Game: 4 Essentials for a Successful Mindfulness Program
- Social Emotional Learning: A Schoolwide Approach Strategies like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and supportive small groups help Symonds meet the academic and social needs of their students.
- Edutopia’s 2011 Home-to-School Connections GuideThis guide highlights solutions for connecting home and school in order to improve student learning and success. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or district administrator, this guide provides you with relevant and valuable tools and resources for how best to strengthen the bonds between schools, families, and communities for student learning and success.
- Mobile Devices for LearningThis guide can help you better understand how mobile gadgets -- cell phones, tablets, and smartphones -- can engage students and change their learning environment.
- Cultivating Parent Engagement (Video)
- Parent Engagement in Education Resource Round up
- The New PE: Special Report: Students Learn That Active Bodies Lead to Active MindsAs research linking physical fitness to academic success continues to emerge teachers are coming up with creative ways to keep kids active during teaching time, instead of relying on recess and those ever-dwindling PE hours. Teachers say they find that using movement in the classroom doesn't just get the jitters out, but actually makes for better learning as well, because engaging students' bodies in turn activates their minds.
- Move Your Body, Grow Your BrainIncorporating exercise and movement throughout the school day makes students less fidgety and more focused on learning. Improving on-task behavior and reducing classroom management challenges are among the most obvious benefits of adding physical activities to your teaching toolkit. As research continues to explore how exercise facilitates the brain's readiness and ability to learn and retain information, we recommend several strategies to use with students and to boost teachers' body and brain health. The article includes the following resources:
- Brain BreaksPhysical activity ideas in the classroom from the Michigan Department of Education
- Just Breathe: When Teachers Practice Mindfulness In this Edutopia blog by Elena Auguilar she introduces Meena Srinivasan's new book,Teach, Breathe, Learn: Mindfulness In and Out of the Classroom. She describes it as a resource that "speaks to a yearning I hear across our country: a desire to teach and work in a way that is anchored in joy, emerging from compassion, and that is more humane and slower than the way we work now." This easy-to-read book is a roadmap for this desire. She introduces a variety of mindfulness practices and then offers a wealth of resources for how to integrate these into our lives and classrooms.
- Energy and Calm: Brain Breaks and Focused Attention Practices
- Simple Music Integration for Primary ClassroomsThe blog describes five easy ways for primary teachers to integrate music into their classrooms. Each activity is specifically designed for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, and none require musical training or experience. So why use music in your primary classroom? Well-designed music activities can deepen and reinforce knowledge and skill development across a wide range of subjects. Music is engaging, fun, and can motivate even the most detached students.
- Empathy In the Classroom: Why Should I Care?
- The Long Game: 4 Essentials for a Successful Mindfulness Program
- Social Emotional Learning: A Schoolwide Approach Strategies like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and supportive small groups help Symonds meet the academic and social needs of their students.
- Empathy In the Classroom: Why Should I Care?
- The Long Game: 4 Essentials for a Successful Mindfulness Program
- Social Emotional Learning: A Schoolwide Approach Strategies like mindfulness, emotional regulation, and supportive small groups help Symonds meet the academic and social needs of their students.
- Resources on Mindfulness in Education
- Positive Strategies to Avoid Stress, Anxiety and Burnout
- 5 Simple Lessons for Social and Emotional Learning for Adults
- How Emotions Affect Learning, Behaviors and RelationshipsBring lessons from the movie "Inside Out" into your classroom
- Islands of Personality and Trains of Thought (Inside Out)
Added: Mar 2015 | Updated: Feb 2019
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) | 2023This set of resources provides links to evidence-based practices on autism as of 2020. It includes training modules, standards, a review of therapies and for early care and education providers, “Simple Concepts to Embed in Everyday Routines.”
Added: Jul 2022 | Updated: May 2024
Published: National Public Radio - June 11, 2019
Hari Srinivasan is autistic and cannot speak. He understands everything. Until he turned 12, no one knew that but him. Then, typing gave him a voice.
Added: Aug 2019
First Signs is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and professionals about the early warning signs of autism and related disorders.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Video GlossaryAn innovative web-based tool designed to help parents and professionals learn more about the early red flags and diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Registration with First Signs is required to view the videos
- First Signs Recommended Screening Tools
Added: Oct 2014

FIRST WORDS© Project is a longitudinal research investigation in the Florida State University Autism Institute in the College of Medicine directed by Dr. Amy Wetherby. Our major goal is to identify early signs of developmental language disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other communication delays in children from 9 to 24 months of age. The website includes downloadable books and video in English and Spanish that demonstrate developmental milestones of communication for gestures in the 16 by 16 (16 gestures by 16 months). Also on the site is a video growth chart that shows what can be expected at various ages.
Added: Sep 2016 | Updated: Jul 2019

Friendship Circle of Michigan is a non-profit organization that provides programs and support to the families of individuals with special needs. With over 75,000 visitors a month, the Friendship Circle Special Needs Resource blog is one of the biggest special needs blogs in the world. Currently the blog has over 500 articles on special needs topics including: parenting, special education, products, therapy tips, videos and more.
- Additional Resources from Friendship Circle
- Friendship Circle Blog
- 10 Things You Should Know About Feeding TherapyWhether working with children with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Down syndrome or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or with a child coined the "picky eater" of the family, the ultimate goal of feeding therapy is to establish regular, nutritious family meals that are joyful for the entire family. Here you'll find the top 10 things you should know before starting your family begins feeding therapy.
- 23 Ways to Communicate with a Nonverbal ChildPeople with little or no speech still have the same communication needs as the rest of us. We may just have to work a bit harder to find a communication strategy that works.
- 33 Autism Resources You Need to Read
- 26 Sensory Integration Tools for Meltdown Management
- The Latest Number in Autism is 1 in 45: What Does It Mean?
- The Special Needs Calendar of 2016: A Year of Awareness (Downloadable calendar) (PDF)
- 5 Reasons Speech and Language Therapy is Crucial for a Nonverbal Child
- 4 Tips to Facilitate Friendships in the Inclusive Classroom
- 5 Excellent Storytelling Apps for Kids with Special Needs
Added: Mar 2015 | Updated: Feb 2019
Added: Sep 2016
In this article a mother reflects on what helped her son with successful transitions to a new class and teacher. She provides common sense suggestions that can contribute to reducing stress and encouraging well-being for both the teacher and student.
Added: Oct 2017
Compares the tools that you would use if you had laryngitis with tools that you would use to communicate with a nonverbal child who has autism. Also has links to related videos.
Added: Mar 2015
The purpose of this website is to provide the Minnesota autism community with up-to-date information and resources related to autism and autism spectrum disorder. Content will be collected from a variety of sources, such as non-profit organizations, state and federal agencies and other autism-related organizations.
Added: Mar 2018
The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP) conducted a systematic review of the current intervention literature targeting individuals on the autism spectrum. NCAEP is a continuation of the evidence review that was completed by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) which included research published through 2011. We reviewed research studies published between 2012-2017 which examined the impact of behavioral, educational, clinical and developmental practices and service models used with individuals on the autism spectrum from birth through age 22. The literature is expanding rapidly so we hope to establish an active yearly review that will provide families, practitioners, and researchers with more timely updates. In the future, NCAEP hopes to expand this important work to identify EBPs for adults on the autism spectrum and to include pharmaceutical interventions. The publications below are found at this website.
- Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism (PDF) Published: April 2020Our new report synthesizes intervention research published between 1990 and 2017. The report was published in April 2020. Check out our findings here.
- The Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM) are a free online tool designed to ensure that practitioners and families can USE these practices once they are identified through the review. Login or create an account to access this important set of tools.
Added: Oct 2021
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is one of 27 components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Federal government's principal biomedical and behavioral research agency. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This website contains extensive information on mental health issues.
Added: Mar 2015
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
A positive emotional climate at home and inclusive educational experiences while at school can have long-lasting beneficial effects for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a recent study by researchers at the Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Massachusetts.
Added: Sep 2016

Don't Forget the Bubbles | June 29, 2022
It is not unusual for children with autism to become fearful and "meltdown" in the Emergency Department (ED) or in other places where they may be overstimulated and stressed. Here is one infographic that uses the acronym SCARED to help inform providers to remember some ways to support children with autism in everyday and disaster emergencies from pediatric ED (Emergency Department) colleagues Don't Forget The Bubbles (DFTB) from the United Kingdom.
SCARED Acronym:
- Safe: Gently lead to a place of safety or lead other people away...
- Calm: Short calming sentences...
- Affirmations: Use kind and positive words...
- Routine: Facilitate stimming and access to routine activities to calm
- Empathy: Be patient and respect the need for space
- Develop a Plan: When it is over develop a plan for the next time
Visit the @DFTB Team's Twitter feed for a large version of the SCARED Acronym Infographic
Added: Jul 2022
Autism.org
Over the past decade, many pediatricians have begun screening for autism during well-child checkups. As a result, many young children exhibiting early signs of autism are receiving referrals for appropriate assessment. Those children who eventually receive an autism diagnosis are often prescribed speech and behavior therapy, medical guidance, and other supports that can improve their quality of life and their prognosis. Research has shown that intervening as early as possible is associated with more positive outcomes than treatment later in life or not at all.
This web page explains what screening is, why it is important, common screening tools and ongoing assessment to determine the most effective treatment.
Added: Jul 2022

Sesame Street | April 2021Julia and her Sesame Street friends show kids that we’re all a little different but share the same joy of play and friendship. #SeeAmazing
Added: Jun 2021
Sesame Street's new website includes tips for parents and siblings, as well as guides to help kids on the spectrum learn everyday basics like brushing teeth and going to the grocery store. In addition, the initiative includes an iPad app and printed storybooks.
Added: Sep 2016

Sesame Street
Sesame Street celebrates April Autism Acceptance Month with new resources on belonging and artistic expression.
Added: Jun 2023
Wearing masks, interacting on video chats, and adjusting to frequent changes in routines—all can be especially tough for children with autism. Here are resources to help children and families cope with the challenges of living in the time of COVID-19.
Added: Oct 2021

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can sometimes have difficulty when it comes to mastering social skills, as well as communication skills. The good news is there are various strategies or tools developed by experts to help people caring for children with ASD so they grow and succeed. Among these tools are the social stories specifically created for these kids.
Added: Jul 2019 | Updated: Jun 2020
Provides free evidence-based materials and training for families and caregivers to support children with autism.
Added: Jun 2021
Stress Free Kids© founder Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens and adults decrease stress, anxiety & anger. As a parent, bedtime meant two stressed filled hours trying to get our young son to sleep. Our daughter developed stress related night terrors and Lori herself became sick from anxiety. In an effort to help our own family, Lori created stories that would entertain our children while introducing research-based relaxation and stress management techniques.
Our books and CDs will introduce you and your children to the proven techniques of deep breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, visualizations, and affirmations/positive statements. This unique storytelling format has been embraced by psychologists, doctors, child life care specialists, yoga instructors, teachers, counselors, parents, and most importantly… children.
Added: Mar 2015
Technology holds great promise for helping students with autism learn, communicate, and function effectively in the modern world. Start leveraging that power today with this forward-thinking book, your in-depth guided tour of technologies that support learners with autism and help them fully participate in their classroom and community.
Added: Sep 2018
Blind/Visual Impairments

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss.
AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. AFB's work in these areas is supported by the strong presence the organization maintains in Washington, DC, ensuring the rights and interests of people with vision loss are represented in our nation's public policies.
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Dec 2018
The American Printing House for the Blind promotes independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing specialized materials, products, and services needed for education and life. American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is the world's largest nonprofit organization creating educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are visually impaired.
Added: Mar 2015
The Braille Institute is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate blindness and severe sight loss as a barrier to a fulfilling life through integrated educational, social and recreational programs and services. The Institute has five regional centers in Southern California and 140 Community Outreach programs.
Added: Mar 2015
From birth until they reach age 22, children who are blind or visually impaired and who are entitled to receive special education services have either an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If your child is under age three, she'll have an IFSP; once your child reaches age three, she'll then have an IEP. You may want to think of these documents as roadmaps—they lay out the services your child will receive as she moves from infancy through her childhood and are based on assessments of her strengths and needs. Both documents are developed by your child's educational team, of which you are an important member. Because services that are not mentioned in IFSPs and IEPs are not usually required to be provided, it's important that you take an active part in developing the IFSP or IEP for your child. You'll probably find that understanding the law that sets out what is included in an IFSP or an IEP will be very helpful.
Added: Jul 2019
A 90 minute 3 part video that includes the 18 minutes Feeling Through short video, Connecting the Dots 24 minute documentary about the making of the video and Engaging Community 48 minutes which brings together the DeafBlind community to discuss the video
Added: Jun 2021

2020 | Length: 18 mins
“After a late-night chance encounter with a DeafBlind man on a New York City street, writer/director Doug Roland wrote the award-winning short film, Feeling Through. Doug knew from the start he wanted to cast a DeafBlind actor to star, so he partnered with Helen Keller Services to realize that mission.” This Oscar-nominated, award-winning short film “has connected thousands of people in the DeafBlind, blind, and low-vision communities, and is connecting non-disabled people to the people and missions of those communities.”
Added: Jun 2021
Visual impairment can make navigating the internet a challenge, but it is far from impossible. Many computers come with built-in tools you can use to interact with the web.
Added: Jun 2021
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
Stay at home activities for kids with visual impairments.
Added: Jan 2021

WonderBaby.org, a project funded by Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Here you'll find a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they've learned about playing with and teaching a blind child, as well as links to meaningful resources and ways to connect with other families.
Added: Jan 2017 | Updated: Dec 2018
Brain Injury
Added: Jul 2016
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
Cerebral Palsy

CPAD Is a non-profit organization dedicated to help individuals with special needs and their families (e.g. Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy… etc). All the parent members are volunteers, and strive to help each individual achieve his or her full potential toward a meaningful and productive life; to encourage opportunities of social integration, and social inclusion into mainstream society. We can provide information about various disabilities, suggest referrals to appropriate community resources, and offer interpreter/translation assistance. On a periodic basis, CPAD also invites subject matter experts and legal petitioners to speak on subjects such as how to fight for better educational services and gain better understanding of their legal rights.
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Dec 2018

Published: Jul 2012 | 12:14 minutesTyler is a typical high school student who happens to have cerebral palsy and some other challenges. He has taken on a mission to educate the world about Ability Awareness. He believes that what a person, any person, CAN do is much more important than what he/she can't. The people in Tyler's life who have seen this and practiced Ability Awareness have made all the difference in the world to him. For more information, go to the I'm Tyler website.
Added: Mar 2015 | Updated: Feb 2019
United Cerebral Palsy has partnered with a parents, medical professionals and providers to provide you, your loved one's best advocate, with the knowledge, resources, and network to ensure their future is without limits. The site provides information and resources applicable to a variety of developmental disabilities to help you "understand, plan and act" to ensure the best for your child's future.
Added: Sep 2016
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is a website of the National Institute of Health. This page provides information about cerebral palsy including treatment, prognosis, research, clinical trials, and other organizations.
Added: Mar 2015
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015

Founded in 1949, the national organization and its nationwide network of affiliates strive to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society—from the Web to the workplace, from the classroom to the community. United Cerebral Palsy's mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network.
- One–Stop Resources GuidesUnited Cerebral Palsy has developed comprehensive One–Stop Resource Guides that are state–based and can be downloaded for free as Microsoft Word© documents or as PDFs.
- Sitio en Español (Site in Spanish)
Added: Feb 2015 | Updated: Dec 2018
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
The California Schools for the Deaf were established regionally in Riverside and Fremont. Each school provides a comprehensive residential and non-residential educational program composed of academic, non-academic and extracurricular activities.
Added: Mar 2015
Impairments in hearing can happen in either frequency or intensity, or both. Hearing loss severity is based on how well a person can hear the frequencies or intensities most often associated with speech. Severity can be described as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. The term “deaf” is sometimes used to describe someone who has an approximately 90 dB or greater hearing loss or who cannot use hearing to process speech and language information, even with the use of hearing aids. The term “hard of hearing” is sometimes used to describe people who have a less severe hearing loss than deafness.
Added: Mar 2015
Educational Enhancements for the Field of Deaf Education.
Added: Mar 2015
Deaf Video TV is like You-Tube for deaf people. People can upload videos of themselves signing something of importance which others can watch and then post their own video comments. Videos are available from the US and Great Britain. One must register to join the site before videos can be uploaded.
This is an interesting website for deaf people or for those who work with or are otherwise interested in deaf people, culture, and language.
Added: Mar 2015
Provides full-text access to the ERIC Digest of this name.
Added: Mar 2015
Gallaudet University Library Deaf Collections and Archives works diligently to build, maintain and organize the world's largest collection of materials related to the Deaf Community, as well as the home to Gallaudet University's institutional records and the records of the Gallaudet family. Included in the collection are artifacts, photographs, films, papers, periodicals, books, and other items. While maintaining a comprehensive collection, the importance of preserving the records of the global Deaf Community and collaborating with other repositories to ensure the longevity of items is essential.
Added: Mar 2015
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are non-biased about communication methodologies and believe that families can make the best choices for their child if they have access to good information and support. Our membership includes families who communicate manually and/or orally. From American Sign Language to cochlear implants, our organization represents people from all different approaches to, and experiences with, deafness or hearing loss. We have local chapters comprised mainly of parents along with professionals. If you're interested in opening a Hands & Voices group in your area, just contact us via this website for more information.
Added: Jul 2016 | Updated: Feb 2021

Established in 1988, NIDCD is mandated to conduct and support biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language.
It is estimated that more than 46 million people in the United States suffer some form of disordered communication. NIDCD has focused national attention on disorders of human communication and has contributed to advances in biomedical and behavioral research that will improve the lives of millions of individuals with communication disorders. NIDCD has made important contributions to the body of knowledge needed to help those who experience communication disorders and to advance research in all aspects of human communication.
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Dec 2018
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015

“Get ready! Get Set! It's time to sing your favorite Sesame Street songs, now translated in ASL! ASL means American Sign Language. ASL translation and consultation by The National Theater of the Deaf.”
Added: Mar 2022

Brookes Publishing
Teaching hearing children to sign is an extension of the types of nonverbal communication they already use to get your attention: facial expression, gesturing, making noise, crawling, toddling toward an object of desire, and more.
What Anne has done with Sing & Sign is nothing short of brilliant. She has joined current research with the wisdom of the ages. The book you are holding combines music, teaching signs, and play to create fun activities that unite adults and children. There could not be a more powerful combination to foster infant learning. Current research tells us that infants have surprising, adult-like capabilities in the way they perceive and attend to musical stimuli. Human beings of any age are rhythmic, social beings with an innate need to communicate and connect. Sing & Sign takes what nature dictates and creates activities that foster the developmental needs of children from 6 months to 5 years old. By pairing music with sign teaching, Anne provides a way to build in repetition and a meaningful context for learning a sign language vocabulary. Becky Bailey, Ph.D.
Added: Mar 2022

Good Morning Britain | January 6, 2018 | Length: 5:55 mins
Rachel Shenton, Maisie Sly and Gilson Sly talk all things The Silent Child on Good Morning Britain. Meet the actors in The Silent Child including the writer and actress and the profoundly deaf child actress and her father.
Added: Mar 2022

November 2020 | Length: 20:03 mins“90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. 78% of deaf children attend mainstream school with no support. Deafness is not a learning difficulty. With the right support a deaf child can do the same as a hearing child. We hope this film contributes to the fight for sign language to be recognized in every school across the globe.”
Added: Mar 2022
Deafblindness
NCDB is part of a network of projects for children and youth with deafblindness (birth through 21) that includes state deafblind projects in every state, as well as Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the Pacific Basin, and the Virgin Islands. We are funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Our primary mission is to support state deafblind projects as they assist educators, agencies, and organizations to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to help children with deafblindness learn, access the general education curriculum, and successfully transition to adult life.
If you have questions about this site or need assistance finding something, send a message to support@nationaldb.org.
USE OF "DEAFBLIND" VERSUS "DEAF-BLIND"
On October 1, 2023, NCDB changed its name from the National Center on Deaf-Blindness to the National Center on Deafblindness. The use of the term deafblindness, without a hyphen, is accepted usage in both the United States and Europe. It emphasizes that being deafblind is a unique condition and not simply the addition of deafness and blindness.
Added: May 2024

National Center for Deafblindness
An important part of understanding and gaining practical skills for working with infants and toddlers who are deafblind is understanding parents’ perspectives.
In the short videos in this training module, you’ll hear from Kari Harbath and Madeline Cheney about what it is like to be the mother of a young child who is deafblind. Listen as they share their experiences during the critical years of early intervention and the teamwork that’s involved.
Added: May 2024
National Center for Deafblindness | April 2024
These modules are designed for practitioners who want to improve their knowledge of deafblindness and gain practical information they can put to use right away in the home or classroom.
- Module 1: “The Impact of Deafblindness on Learning and Development" Foundational information that’s essential for working with children who are deafblind (Watch the Module 1 Trailer)
- Module 2: “Early Intervention for Children Who Are Deafblind" Strategies for encouraging communication, concept development, and more for infants and toddlers who are deafblind (Watch the Module 2 Trailer)
User-Friendly Training
Modules in this series were designed to be easily incorporated into a wide variety of in-person or virtual training programs, courses, or events.
Each module includes more than two hours of training, divided into four 30-minute lessons. For ease of use, each lesson is presented in three short video sections and includes additional activities and resources.
Read an overview (PDF) of the series, module topics, and project plans.
Added: May 2024
Down Syndrome
Adults with Down syndrome are at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease as they grow older, but Alzheimer’s disease is not inevitable. There are many other possible issues to consider when concerns about memory arise, so a thoughtful approach is very important.
Added: Jul 2019

CPAD Is a non-profit organization dedicated to help individuals with special needs and their families (e.g. Autism, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy… etc). All the parent members are volunteers, and strive to help each individual achieve his or her full potential toward a meaningful and productive life; to encourage opportunities of social integration, and social inclusion into mainstream society. We can provide information about various disabilities, suggest referrals to appropriate community resources, and offer interpreter/translation assistance. On a periodic basis, CPAD also invites subject matter experts and legal petitioners to speak on subjects such as how to fight for better educational services and gain better understanding of their legal rights.
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Dec 2018
Must see! presented by an 8th grade girl who has a younger brother with Down syndrome. This is a very powerful video and she asks some very deep, pointed questions of the young audience. She relates her brother to a Picasso painting. It's very beautiful and moving.
Added: Mar 2015

Down Syndrome Resource Foundation | March 2024
Each fall, the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) releases a short film on a topic related to Down syndrome. In these films, we share the lived experiences of people with Down syndrome and their families, along with expertise from DSRF’s team of professional Down syndrome specialists.
CrossRoad: Where Down Syndrome Meets Autism (2023) features three families whose child has both Down syndrome and autism. The families open their lives to let us see both the joys and the challenges they experience as they navigate multiple disabilities. DSRF speech therapist Liv Meriano explains the similarities and differences between the two conditions, why it can be difficult to identify autism in a child who has Down syndrome, what to do if you suspect your child might have autism, and how to support a child with Down syndrome and autism.
Added: May 2024
National Down Syndrome Society | December 2021
Down Syndrome: Guidelines for Inclusive Education is the first document of its kind in the United States. The document addresses the education settings that support students with Down syndrome, covering the period from early intervention and primary education through secondary and through higher education, with the primary focus being K-12 students.
Download the publication after completing the informational form.
Added: May 2024

National Down Syndrome Society | December 2021
Down Syndrome: Guidelines for Inclusive Education is the first document of its kind in the United States. The document addresses the education settings that support students with Down syndrome, covering the period from early intervention and primary education through secondary and through higher education, with the primary focus being K-12 students.
These guidelines draw on recommendations developed by an expert working group of a United Kingdom All Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome (APPGDS), first published by the APPG in 2012.1 The report is available at: https://go.dselink.net/appg-education-report.
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and Down Syndrome Education International (DSEI) assembled a working group to adapt the APPGDS recommendations for the U.S. early intervention, preschool and school systems. The Guidelines Working Group includes several members of the NDSS Inclusive Education Task Force, a group of volunteers with a range of expertise and experience, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome through the promotion of inclusive education.
Added: Jul 2022
From the National Down Syndrome Society: Tips for understanding the behavior problems and challenges associated with Down Syndrome.
Added: Apr 2017
The NDSC works to empower its members and all people with Down syndrome by creating a national climate in which all people will recognize and embrace the value and dignity of people with Down syndrome. The NDSC operates the NDSC Center which serves as a clearinghouse for information on Down syndrome. The Center provides up-to-date information on topics of interest to people with Down syndrome, family members, friends, professionals and interested others.
Added: Mar 2015
The mission of NDSS is to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through national leadership in education, research and advocacy. Our activities include:
- Developing and disseminating quality educational materials and programs.
- Initiating and advancing basic, clinical and applied research.
- Shaping and advocating for improved public policy, increased public resources and services for people with Down syndrome.
- Working in partnership with our affiliates and other support organizations.
- Sitio En Español (Site in Spanish)
Added: Mar 2015
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
Welcome to the official YouTube Channel for Special Olympics!
Special Olympics is composed of passionate, committed individuals from every walk of life, who recognize the value and unique gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. And, who together, share the common belief of dignity, equality and opportunity for ALL people.
Added: Mar 2015
A YouTube video featuring members of The Arc of Northern Virginia
Added: Mar 2015
Dwarfism

Published: Nov 2014 | 5:54 minutesMeet Grant. He's is six years old and has Diastrophic Dysplasia. He wants to share with you his own unique path to walk as a dwarf and prove he's just like your average six-year-old kid!
From running and climbing to dancing and painting, little Grant knows just how to live life in pure fun. But make sure not to call him a "baby," because even though he looks awfully similar to his one-year-old baby brother, he has a big heart with a big lesson to teach you. You're going to love what this ham has to say!
Added: Sep 2016
An excellent booklet resource that is now available in a PDF version
Added: Mar 2015
KidsHealth is more than just the facts about health. As part of The Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, KidsHealth also provides families with perspective, advice, and comfort about a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues that affect children and teens. The website has an easy to understand description of dwarfism, it’s origin, diagnosis and tips for helping a child with dwarfism.
Added: Mar 2015
Little People of America (LPA) is a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. Here you will find resources pertaining to dwarfism and LPA, medical information, instructions on how to join our e-mail discussion groups, and links to other dwarfism-related sites.
California chapters of the LPA:
Added: Mar 2015
Epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation is the national voluntary agency solely dedicated to the welfare of the 2.7 million people with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. The organization works to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and services. In addition to programs conducted at the national level, epilepsy clients throughout the United States are served by affiliated Epilepsy Foundation offices in nearly 100 communities. The three affiliates in California are the Epilepsy Foundation – Greater Los Angeles, Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California, and Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego.
Added: Mar 2015 | Updated: Dec 2018
The Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California is dedicated to providing information, resources and support to the over 140,000 Northern Californians living with epilepsy. Our goal is to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences, to improve how the community views epilepsy, and to dispel myths about this condition by providing information through statewide training, events, and programs.
Added: Mar 2015
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
General Disabilities

Offers disability-specific strategies for eight different disabilities and several more general categories of a potential disability. Includes a description of the disability, strengths, evidence-based strategies, best practice tips, early learning and development outcomes, and additional resources.
Added: Feb 2021
A key AAP advocacy priority is addressing the needs of vulnerable children impacted by the ongoing opioid epidemic. This crisis has significant and multifaceted impacts on child and family health and wellbeing. As families affected by parental substance use around the country face child welfare involvement, the Academy is working to support family-centered treatment-focused approaches. Developed in partnership with Casey Family Programs, these fact sheets are the first to synthesize national and state data related to the opioid crisis, child welfare systems, Medicaid, and child health.
Added: Jun 2018
- Milestone Tracker Mobil App Added: July 2018
- Milestones in Action in Spanish Added: July 2018
- Milestones in Action- A Free library of photos and videos of developmental milestones
- Learn the Signs Act Early
- Learn the Signs Act Early Free Materials
- Information for Early Childhood Educators
- Information for Parents
- Information for Healthcare Providers
- Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns – Training Modules for Early Care and Education Providers
As an early care and education provider, you play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of children. You are also very well positioned to help identify children who might need extra help in their development. This FREE, online training course, Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns, helps you fulfill this role by providing tools and best practices for monitoring the development of children in your care and talking about it with their parents. Continuing Education (CE) credit is available. - Positive Parenting Tips and Disability Specific Information
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Mar 2022
We naturally think of a child's growth as height and weight, but from birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is, the earlier it's recognized the more you can do to help your child reach her full potential.
- Free Materials
Order, download, and print fact sheets, milestone checklist, posters, a growth chart, and more. - CDC Milestone Tracker App
- Information for Early Childhood Educators (PDF)
- CDC Overview and Fact Sheet on Developmental Screening and Monitoring
- CDC Autism Spectrum Disorders Screening Recommendations for Health Providers
Added: Mar 2015 | Updated: Mar 2022
Promoting Health Literacy with Free Info & Cool Tools from Your National Library of Medicine, a series of three brief training videos, is now ready for your use. The videos were developed by Sandra Smith, PhD, at the Center for Health Literacy Promotion in collaboration with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Pacific Northwest Region. They were funded by NIH through a contract with University of Washington. This three-part video training series is designed for social and health services providers and programs with limited time and money for training and materials. The brief videos (8-10 minutes) are intended for independent or small group learning and for use in staff meetings, trainings and other scheduled activities. Session I provides a tutorial on how to use MedlinePlus that is available in English or Spanish.
Added: Mar 2015
Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for more than 80 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.
Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities have equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play. Easter Seals has more than 500 centers nationwide, benefiting over 1 million people every year. There are 56 centers in California.
Added: Mar 2015
Understanding medical and disability implications is essential for getting to know students, planning effective instruction and providing the right level of classroom support. The critical information is not necessarily what the medical conditions or disabilities are, but rather how they impact a student’s learning, social/emotional behaviour and the classroom environment. This website from Canada offers a menu of different types of medical conditions and disabilities and provides information that aids teachers in supporting their student. The information is organized around planning and awareness; instruction; and social and emotional well-being.
Added: Feb 2017
Our Center is dedicated to helping people live to the fullest. Much of our work focuses on protecting people who are especially vulnerable to health risks - babies, children, people with blood disorders, and people with disabilities.
Added: Sep 2016
Watch videos about birth defects, disabilities, developmental milestones, children’s mental health disorders, and other topics.
Added: Jul 2019
The National Father's Network provides resources and support for fathers of children with disabilities. It has wonderful articles by fathers, many of them in Spanish. The organization also produces written and video resources for fathers. The website is an excellent source of links for fathers, disabilities, and families.
Added: Mar 2015
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting medical research. NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the causes, treatments, and even cures for common and rare diseases. This website contains extensive information on health issues.
Added: Mar 2015
Access the rare disease information you need, download rare disease reports and find patient organizations on this site devoted to rare diseases.
Added: Mar 2015
Parents Helping Parents is a parent organization that has a wealth of information and resources on disabilities. The website includes a library of books and videos that can be borrowed.
Added: Mar 2015
Pathways Awareness Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the benefit of early detection and early therapy for children with physical movement differences. It focuses on physical, movement, and motor delays and disabilities.
Added: Mar 2015
Published: June 2017, Center for Parent Information & ResourcesRoughly 7,000 rare diseases/disorders have been identified as affecting the human race. Because they are rare, it can be a real challenge for a person to be accurately diagnosed. Finding effective treatments, especially medicine, can also be a challenge—and for the same reason. Rareness.
If you have a rare disease, know someone who does, or work with people who might, here’s a core of resources we hope are helpful.
Added: Oct 2017
This site has an extensive list of links to nonprofit organizations and government agencies serving people with disabilities in California.
Added: Mar 2015
This article by Ken Moses, Ph.D., a psychologist who helps people deal with crisis, trauma and loss, focuses on the process of grieving that many parents experience with the diagnosis of special needs. The article first appeared in Ways Magazine, Spring 1987.
Added: Mar 2015
Intellectual Disability
AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Added: Jul 2016
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
The Arc of California is the state affiliate of The Arc of the United States. The Arc of the United States is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children. Local chapters of the Arc of California are listed on this site.
Added: Mar 2015
Learning Disabilities

LD OnLine is the world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers, and other professionals each month. LD OnLine seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.
Added: Oct 2014 | Updated: Dec 2018
Information about learning styles and Multiple Intelligence (MI) is helpful for everyone especially for people with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder. Knowing your learning style will help to compensate for weaknesses and capitalize on strengths. This page provides an explanation of what learning styles and multiple intelligence are all about, an interactive assessment of your learning style/MI, and practical tips to make your learning style work for you.
Added: Feb 2015
The Learning Disabilities Association of California is one of the state chapters of the Learning Disabilities Association of America. LCA California is a nonprofit volunteer organization of parents, professionals, and adults with learning disabilities. Its purpose is to promote and support the education and general welfare of children and adults of potentially normal intelligence who manifest learning, perceptual, and/or behavioral handicaps. The website has an extensive links and resources pages.
Added: Mar 2015
The mission of NCLD is to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities.
- The LD Checklist: Recognize and Respond Jan 2021“Most preschoolers and school-age children struggle with learning and behavior now and then. But what if the difficulty persists? Sometimes, that signals a learning disability (LD). Use this interactive tool to detect potential signs of LDs or an attention issue in your child or student. Then use the resources provided to learn more.
This tool can’t diagnose LDs or prescribe treatment. But it can help you understand signs of LDs and decide what to do next. As you use the tool, think about the person’s behavior over the past six months or more. When you’re done, you can bring any concerns to school personnel or other professionals. They can help you decide whether to look into screening or evaluation.”
Added: Mar 2015 | Updated: Jan 2021
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
Edutopia | February 18, 2021Early intervention services can make a big difference for students who are at risk for learning disabilities. What should teachers look for?
Added: Jun 2021
Parents want the best for their children. We do, too. For the first time ever, 15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. Our goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. We want to empower them to understand their children's issues and relate to their experiences. With this knowledge, parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving.
Added: Sep 2016 | Updated: Apr 2020
Mental Health
The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming mental health care for children everywhere. Founded by Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, Brooke Garber Neidich, and Debra G. Perelman, our organization is committed to finding more effective treatments for childhood psychiatric and learning disorders, building the science of healthy brain development, and empowering children and their families with help, hope, and answers. Website offers tools for parents worried about a child's mood, behavior, or success in school including: Mental Health guide, Symptom Checker, Developmental Milestones, Quick Facts on disorders and a Glossary of useful terms.
- What to Do (and Not to Do) When Children are AnxiousWhen children are chronically anxious, even the most well-meaning parents can fall into a negative cycle and, not wanting a child to suffer, actually exacerbate the youngster’s anxiety. It happens when parents, anticipating a child’s fears, try to protect her from them. Here are pointers for helping children escape the cycle of anxiety.
- How Mindfulness Can Help Caregivers
- Tools & Resources
- Anxiety and Mindfulness
- 2016 Children’s Mental Health Report
Added: Sep 2016
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis.
Added: Mar 2015
The Mental Health Association in California is an affiliate of the National Mental Health Association. The mission of the Mental Health Association is to provide advocacy, education, information and other assistance necessary to ensure that all people who require mental health services are able to receive the mental health and other services that they need, and are not denied any other benefits, services, rights, or opportunities based on their need for mental health services.
Added: Mar 2015
NAMI California is a grass roots organization of families and individuals whose lives have been affected by serious mental illness. It advocates for lives of quality and respect, without discrimination and stigma, for all our constituents; and provides leadership in advocacy, legislation, policy development, education and support throughout California. It also provides updated information and support to 76 local affiliates and helps organize new affiliates. NAMI has several local affiliates throughout California.
Added: Mar 2015
A legacy resource from NICHCY
- More resources under Emotional Disturbance
- Sitio En Español (Site in Spanish)
Added: Mar 2015
SAMHSA's "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health" public awareness effort was created in 1994 with the mission to increase awareness around children's mental health. The "Caring for Every Child's Mental Health" team works to support SAMHSA-funded sites through the strategic use of social marketing and communications strategies. The overarching purpose of the team is to stimulate support for a comprehensive system of care approach to children's mental health services.
Added: Mar 2015
Prader Willi Syndrome
The Foundation for Prader-Willi Research was founded by parents of children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). As parents, we know exactly what you are experiencing – we’ve been there too. If there is one piece of advice that most of us would give to families with a new diagnosis of PWS, it is not to believe everything you read about PWS. All too often, the picture painted of PWS is so bleak that it threatens to overwhelm most families to the point of despair. If that is where you are, we are glad that you have found us and we want to let you know that no matter what you have read or heard, there is hope!
- PWS Message of Hope (Video), Aug 2018
Added: Jul 2019
Since 1979 Prader-Willi California Foundation has been dedicated to supporting people with Prader-Willi syndrome, their families, and the professionals who serve them. PWCF is funded by donations, grants, membership dues, and events.
Added: Jul 2016
PWSA (USA) is an organization of families and professionals working together to promote and fund research, provide education, and offer support to enhance the quality of life of those affected by Prader-Willi syndrome.
Added: Mar 2015

Published: August 2013 | Length: 27:34 minsA short video that provides very helpful information and practical strategies for teachers who have students with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in their classroom. Presented by Elizabeth E. Roof, M.A. - Senior Research Specialist at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.
Added: Aug 2019
Speech and Hearing
Added: Nov 2016
The purpose of the California Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association is to support the mission of the National Association by advocating independence through listening and talking. Its membership consists of parents and families of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, professionals in the field of hearing health care and deaf education, as well as oral deaf adults who are dedicated to keeping the oral option alive in California. The California Chapter holds annual conferences, networks and lobbies to promote the oral option.
Added: Mar 2015
The California Speech-Language-Hearing Association is the officially recognized professional association for California speech-language pathologists and audiologists by the national American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It hosts a toll free consumer helpline to provide information and assistance to those who have communication disorders, as well as to their families and friends.
Added: Mar 2015
The guide provides an online guide to communication development for parents. The purpose of this guide is to provide current information about topics related children's speech, language, and communication development that may be helpful to parents. In this guide, you'll find information on commonly asked questions about communication development and about speech and language therapy.
Added: Oct 2014
As with other skills and milestones, the age at which kids learn language and start talking can vary. Many babies happily babble "mama" and "dada" well before their first birthday, and most toddlers can say about 20 words by the time they're 18 months old. But what if a 2-year-old isn't really talking yet or only puts two words together? This article explains what's "normal" and what's not in speech and language development and can help parents figure out if there's cause for concern or if their child is right on schedule.
Added: Jul 2018
- Does My Child Have Physical Developmental Delays? Oct 2018This publication from the National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement explores how understanding the cultural perspectives of families can positively impact relationship-building and family engagement efforts. The publication includes a set of reflective questions that help you to examine your perspective on a topic and a family’s perspective.
- How to Raise Concerns about a Child’s Speech and Language Development: Do’s and Don’ts
Healthy Children.org, sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides some do’s and don’ts for talking respectfully and productively about a potential communication delay. - Spanish Translation: HealthyChildren.org
Added: Nov 2016
NCHAM serves as the National Resource Center for the implementation and improvement of comprehensive and effective Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) systems. As a multidisciplinary Center, our goal is to ensure that all infants and toddlers with hearing loss are identified as early as possible and provided with timely and appropriate audiological, educational, and medical intervention.
- 2016 Better Hearing and Speech Month Recorded Webinars
Includes webinars on hearing and screening practices, augmentative and alternative communication and use of assistive technology for children 0-5.
Added: Nov 2016
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
All children have the right to express what they want and how they feel. But this is not always easy to do. Some children may not be able to speak clearly enough for everyone to understand them, while others may not be able to speak at all. For these children, telling people how they feel or what they want may be among the most difficult things they have to do. Through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) parents and caregivers can help children with communication difficulties find ways to express what they are thinking, wanting, or needing.
Added: Feb 2018
July 19, 2021
Children with hearing loss, including individuals with a cochlear implant, can also benefit from exposure to music, both as an enjoyable activity and a means for improving their speech and language skills. This article describes various types of hearing loss, how music can benefit hearing loss, how parents can include music in speech therapy and at home music activities for children with speech and language delays.
Added: Oct 2021
Added: Nov 2016
Spina Bifida
A legacy resource from NICHCY
Added: Mar 2015
The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) serves adults and children who live with the challenges of Spina Bifida. Since 1973, SBA has been the only national voluntary health agency solely dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with Spina Bifida and those whose lives are touched by this challenging birth defect. Its tools are education, advocacy, research, and service.
Through its network of Chapters, SBA has a presence in more than 125 communities nationwide and touches thousands of people each year. Lives are changed by the programs SBA has created, the services provided, and the results of our advocacy efforts.
Added: Jul 2016