Melina Slotnik has been teaching children with special needs how to swim since she was 13 years old. She has had her nose broken and her skin clawed and bitten as the children adapted to the aqueous environment, but after almost 40 years of...
According to AdoptUSKids, 123,000 children in the U.S. await adoption. Most are described as "special needs" children, meaning they are from racial minorities, are past infancy, are disabled or health-impaired, have emotional problems, have abuse...
There exists a relatively high percentage of functional, potentially contributing members of the United States who are increasingly becoming recognized for the contributions they can make to others and themselves. Toward that end, many states have...
Swimming provides good recreation and fitness for many types of people, and those with special needs benefit from equipment that allows them unfettered use of the pool. Swimming pools are enjoyable but potentially dangerous places; unless patrons...
Games for kids with special needs are designed to cater to children who may have trouble with basic games and activities. As a result, many "special needs" games are modified versions of regular games. Therefore, it is easy for you to provide...
A yoga practice for children with special needs can be an encouraging and safe environment and may also ease symptoms associated with particular disorders. Finding a special needs--specific class or teaching your child at home can be effective...
Sometimes disease affects life in unexpected ways. The simplest tasks -- delivering food to your mouth -- can seem impossible. Strokes, cerebral palsy and other health conditions affect muscle and nerve function, making it difficult to manage...
Gym classes can make a difference in a special needs child's life. There are many benefits, including improvement in social skills, reasoning skills and body coordination. Such children benefit from the physical activity, which allows them to...
Potty training a child who has special needs can be taxing on you and the child. While a child without special needs can readily understand how to alert you when he has to use the potty, one with special needs may have trouble letting you know....
Yoga is an ancient practice that has many benefits for the mind, the body and the spirit. Although primarily practiced by adults, children can also benefit from a yoga practice, including children with special needs. Yoga can provide a form of...
Children with special needs require exercise just as much as other children, and exercise is particularly good for eliminating stress and emotional problems in these kids, according to the book "Steps to Independence." Physical and...
People with disabilities can participate in soccer courtesy of programs to meet the needs of special needs children and adults. Athletes with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, amputations and brain injuries can take advantage of the...
Learning to ride a bike is a significant milestone for children, and they love the freedom it brings. But a child with disabilities requires special help to ride. In the past, bike riding was usually not an option for special needs kids, but...
Your special-needs child might have certain nutritional needs depending on her diagnosis -- either ADHD, autism, allergies or a medical condition that dictates dietary parameters. It can be overwhelming to feed your special-needs child, but a few...
In today's world, children are often hurried and forced to adjust to a fast-paced lifestyle full of stimulants and distractions. This can be especially challenging for children with special needs. Nancy Churnin of the Dallas News reports that yoga...
Swimming is a highly versatile sport. You're able to adjust your speed and movements to a fitness level and range of motion that's comfortable and that allows you to enjoy exercising. However, if you're not able-bodied, you may find it difficult...
Children with special needs may take longer to reach certain developmental milestones. These developmental delays may mean that it will take longer to potty train a special needs child, yet every child is different. There is no reason why children...
Although traditional summer camping is often out of reach for children with special needs, there are specialized camping programs across the United States that offer kids a variety of memorable experiences. Tailored for kids with specific...
Jump-rope games for special-needs adults are designed to be entertaining, as well as socially engaging. In addition to the fun aspect of these games, jump-rope games will also improve cardiovascular health and endurance, helping you or your loved...
Toilet training any child can be challenging, but training a child with special needs can be an even greater challenge. Special needs children often have mental, emotional or physical limitations that impact their ability to use the toilet...
Barbara Sher, author of "Early Intervention Games," posits that parents, social workers and educators can organize games that support the developmental growth, social skills and motor skills of special-needs children. In addition to fostering...
Children and teens with special needs and disabilities need to remain active and participate in athletic activities. Though the opportunities might seem scarce, they are out there and thriving; many programs are funded through grants and...
Children with special needs benefits greatly from specialized therapy and exercise programs. Conditions such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, downs syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, orthopedic conditions and developmental delays are...
Every child requires a nutritious diet, yet many kids have special needs because of a nutritionally related health problem. Between 15 percent and 18 percent of children in the United States live with a chronic health condition, such as asthma,...
Social Security Disability Income is a program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides help to disabled individuals who meet qualifying criteria. An adult child who is disabled may be eligible to receive disability...
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 17 percent of United States youth are overweight. In this population, there is great concern for the special needs population. Children with special needs -- physical or mental...
Sleep disturbances in children with special needs may have neurological, physical or behavioral causes. They are common in children with many conditions, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and seizure disorders. Poor sleep contributes to...
Being special can mean so many things. It can refer to those who have autism, emotional disorders, or anyone with an emotional or psychological disability who needs assistance. Social skills and group activities are important in helping a child...
Most children love going away to summer camps because of the fun of participating in their many activities. However, the average summer camp can be demanding for children who have special needs. Socializing with other kids or taking part in events...
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