Heads up to all those visitors to my website who have noticed that a few things on my site need updating! You're right on! Fact is, I'm in the process of a new website redesign with my creative team, so I've been holding back on additions/deletions until then. In the meantime,I'll try to keep you up to date and current (including fav resources, news, media, etc) here on my blog, which is much easier and much less expensive to update! Stayed tuned for new great changes to come! I promise they'll be worth the wait (hear that promise dear creative team? No pressure there)!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
MySpace.com/judy_winter
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
The Sandwich Kid- A Great New Film about Siblings in Special Needs Families
I am honored to be featured in the just-released film 'The Sandwich Kid,' about the lives of siblings of kids with special needs. This timely and powerful film is produced by Keri Bowers and her son Jace (normalfilms.com), whose older brother Taylor has autism. Taylor is a talented filmaker whose first film with his mom entitled 'Normal People Scare Me,' has already won rave reviews.
You can see a ten-minute promo of 'The Sandwich Kid' by visiting You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bMg-dGzVeU. The film is available for purchase (as is 'Normal People Scare Me') at www.normalfilms.com.
Please pass this info on to everyone you know! The film isn't just for those facing special needs, it is a great tool to help build greater awareness of and sensitivity for the special needs population, while giving my heroes- the sibs in special needs families- a well-deserved voice. We are all richer because of the efforts of this talented filmaker family.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
You can see a ten-minute promo of 'The Sandwich Kid' by visiting You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bMg-dGzVeU. The film is available for purchase (as is 'Normal People Scare Me') at www.normalfilms.com.
Please pass this info on to everyone you know! The film isn't just for those facing special needs, it is a great tool to help build greater awareness of and sensitivity for the special needs population, while giving my heroes- the sibs in special needs families- a well-deserved voice. We are all richer because of the efforts of this talented filmaker family.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Jenny McCarthy & Autism
I promised to blog about my take on Jenny McCarthy's recent media appearances to discuss her book and her son's autism, from which she now declares him recovered. I've waited a while to comment on this because I wanted to catch more than one interview before forming an opinion. Plus, I needed to let the dust and my thoughts, settle first.
In a nutshell, here's my take.
Through her celebrity status, Jenny McCarthy brings tremendous awareness to this topic. God bless her for that!
Her celebrity allows helps her open doors to major media that most parents/authors/advocates only dream of. But I am concerned by the renewed focus on 'curing' children with special needs and/or 'recovery' and how such terminology may be interpreted by others.
I am not alone in my concern. In spirited conversations I have had with people since Jenny's appearance on Oprah and Larry King Live (among others), I've heard such concern repeated often.
This e-mail came to me from Lisa, a mom of a child with special needs:
"I want to comment about Jenny McCarthy on Oprah. In my opinion, she focused too much on curing the child. She did qualify her statements by saying that the treatments may not work for everyone. But I still thought the focus could have been more on how she adjusted to the diagnosis and maybe given more emphasis to good educational programs and giving attention to the many foundations set up to help children with special needs. I wish Oprah would have a show with mothers of all types of special needs. This way everyone will have someone that he or she can relate to."-- Lisa G, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Well said, Lisa.
We should also remember that Jenny McCarthy's son is still very young, and while I am thrilled for both of them at his apparent progress (as well as for the hope she's providing millions of other families), I can't help but wonder what future challenges this child and mom may still face, especially during the challenging school years.
Is he really as saved from this diagnosis as she now believes? And if not, then what?
I also find it interesting that high functioning Asperger's syndrome has not even been addressed in any of the author's lengthy interviews (partly because the interviewers are probably not fulled versed on their subject matter either). My belief is that the interviews Jenny has given have been far too limiting given the complexity of the topic.
Still, one can clearly hear the loud sigh of relief from millions of frightened parents hoping beyond hope that Ms. McCarthy is the new autism Messiah who's right on with her story of courage and hope and yes, recovery.
Are these families being well served? Or is it far too early, and misleading, to call Jenny's son 'cured,' even recovered, and is it important that we do so? Or are we again in danger of perpetuating stereotypes that there is something wrong with these children and because they have a disability they need fixing? Could we better spend valuable media time and discussion talking about how to best address having a child who struggles in any way in all its richness and complexity?
One thing these discussions make clear, the research for a cause(s) and potential cures for autism must continue. Families are struggling and they need and deserve both answers and support.
Which brings me to my own hope that the millions of families whose attention Ms. McCarthy has now commanded will not forgo other important early intervention programs and services and limit themselves soley to what are still unproven treatments for autism. Such a decision could cost some children valuable time and developmental gains they cannot get back later. Early intervention is critical to these children, as it is for many children with a wide range of special needs. I know without a doubt that it made the difference in my own son's life.
I believe a more valuable approach to addressing autism would be a discussion that opens up the possibility of new treatment and causes, in conjunction with the use of proven programs/services.
Jenny McCarthy's emotion and deep love for her son have clearly played a key role in his developmental success, something which drives home my belief in the power of a parent's love to move developmental mountains! Kudos to her for her example.
But I also believe she must become better educated about the definition of autism itself (a definition she struggled with when asked on Larry King Live), as well as challenges facing the disability community, if she is to continue to speak effectively to the topic given the sacred platform to which she has now committed herself as a spokesperson and advocate.
Self education goes with the media blitz & advocacy territory that comes with being an effective spokesperson for any important social cause. Those of us who have been doing this work for years understand the demand well. Unfortunately, with it's focus increasingly on celebrity guests, the media often loses sight of this.
I've been writing, speaking and advocating on special needs topics for nearly twenty years. It's a complex discussion not given to easy answers or simplistic solutions, especially as it involves autism. Ms. McCarthy has helped open the door to valuable discussion. My hope now is that the media will look past her celebrity and expand this discussion to include the voices of parents who have walked this road as long-term advocates and spokespersons.
Perhaps then we will be able to share with other not only the hopeful emotion and love that this mom in particular speaks to well, but also the needed facts and resources about a wide range of disabilty. The challenges facing these families are often universal, but too rarely discussed when we focus soley on one disabilty. There is power in numbers...and disabilty numbers are huge.
Jenny has been given an amazing opportunity to inform and educate the public. She must be prepared to do justice to that role, or risk having her valuable story and experiences easily dismissed as little more than an emotional mother who is not facing the reality of her son's diagnosis (an argument most parents have heard against their hopeful declarations at one time or another!). I admit that too often I found her answers a combination of clear relief at her son's progress, a mother's mountain-moving passion, and well, Jenny McCarthy being Jenny McCarthy on camera.
I wish this loving mom and her son the very best in the future, and hope Jenny continues to bring awareness to a difficult and frustrating diagnosis. I also hope that her son continues to thrive while serving as an inspiring example of what is possible for other children. I applaud this gutsy, famous mom for what she is doing with her talent and celebrity, and for fearlessly addressing special needs- no easy feat when you live in La La Land, where human perfection too often determines human value.
(One footnote: I am impressed with Holly Robinson Peete and look forward to hearing more from her).
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
In a nutshell, here's my take.
Through her celebrity status, Jenny McCarthy brings tremendous awareness to this topic. God bless her for that!
Her celebrity allows helps her open doors to major media that most parents/authors/advocates only dream of. But I am concerned by the renewed focus on 'curing' children with special needs and/or 'recovery' and how such terminology may be interpreted by others.
I am not alone in my concern. In spirited conversations I have had with people since Jenny's appearance on Oprah and Larry King Live (among others), I've heard such concern repeated often.
This e-mail came to me from Lisa, a mom of a child with special needs:
"I want to comment about Jenny McCarthy on Oprah. In my opinion, she focused too much on curing the child. She did qualify her statements by saying that the treatments may not work for everyone. But I still thought the focus could have been more on how she adjusted to the diagnosis and maybe given more emphasis to good educational programs and giving attention to the many foundations set up to help children with special needs. I wish Oprah would have a show with mothers of all types of special needs. This way everyone will have someone that he or she can relate to."-- Lisa G, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Well said, Lisa.
We should also remember that Jenny McCarthy's son is still very young, and while I am thrilled for both of them at his apparent progress (as well as for the hope she's providing millions of other families), I can't help but wonder what future challenges this child and mom may still face, especially during the challenging school years.
Is he really as saved from this diagnosis as she now believes? And if not, then what?
I also find it interesting that high functioning Asperger's syndrome has not even been addressed in any of the author's lengthy interviews (partly because the interviewers are probably not fulled versed on their subject matter either). My belief is that the interviews Jenny has given have been far too limiting given the complexity of the topic.
Still, one can clearly hear the loud sigh of relief from millions of frightened parents hoping beyond hope that Ms. McCarthy is the new autism Messiah who's right on with her story of courage and hope and yes, recovery.
Are these families being well served? Or is it far too early, and misleading, to call Jenny's son 'cured,' even recovered, and is it important that we do so? Or are we again in danger of perpetuating stereotypes that there is something wrong with these children and because they have a disability they need fixing? Could we better spend valuable media time and discussion talking about how to best address having a child who struggles in any way in all its richness and complexity?
One thing these discussions make clear, the research for a cause(s) and potential cures for autism must continue. Families are struggling and they need and deserve both answers and support.
Which brings me to my own hope that the millions of families whose attention Ms. McCarthy has now commanded will not forgo other important early intervention programs and services and limit themselves soley to what are still unproven treatments for autism. Such a decision could cost some children valuable time and developmental gains they cannot get back later. Early intervention is critical to these children, as it is for many children with a wide range of special needs. I know without a doubt that it made the difference in my own son's life.
I believe a more valuable approach to addressing autism would be a discussion that opens up the possibility of new treatment and causes, in conjunction with the use of proven programs/services.
Jenny McCarthy's emotion and deep love for her son have clearly played a key role in his developmental success, something which drives home my belief in the power of a parent's love to move developmental mountains! Kudos to her for her example.
But I also believe she must become better educated about the definition of autism itself (a definition she struggled with when asked on Larry King Live), as well as challenges facing the disability community, if she is to continue to speak effectively to the topic given the sacred platform to which she has now committed herself as a spokesperson and advocate.
Self education goes with the media blitz & advocacy territory that comes with being an effective spokesperson for any important social cause. Those of us who have been doing this work for years understand the demand well. Unfortunately, with it's focus increasingly on celebrity guests, the media often loses sight of this.
I've been writing, speaking and advocating on special needs topics for nearly twenty years. It's a complex discussion not given to easy answers or simplistic solutions, especially as it involves autism. Ms. McCarthy has helped open the door to valuable discussion. My hope now is that the media will look past her celebrity and expand this discussion to include the voices of parents who have walked this road as long-term advocates and spokespersons.
Perhaps then we will be able to share with other not only the hopeful emotion and love that this mom in particular speaks to well, but also the needed facts and resources about a wide range of disabilty. The challenges facing these families are often universal, but too rarely discussed when we focus soley on one disabilty. There is power in numbers...and disabilty numbers are huge.
Jenny has been given an amazing opportunity to inform and educate the public. She must be prepared to do justice to that role, or risk having her valuable story and experiences easily dismissed as little more than an emotional mother who is not facing the reality of her son's diagnosis (an argument most parents have heard against their hopeful declarations at one time or another!). I admit that too often I found her answers a combination of clear relief at her son's progress, a mother's mountain-moving passion, and well, Jenny McCarthy being Jenny McCarthy on camera.
I wish this loving mom and her son the very best in the future, and hope Jenny continues to bring awareness to a difficult and frustrating diagnosis. I also hope that her son continues to thrive while serving as an inspiring example of what is possible for other children. I applaud this gutsy, famous mom for what she is doing with her talent and celebrity, and for fearlessly addressing special needs- no easy feat when you live in La La Land, where human perfection too often determines human value.
(One footnote: I am impressed with Holly Robinson Peete and look forward to hearing more from her).
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Monday, September 17, 2007
Jenny McCarthy & Holly Robinson Peete on Oprah Tuesday, Sept. 18th
Just a heads up to those of you who want to catch Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson Peete's discussion about their children's autism on Oprah. The program airs tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 18th.
McCarthy is no doubt making the major media rounds with the release of her new book Louder than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Austim. The book is already #1 in special needs titles on amazon.com and I would not be at all surprised to see it hit #1 in overall titles after the Oprah appearance. That's the kind of exposure to a cause that celebrity (and Oprah!) can bring, and such exposure can be great for awareness and understanding of the diagnosis, if it is handle well.
Like many of you, I will be watching the program closely, curious to see what the hour's focus will be, and hoping that it isn't so much about 'fixing' children, as it is on how to best accept such a diagnosis while working to give your child every opportunity for life success, regardless of the challenges presented.
Autism is an especially challenging diagnosis for many families. Let's hope this hour is time well spent and that it proves of value to the millions of families who tune in searching for needed support for their children, and for themselves.
I'll blog more on this after the program airs.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
McCarthy is no doubt making the major media rounds with the release of her new book Louder than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Austim. The book is already #1 in special needs titles on amazon.com and I would not be at all surprised to see it hit #1 in overall titles after the Oprah appearance. That's the kind of exposure to a cause that celebrity (and Oprah!) can bring, and such exposure can be great for awareness and understanding of the diagnosis, if it is handle well.
Like many of you, I will be watching the program closely, curious to see what the hour's focus will be, and hoping that it isn't so much about 'fixing' children, as it is on how to best accept such a diagnosis while working to give your child every opportunity for life success, regardless of the challenges presented.
Autism is an especially challenging diagnosis for many families. Let's hope this hour is time well spent and that it proves of value to the millions of families who tune in searching for needed support for their children, and for themselves.
I'll blog more on this after the program airs.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Friday, August 24, 2007
LETTER TO ERIC- Back to School Inspiration for Parents of Kids with Special Needs
It's that time of year again when back-to-school advice is everywhere you turn.
If you check out my previous blog, you'll see that I've added my strong voice to this discussion as well. But getting ready for school is about more than new backpacks and jeans and IEPs and figuring out how to work with brand new team members. It's also about attitude adjustments and big parenting dreams.
This is often a highly emotional time, especially for families of children with special needs. It's a time when guards are up, and a parent's expectations are often questioned by others who may have never met their children, yet act as if they already know all about them and their future outcomes.
Not all back-to-school needs can be met at Wal Mart.
So I've pulled a sacred letter from my writing archives to provide you with some back-to-school inspiration to help calm some of those frayed nerves that might be working overtime right about now. It's a letter I wrote my son as he left the safety of our family nest to test his fragile wings at his neighborhood school in 1995.
Talk about an unnerving time...
Instead, it turned out to be the beginning of a challenging and rich journey filled with life lessons that remain deep in my heart and soul today, powerful experiences that continue to fuel my work as a writer/speaker/advocate. They have molded me into the person I am today, someone of whom I hope Eric is proud.
Unfortunately, my son passed away in 2003 at 12, ending our back-to-school adventures. But every Fall, I feel Eric's special presence, smell his sweet hair, see his enchanting smile, and remember with deep love and gratitude the back-to-school adventures that we took together. They turned out to be the adventures of a lifetime.
May these heartfelt words of one mother inspire you in much the same way as they continue to touch me. Perhaps you'll even be moved to begin your own letter-writing tradition. I highly recommend that you do just that.
Now, please pass the Kleenex......and have a wonderful first day of school!
LETTER TO ERIC
August 28, 1995
Dear Eric:
Today, as you begin kindergarten, I’m writing you a letter, a tradition I began with your big sister, Jenna, seven years ago.
The first day of school is a fall rite of passage, like brilliantly changing leaves, crisp evening air and earlier bedtimes. For our family, it also represents hard-won success. Some professionals believed the physical challenges of cerebral palsy would prevent you from learning in a regular school environment. Armed with cold, hard statistics, they warned of a life of segregation. But our family doesn’t bank on statistics. We invest in the human stuff, like love, faith and hard work.
We chose a different road.
From the moment you first dramatically graced our lives, we’ve focused on your ability. In turn, you have exhibited a spirit of survival that astounds me. We’ve endured too many moments of grief and ignorance. Yet, what I remember most is your first smile and giggle, your first word and your success at a regular preschool.
You are a wise and handsome child, with inquisitive brown eyes that miss nothing. Much of your ability to positively impact others has come from their first impressions of you as a cute child. Your long and lanky frame holds just thirty hard-won pounds, but you are far from being a lightweight in this life. There have been critical hospital stays, invasive procedures and moments when your life was in peril. But today, we celebrate school and a powerful lesson in letting go.
Today, our family is no different.
In your back-to-school outfit of GAP overalls, white Mickey-Mouse T-shirt and black Oshkosh shoes, you charm me. But there will be challenges. The ground we tread is fresh, presenting a challenge to those uncomfortable with inclusion, a word promising equal educational opportunities for all children. Some people won’t understand our fight and won’t want too. Yet, other educators will also teach from their hearts.
This will be a year of new challenges. When people assume physical challenges include mental impairment, you’ll be the first to forgive. I pray that others in this new world take time to discover how gifted and talented you really are. I want to meet the new friends willing to look past your wheelchair and into your eyes—and into your soul. I eagerly await book fairs, walking down school hallways and making red finger Jell-O at Christmas.
As your special bus disappears from sight, I’m a wreck. In a rare moment, I doubt. Are you ready? Am I ready? Your bus is equipped for wheelchairs and separates you from your able-bodied classmates. Someday, that too must change.
You grin at me through the tinted bus window. You are more ready than I am.
As the bright, yellow school bus disappears from sight, as its larger version did with Jenna many memories ago, I’m overcome with emotion. Safely inside, I release the tears of far too many harsh moments spent in the presence of people wrongly judging your value. But my tears of frustration and anger give way to unconditional love for the wise little soul who has become my greatest life teacher.
You are much wiser than most.
As you begin this new journey, son, you must continue to grow increasingly independent, just like other children. But I promise that dad and I will be right beside you ready to dry your tears on the roughest days, and thrilled to champion the dreams that others will try to tarnish.
Forgive them.
On this exceptional day, words can only begin to express what I feel in my heart, Eric Richard Winter. Thank you for coming into my life and teaching me more than I ever thought I had to learn. I’m incredibly proud to be your mom.
With much love always,
Mom
p.s. Have a wonderful first day in kindergarten!!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
If you check out my previous blog, you'll see that I've added my strong voice to this discussion as well. But getting ready for school is about more than new backpacks and jeans and IEPs and figuring out how to work with brand new team members. It's also about attitude adjustments and big parenting dreams.
This is often a highly emotional time, especially for families of children with special needs. It's a time when guards are up, and a parent's expectations are often questioned by others who may have never met their children, yet act as if they already know all about them and their future outcomes.
Not all back-to-school needs can be met at Wal Mart.
So I've pulled a sacred letter from my writing archives to provide you with some back-to-school inspiration to help calm some of those frayed nerves that might be working overtime right about now. It's a letter I wrote my son as he left the safety of our family nest to test his fragile wings at his neighborhood school in 1995.
Talk about an unnerving time...
Instead, it turned out to be the beginning of a challenging and rich journey filled with life lessons that remain deep in my heart and soul today, powerful experiences that continue to fuel my work as a writer/speaker/advocate. They have molded me into the person I am today, someone of whom I hope Eric is proud.
Unfortunately, my son passed away in 2003 at 12, ending our back-to-school adventures. But every Fall, I feel Eric's special presence, smell his sweet hair, see his enchanting smile, and remember with deep love and gratitude the back-to-school adventures that we took together. They turned out to be the adventures of a lifetime.
May these heartfelt words of one mother inspire you in much the same way as they continue to touch me. Perhaps you'll even be moved to begin your own letter-writing tradition. I highly recommend that you do just that.
Now, please pass the Kleenex......and have a wonderful first day of school!
LETTER TO ERIC
August 28, 1995
Dear Eric:
Today, as you begin kindergarten, I’m writing you a letter, a tradition I began with your big sister, Jenna, seven years ago.
The first day of school is a fall rite of passage, like brilliantly changing leaves, crisp evening air and earlier bedtimes. For our family, it also represents hard-won success. Some professionals believed the physical challenges of cerebral palsy would prevent you from learning in a regular school environment. Armed with cold, hard statistics, they warned of a life of segregation. But our family doesn’t bank on statistics. We invest in the human stuff, like love, faith and hard work.
We chose a different road.
From the moment you first dramatically graced our lives, we’ve focused on your ability. In turn, you have exhibited a spirit of survival that astounds me. We’ve endured too many moments of grief and ignorance. Yet, what I remember most is your first smile and giggle, your first word and your success at a regular preschool.
You are a wise and handsome child, with inquisitive brown eyes that miss nothing. Much of your ability to positively impact others has come from their first impressions of you as a cute child. Your long and lanky frame holds just thirty hard-won pounds, but you are far from being a lightweight in this life. There have been critical hospital stays, invasive procedures and moments when your life was in peril. But today, we celebrate school and a powerful lesson in letting go.
Today, our family is no different.
In your back-to-school outfit of GAP overalls, white Mickey-Mouse T-shirt and black Oshkosh shoes, you charm me. But there will be challenges. The ground we tread is fresh, presenting a challenge to those uncomfortable with inclusion, a word promising equal educational opportunities for all children. Some people won’t understand our fight and won’t want too. Yet, other educators will also teach from their hearts.
This will be a year of new challenges. When people assume physical challenges include mental impairment, you’ll be the first to forgive. I pray that others in this new world take time to discover how gifted and talented you really are. I want to meet the new friends willing to look past your wheelchair and into your eyes—and into your soul. I eagerly await book fairs, walking down school hallways and making red finger Jell-O at Christmas.
As your special bus disappears from sight, I’m a wreck. In a rare moment, I doubt. Are you ready? Am I ready? Your bus is equipped for wheelchairs and separates you from your able-bodied classmates. Someday, that too must change.
You grin at me through the tinted bus window. You are more ready than I am.
As the bright, yellow school bus disappears from sight, as its larger version did with Jenna many memories ago, I’m overcome with emotion. Safely inside, I release the tears of far too many harsh moments spent in the presence of people wrongly judging your value. But my tears of frustration and anger give way to unconditional love for the wise little soul who has become my greatest life teacher.
You are much wiser than most.
As you begin this new journey, son, you must continue to grow increasingly independent, just like other children. But I promise that dad and I will be right beside you ready to dry your tears on the roughest days, and thrilled to champion the dreams that others will try to tarnish.
Forgive them.
On this exceptional day, words can only begin to express what I feel in my heart, Eric Richard Winter. Thank you for coming into my life and teaching me more than I ever thought I had to learn. I’m incredibly proud to be your mom.
With much love always,
Mom
p.s. Have a wonderful first day in kindergarten!!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Monday, August 13, 2007
QUICK TIPS for Back to School & Special Needs Students!
I can't believe that summer is almost over, but with the back-to-school media and retail blitz beginning in earnest, it must be true! So, I'm coming in from the beach briefly to give you my seasonal input on this important subject- I can't completely let go of the summer sand, surf and blazing sun quite yet....even if it has been too darn hot and humid!
Global warming anyone?
We all know we shouldn’t judge others based solely on outward appearances and physical beauty, right? But fact is, in today’s celebrity obsessed universe, looks do matter more than ever before— especially when trying to lay claim to a coveted place in those unnerving and rigid school social hierarchies, including at the lunchroom table!
Remember some of those awkward moments and the guts it took just to show up, much less eat the food???
Navigating school social systems can be tough reality for kids with special needs at greater risk for teasing and bullying because of their differences. The social challenges facing these students hoping to fit it with their peers can make the annual rite of back-to-school preparation extra important.
So here are five simple back-to-school tips for parents to help get their children with special needs off to a great school year start—allowing them to navigate the often unnerving school hallways with a tad more confidence:
•Get your child a good haircut in a current style.
•Go back-to-school shopping with your child and allow him/her to select a cool backpack, the necessary school supplies, and their clothing.
•Outfit your child in stylish, up-to-date clothes and include a sharp new first-day-of-school outfit. If your budget is of concern, shop discount stores, sale racks, second-hand shops and garage sales in upscale neighborhoods. Make preparing for the school year FUN for both of you!
•Pay close attention to your child’s personal grooming every single day—that includes clean hair, clean body, and clean clothes.
•To help reduce stress and alleviate those first-day jitters, visit your child’s school before the school year begins and allow him/her to meet their teacher, principal and bus driver. Talk about the first day of school in advance.
Also, as most of you know by now,the choices made by parents of children with special needs are often the key to determining that child’s educational— and life success.
Here are five tips to help parents become increasingly empowered and effective child advocates:
•Believe in your child’s value—no matter what!
•Believe in your child’s right to an appropriate education, and to their right to attend their neighborhood school whenever possible.
•Check your child’s school file to make sure that the information included is accurate, up-to-date and appropriate. If it’s not, take further action.
•Foster your child’s growing need for independence; don’t further disabled your child—enable him or her!
•Educate yourself about your child’s needs and their educational rights under the law. It’s tough to advocate effectively without such knowledge.
Now, I've got to go get the sand out of my ear....
For these tips and more for families of children with special needs, check out my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations (Jossey Bass/Wiley Publishers, copyright 2006), or visit www.JudyWinter.com
Global warming anyone?
We all know we shouldn’t judge others based solely on outward appearances and physical beauty, right? But fact is, in today’s celebrity obsessed universe, looks do matter more than ever before— especially when trying to lay claim to a coveted place in those unnerving and rigid school social hierarchies, including at the lunchroom table!
Remember some of those awkward moments and the guts it took just to show up, much less eat the food???
Navigating school social systems can be tough reality for kids with special needs at greater risk for teasing and bullying because of their differences. The social challenges facing these students hoping to fit it with their peers can make the annual rite of back-to-school preparation extra important.
So here are five simple back-to-school tips for parents to help get their children with special needs off to a great school year start—allowing them to navigate the often unnerving school hallways with a tad more confidence:
•Get your child a good haircut in a current style.
•Go back-to-school shopping with your child and allow him/her to select a cool backpack, the necessary school supplies, and their clothing.
•Outfit your child in stylish, up-to-date clothes and include a sharp new first-day-of-school outfit. If your budget is of concern, shop discount stores, sale racks, second-hand shops and garage sales in upscale neighborhoods. Make preparing for the school year FUN for both of you!
•Pay close attention to your child’s personal grooming every single day—that includes clean hair, clean body, and clean clothes.
•To help reduce stress and alleviate those first-day jitters, visit your child’s school before the school year begins and allow him/her to meet their teacher, principal and bus driver. Talk about the first day of school in advance.
Also, as most of you know by now,the choices made by parents of children with special needs are often the key to determining that child’s educational— and life success.
Here are five tips to help parents become increasingly empowered and effective child advocates:
•Believe in your child’s value—no matter what!
•Believe in your child’s right to an appropriate education, and to their right to attend their neighborhood school whenever possible.
•Check your child’s school file to make sure that the information included is accurate, up-to-date and appropriate. If it’s not, take further action.
•Foster your child’s growing need for independence; don’t further disabled your child—enable him or her!
•Educate yourself about your child’s needs and their educational rights under the law. It’s tough to advocate effectively without such knowledge.
Now, I've got to go get the sand out of my ear....
For these tips and more for families of children with special needs, check out my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations (Jossey Bass/Wiley Publishers, copyright 2006), or visit www.JudyWinter.com
Monday, July 16, 2007
2007 Maui Writers Conference
Attention all you writers and wanna be authors out there!
There's still time to sign up for the Maui Writers Conference retreat and/or conference held Labor Day weekend. According to the official MWC website, New York Times bestselling author John Saul calls this 'simply the best writing conference in the world.'
Lots of other talented and accomplished people in the writing/publishing world seem to agree. The organizers are especially skilled at attracting accomplished, and yes, even famous individuals representing a wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, publishing, etc.
Access to top agents and publishers (for a fee) is always a big draw, making it easy for starry eyed writers to get caught up in the intoxication of an exciting, face-to-face career opportunity. It may help lessen the sting of rejection if you understand upfront that few writers will leave with an agent or book deal in hand. Fact is, many writers and their works may not be ready yet. Still, the opportunity to get top-notch professional feedback on your work is priceless, and yes, it can be life changing for some. My advice is to listen carefully to professional feedback that can help make your work even stronger and increasingly marketable.
The MWC has been especially good to me, and I've always had a fantastic time while attending, especially once I've learned to slow down the pace (it's way too hot to multi task there, something the locals discourage anyway!). True, I found my agent at the MWC and a book deal soon followed. But I have also benefited from many terrific sessions and outstanding guest speakers. In addition, the professional comaraderie shared easily among the writers in attendance pays off handsomely in lingering professional inspiration (and valuable contacts) throughout the year. I have also formed some cherished, lasting friendships.
Unfortunately, a previous commitment will keep me away from the enchanting Island this year. But I will be in Maui in spirit. Once you have gone, it's hard not to remember the experience fondly.
The MWC is a motivating, inspiring, at times electric experience that improves each year, one worthy of the investment. It's an event I highly recommend, and the views alone are pure inspiration! You can find out more at wwww.mauiwriters.com.
Aloha!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
There's still time to sign up for the Maui Writers Conference retreat and/or conference held Labor Day weekend. According to the official MWC website, New York Times bestselling author John Saul calls this 'simply the best writing conference in the world.'
Lots of other talented and accomplished people in the writing/publishing world seem to agree. The organizers are especially skilled at attracting accomplished, and yes, even famous individuals representing a wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, scriptwriting, publishing, etc.
Access to top agents and publishers (for a fee) is always a big draw, making it easy for starry eyed writers to get caught up in the intoxication of an exciting, face-to-face career opportunity. It may help lessen the sting of rejection if you understand upfront that few writers will leave with an agent or book deal in hand. Fact is, many writers and their works may not be ready yet. Still, the opportunity to get top-notch professional feedback on your work is priceless, and yes, it can be life changing for some. My advice is to listen carefully to professional feedback that can help make your work even stronger and increasingly marketable.
The MWC has been especially good to me, and I've always had a fantastic time while attending, especially once I've learned to slow down the pace (it's way too hot to multi task there, something the locals discourage anyway!). True, I found my agent at the MWC and a book deal soon followed. But I have also benefited from many terrific sessions and outstanding guest speakers. In addition, the professional comaraderie shared easily among the writers in attendance pays off handsomely in lingering professional inspiration (and valuable contacts) throughout the year. I have also formed some cherished, lasting friendships.
Unfortunately, a previous commitment will keep me away from the enchanting Island this year. But I will be in Maui in spirit. Once you have gone, it's hard not to remember the experience fondly.
The MWC is a motivating, inspiring, at times electric experience that improves each year, one worthy of the investment. It's an event I highly recommend, and the views alone are pure inspiration! You can find out more at wwww.mauiwriters.com.
Aloha!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to all you terrific dads out there in parenting land!
While we too often overlook the critical role dads play in healthy families, I hope you never underestimate the power of your parenting role. Kids needs their moms and their dads in their lives.
If you are a dad who isn't involved in your child's life in meaningful and loving ways, maybe it's time to do a gut check and reevaluate your priorities. A child's welfare, and their future, is the responsibility of both parents.
To those of you dads who give it all you've got every day, you deserve to enjoy today's recognition and thanks. The rewards of your efforts are priceless. Enjoy them.
Have a blessed day!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
While we too often overlook the critical role dads play in healthy families, I hope you never underestimate the power of your parenting role. Kids needs their moms and their dads in their lives.
If you are a dad who isn't involved in your child's life in meaningful and loving ways, maybe it's time to do a gut check and reevaluate your priorities. A child's welfare, and their future, is the responsibility of both parents.
To those of you dads who give it all you've got every day, you deserve to enjoy today's recognition and thanks. The rewards of your efforts are priceless. Enjoy them.
Have a blessed day!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wall Street Journal Infiniti Ad
For those who are interested, feel free to check out my profile in the Infiniti ad campaign that appears on page A3 of today's Wall Street Journal. I think the creative team did a terrific job of capturing what I do and why I do it in the space allowed. (Although, there is no way I'm complaining about being included in a one-half page ad in this outstanding newspaper!). Here's hoping this terrific exposure creates even greater awareness of this important topic and population, one that needs to be covered more often and in greater depth by the mainstream media.
If you don't have your own copy of the WSJ, note that I will put up the direct link to the ad once I have it.
Huge thanks to Infiniti and its creative team/agency for recognizing the value of what I do, and for sharing a part of my story in their cool weekly ad campaign.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
If you don't have your own copy of the WSJ, note that I will put up the direct link to the ad once I have it.
Huge thanks to Infiniti and its creative team/agency for recognizing the value of what I do, and for sharing a part of my story in their cool weekly ad campaign.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Monday, May 21, 2007
Shrek the Third Missed the Mark
Okay, I admit that I went to see Shrek the Third this weekend, even though I don't have any young children, and I know that it knocked Spideyman from his skyscraper perch because the entertainment news is all over that reality.
But I don't get what the fuss is all about. I'm not trying to be an ogre with a bad attitude, but I went to see this movie to be entertained. I expected to laugh loudly along with all those adorable chatty kids in the theater, especially the curly haired little cutie sitting next to me who asked boldly what I was doing sitting next to her daddy?! I assured her I was only there to see Shrek!
I was expecting the easy laughs that came with the first two movies, laughter that made me leave the theater still smiling and feeling fine. But this time, not so much laughter or enough movie-goer satisfaction. My husband and I agreed just a short time into the plot that this was going to be a long movie...and we should have visited the restrooms first!
As a writer, I found the writing tired, the plot repetitive, and the jokes too few and far between. What happened to all the great humor relief provided by Donkey and Puss 'N Boots in the first two installments? Why did they save this winning duo's best work for the closing credits- a highlight of the movie?!! Give me more cat and donkey interaction and less ogre, please!
If you're looking for a fairly harmless movie to take your kids to, especially if you like noisy movie theaters so you don't have to worry so much about keeping your child quiet (I remember having that concern many times when my son was young and noise/touch sensitive!), then go see it. But you might want to leave your great expectations at home.
Unless the writers get their creative mojo back on track, Shrek may have run it's magical course.
But that's just my humble opinion...
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs Raising the Bar of Expectations
But I don't get what the fuss is all about. I'm not trying to be an ogre with a bad attitude, but I went to see this movie to be entertained. I expected to laugh loudly along with all those adorable chatty kids in the theater, especially the curly haired little cutie sitting next to me who asked boldly what I was doing sitting next to her daddy?! I assured her I was only there to see Shrek!
I was expecting the easy laughs that came with the first two movies, laughter that made me leave the theater still smiling and feeling fine. But this time, not so much laughter or enough movie-goer satisfaction. My husband and I agreed just a short time into the plot that this was going to be a long movie...and we should have visited the restrooms first!
As a writer, I found the writing tired, the plot repetitive, and the jokes too few and far between. What happened to all the great humor relief provided by Donkey and Puss 'N Boots in the first two installments? Why did they save this winning duo's best work for the closing credits- a highlight of the movie?!! Give me more cat and donkey interaction and less ogre, please!
If you're looking for a fairly harmless movie to take your kids to, especially if you like noisy movie theaters so you don't have to worry so much about keeping your child quiet (I remember having that concern many times when my son was young and noise/touch sensitive!), then go see it. But you might want to leave your great expectations at home.
Unless the writers get their creative mojo back on track, Shrek may have run it's magical course.
But that's just my humble opinion...
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs Raising the Bar of Expectations
Parent Letters
Huge and long-overdue thanks to all you terrific moms and dads and other assorted family members who have written me during the past year to tell me how my book is changing your lives, and the lives of your children.
One of the best parts of my work is connecting with other parents all over the country. I wrote this work for you, so it's been a blast connecting with so many of you these past months. I've listened to your heartfelt stories in major cities and the suburbs, in neighborhood cafes and airports, in television and radio stations as I prepared to be interviewed, and even in bookstore bathrooms!
We've shared tissues and tears and laughter and big hugs. Your words of struggle and success have touched me deeply, and provided me with the kind of powerful inspiration and motivation that allows me to continue my passionate work in light of my son's death.
Too many times your heartfelt words have reminded that as a nation, we have a long way to go to better serve this important population and their dedicated, often overwhelmed families. Like many of you, I'm doing what I can to help change that harsh reality. There is more than enough work to go around. Take on the piece that you can.
One amazing reality has become incredibly clear to me: There are lots of good folks taking on the challenges of special needs parenting with no experience or training, and doing so with remarkable determination and guts, and a whole lot of love for their children, no matter how tough the challenges those children present. I salute each and every one of you for the battles you take on each day for your children, especially when those demands go way beyond just being tough.
As I take a bit of breather and lighten up my travel schedule this summer to recover from the hectic pace of the past year (and to work on my tan!) I will be sharing some of your thoughts, including about my book. Thanks to those who have already shared their words and their permission.
If you want a forum to share your special needs parenting successes and topics for discussion, please email me through the form on my website JudyWinter.com, but no attachments, please. I won't open them. Put your message/photos in the body of the email. I'll do my best to share your words in the hope they will support others in their daily special needs challenges. You will increase your chances of seeing your wisdom appear in print if you stay brief and concise in your emails.
In the meantime, stay strong and focused. Keep laughing!
And give your child an extra big hug for me.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
One of the best parts of my work is connecting with other parents all over the country. I wrote this work for you, so it's been a blast connecting with so many of you these past months. I've listened to your heartfelt stories in major cities and the suburbs, in neighborhood cafes and airports, in television and radio stations as I prepared to be interviewed, and even in bookstore bathrooms!
We've shared tissues and tears and laughter and big hugs. Your words of struggle and success have touched me deeply, and provided me with the kind of powerful inspiration and motivation that allows me to continue my passionate work in light of my son's death.
Too many times your heartfelt words have reminded that as a nation, we have a long way to go to better serve this important population and their dedicated, often overwhelmed families. Like many of you, I'm doing what I can to help change that harsh reality. There is more than enough work to go around. Take on the piece that you can.
One amazing reality has become incredibly clear to me: There are lots of good folks taking on the challenges of special needs parenting with no experience or training, and doing so with remarkable determination and guts, and a whole lot of love for their children, no matter how tough the challenges those children present. I salute each and every one of you for the battles you take on each day for your children, especially when those demands go way beyond just being tough.
As I take a bit of breather and lighten up my travel schedule this summer to recover from the hectic pace of the past year (and to work on my tan!) I will be sharing some of your thoughts, including about my book. Thanks to those who have already shared their words and their permission.
If you want a forum to share your special needs parenting successes and topics for discussion, please email me through the form on my website JudyWinter.com, but no attachments, please. I won't open them. Put your message/photos in the body of the email. I'll do my best to share your words in the hope they will support others in their daily special needs challenges. You will increase your chances of seeing your wisdom appear in print if you stay brief and concise in your emails.
In the meantime, stay strong and focused. Keep laughing!
And give your child an extra big hug for me.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Monday, May 14, 2007
A Belated Happy Mother's Day
Dear Moms!
Forgive me!
I meant to say Happy Mother's Day to all of you yesterday on what was the official day of celebration. But my own celebrating got in the way!
So here is my slightly late tribute to all those hard-working moms, especially those who take on the challenges of addressing a child's special needs. What an amazing bunch of worker bees you are-- too often underappreciated and undervalued, and certainly underpaid. Yet what you do each day is critically important to the healthy growth and development of the world's children.
It's a mighty big job, with big responsibilities. You must endure the sometimes harsh judgement by others certain that the job could have/should have been done better. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart...especially when your child has special needs.
As I've traveled the country extensively the past year promoting my book, I have been honored and blessed to meet some of the most amazing women. They are passionate, gutsy moms who are facing their children's challenges head with deep love and amazing determination. I believe that mothers who work hard to raise their children with (or without) special needs to feel loved, valued and a true part of this world are the best moms that anyone will find anywhere. They inspire me. Some even make it look super easy. You and I know darn well that it's anything but.
Well-deserved kudos for a job well done can be tough to come by much of the year, making Mother's Day extra special. My own mother passed away just a few months after my son was born. Talk about lousy timing... There were so many moments during those early parenting challenges that I could have used her support and wisdom. Still could.
Many years have come and gone, but I still miss my mom. There's nothing quite like having a loving, supportive, and good smelling mommy in your corner, especially when life takes a particularly tough, unexpected (even stinky) life turn. If mom's a good cook, that's even better! Try hard never to take your mom for granted. Savor all her hugs and kisses and unwarranted advice, and her cooking (for better or worse), while she's still here. Because a mother's absence, and the resulting loud silence, may be realized much sooner than you expect, and you can never change that harsh reality.
My hat's off to each and everyone of you for the demanding, sacred role that you play in the lives of your children each day. My applause might be a day late, but then I believe moms should be recognized and celebrated every single day for the remarkable parenting loads they carry so well. Rather than being late, consider my words a well-deserved extension of yesterday's all-too-short celebration!
Huge thanks for all you do, because Moms Rock!
Happy Mother's Day!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Forgive me!
I meant to say Happy Mother's Day to all of you yesterday on what was the official day of celebration. But my own celebrating got in the way!
So here is my slightly late tribute to all those hard-working moms, especially those who take on the challenges of addressing a child's special needs. What an amazing bunch of worker bees you are-- too often underappreciated and undervalued, and certainly underpaid. Yet what you do each day is critically important to the healthy growth and development of the world's children.
It's a mighty big job, with big responsibilities. You must endure the sometimes harsh judgement by others certain that the job could have/should have been done better. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart...especially when your child has special needs.
As I've traveled the country extensively the past year promoting my book, I have been honored and blessed to meet some of the most amazing women. They are passionate, gutsy moms who are facing their children's challenges head with deep love and amazing determination. I believe that mothers who work hard to raise their children with (or without) special needs to feel loved, valued and a true part of this world are the best moms that anyone will find anywhere. They inspire me. Some even make it look super easy. You and I know darn well that it's anything but.
Well-deserved kudos for a job well done can be tough to come by much of the year, making Mother's Day extra special. My own mother passed away just a few months after my son was born. Talk about lousy timing... There were so many moments during those early parenting challenges that I could have used her support and wisdom. Still could.
Many years have come and gone, but I still miss my mom. There's nothing quite like having a loving, supportive, and good smelling mommy in your corner, especially when life takes a particularly tough, unexpected (even stinky) life turn. If mom's a good cook, that's even better! Try hard never to take your mom for granted. Savor all her hugs and kisses and unwarranted advice, and her cooking (for better or worse), while she's still here. Because a mother's absence, and the resulting loud silence, may be realized much sooner than you expect, and you can never change that harsh reality.
My hat's off to each and everyone of you for the demanding, sacred role that you play in the lives of your children each day. My applause might be a day late, but then I believe moms should be recognized and celebrated every single day for the remarkable parenting loads they carry so well. Rather than being late, consider my words a well-deserved extension of yesterday's all-too-short celebration!
Huge thanks for all you do, because Moms Rock!
Happy Mother's Day!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Autism & Aspergers w/Peter Finch KFOG
I'm back from a terrific San Francisco campaign, and still playing catch up! I will blog more about those incredible experiences, and some other important recent world events, soon.
Today, I want to share with you a terrific program on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome hosted/produced by Peter Finch of KFOG. Peter is a popular radio personality in the Bay Area who has an 18-year-old son with Asperger's. He's been doing a terrific job of supporting and covering this topic in the media and in his community for some time. Peter is helping create priceless awareness of special needs, especially about ASD.
That's parent & dad power at work!
Peter's program, The Beat of the Bay, aired this morning and it includes an interview with me. But that is just one part of what I find to be an informative, energizing program on the challenges of ASD and special needs parenting. I know I learned some exciting new things. I think it's worth a listen. Here's the link
http://www.kfog.com/community/takepart.asp (click on: May 5th/Autism and Aspergers)
You can also view my appearance on the popular new San Francisco Show (simulcast on internet worldwide) The View from the Bay with Spencer Christian and Janelle Wang, two terrific hosts! Here's that link!
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=viewfrombay&id=5207088
I'll be blogging more on all that other news soon.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Today, I want to share with you a terrific program on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome hosted/produced by Peter Finch of KFOG. Peter is a popular radio personality in the Bay Area who has an 18-year-old son with Asperger's. He's been doing a terrific job of supporting and covering this topic in the media and in his community for some time. Peter is helping create priceless awareness of special needs, especially about ASD.
That's parent & dad power at work!
Peter's program, The Beat of the Bay, aired this morning and it includes an interview with me. But that is just one part of what I find to be an informative, energizing program on the challenges of ASD and special needs parenting. I know I learned some exciting new things. I think it's worth a listen. Here's the link
http://www.kfog.com/community/takepart.asp (click on: May 5th/Autism and Aspergers)
You can also view my appearance on the popular new San Francisco Show (simulcast on internet worldwide) The View from the Bay with Spencer Christian and Janelle Wang, two terrific hosts! Here's that link!
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=viewfrombay&id=5207088
I'll be blogging more on all that other news soon.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
If this is Spring, it must be IEPT time!
For many families, Spring brings with it the promise of increasing daylight hours, blooming flowers, fun outdoor activities, and thoughts of summer vacations-- and yes, an abundance of those pesky Individualized Education Program Team (IEPT) meetings that help state your child's goals and objectives and services for the next school year. (Sorry to sneak in the IEP with all that fun family stuff!).
The reality is that IEPs are often unnerving and frustrating events, even for the most well-prepared families. So here are five key tips to help you make the process a little less stressful, and increasingly productive. You can find more in my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs:Raising the Bar of Expectations.
Sometimes, the simplest actions can make you feel more empowered and effective!
First, you must believe in your child's value and their right to appropriate educational opportunities before ever setting foot in that meeting. Everything else stems from embracing this belief in your child. It will make you fearless. Do a gut check- what do you want for your child?
Educate yourself about the IEP process.
Do your homework before the meeting and answer the following questions: What exactly is an IEP? How important is it to your child? What does it include? What is your role in the process? How does the law support your child's educational needs? How does it all work? Several good resources can help you do just that, including: www.ed.gov.
Dress Professionally and Be on Time!
Listen without interrupting. Use good eye contact and sit up straight. Avoid profanity and threatening behaviors that escalate tension and do little if anything to help your child get what they need. Taking the high road can help you feel increasingly confident and competent in what is often an emotionally charged atmosphere. It may earn you more respect and support- and yes, even results. Look and act like the important team member that you are!
Use children-first language and request that others do the same. Don't allow others to define your child by disability or use limiting, negative labels and language to discuss him/her. Don't ignore your child's needs, but ask that all present address those needs in more positive, productive ways that focus on solutions, not problems. No child's potential should be limited because of negative perceptions from inappropriate or excessive use of labels.
Include your child in the IEPT meeting. They have a right to be there. It is their life everyone is discussing afterall.
Debrief after the meeting.
These meetings can take your breath away- and not in a good way! Adenaline is pumping and stress levels are high, no matter how well it all seemed to go. Take time to refuel and recover by doing something fun. Go out for pizza, take a walk, watch funny movies, or read your child his/her favorite story. End your day with some much-needed balance.
One final note: Never skip out on your child's IEPT meetings! If you don't care enough to advocate for your child's best future, and yours, why should anyone else? Make a better choice- one worthy of your child!
Remember: You are your child's first and most important teacher-and not just for a school year, but for life.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
The reality is that IEPs are often unnerving and frustrating events, even for the most well-prepared families. So here are five key tips to help you make the process a little less stressful, and increasingly productive. You can find more in my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs:Raising the Bar of Expectations.
Sometimes, the simplest actions can make you feel more empowered and effective!
First, you must believe in your child's value and their right to appropriate educational opportunities before ever setting foot in that meeting. Everything else stems from embracing this belief in your child. It will make you fearless. Do a gut check- what do you want for your child?
Educate yourself about the IEP process.
Do your homework before the meeting and answer the following questions: What exactly is an IEP? How important is it to your child? What does it include? What is your role in the process? How does the law support your child's educational needs? How does it all work? Several good resources can help you do just that, including: www.ed.gov.
Dress Professionally and Be on Time!
Listen without interrupting. Use good eye contact and sit up straight. Avoid profanity and threatening behaviors that escalate tension and do little if anything to help your child get what they need. Taking the high road can help you feel increasingly confident and competent in what is often an emotionally charged atmosphere. It may earn you more respect and support- and yes, even results. Look and act like the important team member that you are!
Use children-first language and request that others do the same. Don't allow others to define your child by disability or use limiting, negative labels and language to discuss him/her. Don't ignore your child's needs, but ask that all present address those needs in more positive, productive ways that focus on solutions, not problems. No child's potential should be limited because of negative perceptions from inappropriate or excessive use of labels.
Include your child in the IEPT meeting. They have a right to be there. It is their life everyone is discussing afterall.
Debrief after the meeting.
These meetings can take your breath away- and not in a good way! Adenaline is pumping and stress levels are high, no matter how well it all seemed to go. Take time to refuel and recover by doing something fun. Go out for pizza, take a walk, watch funny movies, or read your child his/her favorite story. End your day with some much-needed balance.
One final note: Never skip out on your child's IEPT meetings! If you don't care enough to advocate for your child's best future, and yours, why should anyone else? Make a better choice- one worthy of your child!
Remember: You are your child's first and most important teacher-and not just for a school year, but for life.
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Today is National Sibling Day 2007
Did you know that today is National Sibling Day?
That presents a great opportunity for families to recognize and celebrate the important sibling bond, especially in families with special needs. Perhaps in no other family is the sibling bond so incedibly challenged, yet so remarkably rewarding. The emotional and physical challenges these brothers and sisters face together often build a rock-solid bond and fierce loyalty that is too rarely understood by the rest of the world. It's often an inspiring bond to witness.
Take some time today to check in with all of the sibs in your household and talk about the gifts that come from the special sibling bond, regardless of the daily challenges presented. Perhaps this is a great time to open up that honest discussion, too.
Siblings in families living with special needs are my heroes. Today, I salute their valuable, life-changing roles!
They serve as a much-needed example to all of us.
For more information about siblings and special needs, including SIBSHOPS visit: The Sibling Support Project of the ARC of the United States, at www.siblingsupport.org
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
That presents a great opportunity for families to recognize and celebrate the important sibling bond, especially in families with special needs. Perhaps in no other family is the sibling bond so incedibly challenged, yet so remarkably rewarding. The emotional and physical challenges these brothers and sisters face together often build a rock-solid bond and fierce loyalty that is too rarely understood by the rest of the world. It's often an inspiring bond to witness.
Take some time today to check in with all of the sibs in your household and talk about the gifts that come from the special sibling bond, regardless of the daily challenges presented. Perhaps this is a great time to open up that honest discussion, too.
Siblings in families living with special needs are my heroes. Today, I salute their valuable, life-changing roles!
They serve as a much-needed example to all of us.
For more information about siblings and special needs, including SIBSHOPS visit: The Sibling Support Project of the ARC of the United States, at www.siblingsupport.org
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Congratulations to NCAA Champs the MSU Hockey Team!
Congratulations to the Michigan State Spartans who got themselves a shiny new 2007 NCAA title! No, not in football, not in basketball (men's or women's) but for HOCKEY! Who would have thunk it????
Kudos to my Spartans who beat Boston College 3-1 last night.
GO GREEN!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Kudos to my Spartans who beat Boston College 3-1 last night.
GO GREEN!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Easter 2007
One of the things I love most about Easter, (besides decadent chocolate coconut eggs!), is the focus on spiritual renewal and new life. That gives us permission to experience our own seasonal rebirth, something especially comforting after a long, dreary Winter, or abstaining from red wine for Lent!
We get the chance to start anew, again!
No matter what other bad news is going on in our dangerous world, Spring always brings with it the marvel of new life. There's those spunky little flowers that push boldly through frozen ground, or swelling buds on tree branches that moments before seemed barren, and birds singing sweet melodies confidently at dawn, replacing all those annoying alarm clocks. Nature's orchestra is in full production with a glorious show worthy of Broadway- one not to be missed!
Dare I say it's even magical?
This week, take a needed break from your daily grind, the 24/7 news reports, and those worries about your child's next unnerving IEPT meeting, and notice the rites of Spring unfolding in your own backyard. Explore its meaning for your own life. Then start fresh.
Because after all the chocolate bunnies, marshmellow peeps, and grandma's leftover ambrosia salad and salty ham have been consumed, rebirth is the empowering message of Spring.
Try hard not to miss it.
Happy Easter!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
We get the chance to start anew, again!
No matter what other bad news is going on in our dangerous world, Spring always brings with it the marvel of new life. There's those spunky little flowers that push boldly through frozen ground, or swelling buds on tree branches that moments before seemed barren, and birds singing sweet melodies confidently at dawn, replacing all those annoying alarm clocks. Nature's orchestra is in full production with a glorious show worthy of Broadway- one not to be missed!
Dare I say it's even magical?
This week, take a needed break from your daily grind, the 24/7 news reports, and those worries about your child's next unnerving IEPT meeting, and notice the rites of Spring unfolding in your own backyard. Explore its meaning for your own life. Then start fresh.
Because after all the chocolate bunnies, marshmellow peeps, and grandma's leftover ambrosia salad and salty ham have been consumed, rebirth is the empowering message of Spring.
Try hard not to miss it.
Happy Easter!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Calling all Artists Ages 16-25 with Disabilities!
Calling all artists ages 16-25 with special needs!
VSA Arts (I LOVE this organization!) is holding a 'National Juried Exhibition for Young Artists With Disabilities'. The theme is 'Driven'. The exhibition is sponsored by Volkswagen of America Inc., and there are big cash prizes!!
Postmarked deadline is June 29, 2007. So get busy!
To find out more, visit www.vsarts.org
Good luck!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
VSA Arts (I LOVE this organization!) is holding a 'National Juried Exhibition for Young Artists With Disabilities'. The theme is 'Driven'. The exhibition is sponsored by Volkswagen of America Inc., and there are big cash prizes!!
Postmarked deadline is June 29, 2007. So get busy!
To find out more, visit www.vsarts.org
Good luck!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
National Public Radio Airs Piece on Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Kudos to National Public Radio's (NPR) Morning Edition for airing a well-deserved and well-produced piece today about Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her on-going work with Special Olympics.
I am a huge fan of this terrific woman and the organization she began as Camp Shriver in her backyard decades ago. Ms. Shriver has been one of my role models and a stellar example as I pursue my own passionate work on behalf of those with special needs. That's why I included a special tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Special Olympics (and an insightful interview with her son, Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics) in my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations.
If you want to be reminded of the power of one person to take on a huge social justice issue and impact lasting, critical change, do yourself a favor and check out this morning's piece at www.npr.org- and be sure to read the tribute in my book, too!
I feel better just knowing that Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and her family, are at work in the world. These people are terrific examples for the rest of us.
Now, what are you doing today to change a child's life?
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
I am a huge fan of this terrific woman and the organization she began as Camp Shriver in her backyard decades ago. Ms. Shriver has been one of my role models and a stellar example as I pursue my own passionate work on behalf of those with special needs. That's why I included a special tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Special Olympics (and an insightful interview with her son, Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics) in my book Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations.
If you want to be reminded of the power of one person to take on a huge social justice issue and impact lasting, critical change, do yourself a favor and check out this morning's piece at www.npr.org- and be sure to read the tribute in my book, too!
I feel better just knowing that Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and her family, are at work in the world. These people are terrific examples for the rest of us.
Now, what are you doing today to change a child's life?
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
Sunday, March 18, 2007
MTV Program: True Life: I'm Autistic
I admit that I'm not always a fan of MTV programming, but I applaud what they aired on March 18th. The program True Life: I'm Autistic profiles the lives of three teens living with varying degrees of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they go about their daily lives and pursue their dreams.
The remarkable young men include:
Jeremy, 17, who uses a simple portable speech machine that allows him to finally communicate directly with his peers.
Jonathan is an autistic savant, the term used to describe someone who has a significant disability and exceptional talent. Jonathan's talent is painting.
Elijah is 16 and has Asperger's symdrome, the term applied to higher-functioning autism. He wants to be a stand-up comedian.
The program does an outstanding job of letting the story tell itself as each of these young adults, with the amazing support of their incredible parents, pursue their life dreams in the face of a complex, often frustrating disability.
For more information on the program, and to view a clip of this terrific show, visit the MTV website: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/truelife/series.jhtml
This is the kind of responsible programming that MTV can be proud of- and a valuable media effort that can help others have a greater appreciation for and understanding of autism and other disabilities.
Another terrific resource for those interested in learning more about autism is the documentary Normal People Scare Me. For more information on this and other important film projects in the works by the mother/son film team of Keri Bowers and 17-year-old Taylor Cross, who has autism, visit: normalfilms.com.
Both looks are worthy of your time!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
The remarkable young men include:
Jeremy, 17, who uses a simple portable speech machine that allows him to finally communicate directly with his peers.
Jonathan is an autistic savant, the term used to describe someone who has a significant disability and exceptional talent. Jonathan's talent is painting.
Elijah is 16 and has Asperger's symdrome, the term applied to higher-functioning autism. He wants to be a stand-up comedian.
The program does an outstanding job of letting the story tell itself as each of these young adults, with the amazing support of their incredible parents, pursue their life dreams in the face of a complex, often frustrating disability.
For more information on the program, and to view a clip of this terrific show, visit the MTV website: http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/truelife/series.jhtml
This is the kind of responsible programming that MTV can be proud of- and a valuable media effort that can help others have a greater appreciation for and understanding of autism and other disabilities.
Another terrific resource for those interested in learning more about autism is the documentary Normal People Scare Me. For more information on this and other important film projects in the works by the mother/son film team of Keri Bowers and 17-year-old Taylor Cross, who has autism, visit: normalfilms.com.
Both looks are worthy of your time!
JudyWinter.com
Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations
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