Posted by: Emily Decker, MD on Jan 13, 2026


Raising a child with special needs comes with extra joys—and extra challenges that go far beyond medical care. Learn how to find mentors, connect with support groups, explore adaptive sports and recreation, access respite care, and advocate for your child, plus how CAP4Kids can help you quickly find local resources with just a few clicks.

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Problem Solving: How to Teach Young Children

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Problem solving is a very important skill that we need to teach children from a young age. A child with problem-solving skills keep going until they find a solution; they’re creative thinkers and can adapt better in a variety of settings. Read More

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Certified Child Life Specialists: Providing Emotionally Safe Care

Mar 09, 2023

As developmental experts and “emotional first responders,” a Child Life Specialist’s main goal is to minimize potential trauma and stress experienced during a medical encounter. Read More

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Learning About Special Needs Preschools

Jan 17, 2023

Early intervention describes supports that are available to babies and young children who have disabilities or developmental delays. It’s important because it gives young children the chance to learn the skills they need to be ready for school and life. Every state offers early intervention programs. Read More

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Pronouns 101: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?

Jun 07, 2021

Using a person’s correct pronouns is important because it affirms that person’s identity, helps them feel comfortable in their own body, and shows that you respect them for who they are. Read More

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4 Ways to Encourage Motor Development in Baby's First Year

Jul 09, 2020

Within the first year of life, your baby will develop critical motor skills that help them make small movements, hold up their head, sit up-right, crawl and eventually walk. As a caregiver, there are many things you can do to encourage them reach these milestones. Read More

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Distance Learning: Best Practices to Support Your Student

Apr 03, 2020

Since schools have been closed due to COVID-19, many parents have had to become more hands-on in their children’s daily learning than ever before. Supporting their students at home has been just as much of a learning process for these parents as it is for kids. Read More

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COVID-19: How to Keep Kids Busy and Connected

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In these uncertain times, parents have the added stress of keeping their children busy and connected with friends and family, all while staying home to slow the spread of coronavirus. We did some crowdsourcing to get some great ideas for younger and older kids. Read More

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Talking to Your Kids About Their Future: Questions to Get You Started

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You may remember your parents telling you to figure out what you want to do with your life. Well time flies, and you might find yourself ready to have these same conversations with your child. So how do you encourage them to think about their plans for the future? Read More