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Autism: Sensory Issues and Therapy Solutions

Children play educational games with a sensory bin in kindergarten

  Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can often exhibit sensory issues such as hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to various stimuli. As many as 70% to 96% of those diagnosed with autism can display signs of sensory dysfunction. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association added sensory sensitivity to a list of symptoms that help diagnose ASD. Much like symptoms of …

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The Importance of Early Diagnosis of Autism

During Maya’s* first birthday celebration, her mother knew something was different. “We were singing ‘Happy Birthday,’ and she had such a blank stare. In that moment, I knew something was off,” recalls Elizabeth Chaillou, who perhaps had special insight into typical childhood milestones given that Maya is the youngest of her five children. Chaillou also noticed for several months that …

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Parent You Should Know: Larry Touchet

For Larry Touchet, coaching baseball for his three boys is more than just an opportunity to bond over a shared love of the game. “To be part of their learning and growing process in such a relatable way is priceless,” he says. “Whether it is spending time with them teaching them the fundamentals, or having meaningful conversations about self-confidence and …

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Why Family Dinners Matter: The Science of Eating Together

By Tanni Haas Most families find it difficult to get everyone together at the dinner table on a regular basis. We’re all so busy with after-school activities, late meetings at work and long commutes; it really is too bad. Researchers have learned that eating dinner as a family is extremely important to kids’ physical, mental and emotional health. As Dr. …

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Lemonade Dreams: 9-year-old Frederick County Entrepreneur Hits New York

Zoe Mack, a 9-year-old entrepreneur from Urbana Highlands, is set to serve her product at a New York gala this Sunday. Her brand, Zoe’s Pink Lemonade Soda, is made for all to enjoy—but especially with kids like Zoe in mind, given its kid-centric gift packs, vibrant colors and plushies. It’s a dream that came together almost by accident. It all …

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Teaching Kids Kindness, Compassion and Care with Cats

By Arlene Atkins Children and cats: Hearing these words together, your first instinct might be to say to yourself, “Nope, not a good combination!” I understand that reaction, I really do. BUT, stick with me a couple minutes…. In addition to the joy that comes from bonding with a pet, the benefits your child will receive from loving and caring …

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Springtime for Families: 11 Books to Celebrate the Season

Spring is traditionally recognized as a time for growth and renewal, especially in the natural world, with flowers in bloom and melting snow revealing green shoots underneath. As you welcome spring with your children and teens, reflect on these books about the environment and growth—both the kind you can see and the kind within yourself. Picture Books “Snowman – Cold …

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40+ Ways to Fill Easter Eggs (Without Using Candy)

  By Sarah Lyons Our family loves an Easter egg hunt, but as the mother of a child with food allergies, it is always a challenge to find items to fill all those plastic eggs with that are not candy. Whether, like me, your child has a food allergy, or you would just like to cut down on sugar overload, …

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5 Pet-Friendly Outings in Frederick County

Pets are an important part of the family, but it can be a challenge to find pet-friendly spaces—meaning pets are often left behind when we go out. Luckily for our four-legged family members, Frederick is the place to be for dog-friendly dining, parks and shopping. Here are five ways you can get the whole family involved and celebrate the companionship …

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