Special Needs

Special-needs melt down? Show compassion, not judgment

“A little support goes a long way.” — Amy Kenzer, vice president and clinical-services director at Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center in Phoenix. Picture yourself...

“Sesame Street” adds Julia, a Muppet with autism and a Phoenix puppeteer

An Arizona mom will be making history on Monday, April 10, when she joins the cast of "Sesame Street." Stacey Gordon, a Phoenix puppeteer, is bringing...

Detour Company Theatre stages “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.”

Valley audiences have an opportunity to see a special performance by Detour Company Theatre this weekend, when Detour returns to the Scottsdale Center for...

MORIAH Cooperative: Peer mentors for kids with special needs

On a sunny day at Enchanted Island Amusement Park in Phoenix, the air is filled with children’s laughter, carousel music and the whistle of...

Camp Soaring Eagle welcomes seriously ill children

Traditional camp experiences are usually out of the question for children suffering from serious illnesses. That's where Arizona-based Camp Soaring Eagle steps in, providing...

Twin is role model at Phoenix Children’s Down Syndrome Clinic

Julia Banahan of Phoenix is an ambassador for the Best Buddies of Arizona program, a choir member at St. Thomas the Apostle Church and...

Asperger’s diagnosis at age 18 is life-changing — in a good way

For Niya Stephenson, what could have passed for adolescent angst was really much more. “I was getting pretty isolated. I was feeling pretty socially awkward,”...

Instilling empathy: Books that explore special-needs kids, themes

We all are the same: We share DNA and the desire for family, community, prosperity, safety and respect. We all are different, too, thanks to...

Local pediatrician, ADHD expert to sign “Marvin’s Monster Diary” books

What’s not for kids to love? Marvin, a rambunctious young monster living on planet Monstearth, and the star of “Marvin’s Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks!”...

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: Queen Creek family beats the odds

In February 2012, Carrie Ford of Queen Creek found herself in premature labor at Banner Desert Medical Center’s emergency room. An ultrasound revealed a...

Water safety and autism

Parents and caregivers must be vigilant whenever children are near pools, lakes and other water features. This is especially true when it comes to...

Amy Silverman’s “My Heart Can’t Even Believe It” explores Down syndrome

People who dodge bullets—real or metaphorical—are giddy with relief; survivor’s guilt and denial come later. Averting one’s gaze from the less lucky is a...

The Miracle League of Arizona: baseball at its finest

A balmy 76-degree morning in Scottsdale seems like the perfect day for a baseball game, especially if you're at Dan Haren Field, where the Miracle League of Arizona holds its games. But...

Service dogs: improving lives, one family at a time

Meet Irish, a distinguished “gentleman”—well mannered, kind and highly educated. Irish is the service dog for Suzy Brunk, of Tempe, a 9-year-old who has...

Special education intervention can begin early

Concerned that your child may have a developmental delay requiring special education support? Your local school district will screen children beginning at age 2...

“Night to Shine” brings prom experience to teens and adults with special needs

Who can forget prom night? Whether it was a dream or a disaster, it's part of the fabric of many people’s lives. But for...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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