Special Needs

Inside the Valley’s First Ronald McDonald House® Family Room

By Ronald McDonald House  A freshly washed set of Spider-Man sheets sits folded inside the Ronald McDonald House® Family Room at Banner Children’s at Thunderbird,...

Maintaining Hobbies, Friendships, and Personal Identity as a Caregiver

By: Courtney Deeren When Caregiving Becomes Everything Caregiving has a way of expanding into every corner of life. For parents and caregivers of children with disabilities,...

A Teacher Thinks Your Child May Have Autism: What Should You Do Next?

By Dr. Emily Newton When a teacher raises a concern, many parents immediately fear that it means something is "wrong" or that a diagnosis will...

Baseball Without Barriers Phoenix PONY Champions League Gives Every Athlete a Chance to Shine

The crack of the bat. Cheers from the stands. High-fives at home plate. For many families, these are the moments that define youth sports....

Feeding Success

How to Manage Dietary Needs for Children with Special Health Concerns Managing Diabetes at School Children with diabetes have specific nutritional needs that include regular, timed...

Why Every Teen Needs to “TEAM UP”

How Teens with Autism can form Meaningful Connections In today’s digital age, teens are more “connected” than ever, yet many struggle with deep, meaningful relationships....

A Parent’s Guide to Pediatric Respite Care

Restoring the Caregiving Balance Caring full-time for a child with life-limiting or special needs is an act of profound love and one that can quickly...

Horses, Healing, and Hope

New Therapeutic Ranch in Scottsdale for Individuals with Autism In a quiet pocket of Scottsdale, just off Cactus and Scottsdale Road, something extraordinary is taking...

Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Cope with Grief

Supporting Kids Through Loss with Flutter-Bye Road Grief Story Cards Grief is tough for any child—but for a neurodivergent child, it can feel especially overwhelming....

Identifying & Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and understanding this complex disorder can provide some clarity and knowledge if you suspect your child might have it....

6 Ways to Support Dads Raising Children with Special Needs

Raising a child with special needs is a journey filled with unique challenges and incredible rewards. For fathers, the experience can be both profoundly...

The Benefits of Parents as Paid Care Providers for Home and Community- Based Services in Arizona

In recent years, Arizona has made significant strides in enhancing the availability and quality of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for individuals with disabilities. One innovative...

Trail Blazing

Accessible Hiking, Fishing, and Recreation Across Arizona Did you know our state parks offer inclusive and accessible ways to have an adventure? Here are some...

Helping Your Special Needs Child Transition to Adulthood

As students move through the school system the idea of what they will do once they leave school is a question special needs parents...

Hunkapi Farms’ Programs

Support Children with Special Needs Hunkapi Farms, a 10-acre farm located in the heart of North Scottsdale, offers various equine-centered programs and services with one...

Embracing the Three Levels of Autism Spectrum

As the founder of Arizona Autism Charter Schools and an autism mom who adores and cherishes children with autism, I firmly believe in embracing...

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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