Resources

Since we recently updated Girlie’s IEP it seems like a good time to talk about resources.  We’re very fortunate to have had plenty of opportunities for educating ourselves, online and in person, to become better advocates for our kids.  If you have a child with an IEP or Section 504 plan, and have not already done so, I strongly recommend reading about what those programs are and are not intended to do.  I can’t emphasize the importance of this enough, as one’s ability to advocate effectively for a child is directly affected by one’s knowledge of the programs and how they can be used to design a tailor-made plan.  Because you, presumably, are the expert on your child, your input in cooperation with the educational experts is the best way to come up with an optimal plan.  Please do not underestimate the importance of your involvement!

A great website for information and articles related to Asperger’s syndrome, autism, and Pervasive Development Disorder / Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS) and challenges common to both children and adults, OASIS has provided a calm in the midst of my storm on more than one occasion.

CHADD is an excellent source of information for children and adults with ADD/ADHD.

SparkTop has been around for quite a while, and is a great website for ‘kids who learn differently’.  There are games specially designed to meet the needs of different challenges, as well as creative online activities.  The site was originally created by Schwab Learning, a program of the Charles (of the financial world) and Helen Schwab foundation.

Knitting two socks at once, toe up, on two circular needles. Just an example
of the information you can find easily from online tutorials and videos!

Anyone who is looking for knitting help can find assistance from the basics to advanced techniques, with excellent video support, at Knittinghelp.com.  This is the site where my oldest daughter and I spent the most time when we started knitting in 2008.  Of course, my favorite knitting-related time sink now is Ravelry, which is a huge source of free and for-purchase patterns for knitting and crocheting, as well as support for spinners and weavers, and a comprehensive and up-to-date database of yarn.  Not to mention, a fun place to drop into a forum and chat!

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information available, and unsure of the reliability of information you find online, don't hesitate to ask someone who's been there.  Pretty soon, you'll find the information that works the best for your family's needs... and pass it on!