Breaking the Stigma: Can Children with Special Needs Learn a Second Language?
Some families and professionals believe that it’s too difficult for a child with special needs to learn a second language, but
research shows that children with special needs can become bilingual. In a study of children with language impairment, Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, researchers confirmed that children’s ability to learn is based on their age, the degree of their disability, their intellectual capacity and their proficiency in their first language.
CNC in Action: Special Needs
When ‘Sarah’* joined the Toronto District School Board Rexdale CNC program, she did not engage with either the children or the toys in the room. Diagnosed with autism, Sarah needed different supports. The child care staff welcomed her with open arms and wanted to help her integrate into the program. They started off with keen observation, hard work, and a request for funding.
In the end, they improved the CNC experience for not only Sarah, but the other newcomer children as well.
3 Reasons Not to Wait to Assess Preschool DLLs with Special Needs
Have you ever wondered whether you should refer a newcomer child for help with a suspected special need? Sometimes we think we should wait, but
this expert disagrees!
ConnectABILITY – Special needs resources for parents and caregivers
Developed by
Community Living Toronto,
ConnectABILITY is a site full of helpful tips, tools and resources for parents and caregivers of children with special needs.
Developmental Disability Across Cultures
The
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the
U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promote the acceptance, integration and inclusion of people with disabilities into mainstream society. The integration of a disabled child may not be the norm for a newcomer family’s culture of origin.Different cultures have different views of disability and treat children with developmental disabilities in different ways.
Find out more...
Children with special needs benefit from classroom inclusion
The secret to boosting the language skills of preschoolers with disabilities may be to put them in classrooms with typically developing peers, a new study finds.
Read more...
Child Assessment and Diagnosis in Winnipeg
The Child Development Clinic (CDC) in Winnipeg provides assessment and referral support for preschool aged children who have a developmental, behaviour or physical disability. Find out more about what parents can do if they have a concern, and what will happen after a diagnosis
here.
Understanding Sensory Issues in Young Children: The Importance of Sensory Integration
Watch
this video to gain an understanding of sensory integration. This video uses animation to provide information about: the 7 senses, how individuals use sensory information, and possible signs of sensory integration issues. Visit
Pathways.org for more information, including a sensory integration checklist useful for checking any possible sensory issues in children.
Does My Child Have A Sensory Issue?
Watch
this video to learn about possible signs of sensory integration issues. This video shows an expert panel of health professionals discussing how sensory integration or sensory processing affects children and the real-life stories of parents of children with sensory issues.
Resources for Making Visual Schedules
Visual strategies and reminders can help to make routines and expectations clear for children—something that can be extremely helpful in preventing problem behaviour and reducing anxiety. These types of strategies can also improve a child’s ability to communicate.
Read More
