Parenting special-needs children and the introduction of autistic ‘Sesame Street’ Muppet Julia

This issue has quite a few articles written by parents who have boldly and bravely shared with us their stories. Their generosity in exposing their experiences, their heartaches, their challenges is what makes publishing this magazine something we’re particularly proud of. The need for “community” is no greater than amongst the families caring for children on the spectrum.

Kevin Howard’s reaction to being told his 3-year-old son had autism, he describes as being blindsided by an unexpected jolt. His parental confidence morphed into a great sense of powerlessness. The subsequent journey he and his son made together and the way in which he recaptured his role as a parent is inspiring.

Lisa A. Beach tells us the bittersweet tale of her now college age son who was diagnosed with Asperger’s when he was in the 6th grade. She reveals to us the disappearance of his social life as his autism spectrum disorder found former friends drifting away. She exposes her heartache for him and ultimately her celebration of his personal triumph.

There are other articles as well, of course, and our good Resource Guide to help inform. One of my favorites is about the recent introduction of the new Muppet character Julia into the cast of “Sesame Street.” A girl with autism entering the cast of this innovative show is not only groundbreaking but truly amazing and of course that’s what it’s called, “See Amazing in all Children.” Two interesting interviews take place in this piece and I certainly hope you will all read it through. Our resident Award winning writer Tammy Scileppi has done her usual good job of writing about an important local and timely topic.

This magazine is a labor of love for me and has been since our first issue in 2008. There is more on the subject of Special Needs on our website and we have created a special tab that will give you access to much of our editorial over the years and also to a growing Special Needs Providers Guide.

If you want to have this magazine mailed to your home or school or therapy center, please contact Tina@nyparenting.com and she will put you on our list.

Happy Spring! Thanks for reading.

Relevant Directory Listings

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Beth Sholom Day Camp

<p>Beth Sholom Day Camp, located in Roslyn Heights, NY is a Summer Camp for children aged 3-15 years old, serving Nassau & Queens. Their program encourages children to try new activities, build friendships and develop skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Activities include music, dance, drama, arts and crafts, karate, as well as outdoor sports, an adventure park, and pedal go-karts.  American Red Cross swim instruction is offered in their three heated pools. This summer, camp will be 8 weeks long with a scheduled start date of June 28th through August 22nd. A minimum of 4 weeks is required. For summer 2023, their program includes a hot Glatt Kosher lunch, an afternoon snack, door to door, air-conditioned bus transportation and New for 2023 - Towel Service!<br /> <br />BSDC offers full- and mini-day nursery programs. Fifth-eighth graders participate in a camp and trip program. They also have a C.I.T. program for 9th and 10th graders. Their camp staff implements an engaging curriculum, with intentional games as well as age-appropriate activities. Beth Sholom Day Camp pride themselves in their ability to know each child as an individual and facilitate positive relationships through team building and group activities. They are proud to offer a dynamic summer experience where children can play, learn, and grow.</p>

ESF Summer Camp

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This camp season promises many exciting opportunities for children to learn new skills, form and nurture friendships and create lifelong memories.<u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u> <u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our goal for our 41<sup>st</sup> camp season, through best-in-class curriculum, is for boys and girls, ages 3-15, to grow up ESF - whether it’s sports, science, technology, the arts, or all of the above. Our experienced, all-adult staff knows that the most important role we play in our campers’ lives is to provide a safe place where they can develop the tools to become independent, confident, lifelong learners. Our 2022 program line-up includes 60+ award-winning activities, uniquely designed to encourage exploration and personal growth. <u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0070c0;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends Happen at ESF! We guarantee that your camper will enjoy a summer with no-limits, where they can be themselves and try new things while their friends cheer them on. The memories they will make and the feeling of having a summer home to call their own is all part of the ESF experience. Enroll now, spots are limited.<u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u></u> <u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; caret-color: #222222; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Locations: Riverdale Country School in Bronx, NY and Greenwich Catholic School in Greenwich, CT</p>

CBE Kids Summer Day Camps

<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Congregation Beth Elohim is so excited to announce the return of CBE Kids Day Camps starting THIS summer!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two programs will be offered in summer 2022: Elementary Day Camp and Camp Kef Hebrew Language Camp, both for rising Kindergarten to 4th graders. A typical day will include community building through play, and activities such as sports, art, computer coding, dance, instructional and free swim in our indoor pool, and much more. Camp Kef Hebrew Language Camp offers all of the same great activities in a Hebrew immersion setting appropriate for dual language learners, native speakers, and kids looking to grow their Hebrew skills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Both camps utilize their beautiful Temple House in the heart of Park Slope, as well as Prospect Park — CBE’s backyard — for outdoor programming. CBE Kids aims to be a place where campers can try new things, make new friends, and grow through play.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CBE can't wait to welcome everyone back to camp this summer. Whether you are a returning camper who cannot wait to get back after two summers away, or a new camper who is ready for a magical summer, there is something for everyone at CBE Kids Summer Camps!</span></p> <p> </p>