Mallory Knee, Author at Talbert Zoo

Advantages of an Accessible Van for Special Needs Children

September 28, 2023 Mallory Knee

The lack of proper accommodation in regular vehicles can be a significant obstacle. Whether it’s driving the kids to school, therapy sessions, or the park, the transportation of simple outings can be a huge hurdle to overcome. That’s where accessible vans come in. These vans cater to the needs of anyone with physical or mental conditions that require additional assistance. Accessible vans are especially advantageous for special needs children! Continue reading below how leasing or buying an accessible van could make a difference for your family. Reduces Entry and Exit…

Tips for Supporting a Child With a Hair-Pulling Disorder

September 28, 2023 Mallory Knee

As a mom with a special needs child, you must understand and support your child through their challenges. This is especially true for children living with Trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder that can cause emotional and social distress. Trichotillomania is a mental health disorder characterized by the recurrent, irresistible urge to pull out one’s hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body areas. This constant hair-pulling can result in hair loss and feelings of shame, guilt, and social isolation. Keep reading to explore practical tips for supporting a child with…

Ways To Build Community Within Your Church

September 22, 2023 Mallory Knee

As a Catholic mom, you know all too well the importance of having a strong and supportive community within your church. You lean on your church family to celebrate your joys and to share the burdens of your struggles. But how do you go about fostering a sense of unity and genuine relationships within your parish? Let’s explore some creative and effective ways to build community within your church. Create an Inviting Atmosphere It all starts with creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and valued. This means going beyond…

6 Activities All Children in Wheelchairs Will Love

September 11, 2023September 16, 2023 Mallory Knee

As parents, our biggest joy comes from seeing our children happy, healthy, and excited to try new experiences. For those of us with kids who have mobility limitations, finding enjoyable and inclusive activities can be challenging. However, we’ve compiled a list of fantastically accessible activities all children in wheelchairs will love. From exhilarating sports to creative pursuits, let’s dive into the world of fun activities that can be adapted to every ability level. Wheelchair Basketball Believe it or not, basketball is an exhilarating wheelchair sport that helps children in wheelchairs…

How the Power of Art Can Help Your Child With Special Needs

September 1, 2023 Mallory Knee

As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to engage and nurture our children’s potential. However, finding the right approach can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially if your child has special needs. Enter the vast and beautiful world of art. This domain has the ability to connect individuals, and it provides a place where everyone can express themselves without fear or judgment. Explore how the power of art can help your child with special needs in various aspects of their life, all while participating in creative and enjoyable…

How Stuffed Animals Can Help Children With Autism

June 23, 2023 Mallory Knee

Every parent knows how challenging it can be to find something their child with autism adores. Fortunately, stuffed animals are one item that can make them happy. There are many benefits of your child having a cuddly pal. For example, stuffed animals can offer safe, sensory-friendly playtime and encourage the development of social skills. Together, let’s go through how stuffed animals can help children with autism to see if a stuffed, fluffy friend will benefit your little one. What’s a Sensory Toy? A stuffed animal is a prime example of…

Different Types of Therapy for Children With Autism

June 15, 2023 Mallory Knee

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. Children with ASD may face certain obstacles in their daily lives, including challenges with social interactions, communication, and emotion regulation. Therapy can be a critical component of treatment for children with autism, as it can help them learn new skills, manage behaviors, and improve their overall quality of life. Today, we will explore the different types of therapy available for children with autism and how they can benefit from them. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)…

Sensory Games You Can Add to an Indoor Playground

May 3, 2023June 6, 2023 Mallory Knee

People of all ages and abilities experience the world through their senses. Children are new to our world and are still learning about it and their senses. If your child also has a sensory-processing disorder such as autism, then they may need extra help learning how to process their senses and use them to learn about the world. An indoor playground is a great way to help your child have safe sensory experiences. If you already have an indoor playground or play area, you can add these sensory games to…

Can Aromatherapy Help Kids With Special Needs?

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 Mallory Knee

Aromatherapy is among the most popular health and wellness trends, with many people incorporating it into their daily lives. But can aromatherapy help kids with special needs? We answer that question and more below. Aromatherapy, Explained Before we get into aromatherapy and children, what does aromatherapy mean? Aromatherapy is a word that gets thrown around a lot in health and wellness, but it’s definitionally using essential oils from plants for mental and physical healing. Essential oils and aromatherapy have exploded in popularity over the past decade, as many people use…

Ways To Help a Child With Autism Cope With Grief

April 18, 2023 Mallory Knee

When a grandparent, parent, teacher, or even a beloved pet dies, children need help coping with grief. Understanding what it means when a loved one dies is tough for any child, but it’s especially confusing and difficult for children with special needs. There are ways to help a child with autism cope with grief that are similar to what you’d do for a neurotypical child. While you may find yourself explaining a child’s reactions to family and friends, the focus should be on helping the child cope with this difficult…