'Before We Held You in Our Arms'
Special Needs
Welcome to the special needs section of LAParent.com, where you’ll find events and resources for families in Los Angeles with children who have special needs. We want to connect these families with sources of support – and also family fun! To subscribe to our monthly special needs newsletter, click the link at the top of this page.
A $10 million federal grant will fund the expansion
Parents Anonymous Now Offers a Free National Parent & Youth Helpline 24/7
Bolstering parents, caregivers and educators
Understood.org Resources Support Children with Learning and Thinking Differences
How to advocate for your child with special needs or learning differences
Why Inclusion Matters Now More than Ever
Inclusive Fun
Meet: The Painted Turtle
Art therapist and founder of the Share & Care program, Suzanne Silverstein, shares her tips for helping kids navigate friendships
Helping Your Kids Navigate Friendships
Editor’s note
Editor’s Note: Mothering is Always in Season
Community Spotlight
Meet The Blind Children’s Center
Share the Love
Celebrating Kindness & Inclusion
Community Spotlight
Meet: Vanaman German LLP: Helping Families Navigate the Education Process
A mother’s burning questions on parenting her neurodivergent child
The Journey from Diagnosis to Acceptance
Community Spotlight
ZOOZ Fitness, an Inclusive Gym for all Abilities
Shot of Art: An embodiment of modern-day family outings
Discovering LA’s Hidden Gem for Families: Shot of Art Studio
A new land and a Lego parade
LEGOLAND California Resort Celebrates 25th Anniversary with New Experiences
Fall Book Round-Up
Eight books that will inspire your child to find bravery through adversity
Community news
City Threads: Falling in Love with the Basics
Community News
Susan Berman Named President and CEO of the Help Group
Making Halloween inclusive and safe
FARE and CVS Teal Pumpkin Project Return This Halloween Season
Mental health, AI, gender diversity and more
September/October Issue
All of the products we're loving recently
We Love It
A number of companies will train or hire young neurodiverse adults
Inclusive L.A.: Job Placement
Navigating your child’s autism diagnosis isn’t easy, but there are wonderful organizations in our community that will help
Inclusive L.A.: A Roadmap for Success
Tips from PBS SoCal
Weaving Story Time & Math
Editor's Note
Editor’s Note: Let’s Learn Together
Free inclusive sports program
PlayLA’s Visually Impaired & Blind Soccer Clinics Return to L.A. City Parks this Fall
Inspiration for that upcoming birthday
Trending Birthday Party Themes for Kids
From a garden party to craft fairs, treat Mom to a special day in or around L.A.
10 Mother’s Day Events L.A. Moms Will Love
For Your Next Staycation
Checking In: The Pierside Now Open In Santa Monica
Celebrate nature April 3-9
National Wildlife Week in SoCal
Brunches with Bunny, and More
Check Out These Celebratory Easter Events in L.A.
Fitness Activities for Individuals with Disabilities
Special Olympics Bowling Season Begins July 11
L.A. Parent Spotlight
Spotlight: Josh Sundquist Has His Best Foot Forward
New Kid Shows
New On Screen: What to Watch in June
Chat Room
Jazz Hands For Autism
New Middle Grade Novel
Portraying Neurodiverse Characters in Middle Grade Novels
Kid-designed & Kid-approved
New Accessible Playground at Lionel E. Hudson Park
Young inventors
Local Twins Win in Hearing Loss Invention Contest
What We’re Reading this Month
Book Corner: Crafts, Self-Confidence and Being Yourself
Virtual Performances, Workshops, and Art Exhibit
Planting “Seeds of Kindness” with The Music Center’s “Very Special Arts Festival”
Using Humor in Parenting
Finding Humor in Pandemic Parenting
SoCal Beaches Increase Accessibility
New Access Mat at Venice Beach
Keep Your Kids Moving
Fitness for Kids of Different Abilities
Building Social Skills