Strategies to Address Bullying and Harassment in the Schools
by Donna Gilcher

The need to address bullying in our school is extremely important. The way to address bullying though is not through punishment or by "bullying" children to stop, but instead through education on what bullying is, how to identify it, and ways to combat it.

Research shows us that some of the best ways to combat bullying is to create climates of acceptance and respect within our schools. This is both in language we, as adults, use to speak to children, as well as the language we allow children to use with each other. Paying attention to our language helps us in never speaking down to children and/or avoiding the use of derogatory or demeaning language.

Helping our Children Deal With Seasonal Mood Changes
by Tracy Anglada

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are changing and the autumn air is crisp. For many of our kids this means fun in the form of hay rides, playing in a pile of leaves or roasting marshmallows over a bon fire.

But the changing season may also bring an unwanted visitor - depression!

My own son's initial descent into depression occurred in October. For many families autumn turns into a time of dread as they wait to see if the darkness will descend yet again.

If your child is one who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder or whose illness is made worse by seasonal changes you don't have to wait in dread. You can help your child deal with this aspect of their illness.

by Oliver's loving mom

My son Oliver is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, BP, ADHD, GAD, SID, Complex Partial Seizures, Hypothyroid, Abdominal Migraines, Insulin Resistance, and High Cholesterol.

Despite the fact that he has many issues impacting his daily life, Oliver is and was a very bright, happy, and loving child and did rather well in school until his middle school experience.

Oliver's middle school years were very difficult (to say the least) for us both. He entered middle school two-three years ahead in most academic classes and he left middle school about two years behind his peers. These were dark times.

One of the challenges inherent to parents of children with neurological disorders is homework.

How do I get my child to do homework without a meltdown?

What is a reasonable amount of time for my child to spend doing homework?

Why is there so much homework?

If I request modifications, will my child earn credit towards graduation?

Research demonstrates that homework—when presented in a developmentally appropriate manner—can increase student learning. However, when assignments take too long to complete or require direct parental instruction, both student and parent(s) are at risk for developing stress. The following tips may help in establishing a homework-friendly environment in your home:

• Maintain a homework routine;
• Utilize a student planner for tracking assignments;
• Establish homework time limits (10 minutes per grade level up to 2 hours, individualized according to the child’s needs and learning challenges);
• Provide a quiet space;
• Provide necessary equipment; and
• Encourage your child.

One of the things that is absolutely clear with Sensory Integration Dysfunction or Sensory Discrimination difficulties is that our children are being betrayed by their senses and their bodies. Things that should come as very easy for the child become a constant assault upon them. Their life becomes a series of challenges and confusion. For some children the very act of getting up in the morning becomes a struggle and assault upon their bodies and mind. The alarm jars them from sleep; the floor hurts their feet; the brushing of teeth or hair can be physically painful as well being a balancing act. Getting dressed can mean their pants are too stiff; their socks are uncomfortable; their shirt neck is too tight!

A child with Sensory Integration Dysfunction is unable to process or respond appropriately to electrical impulses that are flowing through their bodies. Jean Ayres describes this as a sensory processing breakdown or “a traffic jam in the brain”.