The Activities a Baby Needs for Development

During the first 18 months of your baby’s life, you’ll see them grow and change more than during any other period of their life.

Sometimes they’ll seem like a different person from one day to the next! And because their needs and interests are changing so rapidly, you’ll need to be flexible to keep up with their learning and growth.

These simple, fun activities are entertaining for both you and baby, and they support development as they grow.

How can you help to foster your child's self-esteem?

How can a parent help to foster healthy self-esteem in a child? These tips can make a big difference:

• Be careful what you say. Kids can be sensitive to parents' and others' words. Remember to praise your child not only for a job well done, but also for effort. But be truthful. For example, if your child doesn't make the soccer team, avoid saying something like, "Well, next time you'll work harder and make it." Instead, try "Well, you didn't make the team, but I'm really proud of the effort you put into it." Reward effort and completion instead of outcome.

What Parents of Autistic Children Want Educators to Know

Several Parents of children with Autism and Asperger's have written what they would like Educators to know about having a child with autism in their class:

1.  Please let us know if our child has had a good day.  It means SO much to parents to receive encouragement.  Just simple things like our child participating in a group discussion can be the highlight of our week!

The signs of Autism during childhood

Although autism is present at birth (congenital), signs of the disorder can be difficult to identify or diagnose during infancy. Symptoms of autism are usually noticed first by parents and other caregivers sometime during the child's first 3 years.

Parents often become concerned when their toddler does not like to be held; does not seem interested in playing certain games, such as peekaboo; and does not begin to talk.

Sometimes, a child with autism will start to talk at the same time as other children the same age, then lose his or her language skills.