20 non-toy holiday gift ideas for kids

By Jamie Davis Smith November 30

The author’s daughter, Sarah, age 5. (By Jamie Davis Smith)

Children everywhere have already begun to give serious thought to their holiday wish-list while parents everywhere have already begun to cringe with the realization that in just a few weeks more toys will be invading their home.
The good news is that not all gifts need to involve toys.
There are plenty of alternatives that children will enjoy just as much as new toy but won’t add to the clutter. Even better, many non-toy gifts lead to enriching experiences, learning, and valuable family time.

12 Tips for Helping Individuals with Autism Have a Happy Holiday Season

While many happily anticipate the coming holiday season, families of people on the autism spectrum also understand the special challenges that may occur when schedules are disrupted and routines broken. Our hope is that by following these few helpful tips, families may lessen the stress of the holiday season and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The following tips were developed with input from the Autism Society, the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Easter Seals Crossroads, the Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at Logan and the Indiana Autism Leadership Network.

15-Year-Old With Asperger's Syndrome, May Be Smarter Than Einstein...

When Jacob Barnett was 2 years old, he was diagnosed with moderate to severe autism. Doctors told his parents that the boy would likely never talk or read and would probably be forever unable to independently manage basic daily activities like tying his shoe laces. But they were sorely, extraordinarily mistaken.

Today, Barnett -- now 14 -- is a Master's student, on his way to earning a PhD in quantum physics. According to the BBC, the teen, who boasts an IQ of 170, has already been tipped to one day win the Nobel Prize.

The unique connection between a mother and child

There's something unique about the bond between a mother and child. The bond can be found with fathers too. But the video below highlights the beauty of motherhood. 

As a small experiment of women’s uniqueness and the special bond between a mother and child, "Pandora" met up with 6 women and  their six children. 

The Result Is Heartwarming

The Result Is Heartwarming