Thanksgiving presents distinct challenges for families supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The convergence of disrupted routines, altered sensory environments, and increased social demands creates conditions that frequently trigger dysregulation and behavioral escalation. This guide provides evidence-based strategies for mitigating these challenges through advance preparation, environmental modification, and realistic expectation-setting. Understanding the Thanksgiving Challenge […]

November marks National Family Caregivers Month. An observance established in 1994 by the Caregiver Action Network to recognize the estimated 53 million Americans who provide unpaid care to family members with chronic conditions, disabilities, or illnesses. For families supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Virginia, this month serves as an important reminder to […]

When 14-year-old Marcus came home from his Virginia Beach middle school with his backpack torn and his confidence shattered, his mother knew this wasn’t typical teenage drama. As a student with autism, Marcus had become a target, and his story reflects a disturbing pattern documented by federal education researchers… Children with disabilities experience bullying at […]

Not too long ago, I watched a parent and their teenage daughter at a local Norfolk café. The daughter, who appeared to have a developmental disability, was trying to order coffee. The barista grew impatient. Other customers stared. I could see the realization wash over the parent’s face, something profound and frightening. In just months, […]

It’s 2 AM and you’re lying awake, wondering: Will my child’s new teacher understand that meltdowns aren’t defiance? Will they see the brilliant mind behind the behavioral challenges? Maybe you’ve enjoyed a more flexible summer routine. Maybe your child has thrived with fewer transitions. But as the school year approaches, that creeping worry sets in: […]

Most people expect parents to be the primary caregivers for children with disabilities. But there’s another group whose experiences are just as deeply shaped – siblings. If you’ve ever watched a child grow up alongside a brother or sister with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, or other challenges, you know: siblings walk a unique path. They […]

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re facing one of the most stressful situations a military family can encounter: managing a PCS move when your child or loved one receives disability services. As someone who has walked alongside countless Hampton Roads military families through these transitions, we want you to know something important right from […]

Good news for Hampton Roads families: Understanding the positive changes coming to your services. When you’ve been fighting for every bit of support your loved one needs, positive news from Richmond can feel almost too good to be true. But we’re here to tell you that Virginia’s recent announcement about developmental disability waiver rate increases […]

If you’re the parent or caregiver of someone on the autism spectrum, you’ve probably felt whiplashed by recent headlines. On one hand, you’re hearing promises that the federal government will solve autism’s causes by September. On the other hand, you’re reading about research funding cuts and scientists speaking out against misleading claims. As families who’ve […]

If you’ve been feeling a knot in your stomach lately about news reports mentioning “budget cuts” and “Medicaid reductions,” you’re not alone.  As parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, we know that behind every policy headline is a real family wondering:  Will my loved one still have the support they need? […]