Nina, a 17-year-old with severe autism, is a familiar face in Newburyport, known for her outgoing personality and her service dog, Raja. She loves her daily outings with her mom, Sarah, whether it's cycling together or swimming at the YMCA. The community has welcomed Nina with open arms, but there's one place where she's not accepted: her local high school. Newburyp...

Imagine trying to get a good night's sleep while juggling the unique challenges of caring for a child with special needs. It's a tough gig, and it's not just about feeling tired the next day. Sleep is a big deal for everyone, but for moms with school-aged kids who have developmental disabilities, it can be a real battle. First off, let's talk about stress. M...

Imagine a school where kids with autism can feel safe, understood, and cared for. That's what the Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) offers. This nonprofit school has been helping kids with moderate to severe autism since 1989. They have two campuses in Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, where over 60 kids aged 6 to 22 learn and grow. What makes PACE special? It's th...

Meet Melanie Ray, a mom who wanted to make a difference for kids like her daughter, Victoria. Victoria has Down syndrome and autism, and Melanie saw a need for a safe space where kids with special needs could have fun and make friends. So, she started Victoria's Place in 2018. At Victoria's Place, kids can join in on all sorts of activities like art, music, sports, ...

Imagine tuning into "Abbott Elementary," a show that dives deep into the real issues plaguing schools today. It's not just about teachers and students, but also about how low pay can lead to teacher shortages. Have you ever thought about how hard it is for schools to support differently abled students? Or what happens when there's not enough money for school events? ...