Free Printable Visual Communication Cards in English and Spanish
September 27, 2026
Sometimes a child is trying so hard to tell us something, and the words just are not there. They may need a break, want help, feel hungry or be upset about a change. We see the frustration building, but we do not always know what they are trying to say. Help kids communicate their needs and follow daily routines with these free printable visual cards in English and Spanish. Great for classrooms, home, and children who benefit from visual supports. As a special education teacher, that is one of the hardest things to watch. Many of the children I work with are autistic and do not use spoken words to communicate. I never want a child to feel that they have to get more upset before someone …
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How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting (Parent Guide + Free Checklist)
June 4, 2026
This guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for an IEP meeting so you can advocate for your child with clarity and confidence. Whether it's your first meeting or your tenth, a little preparation can make a big difference. I've sat on both sides of the IEP table, and I know how overwhelming these meetings can feel. This guide will help you walk into your next IEP meeting feeling prepared, informed, and ready to advocate for your child Early in my career, I watched a parent pull a notebook out of her bag filled with questions, work samples, and notes she'd taken throughout the year. She was calm, organized, and confident because she had prepared ahead of time. It reminded me that preparation helps parents …
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ADHD Accommodations Checklist: 32 Classroom Strategies That Actually Work
March 15, 2026
This post was updated on March 22, 2026. Supporting a child with ADHD in school can feel overwhelming—but the right accommodations can make a huge difference. Whether you're a parent preparing for an IEP or 504 meeting or a teacher looking for practical strategies, this ADHD accommodations checklist will help you find supports that actually work. In this guide, you’ll get:✔ 32 ADHD accommodations for school✔ Ideas for focus, behavior, and organization✔ IEP and 504 plan strategies✔ A free printable checklist 📌 What Are ADHD Accommodations? ADHD accommodations are supports that help students with attention, focus, and executive functioning challenges succeed in the classroom. These supports are often included in: IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) 504 Plans The goal is simple:👉 Remove barriers so students can learn effectively 💡 Why ADHD Accommodations Matter Students with ADHD may …
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Social Emotional IEP Goals: 20 Examples + How to Write Them (Parent & Teacher Guide)
November 5, 2025
updated March, 2026 Social-emotional IEP goals are one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of an Individualized Education Program. If your child struggles with behavior, emotions, or social skills, these goals can make a huge difference. In this guide, you’ll find:✔ What social-emotional IEP goals are✔ How to write them (the RIGHT way)✔ 20 real examples you can use✔ A free checklist for IEP meetings 📌 What Are Social Emotional IEP Goals? Social-emotional IEP goals focus on helping students develop skills like: Emotional regulation Social interaction Self-awareness Coping strategies These are critical life skills that impact both academic success and relationships. 💡 Why Social Emotional Goals Matter Students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or behavioral challenges often need direct instruction in: Managing emotions Building relationships Responding to frustration Research shows these skills support:✔ Better behavior✔ Stronger peer relationships✔ Improved academic outcomes ✏️ How …
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Best Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD Kids
May 2, 2025
If your child has autism or ADHD, you may have a drawer full of toys that looked promising but barely got used. I have been there. As a mom and a special education teacher, I have learned that the best sensory toy is the one that matches what a child actually enjoys or needs in that moment. Explore sensory toys for kids with autism and ADHD, including fidgets, movement toys, and comforting plush toys. Some kids want to move. Some need to keep their hands busy. Others seek pressure, chew on their sleeves, or become overwhelmed by noise. Sensory toys can give children ways to explore those needs, but every child responds differently. Here are sensory toys for autism and ADHD that you can explore, along with ways …
