The Bulletin Board contains information of interest to families with KS-- research they can participate in, reviews of books and products,and announcements of events and other happenings. If you would like something added to this page, send Margot an email.

Therapy Cycles

Howie & Ross Therapy Cycles (Scotland) is a small family-run company that specialises in the adapatation and manufacture of stabilised cycles and dual-bikes for children and young adults with special needs.

Using standard BMX low gravity frames, the cycles have been innovated for children who do not want, or need, a tricycle but find that riding a two-wheeled cycle is beyond their capabilities. The stabilised cycles create vehicles that function like tricycles, but retain the appearance of normal cycles.

"Children with special needs have a strong desire to be independent and merge with other children, we hope that our concept of stabilised cycling will go some way to achieve this objective."

For further information please contact:

HOWIE & ROSS THERAPY CYCLES (SCOTLAND)
Hunterston Farm
Mauchline
Ayrshire
KA5 5JD
Scotland
Telephone/Fax 01292 591228
Email: NeilMcNaughton@compuserve.com

Other Useful Bike Options

1. Trail-Gator Bike tow bar - "a unique new product that enables a child riding a 16 to 20 inch bicycle to be towed in tandem behind a standard adult bicycle."

2. Trail-a-bike - a bike which is especially adapted (no front wheel) to attach behind a standard adult bike.

Jog/Walk with ease

Baby Joggers - "We have found baby joggers to be our most valuable piece of equipment - we have a single and a double. I find the time that I spend with Evan while running (or racing) to be very special. Baby joggers help our family to be "normal" in many cases when we otherwise couldn't."

Book References

1. Fantastic Antone Succeedsby Judith Kleinfeld and Siobhan Wescott
   ISBN number 0-912006-65-X, 1993

   Our son has both Kabuki syndrome and alcohol affects, both of which manifest themselves similarly, and this book is written by parents and teachers of affected children. It's an easy read with tons of insight and ideas on dealing with our 'special' kids.

2. Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Teachers by Patricia Logan Oelwein
   Published by Woodbine House, 6510 Bells Mill Road, Bethesda, MD 20817, ph# 1-800-843-7323

   This book provides many practical ways to teach reading to our children with special needs. In particular, the book focuses on teaching children sight words first. This strategy produces instant success in addition to giving immediate meaning to the term "reading." After they are "hooked," children can then progress to letter recognition. In this way, the book offers an alternative to the school system's usual process of teaching letter recognition first.

3. Sensory Integration and the Child by A. Jean Ayres, PhD
   Published by Western Psychological Services, Publishers and Distributors, 12031 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1251

   Written specifically for parents, this book explores the theories and facts of sensory integration therapy. Its intention is to help parents understand their child's behavior. It contains some facinating information on how children must learn to "master gravity" and how this later translates into the easier learning of many other tasks.

4. The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
   A Pedigree Book by The Berkley Publishing Company, New York, NY, 1998.

   A guide for the parent, caregiver, and/or medical/education professional to help understand exactly what sensory dysfunction is and how they can help the child to function "normally" and to cope with this disorder. It also offers parents a sense of relief from feelings of guilt by stressing that their child was born with sensory dysfunction and parents are not responsible for causing it. I have found it a valuable tool for our family and in helping deal with Robert's tactile defensiveness.

5. The Special Child: A Source Book for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities, Second Edition, by S. Pueschel, P. Scola, L. Weidenman and J. Bernier
   Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Baltimore, MD, 1995.

   This book describes what a child with special needs may encompass and how raising such a child may affect family, marriage and friendships. It discusses common problems and disabilities and whether or not they are inherited or acquired disabilities. The book examines the care of your child with special needs: for example, strategies for helping, tests and procedures, adaptive equipment, medications, surgeries and hospitalization, and aftercare. Assessments, education and resource development are also discussed.

6. Steps to Independence: Teaching Everyday Skills to Children with Special Needs, by Bruce L. Baker and Alan Brightman
   Brookes Publishing, Baltimore, MD 1997 (www.brookspublishing.com)

   A step-by-step guide to teaching everyday skills to children with special needs. Provides practical tips and a section on behavior problems. It covers areas such as: toilet training, play, self-help and more. It also contains a chapter on computers with advice on using technology to enhance your child's learning.

7. Brookes 2000
   Brookes Publishing, PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
   Phone: 1-800-638-3775
   Fax: (410)337-8539
   email: www.brookespublishing.com

   A resource catalog on various publications for children with special needs. It contains guidebooks, assessment tools, videos, curriculum, transitioning, inclusion and more.

8. Parenting a Struggling Reader: A Guide to Diagnosing and Finding Help for Your Child's Reading Difficulties, by Susan L. Hall & Louisa C. Moats
   Ed.D., Broadway Books, a Division of Random House Inc.,
   1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, 2002
   

   It takes an indepth look at the signs a child displays when struggling to read. Plus, it gives the parent exposure to the various reading programs that are available, as well as the tests that can be given to determine if help is needed.

9. Childhood Speech, Language & Listening Problems: What Every Parent Should Know, by Patricia McAleer Hamaguchi
   John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 2001
   

   This book discusses in depth the connection between speech, language and listening and a child's ability to learn. It lists the warning signs for parents to be aware of, when to request help, how to read an evaluation report and how such problems can effect a child in school and at home. I found it to be a valuable resource tool and quite informative.

10. The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
    Berkley Publishing Co., a division of Penquin Putnam Inc.
    375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014, 2003
    

    Not being a very creative person, I found this a wonderful guide! It provides the parent various ways to provide sensory therapy while playing (much like the OT's do). A must for every parent with a child on a sensory diet!

11. 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces, by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
    Skylight Press
    260 West 72nd Street, Suite 6-C, New York, NY 10023, 1995
    

    The perfect sensory guide for traveling, rainy days, doctor's office visits, etc.