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    • After Diagnosis
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      • Creating a Care Notebook
      • Documents and Forms
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      • State and County Specific Resources
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      • Inclusive Playgrounds and Parks
      • Recreation and Sports
      • Dental Care
      • Air Travel Preparation
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Special Needs Childcare
    • Advocacy & Support
      • Support Resources and Organizations
      • Support Resources for Military Families
      • Becoming a Family Advisor
      • Family Advocacy Training
    • School
      • Special Education, IEP and 504 Plan
      • Going Back to School
      • From Hospital to School
    • Adolescent Transition
      • For Teens/Young Adults
        • Employment for Teens
        • Planning Time Away from Home for Teens
        • Teen Care Notebook
        • Care Plans for Teens
        • Talking with Health Professionals for Teens
        • Deciding and Telling About Your Health Condition
        • Building Your Parents’ Trust
      • For Parents
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    Linkages

    Home » Linkages
    Linkages: Recreation And Play For Children And Youth With Special Needs

    Linkages: Recreation And Play For Children And Youth With Special Needs

    Inclusive and barrier-free playgrounds, parks, activities and resources around Washington State that offer opportunities for children regardless of their age and ability.

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    Linkages Winter 2018: Sexuality And Puberty Education

    Linkages Winter 2018: Sexuality And Puberty Education

    Sexuality And Puberty Education For Youth With Special Needs

    READ MORE
    Linkages Fall 2017: Neuromuscular Disease Resources

    Linkages Fall 2017: Neuromuscular Disease Resources

    Neuromuscular Disease Resources for OT/PT’s, nurses, primary care providers, school nurses, teachers and parents. Includes school specific resources.

    READ MORE
    Linkages Summer 2017: Asthma Resources

    Linkages Summer 2017: Asthma Resources

    The Linkages Asthma Resources newsletter features materials that may be helpful for families with limited English proficiency and low health literacy.

    READ MORE
    Linkages Winter 2017: Mental and Behavioral Health Resources

    Linkages Winter 2017: Mental and Behavioral Health Resources

    Linkages Winter 2017: Mental and Behavioral Health Resources is a newsletter for professionals who work with children who have ongoing health conditions or disabilities.

    READ MORE

    Center for Children with Special Needs

    Be sure to follow us on social media to receive alerts on upcoming events, activities and opportunities to meet other families who have children with special needs.
    Community Calendar
    Current Month

    october, 2018

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    Curiosity Club - Exceptional Families Exceptional Families 5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    21oct1:00 pm2:00 pmCuriosity Club - Exceptional Families1:00 pm - 2:00 pm PST Exceptional Families

    Curiosity Club - Photo by Joseph Rosales on Unsplash

    Event Details

    Curiosity Club - Meets monthly on the 3rd Sunday @ 1pm This is a club to inspire our children to trust their curiosity and nurture their confidence. Each child will leave

    Event Details

    Curiosity Club – Meets monthly on the 3rd Sunday @ 1pm
    This is a club to inspire our children to trust their curiosity and nurture their confidence. Each child will leave with a copy of the book of the month and something they have created. This group is primarily for 2 to 8 years olds. Older children are more than welcome to join in. RSVP at rsvpEFNevent@gmail.com.

    Organizer

    Exceptional Families Networkinfo@exceptionalfamilies.org 5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    Time

    (Sunday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm PST

    Location

    Exceptional Families

    5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    CalendarGoogleCal

    Dungeons & Dragons Club II - Exceptional Families Exceptional Families 5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    21oct1:00 pm2:00 pmDungeons & Dragons Club II - Exceptional Families1:00 pm - 2:00 pm PST Exceptional Families

    Dungeons & Dragons Day at Exceptional Families

    Event Details

    Join Exceptional Families for their twice monthly Dungeon & Dragons adventure lead by our DM, Cole. Grab your imagination and come on over for an afternoon of storytelling in the

    Event Details

    Join Exceptional Families for their twice monthly Dungeon & Dragons adventure lead by our DM, Cole. Grab your imagination and come on over for an afternoon of storytelling in the world of swords and sorcery.  Open to ages 8+. We meet the first and third Sunday of each month. RSVP at rsvpEFNevent@gmail.com.

    Organizer

    Exceptional Families Networkinfo@exceptionalfamilies.org 5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    Time

    (Sunday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm PST

    Location

    Exceptional Families

    5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    CalendarGoogleCal

    Autism 100 Classes Seattle Children's Hospital 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

    25oct7:00 pm8:30 amAutism 100 Classes7:00 pm - 8:30 am PST Seattle Children's Hospital

    Autism 200 Series - Seattle Children's Main Entrance

    Event Details

    In this free lecture,  Autism 100 participants will learn about: Up-to-date, evidence-based information regarding the core deficits of ASD Variability and presentation of behaviors associated with autism Prevalence and etiology

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    Event Details

    In this free lecture,  Autism 100 participants will learn about:

    • Up-to-date, evidence-based information regarding the core deficits of ASD
    • Variability and presentation of behaviors associated with autism
    • Prevalence and etiology (study of the cause of the disorder)
    • Treatments available
    • Resources for families

    This lecture is intended for parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is no need to register in advance to attend. Read the series flyer (PDF).

    Lectures are held at Seattle Children’s Hospital’s main campus in room RC.3.905 near the River entrance unless otherwise noted. Parking at Seattle Children’s main campus is free in Lot 1 for those who attend the lecture in person.

    Have general questions about autism classes at Seattle Children’s? Call 206-987-8080.

     

    Class Details

    January 25, 2018
    7 to 8:30 p.m. in Wright Auditorium
    Presenters: Chuck Cowan, MD, and Anita Wright, MS, CCC-SLP

    April 26, 2018
    7 to 8:30 p.m.
    Presenters: Dora Hall, ARNP, and Karen Barnes, PhD

    July 26, 2018
    7 to 8:30 p.m.
    Presenters: Felice Orlich, PhD, and Karen Sporn, ARNP

    October 25, 2018
    7 to 8:30 p.m.
    Presenters: Jennifer Gerdts, PhD, and Jennifer Mannheim, ARNP

     

    Additional resources can be found at the Autism Center Resources page or on The Autism Blog, authored by Seattle Children’s Autism Center. The world of autism spectrum disorders is constantly changing and we at Seattle Children’s Autism Center are eager to share with parents and caregivers what we continue to learn. The Autism Blog is designed to be a resource on autism as well as an opportunity to comment on our posts and engage with our experts.

    Organizer

    Seattle Children's Autism Center 4909 25th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

    Time

    (Thursday) 7:00 pm - 8:30 am PST

    Location

    Seattle Children's Hospital

    4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

    Learn More

    CalendarGoogleCal

    Words and Whine Book Club - Exceptional Families Exceptional Families 5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    26oct6:00 pm7:00 pmWords and Whine Book Club - Exceptional Families6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PST Exceptional Families

    Words and Whine Book Club - Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash

    Event Details

    Words and Whine Book Club - Meets monthly on the last Friday @ 6pm Join us for conversation and discussion of our current book selection and have a nice chat with

    Event Details

    Words and Whine Book Club – Meets monthly on the last Friday @ 6pm
    Join us for conversation and discussion of our current book selection and have a nice chat with other parents like you. To RSVP, email rsvpEFNevent@gmail.com.

    Organizer

    Exceptional Families Networkinfo@exceptionalfamilies.org 5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    Time

    (Friday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm PST

    Location

    Exceptional Families

    5605 100th St SW, Suite A Lakewood, WA 98499

    CalendarGoogleCal

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    About Us

    Seattle Children’s Center for Children with Special Needs is an information source for families and professionals. We provide information and resources, program evaluation and needs assessment, health education and training.

    Find out more about us.

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    Contact Us
    • The Center for Children with Special Needs
    • 4800 Sand Point Way NE
      Seattle, WA 98105
    • (206) 987-3736
    • cshcn@seattlechildrens.org
    • https://www.cshcn.org
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    Seattle Children's Hospital

    © 1995–2018 CCSN/Seattle Children’s | Terms of Use
    Contact Us

    Send us an email and we'll get right back to you.

    After 20 years serving families of children with special needs, due to a loss of state funding, the Center for Children with Special Needs has closed its doors effective September 30, 2018. During the coming months, many resources on CSHCN.org will become available on SeattleChildrens.org.

    It has been a pleasure serving you, getting to meet you, and helping you find resources for your child.

    Thank you.

    What if we are in crisis?

     

    Photo by Jametlene Reskp on UnsplashSuicide
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TTY 1-800-799-4889) . The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

    • Crisis Text Line: Help is available 24 hours a day throughout the US by texting START to 741741 . The person texting is connected live with a Crisis Counselor, trained to bring people from a crisis moment to a calmer state through active listening and collaborative problem solving.

    For Teens
    • Teen Link: anonymous help phone line for teens. 866-833-6546 Evenings, 6:00pm- 10:00pm (866TeenLink.org).  From: dshs.wa.gov/bha/division-behavioral-health-and-recovery/childrens-behavioral-health
    • TXT 4 HELP Interactive: Created by National Safe Place. Allows youth to text live with a mental health professional.

    Finding Local Mental Health Programs
    • Washington Recovery Help Line 1-866-789-1511 or warecoveryhelpline.org. 24-hour emotional support and referrals for substance abuse, problem gambling and mental health.

    Substance Abuse
    • Substance Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
    • Washington Recovery Help Line: 1-866-789-1511 or warecoveryhelpline.org. For substance abuse, mental health and gambling- 24-hour emotional support and referrals.

    For more information visit “Find Help in a Crisis” from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

    What are helpful resources and websites?

     

    These websites have in-depth information on mental health conditions as well as ideas for how to deal with challenges and manage day to day with your child. They include resources for school, helping family members understand your child’s diagnosis and strategies to use at home.

    AACAP: The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

    Child Mind: Child Mind Institute

    NAMI Washington: National Alliance on Mental Health

    Children’s Mental Health / Behavioral Disorders Program: from PACER (Parent Information and Information Center) includes helpful experience based tips from parents and teens.

    Anxiety BC and Anxiety BC Youth: online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety and anxiety disorders.

    Where can I get support?

     

    Many parents feel alone and isolated in this experience with their child. Dealing with a mental health condition and behaviors takes time, is stressful and can have an impact on your health and well-being. Know that there are many parents who have gone through similar challenges. Here are some tips from other parents who have faced similar experiences:

    Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness -Washington (NAMI) for support and information.

    Connect with other parents. Having a child with a mental illness can be isolating. Connecting with other parents who can relate and understand what you are going through may help you feel better. Other parents may share tips for coping and ideas on finding services and therapists. Hearing other parents’ stories can bring you relief. It can be helpful to know that you are not the only family that has experienced what you have gone through. A great way to do this is through a support group or information classes for parents of children and youth with mental health conditions. Visit the Washington State National Alliance on Mental Illness to find a group near you.

    Take a class. The NAMI Basics class is for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents who have either been diagnosed with a mental health condition or who are experiencing symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed. Visit: www.nami.org to find a class near you.

    Don’t give up hope. This can be a very difficult journey and it can take time to find the right treatment and services, but other parents say that it won’t last forever.

    Take care of yourself. Caring for a child with a mental health condition, going to therapy and following treatment plans takes time and energy. Find ways to take care of yourself when and where you can. Read these tips from NAMI for taking care of yourself.

    How can I find a mental health provider for my child?

     

    Photo by Daniel Gonzalez on UnsplashLearn About Mental Treatment and Providers

    It is very important to find the right mental health provider for your child’s condition and behaviors. Not all therapists treat all conditions. Some conditions respond well to specific types of treatments and parent training. Not all therapists are trained in these treatments and parent training. Read “Choosing a Mental Health Provider” for guidelines on what kinds of providers and treatments to look for.

     

    Search
    My child has Apple Health coverage or Medicaid

    • Read the behavioral health treatment guide to learn more about behavioral health services and how to find a provider. Find more information on mental health services for children at the Washington State Healthcare Authority.

    We have private insurance
    If you have private insurance contact your insurance provider for a list of mental health therapists. Know that it may take many phone calls and time to get in to see someone.

    Use a search engine to find a mental health or substance abuse treatment provider:

    • Find a Therapist* from Psychology Today
    • Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator* Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
    *Therapists on these websites have not been vetted by The Center for Children with Special Needs nor does listing imply endorsement.

     
    Ask
    It is important to ask a lot of questions of a potential provider to make sure they have experience treating children and teens with your child’s diagnosis. The Parent Guide to Getting Good Care covers what to look for in a diagnosis, who can provide treatment, questions to ask before beginning treatment, dealing with more than one diagnosis, learning issues and how to get school services.

    If I have a concern about my child or teen, where do I get them evaluated?

     

    What to Do if You Notice Symptoms

    If you see symptoms or have concerns about your child or teen, you may want to schedule an appointment for an evaluation with a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. If you can’t do that, then meet with your child’s doctor. It will be important and helpful for you to provide them as much detailed information about your concerns as you can.

    What if I can’t get an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist for some time?

    Share information about the Washington State PAL: Partnership Access Line (PAL) with your child’s primary care provider. PAL is a telephone-based child mental health consultation system for any primary care provider in Washington. Toll-Free: 866-599-7257.When they call PAL, they will receive:

    • Advice from a child psychiatrist
    • Tools to help you and your child, including rating scales, websites and local resources tailored to your child’s condition.
    What are signs that my child or teen may have a mental health condition?

     

    Check Symptoms
    Early identification and treatment can help your teen get the help and information they need. Share this youth questionnaire with your teen if they have concerns about their emotions, attention or behaviors. You can take the parent screening questionnaire to help identify if your child is at risk for emotional, attention or behavior difficulties and if you should seek an evaluation with a mental health professional.

    You may also use the symptom checker to check behaviors and signs you are concerned about. The Symptom Checker will give you a list of possible mental health or learning disorders that align with those symptoms. (This is not a diagnostic tool, but a guide to help you take the next step).

     

    When to seek help
    It can be hard to decide when and if you should get your child evaluated. How do you know if it is a serious concern or typical development? When is it time to reach out for help? Read “Does my Child have an Emotional or Behavior Disorder” for tips on when to know your child and family may need help and where to start.

    You can also use this checklist from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry of signs for younger children, pre-teens and teens to see if your child may need to be evaluated by a professional.

    Early identification and treatment can help your teen get the help and information they need. Share this youth questionnaire with your teen if they have concerns about their emotions, attention or behaviors. Take the parent screening questionnaire to help you identify if your child is at risk for emotional, attention or behavior difficulties and if you should seek an evaluation with a mental health professional.

     

    Kinds of Mental Health Conditions

     

    Photo by Joseph Gonzalez on UnsplashFind information on different mental health conditions that children and teens face. These resources include information on symptoms, treatment and getting diagnosed.

    Anxiety Disorders (Spanish version)

    Bi-Polar Disorder (Spanish version)

    Borderline Personality Disorders

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Spanish version)

    Depression

    Depression and Mood Disorders

    Eating Disorders

    Schizophrenia and Psychosis

    Selective Mutism

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