MY SIBLING DOLLS GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Congrats to the 2 winners of this giveaway!

Tiffany and Mary! Check your email so that we can get them out to you!

Remember: elf cosmetics and Signing Time giveaways are still in play. A new giveaway will be up later tonight for Phoenix area residents or you could win and gift it to someone in the Phoenix area.

Don't forget you can create REVIEWS on our site!

e.l.f. Cosmetics GIVEAWAY!

Win this 83 piece Essential Make Up Kit! Rules below.

e.l.f. cosmetics - Their Philosophy
In today' world, beauty and wellness go hand in hand – it's a holistic approach that places good health and well-being at the center of what it means to be truly beautiful. Beauty comes from feeling and being your best, an inner confidence that translates to the outer-world as attractiveness. e.l.f.’s philosophy is that beauty comes from within and it's our goal to enable every woman to look and feel her personal best through the perfect blend of both the inner and outer person. With that goal in mind, e.l.f. cosmetics was born – a line of simple, luxurious, problem-solution tools that allow you to showcase and believe in your unique, personal beauty. Our cosmetics are designed to improve and accentuate the individual, not hide her away. We at e.l.f. believe that innovative technology, quality ingredients and superb delivery systems should not be limited to prestige retailers. Every woman should have the opportunity to participate in innovation, without sacrificing her budget. We hope you agree and invite you to experience e.l.f.’s revolutionary, value-priced cosmetics and the proven results they offer.

GIVEAWAY – elf cosmetics – 83 piece cosmetics kit


Want to win this great make up kit from elf cosmetics? Here is what you do!

1.) ALL ENTRIES MUST BE LEFT UNDER THIS POST!

2.) REVIEW – Click on the review tab on the Knowledge Safari website (you will need to set up a profile to do this) – add a review of any business that you want! Could be a restaurant, hotel, store, children’s program, doctor, therapist, book, etc. Make sure to leave a comment on the blog letting us know you have completed this. This is your MANDATORY entry!

3.) CONTACTING YOU - We need a way to let you know that you won! Please note that if you do not have a blogger account or an email listed on your blogger account, you must leave your email address in the comment section or email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know your display name.


Want extra entries?


1.) Tweet about knowledgesafari.com – the tweet must include a link and @KnowledgeSafari so we can track it and leave a comment with your Tweet time stamp (click on the time below the Tweet, which shows you the URL).
2.) Follow us on Twitter - leave a comment on the blog when you have completed
3.) Join our Facebook Fan Page - leave a comment on the blog when you have completed
4.) Follow this blog on Blogger - leave a comment on the blog when you have completed
5.) Blog about the giveaway and our new site on your blog or website, and link back here. Leave a comment with the URL.
6.) Visit the elf website leave us a comment on the blog as to which item in their store interests you most (additional items are not included in the giveaway).
7.) Create a group in the Community section. Click on Connect, choose Groups, add a group.
11.) And finally for 2 extra entries – refer a friend! Make sure that person who is referred by you leaves a comment on the blog that he/she was referred by you!

This giveaway ends on February 3rd at 12:00pm. Giveaways open to US Residents only. All entries must be received by the closing time to qualify. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator. Winners will be notified by email if you have provided it to us as well as on our blog. If we do not hear back from the winner within 48 hours, another drawing will be held.

GIVEAWAY FROM SIGNING TIME!

We will be having several more giveaways from Signing Time! Check back often to see what we have in store!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS FOR: 1 DVD – Vol 4 Family, Feelings and Fun!

We want to introduce you to Signing Time!

Signing Time is a labor of love, born out of the desire for one mother to create a community that could communicate with her deaf daughter. Two Little Hands Productions, co-founded by sisters Rachel Coleman and Emilie Brown, is the company that produces and distributes the Signing Time product line.

FOR DETAILS ON THIS DVD – CLICK HERE


Also on the Signing Time website you can find some great resources about sign language and special needs - CLICK HERE for a link to their special needs page.

Rules to enter the Signing Time Giveaway:

GIVEAWAY – SIGNING TIME – 1 DVD
Signing Time Volume 4 - Family Feeling and Fun!

Want to win this great DVD? Here is what you do!

1.) All comments about entries must be left under THIS POST!

2.) REVIEW – Click on the REVIEW TAB on Knowledge Safari. Add a review (you will need to register for a profile if you have not already) of any business that you want! Could be a restaurant, hotel, store, children’s program etc. Make sure to leave a comment on the blog letting us know you have completed this. If your display name on the site is different from the name you post a comment under - please let us know!

3.) CONTACTING YOU - We need a way to let you know that you won! Please note that if you do not have a blogger account or an email listed on your blogger account, you must leave your email address in the comment section or email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know your display name.


Want extra entries?


1.) Tweet about knowledgesafari.com – the tweet must include a link to our website & @KnowledgeSafari so we can track it and leave a comment with your Tweet time stamp (click on the time below the Tweet, which shows you the URL).
2.) Follow us on Twitter - leave a comment on the blog when you have completed.
3.) Join our Fan Page on Facebook leave a comment on the blog when you have completed.
4.) Follow this blog on Blogger - leave a comment on the blog when you have completed.
5.) Blog about the giveway and our new site on your blog or website, and link back here. Leave a comment with the URL.
6.) Visit the Signing Time website leave us a comment on the blog as to which item in their store interests you most (additional items are not included in the giveaway).
7.) And finally for 2 extra entries – refer a friend! Make sure that person who is referred by you leaves a comment on the blog that he/she was referred by you!



This giveaway ends on February 2nd at 12:00pm. Giveaway open to US Residents only. All entries must be received by the closing time to qualify. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator. Winners will be notified by email if you have provided it to us as well as on our blog. If we do not hear back from the winner within 48 hours, another drawing will be held.

MEET OUR WEB DEVELOPER - LEOR LAPID

LOOKING FOR THE MY SIBLING DOLLS GIVEAWAY POST? Scroll down a bit...it is right under this post! Good Luck!





We launched our site www.knowledgesafari.com yesterday. We are so excited and happy for all of the people who have joined us already and are looking forward to many more.



Although we wish we could have just snapped our fingers to make the site into what it is today...we actually needed some expertise. That came in the form of our web developer, Leor Lapid. That's him in the picture - looking all cool in his shades!

Leor is a graduate of Arizona State University and agreed to come on board to help us get this idea that was on paper and in our minds into a reality. It took a lot of hard work, sleepless nights and coffee, but in the end; the result is just what we wanted. And best of all -- we think he still likes us - even after all of the change this, change that emails that were sent his way! Leor is on the site - contributing and making sure things run smoothly! Go ahead and friend him - he loves friends!

Being the industrious kind of guy he is, Leor also has another business that I wish was around when I went to college. It is called Dorm Room Movers. It is a service that helps college students move into and out of their dorms. So, you parents out there who have kids in college - this is for you. If you'd rather that they concentrate on their final exams instead of figuring out how to get their stuff home...contact Dorm Room Movers! Or, if you are a college student yourself...check it out, you'll save time and money.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for another exciting giveaway! They will always be right there on our home page and then you can come back to the blog to enter.

Join us:

TWITTER
FACEBOOK

GIVEAWAY - MY SIBLING® DOLLS

Today’s Giveaway is from My Sibling Dolls! This is a fantastic company that was created by Loretta Rose. The photos are representative only - may not be the actual doll the winner receives.

2 WINNERS – 1 MY SIBLING® DOLL EACH!

LorettaRose, LLC, a family-owned company, was established to produce my Sibling® Dolls, and to advocate for lifelong services for individuals with special needs. The company recognizes that there are very few employment options available to teens and adults with special needs. To help bridge this gap, LorettaRose, LLC offers these individuals, through their school and adult programs, an opportunity to participate in the assembly and packaging of its products, and hopes that other companies will do the same.

My Sibling® Dolls and their associated booklets will increase understanding and teach children tolerance for others who learn and grow differently than they do. Since there are many special needs that can affect children and their siblings, LorettaRose, LLC plans to address a variety of medical and developmental differences.


Here are the rules for entering this contest:

1.) All comments about entries must be left under THIS POST!

2.) Create a profile on http://www.knowledgesafari.com/ tell us your display name in the comments section - if you ALREADY have a profile - just tell us your display name! - this includes filling out the About Me section of the profile!

3.) CONTACTING YOU - We need a way to let you know that you won! Please note that if you do not have a blogger account or an email listed on your blogger account, you must leave your email address in the comment section or email us at blog@knowledgesafari.com and let us know your display name.

That’s it!

If you want additional entries – you can do any or all of these!

1.) FOR FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES!! REVIEW – Click on the review tab – add a review of any business that you want! Could be a restaurant, hotel, store, children’s program etc. Make sure to leave a comment on the blog letting us know you have completed this.
2.) Tweet about http://www.knowledgesafari.com/ – the tweet must include @KnowledgeSafari in the tweet.
3.) Follow us on Twitter - leave a comment on the blog when you have completed
4.) Join our Fan Page on Facebook- leave a comment on the blog when you have completed 5.) Follow this blog on Blogger - leave a comment on the blog when you have completed
6.) Blog about the giveaway and our new site on your blog or website, and link back here. Leave a comment with the URL.
7.) Visit the My Sibling Dolls website leave us a comment on the blog as to which accessory you like. (the accessories you select are not included in the giveaway).
8.) And finally for 2 extra entries – refer a friend! Make sure that person who is referred by you leaves a comment on the blog that he/she was referred by you!

This giveaway ends on February 21st at 12:00pm CST. Giveaways open to US Residents Only. All entries must be received by the closing time to qualify. Winners will be chosen by a random number generator. Winners will be notified by email if you have provided it to us as well as on our blog. Winners will have 48 hours to get back in touch with us, otherwise the giveaway will no longer be awarded to that winner.

KNOWLEDGESAFARI.COM - HAS LAUNCHED!!

WE’RE LIVE!

Welcome to Knowledge Safari! You can reach our blog now by visiting the home page of our site http://www.knowledgesafari.com/ !

Have you created a profile yet? Click on the Community Tab and get started – we are waiting for you there.



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KNOWLEDGESAFARI.COM LAUNCHING TOMORROW!

LAUNCHING TOMORROW! KNOWLEDGESAFARI.COM

We are so excited that we can barely contain ourselves! All of the hard work is about to be unveiled to you. And more importantly than the unveiling is the potential that we feel for you! We know that you will be able to make new friends, learn helpful information and have a little fun while you are at it!

Tomorrow you will be able to sign up for a profile and get started! Once you have your profile set up you will be able to connect with friends old and new, create and read reviews of businesses, programs (like camps, sports, etc.), doctors, therapists, hotels and more on how well suited they may be for special needs.

Make sure to answer the questions in your profile and share as much information as you can. The way you find friends on the site is to search by keywords, such as: Autism, Down Syndrome, Michigan, Canada, ADHD, Hydrocephalus, etc.

The site is easy to navigate but just like with anything new it might take a moment to get accustomed to - don’t worry! Upon validating your account you will receive an email that includes helpful hints about how to navigate through the site. And, in the About section there will be a detailed - GETTING STARTED tutorial if you need it!

We are always available to help as well! You will find our contact info on the site and we will get you all taken care of. Make sure to friend us: Marci Hersh, Joshua Simon and/or Michelle Hersh - that way we can answer your questions as quickly as possible.

And….GIVEAWAYS!!! Yes, they start tomorrow and continue on EVERYDAY through at least March. The rules for each giveaway will be right here on the blog so make sure to check back in with us! Some of the giveaways encourage you to refer your friends – so be thinking of people who would benefit from knowing about our site and get ready to tweet. FB, email or call them!

We need you to help us spread the word and make this a vibrant community!

COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….1 DAY TO GO!

Join us!

FACEBOOK
TWITTER

FRIDAY FACTS! What's on your mind?

FRIDAY FACTS! Friday’s on the blog at www.knowledgesafari.com are reserved for shining the spotlight on a particular segment of special needs.

We have covered a variety of topics and would like to know what areas you would like us to highlight for awareness and information.

Please let us know in the comments section which topics interest you!




COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….4 DAYS TO GO!

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INTRODUCING YOU TO....

The days are ticking away….our launch is imminent! This site has grown from an idea into a reality but not without the help of a great team! Let me introduce you to the Co-Founder of Knowledge Safari.


Joshua Simon.

Josh is a graduate of Arizona State University and has many years of business experience. Over the years, Josh has heard me talk about all of the great kids and families I work with. One day I shared with him an idea that I had, which was to bring people dealing with special needs in their lives together through social media. Josh was excited to jump right in and we have been working together ever since, to bring this from an idea into reality.

Josh would describe himself as someone with a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others. We all wear many hats here at Knowledge Safari and Josh has been able to juggle many things at once. In particular, Josh will be working with our advertisers – so if you have a company or know of a company that would like to reach the special needs community – please contact him at: Joshua@KnowledgeSafari.com

You will see Josh around the site once we launch – so make sure to friend him and say hi!

COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….5 DAYS TO GO!

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO WEDNESDAY! BAD MOODS

Welcome to What Would You Do Wednesday! Each Wednesday on the KnowledgeSafari.com website – we ask you a question to see….say it with me….What Would You Do?

Here is today’s scenario:

You are having a bad day. Nothing seems to be going right….ugh! Don’t you just hate a no good, very bad day?

So what do you do to set your mood right?

What gives your mood a makeover?

Is it being able to take a moment to grab a cup of coffee?
Getting a manicure?
Chatting with a friend on the phone?

What do you do? Please share with us in the comments section. You might just give someone else a good idea!



COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….6 DAYS TO GO!

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PLAY DATES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

Play dates for your child with special needs can be very beneficial. If you schedule a play date with a child who does not have a developmental delay it can provide a source of learning through repetitive play and socialization.

Of course there are inherent problems that can arise – so your participation is likely necessary at first but in the care of a trusted family member or friend this is hopefully doable!

What are your experiences with play dates? Please discuss them with us in the comments section.

COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….7 DAYS TO GO!

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HAS TECHNOLOGY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

The other day I read a tweet on twitter that got me thinking! (Say that 10 times fast!)

The tweet was from Marlee Matlin – www.twitter.com/marleematlin in essence she said that PDA’s leveled the playing field for people who are deaf like her. Having a tool like that to communicate really must have changed the way she and other people who are deaf navigate the world.

What other tools or technology has come into your life that has changed your world or the world of your child with special needs? Conversely, what tool or technology did you think would work, but just doesn’t!

Please share with us in the comments section – I am sure we can learn something new today!

COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….8 DAYS TO GO!

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FRIDAY FACTS! PEDIATRIC STROKE

FRIDAY FACTS! Welcome to FRIDAY FACTS! here on the www.knowledgesafari.com blog.

Each Friday we aim to shine the light on a new area of special needs in order to learn and raise awareness. This week the spotlight is on Pediatric Stroke.

The following information is taken from The American Stroke Association. www.strokeassociation.org

Pediatric Stroke

What causes ischemic stroke in children?

Finding the cause of a stroke is vital to provid­ing the right treatment and preventing more injury. Doctors can find a cause in about two-thirds of the cases.
A common cause of ischemic strokes is that a blood clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain. This can be caused by congenital heart problems such as abnormal valves or infections. In these cases children may need surgery or antibiotics.
Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that’s associated with ischemic stroke. In sickle cell disease, the blood cell can’t carry oxygen to the brain, and blood vessels leading to the brain may have narrowed or closed. About 10 percent of children with sickle cell disease suffer a stroke1. There is a high risk of repeat strokes, but this can be reduced by blood transfusion.
Finally, ischemic strokes can be caused by trauma that injures large arteries and causes a loss of blood flow. For instance, a large artery might be injured when a child has a neck injury.

What causes hemorrhagic stroke in children?

When a blood vessel on or in the brain ruptures, blood flows into brain areas where it’s not supposed to go. It may pool in brain tissues, resulting in a blood clot. Also, because the vessel is ruptured, blood isn’t transported where it should go. As a result, the brain is deprived of oxygen, and this may lead to permanent brain injury. Hemorrhagic strokes are most often caused by rupturing or weakened or malformed arteries known as AVMs (arteriovenous malformations). The risk of hemorrhage is higher with certain illnesses such as hemophilia.

Will my child get better?

Recovery from stroke is different with each child. Prompt medical treatment and rehabilitation

therapy can maximize recovery. In general, most younger people will recover more abilities than older people. Children often recover the use of their arms and legs and their ability to speak after a stroke.

What are the effects of stroke in children?

The effects of stroke in a child are generally the same as in an adult. The most common effects are:
Hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body), or hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body).
One-sided neglect (unilateral neglect), which causes the stroke survivor to ignore or forget their weaker side.
Aphasia (difficulty with speech and language), or dysphagia (trouble swallowing).
Decreased field of vision and trouble with visual perception.
Loss of emotional control and changes in mood.
Cognitive changes or problems with memory, judgment and problem-solving.
Behavior changes or personality changes, improper language or actions.


Other Resources:
www.lovethatmax.blogspot.com
www.family-live-love-laugh.blogspot.com

If you blog about this topic or have a referral – please leave us a link in the comment section.

COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….11 DAYS TO GO!

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HAITI - CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The earthquake that has devasted Haiti is truly heart breaking. The photos and news stories are unimaginable. It got me thinking about the special needs population there - especially the children.

While I do not know anything more about this group than what is on their website,it does seem legitimate. We are not asking you to donate, just bringing this group to your attention. It is called miriam center: http://www.nwhcm.org/our-programs/the-miriam-center (this link should work - had trouble with it earlier today!)

On their site they talk about their efforts to help. You can also see that cerebral palsy and autism are rated high amongst the special needs that they serve.

Our thoughts are with all of the people of Haiti, the rescue workers going in from all over the world and the families here in the US and around the world who have lost loved ones or are still unable to connect with loved ones.

If you want to help, consider these organizations:

AMERICAN RED CROSS
CARE
UNICEF

INTRODUCING YOU TO....iCommunicate!

I want to introduce you to business owners who have created a great tool for the special needs community. Lisa and Jeff Johnson a husband and wife team are the founders of Grembe iPhone Apps and the creators of iCommunicate.


Some information taken from their website:

iCommunicate

GENESIS

This idea was born out of our personal experience with our son. He qualified for Early Intervention at 19 months due to an expressive and receptive language delay. When he was 27 months old he began having significant social anxiety, and did not want to leave the house. As a mom, and physical therapist I knew something was wrong. We had him evaluated by many professionals, including an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a neurologist, a developmental specialist, and a psychologist. We found that storyboards were the most helpful tool recommended by these professionals.

STORYBOARD/ROUTINES

Storyboards are collections of pictures that convey a concept. Many children are visual learners. They may be more likely to understand what they see rather than what they hear. They are used for:-Showing an overview of a specific time frame (i.e. their daily schedule)-Showing what is about to happen (i.e. first songs, then snack, then stories)-Reinforcing turn taking-Helping children express their needs by allowing them to point to a picture or make a choice-Preparing children for transitions-Showing routines (i.e. bedtime or potty training)-Alerting children to changes in routineThese storyboards are helpful for my typically developing children as well. They help my 4 year old with waiting and turn taking, as she has learned in circle time that she must wait for her picture to appear before taking her turn. They also help our 1 year-old with general language, as a picture is paired with the written word, like a flash card.

PICTURES

The pictures are the building blocks for our application. You can also take pictures with your camera, or add existing pictures from your camera roll. The pictures can be used for flash cards, games, making choices, reinforcing concepts(who, what, where?), and visual cues.We include 100+ pictures to get you started.

To learn more about this company visit them online at: www.grembe.com


If you have a company or know of a company that caters to the special needs community, please let me know in the comments section or email me at: blog@knowledgesfari.com


COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….12 DAYS TO GO!

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO WEDNESDAY! SHARING

Welcome to What Would You Do Wednesday! Each Wednesday on the KnowledgeSafari.com website – we ask you a question to see….say it with me….What Would You Do?

Here is today’s scenario:

Let’s say your child has recently been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, or some other type of learning disability. In some ways there is likely some sense of relief for you and your family in that you finally have a diagnosis for the concerns that you have been having about your child. On the other hand, it is emotional and overwhelming.

Is this information something that you would freely share with extended family and friends? Do you feel that this is information that you need to keep to yourself? If you choose to share the information –what are your expectations for the person with whom you are sharing? Do you want them just to listen to you vent? Do you want them to offer assistance/information?

Please tell us – What Would You Do?


COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….13 DAYS TO GO!

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SNOWED IN?

I know that some of you have been spending a lot of time around the house this Winter -“ let it snow” is not a fun phrase when it actually does - and keeps snowing for days!

How are you occupying your kids? Some fun things I have seen around the web include:

Making snow ice cream! Here’s the recipe -http://familycrafts.about.com/od/creativesnacks/r/icecrsnow.htm

Camping out in the living room

Lots of cooking and baking

What are some activities that you do around your house with your child who has special needs – come on Moms – share your sanity saving secrets!



COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….14 DAYS TO GO!

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A DECADE OF EXPECTATIONS

Since we are still in January, I thought it would still be okay to talk about the fact that we have recently entered a new decade. As we were approaching the New Year – I really did not give it that much thought that it was a new decade – I was just thinking of the New Year and all that I wanted it to hold. But after seeing many blog posts and news stories about the decade that was passing and the one we were entering – I could do nothing but think about it.

Ten years is a significant chunk of time to see how things have progressed or not. What has changed and what hasn’t. So, it got me thinking…what are your expectations for the next decade? Specifically I am thinking about your children with special needs. Where will they be in ten years? What progress do you think will be made in terms of treatment, acceptance and general life issues?

Please share with us on in the comments section!

COUNTING DOWN TO OUR LAUNCH ….15 DAYS TO GO!

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FRIDAY FACTS! CRI-DU-CHAT SYNDROME

Welcome to FRIDAY FACTS! here at the www.knowledgesafari.com blog! Each Friday we aim to shine the light on a new area of special needs in order to learn and raise awareness. This week the spotlight is on Cri-du-chat syndrome.

The information below is provided by: Genetics Home Reference – a service provided by the National Institute of Health: ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=criduchatsyndrome . You can also find information at the 5P Minus website - www.fivepminus.org

What is cri-du-chat syndrome?
Cri-du-chat (cat's cry) syndrome, also known as 5p- syndrome, is a chromosomal condition that results when a piece of chromosome 5 is missing. Infants with this condition often have a high-pitched cry that sounds like that of a cat. The disorder is characterized by intellectual disability and delayed development, distinctive facial features, small head size (microcephaly), low birth weight, and weak muscle tone (hypotonia) in infancy. Some children with cri-du-chat syndrome are also born with a heart defect.

How common is cri-du-chat syndrome?
Cri-du-chat syndrome occurs in an estimated 1 in 20,000 to 50,000 newborns. This condition is found in people of all ethnic backgrounds and is slightly more common in females.
What are the genetic changes related to cri-du-chat syndrome?
Cri-du-chat syndrome is caused by a deletion of the end of the short (p) arm of chromosome 5. This chromosomal change is written as 5p-. The size of the deletion varies among affected individuals; studies suggest that larger deletions tend to result in more severe intellectual disability and developmental delay than smaller deletions in people with cri-du-chat syndrome.
The signs and symptoms of cri-du-chat syndrome are probably related to the loss of multiple genes on the short arm of chromosome 5. Researchers believe that the loss of a specific gene, CTNND2, is associated with severe intellectual disability in some people with this condition. They are working to identify additional genes in this region and determine how their loss contributes to the characteristic features of cri-du-chat syndrome.
Read more about the CTNND2 gene and chromosome 5.

Can cri-du-chat syndrome be inherited?
Most cases of cri-du-chat syndrome are not inherited. They result from a chromosomal deletion that occurs as a random event during the formation of reproductive cells (eggs or sperm) or in early fetal development. Affected people typically have no history of the disorder in their family.
About 10 percent of people with cri-du-chat syndrome inherit the chromosome with a deleted segment from an unaffected parent. In these cases, the parent carries a chromosomal rearrangement called a balanced translocation, in which no genetic material is gained or lost. Balanced translocations usually do not cause any medical problems; however, they can become unbalanced as they are passed to the next generation. Children who inherit an unbalanced translocation can have a chromosomal rearrangement with extra or missing genetic material. Individuals with cri-du-chat syndrome who inherit an unbalanced translocation are missing genetic material from the short arm of chromosome 5, which results in birth defects and other health problems characteristic of this disorder.

These resources address the management of cri-du-chat syndrome and may include treatment providers.
MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Cri-du-Chat Syndrome
You might also find information on treatment of cri-du-chat syndrome in Educational resources and Patient support.

Where can I find additional information about cri-du-chat syndrome?
You may find the following resources about cri-du-chat syndrome helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
MedlinePlus - Health information (3 links)
Additional NIH Resources - National Institutes of Health
National Human Genome Research Institute
Educational resources - Information pages (7 links)
Patient support - For patients and families (6 links)

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
Gene Tests - DNA tests ordered by healthcare professionals
PubMed - Recent literature
OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog

Blogs:
Great blog by a mom who has 3 kids, one of whom has Cri-du-chat syndrome
elastamom.blogspot.com

If you know of anyone else who blogs about Cri-du-chat, please let us know as we would like to add them to our blogroll.

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ASSOCIATIONS

There are associations for nearly every specific special need that you can think of. What is your association with associations?

Associations can be a great resource for information and support. How do you determine which ones if any you join and to what extent? Do you visit their website, attend meetings, and/or fundraise?

What associations do you recommend?

Please let us know and we will add them the list of resources that we are building for www.knowledgesafari.com

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WHAT WOULD YOU DO WEDNESDAY? BULLIES!

What Would You Do Wednesday? BULLIES!

Think back to a time when you walked the hallways of your school as a youth - I'm sure you can remember a rude look, sideways glance, or outward comment directed at you every once in awhile. Now, imagine how you would feel if you had that experience every day due to having some type of special need. Most of the time, people do not mean to be mean - but we all know that children can be especially mean to other children – they can be especially nice too -but I will save that for another post! When kids are mean or act like bullies - and it affects the children in your life - you are bound to be frustrated and hurt for them or for yourself.

What can be done?

We can try to prepare our children in our lives for the inevitable and try to give them the tools to handle it – but that will not always work. What if your child is non-verbal or what if they cannot stand up for themselves for whatever reason.

How do we address this issue as parents, siblings, friends, teachers and family of children who have special needs? How do we help our children? Do we try to educate the students/friends directly? If there is a problem with a particular child – would you address the parent of that child?

Tell us, what you would do! Let's talk about it in the comments section.




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GLUTEN-FREE TOPS FOOD TRENDS LISTS

Reading the newspaper and articles online toward the end of last year…okay so a few days ago…there were all kinds of lists of trends listed – I noticed in the food trends section that Gluten Free was always placed in the top.

If you have Celiac Disease or have your child on a gluten free diet this is good news because it means that there are so many more options out there. Many restaurants offer gluten free options right on the menu or will be happy to oblige. There are many more products on the grocery shelves and numerous options for online ordering on the internet.

Do you have a favorite restaurant or gluten free resource that you would like to share? Please let us know.


We were told about this deal at Midwestern grocery store chain – they offer 15% off of all gluten free products on the third week of every month. www.henhouse.com If your local store does not offer something similar you could direct them to this website and see if they might comply.



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GOALS

It’s that time of year…when we may feel compelled to set goals more than other times. It makes sense being the New Year!

Sometimes the goals are lofty and other times they are get through the day kind of goals. How does having a child with special needs affect the way you set goals for yourself and for your child?

I recently found this free tool for goal setting online – you might like it too! http://www.goalforit.com/

Our goals for the New Year include launching our new social networking site http://www.knowledgesafari.com/ we will definitely accomplish this one -- stay tuned!

So, what are your goals? Let's talk about it in the comments section.


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