Welcome to Complex Child!
Complex
Child is a monthly online magazine written primarily by parents of
children with special healthcare needs and disabilities. It is
intended to provide medical information, along with personal
experiences, in simple language that other parents can understand.
Articles are on a wide variety of topics ranging from basic information
on medical conditions and treatments to advice on how to beat insurance
company denials.
Complex Child is actively seeking parents or other individuals who wish to write one or more articles on topics of their choosing. Please visit our Submission Page for more information.
Click on the links to the left or in the Navigation bar above to browse through articles in the archives. Articles are arranged by specialty or topic in the archives.
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Upcoming Editions
November: Feeding Issues
September 2008 Edition:
Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology
Commentary
Since communication is the focus of this edition, this month's commentary takes a look at why communication for all--and especially for people with disabilities who have historically been deprived of a voice--is so very important.
Focus:
Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology
Many children with disabilities are challenged with speech problems or a complete lack of oral speech. Those with motor impairments also struggle with daily activities, ranging from play to turning on the television. This edition is dedicated to the field of assistive technology, with a special focus on augmentative communication. Technology has the ability to radically change the lives of so many individuals with disabilities. These articles will share some success stories and provide lots of advice for getting started with assistive devices for your child.
We include two stories of the power of augmentative communication, Terri-Hart Ellis' enchanting story about her daughter Addie, and Janee's trials and tribulations with her son Kohner, who is diagnosed with autism.
Erin provides us with the fundamentals for adapting your child's world so she, too, can play. And Randi Sargent gives us many simple strategies for opening the lines of communication between school and home, focusing primarily on low-tech devices.
- Outside Voice, Please!
- Adapting Your World for Play
- Communication Aids that Help Answer "What Did You Do at School Today?"
- Pancakes and Lemonade
Specialty Articles
The Urology and Nephrology section features a primer on cathing your child, a much needed overview for getting started with this often overwhelming procedure.
Feature
The Insurance and Medicaid section ties into this month's theme, with a practical article on obtaining a communication device for your child.