Observing the social and emotional growth of 4-year-olds reveals a fascinating stage of development, where interactions, feelings, and self-perception evolve into more complex forms. This critical phase is marked by significant milestones that underscore a child's burgeoning empathy, ability to engage in cooperative play, grasp of social norms, nuanced emotional expression, and the development of a distinct self-concept. These elements are foundational to fostering healthy social skills and emotional intelligence, crucial for a child's ongoing well-being and success ..read more

Watching early childhood development unfold is nothing short of miraculous, with each year bringing new surprises and achievements. Among these, the developmental strides made at the age of four are particularly fascinating. This period is a pivotal chapter in a child's physical growth, marked by significant milestones that lay the foundation for more complex movements and activities in the years to come ..read more

Watching early childhood development unfold is a captivating experience, each year brimming with new surprises and milestones. As children reach the age of four, their world becomes increasingly intricate, particularly in terms of cognitive development. This pivotal phase in a child's growth is marked by significant cognitive milestones that pave the way for more structured learning and effective communication ..read more

Watching the development of language and communication skills in 4-year-olds is both fascinating and critical for their growth. This age marks significant strides in their ability to express themselves and understand others, setting the foundation for future learning and social interactions ..read more

What are the Four Critical Developmental Milestones for 4-Year-Olds ..read more

I lost it today! Really lost it! My usually happy, kind, and amazing autistic teenage grandson, whom I raised most of his life, talked rudely and loudly to me over breakfast. As I reminded him to watch his tone, he laid into me even more ..read more

  In the realm of education, technology has emerged as a powerful tool to dismantle barriers and forge pathways of learning that were once deemed impassable. The U.S. Department of Education’s latest Federal Report, in concert with the National Education Technology Plan, has issued new guidance emphasizing the importance of providing assistive technology to students with disabilities, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), underscoring the pivotal role of technology in special education ..read more

  Jen, a neurodiverse student, struggles to communicate her needs. She wants to ask her teacher for an extension because she didn’t finish her homework. She asks an AI-powered robot in her classroom to present her with a few scenarios of how the conversation with her teacher might play out. Using role-playing, Jen is able to practice some communication strategies and ways to respond to possible questions from her teacher. Jen can practice and get feedback as many times as she wants with the robot. It doesn’t get tired ..read more

Just as a gymnast relies on a spotter, a tree draws strength from its roots, and a musical relies on its stage crew ..read more

Once an individual on the spectrum finds just the right crew, they may very well wind up being the glue that holds it together (I actually had a boss in the past year describe me as such, and that was definitely a good day on my end ..read more