| 5 Minutes for Special Needs

Author Archives: Lee

I am the father of a 22 year old daughter with a rare metabolic disorder called Propionic Acidemia. I hope to provide a "fathers view" of special needs parenting and maybe engage and encourage other men who face a similar challenges with their special needs child. Thanks for following me.

Let’s Talk About SEX

Written on February 1, 2011 by Lee

3 Comments

Long considered a TABOO subject, sexuality among the disabled is rising into public view because many special needs adults are enjoying an active sex life. As special needs parents, what should we know about this touchy subject? What can we do today to prepare our children for a healthy sexual relationship in the future?

in Day In And Day Out, Family Life, Raising Awareness

- 3 Comments

Is Your Medical Team Super Bowl Bound?

Written on January 25, 2011 by Lee

2 Comments

Without blocking, receiving and tackling, even the most talented quarterback will be on the sidelines during the Big Game. As special needs parents, we are on a team with the medical professionals who care for our children. What position do we play? How can we make our team Super?

in Day In And Day Out

- 2 Comments

Our Night Out

Written on January 18, 2011 by Lee

8 Comments

You need a break! Caring for a disabled child is often an intense experience. Day after day, month after month, year after year the battle continues. Respite offers care-givers a much need break in the anxiety and stress of care giving. Make a plan for your getaway today!

in Day In And Day Out, Family Life

- 8 Comments

Careers for Special Adults

Written on January 11, 2011 by Lee

7 Comments

If you are a parent of a young child with a cognitive impairment disability, you may not yet have given much thought to their life as an adult. But the time will come when you will be helping them make decisions about their “life plan”. Here is how we handled it.

in Advocacy, Day In And Day Out, Family Life

- 7 Comments

Traveling With A Special Needs Child

Written on January 4, 2011 by Lee

11 Comments

We are a mobile society. But with ever-increasing air travel security post 9/11, we no longer take travel for granted. Every passenger must pack luggage according to strict rules. We all endure the perils of personal screening. But what if you are traveling with a special needs child. Here are some resources that may help.

in Day In And Day Out, Family Life

- 11 Comments

Where Did our Friends Go?

Written on December 28, 2010 by Lee

11 Comments

For us, one of the most surprising and disappointing aspects of parenting a special needs child was the loss of our friends. It seems strange that when you need them the most, they are nowhere to be found. Where did they go … and why?

in Day In And Day Out, Dealing With Public Perceptions, Self Care

- 11 Comments

Ho Ho Home for Christmas

Written on December 21, 2010 by Lee

2 Comments

Remembering one Christmas that we spent in the hospital.

in Day In And Day Out, Family Life, Holidays

- 2 Comments

Open W I D E

Written on December 14, 2010 by Lee

7 Comments

Dental issues. These are among the many challenges that parents of special needs children and adults deal with every day. Dentist visits and tooth brushing can be especially challenging for those with an oral aversion or cognitive impairment and behavior issues. Here are my experiences.

in Day In And Day Out, Self Care

- 7 Comments

The Nail That Sticks Out is Hammered Down

Written on December 7, 2010 by Lee

4 Comments

Advocacy is among the most important things a parent of a special needs child can do. Where should we advocate? How can we be more effective? And why does it seem like we battle endlessly against “the system”? Here are some thoughts based on 20 years of personal experience.

in Advocacy, Day In And Day Out

- 4 Comments

Lean on Me — A Caregivers Anthem

Written on November 30, 2010 by Lee

1 Comment

Music—the soundtrack of my life. Certain songs hold special meaning because they deliver a timeless message. The 1972 chart-topper LEAN ON ME by Bill Withers is one of those songs. Caregivers, listen closely. Then reach out for help when your load becomes too heavy to carry alone.

in Day In And Day Out, Stress Relief, Support

- 1 Comment