When Mental Health Makes High School Hard to Attend: Supporting Students on the Path Forward
When Mental Health Makes High School Hard to Attend: Supporting Students on the Path Forward High school can be a challenging time for any student. Academic expectations, social pressures, changing […]
When Anxiety Becomes School Refusal: How Schools Can Help Students Find a Path Back
When Anxiety Becomes School Refusal: How Schools Can Help Students Find a Path Back For many students, back-to-school anxiety settles as routines return. For others, it doesn’t. The morning stomachache […]
Back-to-School Success: Preparing Children with Special Needs for a New School Year
As summer comes to a close, many families begin preparing for the excitement of a new school year. While back-to-school season brings new teachers, classmates, and opportunities, it can also […]
Does My Child Have Autism? What Every Parent Should Know About the Evaluation Process
As a parent, trusting your instincts is important. If you’ve started wondering whether your child may have autism, you’re not alone—and asking questions is often the very first step toward […]
Summer Support for Children with Special Needs: Keeping Growth Going All Season Long
Summer is often seen as a break from school routines, but for children with special needs, the transition into summer can bring both opportunities and challenges. Without the structure of […]
School-Based Mental Health in New Jersey: Why This Moment Matters More Than Ever
School-Based Mental Health in New Jersey: Why This Moment Matters More Than Ever May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to recognize the importance of emotional wellness, reduce […]
Family Spotlight: Daniella’s Perspective on Mental Health & Parenting
We are honored to highlight Daniella’s perspective as she shares her journey navigating mental health while raising three neurodivergent children. Her insights offer a powerful reminder of the challenges many […]
Preparing Children with Special Needs for Summer Break: Tips for a Smooth Transition
As the school year comes to an end, many families look forward to the relaxed pace of summer. But for children with special needs, the transition from structured school days […]
Recognizing the Early Signs of Autism Why Early Support Matters
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to not only raise awareness but also empower families with knowledge and resources. One of the most important steps in supporting children with […]
Responsible Autism Care Matters More Than Ever
April is Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum. At First Children Services (FCS), this month is especially meaningful […]
Responsible Autism Care Matters More Than Ever
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal titled “The Boom in Autism Therapy Is Medicaid’s Fastest-Growing Jackpot” has sparked important conversations at First Children Services and across the autism […]
Helping Children Navigate Transitions: Building Confidence Through Change
Helping Children Navigate Transitions: Building Confidence Through Change Transitions can be challenging for any child—but for children with special needs, even small changes in routine can feel overwhelming. Moving from […]