Blog
Potty Training a Child with Autism: Why It’s Challenging and Proven Strategies That Help
Potty training looks different for every child, and timelines can vary widely—even among neurotypical kids. […]
Seeing the Whole Child: A More Compassionate Look at Autism
What We Wish People Knew About Autism April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2nd […]
Sensory‑Friendly Events Happening In March
ABA Therapy, Children Activities, Opportunities
Looking for fun, inclusive activities that are sensory‑friendly for children and families? March has a […]
How Siblings of Children with Disabilities are Impacted
ABA Therapy, Child Counseling, Parent Education
In the United States, 7.5 million school-aged children are reported to have a disability, and […]
Sensory-Friendly Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago
Looking for sensory-friendly indoor water parks near Chicago this winter? Indoor water parks are a […]
The Power of Early Intervention in Autism: What Parents Should Know
Hearing the word autism attached to your child can feel overwhelming. Many parents describe a […]
More Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Parents
The New Year has a way of whispering (or shouting) that we should suddenly become […]
2025 Annual Holiday Gift Guide: Fun, Therapeutic, and Developmentally Supportive Gift Ideas
The holiday season is right around the corner and Chicagoland has already seen its first […]
From Fall to Winter: Helping Kids Adjust to Seasonal Changes
Occupational Therapy, Parent Education
There’s something magical about that first crisp morning of fall – the smell of leaves, the cozy sweaters, the pumpkin spice everything. But let’s be honest: the change of seasons isn’t always smooth sailing…especially if you’re parenting a child who thrives on routine or has sensory sensitivities.
Introducing Counseling for Caregivers at Westside
Parenting a child with special needs or a new diagnosis can feel like a full-time job on top of a full-time job. Between therapies, appointments, school, and work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious. While most conversations with your child’s therapists focus on their goals and progress, many parents tell us they wish they had a space to focus on their own emotions, stress, and well-being.
Understanding OCD: How Westside Approaches Treatment
Child Counseling, Occupational Therapy
Every October, the International OCD Foundation hosts OCD Awareness Week to shed light on a condition that is often misunderstood. Many of us have heard people casually say, “I’m so OCD” when describing their preference for neatness or organization. While usually said in jest, this misconception diminishes the very real challenges faced by individuals – children included – who live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
What to Look for in Special Needs Estate Planning: A Guide for Parents
Life as a parent is busy. Between school drop-offs, after-school activities, work, and everything else on your plate, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day. Estate planning may not be something you’ve thought much about, but it’s particularly important for families raising a child with special needs.