Christmas came a little early for Nathan thanks to Wike – the Walk and Bike Company! Nathan is now a teenager and it’s been several years since he outgrew our old jogging stroller. I really missed taking him out for jogs. He is able to walk but he doesn’t like to walk long distances, especially in the Florida heat. I needed to get back out in the sun and fresh air. We’ve been in-doors a little too much these past two years. I’ve been listening to Podcasts with Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. David Perlmutter talking about the scientific evidence that walking out in nature can have a profound effect…

Everyone is talking about the benefits of CBD (Cannabidiol). As parents to special needs children we are paying extra attention because we are hearing particular benefits including better sleep, improved behaviors, reducing and stopping seizures. This sounds like music to our ears but where do we begin?  Luckily, I didn’t have to look any further than our very own Angelman community. Wings tinctures are a customized full-spectrum hemp formula created by a fellow Angel Mama, Shari Perkins! I got the chance to chat with Shari on a Facebook live call which I broadcasted on the Angleman Today Facebook page. I wanted to get a better understanding of the exploding industry…

When we prepare for a fun day at the beach, it is not as easy as grabbing a beach towel, bathing suit, or sunscreen. For families like ours, it takes a little more preparation. We recently took Nathan to Clearwater beach, FL and we had a wonderful day! I wanted to share my tips with you and make a little checklist of items to help you as you plan for a day at the beach this summer. It can be a challenge. I always worry about Nathan near water. If the idea of getting out and going to the beach may sound daunting and make you feel overwhelmed, I promise…

How to help your loved one with Angelman Syndrome transition into adulthood. Find resources for local programs after they have aged out of school and long-term care options. By Carol Hare, Mother to Jack, age 22. The Hare family is from Texas. As my angel’s 8th birthday approached, I was already thinking about what it would be like when he turned 18. Where would he be cognitively? Would we still be here and able to care for him? Also, would we be able to meet all of his needs? If not, how can I plan now to help secure his future? Are there programs that I can apply for today?…

As parents and caretakers, we often forget about all the goals we should focus on when the needs of our children arise. Let’s face it, we may experience more emergency situations than most. It’s hard to get back to thinking about ‘big picture’ goals. Here are some of the average resolutions that are beneficial: eating healthier, putting away the phone at dinner, spend more time with family, take a vacation, earn more money, but you’re not average. This moves us forward into the first and most important goal of “self-care.” Self-care for the caretaker – I know it is easier said than done, but when we suffer emotionally, mentally, physically,…

By Erin Bates The Holiday season is stressful regardless if you have a special needs child or not. Adding that extra stress of the holidays to a parent’s life that is already stressed can cause many emotional, mental, and physical breakdowns. Here is my advice: just BREATH. Be prepared to leave the party Have an exit strategy for when your child has had enough. You can excuse yourself and find a bedroom to help calm him/her down or just say to the hostess we tried but we have to leave. I make it a point to call the hostess ahead of time and let them know we don’t mean to…

  We hope you get out and have a fun day at the beach or your local pool. We found a few products to help you have a fun and safe summer! Individuals with Angelman Syndrome have an attraction to water.  Unfortunately, they do not understand the dangers that can happen if left unattended. Don’t let this discourage you from water activities, instead, just take a few extra precautions and enjoy your time. Our Angels love water activities. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe: -Learn water safety as a family. This will help prepare everyone for this day. Check with your local parks and recreation centers for…