Why Sleep Deserves a Closer Look

Sleep is one of the most basic human needs, and one of the easiest to overlook when life gets busy. Understanding why sleep is important starts with recognizing how much it shapes a child’s physical health, cognitive function, mood, and behavior. The connection between sleep and overall well-being runs deeper than most parents realize.

It’s easy to think of sleep as simply “downtime,” but for a developing child, it’s anything but passive. While the body is at rest, the brain stays busy consolidating memories, processing the day’s experiences, and supporting the physical growth that happens during childhood. A child who consistently gets enough sleep tends to handle transitions more easily, bounce back from a hard day faster, and show up more regulated, whether that’s at school, at home, or during therapy sessions. Missed or fragmented sleep, on the other hand, tends to show up almost immediately in mood and behavior, even before it shows up anywhere else.

Why Sleep Is Important for Brain Development

Sleep helps the brain function in ways that touch nearly every part of daily life, which is exactly why sleep is important to prioritize as a parent. Well-rested kids show better clarity, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Sleep also plays a major role in emotional regulation, the ability to work through frustration or challenges without becoming overwhelmed or discouraged. On the flip side, insufficient sleep can impair attention, memory, and executive function, and over time, it raises the risk of both mental and physical health problems.

How Much Sleep Does My Child Need?

Age Range	Recommended Sleep
Babies (4 to 12 months)	12 to 16 hours, including naps.
Toddlers (12 to 24 months)	11 to 14 hours, including naps.
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)	10 to 13 hours, may include a nap.
School-aged kids (6 to 12 years)	9 to 12 hours.
Teenagers (13 to 18 years)	8 to 10 hours.

Four Habits That Improve Sleep

1. Build in activity. Make sure your child gets enough mental and physical activity during the day, just be sure to wind down rough play about an hour before bedtime so their body has time to relax.
2. Keep a consistent bedtime routine. Calming activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music signal to the brain that it’s time to sleep.
3. Limit screens before bed. Try to eliminate screen time an hour before bedtime. The blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone that helps regulate sleep.
4. Set up a sleep-friendly environment. A comfortable temperature, dim lighting, and calming background noise: white, pink, or brown noise tend to work especially well and can all support better rest.

When Sleep Feels Harder to Come By

For families raising a child with a disability or complex medical needs, healthy sleep habits can be even tougher to establish and maintain, whether due to sensory sensitivities, medical routines, or just the exhaustion that comes with caregiving itself. If that’s your experience, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Family Achievement Foundation exists to support parents and caregivers on exactly this kind of journey. Our Peer-to-Peer Support Program connects families with others who understand, and our annual Parent/Caregiver Retreat offers a day of rest, connection, and practical resources. Learn more about our programs or reach out to see what support might be a fit for your family.

Family Achievement Foundation’s Third Annual Parent/Caregiver Retreat was another meaningful success, bringing together parents and caregivers for a weekend of connection, encouragement, and renewal.

Held in Hudson, Wisconsin, the retreat welcomed 16 attendees to provide much-needed respite for parents and caregivers. The weekend included meaningful conversations, chef-prepared meals, engaging group activities, and presentations from professionals who support families of individuals with disabilities.

One attendee shared, “The retreat was a gift. Thank you for creating an opportunity to slow down, reflect, restore, and connect.” Moments like these reflect the heart of Family Achievement Foundation’s mission—to provide love, connection, and resources to families navigating challenging journeys.

A heartfelt thank you to every parent, caregiver, speaker, and volunteer who helped make this year’s retreat such a memorable experience. We are grateful to everyone who continues to build a supportive community where families know they are never alone.

Join Us at an Upcoming Event

Looking for more opportunities to connect and find support? Learn more about upcoming Family Achievement Foundation events and discover future opportunities for respite, education, and community.

Written by: Elena MacDonald, PT, Foundation Board Member

Caring for a child with special needs can be a physically demanding task, especially when it comes to lifting and transferring the child. It is important for caregivers to learn proper lifting and transferring techniques to avoid injury to both themselves and the child.

Lifting and transferring your child with special needs requires careful planning and execution. Unique physical needs and abilities of your child must be considered, as well as your own strength and mobility.

Tips On Proper Lifting and Transferring Techniques

Assess your child’s needs and abilities:

This includes considering the child’s weight, mobility, and any medical devices or equipment they may use. Consult with the child’s healthcare provider or physical therapist for guidance on the best lifting and transferring methods for the child’s specific needs.

Use proper body mechanics:

Using proper body mechanics is essential for lifting and transferring a child with special needs safely. The caregiver should stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, bend their knees, and keep their back straight. Keep shoulders down and abdominal muscles tight. Bring the child you are lifting as close as possible to your body and use your legs to do the work, not the muscles of your back. Avoid combining lifting and twisting wherever possible, and try not to move suddenly. Instead, pivot on your feet so your entire body turns.

Utilize assistive devices:

Assistive devices such as slings, gait belts, transfer boards, and hoyer lifts can make lifting and transferring a child with special needs easier and safer. Caregivers should be trained in how to properly use these devices and when they are appropriate to use.

Involve the child in the process:

Involving the child in the lifting and transferring process can help them feel more comfortable and in control. Caregivers can ask the child to help with the transfer by holding onto a gait belt or assistive device, or by communicating their needs during the transfer process.

Seek additional training and support:

Caregivers should seek additional training and support as needed to ensure they are using proper lifting and transferring techniques. This can include working with a physical or occupational therapist, attending a caregiver training program, or seeking advice from other caregivers who have experience caring for children with special needs.

Written by: Elena MacDonald, Foundation Board Member

In January, parents joined us for our workshop “ Financial Planning and Special Needs Trust”. Our speakers included Ross Hilluka & team from Thrivent Financial Services, & David Wick, an attorney who specializes in estate planning. Topics included special needs trusts, supplemental needs trusts, & ABLE accounts. While these terms can be confusing, they are helpful to understand when planning for the future when you have a child that may qualify for government programs when they turn 18, for example Medicaid & SSI.

Similarities and Differences

Special needs trusts & supplemental needs trusts have both similarities & differences. They are similar in that they both provide funds to pay for certain goods & services that are not covered by government programs & also help protect eligibility for government programs.

They are also different. A special needs trust is funded by the individual with disabilities, whereas a supplemental needs trust is funded by a family member. They also differ in what happens to the remaining money in the trust after the primary beneficiary dies. With a special needs trust, the state must be reimbursed, dollar-for-dollar for Medicaid expenses incurred during the beneficiary’s life. Any remaining funds in the trust can go to a secondary beneficiary. However, with a supplemental needs trust, Medicaid is not reimbursed, & the remaining funds can be passed to beneficiaries (for example: siblings).

I am going to focus on supplemental needs trusts since these trusts tend to be funded by parents or grandparents. A supplemental needs trust is a trust that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by supplementing rather than replacing government benefits. The flowsheet demonstrates how this type of trust is funded and what the trust funds can be used for. It also reflects government benefits including food, shelter, & clothing.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are interested in learning more about supplemental needs trusts and special needs trusts, it is best to contact a lawyer who specializes in estate planning for families who have loved ones with disabilities. Usually the lawyers will meet with you for a complimentary visit to discuss your unique situation and answer questions.

Written by: Tiana Burda, OTR/L, Occupational Therapy Lead at Family Achievement Center

FAC OTs work with children to recognize and regulate their emotions, sensory triggers and behaviors. We all interpret information throughout the day from eight senses. The eight senses include Visual (Sight), Auditory (Sound), Olfactory (Smell), Tactile (Touch), Gustatory (Taste), Proprioception, Vestibular, and Interoception. These eight senses give us the information needed to process and function as our best selves. Sensory dysfunction can cause anxiety, confusion, and dysregulation, further impacting our ability to regulate our emotions.

How Do Occupational Therapists Help?

OTs help families in many ways including education, environmental adaptations, and creating sensory diets to improve participation in daily living routines. The use of sensory diets can help parents be proactive with regulation enhancing a child’s ability to participate in challenging activities. OTs can partner with parents and school staff to address challenges with sensory dysfunction and emotional regulation.

Programs such as the Alert Program, Zones of Regulations, and Autism Level Up Energy Meter can give children the language and ability to express their emotions and identify various body signals. It is important for parents to co-regulate with their child prior to expecting their child to regulate their emotions independently.

Occupational Therapy is not the only discipline that can work with emotional regulation; Behavioral interventions, play therapy, mental health practitioners and/or family counseling are other great options for families.

When your child qualifies for special education services, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) becomes a cornerstone of their academic and schooling journey. It’s more than just a document—it’s a roadmap tailored to your child’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. But for many caregivers, the IEP process can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally charged. Here’s how to navigate it with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Understanding the IEP: What It Is and Why It Matters

An individualized education program (or IEP) is a written statement for a student with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised by a team of people, including the student’s family, that outlines an educational plan for the student. An IEP is a legally binding plan developed by a team of educators, specialists, and you—the parent/caregiver. The IEP ensures your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Note: An IEP is different than a 504 as the accommodations provided by a 504 plan tend to be more generalized, whereas an IEP provides more specific individual supports and services.

It outlines:

• Present level of academic achievement and function performance
• Specific goals for the year
• Special education services and supports
• Accommodations and modifications
• How progress will be measured

Preparing for the IEP Meeting

Preparation is key. Here’s how to get ready:

1. Review existing documents: Read through previous IEPs, evaluations, and progress reports.
2. Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with IDEA and your state’s special education laws.
3. List your concerns and goals: What’s working? What’s not? What do you want to see change?
4. Bring support: You can invite an advocate, therapist, or trusted friend to the meeting.

Collaborating with the IEP Team

The IEP team typically includes:

• Your child’s general and special education teachers
• A school psychologist or evaluator
• A district representative
• You (and your child, if appropriate)

Approach the meeting as a collaboration, not a confrontation. Ask questions like:

• “Can you explain how this goal was developed?”
• “What data supports this decision?”
• “How will this accommodation help my child in the classroom?”

Monitoring Progress and Staying Involved

IEPs aren’t static. You should receive regular updates and be part of any changes. Stay engaged by:

• Attending parent-teacher conferences
• Requesting progress reports
• Communicating regularly with teachers
• Asking for reevaluations if needed

If you disagree with the IEP, you have options: mediation, due process hearings, or filing a complaint with your state’s education agency.

In today’s wellness-focused world, terms like mental health and occupational therapy are used often—sometimes even interchangeably. But while they’re interconnected in meaningful ways, they serve very different purposes. Earlier this spring, Family Achievement Center’s occupational therapists, Tiana Burda OTR/L and Angie Ellingson, OTR/L and Child Mental Health Practitioner from Apricity Counseling and Wellness, and a Clinical Psychologist presented on how OT and mental health can work to treat the whole child and when a child may benefit from one or the other or both synchronously.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and behave. Good mental health enables people to manage stress, maintain relationships, make decisions, and bounce back from adversity.

When challenges arise—like anxiety, depression, trauma, or mood disorders—they can disrupt everyday life and overall well-being. Mental health is a broad umbrella that encompasses everything from emotional regulation to psychiatric conditions, and is supported by various professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.

In pediatric mental health, specifically, there are many forms of mental health therapy including: talk therapy, play therapy, Parent/Child Interaction Therapy, family therapy and SPACE (supportive parent for anxious childhood emotions) therapy.

Where Does Occupational Therapy Fit In?

Occupational therapy (OT) helps people do the things they want and need to do through therapeutic use of daily activities. Pediatric OT focuses on sensory processing related to emotion regulation thus also playing a role in mental health treatment. OT doesn’t diagnose mental health disorders, but it provides practical strategies to manage them and live well with them.

Key Differences at a Glance

Mental Health	Occupational Therapy
Focuses on overall emotional and psychological well-being.	Focuses on function—helping individuals engage in meaningful daily activities.
Can be supported by therapy, medication, lifestyle changes.	Uses personalized activities and environmental modifications to support daily routines.
Often includes diagnosis and treatment of mental illness (anxiety, OCD, trauma).	Does not diagnose, but works with diagnosed conditions to improve quality of life.
Parent training and coaching (PCIT, SPACE) Parents can benefit from behavior management to help child with behaviors that are not due to sensory concerns.	Identifies a child’s unique sensory needs and provides strategies that can improve daily routines & identifies strategies for emotion regulation for a sensory perspective based on child’s abilities which may include co-regulation, interoceptive awareness, self-regulation.
Providers: psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers.	Providers: licensed occupational therapists.

The Power of Collaboration

While they serve different roles, OT and mental health care providers often collaborate. A mental health therapist might help someone process trauma, while the OT helps them manage sensory triggers in real-life situations. Together, they create a holistic circle of care that addresses both inner healing and everyday living. OT and mental health can collaborate on emotional regulation and transitions to support the underlying factors that impact function.

Occupational therapy steps in to bridge the gap between things we may struggle with and daily life. OT doesn’t replace mental health treatment—it complements it. Some children benefit from OT in conjunction with mental health to promote holistic wellness.

Find out more by watching our free Resource Series on our YouTube Channel.

Written by: Beth Neu, LPCC

Raising a child with disabilities provides the opportunity to appreciate the unique joys and challenges that are inherent in the experience. The emotions of parents, family members and other caregivers are complex and can range from love, stress, grief, joy, resilience and includes the complexity of family dynamics. One of things I’ve noticed when working with parents of children with disabilities is that they often feel isolated and alone in their experiences. While they can share their excitement when a new skill is learned or goal met, it may not be the same as their peers’ experience with their more typically developing children. Relationships change when you have a child or children with disabilities because your day to day life can be very different from a family not juggling multiple therapy or doctor’s appointments, having help in the home, or navigating educational challenges. Finding support is critical and available. The Family Achievement Foundation provides opportunities for parents to come together and share their experiences through various learning opportunities.

The Impact on Family Relationships

If a parent of a child with a disability is married or has a partner, the need for open communication becomes paramount to the success of the relationship and care of the child. Approaches to caregiving may differ and the stress of caring for a disabled child can bring forward feelings from other stressful times in a parent’s life. It is important to learn about and understand your “triggers” as well as those of your partners. Using tools when communicating, like those provided by Dr. John Gottman, can ensure that when conversations happen, they are calm, respectful and successful. Besides the need for good communication, all couples need time together. There are many creative ways to set aside small amounts of time to reconnect and nurture the relationship while nurturing a child with a disability.

Sibling relationships can also be impacted by having a sibling with a disability. Again, emotions can be complex and siblings can also feel isolated from peers as their emotions may include pride, happiness, jealousy, guilt or resentment about their sibling with the disability. Acknowledging and normalizing these feelings can help siblings adjust to the challenges within the family. It’s also important to provide opportunities for siblings to have time with parents, which increases the likelihood that they will feel seen and heard, an important piece for their identity development.

Managing relationships with extended family such as grandparents, aunt, uncles, and close friends, requires providing education and setting expectations. Most family members and friends want to be helpful but often don’t know how; so, fostering inclusion is key. Misunderstandings are bound to happen and using the communication tools provided by Dr. Gottman can provide a helpful guide. This includes creating a culture where family members feel heard and understood.

The Need for Self-Care and Self-Compassion

Many parents I work with struggle to find time for self-care and often feel guilty when they take a break from caregiving responsibilities to have fun and relax. Without spending time away from caregiving, caregivers are at risk of burning out, becoming irritable, and losing the ability to find the pleasures in raising their child with a disability. There are many ways to build self-care into a schedule, especially if this includes combining time with other family members to nurture bonds and create new memories. Self-compassion includes being kind to oneself when moments of doubt, frustration or isolation creep in. Taking a moment at the end of every day and looking for the positive experiences help to build resilience. Remember to celebrate the small wins, finding joy in the journey and recognizing the strengths of your family and that finding support is possible and necessary.

Written by: Beth Neu, LPCC
Beth Neu, LPCC, is a therapist in private practice at Constellations Psychotherapy and Coaching . Beth specializes in treating trauma, supporting all parts of the adoption constellation, and supporting individuals and couples who are neurodivergent and have ADHD, autism or OCD. Contact information for Beth can be found on her website.

Written By: Kristy Kargel

After flying to Seattle for a medical study related to my daughter’s diagnosis, we decided that traveling was something we really wanted to do as a family. Before we knew it, we were booking our next big trips which included both road and plane travel. I would like to share with you some tips that I hope will help you in your journeys with your own families!

Tips for Traveling

Tip 1: First and foremost, lower your expectations of the outcome of the trip.

Tip 2: If you are traveling by plane make sure to reach out to the airline you are flying on to talk with one of their agents about your child’s needs.

• https://www.delta.com/us/en/accessible-travel-services/overview
• https://suncountry.com/help-center/special-services
• https://www.aa.com/i18n/customer-service/contact-american/special-assistance.jsp

Tip 3: When traveling by plane, you are allotted an extra carryon that will hold all of your medications, medical equipment and even water if it is medically required for your child on the flight and/or destination.

Tip 4: TSA allows you to bring both pre-drawn medications and bottles of medications on the plane. If the medications are less than 3 oz, the TSA does not need to open, check, and test them. However, if the medications are fluids and over 3 oz, then TSA will need to open the bottles (even if new and sealed) to test them.

Tip 5: Contact TSA Cares at least two weeks before you travel to arrange for a TSA Agent to assist you through security with ease. Not all airports offer the same level of service, but Minneapolis/St. Paul has a great team of TSA agents that will meet you at the entrance of security.

Tip 6: When you are within 30 days from your travel I recommend contacting where you are staying to request mailing excess supplies to them like: briefs, formula, pre-package tube feeding meals and supplies, and anything else that may lighten your packing.

Tip 7: If your child is too large for a car seat and you are flying but they need assistance with sitting, there is a great harness you can purchase and use with approval from the FAA.

Tip 8: When you arrive at your destination, do you need a modified van? There are options for so many domestic locations! We have rented modified vans in both Seattle, WA and Sarasota, FL. Many more cities are now also offering Lyft and Uber with wheelchair accessible options too.

• https://wheelersvanrentals.com/
• https://www.wheelchairvanrentals.com/

Tip 9: If traveling to a beach location, there are many beaches that offer the use of a Beach Wheelchair. Some beaches also have a Mobi Mat that allows a wheelchair to roll over the sand. I usually do a search via the internet to get more information about the beaches that I would like to travel to.

Tip 10: Does your child have a hidden or non-visible disability? There is a program for air travel that helps airline employees recognize when someone has a hidden or non-visible disability. You can stop by the Customer Service or Information desk at most airports and pick up a sunflower lanyard free of charge for your family member to wear. The Sunflower is globally recognized as a symbol for non-visible disabilities, also known as hidden disabilities or invisible disabilities.

Tip 11: Do you have a child that is just too big for an infant changing table? There are now some airports, including Minneapolis/St Paul, Chicago O’Hare, and Seattle, that have added a full size changing table to accessible restrooms. In a pinch, I have used one of the lactation pods at the airport. Mamava Pod has an app that you can download to unlock these pods that are located in many airports and public places. They typically have two benches and also a counter space that can be used as a changing table.