It's the most wonderful time of the year at Exceptional Family!

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find in Volume 6, Number 2:

Canada’s Other National Pastime

“He shoots! He scores!” What hockey-loving Canadian hasn't heard (or uttered) this joyous phrase?  For the millions of hockey fans across the country, there's a twist in the icy mix: it’s called sledge hockey, and although geared for people with physical disabilities, the sport is scoring big among hockey enthusiasts nationwide.

Read our cover story and see why sledge hockey is the ultimate “equalizing” sport for players of all abilities.

Toy Story

We’ve teamed up with the Canadian Toy Testing Council to bring you some of the season’s top toys for kids with physical and cognitive challenges – tested by exceptional kids and caregivers in the know about what’s hot and what’s not.

No need to shop ‘til you drop – we’ve done all the legwork for you.

Sense and Sensibility:  Life with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

If you’re an exceptional parent, you’ve likely heard of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM – clinicians’ and researchers’  “bible” that categorizes and diagnoses a wide range of syndromes and cognitive disorders.  A new version of the DSM is slated for release in 2013, and those touched by SPD are advocating for its inclusion within.

Learn more about life with SPD and what the movement is all about from the insiders themselves.

The Many Facets of Communication

Language is more than just speech, explains Dr. James Coplan, a specialist in developmental-behavioural pediatrics and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Speech is one aspect of communication, but when assessing a child with “delayed speech,” we need to consider whether the child may actually have delayed language, including receptive and visual communication skills.   

Confused about what constitutes typical development and what doesn’t? Dr. Coplan’s primer on typical speech and language milestones will surely clear up any doubts.