Dandelion: Sharing Stories Of Success

Sacramento Parent last year launched a new, specialty publication called Dandelion.

Unlike other parenting publications in the region, this biannual magazine focuses on the stories of families with special needs children.

The magazine has tons of great articles along with a list of resources geared toward families coping with all types of abilities and diagnoses.

We tend to see this publication as an opportunity for parents of these children to not only be better informed, but better connected to their community. It is available - for free! - on newsstands where you find Sacramento Parent.

There is also a Bay Area edition.

Open Eyes, Open Hearts

It seems the story of a Sacramento couple adopting Sofia, a child with Down's Syndrome from Eastern Europe, has opened the eyes and hearts of many.


Corryn and Ellieza are no exception. They followed the journey to bring Sofia home via the family's blog with their mom, a music therapist who works with special needs children.

The girls were beside themselves with excitement when they finally had a chance to meet Sofia in person along with other Down's Syndrome children. They brought Sofia carefully selected gifts, played with her and checked often to make sure she was OK.

Says their mom Bessie, "This has opened their eyes more to children with special needs and also to orphans and their needs as well."

Temple Grandin Biopic Emmy Worthy

A group of Natomas SoNG founding parents gathered in the spring to watch HBO's "Temple Grandin" biopic together - and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

The writing, acting and filmmaking of this real-life story continues to gain attention from the mainstream with several Emmy award nominations.

From specialchildren.about.com:

The nominations for the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards were revealed this morning, and HBO’s biopic Temple Grandin cleaned up with 15 nominations, including one for Claire Danes’s portrayal of Grandin, two supporting-actress nods for Julia Ormond as Temple’s mother and Catherine O’Hara as Temple’s aunt, supporting-actor recognition for David Strathairn as a sympathetic teacher, and nominations for writing, directing, and best made-for-TV movie.

This film is highly recommended for parents of all children with special needs. Temple Grandin's story is not just about autism, it's about the parents - and others - who support children who are "different, not less."

Knotty Knitters Raise $$$ For Autism

A knitting group out of Tacoma, Wash. has created a not-so naughty, nude calendar to raise money and awareness for autism. The inspiration for this venture? The 7-year-old twin grandchildren of one of the group member who are autistic. To find out more about this warm and fuzzy project, click here.