This site - part of the PBS Caring for Critically Ill Children online series -- has practical suggestions for parents and teachers on talking to critically ill children about what is happening to them, including a section with tips for different aged children.

Looking for a good summer camp? Here's a list of lists compiled by the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities.

The Association of Child and Maternal Health Programs (AMCHP) represents state public health leaders who have close-up knowledge of what policies can make a difference for children with special health and developmental needs and their families. AMCHP members are urging Congress to ensure that each of the 18 million children with special needs has access to a "medical home" which provides continuity of care and to increase funding to adequately serve such children.

One of the contentious issues in the IDEA reauthorization is whether school discipline policies and practices should take disability into account. According to the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, schools can successfully address the reasons behind problem behavior of students with disabilities, as required by the current federal special education law, in ways that lead to "fewer behavior problems and an atmosphere of learning instead of constant power struggles."

Community mapping can help put a community's resources in the neighborhoods where they are most needed. This National Center on Secondary Education and Transition brief includes a detailed explanation of Community Resource Mapping, a list of the benefits of mapping for youth with disabilities, examples of mapping efforts, and related contacts and resources.

The President's Commission on Mental Health found that the mental health care system is more complex and inadequate for children than for adults, and that families don't know where to turn. The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law reports that these concerns were apparent in focus groups, where parents described difficulties and frustrations in getting proper care for their mentally ill children.

Almost five years ago, Greg and Tierney Fairchild learned through prenatal testing that their eagerly awaited first child would be born with Down syndrome. The story of their decision to proceed with the pregnancy was recently published as a book, Choosing Naia, by Mitchell Zuckoff. Connect for Kids' Caitlin Johnson wondered how the Fairchild family is doing now, as Naia approaches her school years.

Asthma-friendly schools are those that make an effort to create safe and supportive learning environments for students with asthma and have policies that allow students to manage their asthma. This CDC manual offers guidance on reaching these objectives.

Think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder? Do not wait to seek help any longer. The Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center staff is waiting to help individuals with all types of eating disorders locate eating disorder treatment facilities and support groups. Additionally, the Center provides free referrals to eating disorder specialists.

As the numbers of children diagnosed with autism climbs, more families, teachers and therapists are looking for guidance. Exiting Nirvana: A Daughter's Life with Autism offers a look at how autism has been experienced by Jessy Park, now 40, and her family. This review by Abigail Reifsnyder first appeared in The Berkshire Eagle.