Special Needs Resources for Parents and Teachers

Back when I worked in special needs in the 1970s, there weren’t a lot of great resources available. I started first as a volunteer at a state hospital for children and adults with severe intellectual disabilities and then in a paid position at a state hospital for children and adults with severe intellectual disabilities. I began college as a special education major but focused on Montessori education when I discovered I could work with the entire spectrum of children in a Montessori classroom.

I’m excited about the amazing special needs resources that are available today for both parents and teachers. You don’t need to do everything on your own. I’m sharing some very special special-needs resources for you here today.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (at no cost to you). I was given a copy of The ABCs of Montessori and Special Needs for this review. The opinions expressed here are honest and my own.

The ABCs of Montessori and Special Needs – Review

Renae Eddy is the mother and Montessori homeschool teacher of four children with multiple special needs. Renae has studied special needs extensively and is an inspiring, compassionate role model and support person for parents of children with special needs. She’s written The ABCs of Montessori and Special Needs, available in PDF and paperback formats.

The ABCS of Montessori and ...Shop on Amazon The book is written for both parents and teachers. I love that this book gives parents and teachers helpful background information on a wide variety of special needs, tips for helping many problems in the classroom or at home, and, most of all, hope. Renae’s assertion is that any child can learn and thrive in a Montessori environment with the proper supports if the parents and/or teacher are willing to follow the child and if the behaviors are understood.

Renae’s final chapter is “Zero Exceptions.” In it, she says:

“This entire book has been dedicated to helping parents and Montessori teachers alike understand that Montessori really is for everyone including those with special needs. A child with special needs won’t just function in a Montessori environment, he will thrive. But some may still be wondering if it can really work for EVERY child. Once again, I’m here to say yes! There are zero exceptions.”

A bit more about the book:

The book contains almost an encyclopedia of special needs in its section on “Special Needs in the  Classroom.” You’ll find lots of detailed information.

In true Montessori style, Renae emphasizes that for any child to be successful, the teacher must observe and understand the child’s behaviors. All behaviors have purpose. If we can understand the reasons behind the behaviors, we can help. You’ll find the ABCs of Behavioral Analysis very helpful for special needs in general.

I appreciate that Renae created a panel of certified Montessori teachers to answer her questions when writing the book. Her “tips for Montessori teachers” at the end of each section (organized by letters of the alphabet) are extremely helpful for both teachers and parents.

I highly recommend Renae’s book for any parents of children with special needs as well as teachers or caregivers who work with children (or adults) who have special needs.

Montessori-Inspired Special Needs Support

In my “Montessori-Inspired Special Needs Support” roundup, you’ll find Montessori-style sites with activities and resources for a variety of special needs. 

Helpful Products for Sensory Needs

Project Sensory is no longer available, but Amazon has many products that are helpful for children with special sensory needs.

Fidgets work very well for many children with special needs.

You’ll also find chewable jewelry.

And weighted blankets are a favorite of many.

Wishing you every support you need as the parent or teacher of a child or children with special needs.

My Reviews of Montessori Printables from Every Star Is Different (products are designed for all children, including those with special needs)

After the gallery has loaded, you can see all my posts with reviews of Every Star Is Different printables. Just click on an image to go to that post!

You can see all my reviews of Every Star Is Different Printables with slightly larger cover images here.

You can see all the products in the Every Star Is Different shop here.

Learn more about my eBook Montessori at Home or School: How to. Teach Grace and Courtesy!

If this is your first time visiting Living Montessori Now, welcome! If you haven’t already, please join us on our Living Montessori Now Facebook page where you’ll find a Free Printable of the Day and lots of inspiration and ideas for parenting and teaching! And please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest (lots of Montessori-, holiday-, and theme-related boards), and YouTube. While you’re here, please check out the Living Montessori Now shop.

And don’t forget one of the best ways to follow me by signing up for my weekly newsletter. You’ll receive some awesome freebies in the process!