North State Parent magazine

A MAGAZINE SERVING FAMILIES IN BUTTE, GLENN, SHASTA, SISKIYOU & TEHAMA COUNTIES SINCE 1993

Jennifer Arnold

Jennifer Arnold

Shasta County author Jennifer Arnold is the mom of four, two of whom have been diagnosed with multiple special needs. She hopes to raise awareness of many issues that parents of special needs children face on a regular basis.

Author Archive

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How to Communicate Your Child’s Needs to First Responders

It’s always scary when a child with a disability is in a situation where they need first responders, whether it’s a paramedic during a medical emergency, law enforcement looking for […]

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Why Parents of Disabled Children Say, “I’m Fine” (Even When We’re Not)

“I’m fine.” It’s the answer we give in the school pickup line, at the pediatrician’s office and to the friend who cheerfully asks how it’s all going. If you’re a […]

Meet LA - at a glance

The “At a Glance” Document: One Page That Can Make a Huge Difference

It’s the beginning of a new school year, which for your child typically means a new teacher and maybe even a new school. For parents who have children with disabilities, […]

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Navigating Summer in the North State when Most Water Activities are not an Option

Peak summer in the North State is no joke. The thermometer can hit 107 before noon and it can feel like everyone around you practically lives at the lake or […]

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Home Modifications That Can Transform Life for Families with Disabled Children

For families raising children with disabilities, the instinct is often to think about accessibility in the most traditional sense: ramps, grab bars and wider doorways. But the world of home […]

An autistic child focusing on a sensory activity, feeling calm

How to Throw a Sensory Safe Birthday Party

Birthday parties are supposed to be magical, with balloons, singing “Happy Birthday,” party games and spending time with family and friends. But if you have a child with sensory processing […]

Female pediatrician doctor and child patient on wheelchair with

Medical Trauma in Children: How Parents Can Help with Healing

For medically complex kids, frequent appointments, blood draws, imaging, procedures and hospital stays are part of everyday life. While much of this care can be routine, the unpredictability of life […]

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Masking AND Cognitive Fatigue: Why After-School Meltdowns Happen

If your child seems to hold it together all day at school only to fall apart the moment they walk through the door, you’re not alone. Many parents of neurodivergent […]

Happy young child with down syndrome participates in a drumming class

How Music Therapy Helps Teens with Disabilities Manage Stress and Emotion

For many teens, music is a lifeline. It sets the tone for their day, helps them process big feelings and provides a sense of identity and belonging. For teens with […]

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ARFID and the Holidays: Why It’s More Than Picky Eating

The holiday season is supposed to be full of fun, laughter, getting together with family and friends and food is often an integral part of every gathering. But for families […]

AI for students

AI’s Role in Supporting Neurodivergent Students, With Safety and Balance in Mind

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. From adaptive learning apps in the classroom to virtual study […]

child in wheelchair

Hands Across Humanity: A Grassroots Call for Inclusion, Equity and Connection

Many systems exist to support people with disabilities, but what happens when those systems fail to meet real needs? For many, services meant to provide care and inclusion instead create […]