Scientific research on the psychology of happiness has resulted in a great deal of knowledge that should apply to families of children with special needs. Instead, diagnosis of childhood disability most often leads to a description of 'worst case scenarios' and explanations of the stages of grief.

Families of children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or other conditions may be unfamiliar with the use of orthotic shoe inserts that help beginning walkers learn how to take their first steps and retrain older children and teens how to walk without causing lifelong discomfort and pain.

iPrompts is the iPhone / iPod Touch app available from HandHoldAdaptive via iTunes that uses standard pictures as well as snapshots from an iPhone camera to create schedule and other prompts for individuals who have language or behavioral barriers to communication, staying on task or transitioning.

The Proloquo2Go assistive communication software application for the iPod Touch and iPhone is an affordable iTunes app for children and teens with hearing or speech impairments, communication challenges, neurological diseases, and physical or developmental disabilities.

The Nintendo WII video gaming system can be used by children, teens and adults with injuries or disability, for physical therapy and rehabilitiation as well as entertainment. Student programmers have created software making the Nintendo Wii remote (WiiMote) functional for people with disabilities.

Costumes for children with special needs at Halloween, for Thanksgiving or Christmas pageants, and school productions should be safe, comfortable, and fabulous