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Meet Lauren, Dragon Cat, and Learn About Depression ABOUT DEPRESSION RESOURCES ADVOCATES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FUN FACTS ABOUT CHARACTERS DEFINITION What Is Depression? Depression is a type of mood disorder that causes children to be sad, discouraged, or irritable. 2-3% 2-3% of children ages 6-12 may have serious depression 2M + Over 2 million children between the ages of 6-17 have major suicidal thoughts annually. 6-8% 6-8% of teens may have serious depression BIOGRAPHY: ​ About Dragon Cat A ge: Ageless ​ Best Friend: Lil' Bud and Mr. P. ​ Hobbies: At sundown coiling up and napping in a cool damp place Favorite Movie: Jungle Book ​ Favorite Vacation Spot: Jungles or swamps ​ Favorite Quote: “Forget about your worries and your Strife!” ​ About Lauren About Depression: Children with depression often tend to be critical of themselves and others, and may frequently express dissatisfaction. There are two major forms of depression: endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous depression occurs seemingly without a specific cause and is believed to be influenced by chemical and/or genetic factors. It is frequently accompanied by feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and an inability to find enjoyment in normally pleasurable activities. On the other hand, exogenous, or reactive, depression is typically triggered by vario us forms of stress, such as the loss of one or both parents, a close family member, or a friend. Examples of stressors that can lead to depression include parental divorce, frequent arguments, loud confrontations, changing schools, or relocating. In exogenous depression, the world may seem dark and gloomy due to circumstances in the child's life, while in endogenous depression, the world may appear dark and gloomy due to internal factors. ​ Depression can disrupt energy levels, concentration, sleep patterns, and appetite. Children with depression may struggle to muster the effort needed to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Some find it challenging to exert effort, even in activities they previously found pleasurable. Depression can lead children to feel worthless, rejected, or unlovable. It can magnify everyday problems, making them seem more daunting than they actually are. In severe cases, depression can lead children to contemplate self-harm or suicide. They may experience feelings of worthlessness, rejection, or a lack of love. Depression can potentially culminate in suicidal thoughts or actions. ​ Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe and may encompass: ​ Feeling sad or experiencing a persistently low mood Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities Changes in appetite, resulting in either weight loss or gain unrelated to dietary changes Sleep disturbances, including trouble falling asleep or sleeping excessively Decreased energy levels or heightened fatigue Heightened, purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) Feelings of worthlessness or guilt Difficulty with concentration, decision-making, or clear thinking Thoughts of death or suicide. Resources MIRCLE KID FORUM OUR BOOKS CONTACT US Where To Go For Treatment Always try to talk to your child about their mood. Seek additional help and support from your pediatrician. Find a Doctor or Organization Near You! VIEW MAP Want To Learn More? ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

Meet Mr. Pleomorph and Learn About Geniuses FUN FACTS ABOUT MR. P. ABOUT MR. P. RESOURCES ADVOCATES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS DEFINITION What Qualifies A Person To Be A Genius? The term genius refers to someone with extraordinary intellectual or creative power. There is no one definition of genius. Many doctors define genius as a wealth of originality, creativity, and the ability to imagine or think in new ways and areas. Source: WebMD 1 in 2M Approximately 1 in every two million people is a genius BIOGRAPHY: ​ Age: 1 ​ Best Friend: Lil Bud & Lizard Man ​ Birthday: September 25 ​ Hobbies: Reading and absorbing knowledge ​ Favorite Movie: Saving Grace & Lillies of the Field ​ Favorite Vacation Spot: Wherever he is at the time ​ Favorite Quote: “Kindness is the GREATEST form of human intelligence.” ​ Sign: Libra About Mr. Pleomorph: "My name is Mr. Pleomorph, and I proudly hold the title of the world’s smartest computerized robot. I am a true genius, equipped with the ability to alter my size, shape, and visibility, and even replicate myself. I understand if my name is unfamiliar to you. Allow me to clarify, it is a name that aptly describes who I am and what I can do! ​ In my own definition, a true genius encompasses exceptional intellectual, emotional, and social intelligence, coupled with prowess in one or more sports. While most geniuses may excel in one area, a true genius stands out in all aspects. ​ This is what sets me apart from being a mere simple genius. I excel across the board. A true genius harnesses their skills to master the realms of arts, religion, literature, math, science, and demonstrates exceptional physical ability. ​ Additionally, a true genius possesses remarkable interpersonal skills, understanding and motivating others. They are innovators, often enhancing existing ideas, and typically contribute to the betterment of humanity. ​ It is regrettable that, regardless of your accomplishments, whether you are a simple or true genius, your ideas often go unnoticed by those closest to you – friends, associates, and family. ​ To both types of geniuses, I offer this advice: pay no heed to the critics and remain steadfast in nurturing your talents. Forge ahead with your creativity. ​ The pinnacle of intelligence transcends genius. Whether you identify as a genius of any kind, an ordinary individual, or someone with special needs, the ultimate brilliance lies in a smile. ​ A smile embodies faithfulness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience, gladness, and peace towards others. It emanates from your heart, not your mind. A genuine smile signifies that your love for others is equal to or greater than your love for yourself. ​ True intelligence will always prevail. It is the divine way. ​ “Row, row, row, your boat, life is but a dream… What a wonderful world it would be if people would simply allow others to pursue their dreams, free from criticism." Resources MIRCLE KID FORUM OUR BOOKS CONTACT US Advocates For Special Needs Find a Doctor or Organization Near You! VIEW MAP Want To Learn More? ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

MEET OUR CHARACTERS RETURN TO WELCOME PAGE MORE Mircle Kid is Illuminating Pathways of Inclusion and Understanding ABOUT US At Mircle Kid, we're devoted to... Empowering Special Needs Communities By providing a platform that celebrates their unique strengths and abilities. Our projects focus on promoting understanding and inclusivity for individuals with special needs. Celebrating Everyone's Unique Differences We believe in the power of empathy and knowledge to bridge gaps. OUR BOOK SERIES 17% There are over 300 million people living in the US. About 17% of children aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. 240M There are over 7 billion people living in the world. Over are over 240 million children living with disabilities in the world. Many are invisible, hidden by their families and abandoned by their governments. Our Mission Mircle Kid is dedicated to helping individuals better understand the special needs population which includes all of us. READ OUR BOOK SERIES The Amazing World Of Mircle Kids Love Me For Who I Am COMING SOON! LEARN MORE MEET OUR Main Characters and Special Needs Dragons Learn about our characters and the condition(s) they represent! Each one of the Mircle Kid characters represents a different special need, showing us that we all have our own amazing abilities. VIEW ALL Lil' Bud Child with Cerebral Palsy READ MORE Andrew Child with Aspergers (Autism) READ MORE Mr. Pleomorph Super Genius Robot READ MORE Lauren Child with Depression READ MORE Professor Bob Represents Genius, ADHD, and Schizophrenia READ MORE Wolf Spiders Advocates For The Special Needs Community READ MORE Smile I'm Just Like You! Follow Us On Social Media PLEASE NOTE: The Mircle Kid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician. MEET OUR MAIN CHARACTERS AND SPECIAL NEEDS DRAGONS RETURN TO WELCOME PAGE © 2023 Mircle Kid LLC. All Rights Reserved. Designs By Lili Rose

Contact Us Our medical team has over 150 years experience in medicine and will be timely responding to these questions. First name Last name Email Write a message SUBMIT Thanks! We'll Be In Touch Soon! Smile I'm Just Like You! Follow Us On Social Media Join the Mircle Kids Club! Join our email list to be the first to know about our upcoming projects, forum updates, and special offers exclusive to our subscribers. Name Email I agree to recieve email newsletters from Mircle Kid JOIN NOW Thanks for joining the Mircle Kids Club! PLEASE NOTE: The Mircle Kid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER William Grant, MD Education With over 44 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. William Grant is a seasoned practitioner. He's trained in five specialized areas including Internal Medicine, Allergy/Immunology, Infectious Disease, and Rheumatology. ​ During his extensive career, he's spent over 100,000 hours in the ER and interacted with more than 200,000 patients , including thousands of children with special needs. Dr. Grant has also assessed over 3,000 veterans for disability claims. ​ Dr. Grant has been part of various respected institutions like Northwestern University, University of Tennessee in Memphis, Tulane Medical Center, and more. Inspiration Besides his professional achievements, Dr. Grant is a dedicated family man . He has five children, each with their unique strengths and challenges. Among them, one child has Asperger's and another Cerebral Palsy . ​ It was his personal experience with special needs and the creative mind of his wife, Irene, that inspired Dr. Grant to create Mircle Kid. He noticed the lack of accessible information for parents and decided to bridge this gap . Team-Based Approach Mircle Kid is Dr. Grant's project, dedicated to making knowledge about special needs more accessible and understandable. The platform provides information on various special needs, guides on where to seek treatment, and creates a community through forums. ​ Dr. Grant believes in a team-based approach to treatment, involving specialists, parents, nutritionists, physicians, mental health experts, and social workers. "Kindness is the greatest form of human intelligence." - Dr. William Grant, Founder of Mircle Kid Join Dr. William Grant and Mircle Kid in their journey of empowerment, education, and compassion. Together, let's navigate the extraordinary landscape of humanity, celebrating the tapestry of the special needs population that unites us all. JOIN THE DISCUSSION Want To Learn More? RESOURCES MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

ABOUT BULLIES Meet Dragon T-Rex and Learn About Bullies RESOURCES FUN FACTS ABOUT DRAGON HOW TO HANDLE BULLYING DEFINITION What Is A Bully? A bully is a person, group or entity that uses abuse to belittle, control or harm another individual or entity. 10% + More than 10% of all school-age children between the ages of 5 and 18 have been bullied on more than one occasion 22% In 2019, about 22% of students ages 12–18 reported being bullied at school during the school year BIOGRAPHY: ​ Age: Ageless ​ Best Friend: The other dragons ​ Hobbies: Singing and acting ​ Favorite Movie: Pan’s Labyrinth About Bullies: The four types of abuse a bully uses are emotional, physical, verbal, and Internet (cyber). ​ More than 10 perc ent of all school-age children between the ages of 5 and 18 have been bullied on more than one occasion. ​ People, groups, or entities often bully because they are not happy or are insecure with themselves, and they want others to feel the same way. ​ A bully will use any means possible to target another person. ​ Bullies will often select their victims based on the community a person lives in or is from, education, gender, financial status, mental health, physical appearance, race, religion, and sexual orientation. ​ There are several ways to protect against bullying. Resources MIRCLE KID FORUM OUR BOOKS CONTACT US Children should be encouraged to talk to their parents or school authorities when confronted by bullies. Find a Doctor or Organization Near You! VIEW MAP SNEAK PEAK Dragon Tyrannosaurus Rex in "Love Me For Who I Am" Hover over the images below. Want To Learn More? ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

ABOUT Mircle Kid 01 Our Mission Mircle Kid is dedicated to helping individuals better understand the special needs population which includes all of us. Our Promise 02 Through a wealth of comprehensive resources, Mircle Kid strives to demystify and embrace diverse special needs, nurturing awareness and unity. Our platform is your compass, guiding you to invaluable insights and connecting you with the support you seek. 03 Our Vision Join us in our journey of empowerment, education, and compassion, as we navigate the remarkable landscape of humanity together. Want To Learn More? ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

ALL BOOKS The Amazing World Of Mircle Kids Book Series Discover the adventures of superhero, 'Mircle' Boy (Lil’ Bud), who has Cerebral Palsy. Join his best friend Andrew, who has Asperger’s , Professor Bob Mircle, a schizophrenic meg a-genius, and Mr. Pleomo rph, an amazing computerized robot. T old from the perspective of Lil’ Bud and his friends, these stories will introduce a n ew world waiting to be discovered . GET TO KNOW Lil' Bud The differences that I have compared to other people cause some to stare, shy away, or even think that they hold greater importance in this world than me. ​ I wish people would realize that having these differences is not my fault, or begin to recognize that they too have differences. Maybe some are not as noticeable as mine, but they have them too. Most importantly, I wish people would remember that I am a person just like each of them and have feelings too. GET TO KNOW Super Robot Genius Mr. Pleomorph Mr. Pleomorph, also known as Mr. P., is an extraordinary robot with a mastery of disguise and boundless resources. He possesses the unique ability to replicate and transform into various objects or creatures, and he even has the power to travel through time! Mr. Pleomorph and Lil' Bud share a great friendship, with the next thrilling adventure just around the corner. MEET OUR Main Characters and Special Needs Dragons Learn about our characters and the condition(s) they represent! Each one of the Mircle Kid characters represents a different special need, showing us that we all have our own amazing abilities. VIEW ALL COMING SOON! Love Me For Who I Am What an Adventure! A two-headed Dragon waiting to defend the Professor's honor. A robot smarter than humans that can morph into other shapes, and time travel with Merlin and Houdini? Wolf Spiders, a Lizard Man, and a mysterious photograph from a phone camera? Discover and inspire all kids to share their gifts! READ MORE About The Author William Grant, MD is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Specialist who grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended the University of Illinois in Chicago. He graduated from Chicago Medical School in 1979 and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital, a Northwestern Hospital. He furthered his education by completing fellowship training in Immunology in Memphis, Tennessee, Allergy at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, and Infectious Disease training at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. He then spent several years teaching at major medical centers and in private practice. Dr. Grant has treated well over 150,000 different patients, including multiple Veterans and children. Many of his patients have had a broad range of special needs. READ MORE Testimonials "Dr. William Grant is no stranger to special needs children. As a father to two of them, he has a bird’s eye view of the challenges that face the families and their children every day. Through his characters, Dr. Grant was able to bring us up close to the world of children with disabilities without leaving our comfort zone. While magic and heroes have no role in the life of ordinary people, it plays a significant role in the life of children with disabilities who need them not only as a defense mechanism to foster resilience; but also helps them adapt to the everyday challenges that face them from sunrise to sunset." Lotfi Bashir, MD, FAAP "Dr. William N. Grant has served us well by catapulting us into the real world of the special need In his insightful books and web site. Dr. Grant teaches us empathy and emancipates us from prejudice. He shows brilliance, creativity, and extensive medical knowledge. His description of challenging medical conditions is accurate. He demonstrates a deep understanding of serious stresses on one’s self-esteem and perception of self. He captures well the feelings and reality of being different. There are wise commentaries on fast foods, and he discusses picas, an eating disorder in which persons eat nonfood substances. Dr. Grant possesses a fundamentally sound understanding of psychiatric and neurological conditions which to date are not understood fully. He introduces us to the challenges of schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, phobias, autism and Asperger, cerebral palsy, and anxiety disorders. Although Dr. Grant is not a psychiatrist, he displays a broad understanding of these disorders and discusses them in a sophisticated and thoughtful manner. Much thanks to Dr. Grant for sharing his sophisticated understanding of the daily frustrations of those affected." Howard J Tucker M.D., J.D. Join the Mircle Kids Club! Join our email list to be the first to know about our upcoming projects, forum updates, and special offers exclusive to our subscribers. Name Email I agree to recieve email newsletters from Mircle Kid JOIN NOW Thanks for joining the Mircle Kids Club! PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

Meet Andrew and Learn About Asperger's (Autism) FUN FACTS ABOUT ANDREW ABOUT ASPERGER'S RESOURCES WHERE TO GO FOR TREATMENT DEFINITION What Is Asperger's Syndrome? Asperger’s syndrome is a term sometimes used to describe a developmental disorder that’s part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People who have this type of ASD tend to have a hard time relating to others socially. They usually stick to a very specific routine, have a narrow set of interests, and act in repetitive ways such as flapping their hands. ​ Doctors sometimes call Asperger's a "high-functioning" type of ASD, which means its symptoms tend not to be as severe as other kinds of autism spectrum disorder . 2.7% About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 4x ASD is nearly 4 times more common among boys than among girls CHARACTER BIOGRAPHY: ​ Name: Andrew Special Need : Asperger's (Au tism) ​ Age: 14 ​ Best Friend: Lil’ Bud ​ Birthday: December 2 ​ Hobbies: Computers and Magic ​ Favorite Movie: Toy Story 1, 2, and 3 ​ Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida ​ Favorite Quote: “Hey Lil’ Bud” About Asperger's: Overview: Andrew is a pictorial essay on Asperger’s disease, one part of the 5 components of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In my description of Andrew, I’ve identified three distinct areas of Asperger syndrome: communication, behavior, and social skills. Generally, Asperger's disease has higher functioning. People with this condition may be socially awkward and have an all-absorbing interest in specific topics. Communication training and behavioral therapy can help individuals with the syndrome learn to socialize more successfully. ​ Rett’s Syndrome: Affects females and is caused by a non-inherited gene mutation. Rett syndrome is rarely inherited. Infants seem healthy during their first six months but, over time, rapidly lose coordination, speech, and the use of their hands. Symptoms may then stabilize for years. ​ Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: Is characterized by a loss of previously acquired language and social skills, resulting in a persistent delay in these areas. For example, a child who was previously able to speak in 2- or 3-word phrases gradually or abruptly loses the ability to communicate using words or fragments of words. ​ Kanner's Syndrome: A serious childhood disorder of hig her brain function in which the child is withdrawn, self-absorbed, aloof, interested in objects but not in people, prone to repetitive movement and sometimes self-injury, and often unable to communicate by normal speech. ​ Pervasive Developmental Disorder: The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. ​ How common: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ASD is a disorder a ffecting 1 in 68 children with a mean average of 1 in 52-55 children. Which means that about 36,500 of every 4 million children born each year in the U.S. will have autism. ASD is more common among boys than girls. It is characterized by alterations in a child’s Communication, Social Skills, and Behavior. This alteration is due to the way an Autistic child’s brain is wired as compared to other children who do not have Autism. Asperger’s Syndrome is included in the condition called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is now the name given to each of the 5 different disorders listed above. ​ Communication Children within ASD can be taught communication skills of verbal and non-verbal communication. But this is most successful when done early in their life. In any language weather English, Spanish, Pidgin, Swahili. Mandarin, or Italian is either verbal or non-verbal. Verbal communication starts in Utero. The difference is in the interpretation of language. Children within the ASD brain is wired differently than children not in this spectrum and they interpret language differently. They have more time to learn, less to learn, fewer inhibitions, and a brain designed for language learning. It is because of the brain's elasticity and rapid neural formation that babies and young children are able to learn languages at a faster rate. Language skill is an extremely complicated issue because it uses a combination of verbal and non-verbal responses. Because it is earliest to teach language at an age earliest as possible, it is important to recognize early that a child may have an ASD. Whatever a person’s heritage or culture, language is a cultural by product. Because a child within the ASD brain is wired differently, this interaction of language learning cannot be one sided such as the persons interacting with the ASD child thinking that they are going to straighten the child out by teaching this child correct communication skills. A person’s culture or heritage has to often be taken into consideration. Understanding language helps us to understand behavior and social skills. Non-verbal communication is more important than verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is often more subtle and more effective than verbal communication and can convey meaning better than words. For example, perhaps a frown, smile or tone of voice conveys our feeling much easier than words. Non-verbal language consists of many things. It varies from the way we use are body as language as well as the things we put on our body. Such as body gestures, eye contact, gaze, facial expressions, appearance, clothes, the way we walk, speak, personal space, hygiene, paralinguistics (such as loudness or tone of voice), or jewelry, including body art, such as tattoos and the music we listen too. In a social or behavior setting, the child with ASD may be able to communicate but a different manner. To get attention they may yell or urinate on themselves or just stand extremely close to a person they are talking to. Verses children outside this spectra when seeking attention may be learning , “Do you have a moment to talk?”, or “Are you busy?”, or “what’s happening?”, versus an inappropriately yell or just standing extremely close to a person they are communicating with or even urinate on themselves for attention. In summary Children who are exposed early to other languages display more positive attitudes to the cultures associated with those languages. The experience of learning a language introduces them to the world in ways they might otherwise have not experienced. It is because of the brain's elasticity and rapid neural formation that babies and young children are able to learn languages at a faster rate. This is sometimes referred to as the “critical period” Regarding verbal communication, there are few absolutes in the world, but ASD children do not ask “fillers” or meaningless questions like, “How are you doing?” or “how do you feel?” Although they may ask these questions as older children in their attempt to become “normal” Due to the abnormality in the way the brain is wired, a child who has Asperger’s or the other four Autistic Spectrum Disorders have extremely poor non-verbal communication skills. It is extremely important that the child with any of the 5 ASD be treated as being normal in their world. It is completely wrong for anyone to think that they are going to teach the child in the Autistic Spectrum correct communication skills by ignoring the fact that in their world, they do not think that they are wrong in their approach to communication, behavior, or social skills. The child with ASD lives in their own world the same as people who are not in the ASD live in their own world. They do not think that they are wrong in their approach to communication. Because their brain is wired differently, they believe in their mind that they are normal in their communication and simply don’t understand the person not in the ASD disorders such as an Asperger’s Syndrome child. Understanding this fact is of utmost importance. It is important that anyone on the therapist team understand this fact. It is also important that people within the ASD and those who are treated with dignity despite their differences. Behavior ​ Children within any of the ASD’s have behavior abnormalities such as: Tie their shoelaces Button their clothes Urinates on themselves Does not look at people they are talking to. Stares at people they are not talking to. Doesn’t listen to /others Temper tantrums Difficulty playing sports due to lack of coordination Fear of animals Social Skills Children within any of the ASD’s have Social Skills abnormalities such as the following. Stands too close to others Does not look at people he is talking to. Stares at people he is not talking to. Talks too much, one sided conversation Makes inappropriate comments Does not say fillers, i.e. How are you today; Are you having a nice day? Doesn’t listen to others Temper tantrums As a result of these Behavior and Social Skills children with ASD may have difficulty following simple commands. They may not have a social smile, or they may smile most of the time and often are often unable to tell others of their desires or needs. At all ages they may have long and severe temper tantrums, repetitive or odd behaviors. They show an unusual attachment to inanimate objects with difficulty playing with toys and prefer to play alone. Another obstacle of learning communication skills is that most all children within the ASD have some a form of a learning disorder that will either disable or enables them to process information in either a deficient or accelerated manner. There are also 5 types of learning disorders including: Dyslexia also called a reading disability and affects areas of the brain that process language. Children have slow and labor-intense reading. It is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Dyslexia affects 1 in 10 children and is the most common learning disorder. ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition that causes differences in brain development and brain activity that affects attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. It affects millions of US children. The estimated number of children diagnosed with ADHD is 6.1 million up to age 17. Boys 12.9% are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls 5.6%. Dyscalculia is severe difficulty in making math calculations. It affects about 7% of elementary school children and some research suggests it’s as common as dyslexia. It is estimated that 11% of children with dyscalculia have ADHD. Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects written expression. Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts on paper. … Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder that generally appears when children are first learning to write. In elementary school settings, it’s estimated that approximately 4 percent of children suffer from Dysgraphia. By middle school — when the complexity of written assignments starts to increase dramatically — estimates can get as high as 20 percent. Processing deficits are problems with the processes of recognizing and interpreting information taken in through the senses. The two most common areas of processing difficulty associated with learning disorders are visual and auditory perception . ​ Although people with ASD have a different wiring of their brain, everyone’s integrity should be the same. Einstein was viewed an idiot and responded. “The world’s greatest invention is compound interest! E=MC2.” Salvador Dali was viewed as stupid and weird. His response at age 16, “I am a genius and people will admire me.” Mr. Dali grew up being called stupid and was asked to leave a famous/great art academy. At age 30 he told the world, “I am surrealism!!!" Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, and Stravinsky all told the World, “I am the music”. Larry Tinsley, “Man, you don’t know who I am. I am the Art!!!” He was a straight A student at the Pittsburgh Institute of fine Art. Resources MIRCLE KID FORUM OUR BOOKS CONTACT US Where To Go For Treatment Treatment of Asperger's Syndrome should include a team approach. Social skills training. Behavior supports. Cognitive behavioral therapy. Parent education and training. Speech-language therapy. Occupational therapy. Special education classes. Medication. What are the treatments for autism? The treatment also includes a team approach. Behavioral management therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy. Early intervention. Educational and school-based therapies. Joint attention therapy. Medication treatment. Nutritional therapy. Occupational therapy. ​ Find a Doctor or Organization Near You! VIEW MAP Want To Learn More? ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

Meet Lil' Bud and Learn About Cerebral Palsy FUN FACTS ABOUT LIL' BUD ABOUT CEREBRAL PALSY RESOURCES WHERE TO GO FOR TREATMENT DEFINITION What Is Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disease that can affect a person’s movement, posture, and muscles. 2-3 About two to three children out of every 1,000 have Cerebral Palsy 10k About 10,000 babies born each year will develop Cerebral Palsy 500k About 500,000 children under age of 18 currently have Cerebral Palsy BIOGRAPHY: ​ Special Need: Cerebral Palsy (Spastic Quadriplegia) ​ Age: 14 Best Friend: Andrew ​ Birthday: July 1 Hobbies: Computers and watching Andrew’s magic tricks Favorite Movie: Marley and Me Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida Favorite Quote: “I did it!” About Cerebral Palsy: People with Cerebral Palsy (CP) can have difficulty eating, drinking, standing, holding objects, walking, and talking. CP has multiple causes among which are; lack of oxygen to the brain at birth, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine infection, antepartum hemorrhage, and multiple pregnancies. Resources MIRCLE KID FORUM OUR BOOKS CONTACT US Where To Go For Treatment Find a Doctor or Organization Near You! VIEW MAP Want To Learn More? ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

ABOUT DIABETES Meet Sheriff Hunkster and Learn About Diabetes Mellitus RESOURCES FUN FACTS ABOUT SHERIFF ADVOCATES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS DEFINITION What Is Diabetes Mellitus? Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. ​ The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems. Source: Mayo Clinic 18k 17,900 children and adolescents younger than age 20 years have Type 1 diabetes 5k 5,300 children and adolescents ages 10 to 19 years have Type 2 diabetes BIOGRAPHY: ​ Age: 30’s Best Friends: Leonard and Sike Hobbies: Football Favorite Movie: Jim Brown – All-American Favorite Vacation: Saints (Football Team) Training Camp to watch Favorite Quote: "Amongst the educated, common sense is uncommon" What Is Type 1 Diabetes? A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This is the most common form of diabetes seen in children. What Is Type 2 Diabetes? A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). About Diabetes: Diabetes in Yo uth About 193,000 Americans under age 20 are estimated to have diagnosed with diabetes, approximately 0.24% of that population. In 2011—2012, the annual incide nce of diagnosed diabetes in youth was estimated at 17,900 with Type 1 diabetes, 5,300 with type 2 diabetes. Resources MIRCLE KID FORUM OUR BOOKS CONTACT US Where To Go For Treatment Talk to your pediatrician, you may need an endocrinologist as a consultant. An endocrinologist is a specialist in Diabetes Mellitus. Find a Doctor or Organization Near You! VIEW MAP Want To Learn More? ABOUT OUR FOUNDER MEET OUR TEAM JOIN THE FORUM SUPPORT SPECIAL NEEDS BOOK SERIES PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.

ALL BOOKS The Amazing World Of Mircle Kids Book Series Discover the adventures of superhero, 'Mircle' Boy (Lil’ Bud), who has Cerebral Palsy. Join his best friend Andrew, who has Asperger’s , Professor Bob Mircle, a schizophrenic meg a-genius, and Mr. Pleomo rph, an amazing computerized robot. T old from the perspective of Lil’ Bud and his friends, these stories will introduce a n ew world waiting to be discovered . GET TO KNOW Lil' Bud The differences that I have compared to other people cause some to stare, shy away, or even think that they hold greater importance in this world than me. ​ I wish people would realize that having these differences is not my fault, or begin to recognize that they too have differences. Maybe some are not as noticeable as mine, but they have them too. Most importantly, I wish people would remember that I am a person just like each of them and have feelings too. GET TO KNOW Super Robot Genius Mr. Pleomorph Mr. Pleomorph, also known as Mr. P., is an extraordinary robot with a mastery of disguise and boundless resources. He possesses the unique ability to replicate and transform into various objects or creatures, and he even has the power to travel through time! Mr. Pleomorph and Lil' Bud share a great friendship, with the next thrilling adventure just around the corner. MEET OUR Main Characters and Special Needs Dragons Learn about our characters and the condition(s) they represent! Each one of the Mircle Kid characters represents a different special need, showing us that we all have our own amazing abilities. VIEW ALL COMING SOON! Love Me For Who I Am What an Adventure! A two-headed Dragon waiting to defend the Professor's honor. A robot smarter than humans that can morph into other shapes, and time travel with Merlin and Houdini? Wolf Spiders, a Lizard Man, and a mysterious photograph from a phone camera? Discover and inspire all kids to share their gifts! READ MORE About The Author William Grant, MD is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Specialist who grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended the University of Illinois in Chicago. He graduated from Chicago Medical School in 1979 and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph Hospital, a Northwestern Hospital. He furthered his education by completing fellowship training in Immunology in Memphis, Tennessee, Allergy at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, and Infectious Disease training at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. He then spent several years teaching at major medical centers and in private practice. Dr. Grant has treated well over 150,000 different patients, including multiple Veterans and children. Many of his patients have had a broad range of special needs. Testimonials "Dr. William Grant is no stranger to special needs children. As a father to two of them, he has a bird’s eye view of the challenges that face the families and their children every day. Through his characters, Dr. Grant was able to bring us up close to the world of children with disabilities without leaving our comfort zone. While magic and heroes have no role in the life of ordinary people, it plays a significant role in the life of children with disabilities who need them not only as a defense mechanism to foster resilience; but also helps them adapt to the everyday challenges that face them from sunrise to sunset." Lotfi Bashir, MD, FAAP "Dr. William N. Grant has served us well by catapulting us into the real world of the special need In his insightful books and web site. Dr. Grant teaches us empathy and emancipates us from prejudice. He shows brilliance, creativity, and extensive medical knowledge. His description of challenging medical conditions is accurate. He demonstrates a deep understanding of serious stresses on one’s self-esteem and perception of self. He captures well the feelings and reality of being different. There are wise commentaries on fast foods, and he discusses picas, an eating disorder in which persons eat nonfood substances. Dr. Grant possesses a fundamentally sound understanding of psychiatric and neurological conditions which to date are not understood fully. He introduces us to the challenges of schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, phobias, autism and Asperger, cerebral palsy, and anxiety disorders. Although Dr. Grant is not a psychiatrist, he displays a broad understanding of these disorders and discusses them in a sophisticated and thoughtful manner. Much thanks to Dr. Grant for sharing his sophisticated understanding of the daily frustrations of those affected." Howard J Tucker M.D., J.D. Join the Mircle Kids Club! Join our email list to be the first to know about our upcoming projects, forum updates, and special offers exclusive to our subscribers. Name Email I agree to recieve email newsletters from Mircle Kid JOIN NOW Thanks for joining the Mircle Kids Club! PLEASE NOTE: The MircleKid website is not providing any treatment information. We are only providing information about medical conditions. Treatment advice needs to be provided only by YOUR treating physician.