On May 7, 2018, Gracie was born at just 24 weeks. She was a micro-preemie, weighing one pound, six ounces. Her early days were fraught with severe complications including Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). She underwent thirty medical procedures and ten major surgeries, with doctors removing nearly 70 percent of her small intestine.
It was uncertain if Gracie would ever leave the hospital. But her parents, Javier and Gretchen Bernal, never gave up. ey remained by Gracie's side at the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio (CHOSA), where they found strength in a supportive community. “We were embraced by dedicated medical professionals and other NICU families,” Gretchen recalls. “We learned that it really does take a village, and we worked hard to build the right village for our child.”
Gracie was nally discharged at ten months old, but her healthcare journey was far from over. So, the Bernals continued to cultivate the proper support system for their daughter. ey found exceptional private-duty nurses who became part of the family, and they chose dependable DME companies including Wave Healthcare.
“We built a team of medical professionals and loved ones that believe in Gracie and see possibilities for her future,” Gretchen said, adding that e MAC at Morgan’s Wonderland and TeamAbility have also been invaluable to Gracie’s ongoing progress.
Today, Gracie still has a G-tube, ankle braces, and a hearing aid. Doctors believe she may be on the Autism spectrum. But nothing is stopping her from becoming the very best version of herself, and she's come so far from where she began.
Gracie is going into rst grade this year. She enjoys music and she loves being a big sister. She's a unique, happy little girl, and she has a team of supporters in her corner.
" ere's nothing normal about Gracie,” Gretchen says. “She’s the most beautiful, amazing, nonnormal child I know.”
e Bernal family embraces Gracie’s path and proudly shares her story to encourage other special needs families. “Don't be afraid to ask for help,” Gretchen advises. “Build that village. Work hard for your child, and they'll work hard for you. Don’t give up.”
Written by Chealsea Hunt Communications Manager 210-593-9283
Publisher: Exceptional Kids, LLC
Owner & Managing Editor: Kameron Chicoine
Graphic & Art Design: Valor Design, Inc.
Website & Logo Design: Red Rattler Creative
When I was growing up cinnamon toast was a treat for my sisters and I. Mom would make it on cool mornings before we went to school. With a glass of milk, we were set to go. I still love that cinnamon smell in the morning and enjoying my toast with a cup of coffee. Enjoy!
Author: Kameron Chicoine
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Servings: 4 slices
Ingredients:
•1/4 cup unsalted butter, well softened, or you may use margarine
•1/4 cup sugar
•1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
•4 slices bread
Instructions:
•Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread your bread with the butter or margarine.
•Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl or a shaker, sprinkler mixture being sure to cover all the way up to the edges of the bread. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot.
•Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
•Slice in halves, if desired, and serve.
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com
ABA THERAPY
Apara Autism Centers
844-272-7223
1922 Dry Creek Way Suite 2-101 info@AparaAutism.com www.AparaAutism.com
◆Autism Treatment Center
210-590-2107
15911 Nacogdoches Rd Building 2 www.atcoftexas.org
Bloom Behavior & Educational Solutions 210-643-1119
1850 Lockhill Selma Suite 106 www.bloom-aba.net
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 210-891-0800
1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 830-420-6200
6051 FM 3009, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Mindcolor Autism
833-646-3222
8507 Culebra Rd Suite 101 info@mindcolorautism www.mindcolorautism.com
ACUTE/SKILLED CARE
LifeSpan Home Health
877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
ADAPTIVE SPORTS (COMPETITIVE & RECREATIONAL)
◆Kinetic Kids 210-748-5860 11931 Starcrest Dr info@kinetickidstx.org www.kinetickidstx.org
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
◆Pathways Youth & Family Services 210-733-7117 1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE
◆Artvango Therapeutic Services Inc. 210-387-2218
3201 Cherry Ridge Suite B202 artvangosa@gmail.com artvango.org
COUNSELING PROVIDERS
◆Artvango Therapeutic Services Inc. 210-387-2218
3201 Cherry Ridge Suite B202 artvangosa@gmail.com artvango.org
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
(cont'd)
Catholic Charities
210-377-1133
San Fernando Community Center 231 W Commerce
uDeaf Interpreter Services, Inc.
210-545-2946
15600 San Pedro Ave #302 info@deaf-interpreter.com www.Deaf-Interpreter.com
Wave Healthcare
Pg 3 & 4 866-935-9283
121 Interpark Blvd #300 www.wavehealthcare.com
EDUCATION ADVOCACY RESOURCES
uEpilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas 210-653-5353
8601 Village Dr, Suite 220 staff@efcst.org www.efcst.org
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
A.I.M. Educate
210-838-5351
10127 Morocco St #202 privateclinic@aimeducate.com aimeducate.com
uEpilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas 210-653-5353
8601 Village Dr, Suite 220 staff@efcst.org www.efcst.org
uFACT Institute, Inc. 210-267-9134
13032 Nacogdoches Rd #207 life@factinstituteinc.com www.factinstituteinc.com
uThe Winston School of San Antonio 210-615-6544 8565 Ewing Halsell Dr www.winston-sa.org
Catholic Charities 210-293-1009 202 W. French Place www.ccaosa.org
uPathways Youth & Family Services 210-733-7117 1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
Crisis Intervention (Foster Care Only) 1-866-912-6283 (press *) 1919 NW Loop 410 Suite 201 www.pathway.org
GENERAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
www.unitedwaysatx.org
2-1-1 Texas is a free, anonymous social service hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Alamo Local Authority
Intellectual & Disability Services (IDD) Phone: (210) 832-5020 Fax: 1-866-689-1843 2700 NE Loop 410 Suite 101 iddservices@aacog.com http://www.aacog.com
City of San Antonio - Utility Assistance 210-207-7830
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
uEpilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas
210-653-5353
8601 Village Dr, Suite 220 staff@efcst.org www.efcst.org
Hill Country MHDD Centers 358 Landa Street, Suite 300, New Braunfels 888-315-3277 http://www.hillcountry.org
Kerr County MH Center 955 Water Street, Kerrville 888-445-5232 http://www.hillcountry.org
Project Warm - Bexar County Dept of Community Assistance 210-335-3666
Salvation Army 210-226-2291 226 Nolan St
San Antonio Food Bank 210-337-3663
5200 Old Hwy 90 West
Society of St. Vincent de Paul 210-225-7837
WIC Program 210-207-4906
AACOG IDD Services - Alamo Area Council of Governments: Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Services 210-832-5020
2700 NE Loop 410 Suite 101 https://www.aacog.com/66/Intellectual-Developmental-Disability-Se
uEpilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas 210-653-5353
8601 Village Dr, Suite 220 staff@efcst.org www.efcst.org
CDS in Texas
210-798-3779 Toll Free 866-675-7331 www.cdstexas.com
CLASS - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
DBMD-Deaf/Blind Multiple Disabilities Program 877-438-5658
Disability Services of the Southwest 210-798-0123
6243 IH-10 West Suite 114 www.dsswtx.org
HCS - Home & Community-Based Services Program 210-832-5020
MDCP - Medically Dependent Children's Program 877-438-5658
LifeSpan Home Health
2 877-434-3153
6243 IH-10 W Suite 375 www.lifespantx.com
Texas Home Living Waiver 210-832-5020
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu
American Red Cross 210-224-5151
Cerebral Palsy Foundation ucp.org 210-520-1686
uEpilepsy Foundation 24/7 Helpline 1-800-332-1000 (en espanol 1-866-748-8008) www.epilepsy.com
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) 800-572-1717
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), SA 210-734-3349
National Down Syndrome Society 800-221-4602 www.ndss.org
Scleroderma Foundation www.Sclerodema.org
Spinal Bifida Association Texas Chapter 972-238-8755
Williams Syndrome 800-806-1871 www.Williams-syndrome.org
uAutism Treatment Center 210-590-2107
15911 Nacogdoches Rd, Building 2 www.atcoftexas.org
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
Cole Pediatric Therapy 210-891-0800 1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Pediatric Therapy 830-420-6200 6051 FM 3009, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH & PRIVATE DUTY NURSING
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
16 512-532-4800 2921 Steck Ave A-120, Austin www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 210-447-1650
4502 Centerview Dr, Suite 233, San Antonio www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 254-935-0450 2027 S 61st Street, Suite 121, Temple www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care
16 469-827-7500 275 W Campbell Rd, Richardson www.entrustedphc.com
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care Pg 16 713-829-7149
24624 Interstate 45 N Suite 241, Spring www.entrustedphc.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 12 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
For our complete list of resources go online to www.ExceptionalKidsTexas.com uDonateu PHYSICAL THERAPY
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)
Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months
Easy to refer, no medical referral needed
Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org
Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 210-891-0800
1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Academy - ABA Solutions 830-420-6200
6051 FM3004, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc Pg 12 210-255-1466
4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department 210-207-3018
uThe Winston School of San Antonio 210-615-6544 8565 Ewing Halsell Dr www.winston-sa.org
SCHOOL/JOB TRAINING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
uFact Institute Inc 210-267-9134 13032 Nacogdoches #207 life@factinstituteinc.com www.factinstituteinc.com
uMarbridge Foundation 512-282-1144
2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca TX info@marbridge.org Marbridge.org
uAutism Treatment Center 210-590-2107 15911 Nacogdoches Rd, Building 2 www.atcoftexas.org
CHCS-ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Specializing in Infants & Toddlers, Birth to 36 Months Easy to refer, no medical referral needed Call 210-261-3300 or visit www.chcs-eci.org Medicaid, CHIP, Private, all insurances accepted Sliding scale available
Cole Pediatric Therapy 210-891-0800 1202 E Sonterra, Blvd 6, Suite 609 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
Cole Pediatric Therapy 830-420-6200 6051 FM 3009, Suite 215 info@colehealth.com colehealth.com
San Rafael Healthcare Inc
Pg 12 210-255-1466 4203 Gardendale St #C105 www.sanrafaelhealthcare.com
Customer Service Line (Ombudsman) 877-787-8999 www.hhsc.state.tx.us
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services NOW Texas Work Force www.twc.state.tx.us
North Field Office 210-561-8600 12000 Network Blvd #210
West Field Office 210-522-8010 5309 Wurzbach, Suite 102
Northeast Field Office 210-590-5740 10303 Nacogdoches
South Field Office 210-927-8300 1011 Ada St
Imagine the relief of a parent knowing their child is receiving the highest level of care, right at home. is is the reality for many families with San Rafael Healthcare in San Antonio. As a dedicated home health provider specializing in high-acuity nursing, San Rafael brings exceptional pediatric care directly to your doorstep, ensuring that children with complex medical needs receive the support they deserve.
One mother recently shared her story: "When the nurses from San Rafael Healthcare rst arrived at our home, I was overwhelmed by the severity of my son’s condition. But they didn’t just see his medical needs – they saw him. ey saw us. Today, he’s receiving the critical care he needs in the comfort of our home, and we nally feel supported."
San Rafael Healthcare isn’t just a service provider – it’s a lifeline for families managing the challenges of caring for a medically fragile child. We understand the emotional and physical demands of high-acuity care, and our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, providing expert medical support with the warmth and familiarity of home.
Have you ever felt the weight of navigating complex healthcare systems? Or the fear of not knowing if your child is getting the specialized care they require? At San Rafael, we help lift that burden. Our compassionate team walks with you every step of the way, o ering not just medical expertise but also a deep well of empathy and understanding.
At the core of what we do is a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our patients. We don’t just provide healthcare services – we o er peace of mind. And it’s not just the children who bene t; we empower families with the support they need to care for their loved ones with con dence.
You don’t have to face this journey alone. San Rafael Healthcare is here to provide the critical care, guidance, and hope that your family deserves. Visit our website today to learn more about how we can be a part of your child's path to a better quality of life.
By Kristin Stanberry Expert reviewed by Andrew Kahn, PsyD
IEPs are not just for young students. Teens can get IEPs up until graduation. Learn more about the benefits of getting an IEP for your teen in high school. Sometimes a child’s learning differences aren’t uncovered until the teen years. Some kids are able to work around their challenges until things get tougher in high school. Others may not realize that the struggles they’ve had all along are due to learning or thinking differences. No matter your teen’s journey, teens can request an IEP.
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible students can start an Individualized Education Program up until high school graduation or the cutoff age of 22. Even if your teen gets a late start to getting an IEP, there are benefits during high school and beyond.
One of the IDEA requirements is that high school students be a part of IEP team meetings. The IDEA also encourages teens to lead their IEP team meetings.
Get answers to all your questions with the Understood Assistant.
The meetings can help teens learn how to advocate for their needs and goals. These are important skills for young adults as
they head out into the world. That may sound scary if your teen isn’t very assertive or hasn’t yet built self-advocacy skills. But it’s usually less stressful to build these skills in a setting your teen knows well. Learn more about how IEP meetings can help teens build these skills.
The IEP entitles your teen to a transition plan. The plan, created by the IEP team and the student, outlines steps to prepare for young adulthood. Transition services can start as early as age 14. They’re mandatory by age 16.
The transition plan paves the way for your teen’s future after high school. It outlines the required courses and learning needed in high school to support their goals — whether that’s college, vocational school, or finding a job.
The plan also covers functional skills teens need to live independently: managing money, paying bills, using public transportation, staying healthy, Continued on next page
and balancing work, study, and leisure time. It’s usually easier for kids to build these skills during high school, with support from adults, rather than having to figure it all out on their own after high school.
The IEP team sets clear goals and decides who will help your teen with this plan. This is a unique opportunity to invite members of the community, such as vocational counselors and other mentors, to participate in your teen’s transition.
In most states, teens who have an IEP and turn 18 become legally responsible for consenting to and asking for changes to their IEP.
Every teen with an IEP receives a summary of performance (SOP) upon leaving high school. This document, provided by the IEP team, outlines their future needs. It includes a summary of:
• The student’s academic achievement
• All functional skills needed for independent living
• Recommendations to help the student meet their goals
Some states have additional requirements for what the SOP should contain.
IEPs and teens who don’t graduate by age 22
Special education services for students with an IEP end either when a teen has earned a regular high school diploma or has reached the cutoff age. In Texas, the cutoff age for an IEP is 22. Until 22, your child can take high school
classes. Some older students may opt for community college courses. To do this, they’ll need permission from the school district.
If the student reaches age 22 and still hasn’t graduated from high school, the school district must provide the SOP letter. But the student is no longer eligible for special education services.
An IEP offers key benefits to teenagers. It can help families and the school district work with teens to meet current and future needs.
If you or your teen are reluctant to pursue an IEP, thinking it’s too late, consider these benefits:
• An IEP can help teens learn to understand and manage learning and thinking differences while still in high school.
• An IEP must include a transition plan to help prepare teens for life after high school.
• An IEP isn’t available after high school. But having an IEP in high school can help your child get accommodations in future studies.
Make the most of the resources and opportunities available to your child now. You may see your child make tremendous progress in academics, self-confidence, and planning the future.
Providing Private Duty Nursing Services for infants, children, and adults across Central Texas.
Entrusted Pediatric Home Care is the leading provider of pediatric nursing services in Texas. Our clinical team works with physicians and case managers to ensure children transition safely home from the hospital. Whether it is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or a few &hour shifts per week, we have you covered. Our comprehensive approach to care includes coordinating with your team of medical professionals to implement the best possible outcomes for your child.
"You guys make an amazing team and are changing families' lives for the good! We could not be more thankful for all the e ort you put in to making the transition to Entrusted go so smoothly. Not only that, but y'all hit the ball WAY out of the park finding us excellent nursing sta . Thank you for all of the many hours in the o ce and on call that it takes to make our lives better. We couldn't be happier to call Entrusted our family."
-Erica S
