Resources for
Special Needs Children

Understanding the
Theology of the Body

Questions from
Young People

Why Your
Support Matters!

Special Minds is a new resource store in Columbia, South Carolina, started by Mark and Teresa Shelley, for parents and teachers of children with special needs and learning differences.  Their interest in the area of special needs began in 1999 when their son, Paul, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a type of autism.

After several years of buying materials on Asperger Syndrome over the internet and through catalogs, the Shelleys became frustrated that there wasn't a store that they could actually walk into and review the materials prior to purchasing them.  They began to do further research and found that 20% of the population is affected by either a special need or learning difference.

Mark commented, “After discovering just how many families were affected, I was amazed that such a store didn't already exist.  So we decided to open one ourselves.”

Special Minds was created for parents, teachers, counselors and those individuals with special needs, learning differences, emotional and behavioral issues.  For example, parents of a child with ADHD could find a number of different books, software and other resource materials to help their child at school and at home.

The store stocks a large inventory of books, videos, DVDs, games and activities and software on topics that include:  ADD/ADHD, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Sensory Integration, social skills, language and speech development, Down Syndrome, anger management, self control, inclusion in the mainstream classroom, plus much more.

The Shelleys have a long term vision for their store, which includes sponsorship of support group meetings, special video showings, and professional speaker evenings.

Teresa Shelley, who has been a Family Honor program presenter for the last 13 years, indicates that there are lots of things that families of children with special needs and learning disabilities can do to help other individuals better understand their child's condition.

One idea she recommends is to provide reading materials to other family members, friends and especially to the schools.  She's found that when people are more informed, then they are more sensitive and better equipped to deal with your child's needs. 

To find out more about how Special Minds can help you or someone you know, call the store at 803-699-1909 or toll free at 866-810-1909. You can also visit them online at www.specialminds.org.