Before discussing this calendar, I should mention that Horizons Developmental Remediation Center, the originator of the product, is a therapy center specializing in integrative treatment for children with autism and their families. For more information about their resources, see their website (listed above).

Do Something Daily is a stand-up, one-page-per-day flip calendar. Measuring about 4 x 5 inches, it's a nice size for a desk or even a breakfast table. The goal is for families to pick out one activity per day (or as many you wish) to use as a springboard into new ways of thinking about and connecting with each other, which can be difficult for anyone, but especially those with special challenges.

Some of the suggestions include "Have a backwards dinner - eat dessert first!" or "Hang or lay things out to dry instead of putting them in the dryer" or "Walk like different animals throughout the house." These suggestions probably sound simple to parents of typically developing children. And indeed they are simple. But for parents overwhelmed with the special needs of a child or children with an autism diagnosis, they can be just the sort of refocusing a family needs to help everyone stay on track. Many of the "little things" we take for granted turn out to be a very big deal indeed. That is where a tool such as this comes in: the little things sometimes need extra attention drawn to them.

This little calendar could also make an excellent gift for a friend facing a new diagnosis, someone you know who has run out of ideas for their child or children, or for a therapist looking for small activities to incorporate into other therapy activities. If you're working with a child on the autism spectrum or with another neurodevelopmental disorder, it would be worth your time to also check out the other items in the store and in their resources section, linked from the Horizons DRC homepage.

Product review by Carrie Wilbur, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March 2010