"I am different. Not less."---Temple Grandin
GREAT NEWS!!!
As many of you may already know, Congress passed The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011( CARA) this week. It now goes to Pres. Obama for his signature. Folks---this is what advocacy is all about.
THE IMPACT OF FACEBOOK ON AUTISM ADVOCACY
In the last several months, I've come to the conclusion Facebook has a generally positive impact on autism advocacy. Even though there are countless resources online for autism related issues and concerns--- like this very blog--- Facebook magnifies those resources a thousand fold. I am constantly amazed and thrilled at the information the general population shares regarding autism on their Facebook autism pages. Just as important, the comments added by the general population add to this enormous tapestry of relevant and useful information. We can only look forward to what the future holds with this technology and the evolving technology around the corner for continued autism advocacy.
(Note: you can access my Facebook page to the right of this post. Also visit the many resources we have available on this blog).
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Breaking News: House Passes CARA; Top Ten Terrific Traits of People with Autism; Taking the Mystery Out of IEP's
"...History suggests that many individuals whom we would today diagnose as autistic---some severely so---contributed profoundly to our art, our math, our science and our literature."---Morton Gernsbacher, parent of a child with Autism.
(I would also add they've contributed to our overall culture in very positive ways)---Editor
BREAKING NEWS:
The House of Representatives passed The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA). This legislation authorizes $693 million in funding for three additional fiscal years. A personal thank you to all who contacted their representatives advocating for the extending of this very important legislation. Kudos to all!
Autism Support Network ran a terrific piece recently entitled, "Top 10 Terrific Traits Of Autistic People." In short, these traits include, but are not limited to, the following (note: I only use "people first" language, so the text will not always match that of ASN):
Allow me a moment to add two more terrific traits to this list.
(I would also add they've contributed to our overall culture in very positive ways)---Editor
BREAKING NEWS:
The House of Representatives passed The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA). This legislation authorizes $693 million in funding for three additional fiscal years. A personal thank you to all who contacted their representatives advocating for the extending of this very important legislation. Kudos to all!
Autism Support Network ran a terrific piece recently entitled, "Top 10 Terrific Traits Of Autistic People." In short, these traits include, but are not limited to, the following (note: I only use "people first" language, so the text will not always match that of ASN):
- People with Autism Rarely Lie
- People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
- People with Autism Rarely Judge Others
- People with Autism Are Passionate
- People with Autism Are Not Tied To Social Expectations
- People with Autism Have Terrific Memories
- People with Autism Are Less Materialistic
- People with Autism Play Fewer Head Games
- People with Autism Have Fewer Hidden Agendas
- People with Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
Allow me a moment to add two more terrific traits to this list.
- People with Autism Are Very Smart and---just as important--- Very Cool!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Education Issue For Teachers, Parents and Other Persons Interested in Autism. A Few Words About Emergency Preparedness
"Autism is a way of being. It is pervasive; it colors every experience, every sensation, perception, thought, emotion and encounter, every aspect of existence. It's not possible to separate the autism from the person."---Jim Sinclair.
In this issue, I will report on some of the many educational resources available for teachers, parents and others interested in this information. Access to all of these resources and more are available on this blog under, "Education."
The Autism Education Network (http://www.autismeducation.net/):
This web site offers FREE information about special education rights as well as information about treatment options and education methods. Its primary mission is to provide information and training to families and professionals regarding best practices in autism treatment. This site also includes personal stories from families in dealing with autism.
Educate Autism (http://www.educateautism.com/):
Educate autism is dedicated to helping those with children with autism by providing FREE teaching materials, a variety of tutorials and more to help make your own teaching aids. This site also provides information on Applied Behavior Analysis and behavior principles.
Autism Inspiration (http://autisminspiration.com/):
This resource is dedicated to providing you with a wide variety of resources including lesson plans, games, group activities, sensory integration ideas, forums and other valuable tools and information.
Sample content includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Autism 4 Teachers (http://www.autism4teachers.com/):
Four elementary school teachers found this web site in 2004. They provide information in communication, inclusion, curriculum support, behavior support, parent support, visual supports and a host of additional supports.
Autism Buddy (http://autismbuddy.com/):
This website provides user-friendly, high quality printables and resources for teachers and parents. These include flash cards, puzzles, games, booklets, activities, social-skills activities, lessons and worksheets, information E-books and much more.
TinSnips (http://tinsnips.org/):
TinSnips is a special education resource that strives to share a variety of specialized teaching tools, techniques, worksheets and activities.
TinSnips also provides links to information, organizations, techniques and strategies especially for teaching students on the Autism Spectrum.
In this issue, I will report on some of the many educational resources available for teachers, parents and others interested in this information. Access to all of these resources and more are available on this blog under, "Education."
The Autism Education Network (http://www.autismeducation.net/):
This web site offers FREE information about special education rights as well as information about treatment options and education methods. Its primary mission is to provide information and training to families and professionals regarding best practices in autism treatment. This site also includes personal stories from families in dealing with autism.
Educate Autism (http://www.educateautism.com/):
Educate autism is dedicated to helping those with children with autism by providing FREE teaching materials, a variety of tutorials and more to help make your own teaching aids. This site also provides information on Applied Behavior Analysis and behavior principles.
Autism Inspiration (http://autisminspiration.com/):
This resource is dedicated to providing you with a wide variety of resources including lesson plans, games, group activities, sensory integration ideas, forums and other valuable tools and information.
Sample content includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Classroom Aids such as Social Thinking and its impact on academics.
- Family/Group Activities
- Math Skills
- Motor Skills
- Parent Corner
- Reading Skills
- and More.
Autism 4 Teachers (http://www.autism4teachers.com/):
Four elementary school teachers found this web site in 2004. They provide information in communication, inclusion, curriculum support, behavior support, parent support, visual supports and a host of additional supports.
Autism Buddy (http://autismbuddy.com/):
This website provides user-friendly, high quality printables and resources for teachers and parents. These include flash cards, puzzles, games, booklets, activities, social-skills activities, lessons and worksheets, information E-books and much more.
TinSnips (http://tinsnips.org/):
TinSnips is a special education resource that strives to share a variety of specialized teaching tools, techniques, worksheets and activities.
TinSnips also provides links to information, organizations, techniques and strategies especially for teaching students on the Autism Spectrum.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Breaking News: Higher Risk For Siblings
The University of California-Davis released a study this week that shows the risk of younger siblings of children with autism have a higher risk of developing autism than first thought. Previous studies showed a risk of 10%. This study reports a risk of almost 20%. This means younger siblings have a risk of autism about 20 times greater than children in the general population.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Kudos to Jim Cantore; Autism Service Dogs; Act Today for Military Families with Autism; Autism Awareness Among Law Enforcement Personnel; Conference News
"What my children have to deal with on a daily basis is by far more difficult than anything I will ever come in contact with," Jim Cantore--of the Weather Channel-- on his two children with Fragile X after describing his bouts with some furious and dangerous weather over the years.
"A child who connects to a dog connects to the world."
That's the motto for a unique organization known as Autism Service Dogs of America. Their mission is clear and concise: "To make a positive impact on the lives of children living with autism---and their families---by providing exceptionally well trained service dogs." ASDA, a private, non-profit, was founded in 2002 by Priscilla Taylor, a former special education teacher. You can learn more about ASDA at http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/. We've also linked to ASDA on this blog.
Act Today For Military Families With Autism wants us to know that one out of 88 children of military families has an autism diagnosis. Their mission is "to raise awareness and provide treatment services to families that cannot afford the treatments and services their children require." Please visit their web site and consider a donation (http://www.acttodayformilitaryfamilies.org/). Do it today!
It's not unusual for law enforcement personnel to encounter someone with autism. If the police officer is not familiar with recognizing some of the behaviors of individuals with autism, potential conflict may result. This is largely due to the police officer's misunderstanding of these behaviors. Fortunately many police departments across the country have been trained in avoiding undue conflict and the risks associated with intervention. Many of these programs teach police officers how to recognize individuals with autism. This recognition may include, but not be limited to, the following:
If your community does not have such police awareness programs, it's vitally important to contact them to start one. Such programs can ensure the safety of both the individual with autism and the police.
(SourceS: Dennis Debbaubt, Police and Autism and Gateways Community Services, Nashua, N.H.).
"A child who connects to a dog connects to the world."
That's the motto for a unique organization known as Autism Service Dogs of America. Their mission is clear and concise: "To make a positive impact on the lives of children living with autism---and their families---by providing exceptionally well trained service dogs." ASDA, a private, non-profit, was founded in 2002 by Priscilla Taylor, a former special education teacher. You can learn more about ASDA at http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/. We've also linked to ASDA on this blog.
Act Today For Military Families With Autism wants us to know that one out of 88 children of military families has an autism diagnosis. Their mission is "to raise awareness and provide treatment services to families that cannot afford the treatments and services their children require." Please visit their web site and consider a donation (http://www.acttodayformilitaryfamilies.org/). Do it today!
It's not unusual for law enforcement personnel to encounter someone with autism. If the police officer is not familiar with recognizing some of the behaviors of individuals with autism, potential conflict may result. This is largely due to the police officer's misunderstanding of these behaviors. Fortunately many police departments across the country have been trained in avoiding undue conflict and the risks associated with intervention. Many of these programs teach police officers how to recognize individuals with autism. This recognition may include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Understanding the individual may not respond well to police commands.
- Understanding the individual may have some medical issues or concerns that give the appearance to the officer of being on illegal drugs.
- Understanding the individual may be non-verbal.
- Understanding the individual may exhibit behaviors such as aggression, self-abuse, pacing and yelling.
If your community does not have such police awareness programs, it's vitally important to contact them to start one. Such programs can ensure the safety of both the individual with autism and the police.
(SourceS: Dennis Debbaubt, Police and Autism and Gateways Community Services, Nashua, N.H.).
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Humanity of Autism; Military Children with Autism; Conference News & Upcoming Events
"Autism itself is not the enemy...the barriers to development that are included with autism are the enemy...These things are not part of who a child is...they are barriers to who the child is meant to be..." Frank Klein, an individual with autism.
I've had the pleasure of supporting and serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities for over 35 years. In all that time, I've learned a significant lesson: individuals with autism and developmental disabilities are no different than anyone else--only the specifics differ. Allow me to explain.
I've had the pleasure of supporting and serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities for over 35 years. In all that time, I've learned a significant lesson: individuals with autism and developmental disabilities are no different than anyone else--only the specifics differ. Allow me to explain.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Parents: We Can Help You-- Now; Review of the Literature & More Puzzle Pieces Are Starting To Fit
"The difference between high-functioning and low-functioning is that high-functioning means your deficits are ignored, and low-functioning means your assets are ignored." Laura Tisoncik.
Information For Parents:
I often get emails from parents asking me for help, information and resources.
As a result, I would like to alert all parents to the plethora of information on this blog devoted to resources and information for parents. For example, in addition to the many resources, providers and schools listed, there's a special section entitled, "Resources 4 Parents."
In this section, parents will find parent and family friendly web sites such as Child Parent Autism Cafe, practical ways to help manage and plan daily living with autism. Parent 2 Parent USA which offers emotional and informational support for parents of children with special needs. Another very useful web site is Families for Early Autism Treatment. FEAT, as it's well known, provides best outcome Education, Advocacy and Support for the Northern California Autism Community. Any parent will find useful information on this outstanding web site. Parents Helping Parents offers a multitude of services for families and children with special needs. Autism Inspiration is an online resource for parents and teachers of children with autism.
The bottom line is Autism News and Views can assist parents in finding answers to their questions. It can also assist parents in finding appropriate services. I suggest parents spend some time and navigate Autism News and Views. I'm confident it can be a valuable resource to all of you.
Information For Parents:
I often get emails from parents asking me for help, information and resources.
As a result, I would like to alert all parents to the plethora of information on this blog devoted to resources and information for parents. For example, in addition to the many resources, providers and schools listed, there's a special section entitled, "Resources 4 Parents."
In this section, parents will find parent and family friendly web sites such as Child Parent Autism Cafe, practical ways to help manage and plan daily living with autism. Parent 2 Parent USA which offers emotional and informational support for parents of children with special needs. Another very useful web site is Families for Early Autism Treatment. FEAT, as it's well known, provides best outcome Education, Advocacy and Support for the Northern California Autism Community. Any parent will find useful information on this outstanding web site. Parents Helping Parents offers a multitude of services for families and children with special needs. Autism Inspiration is an online resource for parents and teachers of children with autism.
The bottom line is Autism News and Views can assist parents in finding answers to their questions. It can also assist parents in finding appropriate services. I suggest parents spend some time and navigate Autism News and Views. I'm confident it can be a valuable resource to all of you.
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