31 January 2012

Making inclusion work


Making inclusion work for students with autism spectrum disorders: An evidence-based guide is an indispensable resource for K-12 educators and autism specialists. A research-based, step-by-step process for assessing students at a range of skill levels, planning and implementing successful inclusion programs, and working as a team with other professionals and with parents are all discussed. It's packed with specific strategies for helping students with ASD follow the daily routine, learn from the general education curriculum, interact with peers, and overcome problem behaviors.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or try worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

30 January 2012

Mobile App Monday -- EASe Listening Therapy


EASe Listening Therapy uses music to deliver short, intense bursts of sound, creating a sensory palette of sonic experiences that can help a child learn to cope with typical environmental conditions. According to the developer, this long-term listening therapy program exceeds the functionality and performance of hardware devices costing $10,000.

To learn more about this app, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ease-pro-listening-therapy/id461769387?mt=8

27 January 2012

Autism Trainings


Looking for an autism training to attend? The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has several coming up. From face-to-face workshops with people such as Eustacia Cutler (Temple Grandin's mom) to online trainings where you can work at your own pace, you're sure to find something to fit your needs. To see all of IRCA's upcoming events, visit: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=270

25 January 2012

Literacy Instruction for Students on the Spectrum


Quality literacy instruction for students with autism spectrum disorders is for teachers and parents who are interested in building lifelong effective literacy skills in their students. Experts in both the field of reading and autism collaborated on this textbook, using case examples to demonstrate how to bring both theory and research to practice.

Want to check it out? Send us an email at cedir@indiana.edu. Or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

24 January 2012

Revising Autism's Definition


According to an article in the New York Times, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is considering revising its definition of the autism spectrum. This definition is currently being reassessed by an expert panel appointed by the APA and could reduce the number of new diagnoses. Experts say that this will control the ever-increasing rate at which the disorder is diagnosed, but critics say that it will only keep valuable resources out of the reach of those who need them.

To read the article in its entirety, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/health/research/new-autism-definition-would-exclude-many-study-suggests.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

23 January 2012

Mobile App Monday - Pictello


Looking for an easy way to help kids on the spectrum with social stories? Try Pictello. Create talking photo albums or books with ease. Each page in a your story can contain a picture, up to five lines of text, and your own recorded voice. Don't want to use your own voice? Use the text-to-speech feature instead.

The current version of Pictello offers English, Spanish, French, German, Turkish and Dutch. North American English male and female voices are included, with children's voices and voices for 21 other languages and dialects available as free downloads!

Want to know more? Visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pictello/id397858008?mt=8

20 January 2012

Unstuck and On Target


Looking for ways to help students on the spectrum improve their cognitive flexibility? Unstuck & on target!: An executive function curriculum to improve flexibility for children with autism spectrum disorders may be just the ticket. This book contains ready-to-use, classroom-based interventions that can help improve cognitive flexibility in any situation, inside and outside the classroom. It also includes a CD-ROM of student worksheets, game cards, and other printable materials.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu. Or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

18 January 2012

THE ASPERGER SYNDROME DAD TEST


THE ASPERGER SYNDROME DAD TEST
By Dan Coulter

     Your son or daughter has Asperger Syndrome.  How are you, as a dad, dealing with it?

     Here’s a test to help you analyze how your approach is working.

1.  Your son is obviously bright, but doesn’t follow instructions you repeatedly give him.
   A.   You argue with him.
   B.   You remove privileges like video games.
   C.   You make sure he understands your instructions and why it’s important to follow them.  You guide him through the tasks you’ve given him to perform and supervise him until he can do them the right way on his own.  You reinforce his successes with praise.

2. Your wife asks you to be patient with your daughter and that you take a more active role is school meetings to get her the support she needs.
   A.   You explain that in the family division of labor, your primary role is to make money and be a provider. 
   B.   You point out ways that she could do a better job of raising your daughter.
   C.   You sit down with your wife and listen to her.  Then you come up with a plan where you both make compromises to share responsibility for meeting your daughter’s needs, including making it a priority to attend school meetings when you can.

3. Your son wants to go with you when you run errands, but he talks incessantly and has a habit of picking up everything in reach, even when that’s inappropriate.
   A.  You take your son with you, but find yourself constantly criticizing and correcting him.
   B.  You leave your son at home when you run errands.
   C.  Before you take your son on an errand, you explain in a positive manner where you’ll be going and how you expect him to act.  You have him practice the behaviors you want, like pulling a paper clip out of his pocket to manipulate when he feels the urge to pick things up.  On the errand, just before you enter a situation, you remind him of how he’s going to act.  You praise him when he succeeds.

     Okay, it’s easy to see the pattern here.  Dads who can say they’ve been making "C" style choices are much more likely to see their children make progress -- and much more likely to get along well with their wives.

     Ever since I disclosed that I’d been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, I’ve had lots of moms tell me they suspect that their husbands also have Aspergers.  This can be a challenge to a family, because some Asperger tendencies can make it difficult for dads to recognize that some of their ideas and behaviors are causing their families grief.  Too many think things would be better if their family members would just follow dad’s direction. 

     If you’re a dad and you’ve felt that you’ve done all you can be expected to do and that it’s up to your family members to shape up -- perhaps it’s time to stop and consider whether you have an accurate picture of the situation.

     After hearing many stories, I can say that you can be a really smart, capable guy and still not see how your actions affect your family in negative ways, or how changing your approach can make things dramatically better.  I’ve seen great, role model dads with and without Asperger Syndrome -- and not all started out that way.

      If there’s unhappiness and discord in your family, I’d suggest you discuss the situation with someone objective, such as a counselor.  You can meet the counselor by yourself or with your wife or with your whole family.  At best, you’ll find a new perspective that will help raise everyone’s happiness levels.  At worst, you’ll confirm that you were right all along and it’s the others who need to change.

     You deal realistically with difficult situations every day.  Doesn’t your family deserve that same approach? Being open to an honest self-assessment and to making changes for your family’s benefit is what the best of manhood is about.


    ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dan Coulter is the author of ten DVDs about Asperger Syndrome and autism, including, "Asperger Syndrome for Dads."  You can find more articles on his website at www.coultervideo.com.
                                                                       
                        © Dan Coulter  2012    All Rights Reserved    Used by Permission

12 January 2012

New Yorker with Asperger's finds refuge in art

According to a story in the New York Times, Leironica Hawkins was not diagnosed with Asperger's until she was 28 years old. Living in a shelter, she sought solitude during the day and found it at a library. But that's not all she found at the library--she also found an opportunity. Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/nyregion/aspergers-syndrome-inspires-homeless-womans-comic-book.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

09 January 2012

Mobile App Monday - iConverse


Looking for an app to use as an Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) device? iConverse is an educational tool designed for young children, autistic individuals, and individuals with other communicative disabilities, and also toddler-aged children who have yet to master language. The app comes with 6 basic communication tiles to get you started; then create your own tiles as you identify the need. You can use your own voice to personalize the app or simply use the text-to-speech already integrated in the app.

Want to know more? Visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/iconverse-assisted-communication/id304852637?mt=8

04 January 2012

Storytime for Children on the Spectrum in Mt. Vernon, IN

The Alexandrian Public Library in Mount Vernon, Indiana is announcing an event specially designed for children ages 3 and older and their caregivers at 6:00 p.m. on January 10th. This event focuses on the needs of children on the autism spectrum. Children and their caregivers are invited to engage in activities such as active movement songs, action rhymes, interactive play, and creative crafts. This monthly event requires registration and a caregiver must attend each event. To register your child, call Youth Services at 838-3286 or register online at www.apl.lib.in.us

03 January 2012

New article in The Reporter


The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has issued a new article in their online newsletter, The Reporter. This latest article touts the efforts of two ladies in Goshen, Indiana who worked to create support for parents where there was little or none. It outlines the history of the Asperger Autism Group of Goshen and highlights their continuing efforts to reach out to the population touched by autism in Elkhart County.

To read the entire article, visit: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=3492