Showing posts with label autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autism. Show all posts

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Opposition to cutting education funding that benefits Students on the Autism Spectrum

Recession, Budget Cuts, Schools Closing, Educators layoffs and firings, uncertified and inexperienced Teachers and Paraprofessionals, archaic teaching tools and resources, limited or underfunded training are a few of the tantamount concerns regarding the appropriate educating of Students with Autism.
We've included some videos about concerns of any Parent who is in school.  Why?  Often, families with kids who have special needs and/or disabilities have similar needs + specific concerns.

Let's start with a current release:

The video and transcript of this compelling report on the necessity of appropriate education schools, supports, services and  resources for Students on the Autism Spectrum.  William's parents concerns express the questions and issues that many families are facing when it comes to their child's schooling.

ABC News  Updated Fri Aug 24, 2012 1:05am AEST
A leading expert on autism is warning of the long-term costs if funds to assist the education of children with autism spectrum disorder continue to be cut.
Source: Lateline



Autism expert warns against cutting education funding - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)




Teachers care about the affects of the lack of sufficient education funding, too.
'Rethink Autism' organization has deliberately encouraged Parents to prepare for times when Students on the Autism Spectrum will face limitations in funding, resources, treatments and care.
When after-school programs are underfunded, some of our Autistic kids who are 'mainstreamed' and can tolerate 'full inclusion' are affected, too.

Will we go back to the days when Hawaii considered 'no school Fridays'?  How devastating this will be for Parents who's child depends on school-based therapies and individualized education programs.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

'When considering therapies ask yourself, ...'


'CRITICALLY THINKING ABOUT THERAPIES... (SOCIAL SKILLS) --

"When considering therapies ask yourself, Does it play to my child's strength and will it build his self esteem?  If the answer to these are NO, think really hard of the benefit to risk.  You might even ask an autistic adult if they have alternative ideas."






ICAA this was shared from a "Karla's ASD" FB page. [Karla's ASD Perspective Page (Not Fighting Autism)]
 

ICAA on BlogTalkRadio; ICAA on Facebook; ICAA on YouTube; ICAA on Twitter; Members; About Us. ICAA Services; FAQ; Testimonials; Thank You Page; Contact Us

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"Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism - A Family Experience" | Facebook

 
KBJCosse' - spectrum @EnjoyHi5Autism. Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable. http://enjoyhi5autism.blogspot.com; Facebook; http://familyenjoyinghi5autism.blogspot.com ; http://enjoyhi5autism.wordpress.com

 
 

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Full Frame highlights Dan Habib: A Filmmaker’s Exploration of School Inclusion


 


Dan Habib supports his son, Samuel Habib,  7, during a t-ball game in Concord, N.H., in 2006. Samuel uses a "Bronco" all-terrain walker to hit and get around the bases. —Lori Duff/Concord MonitorDan Habib supports his son, Samuel Habib, 7, during a t-ball game in Concord, N.H., in 2006. Samuel uses a "Bronco" all-terrain walker to hit and get around the bases. —Lori Duff/Concord Monitor --
 
What did you learn from your previous films Teen Sexuality in a Culture of Confusion and Including Samuel that informed the making of your new film, Who Cares About Kelsey? It’s important to ask honest and provocative questions that may make people uncomfortable at times. Both films asked viewers to consider some challenging notions. In Teen Sexuality in a Culture of Confusion: Can teenagers have healthy and appropriate sexual relationships? Is it still possible to wait until your wedding night for the ‘first time’? In Including Samuel: Can students with the most complex intellectual, physical, and mental disabilities still be fully included in general education classes? In Who Cares About Kelsey?: What are our traditional notions of disability? Can an emotional or behavioral disability grow out of traumatic events of childhood? Can school discipline be administered in a way that is positive and not punitive?

Dan Habib is the Filmmaker in Residence at the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. His film, Including Samuel, was broadcast nationwide on public television stations in Fall 2009 and was nominated for an Emmy in 2010. Before joining UNH in April of 2008, Habib was the photography editor of the Concord Monitor. In 2006 and 2008, he was named the national Photography Editor of the Year for papers with a circulation under 100,000. He has been a judge of the Pulitzer Prizes and is a six-time New Hampshire Photographer of the Year. Habib and his wife, Betsy, live in Concord, New Hampshire with their sons Isaiah, 15, and Samuel, 12.

by Nicole Fruge posted August 15, 2012 category Sound and Vision

Dan Habib: A Filmmaker’s Exploration of School Inclusion


Full FrameFull Frame@EdWeekPhoto
Congrats to filmmaker Dan Habib. is fully funded ()! Read more:   View media

Full Frame (@EdWeekPhoto) on Twitter


Tweeting about the intersection between photography and education from the photo editors of Education Week.
twitter.com/edweekphoto  Washington D.C. · http://www.edweek.org/blogs/fullframe/

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KBJCosse' - spectrum
'EnjoyHi5Autism'
"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be Enjoyable."
@EnjoyHi5Autism
‘Traveling with A Medically Complex Child – ‘(Parts 1 and 2)  ;

EnjoyHi5Autism
Soccer Drills for Nentally Challenged Kids
 
@EnjoyHi5Autism
Why We Don’t Use the Word “Retarded” and Why You Shouldn't Either

@EnjoyHi5Autism
'iPad App helps autistic children communicate better' via Brain Parade -Autism and Special Needs apps for the iPad
 
@EnjoyHi5Autism
TouchMath, Multisensory Teaching, Learning Math Tools Make Math Fun! Program for learners in Special Education ,...



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Sunday, August 19, 2012

What is the Timeline for Developing a Section 504 Plan?

My 6 year old daughter had her 3 year reevaluation. She has Childhood Apraxia of Speech and fine motor difficulty. She is doing well academically.
At the IEP meeting, one month ago, it was decided that she no longer qualifies for an IEP. The school suggested a 504 plan and said they would contact us for a meeting.
What is the timeline for a 504 Plan?

IDEA 2004 lists parents first as members of the IEP team. You should have definite input at the meeting when the IEP team made the decision about eligibility.

The school does not have to invite you to the meeting to develop a 504 plan.

Did the 3 year reevaluation provide this data in all areas?

Read the complete answer:
What is the Timeline for Developing a Section 504 Plan?


via

'Enjoyable School Year'
"All Children Can Learn."

What is your biggest worry as you send your child with autism back to school?



Mainstreaming or reduced numbers?
Will they view me as a 'helicopter mom' or an 'involved Parent who participates'?
WILL HE EXPERIENCE BEING BULLIED?
Full Inclusion or modified inclusion?
Which subjects should he take in General Education?
Will our picky-eater eat at school?
Will our son's new teacher understand his Sensory Processing needs?
Will he be able to handle being bullied?
Will he ever want to ride the bus again?
Will our picky-eater come home raving hungry when non-preferred food items are on the menu?
WILL HE TALK TO HIS NEW TEACHER?
Will his 'typical' peers accept him?
Will his need for 'stimming' make him seem 'weird'?
Will they respect he come home with a rash from exposure to citrus, milk, sand?
Will they let him hydrate according to the doctor's note?
SHOULD WE HAVE KEPT THE BIP? (Behavior Intervention Plan)
Will he 'babble' or will all those years of Speech/Language Therapy prove effective?

WILL HE ENJOY SCHOOL?

Well, we hope that our son will be viewed as a Student, a Classmate, a Schoolmate with 'uniquely different' approach to schooling.

Here are some tips for easing the Back-to-School process for Students learning on the Autism Spectrum: (posted in Cafe Mom)


Back to school time is always a tough one for parents. But back to school time comes with a whole different set of issues for parents of a child with autism. And when your autistic child is starting a new school -- say making the transition to middle school -- you have a whole new world to navigate.
Fear not brave parent!

5. Use that first week wisely. See if you, or a professional you trust, can observe your child's classroom environments in action once school starts. If your child has sensory needs, and if classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, or lunch areas are too overwhelming for them, you'll want to know so you can ask for accommodation. Otherwise they might be spending all day coping instead of learning. -- Shannon

7 Tips to Make Back-to-School Easier on Kids With Autism | The Stir

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"All Children Can Learn."

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Nonverbal Autistic Teen Prevented From Speaking on American Airlines

   A flight attendant insisted that Carly put her iPad away, in a place that she couldn’t reach. Carly is a completely nonverbal autistic teen, and uses her iPad to communicate. Carly does a lot of traveling, and this was the first time that she has had a problem.

Carly Fleischmann posted Monday on her Facebook page:

Dear American airlines, I have been on an airplane over 26 times in my life. I’ve never had a problem being on the airplane before. However on my way back from LA this year I was met up with the challenge. I am nonverbal however I communicate using my iPad and my computer. Every time I have ever traveled I’ve always been allowed to keep my iPad on my lap before takeoff and juring landing. My iPad to me is like a voice.

I am working on getting American Airlines The Federal Aviation Administration The Human rights commission all in the same room with little me. I know they are all following me now so all I want to say is listen to all my fans and followers and say yes to this meeting. Its time to stand up. Its time to listen and its time for Autism to be heard.

Let’s help Carly and make some noise. This could happen to your child next.



via


AutismLearningFelt    Autism Learning Felt

More on Carly Fleischmann, over the years -

Autistic, Non-Verbal Teen Told She's Not Allowed to Use iPad ...

Carly Fleischmann, who has been profiled on ABC, was flying from Los Angeles to her home in Toronto on Aug. 10 when she was approached by a flight ...

ABC Autism Story Sees Major Viewer Reaction - TVNewser

Since ABC’s World News ran a story on autistic teenager Carly Fleishman on Tuesday’s ... The report focuses on how computers have allowed Carly a way to communicate ...

You Asked, She Answered: Carly Fleischmann, 13, Talks to Our ...

CLICK HERE TO READ CARLY'S STORY. Question: "Millions of people saw your story on ABC News. Thousands have written letters of thanks to you. You are an ...

Carly's Voice | Order yours today!

"Carly's Voice makes it very clear that a non-verbal person with autism has a rich inner life. Typing independently enabled Carly to express wit, explain her sensory ...
carlysvoice.com

Videos on Carly Fleischmann -

Carly Fleischmann - Videos | Facebook

Carly Fleischmann. 43,529 likes · 7,609 talking about this

ABC 20/20 Interview - YouTube

Uploaded by CarlyFleischmann on Dec 7, 2010 Carly Fleischmann as featured on ABC's 20/20. Category: People & Blogs Tags: Carly Fleischmann Carly's Voice ...

Autism Breakthrough: Girl's Writings Explain Her Behavior and ...

Carly Fleischmann has severe autism and is unable to speak a word. But thanks ... Your Letters to Carly Watch Video

Video: Carly Fleischmann, non-verbal but communicating via ...

My name is Carly Fleischmann and as long as I can remember I’ve been diagnosed with autism. I am not able to talk out of my mouth, however I have found another way ...
...

Autism Angel - Carly Fleischmann - YouTube

This is the amazing story of a little girl with autism and how the dedication and perseverance of her parents changed not only there lives but the lives of ...




























Monday, July 30, 2012

AUTISTIC PEOPLE SPEAK - UNITED WE STAND

Members 9,670 
Featured Action:
YOUR VIEW - Autistic People Community Radio Show
Share your stories through our LIVE radio and now LIVE television Naturally Autistic People channel. We are looking for your stories to share with the broader international community, successes and struggles being on the spectrum or raising and supporting some one on the spectrum. View this live show... AUTISTIC PEOPLE SPEAK - UNITED WE STAND | causes.com

Thanks Patty Hilton for the invite to raise awareness and support individuals with Autism.
AUTISTIC PEOPLE SPEAK - UNITED WE STAND
9,669 members
Supporting autistic people Autism Awareness Global Support 15 years supporting autistic people and their families, educating those involved with autistic people in their respective communities. Now we are taking the next step - sharing our knowledge with the world on a global level. Our new... See more

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

FEND-Folate Survey


risk assessment survey (Fetal Exposure to Neuroactive Drugs and Folate).


"Enjoying the Hi-5s of Autism - A Family Experience" shared a link via Georgetown University FEND-Folate Autism Research.
Georgetown University FEND-Folate Autism Research -
Dear Parents,
We would greatly appreciate your participation in the national FEND-Folate Study sponsored by Georgetown University Medical Center (IRB # 2009-162). “FEND” stands for Fetal Exposure to Neuroactive Drugs. Please help us expand awareness and accelerate understanding of fetal exposure to neuroactive medications and folate by participating in this 5-minute, anonymous and encrypted survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=qY4du_2bdtYao2HumBxcYjRA_3d_3d.
Would you please read the additional information on our page and forward the survey to parents within your organization? Thank you for your cooperation!

www.surveymonkey.com

FEND-Folate Survey

1. Introduction



Dear Parent,

Thank you for participating in the FEND-Folate risk assessment survey (Fetal Exposure to Neuroactive Drugs and Folate). This survey takes about 5 minutes to complete, and provides critical information about prenatal medication exposure patterns, as well as prenatal folate supplementation patterns.

If you have a child with a diagnosed or suspected pervasive developmental disorder, including any diagnosis on the autism spectrum, please participate.

The impetus for the FEND-Folate survey is an unexpected observation that emerged in the course of a well-controlled, prospective study of children born to women who were taking an antiepileptic drug (AED) during pregnancy to manage seizures. The original goal of this study was to track child development -- with an emphasis on cognitive deficits -- in children who were exposed during pregnancy to 1 of 4 medications. These medications included valproate (Depakote and Depacon), carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), or phenytoin (Dilantin). Surprisingly, in a sample of children in this study, autism spectrum cases greatly exceeded the autism spectrum outcomes reported in the general population.

With your help, we hope to examine this outcome in a much larger population of mothers and children. In this survey, we have expanded the number of medications to 23 neuroactive "AED" medications, and it is our great hope to include individuals from regions that are under-represented in autism studies.

Why is this an important goal? As a medication class, anticonvulsant drugs represent the fifth most-prescribed medication in the United States. These drugs are also called "AEDs" for "antiepileptic drugs." Please note that these medications are used to manage far more than epilepsy. In fact, they are most frequently used to manage migraine, and are increasingly used to manage mood, anxiety and pain. In other words, the name of this medication class can be misleading. So, when you begin the survey, please read the entire list of medications: it is easy to overlook a relevant antiepileptic medication if, during pregnancy, you were not under clinical care for epilepsy.

Your participation in this survey is anonymous; we do not receive any data that reveal your personal identification information. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kelly McVearry at Georgetown University Medical Center (202-687-4966), which is a password-protected landline that only Dr.McVearry may access. If you choose to contact Dr. McVearry, your identity will be revealed to her alone; this will not link your identity to your survey responses.

After participating in this survey, if you would like to be contacted to participate in a more comprehensive study, please call 202-687-4966 or email fendstudy@georgetown.edu. Both the phone number and the email are password-protected and cannot be accessed by anyone except for the principal investigator of this survey. These studies may include cognitive testing, home visits, and saliva collection.

Thank you! The FEND-ASD survey receives institutional support from Georgetown University Medical Center (IRB approval 2009-162) and is approved by the Interactive Autism Network (approval SR00139) at the Johns Hopkins Kennedy Krieger Institute.

With great appreciation,

The FEND Study
Georgetown University Medical Center
CFMI - LM 14
3900 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20016

Dr. Gary Brown's Autism Apps



 Help bring a child with #Autism into your world. Get an iPad and appropriate apps http://t.co/plTHI7qS

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

The Case Against Assistive Technology


Ben, my son, just created a four minute video, 'The Case Against Assistive Technology', with the hopes of stimulating new thinking and discussions about the use of Assistive Technology in K-12 schools, college and beyond.
Don Johnston: Compelling Video - The Case Against Assistive Technology


 



Don Johnston Incorporated Website