Autism and Video Games Addiction

Daniel started playing video games when he was 18 months old. Paint wasn't enough to keep his attention.

http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/video-game-addication-autism-892833202

Mostly autistic cast brings new movie to life

" I think it brings a level of authenticity that is unmatched," Director Jesse Cramer said.
In the film 'Circles', the main character Ollie has autism.  In real life, so does the actor who plays Ollie, 16-year-old Sam Seidel.  In the movie, Ollie best friend at school is moving away, and he has trouble expressing his feelings.

http://www.usatoday.com/media/cinematic/video/22193679/mostly-autistic-cast-brings-new-movie-to-life/

Essential Skills for an Independent Life and Changing Societies Views

□ Planning for a Successful Life

□ Creating a Future

□ Changing How Society Views People With Autism and Special Needs

https://www.mcssl.com/SecureCart/mobile/Cart.aspx?sctoken=fa8b5f17b56045b4901d31c6b35622cd&mid=BDCB752F-34DC-4DCF-8740-2AE2784F1C7B&sdccr=1

What is the PLAAFP?

The University of Virginia provides a Student's document: 'Present Level of Academic Achievement  and Functional Performance ' (PLAAFP)

http://faculty.virginia.edu/PullenLab/EDIS5141OnlineModules/Mod4/IEPPart13.html

Motivate to Communicate

Focusing on Initiation of Communication in Learners with Autism -

List of skills include 300 games and activities 

By "Autism Classroom News"

http://www.autismclassroomnews.com/2014/04/focusing-on-initiation-of-communication.html?showComment=1421174859953&m=1#c1861203435110018810

The Art of IEP Diplomacy

During IEP season the stakes are high.  Parents and Teachers alike go into those meetings full of ideas and emotions. 

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/06/18/the-art-of-iep-diplomacy/#at_pco=wnm-1.0&at_si=54b518f6d73c24f4&at_ab=per-4&at_pos=0&at_tot=1

How Scouts Can Earn A Disability Awareness Badge

Parents, learn how your child can earn the Disability Awareness Merit Badge. If your child participates in either Girls Scouts of America or Boy Scouts

http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2014/12/23/how-scouts-can-earn-a-disability-awareness-badge/

If you rely on your smartphone, read "The Extended iSelf Study".

Do you feel panicky, anxious, nervous, unfocused when you forget your smartphone?
Do you have difficulty  thinking without your tablet?  Do you feel you can't function without your smartphone?

Do you have Separation Anxiety Disorder as a result of over reliance on your electronic communication devices?

Review research from the University of Missouri study: "The Extended iSelf:  The Impact of iPhone Seperation on Cognition, Emotion and Physiology": in the Journal of Computer Mediated-Communication.

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6443326

Siblings and Future Planning

Hear from two siblings of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) as they share their perspectives on sibling support.

https://thearc.webex.com/tc0601l/trainingcenter/meeting/sessionInfoMobile.do?siteurl=thearc&confID=1952015053

'To My Son's Therapists'

"I know you went through a lot of training for this job. ... But, I wonder if you know what's it like to be me."

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6368084

SUPAC Parent Advocacy Handouts

Download SUPAC Book Recommendation:  Focus On Autism 

Syracuse University Parent Advocacy Center

http://supac.org/resources/parent-advocacy-handouts/

CAST Looking4UDL Video Contest

Show what Universal Design for Learning (UDL) looks like in your class, school, or learning environment.

CAST Professional Learning 

UDL Connect

National Center on UDL

http://community.udlcenter.org/m/event?id=5458219%3AEvent%3A88244

Understanding Your Child's Response to Traumatic Medical Experiences

When kids experience illnesses, medical procedures,  or scary doctor visits, they may respond in ways that affect their social emotional development  or interrupt their daily functioning.

http://www.lekotek.org/store/product/72-understanding-your-child-s-responses-to-traumatic-medical-experiences?utm_source=Reminder+Understanding+Your+Child%27s+Responses+to+Traumatic+Medical+Experiences&utm_campaign=January+Webinar&utm_medium=email

2015 Love Notes for Special Parents Calendar

Love Notes for Special Children - Download Steps 1 thru 12 (January - December) of the calendar! 
or
Enjoy the Love Notes in the Parents Gallery and text-only (without the calendar).
http://specialchildren.about.com/od/todaysnewsandviews/ss/Love-Notes-for-Special-Parents-Calendar-2015.htm

Use Resolutions to Motivate Your Child

http://specialchildren.about.com/od/holidays/fl/Use-New-Years-Resolutions-to-Motivate-Your-Child-With-Special-Needs.htm

Painting in 10 minute spurts!

Teenager Mikey Allcock just started painting a year ago. He was diagnosed with severe autism at age two.  He started speaking at age 10. He still has limited verbal and communication skills.  Mikey has a gift for painting!

http://www.autismdailynewscast.com/teenager-with-autism-has-gift-for-painting/20532/adn/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teenager-with-autism-has-gift-for-painting

The Development of True Friendships in Individuals with ASD

How to move from Acquiantance to BFF, from Instrumental conversation to true communication, from Acquiantanceship to Friendship 

https://www.mcssl.com/SecureCart/mobile/Cart.aspx?sctoken=18f7e653fb0d4c3b83e7f3cbbde7bb7f∣=BDCB752F-34DC-4DCF-8740-2AE2784F1C7B&sdccr=1

PTSD and Autism

..., it's no wonder some people Crack under pressure  ... They get there from living in the trenches too long without support.

http://thinkingmomsrevolution.com/ptsd-and-autism/

To Accommodate, To Modify and To Know the Difference

Determining Placement of a Child on Special Education or "504"

"..., it is important to choose appropriately from the different levels of federally mandated services now available in school programs."

http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/Exceptional%20Learners/Law/hayes.htm

Should Parents Provide Their Own Children's Autism Therapy?

Can a parent provide meaningful autism therapy?  Is do-it-yourself therapy right for you?

http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/p/Should-Parents-Provide-Their-Own-Childrens-Autism-Therapy.htm

Should We Move to Find Better Autism Resources?

"Here are some questions to help you make that decision. "

http://autism.about.com/od/autismandthelaw/fl/Should-We-Move-to-Find-Better-Autism-Resources.htm

Should I Quit My Job To Help My Autistic Child?

"When your child is diagnosed with autism  -- ... - life seems to go into overdrive." 
"It's not easy to take on a whole new world of responsibilities while also providing your employer with your full time, focused attention. "

http://autism.about.com/od/autismandthelaw/fl/Should-I-Quit-My-Job-to-Help-My-Autistic-Child.htm

2015's New Year Resolutions for Autism Parents

"You may not be able to change the way autism affects your child -- but there are some things you can change, for the better!  These Resolutions for Autism Parents May Make Life Easier, Happier, and More Fun"

http://autism.about.com/od/theautismcommunity/fl/2015s-New-Years-Resolutions-for-Autism-Parents.htm