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Saturday, August 31, 2013

A special kind of class: Dolch Assessment Freebies

"Kids with disabilites are just kids."
A special kind of class: Dolch Assessment Freebies: I've finally finished up the last Dolch Assessment Pack . Even though this the third grade Dolch list, I have had kids over the years ...

Remember, a child does not need to know how to speak, to know how to read.


"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Seussville News: Back-to-School

Dr. Seuss has ideas to help kids go back-to-school and enjoy school time.
Try apps, books, classrom activities, games, videos and much more on Seussville.
Parents and Educators  may sign-up for Seussville News at
Seussville-Parents.

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

CCSS for Students with Autism: Council for Exceptional Children


Meeting the Common Core State Standards for Students with Autism, The Challenge for Educators
http://www.cdd.unm.edu/autism/handouts/Article%20Constable%20et%20al.%202013.pdf



"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

MFP-Task-Force-Sept--4--LaTEACH-Alert.html

LaTEACH ALERT regarding the Minimum Foundation Program: MFP Task Force of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education(BESE)
LaTEACH- Louisiana Together Educating All CHildren - is an inititative of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council(LADDC).

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/MFP-Task-Force-Sept--4--LaTEACH-Alert.html?soid=1102605778958&aid=4wrAnWofSL4


"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

FREE Webinars by AAIDD: DSP, seniors, social media


Register for the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities upcoming AAIDD Webinars.  In August, September and October 2013, AAIDD will offer FREE online sessions on the following topics: 
1) the important role Direct Support Professionals provide in the community
2) Aging Adults and healthcare
3) Social Media and people with disabilities

Remember, to checkout the AAIDD  archives to view previously conducted webinars.


"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Monday, August 19, 2013

Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!

Help for Struggling Readers: Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!: Teachers are more than a little busy right now getting their classrooms ready for that first day of the new term. Parents are organizing ...

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Help for Struggling Readers: Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!

Help for Struggling Readers: Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!: Teachers are more than a little busy right now getting their classrooms ready for that first day of the new term. Parents are organizing ...

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Help for Struggling Readers: Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!

Help for Struggling Readers: Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!: Teachers are more than a little busy right now getting their classrooms ready for that first day of the new term. Parents are organizing ...

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Help for Struggling Readers: Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!

Help for Struggling Readers: Math Apps & MORE for Challenged Learners!: Teachers are more than a little busy right now getting their classrooms ready for that first day of the new term. Parents are organizing ...

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Reading Dinosaurs!

Speech Room News: Reading Dinosaurs!: After Camping Week in our literacy group, over the summer we moved on to Dinosaur Week! We've had a LOT of reading Dinos that week. Her...


"Life on the Autism Spectrum  can be ENJOYable."

Book Review: Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal Cookbook

Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife: Book Review: Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal Cook...: I recently received a complimentary copy of the new book Foods That Harm, Foods That Heal Cookbook to review. Based on the best selling h...

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

A special kind of class: Out of this World Math Work Stations - Aligned to ...

A special kind of class: Out of this World Math Work Stations - Aligned to ...: I've been busy trying to get a few things made up while I'm still on holiday.  I can't believe that I've only really got 2 ...

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Monday, August 12, 2013

Thursday, August 8, 2013

How to conduct PRODUCTIVE Parent/Teacher Conferences

Review several popular, instructional videos, including a few unproductive Parent/Teacher Conferences:



4:38 Parent teacher conferences - How to have productive meetingsby HowdiniGuruFeatured 26,929 

   


















































Parent/Teacher Conference Tips (Courtesy WCPSS) features Nick Weidle - Parent/Teacher conference tips featuring Liza Weidle as the Wake PTA Council President and Dan Courtine from Davis Drive. Filmed at the beginning of the school year - tips are good ones for mid-year conferences as well. features Nick Weidle
Parent/Teacher Conference Tips (Courtesy WCPSS) features Nick Weidle - YouTube



"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Accommodating College Students with Learning Disabilities

Melana Zyla Vickers and Jim Kessler discuss the rising number of college students with learning disabilities (ADD, ADHD, and Dyslexia) receiving special accommodations.


Accommodating College Students with Learning Disabilities - YouTube




"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

SPED Accommodation & Modification


Instructional Capacity: SPED  Accommodation &  Modification -
The Charter & Autonomous School Leadership Academy (CASLA CSUDH)

SPED Accommodation & Modification - YouTube




"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

▶ NAPSEA Special Education Advocacy Strategies

Watch the National Association for Professional Special Education Advocates discussing
Effective team meetings - Speaking event in Taunton, Massachusetts discussing NAPSEA and special education advocacy strategies in IEP team meetings.
http://www.napsea.co

▶ NAPSEA Special Education Advocacy Strategies.wmv - YouTube



"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

IEP 101: What is a Special Education Advocate

Listen to YourSpedRights explain the role of this resourceful person.


IEP 101: What is a Special Education Advocate - YouTube




"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

▶ Special Needs Acronyms - IEP IDEA FAPE and more

Watch EducationAttorney explain these terms:


▶ Special Needs Acronyms - IEP IDEA FAPE and more - YouTube



"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Special Education and Disability Rights Blog: What is an IEE?

Learn from this video by A2Z Education Advocates.


Special Education and Disability Rights Blog: What is an IEE?:Special Education Attorney Mandy Favaloro from A2Z Educational Advocates explains IEEs in this short video.  Click here for a sample lett...

"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

LIVE! - Ask the Neurobiologists: With Dr. Alisa Woods and Dr. Juan Salinas

LIVE Google Hangout
and
Chat with

Autism Brainstorm, an interactive community



Ask the Neurobiologists: With Dr. Alisa Woods and Dr. Juan Salinas

hosted by









"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

The importance and value of play for children with special needs

Conclude that the game has held a wide expansion of personality, achieving a huge absorption of expertise and experience... of life, of introspection and creation, shaping aspirations, desires manifested directly in behavior and personality is the side project.

The game allows the individual to achieve "self", to show personality, to follow a time line of his major interest when can't do other activities

The importance and value of play for children with special needs






"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Register-for-Common-Core-State-Standards--CCSS---Instructional-Shifts-for-All-Students

Register at http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Register-for-Common-Core-State-Standards--CCSS---Instructional-Shifts-for-All-Students.html?soid=1101332735729&aid=5dy7xg4MgEE






"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."

Scout's honour: Autistic Michael receives Inspiring Others award


Congratulations Michael Bushell!!!
His determination to succeed has landed him an Inspiring Others award from the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, Dame Christine Braddock DBE.

 Lord Mayor of Birmingham Mike Leddy with Michael Bushell and West Midlands High Sheriff Dame Christine Braddock
[photo: ]Lord Mayor of Birmingham Mike Leddy with Michael Bushell and West Midlands High Sheriff Dame Christine Braddock

“I would never have expected to be chosen for something like this, so I was ecstatic when I received the award,” said Michael, who is member of the 64th Birmingham Scout Group, based in Handsworth Wood.

“My life changed direction after I’d turned to The Prince’s Trust and Aspire for help.
“Gaining more self confidence and being out of my comfort zone showed me what I was capable of achieving.

“My goal now is to gain A level qualifications and then pursue an Apprenticeship somewhere like Jaguar Land Rover.

“I really want to give something back to others; especially if they are facing some of the challenges that I’ve been able to overcome.”
Michael completed a personal development programme through The Prince’s Trust as well as being supported by Aspire, a specialist advice service that helps people with autism find employment.

Other achievements won by Michael, from Northfield, include gaining Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He was nominated for the High Sheriff honour by Lord Mayor of Birmingham Mike Leddy.
Michael was presented with his award at a glitzy event at Hagley Hall in Worcestershire.

Read the announcement here:
Scout's honour: Autistic Michael receives Inspiring Others award - Birmingham Mail





 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Dubai Autism Center

Get tips on exercise, education, fun activities and parenting advise when you join the

Dubai Autism Center . 

5 Tips for Motivating Kids with Autism to Exercise

Motivating kids can be a challenge. Motivating kids with autism to exercise is often more than some parents are willing to put the investment into trying. Of course, parents of kids with autism are incredibly busy, and just meeting day to day needs is often the only priority they have. To that, I have two points:
Exercise is a requirement that deserves day to day attention to maintain a healthy, balanced life.
Exercise can have incredible benefits to help focus and calm kids while helping to regulate emotions through out the day making other activities and daily interactions much more manageable and time effective.
Therefore, making daily exercise a priority and a habit can have amazing benefits to make the rest of the daily activities much easier. This will be accomplished much more effectively if the child is intrinsically motivated themselves. One of the most important points to consider is how to motivate your child to exercise of their own will. Asking your child to continually perform exercises just for a small reward will not last long, but helping your child to find enjoyment in exercise will promote life-long fitness..
Here are a few key tips for helping to motivate your child with autism to exercise:
1: Teach new exercises in a familiar setting.
The gym or other standard exercise areas such as a playground or park can often be overwhelming with a plethora of equipment, noise, and other people. However, basic exercises can easily be taught and practiced first in your child’s room, your home, or your backyard. When ready, transfer the familiar exercise to a new setting or add other variables.
2: Encourage individual learning and experimenting:
We’ve found that when we give our athletes the option to pick some of their workouts themselves, these tend to be the exercises that they are the most motivated to accomplish well. You are there to assure your child is performing correctly and safely, but they will feel independent and intrinsically motivated by doing exercises they enjoy and choose themselves.
3: Provide a way to visually see progress:
We have started using check-lists in our gym, a simple table with 5-10 exercises in the rows, and days of the weeks in the columns. The checklists get placed on the athlete’s refrigerator, door, etc. and they get to check off the list themselves when they complete exercises. We also add a section at the bottom allowing the participant to make up an exercise, allowing for independent exploration (point 2 above). Changing the checklist goals and exercises each week takes 5 minutes in a word document and keeps the tasks fresh. For a sample checklist to use, send us a comment we’ll email you one that we use.
4: Structure the workout so that a difficult activity is followed by an easier, more fun one:
This simple idea of rewarding a good behavior allows the participant to complete a difficult exercise, and then be rewarded with more exercise, a win-win that will also make exercise a reward that is sought after. Example: The child loves bean bag tosses, but doesn’t like squats. Reward 10 well done squats with a few minutes of bean bag tosses, explaining that the bean bag toss is a reward for the well done behavior of squats.
5: Be consistent!
This is important for any individual on any exercise, training, or diet program, and even more important for our athletes with autism. Consistency will help to alleviate the stress of performing something new that is physically demanding, and will make it easier to slowly incorporate more difficult exercises. It will also help them to achieve a greater overall physical ability and promote better health.
Remember, knowing your child or athlete is very important. Think about where they are most comfortable, what cues work best for them, what environment stress make new tasks difficult, and at what speed they can be introduced to new activities. No one knows your child better than you, so you are the expert in maintaining an exercise program that is the right level for your child. But with that said, as is true with anybody, remember that you are there to push them past the point of comfort to reach the next level of gym
 
 
 
Here is another learning tip from Carmen Lia.
Activities that develop a child's control of the small muscles of the hands (fine motor skills) allow children to make the precise movements necessary for forming letters and improve hand/eye coordination.

If an aspect of a work is frustrating to the child, provide assistance try to keep things fun. Sing songs, read stories or watch shows with a similar theme as the worksheet you choose to supplement the work again focusing on extra activities that the child enjoys to help keep them motivated.

Take breaks, when necessary. Choose a time of day when you and the child are relaxed. Provide rewards (verbal encouragement, gold stars on chore chart checklists or awards for tasks that have been mastered) and change up the rewards when needed. Don't underestimate the "reward value" of one on one time with a loved grown up ! Ten minutes of "homework time" with parents after work can become a special ritual for both parents and child
 
 
"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable."