|
|
 |
Individual Needs in Autism Spectrum Disorders
The problem with AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS is the word spectrum. Although there are similarities and typical patterns of characteristics and behaviors, it quickly becomes evident that there are individual differences. In addition, there are many individuals with different diagnoses or complex challenges who have similar learning needs as students with ASD. This department will cover a variety of topics related to identifying and meeting the needs of individuals and their families.
|
Caity Meets Her "Health Folder"
Marianne Bryant
Well this is a topic that no mom really wants to approach. Yet as all moms of daughters know, we eventually must approach the subject and with much apprehension. I had taken Caity to her pediatrician and was told that sometime within the next two years, the big event of her period would occur. I was in a major panic since I had not even thought of her being anywhere remotely close to this event. It seemed like just yesterda . . .
keep reading
|
Throwing Rocks
Aileen Hecht
I tried very hard to be friends with the kids in my neighborhood, four of which were my cousins, and four or so others living within a hundred yards as well. I really only followed them around (mostly the girls), observing, mimicking, assimilating, trying to learn to be like them so that I could not only be their friends but to make friends at school as well. They weren't necessarily popular but as far as neighborhood cliques go, I very much found the breaks from solitude appealing and somewhat more comforting than those provided by the classmates at school considering that half of the neighborhood playmates were family. Family is an entirely different entity than the classmates who were . . .
keep reading
|
Autism Service Dogs: An Interview with John Wheelwright
Did you know that an Autism Service Dog can reduce a child's inappropriate behaviors and serve as a positive social link to other people? In this interview, John Wheelwright, Executive Director of Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society, discusses how service dogs can make a positive difference for children with autism and their families. Service dogs are specially trained to anchor themselves in a "stay" position and not move when children wander or bolt into danger. They accompany the child at home and in the community. These dogs provide a calming influence which improves the autistic child's behavior, sleep patterns and self-regulation. . . .
keep reading
|
Adolescents with Autism - Where do parents go from here?
GEORGIA KOHART
All parents know what it's like to answer the same question over and over, but imagine responding to a barrage of anxious inquiries 100 times -- in one minute. As parents of a child with Asperger's autism, Adam and Tessy Ridgeway of Ayersville know what that is like. Even dining out . . .
keep reading
|
AUTISM: A boy's essay
JOSHUA WRIGHT
Autism is like a disease that you can never find a cure for. For me, it all started when I was born on June 11, 1998. When I was 3, I was diagnosed with autism. So, I watched the same movies constantly (such as "The Lion King," which I absolutely LOVE!!!!!!), had scattered & disorganized language, & woke up constantly when my mom had already put me to sleep! . . .
keep reading
|
Positive Effects of Owning a Dog for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Lauren Padgett
For someone with autism, a dog can be a great way to teach friendship, empathy and responsibility. When my autistic son Lucas was 16, his older brother left for college. Within a few months, my husband and I began to notice how much Lucas missed his big brother and best friend. There was no one at home to get Lucas laughing at stupid videos on the internet, or to gently harass him with a "You're It", beginning an impromptu game of tag through the house. And while my husband and I both tried our best to fill that gap, it was painfully obvious that Lucas was lonely without Robert here. How could we provide someone like Lucas with a true, genuine friendship? . . .
keep reading
|
Reacting to Agitation, Escalation and Outburst in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Rebecca Klaw, MS, Med
Part 3 of 3: Thoughtful Response to Agitation, Escalation and Meltdowns in Children with AutisM Spectrum Disorders Before we begin... a word about consequences Children who are developmentally compromised in the areas of flexibility and frustration management usually: Lack the capacity to manage emotions associated with frustration well enough to think clearly in the midst of crisis; and Lack the ability to shift their thoughts from their agenda to your agenda even when faced with very meaningful consequences. . . .
keep reading
|
Understanding the Stages of Crisis Leading to Meltdown in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Rebecca Klaw, M.S,, M.Ed.
Part 2 of 3: Thoughtful Response to Agitation, Escalation and Meltdowns in Children with AutisM Spectrum Disorders |image2| Agitation/Escalation Many things can trigger agitation in children with autism: Not getting what he/she wants Not doing what he/she wants to do Not being able to regulate to environmental stimuli Not being able to regulate to internal stimuli . . .
keep reading
|
Understanding Inflexible-Explosive Children in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Rebecca Klaw, M.S,, M.Ed.
Part 1 of 3: Thoughtful Response to Agitation, Escalation and Meltdowns in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders In the literature about working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, attention is routinely given to proactive or preventive strategies for helping children manage their lives smoothly. These strategies are based on insight into a child's particular challenges, recognition of their particular strengths, and acknowledgement of their particular communication style and skill level. The strategies that all of us know, and use, are also based on the understanding of sensory differences and the child's often pervasive need for sameness and routine. . . .
keep reading
|
Using Visual Strategies to Improve Communication with Multi-Handicapped Students
QUESTION: I am interested in learning how to make a visual communication system that can be adapted successfully for a classroom of Multi-Handicapped students that have a wide range of abilities. ANSWER: First, let's deal with the concept of a classroom of Multi-Handicapped students. Students with most any learning challenge can benefit from the use of visual strategies in the classroom. I speak a lot about working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. But what we have learned is that what works for these students works well for lots of other students, too. Think of all the purposes we can accomplish with visual strategies. . . .
keep reading
|
Understanding the Need for Using Visual Strategies in Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Understanding WHY is Half the Battle. Using visual strategies with students used to be rare. Now it is a more common practice for educators who have a lot of experience working with autism. In my Visual Strategies Workshops at least 75% of the people indicate that they use some visual tools with students. They see great results from this method of communication support. That is why they are attending the workshop. They want to learn more. The problem is. . . .there are still a lot of people who have difficulty understanding the need. Some of them struggle and argue and fight to try to avoid accepting the need for this communication approach. . . .
keep reading
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| Here's what our members are saying .....
I use information from Autism Family Online in my practice. I often tell parents about your website because I know they’ll find reliable information that will give them practical suggestions for helping their children.
Howard Elandt, Psychologist
Your website has been a huge help for me. My students have very different needs and I have downloaded great pictures to use with them. The articles have helped me deal with challenging behaviors.
Kim Renshaw, SLP
Autism Family Online helped me so much. As a parent, it empowers me to find information that I can really use. I printed some choice board pictures and then used them right away. My son loved them.
Carrie
I love the video you play on your site. God bless you for the hope you shared!
Debby L.
Jacksonville, OR
"The first item I found made my membership worthwhile. I'm definitely renewing!"
John A.
Kerrville, TX
"Your site saved the day for me. The information helped me quickly and solve a problem I've been struggling with for a year.
Roberta K.
London, UK
"I can't say enough about how valuable your site has been. The articles and other information are really great."
Vickie O.
Seattle, WA |
|
|
About this Site
