Articles in Autism
Natural Born Optimist
I attended a CSE meeting yesterday for a boy was transitioning into high school. His achievement is a few years below grade level and his cognitive skills are in the low- average range. The school staff encouraged the parents to place him in a 12:1:1 classroom in the high school. The parents, concerned about the potential for bullying in high school were supportive of the …
Let’s Get Walking!
I’m usually not a big walk-a-thoner; I’d rather just make a donation to the organization directly. But this year I thought that maybe I could magnify the contributions to autism support groups by using my network to get the word out. If your able to walk yourself, I encourage you to sign up, or join my team. But if your willing to make a small …
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Click Here to Take Survey
One in 88 children have autism in the United States. How well are educators and service providers prepared to meet the needs of these children? New York requires teachers to participate in 40 hours of training in autism. Do teachers feel this is adequate? Do parents and caregivers believe their children are getting what they need? As I provide professional development …
Light It Up Blue!
Show solidarity with those our “Neuro-Diverse” brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. Friday the Center for Disease Control released their latest estimate that 1 in 88 children are on the spectrum. We can no longer think of autism as a disease that should be cured. Instead, we should see the whole spectrum of how people see the world, communicate, and interact with each other. We are part …
Social Skills for Children with Asperger’s & Autism
Teaching socialization to children on the spectrum is one of the more subtle challenges for educators. Social interactions involve so many component skills that disentangling them can be perplexing. A few general guidelines can help. First, move from structured to unstructured social opportunities. Structured means that the adult schedule, design and prompt interactions. For example, a “play date” involves a child visiting the house, playing …
Psychoanalysis and Autism: Refrigerator Moms, Seriously?
NOTE: The French Court has ordered Ms. Roberts’ film be removed from YouTube on March 28th. I’m glad I downloaded it before it was censored! ~ mf
“The Wall or psychoanalysis put to the test for autism”, is a French documentary filmed by Sophie Robert.
It describes the misuse of the psychoanalytic approach of autism in France in defining and treating autistic spectrum disorders. Ms. Robert was …
Ithaca Asperger Support Groups
Young Adults
Asperger’s Syndrome creates unique gifts, concerns and perspectives. When the syndrome is misunderstood by others, it often creates painful experiences and loneliness. Come join others with asperger’s traits for practical support and social connection. Enjoy the comfort of being with others with similar ways of perceiving the world. This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7PM in the basement of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Collegetown, Ithaca. …
Helping Military Families Care For Autism
Congress is currently working on a bill to help all military families, regardless of duty status, qualify for Autism benefits under the military’s insurance program known as “Tri-Care.” Peter Bell of Autism Speaks and army wife Rachel Kenyon joins Andrea Mitchell Reports to discuss.
The Bill, HR 2288, the Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act, is currently in the House Armed Services Committee and will need more …
Thinking Inside the Box (Part 4): The Tasks
Referred to as “TEACCH Tasks,” “Shoebox Tasks,” or “Work Tasks,” the learning activities presented to students in their work areas have characteristics that optimize the learning of children with autism.
Thinking Inside the Box (part 3): Work Areas
Visually Structured Classrooms (often called “TEACCH” classrooms) use individual works areas for students to complete their independent tasks. The structure of the area may differ from classroom to classroom and may look different depending on the skill level of the student. However, a student’s work area must be presented consistently to optimize independence.
