Healing Thresholds info on all topics

Some Kids with Autism May Suffer from Cyber Addiction

scottie — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

iPads and video interaction has provided a means for children with autism to communicate; it may also have provided addictive behavior.

Body:

iPads and video interaction has provided a means for children with autism to communicate; it may also have provided addictive behavior. Christopher Mulligan founded Groupworks West, which provides assistance when people with autism show a susceptibility to addiction to the Internet and video stimulation. He has found parents who used the technology because it helped their kids communicate, but found it also lessens their social interaction with other people. Mulligan explained one reason for increased dependence on technology, “One of the first things cut were all recreational services including summer camp. They had horseback riding, swimming – wonderful services – and cutting summer camp funding really added a lot of stress to parents. Almost all of the families I help are families where both parents are working.” The kids’ only means of stimulation and interaction are through the Internet.

Read original article: Autistic Teens and Children Struggle with Cyber Addiction

Florida State Senator Creates Web Portal for Families with Autism to Manage Healthcare

scottie — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

FL State Senator, Jeremy Ring, understands the problems of parents of kids with autism and other behavioral difficulties managing their child’s healthcare.

Body:

Florida State Senator, Jeremy Ring, understands the problems of parents of kids with autism and other behavioral difficulties managing their child’s healthcare. He developed a Facebook-like, but private, free Web-based healthcare management platform. Mercurian helps families organize family care teams – this can be anyone from a home care attendant to a relative to teachers and therapists. Team members can share as much information as they like to help track the child’s progress. The hope is that the data collected will help families notice changes in behavior, improvements in communications between families and professionals, and provide updates to schools and physicians.

Read original article: Senator Creates Website for Children with Autism

Organization Prepares Kids with Down Syndrome and Autism for Life Beyond Kindergarten

scottie — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

The ACDS knew that their work with kids with Down syndrome enabled them to help kids with other special needs.

Body:

The Association for Children with Down Syndrome/Lifetime Service for Individuals with Special Needs (ACDS) knew that their work with kids with Down enabled them to help kids with other special needs. Many kids with Down syndrome also are diagnosed with autism. They have increased their programming to help kids prepare not only for kindergarten, but for the grades and life to follow. Michael Smith, executive director of ACDS, said, “The very nature of Down syndrome made it feasible for the school to serve other populations. The different kinds of challenges presented by the disorder are so vast, working with a Down syndrome population has trained the ACDS staff to deal with all sorts of issues.” ACDS focuses on early intervention and Preschool preparation. Classrooms are filled with special needs kids and neurotypical kids; the kids have learned well together. The school looks typical, but is very visual and contains a sensory gym, and iPads have been recently added to improve communication and social skills.

Read original article: ACDS Prepares Students for Kindergarten and Life Beyond

Australian Cricket Player Turns Music Therapist

scottie — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

This radio interview with Brett Lee, cricketer and part-time music therapist, told the story of a music therapy foundation for kids in India with autism.

Body:

This radio interview with Brett Lee, cricketer and part-time music therapist, told the story of a music therapy foundation for kids in India with autism. Mewsic, Lee’s foundation, works with The Music Therapy Trust to bring music as a healing tool to underprivileged children with special needs. In his own words, Lee explained, “We are teaming up to give autistic children a better chance in life. The empowerment of healing…. [A] lot of people are going to benefit from it.” Other members of the music therapy community contributed in the interview; Dr. Lucanne Magill, recently moved to India to help train music therapists who will eventually use individualized therapies for the children. India's National Centre for Autism is also playing a role.

Read original article: Aussie Cricketer Launches Music Therapy Academy in India

Schoolyard Becomes Therapeutic Landscape for Kids with Autism

scottie — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:12:28 +0000

Teaser:

Chelsey King, a KSU graduate student in landscape architecture, is researching a school playground that targets kids with autism.

Body:

Chelsey King, a Kansas State University graduate student in landscape architecture, is researching a school playground that targets kids with autism. King, working with professor, Katie Kingery-Page, explained, “My main goal was to provide different opportunities for children with autism to be able to interact in their environment without being segregated from the rest of the school.” One of the features of the schoolyard is a place where children with autism can go when feeling stressed or over-stimulated. There are sensory areas that include a music garden where students can play outdoor instruments, an edible garden for horticulture therapy, a sensory playground, and a butterfly garden. While this is still in the research stage, King researched the project using Amanda Arnold Elementary School, a Manhattan KS magnet school for kids with autism, as a foundation.

Read original article: KSU Researcher Designs a Schoolyard for Children with Autism

Workshop Provides Coping Skills for Children with Special Needs

scottie — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Loresa Stansell, a counselor, provided a workshop in TN titled, No More Chasing Normal, to families, and teachers of kids with autism.

Body:

Loresa Stansell, a counselor, provided a workshop in Tennessee entitled, No More Chasing Normal, to families, caregivers, and teachers of kids with autism. She offered suggestions, including visual schedules even for verbal children, to help with behavior and communication. Another idea she suggested was a “rehearsal manual” that parents can use to set longer term goals for their children, for example, learning to wash laundry, or cook. Stansell also uses her own A-typical Episodic Grief Model; rather than ending with acceptance, it ends with adaptation, because children with special needs are always growing and changing.

Read original article: Workshop Offers Coping Tips

Autism-Friendly Mary Poppins Comes to Broadway

scottie — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

The Theatre Development Fund sponsored the second autism-friendly Broadway show – Mary Poppins.

Body:

The Theatre Development Fund sponsored the second autism-friendly Broadway show – Mary Poppins. The New Amsterdam Theatre sold out within two days. Along with parents and kids with autism, there were 40 autism specialists, mainly from Hunter College and Autism Friendly Spaces to assist families. So that children were prepared, there were descriptions of the characters and song lists. There were areas where children who were fidgity or anxious could go to calm down. Children could even watch the show via live feed if the audience crowd proved too much for them. Coloring books, puzzles, and video cues were available. The next event will be a repeat of the first – The Lion King. Tickets go on sale this summer.

Read original article: Parents Cheer Autism-Friendly "Mary Poppins"

Autism Group in Jamaica Offers Awareness and Support

scottie — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

The Jamaican Autism Support Association (JASA) was formed in 2007, but members are gaining support.

Body:

The Jamaican Autism Support Association (JASA) was formed in 2007, but members are gaining support. When Kathy Chang co-founded JASA there were just a few families offering each other support and information, now there are over 200 parents, caregivers, and therapists. Their latest support and awareness event was Surfing for Autism and included a day of water activities for kids and discussions among service providers and parents.

Read original article: Autism Support Group Aims to Increase Disorder Awareness

Sensory Gym Opens for Kids with Autism

scottie — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:24:30 +0000

Teaser:

WeeZee, a fitness center for kids with autism and other sensory integration disorders, has opened a large facility in Chappaqua NY.

Body:

WeeZee, a fitness center for kids with autism and other sensory integration disorders, has opened a 16,000 square foot facility in Chappaqua NY. WeeZee creator Louise Weadock believes it is the first center of its type. WeeZee’s facilities include an indoor rainforest, fiber optic lighting, music, and a vibration station. Weadock explained, “It [sensory integration disorder] is like an allergic reaction these kids have. You have to introduce them to this world in small sensory doses until they get used to it.” WeeZee was fortunate to locate the facility in a portion of the old Reader’s Digest headquarters.

Read original article: Kid's Sensory Gym to Open at Former Reader's Digest Site

Sensory Integration Center Opens in Central Pennsylvania

scottie — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:43:47 +0000

Teaser:

Easter Seals of Central PA opened Silvi Sensory Integration Center, to provide support for people with sensory processing disorders, including autism.

Body:

Easter Seals of Central Pennsylvania recently opened Silvi Sensory Integration Center, to provide support for people with sensory processing disorders, including autism. The only sense it does not stimulate is smell. Annie Smith, the director of therapy services, delights in showing visitors around. She points out lights, music, bubbles, and vibrations while explaining that each child will have an individualized program. Smith explained, “With a physician’s referral, any family interested in the center can schedule an evaluation.” Joe Fialko, owner of Soundbeam USA, has developed sensory centers for over 15 years and considers the Silvi Center one of the highlights – a transformed former garage.