Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Online Education as a Choice for Kids with Autism

scottie — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:24:31 +0000

Teaser:

David Harms, a teen with autism, was not doing well in a school environment; his mom decided to try virtual learning.

Body:

David Harms, a teen with autism, was not doing well in a school environment; his mom decided to try virtual learning. David is now a student at Utah Virtual Academy K-12 program. Susan Harms, his mom, explained that he was overloaded with sensory input and had behavioral issues in the traditional school environment. Although the virtual academy was not created specifically for special needs students, many seem to do well because they can work at home at their own pace. The school provides instructors who use Blackboard as the interaction tool. They also provide art supplies and science supplies. In addition, the school coordinates David's IEP with the Harms as well as speech and occupational therapy.

Original Article:

Online Learning Works for Utah Student with Autism

Classroom Accommodation Suggestions for Kids with Autism

scottie — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Because each child with autism is different, there is no one set of school accommodations that fit everyone.

Body:

Because each child with autism is different, there is no one set of school accommodations that fit everyone. This article, by Eileen Bailey, offers suggestions on things that parents can ask for for their kids while in school, either in the IEP or directly with teachers. Some of the accommodations include advance notice of any change in school schedule, a quiet place in the classroom, child’s desk placement in the classroom for sensory issues, incorporate the child’s interests in general classroom discussions, create a crisis plan with counselors, use oral testing if the child cannot write, and/or allow the child to leave early to avoid the hallway rush. If, as a parent, you know what works at home, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for some of those same things at school.

Original Article:

23 Ways to Accommodate Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the Classroom

Small School for Autism Helps Kids in Ontario Thrive

scottie — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 20:06:51 +0000

Teaser:

The Woodview Learning Centre (WLC) is a small school that serves children with autism in Aldershot Ontario.

Body:

The Woodview Learning Centre (WLC) is a small school that serves children with autism in Aldershot Ontario. The private school holds up to 12 kids and focuses on individualized therapies. WLC is similar to a neurotypical school, but spends a great deal of time on social skills and individualized education plans (IEP). The plan is for each child to eventually move to high school and graduate. Program coordinator, Lindsay Court, explained, “This is a really unique program. So far I think we’ve had a 100-per-cent success rate with our students going through high school after they graduate from WLC.”

Original Article:

Small School for Kids with Autism a Lifesaver

Guam Parents Prepare Their Children with Autism for the School Year

scottie — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:44:48 +0000

Teaser:

Educators and parents in Guam are being reminded to make sure their kids with autism are ready for the new school year.

Body:

Educators and parents in Guam are being reminded to make sure their kids with autism are ready for the new school year. The University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Research & Service (CEDDERS) compiled suggestions that included communication with the child’s school, an up-to-date individualized education plan (IEP), and a visit with the teacher(s). This is just one of the 42 programs/resources for people with special needs offered by CEDDERS.

Original Article:

Special Needs Require More Preparation

Latino Parents Struggle to Learn About Rights They have with Their Children with Autism

scottie — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:32:21 +0000

Teaser:

This article about Latino families with autism is the third in a series about difficulties faced by families whose native language is not English.

Body:

This article about Latino families with autism is the third in a three part series about difficulties faced by many families whose native language is not English. California, like many states, requires an individual education plan (IEP) for kids with autism, but in many cases lacks funds for providing these services in Spanish, and to low-income families. Fiesta Educativa is one organization that helps empower families with disabilities. Angelica Herrera, a parent coordinator with Fiesta Educativa explained, “A lot of the pamphlets we have are in English and we try to get as many as we can in Spanish but it’s [just] not there.” Another resource, the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC), does not have information translated into Spanish; however, they hire bilingual service coordinators to assist Latino clients. The Los Angles School District only provides Spanish translation if requested. Several organizations are trying to fill the need: Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) explained that parents need to reach out for assistance, but first they need to understand autism; they have had an outreach program since 2009. The Disability Rights Legal Center has published an online guide, The Children’s Benefits Access Guide.

Original Article:

Know Your Rights to Advocate for Your Autistic Child

Parents Don’t Let Diagnosis of Autism Slow the Family Down

scottie — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:54:55 +0000

Teaser:

The Walden’s second son received a diagnosis of autism when he was 2½.

Body:

The Walden’s second son received a diagnosis of autism when he was 2½, fortunately they ignored the pediatrician’s advice of, “there’s nothing you can do, get counseling and learn to live with it.” Gina Walden found a DAN! doctor who was able to point them in the right direction. They moved from a rural area to the Highland area of CA where they also found support from the Inland Regional Center. The folks at Inland started working with them on sensory integration therapy and they have turned their garage into a sensory therapy room for their son. Their goal was to have him mainstreamed by Kindergarten and that was put into his individual education plan (IEP). It wasn’t easy dealing with the school district, but they prevailed and now their son, at 8, is in a regular classroom.

Original Article:

Praying for - and Getting - a Miracle

What Should You Look for in a Special Ed Program for Your Child with Autism?

scottie — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:11:08 +0000

Teaser:

Lisa Jo Rudy has some great suggestions on choosing a special education program for your child with autism.

Body:

Lisa Jo Rudy has some great suggestions on choosing a special education program for your child with autism. Rudy, a long-time friend of the autism community and mom of a son with autism, says the first thing to consider is the uniqueness of your child and his or her therapeutic needs. Next, she discusses those areas which are crucial for any good special ed program: 1) the teacher should have special training in working with kids with autism; 2) the teacher should have administrative support and resources; 3) the teacher should have the flexibility to follow your child’s IEP; 4) there should be various methods of teaching in the classroom; 5) speech, physical, and OT should be available for free; and 6) you should see results in your child academically and socially.

Original Article:

What to Look for in a Special Education Program for Your Child with Autism

Private Schools in Dubai Begin to Allow Children with Autism to Mainstream

scottie — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:24:12 +0000

Teaser:

It is only recently that private schools in Dubai have allowed children with autism to mainstream.

Body:

It is only recently that private schools in Dubai have allowed children with autism to mainstream. For the most part, the private schools don’t have facilities or training to work with kids with special needs. Stepping Stones, an international organization, is working with Dubai schools to increase inclusion. Students, who need it, will receive assistance from an aide, an individualized education program (IEP), and depending on the child’s age receive more academics or more social/life/vocational training. Most students will have special classes during the day, but will be integrated into extra-curricular activities and other classroom situations.

Original Article:

Increase in Private School Acceptance of Special Needs Children

Maximum Potential All Summer Long for Kids with Autism

scottie — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:17:33 +0000

Teaser:

Maximum Potential has been providing online training for applied behavior analysis (ABA) since 2007.

Body:

Maximum Potential has been providing online training for applied behavior analysis (ABA) since 2007. This summer they launched an online summer training ABA program so that kids don’t have to miss out on therapy just because they’re not in school. Garrett Butch, founder of Maximum Potential says, “There is always the chance that over the summer our kids can have some form of regression and it is imperative that we keep the momentum going from the previous year.” The summer training consists of 17 modules that help a child with issues ranging from behavior to social skills to generalization.

Original Article:

Summer Autism Training Program Helps Parents to Achieve IEP Goals

Oasis is Only School for Autism in Pakistan

scottie — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:17:30 +0000

Teaser:

Can you imagine only one school equipped to handle your child with autism in the entire state or country?

Body:

Can you imagine only one school equipped to handle your child with autism in the entire state or country? Oasis School is the only school for children with autism in Pakistan. Oasis was started by Samrina Anwar, now the principal of the school, who began slowly with workshops on communicating with children with autism. She brought in specialists from Ireland and England, and now the school provides treatment and therapy with 13 teachers to 9 children. Only two of the children are verbal and all receive speech therapy. The school building and classrooms have been specially equipped for the children with minimal furnishings to avoid distractions, a bathroom and kitchen each with visual cues, a gym, swimming pool, and a sensory room. There are separate areas that have been created to help the learning style of each child and to fulfill their IEP. Anwar says, “The challenge for us is to make these children independent. A positive approach is necessary to bring out positive behaviour in them.”

Original Article:

Special Needs: Oasis for Autistic Children