Inspirational Autistic People You'll Love

I continue to be amazed by Autistic people. I am humbled and empowered by these special people and their countless gifts. These recent videos I saw featured on various news outlets and re-posted them on Facebook. Be inspired as I have with these amazing people.

Autistic Teen's Hoop Dreams Come True
Gets To Play, In High School's Last Game Of Year, And Scores 20
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=1342163n&tag=related;photovideo

Carly Fleishmann
http://carlysvoice.com/
Autistic teen who found an inner voice through writing. Be sure to watch the 20/20 video piece about her. Truly amazing.

My hero Dr. Temple Grandin is literally the voice of Autism. Thanks to her we know more of this baffling disability. Rent her video which won 7 awards (Emmy's and Golden Globes) to learn about her struggles in a time where Autism was an unknown word. Be inspired with her Ted Conference presentation about tapping into all kinds of minds and read her many books that offer all of us perspectives in what oftentimes seems unknown territories.

Official website http://www.templegrandin.com/
Ted Presentation - The World Needs All Kinds Of Minds http://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds.html

Interesting Article: I’m NOT Your Enemy: Secrets from Your Child’s Special Education Teacher

I recently read this article and am constantly reminded of what I have in place for our daughter. I believe a collaboration between parent and educators are VERY important. We must be reminded that people who go into the special education field do this I think because of their heart. I truly feel it's hard but rewarding in a variety of ways to work with these special kiddos. I think a good district who recognizes talent and therefore continues to offer support, enrichment and growth is equally important. I love to hear when my special ed teacher is going to conferences on the newest information for Ipads and usage for communication devices. In my daughter's preschool I was thrilled when a favorite teacher of ours moved from a more specialized classroom to the integrated classroom environment so she could continue to grow and learn. These are all important things to watch and see when viewing your district and schools. These people should be a partner in education with and for your child. You need to advocate for their best interest. Many time educators have seen quite and a lot and therefore may know more of what's best for your child's learning environment BUT you know your child and therefore your input is incredibly valuable too. Regular communication is of the utmost. Take a look....

 I’m NOT Your Enemy: Secrets from Your Child’s Special Education Teacher
By Morgan Kolis

How often have you read articles, blogs, or tweets where the special education teacher appears as the bad guy? The special education teacher has an alternate agenda or makes a plan without the knowledge of the parents? The IEP team excludes the parents as part of the team?

Too many articles and blogs point to the special education teacher and make him/her appear as an enemy to the parents of the child with special needs.

WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY!

But there are some secrets that your special education teacher wants you to know:

Secret #1- NO ONE becomes a special education teacher to hurt kids.

Becoming a special education teacher is a calling. It’s not a “job,” but a lifetime commitment. Most special ed. teachers LOVE kids and want the best for their students. Remember, your child’s special ed. teacher likely spends at least 6 hours a day with your child. He/She knows your child. Likely, she works at least 6-7 more hours a day thinking about what’s best for your child.

Secret #2- NO ONE becomes a special education teacher to fight with parents.
Sure, there are disagreements. No one is going to agree 100% of the time. But, the special ed. teacher is not looking for an argument. He/she is working on the best plan for your child. And, it’s true that there are times that the teacher also has to work within district budget constraints and directives, but none of us are looking to fight with you.

Secret #3- NO ONE continues to be a special education teacher because it’s easy.

IF any person went into special education because they thought it was going to be an easy job, they surely did not stay in the field of special education. Being a special ed. teacher is hard. It’s hard work. It’s a 12-18 hour a day job. But, it’s also a choice.

Secret #4- Your child’s special education teacher respects you.

Believe it or not, your child’s special ed. teacher respects you as a parent of a child with special needs. He/She likely cannot imagine what your life is like, what you deal with, or what it feels like to be a parent of a child with special needs. For these reasons and more, there should be a mutual respect for both parents AND teachers.

Secret #5- Special Ed. teachers believe that the parents are an imperative part of the IEP team.

An IEP cannot be written without your help. An IEP cannot be put into place without you. A change of placement cannot occur without you. Your child’s needs drive his/her services, but we need to know what you believe his/her needs are. I might feel your child has mastered coin counting, while you know that, when trying to pay for fries at McDonald’s, your child was clueless. We need YOU.

Now that you know all of our “secrets,” what can you do the help cultivate your relationship with your child’s special education teacher?

First, communicate with your special education teacher. Send emails, respond to tweets, read blog posts and comment. If your teacher sends you an email, respond. If the teacher asks you a question, she isn’t trying to be nosy, she genuinely wants to know how she can help or what she can do better for your child. Answer your teacher’s phone calls or respond to her voice mails. Tell your teacher everything she needs to know about your child.

Second, if you are happy or unhappy about an event, lesson, paper, or situation, express it directly to the teacher. Don’t try going around the teacher before speaking to him. Your principal knows what’s happening in the classroom, but not to the extent that the teacher does. Plus, it could be a simple mistake. Give your teacher the benefit of the doubt.

Third, make suggestions with care. We can all improve, we can all get better. We can all be more knowledgeable. We can all communicate better. But, we’re still human and we are trying our best. Make your comments with care, and we will do the same.

Lastly, remember we are team members that care about your child. Often times, we love your child. We are your team member, not your enemy.

Short Author Bio: Morgan Kolis has been a special education teacher for 8 years, working with students with mild/moderate and moderate/intensive special needs. Morgan currently teaches at Hilton Elementary School in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Schools in North East Ohio. She has received numerous awards including the 2010-2011 Plain Dealer Crystal Apple and the 2005 Cleveland Cavaliers’ Head of the Class Teacher Award. She also has a Masters’ degree in Educational Technology

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Communication Devices - Ipad's are powerful voices for our speech impaired community

Tonight I saw what my family deals with our daughter on 60 Minutes. Some of you have heard of how powerful the Ipad has been in the special needs community and in helping our non verbal or speech impaired children finally have a voice. Take a look at the enclosed video clip. And learn the many cool things that are happening!

Visit http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7385686n&tag=contentMain%3BcontentAux

There are foundations and organizations out there trying to raise funds for those children in need of communication devices and either their schools or families cannot afford them. A local foundation Silent Stars, is raising dollars to help those children in need. For every Ipad or Ipod touch donation they receive Silent Stars Foundation will donate the Proloquo2GO speech application and protective case! Please check them out and spread the word! They're doing great things.

Visit: http://www.silentstars.org

Stay informed: News Article About Healthy Babies Being Given Dangerous, Unneeded Prescription Drugs

Another friend shared this article about healthy babies being given dangerous, unneeded prescription drugs. Take a look!

Visit http://www.naturalnews.com/033924_babies_prescription_drugs.html#ixzz1bKpDr400

Ailment Can Steal Youth From the Young - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

A friend shared this article and thought this was scary and worth sharing with all of you.  If you know of someone who might be suffering from some or all of these symptoms you might want to share this article with them.

Visit http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/health/18brody.html?_r=1&src=tp&smid=fb-share

FM Systems for Hearing Challenged Individuals

I just saw this demonstration and found this to be very informative in how a hearing challenged person hears in a classroom. I have elderly in laws and a parent with hearing challenges and this helps understand their world AND that there are other options out there partnering with a hearing aid. The pricing for the FM system isn't too expensive either. Additionally, I cannot help but imagine what a classroom dynamic would be like for a sensory challenged child who struggles with processing information because of classroom distractions such as lighting, noise, etc. When viewing this demonstration take a step back and think of that population too.

Demonstration from You Tube from Vermont Center http://youtu.be/1l37lzLIgQU

Cost of FM Systems http://www.harriscomm.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=46_156

Inspirational Person: Salman Kahn

I recently was told about Salman Kahn from Kahn Academy and found this brilliant Ted Conference presentation to share with all of you. What I found interesting is his idea in how to teach our children math concepts that they retain. Take a look and be inspired.

http://www.ted.com/talks/salman_skhan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education.html

A friend told me about Mr. Kahn from this interview with Charlie Rose again take a look!

http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11658

Kahn Academy

Check out their library of almost 2,600 videos covering everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history and 211 practice exercises.

http://www.khanacademy.org/

Great Blog Post/News Article Regarding Tech Aps for Speech

Apps: An Emerging Tool for SLPs
A plethora of apps can be used to develop expressive, receptive, and other language skills.
by Jessica Gosnell

Visit http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/111011/Apps--An-Emerging-Tool-for-SLPs/

Highlight: 3 Common Signs of ADD/ADHD - From Circle of Moms

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children. According the American Academy of Pediatrics, 4–12 percent of school-aged children have ADHD, with boys being diagnosed three times more often than girls. Because signs of ADHD overlap with typical early childhood behaviors, the condition often becomes most apparent once a child begins preschool or elementary school. To help you figure out whether your child should be evaluated for ADHD by an expert, below we've summaried the condition's three common signs.

1. Inattention

Inattention is one of the main signs of ADHD in children. As Circle of Moms member Stephanie H. shares of her son who was diagnosed with ADHD: “He couldn't concentrate on anything; it seemed his mind was just jumping around from one thing to another.” The following detailed list of behaviors that may indicate inattention caused by ADHD is offered by HelpGuide.org.

• Doesn’t pay attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
• Appears not to listen when spoken to
• Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
• Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
• Gets bored with a task before it’s completed
• Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items

2. Hyperactivity

“Does [your child] have excessive motor activity and cannot sit still and squirms and is always running and climbing?” As Erin R., a Circle of Moms member and early childhood educator relays, hyperactivity is another typical sign that a child has ADHD. HelpGuide.org lists the following behaviors as potential signs of ADHD-related hyperactivity:

• Constantly fidgets and squirms
• Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
• Moves around constantly, often runs or climbs inappropriately
• Talks excessively
• Has difficulty playing quietly or relaxing
• Is always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor
• May have a quick temper or a “short fuse”

Notably, not all children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive; ADD/ADHD children who are inattentive but not hyperactive may instead seem to be unmotivated and constantly spacing out.

3. Impulsivity

“Many children with ADHD are very impulsive,” explains Circle of Moms members Aundrea A. According to HelpGuide.org, the following hehaviors are all signs of impulsivity that could be caused by ADHD.

• Blurts out answers in class without waiting to be called on or hear the whole question
• Can’t wait for his or her turn in line or in games
• Says the wrong thing at the wrong time
• Often interrupts others
• Intrudes on other people’s conversations or games
• Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums
• Guesses, rather than taking time to solve a problemThis article is not intended as medical advice. If you are concerned your child is exhibiting signs of ADHD, consult your pediatrician.

Related Reading:

Educating Resistant Teachers About Special Needs

What to Do When Your Kids Are Running Wild

8 Simple Stress Busters for Kids

6 Tips for Teaching a Child to Deal With Anger

6 Tips for Teaching Your Young Child to Listen and Focus

The Value of Comparing Prior IEP Assessments

The IEP process can be tedious with all the paperwork, bar graph/charts and various updates and terminology BUT they're important. I think this holds very true to re-review your child's progress from 1-2 years prior and see where they are currently this becomes important for gaps and where to add the proper interventions if needed. Our daughter is only 5 but has had an IEP for quite some time now. I can see her progression in some areas and other areas where there isn't. The most significant is her hand writing skills - it seems as though we're forever working on circles and lines and that's it. So, what we're working on is kind of bump up and get this more exciting for her in terms of finger strength. We've added a stylus to her school Ipad and get her using technology (her love) to work with and for her. The medium is different but the result is she still has to hold the pen for finger strength but the surface may be a bit more easier to manipulate as it's smooth versus a piece of paper. This is just one example I'm giving to why you NEVER throw out your paperwork and the importance of re-reviewing everything. Take a look at what others deem why this statement is so important.

From Special Education Advisor

The Value of Comparing Prior IEP Assessments
By Dennise Goldberg

An assessment is vital to gathering information about your child to make decisions on how best to assist him or her on their areas of weakness. As a result, they are a crucial part of the IEP process. Some of your children will soon have a triennial IEP or an IEP where you have requested a current assessment. Either way, it’s time to pull out the prior assessments and review the Standard Scores before your child’s next IEP. I bring this up now because it’s important to review where your child’s abilities were one year ago or three years ago, in order to see if they’ve improved or declined in their areas of weakness. In addition to that, you also have to look out for new areas of weakness; for example, they might have been in the average range for reading fluency 3 years ago, but currently they might be in the low average range.

In order to understand how to read assessment results, I will briefly review Standard Scores.

Standard Scores are based on a mean (average) of 100 and a standard deviation of 15 + or -

<69 Well below average

70-79 Borderline

80-89 Low Average

90-109 Average Range

110-119 High Average

120-129 Superior

>130 Very Superior

Once you have your child’s numbers, you will have to apply them to the bell curve. For example, if your child’s Standard Score for reading fluency was 100 three years ago, but now it’s an 85, your child fell 1 Standard Deviation. Remember, 1 Standard Deviation can be + or – 15 points. As you see from the previous ranges I listed, your child fell into the low average range for that particular assessment. The decline in Standard Scores should be a red flag to you that your child is not accessing curriculum, therefore, changes need to made to their IEP. You might have to alter the existing goals, add new ones or change the methodology used to teach your child. Especially if your child’s Standard Scores were previously in the Low Average to Borderline range!

So dust off those previous assessments and start highlighting those areas where your child was already struggling in and be an active participate in the IEP process. Don’t forget needs drive goals and goals drive services, so if your adding goals to your child’s IEP, make sure there are enough services to help your child achieve all the new goals

IPad's and Speech Therapy - Winning Combination

Ipads and Speech, what a great combination this has turned out to be for our daughter! She not only learned about this device last year, she was one of our school district's test pilot users. She has become quite good at navigating around her device and can come up with meaningful ways to use this. Mind you she's only 5 and I see a great future for her.

Recently an interview was conducted about the bridge between speech therapy and the Ipads and here's what was mentioned. I will state our daughter finds speech therapy challenging for her and often times gets frustrated. Now we have a stream of communication that helps reduce the frustrations therefore producing positive results.
YEAH!

Visit http://community.advanceweb.com/blogs/sp_4/archive/2011/10/05/ipad-speech-therapy.aspx

Top Ten Ways to Tell if Your Child’s School is Inclusive

From Special Education Advisor

Top Ten Ways to Tell if Your Child’s School is Inclusive 
By Nicole Eredics

Inclusion, as special education experts agree, is the ideal way of educating students with special needs. Students with special needs are placed in general education classrooms along side their same-age peers, despite physical or academic ability levels. Often, however, inclusive education is a term that is misused and misunderstood by parents, teachers and staff. Here is a list of top ten ways to tell if your child’s school is truly inclusive:

1. School Community – the school community (staff, PTA, parents) is friendly, encourages parent-school communication, welcomes volunteers, and celebrates student learning through bulletin boards, newsletters and school-wide events.

2. School Design – the building has ramps, large doorways, paved walkways, drinking fountains, sinks, storage spaces and coat hooks that a child with special needs can use.

3. School Spaces – the lunchroom, library, playground, bathrooms, and gymnasium (or Multipurpose Room) can be easily accessed and used by a child with special needs.

4. School Routines – lunch hour, recess time, assemblies and school-wide activities include all the students.

5. School Support Staff – professionals such as Speech Language Therapists bring their services to the special needs child. The goal of support professionals is to support the child’s learning as well as help him/her remain in the classroom.

6. Paraprofessionals – Paraprofessionals are available to support the student (depending on child’s needs) in the classroom, during school routines and school activities.

7. Classroom Placement – a student with special needs is placed in a regular education classroom with same age peers despite his/her academic and ability level.

8. Classroom Arrangement – the special needs child has a desk or work area that is integrated into the class-seating plan. There is enough space for the special needs child to move around, a variety of learning materials are available and class materials can be easily accessed.

9. Teachers – Teachers plan lessons and activities in all subjects (not just Music or Art) to include the child with special needs. Lessons are modified and adapted so that the special needs student is actively participating in the learning process.

10. Students – ALL the students have opportunities to interact with one another both in the classroom and on the playground, help one another, work together and contribute to the well being of each other and the school community.

Nicole Eredics is an Elementary Educator who has spent over 15 years teaching in inclusive classrooms. She is also an advocate and has led parent support groups in the community. Nicole currently hosts The Inclusive Class Radio Show with Terri Mauro on the Special Needs Talk Radio Network on Blog Talk Radio (every Friday at 9 am EST). Nicole has developed and discovered many valuable resources for parents, teachers and schools that she shares on Twitter at @Inclusive_Class and on Facebook at The Inclusive Class. More information can be found at http://inclusiveclass.blogspot.com/