How do I Find and Create Goodness for My Children?

A fellow mom shared this blog post and I thought this was spot on. Not only with recent and horrific news but with ALL news. Our children in my opinion need to be protected from this kind of information they see and hear. We as parents need to be mindful of what's appropriate and not. Our schools are so good about sharing what's appropriate we need to do the very same thing. I want my daughter's to feel safe and not be exposed to all the aspects of what life looks like good and bad as they're still very young in my opinion. There's plenty of time in their lives to learn the reality let them enjoy childhood and not rush this.

Take a look at this post and be mindful of what's truly important AND the lessons we teach our children

Visit http://thewonderofchildhood.com/2011/08/how-do-i-find-and-create-goodness-for-my-children-2/

Article: Evaluating Your Child for Dyslexia

An estimated 80% of individuals diagnosed with learning disabilities have difficulty with various aspects of reading, including decoding, comprehension, and written expression.

Visit: http://www.smartkidswithld.org/ld-basics/evaluation-diagnosis/evaluating-your-child-for-dyslexia

What is Apraxia and how to teach the teachers about it

My friend Leslie via the Cherub Foundation shared this interesting presentation regarding how to teach the teachers about Apraxia and what this looks like for your kiddo. Personally I thought this was an excellent reminder and shared this with my daughter's team at school and her private therapists. Perhaps you know of someone who could benefit too.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nN9dG5F7M0&feature=youtu.be

50 Useful Ipad Aps for Reading Disabilities

Here's some great ideas for Ipad aps for the challenged reader. The site contains, site word assistance, reading, writing, flash cards, spelling and more!

http://edudemic.com/2012/09/the-50-best-ipad-apps-for-students-with-reading-disabilities/

List of Autism Interventions from Research Autism

Research Autism just posted this information regarding types of Autism interventions. I think this might be helpful for many folks out there. Be sure to share this with others who might find this information useful.

http://www.researchautism.net/pages/autism_treatments_therapies_interventions/autism_treatment_types

FREE Fireworks @ Navy Pier

Navy Pier Fireworks 
600 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL - 14.7 mile(s)
(312) 595-7437

Spectacular fireworks perfectly synchronized to music on Lake Michigan. The summer schedule begins Memorial Day weekend with fireworks every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:15 p.m. through Labor Day weekend.

Repeat every 1 week(s) on Wednesday, Saturday until 9/1/2012
Start Date: Saturday, May 26, 2012
End Date: Saturday, September 1, 2012

A GREAT partnership Kim and Scott Pretzels and Have Dreams!

I am so pleased that parents who have children at our daughter's school and are founders/owners of Kim and Scotts Gourmet Pretzels are doing such amazing things. Take a look. Have Dreams is an amazing Autism Organization where they have two facilities in Park Ridge and Evanston IL. Their goal it to help foster relationships, socialization, team building, growth, empowering our children either on the spectrum or Autistic up to age 23. The older children learn how to help sell things to make money like garage sales, car washes, garden furniture, etc. while learning how to navigate around a kitchen and learning to wash their own clothes. This is just a little bit of the MANY things they do. I am VERY excited about this partnership and ask that you help support this cause.

A Dream Partnership!!

Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels has partnered with Have Dreams and is creating employment opportunities for our young adult participants. In honor of this new partnership and to create awareness of their employment inclusion initiative for individuals with autism, they are donating 20% of sales from their Sweet and Savory Sampler Packs to Have Dreams! Support Have Dreams and Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels and buy a sample pack online at www.kimandscotts.com today! Don't keep this partnership a secret...tell your friends to buy a Sweet and Savory Sampler Pack too!

Highlight: Asperger's Syndrome

What is Asperger Syndrome? Here's a pretty good description from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm

A great perspective of what Aspergers Syndrome looks like. http://autismspectrumwotsnormal.com/autismspectrum/autism-spectrum-video/

Some well known people who have Aspergers - Dr. Temple Grandin who is an amazing voice who offers incredible perspectives in how she thinks, feels and basically lives her life. Rent award winning bio pic, watch her presentation she did at a recent Ted conference presentation and read her many books. Her perspectives are wonderful and so helpful for all parents understanding Autism, Aspergers, sensory challenges, speech disorders and anything else on the spectrum.

Ted Conference presentation http://www.ted.com/talks/temple_grandin_the_world_needs_all_kinds_of_minds.html

Who in history might have had Asperger Syndrome?

Albert Einstein  (math genius)

Patricia Highsmith (crime writer)

Thomas Jefferson (president, a founding father of the USA)

Stanley Kubrick (filmmaker) 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (composer)
Isaac Newton (inventor, philosopher)
Friedrich Nietzsche (philosopher)

George Orwell (writer)

Andy Warhol (artist)

Ludwig Wittgenstein (philosopher)

http://robephiles.hubpages.com/hub/Ten-Historical-Figures-Who-May-Have-Had-Aspergers-Syndrome 

And there's more in Wikipedia that suspected to have had Austism and Aspergers

Make sure to research my blog for the Myths often assigned to Aspergers, very interesting post.

How to write a Social Story for transitions or difficult lessons

For those of you who are working on a transition, something that's not easy in terms of training like potty training, getting your hair cut, doctor visits, etc., a friend just re-reminded me of something we did for our daughter when it came time for transitioning to Kindergarten this year...we had our new school put together a book written to the child about how to mentally prepare and imagine what this transition will look like for them. For school we had pictures of her teacher, where she was going to go in her day i.e. her classroom, library, cafeteria, gym, music room, pictures of her teachers, OT, PT and Speech Therapist, etc. We are currently making a book on potty training for school and home and a nighttime/sleep routine that I'm keeping fingers crossed might work or at least help. To learn more about how to put one together visit the following sites for information. Remember, make this fun for them to read and enjoy but don't over do it as they need to really grasp the message that's being taught. Note: This isn't just for Autism, Asperger and spectrum kiddos. I think this applies to sensory kiddos and anyone young who facing a challenge along the way and they're having a hard time mentally imagining and preparing for this task.

Visit http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/29487.aspx

Visit http://www.polyxo.com/socialstories/

Visit http://www.thegraycenter.org/social-stories/how-to-write-social-stories

What is Executive Functioning and Interesting Resources

I am learning the importance of Executive Functioning once my child hits 4th grade. To help us get our arms around what this means take a look at the enclosed links to gain perspectives.

LD Org offers a nice perspective of what this means http://www.ncld.org/ld-basics/ld-aamp-executive-functioning/basic-ef-facts/what-is-executive-function

Helping YOU get additional perspectives and organization http://www.ldonline.org/article/24880/

Looking for someone who can help your child with writing...check this out! SQ Write is a local resource and might be helpful in getting your child the proper assistance and interventions http://www.sqwrite.com/index.php/about-sq-write-curriculum/michael-gladstein-author.html

Shocking Article About Moms Stress Rearing Autism Children

Being a mom with a child on the "spectrum" this article is shocking and sadly not surprising to this mom. I for sure feel the pangs of rearing a child with Autism/spectrum challenges. The question now is how to find the balance for our overall health.

Visit http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/11/10/autism-moms-stress/6121/

Interesting article - What Does Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Have to do With My Therapy?

Interesting perspective. What do you think?

Visit: http://www.pediastaff.com/blog/what-does-applied-behavior-analysis-aba-have-to-do-with-my-therapy-8453

Important Reminder for Summer - All Parents Should Read This - Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning

My friend shared this important reminder for all of us now that summer is upon us. A great reminder to be safe with our children. Drowning doesn't look like drowning.

article: http://mariovittone.com/2010/05/154/

video: http://mariovittone.com/2011/07/video-of-instinctive-drowning-response

Summer - what to do with your special kiddo and make them and you happy

Here's some great reminders of what's important when planning your summer.

From Special Education Advisor

Visit http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/top-ten-ways-to-enjoy-summer-with-your-special-needs-child/

Great Reminders! 100 Ways to be kind to your child.

Some great reminders here.

Visit http://creativewithkids.com/100-ways-to-be-kind-to-your-child/

Interesting post - Is It Bipolar Disorder or ADHD?

Great post and oftentimes this gets confused.... 

Symptoms of ADHD and bipolar disorder are often confused—and often coexist in the same person. How to make the distinction, and suggestions for treating bipolar disorder along with ADHD.
Visit http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2511.html

Autism and Autism Spectrum Blogs Worth Checking Out

A list of Autism and Autism Spectrum Blogs written by parents and educators check this out you might find a gem! A feature from Special Education Adviser

Visit: http://www.babble.com/baby/baby-development/top-autism-blog-nominate/

Highlight: Apraxia

There are various levels of Apraxia. Please be aware not every child can recover but I personally have heard many success stories with the proper interventions.

What is Apraxia? http://youtu.be/QKGGMfngRa4

Here's a child who is doing VERY well who had Apraxia. He's a brave little guy who took the time to tell all of us (mostly parents) what it's like and gives us hope that you can with therapy overcome this disorder.  Be inspired:

Visit: http://youtu.be/Te7N-tUdH-E

I feel for this child who is trying so hard to read.

A child learning to read http://youtu.be/iquF39FcAV8

What to look for in a therapist

This post in Special Education Adviser is extremely important when interviewing a therapist (Occupational, Speech, Physical and Developmental). The one therapy that the requirements aren't as stringent is Developmental as this is play based therapy. I would say if you have a DT make sure they know and understand Dr. Stanley Greenspan play methods especially if they have speech challenges - we still use many of his strategies today with our non-verbal Apraxic child. Please take a look and if you know of someone who is in the process of interviewing therapists send them this information.

Visit: http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/lifelong-learning-as-a-special-ed-therapy-professional/

Information on Dr. Stanley Greenspan http://stanleygreenspan.com/

Article/Feature: Helping Special Needs Kids Focus on specific problem behaviors instead of diagnostic labels, says this renowned child psychiatrist.

I saw this post recently on the Scholastic website and thought this was wonderful information for those of you seeking information, treatment and management. In this case the article focuses on ADD/ADHD but the process of collecting information is somewhat the same and applicable for most of us in the special needs community.

Helping Special Needs Kids
Focus on specific problem behaviors instead of diagnostic labels, says this renowned child psychiatrist.

By Stanley I. Greenspan MD



Lori was concerned about her 5-year-old son. His teacher said that he was having difficulty staying focused at school and bounced among activities. Lori had noticed this at home, too. When Lori spoke with the pediatrician about her son's behavior, she suggested that Lori consider having him evaluated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. While it made sense to Lori that she and Jack's teacher should continue to watch Jack's behavior and strengthen his attention skills, Lori worried about having this label attached to her child.

The Problem with Labels

Lori was right to be concerned. Teachers and parents are frequently presented with new and bewildering diagnostic terms, as well as more familiar ones, such as mental retardation or emotional disorder. Often left to figure out what exactly these labels mean, adults must act on their impressions of whether a child with a particular diagnosis can be helped and if so, how. Although traditional diagnostic labels help professionals keep track of the types of problems children experience, and aid researchers in studying causes of and treatments for those problems, the labels also pose significant limitations. By grouping different individuals under one large category, we risk lumping together children who are actually very different from one another.

A clear example is the ADHD label. The ADHD diagnosis focuses on the similarities among children who are inattentive, perhaps overactive, and who perhaps can’t concentrate enough to follow directions. By settling for the label ADHD to explain the behavior of such children, we underemphasize many important differences among them. One child may be inattentive because he can’t plan or sequence his actions well. Another may have trouble processing incoming information. Yet another may be oversensitive to sound; when confused by too much auditory stimulation, he becomes distracted and disruptive. A child may be hampered by a little bit of all of the above, while another exhibits none of these characteristics but is simply restless and anxious.

You can see that there can be very different origins for seemingly similar behavior. And each behavior calls for very different treatments. The danger of using labels is that the uniqueness of each child gets lost. Settling for a label often becomes more confusing than helpful. How, then, can we categorize special-needs children in a way that allows us to do research and gain a better understanding of their common problems?

To achieve true understanding and effective intervention, we have to focus on each individual child and not group children under some broad category of common behaviors. We need to look at certain dimensions of each child, such as the ability to communicate or relate. In other words, this approach allows consideration for the way each child processes sights, sounds, and touch, as well as the way he plans and carries out actions. All these observations help determine the child’s profile.

Focus on Development
Another problem with traditional labeling is that it often doesn't take into account where a child is developmentally. The profile of each child should include details about his emotional, social, and intellectual levels. The way a child interacts with family members plays an important part in his individual profile. Added together, all these pieces can help parents and teachers carry out a specifically designed intervention plan. We can begin to understand what underlies a special-needs child's challenges and go straight to the heart of each child's capacity to think, feel, and interact in order to improve whatever needs improving.

Identify Specific Behaviors
We think it is much more helpful if parents and teachers tune in to specific behaviors rather than look for a label. For example, does the child find it difficult to pay attention when there's lots of noise, many instructions, or when the task requires multiple steps? If, in the case of Jack, his teacher spells out his behavior like this, we can more easily guide her and Jack's parents toward effective strategies and solutions without getting caught up in any particular label.

That said, giving up traditional labels is difficult for a variety of reasons. Having a ready label makes the child's behavior less mysterious or scary. It becomes something about which there is ongoing research, treatments, and broadly speaking, ready answers. Labels give us a sense that the problem is manageable.

On the flip side, using a label implies that the disorder is responsible for a child's behavior, and therefore, might distract us from looking at what's going on around him. It's important to understand why a particular child is behaving a certain way, and labels can limit the opportunity to take steps that could be very helpful. Applying labels to very serious disorders, such as autism or mental retardation, can lead to giving up on a child. These labels shouldn't evoke so gloomy an outlook.

If we look at a child in terms of his unique characteristics, we might see things we can do that lead to improvement. For all children, but especially for children with special challenges, we recommend a program of active interaction at home and school that takes into account a child's individual qualities and developmental level. It is far more effective than assigning labels.

All Kiddos With Special Needs and Their Families (not just Autistic) An Important Reminder

5 Tips for Fending Off Isolation

An important reminder for not only Autistic children but all children and their families managing a special needs child.

http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/fending-off-isolation-5-tips-from-parents-of-kids-with-autism/

April is Autism Awareness Month

Learn, support and spread a positive word about this ever increasing reality that is effecting many children.

http://www.autism-society.org/about-us/national-autism-awareness-month/

Puberty, Sex Ed and the Child With Special Needs

I have sat in a number of parent support gatherings in my district and the eventual truth has been brought up more than once. I have to admit...I personally dread the effects puberty is going to have our our sensory challenged non verbal child and what this will look and feel like for her...ready? Be prepared and learn all you can so this won't be a shock when the time arises.

Visit  http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/puberty-sex-ed-and-the-child-with-special-needs/

Why Is Learning Style So Important?

This is something I am trying to assess with our own daughter. How does she learn, process information and what areas does she need intervention? Being non verbal creates so many challenges in this information and the reason why the Ipad/ProLoQuo2go application is of the utmost importance as she can recite back (hopefully) what she's learned or is learning. Take a look and see if this is helpful/useful information for you or someone you know who might be challenged in this area.
Visit: http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/why-is-learning-style-so-important/

Music Therapy: Institute for Therapy through the Arts

Back in the days of Early Intervention I inquired where to go for music therapy. I was shocked even back then that they had no referrals. Our daughter always has been motivated by music. It's been her bridge for all therapies, establishing relationships and teaching her the more challenging things like speech and movement. I was thrilled to finally discover there is a resource out there that's not far from me and is willing to incorporate not only music but art, movement and drama simulations. This organization is willing to work alongside/partner with schools in building a stronger learning program for your child. How cool is that? What's even better is this organization is a division of the renowned Music Institute of Chicago. You know you're getting top notch programs coming from this organization. If you are searching for a program like this, take a look and check them out. You can schedule an intake meeting.

Visit http://www.musicinst.org/institute-therapy-through-arts

Aids for Swimming

Since I have a sensory challenged child who hates anything affixed to her head I am always looking for innovative designs that might be helpful if not for her...friends out there who could benefit from this. I first saw a child at my other daughter's swimming lesson and had a flashbulb moment. The mother I spoke to said she used this for her child who just had ear tube surgery. I thought...why can't my sensory friends have a break too? I understand there are many issues that these sweet people have to struggle with noise, water in the ears, balance, etc. This might prove helpful. Let me know if you found this to work for your child - good luck!

http://www.earbandit.com/go2/swimming_headband_earband_earplugs_ear_plugs_home_page.cfm

Great Book Site for Various Disabilties

Looking for a book...check out this site there are many books for children to adults on various disabilities and  issues I love this! http://www.woodbinehouse.com/

Top 10 ways to annoy your gifted child

A friend shared this with me and needless to say...it frustrated me as I am sure many parents with gifted kids can conquer. Take a look http://www.giftedguru.com/?p=494 

Apps for the Ipad/Ipod for speech and special needs

My daughter's horse/speech therapist shared this with me and now I will spread the wealth. I hope you will find something new that helps your children.

Apps for the Ipad/Ipod for speech and special needs

These apps for special needs were made by the developers at Moms With Apps to assist children and families. We will update this list periodically. If you have feedback on the apps, please contact the developers as they are very open to collaboration.

ArtikPix by Rinn Apps (See Demo Video) ArtikPix is an engaging articulation app with flashcard and matching activities for children with speech sound delays. Since the app includes child friendly language, you don’t have to be a speech-language pathologist to facilitate practice. Children use ArtikPix to practice sounds independently, with a speech-language pathologist or their parents.

First Then Visual Schedule by Good Karma Apps First-Then Visual Schedule application is designed for caregivers to provide
positive behavior support for those with communication needs. This application provides an affordable and convenient audio-visual prompting tool for use on the iPhone or iTouch. The portability of the iPhone and iTouch and ease of use of the application make it perfect for use at school, home or in the community.

Grace App by Steven-Troughton Smith (See news clip Demo Video) A simple picture exchange system developed By and For non-verbal people allowing the user to communicate their needs by building sentences from relevant images. It can be customised by the individual using their picture and photo vocabulary with the user taking and saving pictures independently to the app.

iCommunicate by Grembe (See Demo Video) Create pictures, flashcards, storyboards, routines, and visual schedules. Record custom audio in any language. We include 100+ pictures(first 5 have audio) to get you started. Add pictures with your camera, or from your camera roll, or use Google image search. Utilize as audio visual prompting tool or AAC device.

iComm by Mias Apps (See Demo Video) The iComm (short for I Communicate) is an app providing an affordable, custom built and easy to use communication system using pictures and words – both written and spoken. It is ideal for children under three until they are able to express their needs through well formed speech. The iComm is also very useful for children with a broad range of disabilities who have trouble communicating such as cerebral palsy or autism.

iEarnedThat by a Pediatrician & Parent Designed by a Pediatrician and parent, iEarnedThat is an amazingly simple motivational tool to help children develop desirable behaviors by working towards tangible goals. Turn any picture of a desired reward into a 3D interactive jigsaw puzzle of up to 60 pieces! Set the goal and have your child EARN their reward one puzzle piece at a time!

In My Dreams by DevelopEase (See Demo Video) Have fun with reading, matching, and sign language. “In My Dreams” uses animation and repetition to promote literacy. Each page has the same sentence structure and reinforces understanding of nouns, verbs and prepositions. “In My Dreams” is an instructional app designed with illustrations that provide language cues. Personalize the app for your child, student or client by adding their photo!

iReward by Grembe iReward is a fun and useful app. Use it with your spouse, kids, yourself, or anyone for whom you want to provide some positive reinforcement. iReward is a motivation chart for your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad!

iTouchiLearn Musical Story (see demo) features an interactive, animated story that teaches toddler, preschool and special needs kids about morning routines. Kids can sing along and interact with the catchy iTouchiLearn Ready for School song sung to the tune of Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush. Designed to build early learning and life skills through virtual rewards, the app features 3 modes of early learning: Game, Music and Activity.

My Talk Tools (LITE version) MyTalkTools Mobile Lite is a fully-functional version of MyTalk Mobile with 12 cell capacity, using one or two boards. Using the 12 cells offered by MyTalk Mobile Lite, users can gain comfort with the mobile use and our online authoring (building communication boards or pages) via MyTalk Workspace. Using MyTalk Mobile Lite, experience the ultimate in customizable communications. If you find that MyTalk Mobile Lite provides the right solutions, but you would like the increased capacity of 32,000 cells, consider MyTalk Mobile.

Off We Go! Going on a Plane and Going to the Dentist books are available as iPhone and iPad apps in English and Spanish. If you are going on a plane or visiting the dentist, you can use your iPhone or iPad to help prepare your child and make the experience easier for everyone. These books are a visual step by step guide to everyday experiences, particularly for children with special needs.

Open-Ended apps that have received positive feedback from parents and therapists who work with special needs kids. These apps don’t have a ”right” or “wrong”, but rather an open platform for children to experiment and explore: Draw With Stars, Snow Wonder, Faces iMake.

See. Touch. Learn. by Brain Parade See.Touch.Learn.™ is a picture learning system designed by professionals specifically for those with autism and other special needs. See.Touch.Learn.™ makes traditional picture cards obsolete. Parents and professionals use See.Touch.Learn.™ to build custom picture card lessons and automatically track their child’s responses. Includes a starter set of stunning, high-quality images and 60 exercises created by a certified behavior analyst! Additional libraries of images and lessons are available for purchase from within the app.

Sentence Builder by Mobile Education Store Sentence Builder is designed to help elementary aged children learn how to build grammatically correct sentences. Explicit attention is paid to the connector words that make up over 80% of the English language. Sentence Builder offers a rich and fun environment for improving the grammar of all children.

Speech With Milo: Verbs by Doonan Speech Therapy (See Demo Video) Created by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, this app offers a versatile and entertaining speech therapy tool for children. The app is for speech therapists working with children, or parents who want to teach language skills to their children. The animation that comes with Milo will keep any child focused and attentive. And most important- it is fun!

Story Builder by Mobile Education Store Story Builder is designed to help children accomplish the following educational goals: 1) Improve paragraph formation; 2) Improve integration of ideas; and 3) Improve higher level abstractions by inference. Extensive use of audio clips promotes improved auditory processing for special needs children with autism spectrum disorders or sensory processing disorders.

Zanny - Born to Run “Zanny, Born to Run” is part of the very first book series ever written expressly FOR children with special needs. We know that not all kids are the same, so each book address a different symptom, not a disorder. This way, stories can benefit “typical” children who might have difficulties in one area while also helping kids diagnosed with learning disabilities.
Additional Resources for Special Needs:
For more information about apps and special needs, please visit: App Resources for Special Needs by Eric Sailers of Speech-Language Pathology Sharing

A4CWSN - Apps for Children With Special Needs
For a freeware application that offers visual supports to help children, visit Picto Selector by Martijn van der Kooij.
Guest Post by Shannon Rosa: Characteristics of Great Apps for Kids With Autism
Our interview with Craig from Autism Hangout
Autism Apps Reviewed by Autism Epicenter
Cindy Meester’s Blog (SLP Resources)

Loud Mommy’s Blog – Support for mothers of children with autism

List of 40 apps for the Learning Disabled from Match-a-College

The Ultimate Guide to Assistive Technology in Special Education, by Joan L. Green, M.A. CCC-SLP

Autism Classroom

Some comments from readers....

Comment 1: I’d also like to recommend a new children’s app for special needs children based on the Peepers’ concept book “I Say…You Say…- A Zany Peep at Opposites.” This book has been used by teachers of autism who have found it effective because of its lyrical rhymes, repetition and engaging design. The children’s voices on the app are clear and endearing and children can identify with the many positive qualities of the Peepers’ personalities. Developed by Once Upon an App and released September 27th.

Comment 2: If anyone is looking for ideas for a new app, An app that would allow students with dysgraphia to do their math class work , show their work and print or email it to the teacher is desperately needed. The idev apps are great to teach the math sequence, but There is no way to save completed problems. Also for the times when a teacher wants to know if the student grasps the process, it gives too much help. There are virtually no options for kids who can,t write or line up numbers.

Comment 3: Just wanted to let you know that we went LIVE(!) tonight with our first app book/game for special needs kids, “Zanny, Born to Run”. This book deals with hyperactivity and impulsivity and employs really cool special effects like moving with gravity, touch-activated sound and movement features and animation.

Our next app book “Little Lilly’s Touch Book”, about tactile sensory avoidance, should be out soon(ish) too. More books to come.

If any of you know people in the Autism and special needs community whom you think we should contact about our app, please let us know. We are so excited about Zanny and can’t wait to show him off. Working on a promo code giveaway in the near future.

Comment 4: If you are on Facebook, join the iTeach Special Education – iDevices in Special Education group! http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_122716487786903

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/choiceboard-maker/id414362446?mt=8
Check out this app for creating customized choice boards for kids with different levels of visual and cognitive clarity. It is free!

Comment 5: I just discovered your website I and I must say that I am truly impressed with the wide selection of apps you have assembled here. It’s great that people with special needs have all of the this great stuff to teach and entertain them.

Comment 6: Help needed for all parents not just special needs! An app to restrict access to apps or better still screen pages on the Ipad. Mum with Apps is a great source for me, a mum of three year old ASD son. We have lots of the apps recommended but we also have game apps both of which have enabled us to live a much less stressful life at home and out. But we are struggling to teach our little one different times for “therapy” and “fun” apps. At the moment all I can do is seperate on different pages it’s just not enough control of what is a great tool for special needs kids and families.

Comment 7: Are any of your members devoloping apps to use on the Samsung Galaxy Tablet? Specifically those involved in communication like Iconverse, My Choices, First-Then. I have these on my Iphone and they have been wonderful for my nonverbal son. But the size of the Galaxy would suit our needs better than an Ipad. But there is NOThing out there for these kids yet.

Comment 8: As a mother of a 7 year-old son with Down syndrome, I had tried for nearly 2 years to find a computer mouse my son Vincent could control. He has very poor fine motor skills, so I knew when the iPad was released, he would finally have the control we sought. My next challenge was to find apps that are appropriate and motivating for him. An informal group of parents, therapists, and teachers started meeting to discuss favorite apps for our special needs children and SNApps4Kids was born. We created a website to share what we are learning with parents and those who work with children with special needs. Please visit our site http://www.SNApps4Kids.com to share ideas and success stories with us!

Comment 9: Our son is 18 years old. He is autistic and has serious issues with regard to aggression. He spent over a year at a leading treatment facility that resulted in a comprehensive behavior plan. Part of that behavior plan involves functional communication that includes a choice board that uses pictures to indicate what activities are available and which are not. The communication board is half red (unavailable) and half green (available). Picture cards are moved from side to side to indicate what he can and cannot chose from. In addition there are different boards for every type of activity interval i.e. arts and music, games and entertainment, gym, chores, etc. I am interested in knowing if anyone knows of an app that would facilitate such a communication system on an ipad or other tablet pc. While we are fairly tech savvy but we are brand new to the world of ipads and apps. Our purchase of an ipad will depend on whether or not there is an app out there that can do what we need it to do. I would appreciate any advice anyone can give. There is so much information out there, I am just looking for some solid direction.

Comment 10: Counting Beads is a totally fun way for children to learn numbers and letters of the alphabet. The numbers (or letters) appear as colored beads that you connect by dragging each bead into its next higher numbered bead. As you connect the beads in numbered order, you create a chain that follows the lead bead as you drag. This teaches the numbers visually. You can also move the bead chain by holding the device face-up parallel to the floor and tilting it slightly to let gravity roll the leading bead downhill. Even older folks can have fun with this amusing simple game.

Editor's Choice: Dynamic List of Developers I'm Watching

2BME Studios
77sparx
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Four Simple Ways To Help The Easily Frustrated Child

By Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed. Featured in Special Education Advisor

Some kids are naturally easy-going, compliant, and adaptable. With very little input from you, they come home from school, sit right down, and do their homework. If they encounter a problem they can’t solve, or read a passage they don’t understand, they’re able to ask for help. Other kids are not as even-keeled. Their moods are quick to change, their tempers are volatile, and they are easily frustrated. They often complain that their homework is too hard or too boring. If they encounter difficulties before you have a chance to intervene, they have a meltdown. Their low frustration tolerance makes homework a battleground.

If you have an easily frustrated child living under your roof, here are a few simple measures you can try to break the cycle of negativity revolving around homework.

Tip #1 – Begin With An Easy Assignment — When your child is ready to begin homework, help her number the assignments in the order in which they’ll be completed. The first item on her to-do list should be the assignment perceived to be the easiest or the most enjoyable. For example, if your mathematically-inclined child comes home with spelling, math, and reading homework, tackle the math assignment first. This simple strategy puts kids in the right frame of mind from the start. They are less likely to procrastinate and are in a positive mindset when they approach harder assignments later on.

Tip #2 – Break It Down — Help your child break work down into manageable chunks. Use Post-it arrow flags. Place one at the starting point and another part way through the assignment. Explain, “All you have to do is start here and end there. Come and show me your work when you’re done.” Visual learners especially like this approach.

Help your child to get started. Observe the completion of the first item so that you are sure it is done accurately. Then, set the timer for anywhere from six to sixteen minutes (it’s more interesting than five to fifteen). Encourage your child to work as hard as possible during this brief time to get over the hump.

Use color. Color code the symbols in math (red for addition, blue for subtraction, green for division, etc.). Start with the “green” problems or give a choice of order.

Cover the bottom portion of the worksheet or put an index card over the more difficult problems. Complete only the visible part first.

Tip #3 – Take A Break From Power Struggles — What should you do when you realize that a disagreement is becoming a power struggle? Extricate yourself ASAP by taking a quick break. Use these words:

“Let’s take a 30 minute break. I’ll be back at 2:34 pm.” Be specific about time.

“We’re both upset. Let’s grab a quick snack and then talk about a compromise.”

Tip #4 – Create a Checklist — Some children need and crave more structure than others. Parents of these youngsters often find that daily routines, rewards, and consequences are just the ticket to good behavior. In other words, your child should always know what to expect and should be clear about incentives and consequences even before she begins schoolwork. You can do this by creating a homework checklist.

First, think about what you want your child to do and narrow the list down to two to four homework-related tasks. Now, determine what it will take to motivate your child. For many kids, it’s “screen time” — the use of the computer, cell phone, and video games. If you are going to use screen time or another privilege as a reward, be sure it’s not available at any other time during the day. Finally, record any other rules below the checklist.

The following checklist belonged to a girl with whom I worked. She was a classic easily frustrated student and managed to engage her parents in daily verbal sparring matches over homework. Once we crafted a checklist and established a certain number of reminders she’d receive from her mother to get on track (she asked for two reminders), her behavior improved significantly.



You can come up with your own ideas, but remember, that once your child earns the reward, you cannot take it away. For example, if she earns 30 minutes of screen time, but then hits her sister, I don’t recommend taking the earned privilege away. Instead, consider another consequence such as a time out. Children are more likely to follow through with incentive programs if they know their “winnings” won’t be withheld.

With just a few creative ideas and a whole lot of patience, you can put your easily frustrated child on the road to academic success.

Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed., is the founder and president of Educational Connections, Inc., a comprehensive provider of educational services in Vienna, VA. In her new book, Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework, Dolin offers proven solutions to help the six key types of students who struggle with homework. Numerous examples and easy-to-implement, fun tips will help make homework less of a chore for the whole family. Learn more at anndolin.com or www.ectutoring.com.

Give a Voice To Those That Cannot Speak for Themselves – App Review: Quick Talk AAC

Feature from Special Education Advisor - for my non verbal friends

http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/app-review-quick-talk-aac/

Study: Testing firms not complying with law on disabled

A new federal study criticizes the Justice Department for failing to enforce laws that provide disabled students with special accommodations for taking the SAT, bar exam and other high-stakes tests.

By Todd Plitt, USA TODAY

Testing companies say they don't have to provide accommodations if they think the requests are unreasonable or if they think the applicant hasn't proved they need the accommodation.

People with disabilities such as visual impairment, dyslexia or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder say they are entitled to extra time, special software or other accommodations that will best ensure that the test reflects their aptitude rather than their disability.

Testing companies say they don't have to provide accommodations if they think the requests are unreasonable, or if they think the applicant hasn't proved they need the accommodation.

STORY: Learning-disabled students get firmer grip on college

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that "almost all" of the nine testing companies it studied did not change any practices in response to regulations issued this spring designed to broaden the definition of disability and reduce burdensome documentation. It also found that the Justice Department's hasn't updated training manuals for the law since 1993, nor has it initiated compliance reviews to ensure testing companies meet the standards.

"The testing companies don't want to comply with the law … (and the) Department of Justice hasn't been enforcing the law," said Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., one of three House lawmakers to request the GAO study. They are urging Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct periodic compliance reviews of testing companies in addition to strengthening the Justice Department's review of citizen complaints.

The report is the latest wrinkle in a long-festering battle between disability-rights groups and testing companies. Private testing companies say they must guard against applicants who may seek an unfair advantage by requesting accommodations they don't need, and that the use of software increases the potential for security breaches.

"There are many interests at stake. Testing organizations have a legitimate interest in protecting the integrity of the test. … The kids who take the exam who aren't disabled have a right to compete with everyone else on a level playing field," said Washington lawyer Bob Burgoyne, who represents the National Conference of Bar Examiners, which has been the target of several recent lawsuits.

A Maryland judge last year ruled in favor of the bar examiners, but courts this year in California, the District of Columbia and Vermont have sided with visually impaired people who were denied the use of software they requested but allowed to have someone read test questions to them. Disability-rights advocates say inflexible company policies often force them to delay careers.

"Only because I sued was I able to take the test when I wanted to," said Deanna Jones, 45, of Middlesex, Vt., who passed a standardized test required to practice law after a judge ruled she could have access to computer software — the same software she has used throughout law school — to accommodate a visual impairment and learning disability.