Resources for Parents and Others

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

A variety of resources for parents and others. Details follow my signature. FYI - please share:

- Understanding Biomedical Interventions

- IEP Pop Up

- Autism Related Videos from YouTube

- Natural Learning Concepts Proudly Announces Autism Job Placement

- New Books from Autism Asperger Publishing Company

- New Book - My Brother Has Autism

- Determining when "Close Adult Supervision" or Paraprofessional is needed

- Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide Independent Living Councils

Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org for more information.Sincerely,Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled.

Understanding Biomedical Interventions

The newest publication from ARI, "Summary of Biomedical Treatments" It is a 28-page summary of many treatments and the science behind them, written to be easy to understand.

http://autism.asu.edu/Additional/Summarybiomed07.pdf

IEP Pop Up

Feeling disenfranchised? Tired of showing up at your child's IEP and leaving dazed, confused, and frustrated? Or feeling like every time you make a suggestion you hit a brick wall? Click on the boxes below to find responses you can use to common "hurdle talk" - words and attitudes that keep the IEP meeting from being successful - as you are advocating for your child's needs. Become empowered, learn the laws and understand your rights to advocate for a communication driven education for your child!

http://nclid.unco.edu/nclid/dhh/

Autism Related Videos from YouTube

Autism and Employment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erFrIz9HNMg & mode=related & search=

Asperger Syndrome explained by teenager with AS

Natural Learning Concepts Proudly Announces Autism Job Placement

A Vital and Exciting New Resource Connects the Remarkable People on the Autism Spectrum with Pro-Autism Employers Nationwide

DIX HILLS, NY (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Natural Learning Concepts (www.NLconcepts.com) is dedicated to the promotion of the 'remarkabilities' of those on the autism spectrum, and its highly effective books and materials provide invaluable learning and social support for those with autism and their families worldwide. It should be no surprise, then, that Natural Learning Concepts has now launched a vital and exciting new resource to assist people on the autism spectrum in finding employment, with its new Autism Job Placement resource (http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-jobs.htm)!

Passionate about the greatness of autism, Natural Learning Concepts Founders, Jene Aviram and Jocelyn Blum created this resource in answer to a growing demand from its on-line community. They know that people with autism have a unique perspective and way of thinking, and also know that, given a supportive environment, they can contribute to the work force in ways they never dreamed possible.

"So many people on the autism spectrum offer remarkable abilities and talents that would be incredibly valuable to all sorts of employers and industry types," says Jene. "We wanted to provide them with an immediate connection to employers who are supporters of people with autism, putting them in touch with prospects who look beyond factors like interview or interpersonal skills, and who instead want to know about their own unique abilities."

Already within just a few weeks of launch, the new Autism Job Placement resource provides an essential place for people on the autism spectrum to make connections with potential Pro-Autism employers. It's also the perfect place for autism-friendly employers to list job vacancies and desired skill-sets, as well.

Co-founder Jocelyn Blum notes, "We are delighted by the support of Pro-Autism employers who would like to provide or create jobs for people that function at all levels on the autism spectrum. These exceptional employers will be at the forefront in changing the capacity in which people with autism contribute to society and life in general."

Pro-Autism Employers with available jobs are invited to post a description at http://autism.nlconcepts.com/tool/mb/nlconcepts in simple text format, or to e-mail Natural Learning Concepts via their website for more information.

Meanwhile, anyone on the autism spectrum and seeking employment is invited to visit Natural Learning Concepts on the web, at http://autism.nlconcepts.com/tool/mb/nlconcepts. Here, they can post information about their skills or desired positions, browse potential job postings from Autism-Friendly employers, and (best of all) network with others in the Autism spectrum, as well as their friends and family. Prospective job posters are encouraged to make sure to list their preferred contact information, work preferences (full-time, part-time, remote work, or work on-location) and of course, their skills and experience.

About Natural Learning Concepts

Natural Learning Concepts is committed to the acceptance, celebration and understanding of people with autism exactly as they are. Their range of outstanding books, materials and inspirational content are designed to facilitate communication, increase speech, language and comprehension while having fun in the process. All of the materials on the Natural Learning Concepts website are used for teaching children at all levels of the autism spectrum as well as those diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Asperger's, ADHD and speech and language delays. The company's materials are routinely used for ABA therapy, social stories for autism, early intervention and verbal behavior analysis. Parents, teachers, and other loved ones enjoy using these tools to celebrate and work with that special child in their life who has autism.

Please visit the Natural Learning Concepts website to learn more, as well as to take part in its diverse and passionate online community, at www.NLconcepts.com.

For more information on Natural Learning Concepts or its products, please contact publicist , at (904) 982-8043. Meanwhile, to contact founders Jene Aviram or Jocelyn Blum directly for interviews, please call 1-800-823-3430, (631) 858-0188.

New Books from Autism Asperger Publishing Company

A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend by Joanna Keating-Velasco $10.95

A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend provides a unique glimpse of life from the perspective of a child who has severe autism. It is told through the voice of Chelsea, an 11-year-old girl, who has severe autism. Chelsea sees kids on the playground and at the park and wants to get to know them, but social interaction can be tricky for her. As Chelsea explains some of her behaviors and challenges, she compares them with issues that all kids face. By demystifying her autism, she underscores the many things she and her schoolmates have in common, prompting a typical child to think, "Hey, I experience that, too!"

Giving Chelsea a voice provides a rare insight into what a child with autism faces daily. Chelsea discusses issues of eye contact and explains echolalia. Chelsea cheerfully shows us that if we look closely, we are sometimes more similar than different. She brings a fun and clear voice for children who cannot articulate the challenges that autism presents. A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend provides an enjoyable discussion-oriented format for teaching our youth about autism.

The Mom's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and Related Disorders by Jan ston-Tyler $21.95

The Mom's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and Related Disorders is written primarily for parents of children who have newly been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. It is especially a great resource for the preschool through elementary school years. The book draws from the author's personal experience both as the mom of a son with Asperger Syndrome and her study of and work with children and adolescents with special needs. The result is a practical guide, written for other Aspie parents in a clear, concise, and sometimes humorous tone.

This user-friendly book leaves no stone unturned, as it explains, in a friendly, familiar voice, situations and issues that all parents with an AS child will encounter at one point or another. Above all else, the book arms parents with basic, sound information empowering them to seek out the very best services and programs for their child.

From dealing with sensory issues and bullying to staying on top of homework, The Mom's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and Related Disorders offers easy-to-use suggestions. The Mom's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and related disorders should be used as a practical, valuable reference throughout the years.

New Book - My Brother Has Autism

This review is from a recent slaw Electronic Newsletter:A few weeks ago, we recommended My Brother Has Autism by Melody Igafo-Te'o. In My Brother Has Autism, 8 year-old Melody describes experiences with her brother who has autism.When we read Melody's book, we were surprised to learn how she views her brother. We were also surprised to learn that , a talented artist, illustrated the book.My Brother Has Autism is useful to therapists, teachers, parents, and others who work with siblings of children with autism. As children read and discuss this book, they recognize things they have in common with their sibling - and discover positive qualities about their brothers and sisters with autism. My Brother Has Autism has been published as a paperback book and as an electronic book. Learn more. http://www.lulu.com/content/845921

Determining when "Close Adult Supervision" or Paraprofessional is needed

A resource developed by another chapter of the ASA that may be of help to parents and educators:

The Special Education Community Advisory Committee of the County, MD ASA Chapter established a subcommittee to look at it and their chapter's liaison to the SECAC, vice chair of the SECAC, and another parent of a child with autism, led efforts to develop a process for determining when an aide is needed and how to fade the aide over time. The result is a worksheet used in the IEP team meeting. Below are the links to the instructions and the form:

Determination Form

http://www.howard-autism.org/pn/pages/studentSupportWorksheet2006-08.xls

Instructions for Filling out the Form

http://www.howard-autism.org/pn/pages/studentSupportInstructions2006-08.pdf

Smooth as SILC: An Introduction to Statewide Independent Living Councils

The IL NET is a partnership of ILRU and NCIL. On-line courses are offered with the on-line facilitation support of Utah State University.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: July 9, 2007 COURSE DATES: July 23 - August 10, 2007 ORIENTATION TELECONFERENCE FOR STUDENTS: July 19, 2007

TARGET AUDIENCE: SILC executives, staff, and members. This is a beginning to intermediate level course.

PURPOSE: This three-week distance learning course orients members of SILCs to the laws and regulations that guide their daily activities. In addition, it applies the principles and philosophy of independent living to situations commonly encountered by statewide independent living councils.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion, participants will 1) be aware of how the SILC fits into independent living, the Rehab Act, and the Workforce Investment Act; 2) know the history and philosophy of independent living; 3) understand the composition and duties of the SILC; 4) realize how SILC activities are funded; 5) appreciate need to cooperate, coordinate and collaborate with all IL providers; and 6) understand how to organize and plan for change. The course utilizes a participant manual and the Internet for participant interaction. The participant manual is designed to provide sufficient background information to make it possible for all students to assume an active role in online discussions. The centerpiece of the manual will be a series of scenarios and exercises, most of which will be assigned for discussion and debate. Additional readings and videotapes will be recommended, but not required, to enhance the participant's understanding of the topic.

FORMAT: The course spans three weeks and uses a Web site to engage participants in discussion of the content and issues. The instructor is available to lead the forum on the Web site and for technical assistance throughout the course. Participants are asked to read the assignments, review scenarios that address course content, and engage in the online class message forums. Participants will devote an average of 3-5 hours per week to assignments and activities.

THE INSTRUCTOR: Bob s is a long-time consultant and trainer for the independent living field. s provides considerable training and technical assistance to the field through the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) Program.

A full course calendar is on the ILRU Web site at http://www.ilru.org/html/training/online/index.html

REGISTRATION: You may register online or by mail. The online registration form is located at: http://www.ilru.org/html/forms/online_registration.htm The mailing address for registration is ILRU/ONLINE LEARNING 2323 S Shepherd, Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77019

See ILRU policies for Multiple Participants from the Same Organization, Notification of Acceptance, and Refunds/Cancellations at: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/online/onlinefaq.html

METHOD OF PAYMENT: Payment may be made by credit card through the Web site at the time of registration. Credit card orders are also accepted by phone at 713.520.0232 ext. 130. Do not send credit card information by e-mail, since such transactions are not secure. Checks or money orders are also accepted and should be mailed with a completed registration form. Return your completed registration form and payment to the address shown above.

COURSE FEES: The course fee is $65 per participant.

MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN USE: How does an online course work?: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/online/online_work.htm eTips for online courses--written by the instructors: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/online/etips.htm Frequently Asked Questions about taking an online course/training http://www.ilru.org/html/training/online/onlinefaq.html

ONLINE COURSES FROM ILRU: This online course is presented by the IL NET, the national training and technical assistance project for centers for independent living and statewide independent living councils. The IL NET is operated by the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) Program at Memorial Hermann | TIRR in partnership with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). Online course implementation is facilitated by the Interdisciplinary Training Division of the Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University.

OTHER QUESTIONS: Contact Dawn Heinsohn at ILRU, (713) 520-0232 ext. 130 or heinsohn@... See what's free at AOL.com.