ASO DIGEST: December 15, 2008

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:

Visit ASA-ASO's website www.autismohio.org for an "easy to read" version if this does not come through clean on your listserv. Or sign up to receive your own copy by "registering" on the "login" section of ASA-ASO's homepage.

News From ASA-ASO:

- Budget meetings scheduled with ODRMRDD Director around the state

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

- Federal Update

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Upcoming Sensory Friendly Films from ASA-Greater Cleveland

- Upcoming Events from ASA-TriCounty (Youngstown area)

- Cub Scouts of America TIGER Program for Special Needs Boys

- Conference: LIVING GOOD LIVES on the Autism Spectrum, Malvern PA

- Free Special Needs Financial Planning Workshop, Riverside

- ASPIES Greater Akron 2nd Annual Christmas Party - Meet & Greet

- Come and join us at Pump It Up of Medina for a Night of Family Fun!!

- Article: Limiting the Effects of Holiday Chaos

- Seminar: Spotlight on the Family, Aurora

- Social Skills Group-For Children with High Functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome, A.D.H.D., A.D.D., L.D., or other social difficulties, Pettisville

- New Books from AAPC

- Spectrum Training Autism Bookstore

- Online Special Needs Resale Shop

- Skill Building Video

ASA-ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys".

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,The Autism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311( 330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASA-ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASA-ASO, either explicit or implied.

News From ASA-ASO:

Budget meetings scheduled with ODRMRDD Director around the state

ODMRDD Director , will host ‘budget conversations’ in five locations throughout the state, during the first two weeks in January 2009. Co-sponsors of the meetings include the Ohio Association of County Boards of MRDD (OACBMRDD); the Ohio Association of Superintendents of County Boards of MRDD (OASCBMRDD), the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA); The Arc of Ohio, and The League (formerly OLMR). Director will listen to any interested participants in the MRDD community -- including stakeholders, service providers, individuals, and families – as we look at ways to maximize available resources while maintaining quality services. As Director has stated previously, You are encouraged to attend at least one of these very important meetings. Schedule of 'Budget Conversations'- All Meetings will be from 7-9 p.m. - January 7, 2009Guernsey County Board of MRDD60770 Southgate RoadByesville, Ohio 43723-9699(740) 439-4451 January 8, 2009The Findlay Inn & Conference Center200 E. Main Cross StreetFindlay, Ohio 45840(419) 422-5682 January 12, 2009 Arboretum & Gardens Metro Park6733 Springboro PikeDayton, Ohio 45449(937) 434-9005 January 13, 2009Holiday Inn Columbus/Worthington7007 N. High StreetWorthington, Ohio 43085(614) 436-0700 January 15, 2009Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls1989 Front StreetCuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221(330) 929-3000

Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

Because of privacy concerns, the Ohio BMV will no longer be releasing the names and addresses of those who purchase the Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate to the ASA-Autism Society of Ohio. $25 from the purchase of each plate benefits the ASA-ASO and we have been sending thank you notes to all those who have purchased a plate. However, we will no longer be able to do so. The BMV is currently looking into options to add customer consent to the special license plate process so hopefully we will be able to go back to thanking folks formally in the future. But whether we are able to send a formal "thank you" or not, please know that the purchase of an autism awareness license plate makes a big difference and helps us help individuals with autism, their families and those who work with them throughout Ohio.

ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

As you are aware, Autism Insurance Parity, HB170 is currently under consideration by the Ohio House Insurance Committee. The fall elections are coming and immediately following the elections it will be time to address next biennial budget for Ohio. Additionally, issues regularly come before the state legislature that impact individuals with autism, their families and those who work them throughout Ohio. And because of this, the Autism Society of Ohio needs your help.

We are in the process of putting together an autism advocacy network that has constituents in each of the districts of the members of the Ohio General Assembly, both the House and Senate. We are looking for advocates all around the state to help us with this effort.

You can volunteer to participate in two ways:

· Team Leader: Each Ohio district will have an assigned team leader who is responsible for carrying the key ASA-ASO/autism messages when meeting with the legislator (Representatives and Senators), coordinating testimony or letter writing for hearings, and for organizing the team members of their district, etc.

· Team Member: Each Ohio district will have several team members that are available to share their own personal ASA-ASO/autism story, to write letters when needed, and to ask from help from their neighbors/families/friends. Team members may choose specialize on certain topics – ie. autism insurance parity topic, special education funding, etc.

ASA-ASO is also developing a Legislative Advocacy Manual and will provide local training to constituent volunteer advocates.

If you are interested in participating in this effort, please send your Name, address, city,zip+4, phone, email address, House District Number and Senate District number and whether you are interested in being a “Team Leader†or a “Team Member†to askASO@.... Please put AUTISM ADVOCACY NETWORK in the subject line. To find your district numbers, visit www.legislature.state.oh.us and follow the directions under "Locating Legislators".

For more information, visit our website at www.autismohio.org

Federal Update

Obama Announces Members of Education Transition Team President-elect Obama has announced additional members of his Education Policy Working Group, led by Dr. Darling-Hammond, professor at Stanford University (see CEC Policy Insider, 11/21/08). The Education Policy Working Group is tasked with addressing numerous issues including early childhood education; recruitment, training, retaining, and rewarding teachers; creating school designs for the 21st century; and making higher education affordable for all, among other important education initiatives. Members of the Educational Policy Working Group:Ian Bassin: President-elect Obama's policy director in Florida. Jeanne Century: Director of Science Education and the Director of Research and Evaluation at the University of Chicago at the University of Chicago's Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education (CEMSE). Gordon: Senior fellow at the Center for American Progress focusing on education and domestic policy and previously served as a senior advisor to Klein, the chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, and as domestic policy director for the Kerry- campaign. Kris Guitierrez: Professor of social-research methodology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Current research interests include a study of the sociocultural contexts of literacy development, particularly the study of the acquisition of academic literacy for language minority students. : Former Chief Policy Officer at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education in the Clinton Administration. Since July 2007, has been leading the Schott Foundation for Public Education. Kirp: Professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California-Berkeley and author of several books on higher education and universal preschool programs. Goodwin Liu: Associate Dean and Professor of Law at the University of California-Berkeley with a focus on constitutional law, education policy, civil rights, and the Supreme Court. Liu is Co-Director of the Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity, a multidisciplinary think tank on civil rights law and policy. Ray Mabus: Former governor of Mississippi who passed a series of education reforms and was recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the top ten governors on the issue of education. Geri Palast: Currently leads the New York City-based Campaign for Fiscal Equity and previously served as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs during President Clinton's two terms. Steve : Education adviser in President-elect Barack Obama's Senate office and on his campaign. Bob Shireman: Founder and president of the Institute for College Access and Success, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization and has served as an education policy advisor at the White House National Economic Council, in the U.S. Senate, and at foundations and think tanks. Jon Vapel: Child/Family Issues adviser responsible for education issues for Vice president-elect Joe Biden's senate office. Read more at www.change.gov

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

Upcoming Sensory Friendly Films from ASA-Greater Cleveland

Information about Sensory Friendly Movies. AMC Entertainment & the ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. With Sensory Friendly Films, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down.

Please join us Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 10:00 AM to view “MARLEY AND MEâ€

and on

Saturday, January 31, 2009, at 10:00 AM to view “HOTEL FOR DOGS†at AMC’s Ridge Park Square, 4788 Ridge Road, Brooklyn Hts.,OH 44144. Admission is reduced to $4.25.

For more information, visit www.asgc.org

Upcoming Events from ASA-TriCounty (Youngstown area)

December Meeting Location: 1749 S. Raccoon Rd Suite 3 Austintown, Ohio 44515Date: December 17th, 2008Time: 7:00 p.m.Annual Christmas PartyBring your best Christmas Covered Dish to share and celebrate with everyone.There will be a very short business meeting at 6:00 pm. January MeetingSpecial Guest SpeakerBarb YavorcikCo-President Autism Society of Ohio & Henry Executive Director Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence(OCALI) January 21st, 2009 @ 7:00 pmat Hampton Inn,6690 Ironwood BoulevardCanfield, Ohio 44406**Note Location Change** Barb and will be giving an update on statewide issues related to autism and resources available. Please plan to attend this informative meeting.

For more information, visit www.triautism.com

Cub Scouts of America TIGER Program for Special Needs Boys

The Solon Blue Ribbon program is proud to announce a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America to provide the Cub Scout Program to male special needs youth grade 1-4.

During the first 6 weeks, you will earn three achievements towards the TIGER Badge. The second 6 week program will complete the additional 2 achievements and the TIGER Badge will be awarded. Each achievement will require 1 family activity to be done at home.

English will be running the den meetings and the Blue Ribbon and Boy Scout staff have developed modified requirements that will allow all participants to succeed. We are excited to be creating the model that will bring this great 100 year old, values based, character education program to our special youth.

Session 1 (Tiger Achievements 1-3)

Who: Boys with special needs grades 1st through 4th

When: Tuesdays, Jan 20th - Feb 24th 6:30-7:15pm

Where: Solon Community Center

Arts & Crafts Room Fee: $40.00 and includes kneckercheif and slide, Tiger Handbook, a light snack, program materials, and registration into Boys Scouts of America !

Limit: Minimum 4 Maximum 6

Session 2 (Tiger Achievements 4-5)

Who: Boys with special needs grades 1st through 4th

When: Tuesdays, March 3rd - March 24th 6:30-7:15pm

Where: Solon Community Center Arts & Crafts Room Fee: $40.00 and includes TIGER uniform, patches, program materials and a light snack

Limit: Minimum 4 Maximum 6

Contact English, Program DIrector Solon Blue Ribbon Program at 440-248-5747 ext 2114 or by e-mail at Kenglish@...

Registration will take place at Solon Community Center 35000 Portz Parkway, Solon, OH 44139 or register on-line at www.solonrec.org, click the Blue Ribbon tab, print the registration form and follow the directions provided. Please allow enough time prior to the event for mail in registration.

LIVING GOOD LIVES on the Autism Spectrum, Malvern PA

The Youth Advocate Programs Autism Institute, in partnership withthe University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences,presentsLIVING GOOD LIVES on the Autism Spectrum

An exploration of autism that challenges present definitions andexplanations by demonstrating the power of accommodations and inclusive,relationship-based approaches to create access to "the good life" across theautism spectrum

WHERE: Penn State Great Valley, Malvern PA WHEN: April 29-30 and May 1, 2009 (3 days)Act 48 hours and Graduate Education Credits available!

See attached flyer. For further information and to register online:www.yapinc.org/index.php?pID=405

Free Special Needs Financial Planning Workshop, Riverside

A Free Special Needs Financial Planning Workshop is scheduled for Thursday,Dec. 18, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Miami Valley Regional Center (SERRC), 4801Springfield Street, Riverside, OH 45431. The speaker will be Nidich,an Attorney who specializing in Special Needs Financial planning and has achild on the spectrum. will answer all your questions about planningfor the future of your child with special needs and explain how to safelyensure your child's financial future without sabotaging services he/she maybe entitled to. There is no cost to attend but an RSVP is requested.Respond to: infodaytonautismsociety (DOT) org (remove the space) Refreshmentswill be served. Sorry, we cannot accomodate children. Please pass thisinformation along to anyone you think might benefit from this information.Hope to see you there for this important workshop!Autism Society of America-Dayton Chapter

ASPIES Greater Akron 2nd Annual Christmas Party - Meet & Greet

ASPIES Greater Akron Support Group assisting parents of children with Asperger Syndrome, high functioning Autism, and PDD/NOS Join us for our 2nd Annual Christmas Party - Meet & Greet We'll have food, games & other fun things for the kids to do. Santa will again be presenting small gifts to our kids (and their siblings), so.... RSVP by Dec. 13th (We need the total number attending along with the names & ages of kids!!!) Considine Professional Bldg. (across from Akron Children's Hospital Main Entrance) (Rooms 1 & 2 on the bottom floor - same place as last year) Tuesday, December 16th 6:30 - 8:30 pm To RSVP or for further information, contact Joy Spencer 330-745-5115 Rreindeer@...

Come and join us at Pump It Up of Medina for a Night of Family Fun!!Sensory Night is reserved for children with Sensory Needs and their families on the 3rd Monday of every month. Please forward this to family and friends.WHAT: Sensory Night at Pump It Up of MedinaWHEN: Monday, December 15, 2008 from 5:30 - 7:00.COST: $10 per child, $3 per adult. Pizza and drink are included!You can purchase tickets online to be guaranteed a spot at http://www.eventbrite.com/org/49326888?s=889520 or just come in to play.If you know of anyone with a sensory needs child, please pass on this information.

Check out our website for additional information at www.pumpitupparty.com, then select the Medina, OH location. Or you can call us at 330-598-1627 for any questions.

Article: Limiting the Effects of Holiday Chaos

There is a gray area between encouraging people with social and sensory deficits to participate in bustling traditional social situations and protecting them from anxiety, sensory overload and preserving their dignity. We all know that holiday celebrations are a common tradition in America . The children who struggle socially will most likely be the ones who will chose to have small quiet celebrations, but growth in social relationships may warrant occasional attendance at more bustling, noisy situations.

So, looking at people with social deficits and considering that over 80% of persons with ASD have some sort of hypersensitive sensory issue, we must be sensitive to individual needs. Celebrations and gatherings are supposed to be filled with joy and holiday spirit. As adults we realize that sometimes the stress of the gathering weighs more heavily than the socializing involved. Sometimes the stress on other family members is an overwhelming factor in the attitude and stress level of other family members.

Here’s an idea for you to help support that individual who needs some ideas for social events. Keep in mind all of the possible chaotic things that could occur this month. There are school parties, dances or assemblies. There are family gatherings at home or at other family members’ homes. There may be work parties, special church gatherings, shopping trips and other social get togethers. These celebrations may involve lots of unstructured activities, multiple conversations leading to cacophony, lights, visual stimulation, varying scents and possibly unusual food items, giving and receiving of gifts, games and other social situations that may be difficult to navigate and to modulate one’s social and sensory processing.

Here are some ideas for planning ahead. Rather than completely avoid the above celebrations, consider what the individual may be able to tolerate. Maybe there is a plan that the event is shortened for the individual. Would they do better at the beginning of the event when things may be a bit quieter and calmer, or would they maybe do better coming in towards the end of the event as to avoid a meal or the greeting of individuals as they arrive. Are gifts going to be exchanged? Is this a good time for that individual to participate? Sometimes people consider missing part (or all) of a party as a punishment for a child or person on the spectrum. Truly though, some people would much rather not participate at all and would chose an alternate activity. Sometimes the behaviors that arise during a gathering are more detrimental to a child than missing the gathering. How about trying to encourage a person to meet their maximum potential for involvement but encouraging them to self-monitor their sensory and stress levels while providing them with “easy outs†so that they can maintain some level of comfort and self-modulation?

This may require planning by some supportive adults. Here are some ideas to consider that may allow a person to have a break or leave a situation without causing too many questions or attention from others, many of which also have a component of giving or helping others:

- If the gathering is at the individuals’ home, consider pre-planning special tasks and chores that may be done during the gathering. This could include taking the dog for a walk (to calm both the dog and the person!) It could include taking out the garbage, clearing the wrapping away, helping clean up in a kitchen (only if there aren’t people gathered there), going to a nearby storage area (basement, garage) to fetch necessary items such as foods or beverages, check toilet paper in the bathroom, etc.

- If the gathering is at a friend or family member’s house consider talking with the host to determine if there may be some tasks that would be helpful but also limit the social and sensory overload. Going to the car to retrieve gifts or other objects that have been left there or shoveling a walk or scattering salt in winter weather could be helpful tasks.

- In a school setting, consider having an adult provide a special job or task that the child can assist with in another location. This should be something enjoyable to the student and is even better if it is something “holiday†related.

- If the gathering is in a workplace, consider bathroom breaks in an alternative bathroom. One that may require more walking and is hopefully less populated.

- In all settings consider whether there is a trusted and comforting individual with whom a conversation could occur, possibly even during a walk. Sometimes one on one conversation while relieving some of the sensory system can be helpful. There is also the possibility of engaging the individual in their area of interest.

- If possible consider other sensory tools that may be available. Unobtrusive fidgets for the celebration area. Possibly there is a treadmill, stationary bike or other equipment available in a home for use. Lifting heavy gifts and firewood is also a great tool for the proprioceptive senses. Oral stimulation from holiday candy or gum might be helpful.

- Be sure that you investigate possible options ahead of time and inform the individual you are supporting with some options. Older children and adults may be able to choose and self monitor when they need a break or if they want to plan breaks. Some people aren’t able to self regulate as well and may need a planned “schedule†or even a visual schedule of expected activities.

- Consider providing “rewarding†activities and breaks interspersed when gatherings are expected to be long.

- Be sure to provide information about how to identify to you (or another support person) that a break is needed, whether it has been planned or not. A person should always be allowed to have a break when overwhelmed. This doesn’t mean that they be allowed to decide that they won’t participate at all, but we do want to encourage self-regulation. If the stress to maintain oneself within a long, noisy and unstructured social situation leads to meltdowns, it is better to allow for short breaks to prevent stress levels from reaching this point.

- Consider the use of a timer. A visual timer is great for younger children to teach them time for limited breaks. (See www.timetimer.com) . There are also a variety of watches with alarms, including vibrating alarms. If an individual is left on his/her own to take and monitor breaks, they should be informed on the procedure and timeline for doing so. It can be a benefit for an individual to take an extended bathroom break in a quiet bathroom (say 5 minutes) but would be inappropriate for that person to disappear into a bathroom for a longer period (like 20 minutes).

- Consider a social story or a visual menu of options with a child or adult. Have discussion about what to expect and what will be appropriate.

Remember, most people do better when they know the answers to the following questions:

What should I expect? (Who, what, when, where, why and other details) What is expected from me? How long will it last? What comes next? What do I do if I need help or feel a high level of anxiety? What are the consequences for expected and unexpected behavior. (Praise for self-regulation strategies should be a given!)

Start planning now to be pro-active in holiday social gatherings!

Perspectives Social Learning, LLC

13703 Green Prairie

Vicksburg MI, 49097

269-720-1435

www.socialperspectives.com

Seminar: Spotlight on the Family, Aurora

Partners for Full Potential an Aurora Parent's Group ensuring that students with learning differences reach their full potential academically, socially, and vocationally, invite you Wednesday January 28th, 7 pm Hanna Community Room in Aurora Spotlight on the Family Presented by Lyke, Parent Advocate/Trainer Join us as we discuss commonalities of family needs. Discussion will focus on techniques on parenting children with and without disabilities, keeping family balance and harmony in the home. Participants will discover how stress affects individual family members and the family unit, plus what techniques can be used to work through difficult and stressful times. Lyke is an Information Specialist for the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) Northern office. OCECD is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the educational interests of children with disabilities. has been assisting families in securing appropriate educational services for children with disabilities for 15 years. 's background includes training in all aspects of special education law. All are welcome to attend this free presentation, light snacks and beverages served. Hanna Community Room, 195 Barrington Town Sq. Dr., Aurora 44202 For more information, please contact PFFP at (330) 995-4440 or aurorapffp@...

Social Skills Group-For Children with High Functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome, A.D.H.D., A.D.D., L.D., or other social difficultiesFor 7 to 11 year olds Pettisville Missionary Church 6:15 to 7:15 pm19055 County Road D (Pettisville is located between Archbold & Wauseon)Pettisville, OH Skills to be covered:Fundamental-eye contact, voice volume, tone, etc.Social Initiation-greetings, introductions, offering an opinion, etc.Social Response Skills-following directions, reading body language, and handling mistakes, etc.Getting Along with Others-turn taking, apologizing, showing interest in other, etc. ***********Pre-registration & screening required by 1/15/09******************* (session subject to cancellation in the case of low enrollment)10 sessions: 2/3, 2/17, 3/5, 3/17, 3/31, 4/14, 4/28, 5/12, 5/26, and 6/9 $200 includes assessment of individual abilities/needs Staff:Jen Basselman is a Behavior Analyst for A.C.T. Now, and has worked with children with disabilities for the last 14 years first as a casemanager/SSA and then an administrator. She is also the mother of a boy with A.S.D. Complete and return with payment to the above address.Name: Address:City/State/Zip: A.C.T. Now, Ltd. 419-633-0068404 W. St., OH 43506www.autism-behavior-analyst.combonnie@...

New Books from AAPC:

The Classroom and Communication Skills Program: Practical Strategies for Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum and Other Developmental Disabilities in the Public School Setting by Ahlers, M. S., & Colleen Hannigan Zillich, M. S., CCC-SLP$19.95 978-1-934575-31-4November 2008Audience (i.e. age, profession) Parents Teachers In The Classroom and Communications Skills Program: Practical Strategies for Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum and Other Developmental Disabilities in the Public School Setting, Ahlers and Colleen Zillich openly share their experience in the classroom and how they developed the CCSP. Created in response to the frustrations of young students attempting to adjust to the classroom, the Classroom and Communications Skills Program is based on the authors' shared belief that the least restrictive environment is a principle, not a place. It is an idea that teaches us to look at the continuum of service or placement options for children.Brimming with effective ways to facilitate the learning of young children who are non-verbal/limited verbal and not table ready in a public school setting, the program emphasizes the importance of creating a fluid continuum between the child's natural environments, including home and school, to increase the chances for generalizing skills. http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9008.htm

More Than Little Professors-Children with Asperger Syndrome: In Their Own Words by Barrett Mann, M.S. Ed.$18.95July 2008, ISBN 9781934575253Audience (i.e. age, profession) kids, young adults, adults This collection of quotes, stories, poems, and essays from children with Asperger Syndrome, ages 2-17, offers us a glimpse into their daily lives, relationships, challenges, and victories, from their own perspective. Twenty years ago, only a few academics even knew the term "Asperger Syndrome." Today, this high functioning autism spectrum disorder is one of the most rapidly growing diagnoses among school children.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9009.htm

Genius Genes: How Asperger Talents Changed the World by Fitzgerald and n O'Brien $24.952007, ISBN 978-1-931282-44-4Genius Genes: How Asperger Talents Changed the World proposes that many famous historical figures had an autistic mind-style, and that this should color the way we approach autism today. Arguing that highly creative people are largely "born and not made," the authors present case studies of the lives of 21 famous individuals, tying their personalities, talents and lifestyles to the major characteristics of Asperger Syndrome. This book's chief importance lies in challenging - from a fresh perspective an often negative perception of autism and Asperger Syndrome by demonstrating that many persons with autism spectrum disorders have lived rich, complex and productive lives, and that their intelligence and special talents contributed hugely to shaping the world that we now know. http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9987.htm

Gift Ideas for Kids: http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_holiday2008.htm

Order any of these books today and receive a 20% discount (may not apply to all books listed).Offer good until December 23, 2008To take advantage of this special offer, enter HOLIDAYS08 at checkout in the Coupon/Promotional Code box.

Spectrum Training Autism Bookstore

Make sure to look at our GREAT selection of books on autism, Asperger's, sensory integration, behavior, social skills training, teaching strategies, and children. It has been so good serving the ASD community this year. Free shipping is our way of saying THANKS!

Click here to preview all of our books:

http://store.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/aubo.html

Online Re-Sale Shop to Buy & Sell Gently Used Special Needs Medical Equipment, Therapy Devices, Adaptive Toys & More

DifferentNeedz.com was created to offer a re-sale website for buying and selling used special needs equipment - toys, medical and therapy devices, and all things helpful to the special needs community.

We ask all families and organizations to sell their gently used items for at least 50% OFF the original value of the item. For more info, visit www.DifferentNeedz.com

Skill Building Video

Watch. Learn. Succeed.December 8, 2008 Changing a schedule, routine or favorite activity can be upsetting for many children with Autism. SkillbuildlingBuddi es.com can help! Latest Video Release! SkillbuildingBuddie s.com's multi-award winning videos on "Handling Transitions and Change" are designed to assist you and your child in handling the challenges surrounding changes in plans as well as transitions. The programs address how to handle change in appropriate and positive ways. Â Use the Skillbuilding Buddies videos to introduce or reinforce skills. Â Click here to preview the videos now! Bookmark SkillbuildingBuddie s.com today. Repeated viewing can help children see, hear and learn the finer points of social interaction. Make SkillbuildingBuddie s.com a part of your child's learning day, everyday! Warmest regards, The Skillbuilding Buddies Team!

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