Dear Friend of ASO:
Department of Justice Proposes Changes in ADA Regulations
Autism's Social Struggles Due to Disrupted Communication Networks in Brain, Carnegie Mellon
Caltech and UNC Research Finds Further Evidence for Genetic Contribution to Autism
Watch Me Learn® Releases New Curriculum
ASA National Conference Recordings Available
New Book Details ABA Successes
Space Cartoon Helps Kids with Autism to Identify a Galaxy of Emotions
Walk a Mile in His Shoes
- Resource for Akron Area Families
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 Ohio
701 S. Main St.
Akron, OH 44311
(330) 376-0211
fax: (330) 376-1226
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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 implied.
From ASO: Please Participate in Our Website Survey
Please participate in Autism Society of Ohio website survey!
ASO would like your input to improve our website so that we could provide more accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-read information related to autism to suit your needs.
You can participate in this online survey by clicking here or cutting and pasting the following link into your web browser:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=re_2bBjbg_2bl4o8mcHjHPlr_2bg_3d_3dYou can remain anonymous during the survey and your privacy is protected. You may, however, opt to sign up to our email list to receive ASO digest and other alerts, at the end of the survey. Your response to the survey questions will be aggregated and will be used only to improve ASO website and not any other purposes.
The results of the survey will be reflected in our website, and a report will be posted on our website.
Thank you very much for your prompt participation!
The Ohio Department of Education's Office for Exceptional Children is in the process of updating the Autism Scholarship Program Rules. The current rules (3301-103-01 through 3301-103-08) of the Ohio Administrative Code define how the Department administers the scholarship program. The rules have been in effect since the beginning of the Autism Scholarship in January 2004.
The Arc of Ohio and Disability Advocates, Administrators, and Providers from across the state will gather on March 31 and April 1, 2009 for a collaborative legislative event.
March 31st will be held at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus with speakers/sessions on issues related to services and supports for people with disabilities and their families.
April 1st will be a Rally on the Ohio Statehouse Lawn.
The Autism Community and the MR/DD Community will join forces in 2009 rather than having two separate rallies for MR/DD Awareness Month in March and Autism Awareness Month in April!
Please contact us through return email or call Jodi in The Arc of Ohio office at (800) 875-2723, Ext. 110 if you or your organization would like to participate in the planning and sponsorship of this major legislative event.
The Autism Society of Ohio, The Autism Society of Central Ohio and Autism Speaks are the first three organizations to join in the collaboration.
The Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) present the 2nd annual international conference on autism training and technical assistance. The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building – all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Join the estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from across the national and around the globe.
NEW for 2008! Pre-Conference Sessions - November 18, 2008
Pre-Conference sessions are provided by leaders and recognized experts in the field and provide attendees with a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion and learning.
What: 2008 NATTAP Conference
When: November 19-21, 2008
Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, OH
Early Bird Rate: $185
Parent/Family Member Rate: $100
Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100
Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org
Education: The Arc and UCP, as part of the Consortium for Citizen’s with Disabilities (CCD), submitted detailed comments in response to the May 13 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding 34 CFR Part 300, Assistance to States for the Education of Children with Disabilities and Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities. The Arc and UCP have been particularly concerned with two portions of the proposed rules: parental revocation of consent for special education and related services and parental representation rights by non attorneys. Both of these provisions can have a huge impact on the receipt of a free and appropriate education for special education students. Their comments are posted on The Arc’s public policy webpage at http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1218
Federal Deficit: The Bush Administration released figures on the projections for the federal deficit for 2008 and 2009. The Office of Management and Budget now projects deficits of $389 billion and $482 billion, respectively. This figure is significantly higher than the final 2007 deficit of $162 billion. The deficit, coupled with rising costs of health care and retirement of the baby boom generation are expected to generate proposals to cut benefits or raise taxes to pay for the growing costs of Medicaid and Social Security in the next Congress.
Autism Society of America is sponsoring a unique online art exhibition at
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=IIJ2Xs1hadjBGwv6DtL0oQ.. .
You're invited to upload art at created by individuals on the autism
spectrum to the online exhibit and help us raise awareness that people
with autism can realize their utmost potential!
Visit http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=p0JMveGtHpuSUVlcLWFk0Q.. for instructions on how to upload art to the ASA online art exhibition.
Visit http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=H0kmejhJljGFS_tOTogo8A.. to tell a friend.
The ASA online art exhibition is just one of the ways we're
working to help better the lives of those living with autism through
new advocacy strategies to raise autism awareness, early diagnosis and
intervention, and treatment guided research.
We look forward to receiving your art submission and to having you
visit our online exhibition at http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=ShLqmO9RLV6n7o_DGNk35Q..
that celebrates how people with autism are special in so many
ways.
Thank you again for being a friend and helping us to advance our vital
mission to improve the quality of life for every American affected by
autism, and their families.
Clippers vs. Richmond-7:05 PM
Food & Beverage items for $1.50 each.
Purchase tickets at Gate #1 Ticket Window and enter Gate #6 for pre-game party.
snack and kids’ soft drink!
TO 2 ADULTS & 4 CHILDREN
TO GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING!
Join us for an evening at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum at Union Terminal when we will have the Children’s Museum reserved for our families to enjoy. All families are welcome to join us as we celebrate the end of a wonderful summer and the beginning of a successful new school year. There is no charge, but you must make a reservation. We will not be sending out tickets. Your name will be placed on a reservation list. To make a reservation, please call (513-561-2300) or email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) the ASGC office with your name, number attending and a contact phone number.
Date: August 6, 2008 Time: 6:30-9:00pm
We invite you to attend our meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at The Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, 8001 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141. Free child care is available.
We are very pleased to welcome Thomas Brown, who will speak on school bullying. Thomas is known to many educators in the United States, Canada and in the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia for his dramatic anti-bullying films like "Broken Toy", "Scars," "But Names Will Never Hurt Me" and more. He is in the process of producing his latest films about bullying autistic children. It is Brown's goal that his new films will both enlighten children about autism and the importance of treating everyone, even those who are different or misunderstood, with fairness and understanding.
We look forward to seeing you Tuesday. If you plan on using our child care, please RSVP at (216) 556-4937. Please feel free to contact us Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Eileen Hawkins
Administrator - Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
ASA presented in conjunction with Easter Seals and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities in New Orleans last week at the National Conference of State Legislatures. The session, entitled "Federal and State Public Policy Activities in Autism," included Cathy Pratt, ASA Board of Directors chair and director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Katy Beh Neas and Denise Rozell of Easter Seals, Kim Musheno of AUCD, and moderator Maria Blanco of the Louisiana University Center for Excellence. It was attended by state legislators nationwide. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=x0LP6T_Iz4aSmC2-MAZkWw..
The Department of Justice recently issued major proposed revisions to
its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of DOJ's changes are excellent, and
urgently needed. However, there are also many changes that would
radically reduce the rights of people with disabilities to accessible
facilities. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=7ngAKWFfe6u3LKP_rH5kcw..
New research from Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on the neural
mechanisms that are responsible for social difficulties associated
with autism, and on the workings of these social brain mechanisms.
According to the study, published in the journal "Social Neuroscience,"
inefficient pathways for transmitting information between certain
brain regions are to blame. The research implicates abnormalities in
the brain's inter-regional communication system, which connects the
gray matter's computing centers. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=qREH0PQhHT8wDT_5GIVaiw..
Caltech and UNC Research Finds Further Evidence for Genetic Contribution to Autism
Some parents of children with autism have a different way of
evaluating facial expressions--in a way that is strikingly
similar to patients with autism themselves, according to new research
by neuroscientist Ralph Adolphs of the California Institute of
Technology and psychiatrist Joe Piven at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=aNg-wdsIaPBZvoid_HnwnQ..
With the help of educators and behavioral researchers, Watch Me Learn®
has produced a new video-based curriculum, to provide a tool capable
of supporting full integration of a child's home, school and
private programming. The new series is called About Me and You(TM). The first video in the series was released July 15, 2008, and the company
expects to produce a new DVD every 4-6 weeks. Each features chaptered
skills lessons, which are "modeled" in three instructional
levels. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=pZTdEM5cBtT3ZMD4HHtfQw..
Recordings of ASA's 2008 National Conference sessions are
currently available for purchase. Keynotes from Dr. Robert Hendren,
Dr. James Ball, and Dr. Temple Grandin will be available for free
viewing online soon - stay tuned for more information. ASA would like
to thank its sponsors for making this event possible: MetDesk, the
Eden Family of Services, the New England Center for Children, DynaVox
Mayer-Johnson, Advance Newsmagazines, J.B. Autism Consulting, Direct
Laboratory Services, Inc., the Center for Autism and Related
Disorders, and InfiniFleurs. Order Conference Recordings: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=GHP1ibfo6KR8TM9Q6ZFzyQ..
And don't forget to save the date for next year's conference, July 22-25, 2009, at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill., outside of Chicago.
New Book Details ABA Successes
"Triumphs in Early Autism Treatment" offers a wealth of insight and hope
to both parents and clinicians. This book documents the latest
research that shows children who receive Applied Behavior Analysis
treatment consistently progressing in skill development. A must-read
for parents and clinicians, this book is the first to document "best
outcome" case studies using exclusively ABA treatment. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=PPTo_36ZUiVdNRqVOd4uAg..
Space Cartoon Helps Kids with Autism to Identify a Galaxy of Emotions
An animation studio in the United Kingdom has released the
country's first commercial cartoon series and computer game
designed for young children on the autism spectrum. The Space Place,
by Catalyst Video Ltd., features 12 computer-animated stories focusing
on the link between emotions and facial expression. Eight characters,
all lunar vehicles, come to life after their space museum closes its
doors for the night. Their computerized faces form definite
expressions that are central to the story and the dialogue. The
animation series is narrated by Rob Rackstraw, the voice behind "Bob
the Builder's" Spud. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=BP8G_Wt66Ze3eJwr9fGpDQ. .
Walk a Mile in His Shoes
With the number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorders on the rise, all of us are likely to interact with
individuals on the autism spectrum every day. Thus, it's important to
be educated about the subject and what better way than to "walk a
mile" in the shoes of a person with autism. Written for
middle-school-age kids, Joanna Keating-Velasco's latest book, "In His
Shoes," details highlights of the school year of Nick, a 13-year-old
boy with autism. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=-PYCwgHk2oV4si7wQ_jtHw..
Social Network for Those Affected by Autism
WeAreAutism.org, the place for people living with autism, is the
newest social support network from the WeAre.Us platform--the
leading platform of medical social support networks. WeAreAutism.org
offers much of the same capability set as larger social networks like
MySpace and Facebook, but within a safe environment in which users
know they are sharing private details of their trials and tribulations
with only those who can genuinely relate and understand. Tools are
geared towards support and health tracking, engendering a sense of
trust and community. Read more:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=q0asyJJbrFALnK6uvGaPEg..
The Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) is hosting the 2nd annual Special Education Leadership Conference on September 24-25, 2008 at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus http://www.aladdinshrine.org/.
This event is designed to provide special education directors in public schools and community schools, as well as other leaders in Ohio’s special education system, the opportunity to learn of changes in Ohio’s special education policies and programs, including the revised Operating Standards and OEC monitoring plan, and to meet our new director, Kathe Shelby!
Registration
Information will be posted on the ODE Web site http://www.ode.state.oh.us and sent out on this list-serv soon. Registrants will be submitting their registrations via mail only (not STARS). The PDF registration form can be completed by typing directly on the downloaded form before printing it.
Registration deadline is September 12, 2008.
Payment: Checks only. No purchase orders will be accepted. Payment must accompany the registration form.
Conference Fee: $45
Make check payable to: Treasurer, State of Ohio
Mail check with completed registration form to:
ODE, Office for Exceptional Children
Special Education Conference
Mail Stop 203
25 South Front Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183
Checks received without a registration form or past the deadline will be returned.
Conference registration is limited to 1500. Breakout session seating is limited to 1230. All sessions selections will be filled on a first-registered, first-served basis. During the conference there will be information displays and networking areas available in the lobby if your session selections are not available.
We are requesting that each district/agency send only their key leadership person responsible for LEA special education compliance so that each district/agency will have an opportunity to attend. The information presented at the conference will be posted on the Ohio Department of Education Web site after the conference.
Hotels
Several hotels in the area have offered group rates for a limited number of rooms to our conference attendees. Many of the area hotels do provide shuttle service to the Easton Town Center. A list of hotels within 7 miles of the conference is attached to this email.
The Experience Columbus Web site has information about the Columbus area and allows you to search for additional hotel locations: http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/main.cfm?nav=t
$18.95
Audience (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.
Unfortunately, while the American public's awareness of this disorder is also growing, their understanding of it is lagging behind. Journalists tend to focus on the most heart-wrenching cases. Popular television shows exaggerate (or even make up) symptoms for comedic effect. And the average person on the street, if asked about Asperger Syndrome, is still most likely to reply "Oh yeah, isn't that like 'Rain Man?'"
The truth is, most kids with Asperger Syndrome are intelligent and very verbal, but have challenges in social skills and certain facets of communication. Many have special interests that they study intensely and like to "lecture" on. But these children also vary tremendously. They are amazing, loving, complicated individuals-far more than cookie-cutter "little professors."
In More Than Little Professors, parent and Asperger's specialist Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed., leads us through the children's works, explaining common characteristics of this autism spectrum disorder, and sharing her unique insight on life with these sometimes baffling, but always fascinating children and youths.
The conference is scheduled for September 16th and 17th and will be held at the University Plaza Hotel, Columbus, Ohio. The conference title is “What People REALLY Want” and once again there is an array of exciting and informative speakers! The conference will also be hosting a vendor area where entrepreneurs will be displaying and selling their products.
We are excited to announce that Susan Hill from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be speaking on Wednesday but will be available throughout the entire conference for informal discussions.
People First of Ohio will also be celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary.
Please review the conference brochure and don’t delay in sending in your registration.
We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Here is a link to the Educational Service Center of Franklin County.
Educational Service Center of Franklin County
A student with Aspergers, HFA, or PDD-NOS must have completed their high school requirements but elect not to graduate. A special education student can remain essentially school eligible until age 22 but they have to make sure they request not to graduate. The students will take courses at Columbus State and be provided many support type services. The student will have to pay for the classes at Columbus State but not the support services. A student could go through the financial aid office for help with tuition costs and books to see if they would be eligible. The program is set up for 5 to 8 students and 5 students are already on board.
Contact info:
Melinda Reames - Melinda.Reames@ fces.org
Wayne Cocchi (CSCC) - 287-2629
Mental Health Aspects: Treatment and Support -- Ohio’s MH/MR Annual Conference, Sept. 3 & 4
Mental Health Aspects, Treatment and Support, the sixth annual conference for professionals and others focusing on mental health and mental retardation issues, will be held at the Crowne Plaza North Hotel in Columbus, Ohio, September 3 - 4, 2008. The conference, in collaboration with the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD), is sponsored by:
Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH)
Northeast Ohio Autism Group Mini-Golf Tournament!
(The course will opening early for us to better accommodate the needs of those in our group.)
Chip's Clubhouse is offering a discounted rate of $3.50 for
children (11 and under) and $4.50 per adults, payable at the door.
and there will be FREE ICE CREAM FOR THE GOLFERS!
Northeast Ohio Autism Group at
440.488.3473 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by August 3.
ALL MONIES RAISED THROUGH FUNDRAISING AND DONATIONS STAY
Premier edition of the Autism Spectrum News.
http://www.mhnews-autism.org/back_issues/ASN-Fall2008.pdf#zoom=100
ADA Audio Conference Series: ADA Amendments Act/ADA Restoration Act
Individuals who wish to come to Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission in Columbus, OH, to participate in the following session for free should register with ADA-OHIO by August 5. Please register by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and provide your name, agency, address, telephone number, and email address.
For all other participants, please contact DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center at www.ada-audio.org, and choose the ADA Audio Conference Series Option, or contact Great Lakes by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 312-413-1407 (V/TTY).
The Network of Regional DBTAC-ADA Centers is pleased to announce a special session of the ADA Audio Conference Series that will focus on the ADA Amendments Act/ADA Restoration Act. This session will be held on a special date and time.
DATE: August 12, 2008
TIME: 12:00-1:30 pm Eastern Time (11-12:30 pm Central, 10-11:30 am Mountain and 9-10:30 am Pacific)
SESSION DESCRIPTION: It has been a year since the ADA Restoration Act was introduced in both the House and the Senate. The intent of this legislation was to address the interpretations of the law by the US Supreme Court that negatively impacted the ability of thousands of Americans with Disabilities from exercising their rights under the ADA . Over the past year the House has passed legislation known as the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (HR 3195) and the Senate is in the process of considering their version of the bill (S 1881). There has been a great deal of discussion via generated on listservs, email and blogs regarding the compromise language used in the ADA Amendments Act and questions raised by advocates, members of Congress and the business community. Join us for this special session of the ADA Audio Conference series to learn more about the legislation, the perspectives of the employment community and how the definition of disability would impact Title I cases of discrimination.
SPEAKERS: Andy Imparato, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Michael P. Aitken, Director of Governmental Affairs, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Christine M. Griffin, Commissioner, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
FEE: $25.00 Per Site for Telephone ; $15.00 Per Connection for Streaming Audio via the Internet and $15.00 Real-Time Captioning via the Internet*
(*No charge for Real-time captioning provided as a reasonable accommodation at sites where Telephone or Streaming Audio are utilized)
REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Go on-line to www.ada-audio.org and choose the ADA Audio Conference Series Option or contact us by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at 312-413-1407 (V/TTY)
This program is hosted by the DBTAC – Great Lakes ADA Center (www.adagreatlakes.org)
Hattie Larlham to open new accessible play space - Play Connection
Therapy Director
Hattie Larlham
9772 Diagonal Road
Mantua, OH 44225
1-800-233-8611x 3034
Fax: 330-732-2505
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.hattielarlham.org
Self-Determination out of Fairfield County and Ruben Garcia a Associate of hers from Lucas County Ohio are working together to create a statewide-Speakers
bureau
Why? Because both Christine and Ruben say that the voices of people with disabilities in the MRDD System needs improved they said. They commented how Individuals like themselves and other individual Self-Advocates live in the system and know what it feels like of what is going well, needs improved or changed.
Christine said the Speakers bureaus mission is to have individuals going out across the state to raise the voice of local, county, state and legislative issues affecting the lives of people with MRDD.
They are looking to interview Self-Advocates from All 6 regional areas as how the Superintendents Association is set out and will work to have this on the ground sometime in 2009.If you are interested in applying for one of the positions please send your Resume and Cover letter to Christine Brown Brown-Cooley Associates in Self-Determination Address: 651-C Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Worthington OH. 43085. You can also call Christine Brown @ 740-653-2391 or E-mail her at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
If you are interested. We will be waiting for your response
TOY & RESOURCE CENTER
The Toy & Resource Center is going in an exciting new direction thanks to a grant from the United Way of Summit County. We are addressing School Readiness, and have many new things planned. This newsletter is part of keeping you up to date on what the TRC is doing. We have planned story times, and seminars to assist you in getting your children ready to learn. We are offering families ASQ Questionnaires to track your children’s developmental progress and to make suggestions on activities to do at home. Our toys and resources are here to assist your children in learning through play. The United Way grant has also provided money for memberships for families who otherwise would not be able to afford it. . Please refer families who you think would benefit from the vouchers and this program. We are excited to be a part of your child’s journey to school!
Schedule of Events
August 13th Storytime from 1-2pm (It will be the second Wednesday of each month at this time!) Anyone with children birth to five is welcome to join us. Pre-registration is necessary. We are also looking for volunteers to help during story time. Story time will be focused around a curriculum called Read, Play, Learn! These program materials will be available for loan as well. We will be reading “The Kissing Hand”, by Audrey Penn, “I am too absolutely small for school”, by Lauren Child, and “It’s Time for School Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt. We will be doing some craft activities, and sending home activities relating to separation and school. Please register at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (330) 762-9755.
August 20th 10 – Noon School Readiness Workshop
What can you do as a parent to start preparing your child for school?
KRA-L Information and Early Learning Content Standards will be discussed.
Please register at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (330) 762-9755.
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has developed a brief assessment tool, the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment – Literacy (KRA-L), that will help teachers identify early reading skills. The KRA-L is required of all children entering kindergarten in public schools for the first time. The assessment measures skill areas important to becoming a successful reader. It also helps teachers plan for experiences and lessons that encourage reading. For more information go to the Ohio Department of Education’s website at:
http://www.ode.state.oh.us or search keyword: KRA-L
We now have Kindermusik kits available! “ABC Music and Me” is a music enrichment program for 2 – 4 year olds. Research shows that music improves memory, cognitive development, and learning skills. These kits are set up for a group of eight, but can be used one on one or in larger groups with extra instruments. Each kit has two lessons inside. Kits focus on various areas such as coordination, musical exploration, physical activity, agility, fine motor skills, cooperative play, observation, social skills, imagination, independence, body control, and creativity.
Great website to check out:
www.starfall.com
“Long before children knock on the kindergarten door – during the crucial period from birth to five when humans learn more than during any other five year period – forces have already been put in place that encourage some children to “shine” and fulfill their potential in school and life while other forces stunt the growth and development of children who have just as much potential.” H. Hodgkinson, author of Leaving Too Many Children Behind
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who may benefit from the programs at the Toy & Resource Center. Also, please reply if you do not wish to receive these newsletters in the future.
Melanie Crockett
Toy & Resource Center Supervisor
United Disability Services
701 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44311
330-762-9755
330-762-0912 (fax)
Visit us at www.udsakron.org
by Elaine M. Larson
$17.95
June 2008, ISBN 9781934575222
Audience (i.e. age, profession)
Children 4-10 years old
An occasional meltdown is a reality of childhood for most children. But for a child with Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism, meltdowns are often more frequent, explosive and long-lasting events. In The Chameleon Kid, an illustrated children's story, Elaine Marie Larson suggests ways children on the high end of the autism spectrum can attempt to approach and control their meltdowns before the meltdowns take control of them.
The chameleon adapts his color to his surroundings as well as to his mood and communication needs. Much like the chameleon, the child on the autism spectrum can adapt to his surroundings by altering his behavior in dealing with the emotions that precede a meltdown. By practicing the techniques in The Chameleon Kid, children can learn to eliminate Meltdown, depicted as a monster, or at least reduce its hold on him.
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