Over 30 Online Resources on Rett Syndrome

Posted on October 29, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

So much has been written on the subject of Autism, but how much do you know about Rett Syndrome? This disorder fall under the autism spectrum disorder category due to similar traits and characteristics.

Rett Syndrome is a neuro-developmental rare disorder that affects primarily girls. Discovered by Andreas Rett who described the symptoms as wasting and slow growth. Rett Syndrome is rare and occurs in 1 out of 23,000 births. The disorder consists of four stages:

Stage 1: Generally begins between the ages of 6 and 18 months. Gross motor skills begin to slow down and stagnates

Stage 2: Between the age of 1 and 3 years, will regress and lose any skills that were previous acquired.

Stage 3: During this stage, apaxia becomes apparent. Seizures become common and gross motor skills deteriorate.

Stage 4. Loses all gross motor skills and generally uses a wheelchair.

Symptoms

Difficulty in coordination
Loss of communication skills
Dyspraxia
Severe motor disabilities
Abnormal hand movement
Breathing abnormalities
Cold hands and feet
Apraxia

Similar in Autism Characteristics include:

Screaming
Crying
Hyperventilation
Lack of eye contact

Similarities in cerebral palsy include:

Hypotonia
Gait difficulties
Spasticity
Teeth-grinding

Medical Sites

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes

National Organization for Rare Disorder

Organizations and Foundations

New Jersey Rett Syndrome Association

Northwest Rett Syndrome Foundation

Southeastern Rett Syndrome Alliance

Twitter

Facebook

Ontario Rett Syndrome Association

Blogs

Jessica’s Journey with Rett Syndrome

Teaching Strategies

ACC for Children Who Have Rett Syndrome

Multi-Model Communication Strategies

You Tube Video’s

Book Review: I Am Aspien Woman

Posted on October 28, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

I Am Aspien Woman: The Unique Characteristics, Traits and Gifts of Adult Females on the Autism Spectrum.
Tania Marshall.
July, 2015.
150 Pages.

The number of articles written on Asperger’s syndrome and people living on the autism spectrum has mushroomed over the last few years. Most articles and research studies focused on the typical characteristics of males, that is, until now. New evidence shows that women diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome are quite different than their male counterparts. Females for instance are more likely able to imitate social skills and are better at masking certain traits and characteristics. As a result, many been misdiagnosed thus leading to years of depression, anxiety and psychiatric visits.

One author hoping to shed more light on the subject is Tania Marshall, a psychologist and author with extensive training and experience in neuro-developmental conditions including Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD and sensory processing disorder. Based on her professional practice experience, anecdotal evidence, and current research, Ms Marshall weaves a story of validation, self-discovery and self-awareness through a visually stunning book.

The book is full of personal stories and quotes directly from Aspien Women with added commentary from parents, former teachers and therapist. The book is divided into 3 sections. Part one describes the various characteristics and traits. Part two introduces the reader to “real-life Aspien women superhero mentors” including Dr. Temple Gradin. Each mentor describes their strengths and top tips.

The author successfully accomplishes her goal in introducing through this book, the characteristics, traits and gifts of adult females on the spectrum. Ms. Marshall’s book is an excellent book for anyone wanting to learn more about Asperger’s from the perspective of women on the spectrum. While the book on the surface seems to be intended as a form of self-discovery, I equally recommend this book to parents, educators and employers. I do believe this book is only the start of a conversation that is long over-due.

To learn more about I am Aspien Woman and Ms. Marshall’s additional resources and information, I have included the following Resources:

AUCD Annual Conference

Posted on October 27, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

On November 15, 2015, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities will hold its annual conference in Washington, DC Registration is currently open! Please click on this link for more information

October is ADHD Awareness Month

Posted on October 27, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Posted on October 19, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

National Disability Employment Awareness is recognized each October to highlight the workforce contributions of people with disabilities.

Facts:

Only 20 percent of the labor force with disabilities are employed.
59% of the people with hearing impairments were employed.
41% of people with visual disabilities were employed.

16% of people with severe disabilities work full-time.

Check out this infographic!

What can you do in your organization to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

Train frontline staff on the facts

Reach out to local media

Proactively recruit people with disabilities

Review company policies and procedures

Conduct training for supervisors on understanding their role in fostering an inclusive workplace culture

Participate in a disability mentoring day

Conduct a training on disability history.

Providing online disability awareness education and training resources

So much has been written on the subject of Autism, but how much do you know about Rett Syndrome? This disorder fall under the autism spectrum disorder category due to similar traits and characteristics.

Rett Syndrome is a neuro-developmental rare disorder that affects primarily girls. Discovered by Andreas Rett who described the symptoms as wasting and slow growth. Rett Syndrome is rare and occurs in 1 out of 23,000 births. The disorder consists of four stages:

Stage 1: Generally begins between the ages of 6 and 18 months. Gross motor skills begin to slow down and stagnates

Stage 2: Between the age of 1 and 3 years, will regress and lose any skills that were previous acquired.

Stage 3: During this stage, apaxia becomes apparent. Seizures become common and gross motor skills deteriorate.

Stage 4. Loses all gross motor skills and generally uses a wheelchair.

Symptoms

Difficulty in coordination

Loss of communication skills

Dyspraxia

Severe motor disabilities

Abnormal hand movement

Breathing abnormalities

Cold hands and feet

Apraxia

Similar in Autism Characteristics include:

Screaming

Crying

Hyperventilation

Lack of eye contact

Similarities in cerebral palsy include:

Hypotonia

Gait difficulties

Spasticity

Teeth-grinding

Medical Sites

Organizations and Foundations

Twitter

Facebook

Blogs

Teaching Strategies

You Tube Video’s

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I Am Aspien Woman: The Unique Characteristics, Traits and Gifts of Adult Females on the Autism Spectrum. Tania Marshall. July, 2015. 150 Pages.

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National Disability Employment Awareness is recognized each October to highlight the workforce contributions of people with disabilities.

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What can you do in your organization to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month?

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I Am Aspien Woman: The Unique Characteristics, Traits and Gifts of Adult Females on the Autism Spectrum.
Tania Marshall.
July, 2015.
150 Pages.