Today is the last day to recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
You can download a free printed copy of the Down syndrome fact sheet, providing information on the types, prevalence, definition, signs and symptoms, and teaching strategies. Further information includes a list of Down syndrome organizations and foundations.
Published by: Irish Mirror
Written by; Marguerite Kiely
The Covid-19 crisis has brought uncertainty into all our lives, with our day-to-day routine severely disrupted.
The autistic community, however, is particularly vulnerable to the huge change, as the loss of structure from their lives can be a source of enormous anxiety and distress.Adam Harris, founder and CEO of AsIAm, has revealed the issues autistic people face at this difficult time and what their parents can do to help.
He explained: “What we have seen over the last few weeks is the complete removal of routine. That’s a real challenge and there is a need to create a new structure as a result.
“For many autistic people going places may be a very important part of their routine. Maybe they go to a certain cafe on a particular day of the week or like to walk in the park every evening.
“All of those opportunities are being removed and it doesn’t just cause upset, it removes the certainty and predictability for the person.” Click here to read the rest of the story.
Hi Everyone, Like most people in the world, the COVID-19 Virus has greatly impacted my own little universe. Living in the epicenter of the virus at last count, almost 4,000 people in my county have tested positive. I too seek ways to live a normal life in these trying times. Its been very challenging to continue to write articles on special needs with so much is going on in the world.
Looking to see how I can help others during this time, I created COVID-19 virus page which I will continue to add more information as we learn more. I advise you to stay tune to both local news and get regular updates from the CDC as they update on a regular basis. If you are a reader from another County, please check on updates from your government on a regular basis.
Please all stay safe during these trying times, continue to help one another and we will come out from this better and stronger.
UNICEF- What parents should know
Community and Faith Based Leaders
Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
COVID-19 No Print Social Story
COVID 19 and Social distancing Story
Social Narrative for Autism
Schools can share relevant CDC fact sheets to help students, families, and staff understand COVID-19 along with steps they can take to protect themselves:
Best practices in using telemedicine for ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic
How to help a child with autism adjust
Supporting families through COVID-19
CDC- Handwashing Training and Education-Includes lessons and activities for all ages including a 30-page PDF and age appropriate handwashing curriculum.
Free Printables– Activities from nourishinteractive.com, includes handwashing worksheets, lesson plans and a math sequencing worksheet that teaches the important steps to good handwashing techniques.
Kids Handwashing Coloring Page– Developed by Lancaster County Health Department including 2 coloring pages and instructions on how to wash your hands properly.
Teach-nology- A lesson plan for kids pre-school age which discusses germs and how germs make people sick.
Why We Wash Our Hands– From Florida Health Department for children ages 3-41/2. The lesson educates children on how to prevent common health problems by developing handwashing skills.
The following articles are links to articles specific to handwashing and the COVID-19 virus:
CDC- Handwashing and Prevention
Free Printable Money WorkSheets
Free Skip Counting by 5″s Worksheet
Published by: ADHD Man of DistrAction
Written by: Kelly Babcock
I’ve had ADHD all my life, I guess. Though, of course, when I was younger it would have been harder to detect, since both childhood and ADHD are afflictions denoted by being not completely developed yet.
The first sad thing about that statement is that it makes people think that we are childish.
The second, but bigger sad thing about that statement is that the childish thing is, though damned insulting, also accurate.
I mean, technically, of course.
There is a freedom of spirit that comes with ADHD that we enjoy and that others are attracted to. We attract people because we are fun and somewhat exciting to be around.
Life is not dull around us. A person with ADHD can be a vortex of activity, a tornado of plans and schemes and attempts at instant gratification, and impetuous sudden decisions to have fun in yet another way.
All of these things are exactly why children have so much fun. Click here to read the rest of the story
St. Patrick’s Day is finally here!! Did you know that St. Patrick’s day celebrates the Roman Catholic feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. One way to celebrate Here are some fun fine motor activities to do with your students. Children and adults with special needs often face challenges with coordination of the small muscles that affect writing, and grasping objects. These activities will help students both strengthen and maintain abilities in fine motor control and dexterity. The following are links to fine motor activities:
20 St. Patrick’s Day activities for kid’s fine motor and sensory skills– Growing hands on kids
33 St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids that boost fine motor skills– Hands on As We Grow
Charmingly fun St. Patrick’s day fine motor- The Letters of Literacy
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities– Pink Oatmeal
St. Patrick Day fine motor activities– Pre K Pages
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities– Trillium Montessori
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities for kids– Little Bins, Little Hands
St. Patrick’s Day fine motor activities kids will love– STEAMsational
St. Patrick’s Day kids fine motor activities– Mess for Less
Sensory activities serve the purpose of supporting growth in the area of cognitive development and problem-solving. Sensory play focuses on stimulating the senses of touch sight, hearing and movement.
Sensational St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Activities- Letters of Literacy
St. Patrick’s Day sensory bin– Teaching Mama
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Bin and Activities– Fantastic Fun and Learning
St. Patrick’s Day Sensory Jars– Fun Littles
St. Patrick’s Day sensory play– Fantastic Fun and Learning
St. Patrick’s Day sensory play and craft- No Time For Flashcards
