Happy Holidays!

Posted on December 27, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

Special Needs Resource Blog will take a break during the holidays and will return Monday, January 4, 2016 with new information, tools and resources to post including more downloadable free tools and templates Monday thru Thursday. I am excited and look forward to sharing more resources with you in the new year.

Thanks to all of you for following my blog this year. Wishing you and your families joy and peace all through the holidays and throughout the new year. May the spirit of the holidays be with you throughout the new year. 🙂 🙂

Common Acronyms used In Autism

Posted on December 21, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

The special needs and developmental disability field contains so many acronyms it is impossible to write them all. Many are formed at the State level from various educational programs while others are more medically defined. As the number of children diagnosed with autism increase, it appears the same holds true for new words and terminology. Below I have added a list of words more likely used in the autism community.

Click here for printed copy

AAC-Assistive Augmentative Communication

ABA- Applied Behavior Analysis

ADA-Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

ADD-Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

ADOS-Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

APE-Adaptive Physical Education

AS- Asperger’s Syndrome

ASA- Autism Society of America

ASD- Autism Spectrum Disorder

ASHA- American Speech and Hearing Association

ASL-American Sign Language

ASPIE- A person with Asperger’s Syndrome

CARS- Childhood Autism Rating Scale

CDC-Center for Disease Control

COTA- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

DD- Developmental Disability

EEG-Electrocephalogram

EI-Early Intervention

ICF-Immediate Care Facility

ID-Intellectual Disability

IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Act

IEP- Individualized Education Plan

IFSP- Individualized Family Service Plan

LFE- Least Restrictive Environment

M-CHAT- Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers

NOS- Not Otherwise Specified

NT-Nerurotypical

ODD-Oppositional Defiant Disorder

OSEP0 Office of Special Education Programs

OT- Occupational Therapy

OVR-Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

PECS- Picture Exchange Communication System

PDD-NOS- Pervasive Developmental Disorder

PICA-Ingestion of non-edible items

PT-Physical Therapy

SI-Sensory Intergration

SIB-Self-Injurious Disorder

SLP- Speech-Language Disorder

TEACCH-Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children

5 Resources to Support Parents of Children with Autism

Posted on December 15, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

I received these great resource articles for families with child with autism from Angela Tollerson, a blogger from familyhealthnet. Her site provides resources on family health and wellness. Please share these links with others who may benefit and don’t forget to stop by and visit Angela’s blog at: forfamilyhealth.net

Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/anxiety-and-autism-spectrum-disorders
The Moment I Got My Son with Autism’s Need for Routine
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/09/16/moment-i-got-my-son-autisms-need-routine
The Well Travel Guide for Parents of Autism Spectrum Children
https://travelblog.expedia.ca/autism-travel-guide/
Nutrition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/diseases-and-conditions/autism/nutrition-for-your-child-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd
10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/10-activities-children-autism/

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:

Amazon

Facebook Page

Tania Marshall’s Website

Aspian Girl Blog

Tania Marshall on Twitter

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder Resources

Posted on August 11, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), also known as Heller’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder that is characterized by aggression of previously acquired skills such as language and social abilities. Symptoms include:

Lack of play
Loss of motor skills
Loss of social skills
Delay in language

The following resources provide an overview of Childhood disintegrative disorder including prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders

Mayo Clinic

Medline Plus

WebMD

Wikipedia

Books

The Blessing of Autism: one family’s journey through childhood disintegrative disorder

When Autism Strikes: Families Cope with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

PICA Disorder Resources

Posted on July 16, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

PICA Disorder refers to non-edible cravings such as string, mud, paste, glue, hair and clay which often leads to iron-deficiency anemia. For more information on causes, symptoms and treatment, please click on the links below:

Medical Sites

Autism Speaks

Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders

Kids Health

Medscape

Medline

WebMD

Wikipedia

Echolalia Resources

Posted on July 2, 2015 by specialneedsresourcetrainingblog

You many have heard the term “echolalia.” it is often associated with people diagnosed with autism and is characterized as the repetition of words that may be immediate or delayed after the original words are spoken. For additional information, please click on the links below: