Autism Hangout Feature Programs Feed

Educational Technique: "Learning Forward"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 8 Feb 2010 12:06 CST

L. Mae Wilkinson of Autism Is Not The Boss returns with more excellent advice to help our special kids excel in school. This installment is called "Learning Forward."

Exposing your child to educational material a semester or two early can help lessen anxiety and build confidence. The technique, called Learning Forward, is easy to do... and it doesn't have to be perfect!

More info at: www.autismisnottheboss.com

"The Costs and a Plan for 'Movin' Out'." A Second Interview with Greg Kruse

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 09:29 CST

Greg Kruse, Dakota County Social Services Supervisor returns to talk about current funding programs for housing for our special kids (as adults). DON'T MISS THIS INFORMATIVE INTERVIEW!

Greg also gives advice for successfully navigating this exciting yet complex part of our journeys with autism.

A transcript of this interview is available in the Discussion Forum attached to this Program.

Thank you, Greg!!

Ask Dr. Tony" - January 2010 Questions - An Autism Hangout Feature Program

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:41 CST

Dr. Tony Attwood returns to Autism Hangout to answer YOUR questions about autism.

In this installment, Dr. T. address Aspergers and Bipolar as comorbid conditions, the importance of letting a child in on a decision about his diagnosis and, is the term "Aspergers" (versus "mild autism") really that important?

Don't miss the insights. And fun!

"Movin' Out." Housing Options for People with Autism - An Autism Hangout Feature Program

cevans@autismhangout.com — Sat, 2 Jan 2010 07:40 CST

Meet Greg Kruse, Supervisor of Social Services in Dakota County, Minnesota. As with similar service offerings in other states, Minnesota's progressive Dakota County is struggling to find the right housing solutions for people with autism.

In this candid interview, Greg Kruse describes what is currently available by where someone is located on the spectrum. He also offers encouragement for what is coming next.

I'm very grateful for dedicated workers (like Greg) that have our kid's best interests in mind.

You can reach Greg at: greg.kruse@co.dakota.mn.us

More housing information is available at:

ARC Great Rivers - 952.890.3057

Pacer Center - Bloomington, MN - 952.838.9000

"Can The World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?" - A Book by Dr. Digby Tantam

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:48 CST

Dr. Digby Tantam is one of the world's leading authorities on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger's syndrome. In his newest book - "Can The World Afford Autistic Spectrum Disorder?"- his provocative title is not focused on the financial implications of autism.. but rather on the value of the contributions those with the condition can make to society ("we desperately need them!").

In this positive book, Dr. Digby also believes whatever debilitation is associated with Asperger's is less about the personal affects of the condition, but more about how poorly society accommodates them.

For more information on Dr. Digby, go to: www.dilemmas.org

His book is available at: www.jkp.com

Selecting Caregivers and Therapists for a Child with Autism

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 6 Oct 2009 12:43 CST

Selection of the best caregivers and therapists for a child with autism is dependent upon a number of variables. The ones we find most predictive of success are experience, education and fit with the child's personality and learning style.

Mae Wilkinson provides tips and a sample scorecard for evaluating the relative strengths of one caregiver/therapist against another. The scorecard is found here.

For more info, visit Mae's site: www.autismisnottheboss.com

"Ask Dr. Tony" - Girls with Asperger's

cevans@autismhangout.com — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:58 CST

Dr. Tony Attwood returns to talk about Girls with Asperger's.

In this report, Dr. Tony feels the 4:1 (boys to girls) ratio is inaccurate... he believes the actual ratio to be closer to 2:1. He calls out several reasons why girls are usually not diagnosed until later on in life.

Dr. Tony also shares positive news such as Girls with Asperger's success in the workplace and he suggests several possible career paths. Dr. Tony is now organizing a 1-day workshop on Girls with Asperger's.

To see the videos from the conference mentioned, go to: www.asperger.asn.au

Stay tuned for updates on Dr. Attwood's 1-day "Girls with Asperger's" workshop!

Leveraging Your Spouse: Creating a Team - L. Mae Wilkinson

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 07:15 CST

In the second part of her two-part series on Leveraging Your Spouse's Strengths, Autism Hangout reporter L. Mae Wilkinson offers suggestions for how husbands and wives can tap into their own strengths (and weaknesses) to help children with autism work on important skills, like homework and social interaction.

Asking a few questions, such as "Who is the most-laid back?" and "Who is the most studious?" can benefit everyone in dividing up parenting responsibilities. For more information about Mae, visit her forum page or her blogsite at www.autismisnottheboss.com

"Leveraging Your Spouse's Strength" - Creating a Plan

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:27 CST

Web blogger Letty Mae Wilkinson returns with another helpful, thought-provoking commentary on autism.

In this installment, Letty poses 3 questions that assist in leveraging a spouse's strength in raising a child with autism and adds stability to your relationship.

For more info, visit Letty's site: www.autismisnottheboss.com

Yogi Cameron on Autism - A Beyond the Headlines Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 5 Aug 2009 19:10 CST

In this discussion with Autism Hangout reporter Craig Evans, Ayurveda practitioner Yogi Cameron discusses the definition and causes of autism.

He also touches on Ayurvedic treatments and philosophies for the condition.

For more information on Yogi Cameron, visit: www.yogicameron.com

"Art as an Early Intervention Tool for Children with Autism" - An Inteview with Author Nicole Martin

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:36 CST

For some, an early experience with a person with autism ends up benefiting both. Such is the case with author/artist Nicole Martin. Nicole's autistic brother, nine years her junior, drew her near his world at the age of 12. From that point on, Nicole begin developing her gifts in art to help draw him to hers.

Today, she continues to reach other kids on the spectrum through her teaching studio, Sky Is The Limit.

For more information, go to: www.arttherapyandautism.com

Or Jessica Kingsley Publishing: www.jkp.com

"Nonpariel" - The Future of Group Homes for People on the Spectrum. Meet Developer Dan Selec

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:14 CST

Dan Selec is a man with vision, on a mission. He has conceived a Dallas-based school for kids at all levels of autism that first trains, then prepares them for careers. He then sees the school finding them work and, if needed, provides long-term housing. Dan has the motivation and connections.

It's a big idea, one that will definitely help our special kids "thrive with autism!" Go Dan!!

For more information, go to: www.npitx.org

Or write Dan at: dan@npitx.org

"ABA Online" - Jamie Pagliaro of Rethink Autism - Beyond the Headlines

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:27 CST

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been proven effective in the development of kids with autism. But for some families, ABA may be difficult to find, schedule and afford.

Rethink Autism (dotcom) is breaking down these barriers making it possible for more kids to receive this life-altering treatment. In this Autism Hangout Report, EVP Jamie Pagliaro talks to Craig Evans about their web-based treatment platform for parents, caregivers and professionals.

For more information, visit: www.rethinkautism.com

Or write Jamie at: jamie@rethinkautism.com

The Hammer Residences - "Moving Out" - A Feature Program Series for Autism Hangout

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:51 CST

Meet Lisbeth Armstrong, Director of Program Services at Hammer Residences. Hammer is an 85 year old Minneapolis-based organization that provides housing and other life services for people of different needs and abilities.

In this interview, Lisbeth talks about Hammer's (successful!) approach to group homes for people with autism.

For more information on Hammer, go to: www.hammer.org

Or write to Lisbeth at: lisbeth@hammer.org

Or call 952.277.2444

"Let's Cook! Life Skills for Kids on the Spectrum" - A Beyond the Headlines Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:58 CST

Heads up, autism community! Here comes Mitra Ahani and we're about to have our world rocked... in a VERY GOOD WAY!

Meet speech pathologist Mitra Ahani. Mitra has TONS of energy and she LOVES our kids! Here she describes taking a really good idea (using cooking to reach our kids) and how she developed a series of web-accessed videos to show you how its done. It's for kids across the spectrum, it's fun, it encourages team work, its fun, it's life-based education and... did I mention it's fun?! And there's more to come!

I'm always delighted to meet such positive, hopeful, energetic people that enjoy working with our special kids. Thank you, Mitra!

Take a look at the current roster of programs: www.mywire.com

You can write Mitra at: mitra@route2language.com

More info at: www.route2language.com

"Aspergers and Sexuality" A Beyond the Headlines Feature Program

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:52 CST

As our kids with Asperger's Syndrome reach puberty and adulthood, they are faced with a whole new series of social issues, one of the biggest being their own sexuality. Meet author and sexology expert, Dr. Isabelle Henault. Dr. Henault's book, Asperger's Syndrome and Sexuality: From Adolescence through Adulthood (Jessica Kingsley, Publisher) is the seminal publication addressing this most important subject.

For more info on Dr. Henault, see:

www.jessicakingsley.com
www.tonyattwood.com.au

or write to Dr. Henault at: ihenault@internet.uqam.ca

Meet Graham Streeter of Imperative Pictures - A Beyond the Headlines Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:31 CST

Meet modern-day truth-teller and film-maker, Graham Streeter. Graham runs Imperative Pictures. Imperative's mission is make movies that "offer a deeper sense of compassion and understanding for a healthier, more diverse and more tolerant society."

Graham's movies do more than entertain, they inform and educate. Graham is now producing a movie and a documentary about autism.

For more information, visit: www.imperativepictures.com

"Ask Dr Tony" on Group Homes

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 12:18 CST

In our April, May and June installment of the "Ask Dr. Tony" show, we had a question that was too long to include in the original report. Here is that question on Group Homes and Dr. Tony's response in its entirety.

More on Dr. Tony Attwood at: www.tonyattwood.com.au

"Ask Dr. Tony" - An Autism Hangout Feature Program: Answers to April, May, June Questions

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 07:13 CST

Autism and Asperger's expert Dr. Tony Attwood returns to answer your questions about vaccinations, crowded classrooms versus home school, dating/sexual awareness and more.

If you've got a question for Dr. Attwood, leave it here for the next "Ask Dr. Tony" show.

For more info on Dr. Tony Attwood, see: http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/

Dr. Sutapa Ray of Neuropath Learning - "Beyond the Headlines"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 3 Jun 2009 13:32 CST

Dr. Sutapa Ray of Neuropath Learning talks about the company's innovative, computer-based/web-assessable learning programs. Craig Evans reports for Autism Hangout in this "Beyond the Headlines" program.

For more information on Neuropath Learning, visit: www.neuropathlearning.com

or write to Dr. Ray at: sutapa@neuropathlearning.com

Hearing Service Dogs of Minnesota - Beyond the Headlines

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:32 CST

Over the past 20 years, Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota has teamed 277 disabled people with highly trained dogs. In the past two years, their focus has expanded to include children with autism. This report is the story of a passionate company founded and operated by conscientious people, dedicated to helping the disabled.

For more information or to apply for a service dog, visit: www.hsdm.org

Julie Heinks - "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:19 CST

Julie Heinks is the author of "Andrew's Story: One Boy's Journey Back From Autism." This is a story of a mother's unconditional love and hope. In discovering a way to return Andrew to the happy child he was, Julie documents her trials, challenges and successes. This book is must reading for those recently discovering their child is on the spectrum.

For more information on Julie and her book, visit: www.julieheinks.com

Wayne Rohde - "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:39 CST

As parents of kids with special needs, we're all advocates for autism. But beyond schools, churches and communities, some of us take on even bigger advocacy challenges.

Wayne Rohde of Oklahoma is one such autism advocate. As the father of Nicholas, Nick's Law has now become synonymous with the growing national call for insurance coverage of autism.

Wayne is passionate and tireless in his efforts to pass Oklahoma legislation for this much needed relief. As any parent of a child with autism will tell you, the emotional and financial strains are enormous. Insurance coverage is called for.

Hear Wayne talk about his experiences, his Key Learnings and what you can do to help pass Nick's Law in your state.

For more on Wayne and Nick's Law, visit his blog at: nickslawok.blogspot.com

"Ask Dr. Tony" - An Autism Hangout Feature Program: Answers to February & March Questions

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 8 Apr 2009 21:04 CST

In this continuing series, expert and author Dr. Tony Attwood fields autism-related questions submitted by Autism Hangout members.

This program addresses questions regarding Asperger's children leaving home for college, the odds of having a child with ASD, relationship issues with a spouse demonstrating Asperger's traits and childhood friendships between neurotypical and Asperger's children.

Dr. Attwood's shares his 35 year's experience with autism with concerned parents and caregivers.

Karen Simmons - "Key Learnings of Autism Thought Leaders"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:17 CST

Karen Simmons is doing all she can to bring news about autism to the world.

As the author of 4 books and 2 CDs on the subject, Karen is also founder and CEO of Autism Today, autism's premier magazine.

In this very candid Podcast, Karen's passion and compassion show as she talks about her love of special needs kids and their families. She also shares 5 very-thought-out Key Learnings about autism.

To reach Karen, go to: www.autismtoday.com

Thank you, Karen!