Autism Hangout Special Reports Feed

Partners in Excellence - An Autism Therapy Center. Meet owner/operator Deb Thomas

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:32 CST

I went on the road to Burnsville, MN today to visit an Autism Therapy Center I’ve been hearing a lot about. The company is called Partners in Excellence. It’s dedicated to helping equip our special kids for the world in which they live… and it’s been achieving success.

It’s run by a vibrant, positive, dedicated woman named Deb Thomas. In this Autism Hangout Special Report, I let her tell you the story.

More info at: www.partnersmn.com

"Developing College Skills in Students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:24 CST

Many of our special kids will have the chance to go to college. But as parents will tell you, getting in isn’t the only challenge… or, in some cases, the REAL CHALLENGE. Staying in school requires new skills.

Learning and practicing the right skills and disciplines will assure our students a successful college experience. Today’s autism expert - Dr. Sarita Freedman - has just written the book on this subject. It’s called: "Developing College Skills in Students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome."

More on Dr. Freedman at: www.saritafreedman.com, www.collegeonthespectrum.com

"Life After High School: A Guide for Students with Disabilities and Their Families"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:34 CST

Meet authors Susan Yellin and Christina Cacioppo Bertsch. These two seasoned professionals have combined their knowledge in a book designed to help those with disabilities prepare-for and succeed-in college and/or their chosen careers. The book is based on real people (case study approach) and is full of helpful resources.

Another excellent contribution by Jessica Kingsley Publishing.

More info at: www.lifeafterhsbook.com

"Loving Lampposts" - A wide angle view of autism.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:30 CST

Filmmaker Todd Drezner set out to better understand the world of autism as seen through the eyes of his son, Sam. What he found was a world filled with wonder and beauty.

As with the spectrum it represents, autism is a topic of extremes. The "cure" versus "accept" debate is one example of how people can polarize. Todd Drezner's moving film opens the door to more valid discussions around the acceptance of autism as a gift.

For more information: www.lovinglamppostsmovie.com

"Give voice to the unheard" - Meet Bick Pratt of MyTalkTools (dotcom)

cevans@autismhangout.com — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 10:02 CST

Bick Pratt is one of those innovative folks that "finds a way." In this case, he built an iPhone/iTouch app to make it easier for his son to communicate with the world (now he can even order food at Taco Bell). The app is customizable and so easy to use, Bick is inviting parents, caregivers and speech and learning professionals to make programs for their situations.

Hear Bick talk about MyTalkTools and how it faciliates easy, portable communications.

More at www.mytalktools.com

Training Students & Music Teachers in the Gifts of Autism - Meet Dr. Rhoda Bernard

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:44 CST

Meet Dr. Rhoda Bernard, Director - Boston Conservatory Program for Students on the Autism Spectrum. Under her direction, the Boston Conservatory is boldly filling a great need:

* It has created a place for those talented musicians on the spectrum to develop their gifts.

* It has developed an exclusive curriculum for tomorrow's teachers, offering the "best of the best" an opportunity to learn "first-hand," how best to develop the skills of those with autism.

It thrills me that competent, motivated, inspired people like Dr. Bernard can bring venerable institutions like the Boston Conservatory to assist our special kids in the development of their gifts.

"Walking in the Dark: Finding the Light in Autism" - A film by Brian Dery

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:37 CST

As a young man, about to embark on a career in filmmaking, Brian Dery contracted Guillain Barre syndrome and found himself paralyzed from the neck down. Although medical science gave up on him, he and his family persevered. Today he's a successful filmmaker, fully exploiting his skills although his legs still require braces. But his personal story of "not letting the human body beat the human spirit" became his calling. He started seeking out and documenting other stories of inspiration and motivation.

His latest film - "Walking in the Dark: Finding the Light in Autism" - is one such film about successfully dealing with the challenges of autism.

"Bye" - A Short Documentary About Autism - Meet Filmmaker Anthony Morrison

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:25 CST

NYU Film school grad Anthony Morrison is following in the tradition of his alma mater's "great story-tellers." The story captured in his movie "Bye" has been on his heart since he was a young man, growing up with compassionate parents who tirelessly worked to make life easier for those touched by autism.

"Filmmakers can create social change." Anthony's story is set to do just that.

For more info on the film's release, go to: www.byemovie.com

"Artists and Autism" - A Facebook Group. Meet founder Jeffery Kellen

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 5 May 2010 16:52 CST

Aspiring writer Jeffery Kellen went looking for a safe place for people on the autism spectrum to post and display their creative work. He found none. So he created one on Facebook.

"Artists and Autism is solely dedicated to promoting autism awareness through the arts. Submissions may come from anyone on the spectrum or from their neurotypical family members and friends. The purpose of the site is also to uplift, encourage and inspire all of those around us by our God-given talents and to nurture those abilities to their fullest extent." The Artists and Autism Mission statement.

Visit the Facebook group page by searching for "Artists and Autism" on Facebook.

"Autism and the Edge of the Known World" - Meet author Dr. Olga Bogdashina

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:26 CST

So, what do we really know about how people with autism perceive the world? And how do we know their perceptions may not be more complete than those of a neurotypical?

Dr. Bogdashina believes there is much to learn from and about people on the spectrum. Listen as she calls for scientists worldwide to explore their insightful - and often unexplainable - perceptive and sensory abilities.

"Siblings: The Autism Spectrum Through Our Eyes" - Meet author Jane Johnson

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:42 CST

As the managing director of the Autism Research Institute - and mother to a child on the spectrum, Jane is drawn to learning about autism. As an author, she's sharing her findings.

Siblings is a wonderfully hopeful and funny book about autism and parents through the eyes and words of a sib. You know what? Life ain't so bad after all. And the lessons in compassion and understanding that these brothers and sisters are learning will pay huge dividends throughout their lives. What a wonderfully sensitive and competent generation the world has to look forward to!

There's tons of kid-delivered, "been-there done-that" advice in this book. As readers, siblings are the primary audience, but parents/caregivers, teachers, counselors and more will benefit from these insightful, helpful, hopeful writings.

More on Jane Johnson and the book at: www.jkp.com

Dr. Nelson Mane on Hemispheric Integration Therapy - An Autism Hangout Special Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:32 CST

Meet DAN doctor Dr. Nelson Mane. He's also a chiropractic specialist in orthopedics and neurology. In this report, Dr. Mane describes the use of Hemispheric Integration Therapy... and the successes he's seen with autism and associated conditions.

"Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Aspergers Syndrome" - A Conversation with author Rudy Simone

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 8 Apr 2010 08:22 CST

Rudy Simone, author of "22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves A Man With Aspergers Syndrome" and "Aspergers On The Job" has now finished her third book: "Aspirgirls: Empowering Females With Aspergers Syndrome."

Rudy is one of the pioneers of people on the spectrum leading and counseling us to living successfully with autism.

"Where Words Fail, Music Speaks" - Meet Music Therapist Jessica Grooms

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 10:44 CST

If you know of Donna Williams and Dr. Stephen Shore, you've witnessed the incredible power of music in reaching people on the spectrum. Both give testament to the role music played in connecting them with the world.

If you've not yet considered music therapy for your child, listen to Music Therapist Jessica Grooms explain what it is and how it can be used.

Jessica's website is: www.jgmusictherapy.com

Jessica will be back with more helpful Programs on the use of music for speech development, communications, social skills, sensory issues and cognitive development support.

"Mi-Stories from Kencrest Services" - Meet Director Debbie Lord

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:31 CST

Meet Debbie Lord, director and producer of a wonderful, educational program series called Mi-Stories.

Mi-Stories™ are videos that can be viewed on an iPod or DVD, designed to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The videos present models of behavior and language skills that are appropriate in specific situations.

For more info: www.kencrest.org/mi-stories

"Libraries and Autism: We're Connected!" A Program Making Libraries Autism-friendly... and more.

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 1 Mar 2010 16:44 CST

Here is one more GREAT Program opening doors to our special kids!

Meet Dan Weiss and Meg Kolaya, directors at Fanwood Memorial Library and Scotch Planes Public Library (respectively). These folks have assembled a remarkable Program and video that assists libraries in better serving this special population of patrons.

In the process, the Program also educates the public AND offers opportunities for the library to facilitate social groups of people on the spectrum (including their parents). It's extraordinary! The best news is, libraries all across the world are signing up. Thank you Meg and Dan!

Learn more at www.thejointlibrary.org/autism

"Breathe. 52 Oxygen Rich Tools for Loving and Living Well with Autism." A Book by Gayle Nobel

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:54 CST

Gayle is back with a new book filled with attitude-lifting tools and inspirations for loving and living well with autism.

Take it from one that knows (Gayle is an experienced parent of one on the spectrum). Her advice is priceless... for all those living with the daily challenges of autism.

For more information or to order a book, go to: www.autismwithattitude.com

"Make Friends with Autism" (dotorg) - A Community Education Initiative

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:26 CST

Meet Adrienne Robertiello, Community Autism Educator for Children's Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Thanks to a generous grant and partnership with Kohl's the Hospital has now launched www.makefriendswithautism.org - a community education initiative about autism.

"It's the first and only program designed to educate businesses about autism and provide tools to support positive community interactions." All the materials are free and downloadable and soon will be available in both English and Spanish.

See more at: www.makefriendswithautism.org

"Islands of Genius: The Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired, and Sudden Savant"

cevans@autismhangout.com — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:58 CST

Dr. Darold Treffert has spent almost 50 years studying the extraordinary mind of the savant. In this candid discussion, he provides insight, encouragement and techniques to help parents of autistic children develop their child's possible, savant tendencies.

Dr. Treffert is every bit as excited about his research today as he was 50 years ago. The brain has such potential... as do our special kids!

More information at: www.savantsyndrome.com

Write Dr. Treffert here: daroldt@charter.net

"Getting an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at Public Expense" - Attorney David Tollner

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:44 CST

In this Autism Hangout Special Report, Special Education Legal Services attorney David Tollner addresses the 6-rules necessary to get an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at Public Expense.

David's advice is based on years of his legal experience dealing with families of special needs kids.

His resume reads:
Special Education legal services for parents struggling to receive the appropriate education for their child with disabilities. David is the former Executive Director of Pacific Autism Center for Education in Sunnyvale and Rebekah Children's Services in Gilroy, as well as a civil litigator in San Jose for 13 years.

David's 6 rules for "Getting an Independent Educational Evaluation at Public Expense" are summarized at the end of the video.

For more information or to contact David, his email address is: davidtollner@gmail.com

"Unique Kids, Unique Surroundings" - Meet author/designer Lauren Henry

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 5 Feb 2010 11:49 CST

It's always a delight to welcome back someone making new, positive contributions to the lives of our special kids. In this interview, Lauren Henry, founder of With A Brush Of Love returns to discuss her new book "Unique Kids, Unique Surroundings: Creative, 'Green', Budget-Conscious Ways to Design the Ideal Environment for Children with Autism and Special Needs."

Parents, caregivers, teachers and more can benefit from Lauren's insights on colors, textures and - most importantly - meeting the needs of the child and the space.

For more on Lauren or to order a book, visit: www.brushoflove.com

Donna Williams Comments on the Autism Hangout Education Library - An Autism Hangout Special Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 13:13 CST

Author, singer/songwriter, screenwriter and sculptor Donna Williams returns to talk about her contributions to the Autism Hangout Education Library. She also offers an invitation for others on the spectrum to use this tool to describe their learnings about autism (and possibly profit from it).

In this interview, Donna describes her last 3 contributions to the Educational Library:

* Meaning Deafness, Meaning Blindness, Body Disconnectedness; Agnosias in the Context of Autism,

* Navigating Involuntary and Managing Voluntary Behaviours on the Autism Spectrum and

*Battling With Books.

Find all these WONDERFUL Programs here: http://www.autismhangout.com/education/

Find out more about Donna here: www.donnawilliams.net

Mitra Ahani's "Let's Cook" Update: Free Viewing! - An Autism Hangout Special Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:14 CST

Mitra Ahani of route2language (dotcom) and co-creator of "Let's Cook" announces free viewing of the entire "Lets Cook" series!

Mywire (dotcom) has generously donated the program to parents, caregivers and educators to use to involve kids on the spectrum with the skills, socialization and fun offered though the preparation of meals.

The series is available at www.mywire.com under "Featured Publications."

Contact Mitra Ahani at: www.route2language.com

Succeeding In The Workplace - A conversation with "Asperger's On the Job" author Rudy Simone

cevans@autismhangout.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:58 CST

In this interview, Rudy Simone, author of "22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves A Man With Asperger's Syndrome" discusses the May release of two new books: "Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger's Syndrome" and "Asperger's On the Job."

Rudy also talks about her newly assembled "Asperger's On the Job" Educational Program - a video + Powerpoint presentation based on her book - that is now available in the Autism Hangout Education Library. This program contains worksheets for determining ideal job categories (based on interest), interviewing tips and advice for how one on the spectrum can succeed on a job.

For more info, see Rudy's "Asperger's On the Job" series located in the Education Library at Autism Hangout.

Follow this link to her Program in the Education Library: http://www.autismhangout.com/education/list.asp?id=5

And here's a link to her website: www.help4aspergers.com

Meet Author Mary Calhoun Brown - An Autism Hangout Special Report

cevans@autismhangout.com — Thu, 7 Jan 2010 08:47 CST

Author Mary Calhoun Brown's latest book - "There Are No Words" - explores the world through the eyes and thoughts of a young, non-speaking girl with autism. It's a charming, delightful, hopeful read.

In this interview, Mary talks about her inspiration for the book, her motives for writing, and her plans for helping others understand more about the challenges disabled people face. Through her "creative writing" classroom work, Mary also is excited to inspire a new generation of writers.

More on Mary at: www.marycalhounbrown.com