Autism Blog

Inclusion as a philosophy, Accommodations vs. Modifications, Motor planning in Autism, Teacher’s attitudes towards inclusion, Presuming Competence as the Least Dangerous Assumption, How to create a successful team, Literacy Ladders vs. Literacy webs.

Nancy is an Inclusion Specialist and Assistive Technology Specialist who strives to include those with the most severe disabilities in general education classrooms. She has been working for the past 7 years on including those who have autism and are nonverbal in the general education classroom environment, advocating and emphasizing literacy opportunities through the use of Assistive Technology. Nancy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Chapman University. She received her certificate in Assistive Technology through the Orange County Department of Education and California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2009. Nancy completed the Mentorship Project for Communication Partner Support through WAPADH in Santa Fe Springs in 2008 and the FC Institute Summer Conference at Syracuse University in New York in 2005 and 2006. Nancy is a professional member of RESNA and a parent member of TACA. Nancy’s agency, S.T.A.R. – Supported Typing and Autism Resources, is located in Laguna Hills, CA and teaches those who are unable to communicate verbally an alternative communication strategy using Assistive Technology.

Hello all. We have an upcoming webinar Monday September 14th. We have a unique webinar coming up. For the first time we have a young man who grew up with aspergers and he will share with his mom his experiences. So far the questions coming up have been really good. Here are a couple that have been posted so far. I hope you can join us.

Date: Monday, September 14, 2009
Time: 6pm Pacific
http://www.momsfightingautism.com/teleseminar

Question 1

Hi Blaze and Debra. I was very excited to hear that we’d be hearing about AS through a young person’s perspective. I have a high functioning 7-year-old boy with AS who, at times, struggles in social situations. He knows that he sometimes struggles with friendships and that’s why we see an OT. We haven’t told our son that he has AS, but we know there will be a time when we need to. Will you share with us at what age you learned you have AS, how you felt, if you shared your diagnosis with others, and maybe how other’s perceived you, if applicable?

Question 2

I have a 5 year old that we believe has Aspergers. What can I do as a parent to insure that he will be happy and accepted into society (ie - playdates, working on social skills, computer programs helping him reference other’s feelings, how to help him identify other’s motives - good or bad, how to succeed in school, etc.) Thank you!

Question 3

How were you able to socialize with other children, particularly in your class? Any tips on how to encourage a school district/teachers to include a child with autism in the social fabric of a class?

Question 4

Thus far at what point/points in life have you found to be the most difficult? And does it usually revolve around social and shool scenerios, home stresses or a combination of the two? Do your fellow students in school know about your Autism and do you think there awareness has helped them gain understanding of who you are?

These are just a few of the 40 plus questions we have received so far. I hope you can attend and listen to the answers and participate.  Please feel free to leave your comments below.

Asperger’s Syndrome and Bullying

Date: Monday, July 27, 2009

Time: 6pm-8pm Pacific Standard Time

Asperger’s Syndrome and Bullying Based on Nick Dubin’s book Asperger’s Syndrome and Bullying (2007 Jessica Kingsley Publishers), this webinar will explore the etiology of bullying among the Asperger population while offering strategies for empowerment geared towards teachers, parents, schools and individuals with Asperger’s themselves. Statistically, the vast majority of children with Asperger’s Syndrome will experience frequent bullying. This seminar aims to provide real answers to help curb this destructive trend.

I’m Ready To Register Free Now

Speaker: Nick Dubin, M.Ed., Psy.S

A neuropsychologist diagnosed Nick Dubin with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2004. Since then Nick has been a passionate advocate on issues relating to the autism spectrum. Dr. Dubin has a Bachelor’s degree in communications from Oakland University, a Masters degree in special education from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Doctoral degree from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Dubin authored three books and produced three DVD’s, all relating to the autism spectrum. Nick lives in the greater Detroit, Michigan area and currently works on his next book about ASD and depression. For more information, visit: http://www.aspergerwisdom.com/

Communication and Behavior : How to help children, teens, and adults who have little verbal communication skills

Date: Monday, May 18, 2009

Time: 6pm-8pm Pacific Standard Time

Darlene will discuss the connection between behavior and communication; how to help someone develop appropriate communication skills; how to encourage verbal skills, assistive technology and augmentative communication : what they are and how they can help.

Register for this Free event now
Speaker: Darlene Hanson, MA, CCC

Darlene Hanson, MA, CCC has been a Speech and Language Pathologist for 20 years, working with individuals with severe communication impairments. Her expertise in working with individuals who are “non verbal” and use alternate modes of communication, as well as in the area of speech development for persons with severe motor apraxia as it relates to autism. She worked in the public school setting as a school based clinician and program specialist, taught university level courses at Chapman University. She currently provides training on autism, full inclusion, creating a communicative environment and Facilitated Communication. Her mission is to provide quality training and support to individuals with severe communication impairments so that their lives are enhanced by communication and they have a means of communication to actively participate in their lives, and community. www.darlenehanson.com