March-April 2010 issue highlights
I Wish He May, I Wish He Might…Sleep Tonight
Understanding complex partial epilepsy and autism
Elizabeth Obrey
Everyone knows children with autism struggle falling asleep, struggle staying asleep, or are just nocturnal.” “Everyone” in our community may acknowledge this, but as the mother of a spectrum child, one who knows intimately the sleep challenges of our children, I’m here to tell you there may be more to this picture than you realize. Approximately three months before his third birthday my son Chase was diagnosed with Complex Partial Epilepsy. Misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis had resulted in our child being completely unable to function by that point. We learned that a viscous cycle of sleep deprivation brought on continuous seizures, while the seizures made sleeping more than 25 minutes at a time a rare event.
Read the article here.
An Interview with Emily Gerson Saines
AADigest talks with one of the executive producers of the HBO Films presentation, TEMPLE GRANDIN. Learn some of the backstage buzz on the movie, Claire Danes role as Temple Grandin, and why the autism community is loving this movie!
Read the interview here.
Off We Go!
7 Ways to Enjoy a Family Holiday with a Child with Autism
Jennifer Krumins
Work has become tedious. The walls of your home seem to be closing in. Kids are bored. Your family needs a holiday. But the thought of disrupting the routine that gets you all through the day, especially for your child with autism, is less than enticing. Traveling with children is always more challenging, but planning a vacation that includes a child with autism can seem downright daunting. Don’t give up yet! There are ways to alleviate some of the stress and create an enjoyable getaway.
The Power of Going in Reverse
Kathryn Smitley, M.Ed.
Reverse mainstreaming is an effective setting for many children with autism. It pairs the general knowledge of grade level students with the isolated knowledge of students on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum students, on the other hand, offer an appropriate level of competition during instruction, and can display superior content knowledge. The small classroom, which mimics the general education setting, offers fewer distractions and promotes better concentration. And, the rewards are ample, and not just on an academic level.
Respect, Cooperate, Negotiate, Be Polite
Teaching Social Expectations
Michelle Garcia Winner, CCC-SLP
The words “respect, cooperate, negotiate, be polite” are often posted on classroom walls to encourage students to use positive social behavior. How do we teach students pivotal social concepts if their brains are not wired to learn these concepts intuitively? How do we help teachers and parents understand that even though our “bright” students use these words they still fail to grasp their underlying meanings? How can we expect students to demonstrate respect or cooperation when they lack the internal, intuitive social perception we assume “everyone” has? These questions are at the core of what it means to teach “social skills.”
Inspirational Stories
Next Stop: Autism Nation
Jené Aviram
When your child is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, you emigrate to a new country called Autism Nation. You don't need a visa, you don't need a passport. You Don't even have time to say goodbye, or prepare or pack. You stare blankly out the window as the train rambles through the unfamiliar landscape. "Autism Nation" you think to yourself. "I don't want to go there."
Read the article here.
The Comparison Game
Deborah Meyer Abbs
The comparison game is never any fun, yet it’s so easy to fall right into. And, its rules are simple: notice how good/right/easier everything outside yourself or your own life is, and compare it to how bad/wrong/terrible your own situation is. When the game involves our children with autism, just how does a parent beat those comparison game blues?
AADigest Replay: May-June 2002 issue
Affirmation of Strength
Jennifer Abeles
"God, please fill me daily with the strength, motivation, and energy to understand and see the hidden blessings that autism brings into my life. I am only human. There are days when I feel like I cannot do it, when I think I cannot take it anymore. I worry for my child, I become exhausted working towards a future that I cannot see. Help me remember that YOU can see where my (child’s) life is going!"
From the book, The Heart of Autism: Motivational Intervention Strategies for Caregivers & Professionals, by Jennifer Abeles. 2006. Future Horizons, publisher.
Featured Book
1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s
Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk
Revised and expanded second edition of the best-selling book. Over 600 new ideas and more than 1800 ideas total! Read excepts from the book here!
Love what you see? Buy a copy today!
Our Regular Columns
Editorial
By Veronica Zysk, Managing Editor
Curiosity's Call
Autism & Asperger’s | The Way I See It
By Temple Grandin, Ph.D.
My Treatment for Ringing in the Ears
Temple Grandin, the movie, debuted February 6th on HBO! If you haven't seen it yet, it's still running on HBO channels during March. Don't miss it!
Communication | More than Words
By Marge Blanc, M.A., CCC-SLP
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Early Intervention | Building for the Future
By James Ball, Ed.D., BCBA
The Must Haves: Core Elements of Your EI Program
Sensory | Sensory Smarts
By Lindsey Biel, OTR/L
A Sensory Diet Happens 24/7 (Part 1 of 2)
Biodynamics | Healing from Within
By Donna Gates
Healing in Tiny Increments
Parent to Parent | The Sweet Spot
By Michelle McConnell
Bright Beginnings
Adult Issues | Nagivating Toward Success
By Nick Dubin, Psy.D.
Hey Dad - Can I Drive?
Read More! AADigest subscribers have access to two more articles on driving in the Subscriber Extras page of the website.
Newsbites
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