Positively Autism: 2012

Friday, December 21, 2012

December Newsletter: Technology Interventions and Christmas Resources

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

December Positive Autism News

On the Job: Autistic Excel at Detail, Repetition
December 16, 2010
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/bruzzese/2012/12/16/on-the-job-autistic-workers/1764827/

Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

Autistic Success: Winning Contests, Making Art, Graduating from College, and Finding Work
December 15, 2012
http://thautcast.com/drupal5/content/autistic-success-winning-contests-making-art-graduating-college-and-finding-work

Autism Couldn't Stop Student's Pursuit of MTSU Degree
December 14, 2012
http://www.dnj.com/article/20121215/NEWS/312150026

Cary-Grove Freshman Has Autism — and a Gift for Music
December 13, 2012
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20121213/entlife/712139960/

Boy with Autism Funds Research with Hand-Drawn Holiday Cards
December 12, 2012
http://www.news.wisc.edu/21349

The Autism Advantage
December 2, 2012
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/magazine/the-autism-advantage.xml

Monday, December 17, 2012

Reminder: Free Christmas Social Stories!

Check out Positively Autism's collection of free Christmas Social Skill Stories and activities:

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Technology Research: Video Modeling Training Via iPad

Title of Study: Teaching Caregivers to Implement Video Modeling Imitation Training Via iPad for their Children with Autism

Author: Teresa A. Cardon

Who Participated? Four children with autism from ages 2 to 4 years (2 boys and 2 girls)

What Technology Used? Video modeling on an iPad

What Skills Taught? Imitation skills

Results: All children showed either no imitation or minimal levels of imitation skills prior to training using the iPad video modeling program. After the training began, all children showed an increased level of imitation. Testing also indicated that all children made some gains on expressive communication and three of the four showed some gains in auditory comprehension.

Where Published: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 6 (2012), pages 1389–1400.

Please read the complete study to evaluate the results for yourself.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

iPads Can Inspire Changes in Teaching, Learning

An article about using iPads to increase student learning and engagement in the classroom. http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ipad-strategies-struggling-learners-ben-johnson

Buying an iPad or tablet? Purchase from Amazon.com and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to Positively Autism if you use our link below. Thanks for your support!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Train-Themed App to Teach Emotion Recognition to Students with Autism

This app sounds awesome!

"With Training Faces, Therese Wantuch said she wanted to create a learning tool that was fun and functional for children with autism. Focused on a passenger train traveling to destinations around the world, the game requires players to match a specified emotion with the correct picture of the passenger’s facial expression. Each session includes four rounds, and each round has a time limit. At the completion of each session, the player will get to see the train complete the route on the map."

Read About it Here:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20121209/BIZ/312090105/A-mom-her-app-Technology-affecting-autism

Find the App at Amazon.com here.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Technology Research: iPod-Based Speech Generating Device

Title of Study: Teaching Advanced Operation of an iPod-Based Speech-Generating Device to Two Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Authors: Donna Achmadi, Debora M. Kagohara, Larah van der Meer, Mark F. O’Reilly, Giulio E. Lancioni, Dean Sutherland, Russell Lang, Peter B. Marschik, Vanessa A. Green, and Jeff Sigafoos

Who Participated? Two adolescents males with autism spectrum disorders, one 17 years old and one 13 years old.

What Technology Used? An iPod Touch® with Proloquo2Go^TM software (called the “speech-generating device” in the study).

What Skills Taught? Requesting specific snacks or toys using the speech-generating device.

Results: Before being taught to use the device, neither participant was using the device to make any independent requests. After the intervention 1 phase of the study, both participants began to perform the multi-step requesting sequence on the device between 10 and 30 times per 5 minute session.

Where Published: Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 6 (2012), pages 1258–1264.

Please read the study for a full description of the teaching strategies used and to evaluate the results for yourself.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Technology Research: Using an iPad to Teach Numbers

Title of Study: Using an iPad-based Video Modelling Package to Teach Numeracy Skills to a Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors: E.L. Jowett, D.W. Moore, and A. Anderson

Who Participated? A 5-year-old boy with ASD

What Technology Used? iPad, with video clips for counting the number of favorite characters on screen. The video clip would show, for example, six birds next to the numeral, “6.” The video clips also showed a child writing each number.

What Skills Taught? Identifying numbers, writing numbers, and understanding the quantity represented by a number.

Results: According to the authors, the intervention was successful in helping the student acquire and maintain the targeted skills. The student was said to show an immediate increase in the target skills after watching the video clips for each number.

Where Published: Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 2012

Link: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/225299632_Using_an_iPad-based_video_modelling_package_to_teach_numeracy_skills_to_a_child_with_an_autism_spectrum_disorder/file/9fcfd501aebd62ad54.pdf

Please read the study for a full description of the teaching strategies used and to evaluate the results for yourself.

Friday, December 7, 2012

How Tablets Helped Unlock One Girl's Voice

An interesting story from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/14/tech/mobile/carly-fleischmann-mobile-autism/index.html

Amazon.com donates a percent of your purchases to Positively Autism. Help keep our resources free!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Great Video! Robots Teach Children with Autism

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Monday, December 3, 2012

Autism Speaks iPad 2 Grant

December 2012: Autism Speaks iPad 2 Grant!

Autism Speaks is thrilled to announce that through the generosity of Sevenly.org and the James W. Pickle Foundation, 625 financially disadvantaged individuals with autism and schools will receive an Apple iPad 2!

Eligible applicants are individuals who:
- Have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder by a licensed professional,
- Reside in the United States,
- Have limited income and cannot afford to purchase an iPad.

Note: If you already submitted an application for the iPad 2 grant in February 2012, you must re-apply to be considered for the new round.

Technology Grant Timeline

December 3: Online Application Opens
December 7: Application Closes
December 7-14: Review Committee Selects Recipients
December 17: Recipients Announced and iPads sent out!!

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by the person with autism, an immediate family member of the person with autism, or a licensed teacher, social worker, or therapist. The Technology Grant Review Committee will review eligible applications based on established criteria and select the iPad grant recipients. Some applicants will be contacted by staff for follow up information. All applicants selected to receive an iPad 2 will be contacted on December 17. Others will receive an email informing them of their status.

Visit the AutismCares website to apply! You must create a login and select Autism Speaks iPad Grant.

Note: Please DO NOT complete the application entitled "AutismCares Application" if you are applying for an iPad. Only those applicants that complete the application entitled “Autism Speaks iPad Grant” will be considered.

Note: Only applicants in the United States will be considered. We cannot accept applications from outside the United States.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

November 2012 Newsletter: Technology Interventions

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

New Downloads This Month

November Positive Autism News

Autistic Athlete Defies the Odds
November 9, 2012
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/20057464/football-player-with-autism-defies-the-odds

Parents Happy to Find Utah Businesses Autism-Aware
November 15, 2012
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Parents-happy-to-find-Utah-businesses-autism-aware-4041359.php

SPIDER-MAN, NEWSIES and More to Offer Autism-Friendly Performances in 2013
November 16, 2012
http://broadwayworld.com/article/SPIDER-MAN-NEWSIES-and-More-to-Offer-Autism-Friendly-Performances-in-2013-20121116

The Autism Project: A Worker with Autism May Be Your Best Employee
November 17, 2012
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1289419--the-autism-project-a-worker-with-autism-may-be-your-best-employee

York University Students with Asperger’s Thrive in Mentorship Program
November 17, 2012
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1289299--the-autism-project-york-university-students-with-asperger-s-thrive-in-mentorship-program

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

The Best "Expressive Language" Apps - A Review by Speech Therapist and Author, Lois Brady

Sunday, November 18, 2012

PICO, A Decision Making Tool for Selecting Apps

Two speech-language pathologists (SLPs) developed a decision making tool for SLPs to use when selecting apps. The PICO template is a purposeful tool for selection of apps instead of the “grab and go” method.

While this tool was created for SLPs, I think it may be helpful for other educators and parents as well.

Read the complete article about this tool here: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/?pageId=3549

Friday, November 16, 2012

Tips for Choosing Software and Apps

Since there are so many apps and computer programs to choose from, here's a list of tips to help guide your shopping. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have other tips. Thanks!

Write down a list of skills you'd like to target with the programs/apps. For example, do you want your child or student to work on counting, greeting and conversation skills, reading, etc. This will help you focus your search.
Read reviews of apps before you buy.
See if programs/apps have a trial, demo, or "light" version that you can try for free before you buy.
Make sure the program/app is easy to use. If it isn't very user friendly, the child may loose interest or not learn as well.
See if the app/program can "grow" with your child/student. For example, I have a counting app that starts out with numbers 1 through 5, but the settings can be adjusted to go to higher numbers.
Make sure you (as the parent or teacher) find that the program or app settings are easy to customize and manage.
Choose program/apps that require little or no reading, unless this is the skill you want to focus on, or if your student can read fluently.
See if the program/app uses errorless learning. This means that the program prevents the child from making a wrong answer. This may be done by only allowing the correct shape to be placed in an "answer box" in the program. Incorrect shapes are immediately moved away from the "answer box" if the child tries to put them there. Errorless learning is helpful because we don't want the student to practice getting a wrong answer.
Use programs/apps that match a child's special interests. For example, if your child is really interested in trains or cars, find programs with this theme. A child may enjoy a train theme game more than a program specifically designed for students with autism that doesn't have that theme.

More tips for choosing apps are in the book:

Apps for Autism: An Essential Guide to Over 200 Effective Apps for Improving Communication, Behavior, Social Skills, and More!

Reviews of specific apps can be found here: http://momswithapps.com/apps-for-special-needs/

References:
http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-apps-for-autism
http://thesocialexpress.com/1486/learn-more/choose-app-kids-autism/

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Computer Software for Autism

I've generated a list of computer software programs for children and adults with autism. This list is not necessarily complete, so please feel free to leave a comment if you have another program you recommend. Our next blog post will be tips on how to choose a software program for a person with autism, so be sure to follow Positively Autism on Facebook or Twitter to be notified of upcoming posts!

Please note that all prices are in U.S. dollars. The information provided on this website is not a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource and does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Positively Autism has not validated and is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment and request references when considering any resource associated with the provision of services related to autism.

Name: Jacob's Lessons
Link: http://www.jacobslessons.com/
Skills: Basic academics and reading
Price: Free

Name: PBS Kids
Link: http://www.pbskids.org/
Skills: various academic
Price: Free

Name: Autism Unlocked
Link: http://www.autismunlocked.com/
Skills: Conversation and communication skills
Price: $30.00 (single user for one year; multi-user accounts available)

Name: Vizzle
Link: http://www.monarchteachtech.com/
Skills: Academic Skills
Price: Various

Name: TeachTown
Link: http://web.teachtown.com/
Skills: Language Development, Adaptive Skills, Social Emotional, Cognitive Skills, Language Arts, and Mathematics.
Price: $300.00 per student (one year license)

Name: Starfall
Link: http://www.starfall.com/
Skills: Academics and Reading
Price: Home membership $35, Teacher membership: $70, Classroom Membership: $150, School Membership: $270

Name: Language Builder Picture Nouns
Link: Available at Amazon
Skills: Language development
Price: $88.99

Name: Mind Reading: The Interactice Guide to Emotions
Link: Available at Amazon
Skills: Social skills
Price: $108.80

Name: You Are A Social Detective! CD
Link: http://www.difflearn.com/product/You_Are_A_Social_Detective/computer_games
Skills: Social skills
Price: $89.95

Name: Small Steps, Big Skills Video Game
Link: http://www.difflearn.com/product/Small_Steps_Big_Skills_Video_Game/computer_games
Skills: Life skills
Price: $89.95

Name: FaceSay
Link: http://www.facesay.com/
Skills: Social skills
Price: Classroom Edition 5 Students on 1 PC: $249 (other levels available)

Name: Picture It and PixWriter
Link: http://www.suncastletech.com/
Skills: Academic and social skills
Price: $125.00 per program

Name: Social Skill Builder
Link: http://www.socialskillbuilder.com/
Skills: Social skills
Price: Each Social Skill Builder CD-ROM costs between $69.99 and $89.99. All five CD-ROMs may be purchased together at a 10% discount.

Name: The Social Express
Link: http://thesocialexpress.com/
Skills: Social skills
Price: $89.99

Name: MouseTrial
Link: http://www.mousetrial.com/
Skills: Vocabulary, concentration, cooperation and literacy
Price: Yearly home license: $29; Yearly classroom license: $39

Name: Laureate Learning Systems
Link: http://www.laureatelearning.com/specials/autpack.html
Skills: Language and communication
Price: $1,661 and up

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Research on Technology Interventions

Before we feature more technology-based interventions for children and adults with autism, let's look at the research behind these interventions.

According to the National Autism Center report, which summarized the research available about different autism teaching strategies, "Technology-based Treatments" are considered an "emerging" intervention. This means that there have been a few studies published about these intervention strategies.

According to the NAC report, technology interventions have been used to teach academic, communication, and self-regulation skills to children with autism ages 6 to 14 years. This reflects the extent of the research that was completed by 2009, when the report was published. There have been many new research studies since this time, and these uses of technology for people with autism will likely continue to grow.

Here are a few websites that you can use to look up how much research support different interventions have to support them:

National Autism Center Report: a free 2009 summary of research on different strategies. Provides a list of interventions that are considered established, emerging, unestablished, and ineffective. You can look up an intervention, and see which category it falls into. http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/nsp/reports.php

National Professional Development Center on ASD: provides step-by-step guides on different strategies that are considered evidence-based. http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/content/briefs

National Association for Science in Autism Treatment: research summaries on different strategies. http://www.asatonline.org/treatment/autismtreatments

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

How the iPad Helps People with Autism Communicate and Learn

Saturday, November 3, 2012

November/December Topic: Technology Interventions

Our new topic for the newsletter is technology interventions. We'll explore ways to use computers, tablets, iPads, and other technology to help children and adults with autism.

Students with autism can often learn very well using educational apps and games on tablet computers such as the Kindle Fire. Check out what's available from Amazon.com by cliking the picture below. Amazon donates a percentate of your purchases to Positively Autism. This helps us keep our teaching materials and newsletter free!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

October Newsletter - Halloween Resources and Info on Transition to Adulthood

This month, we're finishing our series on autism and the trasition to adulthood. You'll also find some free Halloween stories and activities, as well as some new teaching materials!

Main Articles

Residential Options for Adults with Autism - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/residential-options-for-adults-with.html

Organization Feature: Roses for Autism - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/organization-feature-roses-for-autism.html

Autism Speaks Employment Issues Think Tank - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/autism-speaks-employment-issues-think.html

Organization Feature: Exceptional Minds, A Non-Profit Vocational Center and Animation Studio - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/organization-feature-exceptional-minds.html

Autism in the Workplace - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/autism-in-workplace.html

A Great Website on Transition to Adulthood - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-great-website-on-transition-to.html

The Autism Society's Employment Work Group - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-autism-societys-employment-work.html

Books About Autism and Adulthood - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/books-about-autism-and-adulthood.html

October Positive Autism News - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-2012-positive-autism-news.html

New Teaching Materials and Downloads

Halloween Social Skill Stories, Songs, Videos, Activities, and More! - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-free-resources-halloween-social.html

Train Flashcard Activity Ideas - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/train-flashcard-activity-ideas.html

Boxcar Sight Words - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-free-download-boxcar-sight-words.html

Transition Countdown - http://positively-autism.blogspot.com/2012/10/new-download-transition-countdown.html

Announcement

Would you like to learn how to use the research-proven strategies of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in a natural and fun way that makes learning easy and enjoyable? Check out Positively Autism's next online training class. Classes are flexible, allowing you to access course activities at any time from any computer with an internet connection. Plus, you get individual support from Nicole Caldwell, M.Ed., founder of Positively Autism. Register early and save over 15%! More info: http://www.positivelyautism.com/training/

Friday, October 26, 2012

October 2012 Positive Autism News

Teen with Autism Crowned Homecoming King at Michigan High School
October 4, 2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/04/danny-leideker-autistic-teen-crowned-homecoming-king-blow-against-bullying_n_1940566.html

Dreamworks Joins Tom Hanks, Ed Asner and Other Hollywood Visionaries in Support of Exceptional Minds, Working Studio For Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum
October 4, 2012
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/prweb9977025.htm

Kids with Autism Learn Through Dance Thanks to Brighton Ballet Theater
October 17, 2012
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/autistic-kids-learn-dance-thanks-brighten-ballet-theater-irina-roizin-article-1.1186142

Girl with Autism Performs with Katy Perry
October 19, 2012
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2012/10/autistic-girl-jodi-dipiazza-performs-with-katy-perry/

Boy with Autism Forms Bond with High School Foot Ball Player
October 19, 2012
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121019/NEWS01/710199890

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Books About Autism and Adulthood

Amazon.com will donate a percentage of your book purchases to support Positively Autism, at no cost to you! These donations help us continue to offer free materials to you.

Realizing the College Dream With Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success

Students with Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel

Preparing Students with Disabilities for College Success: A Practical Guide for Transition

Autism & the Transition to Adulthood: Success Beyond the Classroom

Asperger's on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism, and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates

Different . . . Not Less: Inspiring Stories of Achievement and Successful Employment from Adults with Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

New Download: Transition Countdown

A chart for visual learners that shows the passage of time until a transition takes place. Many times, it makes the transition between activities easier for students with autism if they know what activity will come next and when it is time to change activities.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Transition-Countdown

Monday, October 22, 2012

New Free Download: Boxcar Sight Words

Sample image from the flashcards.

A fun train-theme online flash card set for practicing reading common sight words, such as "the," "and," "has," and "are." The flash cards can also be printed.

I've used this set of flash cards with students who love trains, and it kept them much more motivated to learn that flash cards with a plain background.

Get the flashcards free here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/sightwords_boxcar.pdf

Positively Autism has other train themed reading activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/14earlylearning.html

Saturday, October 20, 2012

The Autism Society's Employment Work Group

In July of this year, the Autism Society of America put together a group of professionals, self-advocates, educators, Autism Society chapter leaders, and others to meet and discuss issues relating to employment for adults with autism. This "Employment Working Group" has been working on finalizing a participant list for the 2012-2013 year. This group will work together to create a project related to employment issues for adults with autism, as well as gather information and research findings on the issue. There may be upcoming webinars or radio presentations from the group. More information, as well as how to submit your thoughts or ideas for the group, can be found on the Autism Society website: http://www.autism-society.org/news/working-group-update-1.html

Friday, October 19, 2012

Train Flashcard Activity Ideas

Here are some was to make reading flash cards fun by using a train theme! http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/TrainReadingFlashcardFun.pdf

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

A Great Website on Transition to Adulthood

James Williams manages a very helpful website with lots of links on transition to adulthood after the public school years. http://www.transitionmatters.org/

Amazon.com recommends...

Friday, October 12, 2012

Autism in the Workplace

Autism Speaks has put together a helpful page of employment resources with videos of companies that successfully employ adults with autism. Lots of great ideas! http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/adult-services/autism-workplace

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Organization Feature: Exceptional Minds, A Non-Profit Vocational Center and Animation Studio

Organization Name: Exceptional Minds

Location: Sherman Oaks, CA

Programs: Exceptional Minds is a non-profit vocational center and working production studio for young adults on the autism spectrum. Chartered in 2011 to provide the training necessary for visually-gifted ASD individuals who may not otherwise be able to make the transition from high school to the working world, Exceptional Minds offers technical proficiency and work readiness skills that prepare students for careers in graphic arts, animation, web design, visual effects and rotoscoping. Located in Sherman Oaks, Calif., Exceptional Minds is both an instructional learning facility and a working studio with hands-on student involvement in production projects, many for the film industry. The school has worked on three films.

Website: http://www.exceptionalmindsstudio.org/

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Autism Speaks Employment Issues Think Tank

This month, Autism Speaks released a report on autism employment issues from a Think Tank they conducted this year. I'm very pleased that adults with autism were included in the Think Tank, as well as service providers and business leaders (among others).

You can read the report, which includes info about job accommodations and the interview process, here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/as_think_tank_exec_summary_web1.pdf

Saturday, October 6, 2012

New Free Resources: Halloween Social Skill Stories, Songs, Videos, Activities, and More!

View Positively Autism's page of Halloween tips, resources, and activities, here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_halloween.html

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Organization Feature: Roses for Autism

Name of Organization: Roses for Autism

Location: Guilford, CT

Description (from the Roses for Autism website):
Roses for Autism was the inspiration of a father of a teen with autism. Like many parents of children with disabilities, Jim Lyman dreamt of a future where his son, Eli, would have a meaningful job and continued opportunities to grow as an individual.

Through his work in agriculture Jim knew that local farmers were struggling to find qualified workers to keep their businesses alive. He had the vision to see a perfect opportunity for an innovative program that would meet the needs of both the autism and agricultural communities.

Roses for Autism not only provides individuals on the autism spectrum the chance to learn the skills necessary to maintain meaningful employment, but also serves as a model that can be replicated nationwide to develop unique opportunities for them as a whole new competitive workforce.

Started in 2009, Roses for Autism is the first business endeavor for Growing Possibilities, a nonprofit social enterprise founded by Ability Beyond Disability that is dedicated to growing independence in the business world for individuals with Autism and other disabilities.

Website: http://www.rosesforautism.com/

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Residential Options for Adults with Autism

Continuing our series on services for adults with autism, here's an overview of residential options.

Some adults with autism may live at home with family or may live independently in their own home, but there are a variety of additional options that families can consider when looking at housing and residential options for their adult children with autism.

Supported Living: minimal levels of support services are provided to an individual who is able to live in an apartment or house. These services are provided by caregivers who work under the direction of the individual and customize support services to meet the individual’s needs.

Supervised, or Semi-Independent, Living: this option also provides services to an individual who lives in an apartment or house (either alone or with others). In this option, services are more direct and intensive, up to 24 hours a day, if necessary. Functional life skills such as cooking, shopping, and managing money can be taught or supported by staff.

Group Home Living: a residential model in which several, unrelated individuals with disabilities live together in a facility where staff are present 24 hours per day. Individuals may participate in community activities and instruction on independent living skills.

Group Living/Ownership (Co‐op): a model similar to a group home, with the exception that the home is owned by a group of families that form a cooperative agreement. Caregivers to staff the home are hired by the cooperative.

Farmstead Communities: provide residential services for a number of people in the context of a working farm.

Assisted Living Facilities/Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF): these facilities provide direct assistance with personal care and daily activities such as dressing and bathing. Some of these programs may also provide medication assistance. Nursing homes may provide support services to those with more significant medical needs or the elderly.

Developmental Centers: large residential facilities located on a campus‐like setting where residents have intensive needs related to their disabilities. Many states no longer run large developmental centers, or are looking at options for more community-based residential settings.

More information about these housing options, as well as funding options and ways to find residential facilities, please read the Autism Speaks Housing and Residential Supports ToolKit: http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/housing_tool_kit_web2.pdf .

More residential support information and resources are available here: http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/housing-and-residential-supports

Sunday, September 30, 2012

September 2012 Newsletter

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Halloween Social Skill Stories

Here's a social skill story from Positively Autism about handing out candy to children from home on Halloween. http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/socialstory_trickortreat.pdf

Valerie Herskowitz has written a story about Trick-orTreating. http://www.valerieherskowitz.com/downloads/TT.ppt

Halloween Activities from TinSnips Special Education website: http://www.tinsnips.org/Pages/halloween.html

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

New Resource: Butterfly Pattern Match Folder Game

Check out a new file folder game from Positively Autism! This game is a butterfly pattern matching game. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Spotted-Butterflies-Folder-Game

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

September Positive Autism News

Autistic Man Brings Micro-Business to Towson City Center
September 12, 2012
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/towson/ph-tt-health-vendor-0912-20120910,0,5281502.story

Autism Can’t Slow This Kart Prodigy
September 14, 2012
http://www.wheels.ca/news/autism-cant-slow-this-kart-prodigy/

Ten-Year-Old Autistic Girl Memorizes Complicated Ballet
September 24, 2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/24/ten-year-old-autistic-gir_n_1909129.html?ir=Arts

Autistic Basketball Star Jason McElwain Qualifies for Boston Marathon
September 25, 2012
http://www.rantsports.com/clubhouse/2012/09/25/autistic-basketball-star-jason-mcelwain-qualifies-for-boston-marathon/

Autistic Girl Finds Life in Painting
September 25, 2012
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-09/25/content_15782767.htm

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Possibili-Tees: Providing Employment and Job Skills Training

Name of Organization: Possibili-Tees

Location: Staten Island, NY

Programs Offered: Possibili-Tees is a nonprofit screen printing company with a unique social mission. Possibili-Tees not only produces custom designed t-shirts and promotional items, it also provides employment and job skills training to young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disorders.

Possibili-Tees will outfit your organization with quality apparel and promotional products suitable for any occasion. Possibili-Tees’ high quality products provide an innovative way for your organization to be a force for good in the world without sacrificing quality and the bottom line. Our customers include businesses, private and public schools, universities, sports teams, government agencies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and many others.

Possibili-Tees employs 28 persons with disabilities, all of which are paid a wage of at least the N.Y. State minimum wage. Our Job Skills Training Services serves over 40 adolescents and young adults with Autism and we are in the process of developing a program to place graduates in businesses other than Possibili-Tees through our job coaching program.

Possibili-Tees’ supportive environment and social enterprise approach is uniquely positioned to effectively deliver high quality sustainable services to both its customers and its employees. All profits generated by Possibili-Tees are used to fund the job skills training and other support programs.

Website: http://www.possibilitees1.org/

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

nonPareil Institute: Providing Technical Training to Adults with Autism

Name of Organization: nonPareil Institute

Location: Plano, Texas

Programs Offered: The nonPareil Institute offers a technical training program to individuals on the autism spectrum. Students work and learn skills such as computer programming, digital art and 3D modeling in a flexible and no-pressure environment. Students develop these technical skills as well as job skills and social skills that can benefit them in future employment and social settings.

Website: http://www.npitx.org/

Additional Resources:

Saturday, September 15, 2012

College Living Experience

Throughout the month, we'll be featuring some organizations supporting adults with autism. A listing here doesn't imply an endorsement, so please make sure you thoroughly check out all organizations before using their sevices.

Name of Organization: College Living Experience

Locations: Austin, TX; Costa Mesa, CA; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Denver, CO; Monterey, CA; and Washington, D.C.

Programs Offered: College Living Experience (CLE) is a college program for students with learning disabilities, Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome, nonverbal learning disorders, and ADD/ADHD. Staff and counselors help promote transition to college, adulthood and independent living through tutoring, independent living skills development programs, and structured social activities.

Website: http://www.experiencecle.com/

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Adults with Asperger Syndrome

Many talented, intelligent adults are being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Could you or someone you love be one of them? http://autism.about.com/od/aspergerssyndrome/a/adultsaspergers.htm

Another article about this topic: How Do Experts Diagnose Asperger Syndrome in Adults? http://autism.about.com/od/aspergerssyndrome/f/dxasadults.htm

Amazon.com recommends...

Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Meet Some Well-Known Adults with Autism

To kick-off our theme of services for adults with autism, we would like to share some biographies of well-known adults with autism who have made great accomplishments and contributions to both their fields of interest and to the autism community. This list is by no means complete!

Note: Click on the book cover pictures to view the book at Amazon.com. For each purchase, Amazon.com makes a donation to Positively Autism!

Donna Williams, Author and Artist: http://www.donnawilliams.net/about.0.html

Stephen Shore, Author, Speaker, Educator, and Musician: http://www.autismasperger.net/bio.htm

William Stillman, Author and Speaker: http://www.williamstillman.com/about.html

John Elder Robison, Author and Speaker: http://www.johnrobison.com/about-john.php

Temple Grandin, Author, Speaker, and Professor: http://autism.about.com/od/whoswhoinautism/f/TempleGrandin.htm

Jerry and Mary Newport, Authors and Speakers: http://www.jerrynewport.com/

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

September/October Topic: Adult Services

Our next newsletter topic is services for adults on the autism spectrum. We’ll share resources for a variety of topics, including housing, college, and transition planning. We’ll also feature some books and organizations for adults with autism and their families.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

August 2012 Newsletter

Printable Version of Our Newsletter

We're announcing a new feature! A printer-friendly version of each month's newsletter will be available for a $1.00 donation in Positively Autism's store on TeachersPayTeachers.com. Here's the August 2012 newsletter: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Printable-PositivelyAutism-Newsletter-August-2012

Monday, August 27, 2012

August 2012 Positive Autism News

Man with Autism Gives Back to Community Through Delivery Service
August 22, 2012
http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/inspirational-autistic-man-gives-back-to-community-through-delivery-service-1.925834
Visit his website: http://www.anthonyatyourservice.com/

11-Year-Old Artist With Autism Debuts Artwork At National Art Exhibition
August 18, 2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/18/luis-paredes-autistic-artist-national-gallery-artwork_n_1792384.html

Child with Autism Inspires Business, Its Patrons
August 16, 2012
http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/autistic-child-inspires-business-its-patrons-1.327634

Friday, August 24, 2012

August Teacher of the Month: Tracey Déathe

Positively Autism wants to congratulate our first Teacher of the Month, Tracey Déathe! Here is what the parent who nominated this teacher had to say:

"Mrs. Deathe is the best teacher my son has had and is constantly going above and beyond the call of duty for her students. She participates in so many activities so that her students have access to learn how to function within the community. She takes her students on outings to the grocery store, restaurants, and for horse back riding within the community. She also makes sure that every child in her classroom gets to participate in the Special Olympics which is very rare within the district. Most only take a couple of students. She makes sure they all get to go who are eligible by age. I've seen Mrs. Deathe still be at school sometimes until 7 or 8 in the evening just to get what needs to be done for the next day ready. She has also gone above and beyond to have a special holiday meal for Thanksgiving for all current students as well as those from years past. I would like to see her rewarded for constantly putting in far above and beyond what other special education teachers within our district put in to make sure each and every student succeeds in meeting their individual goals."

We appreciate great teachers like Tracey Déathe! If you know a teacher who deserves to be recognized, please nominate him or her for Positively Autism's Teacher of the Month: http://www.positivelyautism.com/teacherofthemonth.html

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Free Materials! "The Napping House" Activities

Here are some activities to go with the cute story of "The Napping House." The focus is vocabulary from the story, as well as rooms/parts of a house.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_nappinghouse.html

Be sure to check out all of Positively Autism's theme activities for your lessons plans this school year! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/04lessonplans.html

Buy the book from Amazon.com and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to support Positively Autism!