An interesting way you can help families and individuals with autism this month is by getting a tattoo…Yes you read this correctly! Ink 4 autism allows you to find a tattoo shop near you that will donate a portion of the cost of your tattoo towards Autism Speaks during the month of April. You can also check out their Facebook page to see the ink people got. Happy inking!
Monthly Archives: April 2014
“Signing Time” Is a Gem of Communication
I learned about this resource while working on my dissertation and have been thrilled with the videos and apps provided by Two Little Hands Productions. Sign language is one of the frequently used augmentative and alternative communications (AAC) that allows children on the autism spectrum to begin communicating. The videos use repetition, explanation, singing, and video modeling of signs to help kids learn words they can use to communicate. There are two levels also- Baby Signing Time and Signing Time to help best meet the needs of children wherever their language may be currently.
I have used Signing Time’s Potty Time materials multiple times and have been very impressed with them. The song is catchy- you will be singing and signing it in no time! Thank you Rachel, Leah, Alex, and Hopkins, for helping improve communication!
Jackson Association for Children Under Six Presentation Part Two
On January 25 of this year, I had the honor of presenting at the annual JACUS conference regarding children with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities and how to accommodate and modify for these children in a typical preschool setting. The title of the presentation was “Making a Difference for Every Child: Teaching a Child with Characteristics of Autism.” At young ages, children may or may not have a diagnosis. It is important to remember regardless of differences, all children can benefit from an inclusive setting. *Here are 5 ways to accommodate and modify for these preschoolers who may have characteristics of autism:
#5 If the child is having trouble sitting for circle time or for center type activities, consider incorporating a movement song or two in between activities. Another strategy that may work is to give the child a “job” or responsibilities that allow movement, such as getting the calendar pieces or passing out instruments. Some children do well using a move-n-sit cushion because it keeps them in their chair or space, but allows them to wiggle.
#4 If a child is having trouble completing the same work that other children are completing, consider modifying the assignment to allow the child to finish the assignment and be successful. For example, if the child has trouble cutting out difficult shapes, cut out some of them beforehand and allow the child to cut some out. If there is a tracing worksheet, consider snipping off the bottom half to reduce the amount of work the child needs to complete.
#3 If there seems to be a difficult time of the day for the child or the child seems to get stressed out about a particular event, such as going to the bathroom or coming inside from recess, consider writing a social story to help increase understanding of what is going to happen, when, and why. Through understanding, anxiety and challenging behaviors may decrease.
#2 Use pictures to help increase understanding. Some examples are a picture schedule on the wall that gives the order of what will happen when during the day so the child knows what to expect. This can benefit all children. Some children may benefit from the use of pictures and/or written words during activities too.
#1 Use straight forward language that gets to the point. For example, “Sit down.” or “Line up.” Simplifying language helps ensure that the teacher’s message gets across to the child and is understood.
*Please keep in mind that all children are individuals and strategies that work for one child may not work for another child.
Fondren’s Plush Groove Has Fashion Show and Benefits Jackson Autism Center
The local Plush Groove is having a Fashion Mixer on Sunday, April 27 at 5 pm which will benefit Jackson Autism Center and TEAAM Autism. The event will boast the best from local boutiques and hairdressers while giving back to the community. A percentage of proceeds will go towards assisting Jackson Autism Center in purchasing a sensory swing for our gym. As many of you are aware, children on the autism spectrum have a multitude of sensory needs. With a sensory swing in our gym, JAC will be able to help kids calm down, increase attention, alert, and increase communication. One thing I hear over and over from families is how much their child loves being outside…having an indoor swing will help bring the outdoors in for these children. Tickets can be purchased here.
The address of Plush Groove is: 3417 N. West St. Jackson, MS
Free Events for Kids at Jackson Autism Center
There are 2 great opportunities coming up soon for kids at Jackson Autism Center! Next Thursday, April 24, there will be yoga/stretch classes in the afternoon. *Times are as follows 3:30 for ages 4-7 and 4:00 for ages 8-16. There is limited availability so you must register your child. Kids should wear comfortable clothes and bring a favorite stuffed animal to class. The class is appropriate for all skill levels and will focus on an introduction to yoga with an emphasis on stretching and relaxing. Register now to save your child’s spot!
Also, next Friday night, April 25, from 5:00-8:00, Jackson Autism Center will host a Disney movie night. Children ages four to eighteen are invited to come enjoy a showing of Frozen. Snacks will be provided. Sign up to reserve your spot!
*Times are subject to change based on class size and availability.
Top 15 Special Education Blogs
This list of the top 15 special education blogs was brought to my attention yesterday on Facebook and I thought it was worth sharing. I found one of my favorite blogs on the list- PrAACtical AAC and can’t wait to look at the others. Wrisghtslaw is also a great site for understanding special education laws and parent’s rights!
Autism Awareness Bowties to Help Jackson Autism Center
Fourthirty Brand is a local bowtie business that hand crafts bowties. This month, there is a special autism awareness bowtie available for purchase. Not only will this bowtie help bring awareness to the community, but ten percent of sales will benefit Jackson Autism Center! The donation Fourthirty makes will go towards sensory equipment for Jackson Autism Center’s gym. You can find the business on facebook under “Fourthirty Brand.” Thank you Fourthirty!
Madison Avenue Lights It Up Blue April 2, 2014
A local school, Madison Avenue Lower Elementary, participated in “Light it Up Blue” on April 2. This is the second year in a row that this school has had a school-wide event for World Autism Awareness Day. Special educator, Mrs. Lisa Gerard, organizes this event through Autism Speaks. Last year, they raised over $100. This year was even bigger than last; many of the staff members purchased autism shirts and students could participate by donating a dollar. Shirt totals equaled $600 for Autism Speaks and the school raised over $500! Students were given a sticker for their donation. Autism bracelets were also available.
Mrs. Gerard stated that the school had really good participation. One girl wore a blue tutu with her blue shirt. Families sent notes with their donations saying it was in honor of a cousin or friend with autism.Thank you, Mrs. Gerard and Madison Avenue for helping shine a light on autism and increase awareness in our community!
Autism Awareness “Light it up Blue” Lego Necklace
A friend brought this cute necklace to my attention. I just wanted to share. I have worked with many clients who love Legos and I think this necklace is awesome for Autism Awareness!
Clarion Ledger highlights Autism services in Mississippi
Jackson Autism Center would like to thank Clarion Ledger for highlighting Autism Services in Mississippi. We feel that it is important to continue to educate our community about the need for early intervention for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities.
