Another back to school tip "cheat sheet about my Child"

I had posted this link a while ago, as they have been posting everyday, a new 'tip'  but I really like this idea. Many of us, are getting back into the swing of school, and needing to update information for the new EA's and Teachers who will be working with our sons & daughters. This is a great tip, that can offer information, that will stay with the child/youth, throughtout the year, allowing any new Teachers or substitutes a great resource to 'know' our kids. Link to the form at the bottom of the article.

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A Teacher’s Cheat Sheet about My Child {Tip18-31}

BY CHANTAI SNELLGROVE · AUGUST 18, 2015

Helping teachers help your child

 

A two-sided page can give educators and therapists a quick reference to understand your child’s disability and behavior.

During a summer school orientation meeting, I was attending with my child, and meeting her teacher for the first time. I quickly tried to explain to her (in the 10 minutes I was allotted) the specifics and concerns about my child. As I left the class, I thought to myself: “how much will the teacher retain of what was said to her about her new students?”

“How much will the teacher retain of what was said to her about her new students?”

As I was contemplating this, I remembered the many other times it would have been helpful for her teachers and aides to know about my child. Like when her art teacher called to tell me my child was misbehaving in class. In reality, my child was trying to prove to the teacher with “her skills” that she could help, and was trying hard to please her. Once I explained that my daughter was trying to show her independence, and help the teacher clean up (only a bit too early), the teacher was able to redirect her efforts at the appropriate time. By giving my daughter specific responsibilities, it made her feel included and responsible. It was a quick fix once the understanding was in place. Another instance that comes to mind is when a chorus teacher put her on the second tier of a stage, not taking into consideration that my child “rocks” from side to side when she is excited. My daughter lost her balance, fell from the tier, and got a black eye.

Quick reference guide a “Cheat Sheet”

There have been many other instances like this during our my daughter’s education. I thought there had to be a better way. I wanted a quick reference guide (a cheat sheet, if you will) about my child. A simple, easy to read an informative document that would help everyone who works with her better understand her.
I created a “Getting to Know My Child” form. At the start of school I filled out the form, attached a current photo of my child, made copies and placed them in envelopes addressed to those I thought it could benefit. I provided them to the Principal, Assistant Principal, Aide, Art teacher, chorus teacher and P.E. Coach. I took it one step farther and attached a copy of my child’s syndrome and her summer school evaluation for her regular teacher. Her school O.T., P.T. and Speech therapists also received a copy of her most recent evaluations from those services she receives outside of school.

So far, I have received very positive feedback on the “Getting to Know My Child” form. All of her teachers thanked me and said it was very helpful. The Assistant principal mentioned that she learned things she did not know about my child and said she wished she had one of these forms for ALL of her students.

In keeping with the theme of this Magazine, I am sharing the form that I have created with you. I hope this form helps you, your children, and everyone they work with. You may download the form by clicking on the link.

Getting to Know My Child Form: A simple, clean, easy to read sheet that provides specific information for those working with our children.

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Here's the link to the form: you can print off and add all the important information about your son or daughter, to make sure, everyone can recognize signs, know what they like, triggers to behaviours...etc...

http://parentingspecialneeds.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/PSN-About-Me-forms_15.pdf

A new children’s fairytale teaches children about Down syndrome

This looks like a great new book to teach how we all belong, no matter what we look or act like. Looks like a beautifully done book, with a very important message. Worth picking up when it's released in a few days. 

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A new children’s fairytale teaches children about Down syndrome and demonstrates how great it is to live in a world where everyone looks and acts differently from one another.

Written by Silke Schnee and illustrated by Heike Sistig, “The Prince Who Was Just Himself” tells the story of a king and queen who are anticipating the arrival of their third child. But when Prince Noah is born with Down syndrome, the royal couple are unsure of what to make of him.

“He looks a little different,” the king says as he lays eyes on his child for the first time.

“He’s not like the others,” the queen agrees.

Though Noah doesn’t have the same abilities as his brothers, his parents soon realize how wonderful he is in his own way. And when the new prince defeats the kingdom’s worst enemy with a simple act of kindness, everyone else sees it, too.

Prince Noah is based on Schnee’s son, also named Noah, who was born with Down syndrome. At first, Schnee and her husband were shocked and saddened by Noah’s diagnosis. But those feelings vanished when they saw how much joy Noah would bring to the family.

“The catalyst for this book was witnessing the effect [our son] had on many people, despite being categorized as disabled,” Schnee, who lives in Cologne, Germany with her family, wrote in her biography at the end of the book. “In fact, our little prince brings much love, joy and sunshine not only to us, but to all around him.”

Take a look at some of the illustrations from the fairy tale below.

“The Prince Who Was Just Himself” is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and will be available in bookstores in the U.S. on September 1.

Photos courtesy of Plough Publishing.

Read more: http://themighty.com/2015/08/how-this-new-fairytale-is-teaching-kids-about-down-syndrome1/#ixzz3k2yXQ2Ry

TED talk about Faith's extraordinary brothers

Thank you Faith, what a moving talk about your brothers. There are always, always lessons to be learned. It certainly is about recognizing each other's individuality, our form and means of communication and the basis of all is love. All around us, we are hearing the message about celebrating each others differences- when that becomes the 'norm' think of how seamlessly inclusive our homes, communities, villages, and world will be for All. 

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Faith Jegede tells the moving and funny story of growing up with her two brothers, both autistic -- and both extraordinary. In this talk from the TED Talent Search, she reminds us to pursue a life beyond what is normal.

Back to school tips for children with SPD- great information

Great article once again, from 'The Pocket OT', she's got some great points, in the article and super suggestions to address the sensory needs that our loved ones may need  for successful learning environments. She does a great job talking about Sensory Processing disorders, and what challenges they can create for our sons & daughters. There are some really great suggestions for handwriting, sensory activities for school, and some organizational ideas, that will certainly help create a environment that addresses sensory issues, feedback needed and a structured environment to reduce extra stress load. Well done. Please click on the link to read the article,  I can't seem to edit it nicely into the blog. :) 

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Click on the link to read the article. 

http://thepocketot.blogspot.ca/2015/08/sensory-processing-disorder-in-school.html

Check out this new Gap Campaign! Well Done!

Great news!! I love a piece at the end of the article that states: 

"We could not be more thrilled to be a part of this,” Katie Driscoll, co-founder of Changing the Face of Beauty, told The Mighty in an email. “The opportunity to participate in a event like this is a huge win for our organization as well as these girls who happen to have disabilities and the girls who do not have a disability. Our message is simple: Kids are kids regardless of their ability, and they look great when given the opportunity to be featured together. This gives us the opportunity to really show the world what is possible when all kids are represented in advertising.” 

 How very, very true. We are all equal and we need to show our kids that they are included, just like everyone else. Glad to see this campaign. 

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Kayla Kosmalski is on her way to Florida to walk in the clothing company Gap‘s first show that features models with Down syndrome.

Courtesy of the Princess Kayla Facebook page.

Kayla, 9, has Down syndrome and landed the job with Gap after seeing a posting for the opportunity on the Changing the Face of Beauty Facebook page, an effort to get brands to feature people with disabilities in advertisements. The Gap fashion show will take place on Saturday, August 22, at a Gap store in Miami.

It’s part of the launch of Ellen Degeneres’s new clothing line for kids in collaboration with Gap, GapKids x ED.

Courtesy of the Princess Kayla Facebook page.

“I am just ecstatic for this opportunity for Kayla,” her mother Amy Kosmalski told The Mighty while aboard her plane to Miami and awaiting takeoff. “The campaign is just incredible. It’s showing the world that our kids are more alike than different and they deserve the same opportunities as the other kids do. Yes, Kayla has Down syndrome, but she’s smart and funny and sassy like all other kids.”

“And ‘drama!'” Kayla added. Yes, she’s also dramatic, her mother confirmed with a laugh. Kayla’s favorite parts about modeling are waving, blowing kisses and “rocking the stage.”

Courtesy of the Princess Kayla Facebook page.

Changing the Face of beauty has put 14 girls of all abilities in touch with the Gap campaign, three of whom (including Kayla) have Down syndrome. There is also a girl with a limb difference named Fern and a girl named Charlize who has a chromosome abnormality. They will walk the runway at two times on Saturday.

“We could not be more thrilled to be a part of this,” Katie Driscoll, co-founder of Changing the Face of Beauty, told The Mighty in an email. “The opportunity to participate in a event like this is a huge win for our organization as well as these girls who happen to have disabilities and the girls who do not have a disability. Our message is simple: Kids are kids regardless of their ability, and they look great when given the opportunity to be featured together. This gives us the opportunity to really show the world what is possible when all kids are represented in advertising.”

Read more: http://themighty.com/2015/08/for-first-time-gap-will-feature-models-with-down-syndrome-in-campaign/#ixzz3jYveVp14

Temple Grandin video on some important skills to teach and encourage

Dr. Temple Grandin, always delivers some great points and information. Be sure to listen to this video. She's right, we need to encourage the interests &  skills our sons & daughters have, and increase their opportunities. She certainly understands the umbrella that ASD exists under, and wants to increase awareness.

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Temple Grandin sits down with Nancy Asplaugh-Jackson from Autism Live to discuss her observations about those on the milder end of the spectrum.

Temple presses the importance of manners (from shaking hands to saying “please” and “thank you”) and developing a strong work ethic. She was taught these basic skills as a child, and she’s witnessed a decline in those niceties for people on the milder end of the spectrum. “So-called normal kids — they pick this up,” she says, “but autistic kids have got to be taught, and that’s not being done enough.”

Read more at http://blog.theautismsite.com/templegrandinadvice/#wcQFAAzRghYgV0Yr.99

Video- Ask an Autistic - What is Vocal/Verbal Stimming?

Again, another great video from Amythest Schaber. Great job explaining what it is, why they are doing it, and means to help & understand. It's all a form of expression, we need to get better at knowing that there are many forms of communication & expressing our needs, wants,desires that are not simply the verbal word. Great series of videos. Check it out. 
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What is vocal stimming? Why do autistic people do it? Why does my autistic child repeat one word over and over? What is verbal stimming, and should I discourage it? How is echolalia related to verbal stimming? Answers to all of these questions and more in this episode of Ask an Autistic!

Video that explains echolalial scripting..or conversation!! well done.

What a great video that explains scripting and echolalial. Please take the time to watch, and listen. The reason is because they want to talk to us, engage, get needs met, interact and express themselves. So take the time to listen. Well done. 

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Your Child May Be Repeating Words Or Phrases Constantly — But What’s The Reason Behind It?

What is scripting? Amethyst breaks down the differences between two related (but different) behaviors: echolalial scripting (or “TV talk”) and social scripting. Echolalial scripting, or “TV talk,” is similar to echolalia, but rather than repeating short words or phrases, a person will repeat longer phrases of dialogue from books, movies, music, etc. Social scripting — which Amethyst says is more common among teenagers and adults — is repeating the same words and phrases in a social setting, such as greetings. Through “cutting and pasting” phrases from movies with what people say in social settings, a person can create a “bank of memorized social scripts” that make it easier to have a conversation.

Both types of scripting can be very common among those on the spectrum — but is it a behavior that should be discouraged? How “authentic” is this type of communication? Why do people on the spectrum use scripting? Amethyst answers all these questions and more.

(Do you or your child engage in scripting? Have you noticed certain quotes that they say when they are in certain moods?

What is scripting? What is the difference between echolalial scripting and social scripting? Why do Autistic people engage in echolalial scripting? Should I discourage my child from using memorized social scripts? Answers to all of these questions and more in this episode of Ask an Autistic!

Tips for the new school year-from Parenting special needs magazine

Parenting Special Needs Magazine, has a great series that they are posting for the month of August around tips to ensure success for the new school year approaching in September. I will include one full post  here, but I have also put the link for the shortcuts to there page, with all the blog tips to date. One is being posted every day, have a look and see what may be of interest to you and your family. There are some good tips. I like the one from the 11th, about 'turning off technology at bedtime' and the one I shared below about ways to build and connect with their friends. 

Friends are an important part of the school experience. Friends offer kids a respite from adult guided or solitary activities. They provide time to hang out and have fun with others who are going through similar life experiences, and to connect on a level that only peers can fulfill. However, some children need support with making and keeping friends. Parents, here’s how you can help your child foster friendships at school:

• Help Children Make a List of What Friends Like and What They Don’t Like: 
  Keep it consistent with the child’s chronological and developmental age level (i.e. taking turns or being supportive).
• Help Children with Conversational Skills:
  Show children how to start and maintain conversations; stay on topic; keep conversations short enough to include others; and encourage them to take an interest in others.
• Help Children Find a Mutual Interest:
  Shared interests bond children together.
• Help Children Manage Their Emotions:
  Children who learn to verbalize their feelings, and calmly problem-solve frustrations, will have a more positive reaction from peers.
• Involve the Teacher in Promoting Good Peer Matches:
  Which can be encouraged at school and fostered through get-togethers outside of school.
• Seek out Professional Expertise with Social Skills:
  Social skill groups, books, apps, and games can help children learn social skills at diverse levels of understanding.

Social Skills Support Should be tailored to the Specific Needs of Each Child.

Social Skills is a vast area of learning with rules that change based on contexts. There are many sub-categories which can be broken down further into smaller components. Children will have strengths in some areas and need assistance in others. Knowing the areas in which a child needs support will allow for targeted skill development. The skills they build now are the ones they will use over their lifetime.

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Here's the link to the daily posts: 

http://parentingspecialneeds.org/education/new-year/

The Rights of People with Cognitive Disabilities to Technology and Information Access

Found this great video from the U.S. on the rights of people with developmental disabilities to access technology. Worth watching and finding out more about in respect to Canada, and ensuring that access to technology & information is truly accessible to all. 



People with cognitive disabilities have an equal right to technology and information access. A coalition of disability organizations and individuals asserted this right in a formal declaration, announced at the Thirteenth Annual Coleman Institute National Conference on Cognitive Disability and Technology, held October 2, 2013, in Broomfield, Colorado.






Here's the link, if you are looking for more information.
http://www.colemaninstitute.org/declaration?tmpl=component&print=1&page

Resources & Links Day!

Some of my dear friends,who are contributors to the blog, have been sharing a lot of great resources and links lately..so I thought I would put all of them on one post, and let you check out what you may be interested in. Lots of interesting topics!! Always great to share. Take some time to have a look through and pass along to friends & family who may need some ideas. free online video series, social stories, life skills and more. 

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Its that time of year when most kids are headed back to school. Whether this is in a traditional setting or homeschool, it still means kids need help staying organized. Even more than that school means schedules, new routines and stress that can cause quite a bit of anxiety in children

http://lemonlimeadventures.com/visual-binders-creating-visual-systems-that-work-for-your-child/
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Some great resources on this site, there is a great online video series as well, as topics that cover the age span and transitions, certainly worth looking over. 

The Autism Center at OCALI- in Ohio- serves as a clearinghouse for information on research, resources, and trends to address the autism challenge. The center offers training, technical assistance, and consultation to build professional and program capacity to foster individual learning and growth.
The Lifespan Transitions Center offers resources, training, technical assistance, and consultation to support the successful transition of individuals with autism and multiple disabilities throughout their school careers and into their adult lives. Resources address community living and employment.

http://www.ocali.org/

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This is located in BC: ACT – Autism Community Training is an information and referral service that supports individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families across British Columbia. We also welcome calls from community professionals. There are free videos on this site as well about autism. Some great resources. 

http://www.actcommunity.ca/

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Free online resource for teaching day to day life skills..

Life is filled with chaos, and we have to learn how to work and solve problems in the midst of it every day. These interactive lessons give you the opportunity to experience these daily challenges without real-world consequences.

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/everydaylife

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Free resources for Social Stories: This site has a great bank of stories to choose from, be sure to have a look. 

Social Narratives are stories developed to provide learners with insight into social situations. The narrative emphasizes the significant social cues of given social situations. The story provides the learner with examples of appropriate social responses. The value of the social narrative is that they allow educators to pre-teach social situations and provide learners with strategies to respond to those situations. The narrative must be individualized to the learner’s needs and interests. 

http://www.kansasasd.com/socialnarratives.php

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Welcome to Autism Society Canada

Whether you are a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, a family member, a volunteer, an educator, a health or social service professional, or an interested researcher, this site will provide you with reliable information on autism and referrals to many helpful services and resources. ASC puts special focus on providing information, referral and resources for parents and other family members who are seeking support for children with autism. This site also provides news, resources and links for youths and adults on the spectrum.

http://autismsocietycanada.ca/

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Surviving the family get together s!

As I  have just finished a family get together this weekend, it has gotten me thinking about summer vacations and  how we often have to spend a lot of time 'figuring' out what activities we can do, how long we can stay, what's important to us a family. Our lives are busy, and often need to be structured, scheduled, planned. We need to have Plan A, B and often times a  'C' in our pockets- and know that that's OK!! I had a trunk full of different activities, changes of clothes, food, and toys that would ensure that my son had what he would need to enjoy the days that are always a lot of fun when we are all together for a reunion, but can be loud, disorganized and 'silly' ( as he told me often..) We  had a super weekend, spent time with family, made memories. He had the chance to participate when he wanted to, played a wild game of Frisbee tag with the cousins, sat around the campfire & told a great ghost story. He also had a designated quiet room in the cottage, when he needed to regroup and chairs placed strategically around at varying distances between the group and the cottage, and his bike handy for those sensory breaks he needed. It worked! So I put together a few ideas that may help with the remainder of the summer. Hope you are all enjoying this great weather we are finally having on the Island! I wanted to share a picture from our shore that I took over the weekend. Find your peace, celebrate at the pace you need for you and your family & enjoy the summer. We discovered the fun of kayaking this weekend, I am going to attempt to teach my son how to kayak...will keep you posted on that!

These tips may help throughout the summer months, or any 'down time' really that happens throughout the year, when the regular schedules are not happening. I still need to remind myself to write it down, even daily what is happening. When it's posted on the fridge, it is amazing how much less stressful  it can be. 

• Keep a routine. For many of our kids, structure is key. Set a routine for meals, errands, play time, family chores. Routine helps remove boredom.
• Focus on therapy and acquiring new skills. Fitting in therapies during the school year can be a real challenge. Take advantage of available time to focus on areas for growth. Consider finding a tutor for challenging subjects to help keep your child from losing hard-won skills in math and reading.
• Enjoy a less hectic pace for a while. While we live in a culture that glorifies “busy,” it is okay to step off the merry-go-round and enjoy a pace that is slower than the world around you.
• Explore the outdoors. Children are inside for hours each day at school. Take advantage of summer as a time to get outside and explore parks, beaches, and walking trails. find something in your area, or community that suits your son/daughters interest and focus. If mobility is a challenge consider a tagalong trailer for a bike. Check your own yard for bird nests and enjoy watching the new family grow.
• Check out programs at the local library. Libraries are a treasure trove of child friendly activities and resources. The best part? They are free!
• Water is wonderful in the summer heat. We have some amazing beaches on this Island, we can often find some that are quiet , also if you prefer a pool ask what times may be quieter and go then. No pool in your area? Create your own backyard water fun with sprinklers or an inexpensive wading pool.
• Remember self-care. Parenting becomes 24/7 when children are home from school. With high needs children this can be especially tiring to the caregiver. Tag team with your spouse or other adult when you need a break. Schedule a night out as often as you can in order to nurture your most important relationships. Take time to do things you enjoy.

Scholars Choice newsletter, offers some good tips for August

Scholars Choice has this great link to a newsletter you can sign up for. I see a lot of great ideas, tips and articles in the August newsletter, about getting into a routine for school, in particular some tips for sensory issues, and starting to get onto a schedule, that will help for the transition in September. Have a look through. again, you can navigate the newsletter, with the arrows and zoom in for easier reading. 

The August 2015 Parent/Grandparent newsletter focuses on STEM/STEAM, Back-to-School for kids with special needs, lunch packing tips and features our most popular blog posts and exclusive coupons!

http://www.flipsnack.com/scholars987/scholars-choice-newsletter-parentgrandparent-august-2015.html

Here's the link to the scholars choice website, if you want to take some time to navigate around:

http://www.scholarschoice.ca/