Monday, December 19, 2011

Autism Apps

Some really helpful apps for iPods or iPads for children with Autism and other special needs.....

Autism Apps

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The Special Needs Parent Handbook ~ Special Edition


This e-book is available FREE for a limited time, at Amazon.com.

From Library Journal
This title is being distributed to libraries across the country in support of Advocacy for All, an initiative to help families advocate for their special-needs children. The author, father of a 14-year-old with a rare genetic disorder causing autistic tendencies, clearly comes to his topic with firsthand experience and perspective to see the impact of his advice. Covering such subjects as finding babysitters, planning a financial future, working with school districts, and keeping the family together, Singer does an excellent job of being realistic about obstacles while providing hope for families faced with the complexities of raising special-needs children. Accept this donation with grace; it is timely, well written, practical, and focused. This slim gem should be on the shelf of every library. -- Julianne J. Smith

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HB1ACU

Crossing The Bridge Of Autism ~ Book



This e-book is available for FREE for a limited time, on Amazon.com.

From the Author:
My little boy is Autistic and I wanted to share his story with other families going through the similar situation. I have put together resources, techniques and other different tools to share. I hope our story inspires others that there is hope and families do not have to be alone in this journey.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RW0FC0

Friday, December 16, 2011

ArtQuest



ArtQuest is a permanent hands-on art studio, located within the Green Hill Center
for NC Art. ArtQuest provides the perfect setting for families, school groups and
other organizations to immerse themselves in the world of art and creativity.
You’ll receive a quick tour, but then visitors will set off on an adventure of their
own exploring clay, paint, weaving, collage, books and more.

ArtQuest has informed me that they’ve received a grant that allows schools to
bring their students on a field trip to ArtQuest for FREE.
( A savings of $4.00 per child).

ArtQuest is also willing to come to any PTA meeting with a power point
presentation to show you all the wonderful things that they do.

For more information:
Please contact Mary Young at 336-333-7460
mary.young@greenhillcenter.org
or visit their website:
http://www.greenhillcenter.org/

ArtQuest accommodates all children, of any age.

I hope that some of you will be able to take advantage of these gracious
opportunities.

~Jacqui Hawkins, EC Chairperson
Guilford County Council of PTAs

AutismCares Provides Grants for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders During Times of Crisis or Unplanned Hardships

AutismCares Provides Grants for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders During Times of Crisis or Unplanned Hardships


Financial Support Awards provide financial relief up to $1,000 for individuals with ASD and their families to help cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as housing, utilities, car repair, funeral expenses, and other essential items on a case-by-case basis.

Eligible Applicants
Eligible families have a child (children) medically diagnosed with ASD, a family income of $40,000 or less, and have experienced at least one of the following qualifying event in the last 90 days:
- Natural disaster: fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe storm or earthquake
- Death or critical illness in the immediate family
- Loss of home through foreclosure, eviction or natural disaster
- Termination of employment for the primary income-earner

Online Application
Families must submit an online application. Financial Support Awards are granted on a monthly basis, applications must be submitted by the 22nd of each month to be considered for a grant in that month. Applications received after the 22nd will be reviewed the following month. The maximum Financial Support Award per family is $1000. Click here to apply.

Review Committee
The Review Committee reviews monthly applications and selects a limited number of applicants to receive a financial support award. The committee is made up of representatives from autism organization, foundations and other agencies. All applications are confidential during the review process.

NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE:
December 22, 2011

Note: All applicants from the December 22nd cycle will be notified via email of decisions by the 10th of January.

Online Application HERE

Gifted Education Press Quarterly ~ Winter 2012 Newsletter

Winter 2012 Newsletter link

Gifted Education Press Quarterly ~ Fall 2011 Newsletter

I highly recommend the article "Lessons We Can Learn From Bill Gates' Dropping Out Of Harvard University"

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

No Forced Kisses for your Kids: A Holiday Safety Tip for Families

As parents well know, the holiday season is both incredibly exciting and potentially overwhelming for kids, sometimes all rolled together into one. At gatherings with families and friends, expectations about affection, attention, and teasing can create unnecessary stress and discomfort. By accepting our children’s different personalities and thinking through our boundaries ahead of time, we can teach our kids important life skills and make holiday parties and reunions more fun.....

Read the article here.....

Daily Tips: Surviving The Holidays

From ADDitude Magazine:

The activity of the holiday season seems to bring out the hyperactivity in our own little angels. Check out this collection of tips to help you survive it.


Daily Tips: Surviving The Holidays

Finding Gratitude in Parenting a Child with ADHD

From ADDitude Magazine:

When attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) is part of your life, it’s easy to overlook what you have to be thankful for. It’s natural to dwell on the challenges of parenting a child with ADHD. Who wouldn’t, when just getting the kids out the door every morning is a major accomplishment?

But gratitude for and joy in the successes — no matter how mundane they seem to the rest of the world — will help you put the hard times in perspective. Consider these strategies for getting through the tough stuff with a grateful heart......

Finding Gratitude in Parenting a Child with ADHD

Raising Compassionate Kids with ADHD

From ADDitude Magazine:

Children with attention deficit disorder can be just as caring as other kids. But because of their poor impulse control and short ADHD attention spans, they sometimes come across as aloof or self-centered.
That was the case with 10-year-old Rachel (not her real name). Rachel's parents brought her to see me because they were concerned about their daughter's apparent lack of empathy. "Rachel doesn't care about anyone," they told me. "She's selfish and rude, even though we've done everything we can to help her change."

It was clear from the first few visits that Rachel was feeling hopeless about herself. She was so used to receiving help that it never occurred to her that she might be capable of caring about (or doing things for) other people. Once I helped convince her that she was capable of helping others, her outlook turned around. She became much happier........


Raising Compassionate Kids with ADHD

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

A Friend Indeed-The Bill Sackter Story (FULL Documentary)

The inspiring true story of Bill Sackter, who left a lifetime in an institution to emerge as an international hero for people with disabilities. 





Inclusion: The Right Thing for All Students


Cheryl M. Jorgensen

 
Cheryl M. Jorgensen, Ph.D., is a member of the affiliate faculty with the National Center on Inclusive Education at the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire. In 2008 she received the National Down Syndrome Congress Education Award for her leadership and pioneering research supporting the inclusion of students with Down syndrome. She has written this open letter to Shael Polakow-Suransky, the chief academic officer for New York City schools.

Faith Initiative Conference Jan. 20 2012 SAVE THE DATE

Faith Outreach Initiative Conference

Autism in Your Congregation: A Conversation about
Inclusion

Friday, January 20, 2012
8:30 AM —12 Noon

Grey Stone Church
2601 Hillsborough Road,Durham

The purpose of this conference is to bring together clergy and families to discuss
ways to include people with autism and other special needs in the life of their faith
community. This conference is free and open to clergy and families interested in
this topic.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Rabbi Bradley Artson, Vice President of the Abner and
Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair in the Ziegler School at the American Jewish
University.

Rabbi Artson is a respected rabbi, faculty member, and speaker and also the parent
of a child with autism. In his morning keynote address, he will share his
experience and perspective as a rabbi and as a parent.

Following Rabbi Artson’s keynote, there will be a panel discussion with local faith
leaders and parents. Members of the audience will be encouraged to participate and
to share their thoughts and experiences.

We hope members of the autism community and faith communities can come
together to learn from each other and to increase inclusion for all.

Please RSVP by JANUARY 18. To register online, go to http://bit.ly/v1yVDi or
email Maureen Morrell mailto:mmmorrell@autismsociety-nc.org.

Sponsored by Beth El Synagogue of Durham, Grey Stone Church of Durham and
the Autism Society of North Carolina.


Looking for Teacher Gift Ideas?

One of the most difficult gifts that you purchase each year probably is for your child's teacher.  I know, you want to give SOMETHING to show your appreciation, but aren't sure if what you purchase isn't going to just be the 25th item of the SAME item that your child's teacher is receiving that day.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:



Gift Guide 2011: Ideas For Gifting Teachers This Holiday Season




Another GREAT idea, can be found here at DonorsChoose.org.  


DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.



Here's how it works: public school teachers from every corner of America post classroom project requests on DonorsChoose.org. Requests range from pencils for a poetry writing unit, to violins for a school recital, to microscope slides for a biology class.
Then, you can browse project requests and give any amount to the one that inspires you. Once a project reaches its funding goal, we deliver the materials to the school.



Holiday Celebration And Potluck This Friday!




On December 16th at 6:30 PM, please join us for our Holiday Celebration And Potluck at ASNC's Triad Regional Office at 9 Oak Branch Drive in Greensboro. We will have something very special for the kids: a visit with Santa, reading with Mrs. Claus, ornament making, cookie decorating, and crafts. Parents, bring your cameras! If you are able, please bring a covered dish to share with friends.
  
If you plan on using our complimentary respite care, please send an email to asncgc@gmail.com or call Chris Hocker at 854-9497.
 
Hope to see you there!
Leslie Evans & Chris Hocker
Autism Society Of North Carolina, Guilford County Chapter
http://www.asncgc.org/
  
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=285818095018
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ASNCGC