Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) are a group of disorders characterized by abnormalities in social interactions and in patterns of communication, and by restricted repetitive interests and activities. These abnormalities are a pervasive feature (affecting everything).
Autism spectrum disorders, or ASD, is an umbrella term commonly used to describe several developmental disorders in which individuals have substantial differences in the nature of their social development and communication skills, as well as unusual behaviors and interests. ASD is not a diagnostic category, but is widely used to refer to three of the five diagnoses under the category of pervasive developmental disorders: Autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autism (sometimes called “classical autism”) is the most common condition.
When the DSM-V is published in 2012 it is expected that PDD-NOS will be renamed to ASD-NOS and PDD will be discarded from terminology completely.
"The following red flags may indicate a child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder, and is in need of an immediate evaluation.".
Children and adults labelled with Asperger Syndrome have a different, not defective, way of thinking. HFA means High Functioning Autism although a person with HFA may not have been high functioning from birth.
"ASPEN provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with: Education about the issues surrounding the disorders. Support in knowing that they are not alone, and in helping individuals with ASD's and NLD achieve their maximum potential. Advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs, medical research funding, adult issues and increased public awareness and understanding."
So much was wrong - never made sense - then I found Aspergers! Then found self, my autism core/ heart. It is who I am, I love that. [Alyson Bradley, NZ]
Aspire "was established by a group of parents in 1995 to provide support for people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and their carers, and to encourage research into the condition."
"ASPIRES is an on-line resource for spouses and family members of adults diagnosed or suspected to be on the autistic spectrum. Our approach to one another and towards our "significant others" is directed towards solving problems in our relationship with a spectrum-sitting spouse. ASPIRES is an e-mail subscription list for individuals with AS, and those who have a parent, spouse, or child with AS."
"Auties.org is an Aspie & Autie friendly site for all people on the Autistic Spectrum who are ready to dare reach out to occupation and employment, open the doors to the community and market their abilities directly to the public and for those interested in supporting these pioneers."
Auties.org is for people on the Autistic Spectrum who are ready to dare reach out, open the doors to the community and market their abilities directly to the public and for those interested in supporting these pioneers.
Positive Perspectives, Practical Strategies, Proactive Solutions! In a nutshell, that sums up the Autism Asperger’s Digest.
"An innovative online community for people dealing with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism.".
Kate Goldfield has written articles about her AS that have appeared in the Baltimore Sun, Hartford Courant, and The Autism Perspective magazine. She has spoken at two national autism conferences about her experiences.
"This website is an attempt to give someone an idea of what it is like to have Asperger's Syndrome. My name is Derek, and I am an afflictee of the condition, from Ireland. Although I did not get a formal diagnosis, I am fairly sure that I have the condition. I usually refer to the condition simply as "AS". In today's busy lifestyle anything is fair game for getting abbreviated, and Asperger's Syndrome is no exception."
Home Website of Australia's most famous Woman with Autism who fought through difficult childhood and disgestive problems to evolve into a respected, liked and popular public speaker on Autism Spectrum Disorder. And author of two world bestselling books.
Livestock Behaviour, Design of Facilities and Humane Slaughter.
"Our mission is to offer support to the family members of adult individuals affected with Asperger's Syndrome. Our goal is to educate the public to the existence of Asperger's Syndrome in the ADULT population and to bring awareness of this neurological disorder and its ramifications on the "whole" family to the medical communities who are directly or indirectly involved. Another key aspect to our work is to give the families a measure of reassurance so they can validate their concerns and frustrations as concrete issues rather than simple "family problems". The goals of FAAAS are as follows:
"An Online Survival Guide for Parents & Teachers of Gifted Children in Ireland.
Eric Chen discovered he was an adult aspergers autistic in 2001. He succeeded in connecting with his emotions & instincts, making contact with Humanity.
"Welcome to the web site of the Irish Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI). This web site has been constructed to meet the needs of the many groups of parents, teachers, researchers and students who avail of our services. We hope that you will find the site useful in whatever activity you are performing and would welcome any feedback you may have on how we can improve our service to you".
"New Zealand songstress Ladyhawke aka Pip Brown - currently enjoying extensive airplay with her latest single My Delirium." She has a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.
"Wendy Lawson has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, Wendy has graduated, over time, from being a child considered to be intellectually disabled and 'almost incapable of doing as she is told' (as one school report stated) to a mum of four children with five university degrees. She now operates her own business."
"Nua Healthcare Services provides specialised residential, respite and day services to individuals with Asperger Syndrome, Learning Disabilities and Brain Injuries.... a person centred service whilst promoting independent living in a healthy spacious country environment.".
Terrific Parent-run Information portal for parents of children with Asperger syndrome to use as a reference.
A Danish IT consultancy is using the special skills of people with autism to improve the quality of its software testing.
"Did you know that close to one percent of the population meet the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Did you know that most people with ASD do not get the necessary support because of lack of ASD knowledge?
Did you know that the business community realises a growing need for specialists?
Did you know that people with ASD are natural born specialists?"
Website as guide for parents, professionals and people with Asperger's Syndrome and their partners with issues related to Asperger's Syndrome, resources, resource papers Tony has authored, related topics and presentation schedule.
"Understanding the Student with Asperger Syndrome: Guidelines for Teachers" by Karen Williams, 1995, FOCUS ON AUTISTIC BEHAVIOR, Vol. 10, No. 2. [Copyright, PRO-ED, Inc]
"Children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome present a special challenge in the educational milieu. This article provides teachers with descriptions of seven defining characteristics of Asperger syndrome, in addition to suggestions and strategies for addressing these symptoms in the classroom. Behavioral and academic interventions based on the author's teaching experiences with children with Asperger syndrome are offered."
" This site is named after the book Uniquely Gifted: Identifying and Meeting the Needs of the Twice-Exceptional Student, edited by Kiesa Kay".
Wrong Planet is the web community designed for individuals (and parents of those) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences.
Possible Triggers for ASD and related Developmental Disabilties.
"Among the many mysteries that befuddle autism researchers: why the disorder affects boys four times more often than girls. But in new findings reported online today by the journal Molecular Psychiatry, researchers say they have found a genetic clue that may help explain the disparity.".
A Medical Hypothesis: "The recently disclosed data suggest a possible correlation between autism incidence and a previously unconsidered environmental toxin. It is generally accepted in the scientific community that radiofrequency radiation is a biologically active substance. It is also readily acknowledged that human exposures to radiofrequency radiation have become pervasive during the past twenty years, whereas such exposures were uncommon prior to that time.
"ABSTRACT
Background Autism spectrum disorder is a heritable developmental disorder in which chromosomal abnormalities are thought to play a role.
Methods As a first component of a genomewide association study of families from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE), we used two novel algorithms to search for recurrent copy-number variations in genotype data from 751 multiplex families with autism. Specific recurrent de novo events were further evaluated in clinical-testing data from Children's Hospital Boston and in a large population study in Iceland.
"Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a group of childhood neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by deficits in verbal communication, impairment of social interaction, and restricted and repetitive patterns of interests and behaviour. To identify common genetic risk factors underlying ASDs, here we present the results of genome-wide association studies on a cohort of 780 families (3,101 subjects) with affected children, and a second cohort of 1,204 affected subjects and 6,491 control subjects, all of whom were of European ancestry.
"For more than 25 years, Microwave News has been reporting on the potential health and environmental impacts of electromagnetic fields and radiation. We are widely recognized as a fair and objective source of information on this controversial subject."
Swedish children who live in homes with vinyl floors are more likely to have autism, according to a new study, but what's behind the link is unclear. ... Experts suspect that genetic and environmental factors combine to cause autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that has increased dramatically in children over the past 20 years. [reported in Scientific American, Mar 31st 2009].
Report and discussion about possible environmental causes for ASDs, particularly genetic susceptibility, environmental chemicals and exposures to microbes. [chemical & engineering news, Vol.85, No.20]
"VRAN recognizes that vaccines are not without risk and supports the right of each individual to adequate disclosure prior to providing consent. The Vaccination Risk Awareness Network is opposed to mandatory vaccination, and upholds the right of individuals to exercise "Informed Consent" when considering an invasive medical procedure such as vaccination...".
It is known that environmental insults contribute to some incidences of ASD where a genetic susceptibility exists.
A small dose of Toxology - "Learn About the Health Effects Common Chemicals"
The Autism Research Unit is based at the Department of Pharmacy, Health & Well-being at the University of Sunderland. They do Analysis of biological samples, study relating to Gluten-Casien Diet and "Biological and genomic analysis of the contribution of the 'environment' to autism and associated spectral conditions".
The mission of Grassroots Environmental Education is to educate the public about the links between common environmental exposures and human health. Are these common exposures really enough to make us sick? The evidence is mounting, but scientific certainty may be decades away.
"The Institute for Children's Environmental Health (ICEH) ... primary mission is to foster collaborative initiatives to reduce and ultimately eliminate environmental exposures that can undermine the health of current and future generations."
Presentation by Dr Jepson titled "The Autism Tsunami" which looks at environmental and genetic factors in the incidence of ASD. Environmental factors are considered causitive in some cases autism as a trigger due to existance of genetic susceptabilties to ASD in some people.
"The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association (IDEA) is an Irish organisation established by health professionals seeking to promote the right to health and peaceful co-existence worldwide.
The main objective of the IDEA is to foster and promote, through education, publications and seminars, a concept of health as a state of physical, psychological and social well-being, which acknowledges the potential impact of environmental conditions, violent conflict, and inequalities within and between nations on that well-being."
Research links soaring incidence of the mysterious neurological disorder to fetal and infant exposure to pesticides, viruses, household chemicals [Scientific American, Jan 2009].
Autism is a complex disorder with many contributing factors and there is some belief that that environmental factors are the key factors triggering this devastating epidemic (ARI).
Apr 13, 2009, Children living near Superfund ("toxic waste") sites are more likely to be autistic. [Source: Environmental Health News, www.environmentalhealthnews.org]
This is an anti-GM foods website... "You may have heard the FDA and food industry claims that genetically modified (GM) foods are safe, properly tested, and necessary to feed a hungry world. UNTRUE! Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are one of the most dangerous and radical changes to our food supply. These largely unregulated ingredients found in 60-70% of the foods in the US, are well worth the effort to avoid them.".
The Physicians for Social Responsibility (non-profit advocacy organization) provides a number of valuable leaflets on
"Air Pollution and Health",
"Children's Environmental Health",
"Safe Drinking Water"
"Toxics and Health"
All of which are highly recommended for families, communities and professionals.
Some emerging and long-standing research indicates there may be risk to human health from Electro-Magnetic Radiation. Plausable if the incidence of ASD is indeed rising. Maybe a trigger for some cases of ASD?
Bioelectromagnetics, health and well-being : research. "h.e.s.e project, the international scientific Internet platform on topical issues in affiliation with the Kompetenz initiative."
SafeMinds is a US-based nonprofit organization lobbying regarding the "risks to infants and children of exposure to mercury" and "thimerosal in vaccines". In the US, there is some continuing controversy over the past use of Thimerosal in vaccines (thimerosal is no longer used in vaccines).
"The group is lead by Dr Louise Gallagher and based at the Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Molecular Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James’s Hospital, Dublin. We are a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, post-doctoral research fellows, post-graduate students and research assistants. Our work encompasses clinical assessment, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, neuroimaging, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and functional biology.".
"We are a grass roots organization begun based on the need for an organization to mobilize the Lyme and Autism Communities to find answers for these children.".
These links are provided for informational purposes only.
Generation Rescue is an "international movement of scientists, physicians and parent-volunteers researching the causes and treatments for autism and mentoring thousands of families in recovering their children from autism."
JABS as a UK self-help and lobby group ("neither recommends nor advises against vaccinations") but aims to promote the availability of comprehensive information for all parents to make an informed decision on vaccination.
M-M-R® II (MEASLES, MUMPS, and RUBELLA VIRUS VACCINE LIVE)
This document lists a clinical description, usage, precautions, warnings, adverse reactions (reported in clinical trials) and dosage for the MMR-II vaccine.
Published by Merck, December 2007.
"... Just before President Bush signed the homeland security bill into law an unknown member of Congress inserted a provision into the legislation that blocks lawsuits against the maker of a controversial vaccine preservative called "thimerosal," used in vaccines that are given to children." [Source: CBS News, 2002]
This is a private practice which "offers you choice by providing single measles, rubella and mumps vaccines, which will protect your child as effectively as the combined MMR."
PDA, first described by Elizabeth Newson during the 1980s as a pervasive developmental disorder distinct from autism, is increasingly becoming recognised as part of the autism spectrum....
"We are an association of parents and families of people with Rett Syndrome. We came together to provide support and information: to each other, to parents and families who have received a new diagnosis, to raise awareness among medical professionals and others who work with people who have Rett Syndrome and to raise public awareness of the condition and it's effects on those affected by it. ".
Rett syndrome: Scientists show possibility of reversing effects of a severe neurological syndrome in a mouse model by restoring full function to a gene formerly rendered inactive. [Scientific American, Feb2007]
"I'm a Goldendoodle - a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever - non-shed, hypoallergenic! I am a fully trained assistance dog from Irish Guide Dogs working with a 10 year old boy with autism. I'm four years old and have been working for the past three years.".
The Developing Ability Partnership offers a wide range of supports for individuals who require specialized educational supports. "First Steps in ABA" is the first in an innovative series of multimedia courses on a range of topics that will improve the level of experienced support, i.e. the quality of supports delivered by you and your team.
This describes content tagged as "Community" on rainchild network.
Content tagged with the keyword "Advocacy".
About Us
Irish Autism Action was first formed as the Irish Autism Alliance in 2001 by a group of parents who took a public stance in relation to the needs and rights of their children. Irish Autism Action (IAA) is an umbrella body currently representing parent groups, support groups and schools for those on the autistic spectrum across Ireland.
This is content tagged as "iaa" (Irish Autism Action).
"The Carers Association is Ireland's national voluntary organisation for and of family carers in the home. Family carers provide high levels of care to a range of people including frail older people, people with severe disabilities, the terminally ill and children with special needs.".
"Do you know someone who needs support due to cancer treatment, premature birth or chronic illness? It’s free and easy! CaringBridge helps you stay connected with loved ones during a health crisis."
"A CaringBridge website helps keep loved ones informed during difficult times. In return, family and friends give patient and caregiver support through guestbook messages. Every free, personalized CaringBridge website includes:
* Patient care journal to update family and friends * Guestbook for messages of love * Photo gallery * Free online support for using the service".
A 11-year old girl who helps to care for her younger sister wins award.
IS A MICROBOARD FOR YOU?
Are you or a family member unsatisfied with the current level of service you are receiving? Would you like more control over the people who come and in and out of your life?
Do you feel like you would like more choice in your day to day lifestyle?
"Counselling helps an individual to explore their difficulties in a safe and confidential environment. The counsellor is not there to judge the client, the circumstances they find themselves in or the perpetrator of any difficulties that the client has experienced. The counsellor’s role is to create the kind of environment where the client can safely explore their thoughts and feelings so that they can understanding themselves more in terms of the impact of the circumstances of their life.".
The North Leitrim West Cavan Carers Group meets regularly to relax, share information and network.
Microboards N.I. Ltd is a regional voluntary organisation which assists in the establishment and support of small, individual, associations of close family members and friends, who come together to develop a support network with an individual person.
Special Needs Assistants (SNA) help teachers in schools, by providing classroom support to pupils with a wide range of severe learning, physical or behavioural difficulties. Assistants may work in a special school or in mainstream national and secondary schools.
"Project Spectrum was created to give people with autism the opportunity to express their creativity and develop a life skill using Google SketchUp 3D modeling software..
"Welcome to the new Outside The Box Learning Resources website! Educators Our aim is to provide innovative professional development resources which;
* are cutting edge, * classroom focused * are embedded with thinking skills, * are problem solving, * encourage critical and creative thinking, * and provide practical multiple intelligence instruction.".
Polyxo.com is a resource for parents, professionals, or anyone interested in teaching children with autism or other related developmental disorders. Polyxo.com was developed .. to encompass a variety of instructional techniques and philosophies.
"Scoilnet is the education portal of the Department of Education and Science (DES) in Ireland. Launched in 1998, the website is managed on behalf of the DES by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE). Scoilnet’s current interface was launched in March 2003.
The SESS ("as appropriate") "consolidates, co-ordinates, develops and delivers a range of professional development initiatives and support structures". The service is a division of the Department of Education and Science for Republic of Ireland.
Course: Introduction to Special Needs Assistant
"No child can learn effectively when they do not feel valued"
(Good Practice in caring for young children with Special needs by Dare and Donovan)".
"ATLAS Training offers a series of practical, affordable courses to equip teachers with knowledge and skills that they can use on a daily basis in the classroom.".
Try to understand the difficulties faced by people with Autism Spectrum Disorders by listening to them.
In education, a teacher is one who helps students or pupils, often in a school, as well as in a family or community setting. A SEN teacher is a special education needs teacher.
"BrainConnection.com is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality information about how the brain works and how people learn. Many discoveries are being made in areas that relate to the human brain, including language, memory, behavior, and aging, as well as illness and injury."
Forum for Special Education (teachers) on epals.com.
"Information about behavioral fluency; and to connect people interested in building fluent behavior of all kinds".
"IATSE was founded in 1969. It originated on the Special Education Course of that year in response to a sense of isolation and lack of professional support for teachers of students with special needs. IATSE is a voluntary organisation and is run by its members through a Central Executive Committee, which meets once a month. IATSE has grown with special education and now offers a forum to teachers who work in this area, in a wide variety of educational settings."....
"Irish Deaf Kids ( www.irishdeafkids.ie ) is a for-impact venture aimed at supporting inclusive mainstream education for deaf children in Ireland.
For parents, educators / teachers, deaf people and others, IrishDeafKids.ie provides an online forum for discussion and guidance on best practice.
Its message boards offer a place to ask questions, share information and talk with parents & educators of deaf children, or with deaf people themselves.
If you are involved with, or interested in mainstream education for deaf children in Ireland, then this new website is for you.".
"The National Centre for Technology in Education is an Irish Government agency established to provide advice, support and information on the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in education.".
"The smell of a flower - The memory of a walk in the park - The pain of stepping on a nail. These experiences are made possible by the 3 pounds of tissue in our heads...the BRAIN!! Neuroscience for Kids has been created for all students and teachers who would like to learn about the nervous system."
"Welcome to the home of the Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South or SCoTENS for short.
SCoTENS has been involved in supporting a wide range of research and conference projects since it was founded in 2003. Among the North-South research projects are Together Towards Inclusion; A Toolkit for Trainers; A Preliminary Evaluation of a Teaching Package for Children with PMLD; the Irish Association for Social, Scientific and Environmental Education (IASSEE) Survey of Student Perceptions of History, Geography and Science; and a book on School Leadership in Ireland. ".
"TouchMath is a multisensory program that uses its signature TouchPoints to engage students of all abilities and learning styles."
It covers: "Counting, Addition, Subtraction, Place Value, Multiplication, Division, Time, Money, Fractions, Story Problems, Shapes, Sizes, Pre-algebra".
Computer, Technology and Software for use by or with people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Flashcards software.
Advantedge Interactive is a multimedia media design house based in North West Ireland and headed by Mr. Peter Hughes. Peter comes from an experienced design background having completed a BA honours degree in Graphic, Product and Interactive Design as well as an MSc in Computing and Design. The current focus is primarily on the development of e-learning products aimed at children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
"Computers can be an ideal environment for promoting communication, sociabilility, creativity, and playfulness even for deeply monotropic individuals, who may not speak!"
"Not being able to speak is not the same as not having something to say - but most people think the opposite.
To be included, empowered, and able to take a real part in decisions about their own lives, autistic people need effective ways to communicate. Legislation supports their right of access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT)."
"Zoho is perhaps best known for its range of free online productivity and collaborative tools – Zoho Office – which competes with Google Docs, but most recently the company has donated its development platform and resources to the treatment of autism with the newly launched ChARMTracker.". [source: siliconrepublic.com]
"STRATEGIC ICT PROGRAMME FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION IN SYRIA".
Laureate publishes innovative software designed specifically for children and adults with special needs.
"Teaching a child with autism can be an exercise in frustration--for both teacher and child. But designers at the Boston office of the design firm Continuum have developed a teaching aid--still in the concept stage--that could go a long way toward solving some of the problems that currently plague the process".......
Reactive Colors is an innovative project that is developing software to promote enjoyment and social interaction in severely autistic children. In contrast to existing packages, it is using a non-commercial open source development model, and is aiming to include the autistic and Asperger's community as developers and contributors to the project.
My name is Quentin Devine and my wife Adele and I live in Co. Tyrone, N.Ireland. My wife is a Special needs teacher and has been working with autistic children professionally for 10 years. I am a designer/developer and animator and together we created SEN Assist.
In the past few months, we put our heads together and have just produced the first in our range of SEN Assist CD ROMs (Literacy - The Three Bears). You can see more detail on our website: www.senassist.com
On the World Wide Web.
"ASD Friendly is a support network of parents with Autistic and Aspergers children, who discuss life as we know it in our friendy forums.".
A social networking site for for autistics (and their neurodiversity movement allies). If you're autistic, or an ally from the neurodiversity movement, why not register.
"...Some 79 children in Sligo, Leitrim, west Cavan and Donegal are facing a 14-month wait to see the one consultant child and teenage psychiatrist based in Letterkenny." [source: Irish Independent]
"Welcome to Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and Learning Difficulties Assessmment Services. My name is James Roan, a certified school psychologist, and I specialize in the psychoeducational assessment of children, adolescents, and adults who are suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, or any type of learning difficulty or developmental delay in the Republic of Ireland.".
"Michael Fitzgerald is Henry Marsh Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Trinity College, Dublin. He was the first Profesor Of Child Psychiartry in Ireland. A Clinical and Research Consultant to the Irish Society for Autism and an Honorary member of the Northern Ireland Institute of Human Relations, he has a doctorate in the area of autism and has been a researcher in this area since 1973. He trained at St. Patrick’s Hospital Dublin, Chicago Medical School, and The Maudsley Hospital and the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases in London.
The Department of Education and Science website.
"A free, friendly and confidential UK Nationwide helpline for parents and others seeking clarification, help and advice in the bewildering world of Special Educational Needs".
Applied Behaviour Analysis
ABA-forum is a Denmark based networking-forum regarding Applied Behaviour Analysis information provision, early intevention and obtaining ABA supervision for families/schools having children with Autism Specturm Disorders. (In Danish)
"Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the first step for parents and other caregivers who need help managing behavior problems in children with Autism or other Neuropsychological Disorders." "During my forty years of clinical experience I have tried to provide low-cost ABA resources for caregivers so they can do their own ABA. ABA increases your child's happiness, likelihood of being mainstreamed, and gives you hope." (Gary Brown, Ph. D)
" ABACAS is a specialist ABA school for children with autism located in Kilbarrack and serving the need for autism specific education in North County Dublin. It was established in 2001 by parents and now has 30 children with an ever increasing waiting list for places.".
"Ábalta opened in September, 2001, with six students. Four of these children had, prior to attending Ábalta, been educated in home-based ABA programmes. The other two children had been receiving other types of autism services.
Ábalta School expanded in 2003 to cater for 12 children at a site in Cuan Glas in Galway. In 2005 Ábalta School opened an additional facility in Newcastle in Galway to cater for an additional six children. Ábalta currently caters for 18 children and has had four of its students transfer into mainstream services.
Adrian Phillips is an independent advocate providing special needs legal advice, Autism/Education Consultancy, DLA Advocacy, ABA Consultancy, aba consultants, Independent Assessments and SEN Training.
For more than 40 years, ARI has devoted its work to conducting research, and to disseminating the research-based information on the possible triggers of autism and on methods of diagnosing and treating autism to parents, professionals around the world.
Christina Burk, M.A. Consulting Behavior Analyst in New York.
"Our mission is to provide evidence-based behavior analytic services to learners with autism and other developmental disabilities through direct services and training of family members and educators. We accomplish this by insuring that the learner’s progress occurs through the arrangement of teaching environments which are mostly positive and arranged to ultimately allow the learner to continue to develop language and other skills in typical community and family settings.
Our Guiding Principles
Twenty-four children with autism were randomly assigned to a clinic-directed group ... or to a parent-directed group that received intensive hours but less supervision by equally well-trained supervisors. Outcome after 4 years of treatment .... After combining groups, we found that 48% of all children showed rapid learning, achieved average posttreatment scores, and at age 7, were succeeding in regular education classrooms. Treatment outcome was best predicted by pretreatment imitation, language, and social responsiveness. These results are consistent with ...
"SPEAC (Special Provision for the Education of Autistic Children) was founded by parents who, faced with the realities of living with a child with autism, shared a frustration with the lack of educational provision. Their response was to forge a unique partnership with the South-Eastern Education and Library Board (SEELB) to run a 3-year pilot project based at Tor Bank Special School in Belfast. The Centre provided a child-centred specialist education using the principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) to children aged 4-11 who had autism and severe learning difficulties."
"TIPO is a pioneer-organization in Scandinavia. For more than 35 years our specialists have helped children and families throughout Europe with developmental deficits and behavioral problems. Our treatment is continuously updated by new scientific results."
"Welcome to the website of Red Hill School.
The school opened its doors on 1st September 2008 at Redhill, Patrickswell in Limerick. Red Hill School is a recognised school of the Department of Education and Science, under the Patronage of the Rehab Group.
It is a school for children with autistic spectrum disorder and welcomes referrals for enrolment to the school.
Any student aged between 3 and 18 years who has a confirmed diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder will be considered for enrolment in accordance with Red Hill School's enrolment policies and procedures.".
"Stepping Stones school started in October 2001 in Newbridge College in a single classroom. At this time it was named Kildare ABA School. The purpose of the school was to provide a specific educational service to those children who had been diagnosed with autism, who were failing to grow and develop in their current educational environment. The educational approach adopted by the school was, and still is, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).".
"Based at The All Trust Centre in Bray, our Clinical Team provides multi disciplinary support to every child’s programme. All of our people including our preschool teachers are qualified to the highest levels in Speech & Language Pathology, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Psychology and Special Preschool Education.".
"Welcome to Siolta, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education".
"TreeHouse is the national charity for autism education. TreeHouse was founded in 1997 by parents of children with autism and today we campaign for better autism education nationally and run a school for children and young people with autism. TreeHouse undertakes policy and parliamentary work and research to ensure autism is a national priority, supports parents to campaign locally and offers training and consultancy on autism education."
A developmental delay of six months should be sufficient to sound immediate alarm bells to put in place a comprehensive early intervention (usually starting in the home) and ideally beginning at an early age of 2-3yrs but no later than 5yrs.
The AAP strongly believes in the importance of early and continuous surveillance and screening for ASD to ensure that children are identified and receive access to services as early as possible. The sooner autism is identified, the sooner an intervention program can start.
"ConnecticuT Families for Effective Autism Treatment" (CT FEAT) is a non-profit organization formed by parents and family members to provide information and support to the families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Many of us experienced tremendous difficulties in obtaining accurate diagnoses for our children. Once we were given a diagnosis, it typically was not accompanied by up-to-date treatment information. In order to learn about the most effective treatment options, we were obliged to waste precious time doing extensive independent research.
Department of Education Circular: Home Tuition Scheme 2009/2010
This circular is intended to provide information in relation to the Home Tuition Scheme.
"What is 'Learning Together'? Learning Together is a course of 48 specially designed lessons with easy-to-use guidelines and fun educational resources to help teach basic skills to young children with special education needs at home or in school.
Who is it for?
Well known web resources which parents of children with PDD, PDD-NOS, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, or hyperlexia may find useful.
Is there peer-reviewed research in Journals that have high-rejection rate? Can you measure the results of the intervention? Has replication of research results occurred?
Educating Children with Autism (2001), National Research Council. Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (CBASSE)
P.E.A.T stands for Parents' Education as Autism Therapists - a parent led charity. A primary goal is to employ Behaviour Analysts to provide training and support to families living in Northern Ireland. Members can avail of training workshops, networking events, conferences and social outings.
Provencial Outreach Programme for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD) is a Canadian orgnaisation working together with school based personnel and/or District Autism Teams to develop educational and behavioural programs.
"The Research & Education Foundation is a registered charity set up to support training, education and research in health care in Sligo General Hospital and its catchment area in the HSE North West Area. The Board of the Foundation consists of a number of staff members of Sligo General Hospital and citizens from the community.".
ABA is a "well-developed discipline among the helping professions, with a mature body of scientific knowledge, established standards for evidence-based practice, distinct methods of service, recognised experience and educational requirements for practice". Postgraduate Courses, MSc in ABA are now running in NUI, Galway.
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI), Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) are approaches based on science of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). Verbal Behaviour (VB) approach is similar approach. Discrete Trials (DT) is a intervention that is used with young ASD children. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a scienctific discipline that is often used with older ASD children and challenging behaviour.
The Mission of the Cambridge Center is to "advance the scientific study of behavior and its humane application to the solution of practical problems.." and membership is welcomed from anyone around the world interested in the area.
"Scientific research shows that if you are involved in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions for your child YOU CAN" make a difference!
Behavioral strategies, including Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Priming, Understanding Problem Behaviors, Self-Management, Parent-Professional Collaboration, and Toilet Training.
"Positive Behaviour Ireland (PBI) is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to reduce challenging behaviours in children and young people and to positively promote their social, emotional and educational competence.".
An educational institution or building where young people are educated. (The home or community can also be considered a school).
Event in Kilnaleck, Cavan to raise for funds for autism students in local school. [source: Anglo Celt]
The National Council for Special Education was set up to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children and was established in December 2003. With effect from 1 October 2005 it has been formally established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN Act).
Website of Special Needs Assistants in Ireland.
Teacher Focus Monthly is "a free publication distributed electronically to community members. It contains news and announcements from the Teacher Focus team as well as articles pertaining to various areas of education, such as: educational technology; elementary education; science and math; arts education; multicultural education; special education; college education and college preparation; teaching foreign languages; tips for teachers; advice on how to find a teaching job, and much more!".
Things to do, enrichment and empowering the individual.
"The Arts & Disability Forum (ADF) was formed in 1993 by a group of like-minded people who aspired to create a forum for people with disabilities in the arts. The Forum exists to facilitate the empowerment of people with disabilities through the development of Arts and Disability culture, promoting equal access to mainstream arts for people with disabilities (as both consumers and participants) and campaigns for increased opportunities in arts education, training and employment.".
"Welcome to assistireland.ie. This online resource provides information on assistive technology and a directory of products available from Irish suppliers.".
"The Autism Acceptance Project is dedicated to promoting acceptance of and accommodations for autistic people in society.
The Autism Acceptance Project (TAAProject) will bring forth a different and positive view about autism to the public in order to foster understanding and acceptance, and to empower parents and autistic people.
"A YOUNG autistic boy who was allegedly locked into a toilet in her home by a carer while she left the house for a time has secured €50,000 in settlement of his High Court action.
It was alleged the carer, while employed by a private company, had locked the boy into the toilet and then left the house for a time before returning to unlock the toilet door." ......
[source: Irish Times]
Festina Lente provides a range of training, occupational, learning and employment opportunities for people whose needs are not being met in mainstream services, utilising horses and horticulture.
"IASE (Irish Association of Supported Employment) is a national voluntary organisation which was established in February 1994 with the aim of promoting and developing supported employment through out Ireland.".
"New Horizons Partnership is a cross-border, cross-community organisation that provides services to learning disabled and other disadvantaged clients. ".
"The Orchardville Society is a voluntary organisation working in Belfast, assisting people with Learning Disabilities realise their full potential and ambitions. An integral part of the work involves preparing people for employment by providing vocational training opportunities and work experience.".
"Surf 2 Heal is a voluntary group of Surfers whose aim it is to bring children with autism into our great sport. Surfing has proven not only to be great fun for them but also possibly unlock some hidden talents and even therapeautic benefits!".
"The mission of Vela Microboard Association of B.C. is to promote and secure innovative and individualized community options and supports for people with disabilities or chronic illness.
What is a Vela Microboard?
"The objective of Autism Initiatives is the recognition of the individuality of persons with Autism, and their capacity to benefit from education, training and care. It is those individuals’ fundamental right to live a satisfying and happy life in the community in a supporting and stimulating environment.".
"The Verbal Arts Centre develops and delivers a portfolio of verbal arts services for a range of client groups and stakeholders. These services are structured across three main areas:
1. Education 2. Youth and Community Development 3. Artform / Reading Development
"Western Care Association is a voluntary organisation founded in 1966. It is a progressive and dynamic association, providing services to approximately 750 people with learning disabilities throughout County Mayo, Ireland."
"CARDI is a not for profit organisation developed by leaders from the ageing field across Ireland (North and South) including age focused researchers, academics, statutory, voluntary and community sector representatives with support from The Atlantic Philanthropies. It is overseen by a Steering Group and hosted by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland.
Mission
"The Cork Association for Autism provides a range of services to adults with Autism and Aspergers syndrome in the Cork area.
The services include residential, respite, day service and outreach supports. It operates from its two centres in east Cork, Greenville House and Crobally House. The CAA also has an administrative office in Cork city.
The CAA provides Person Centred Care based on the principles of social inclusion, fulfilling the potential of those in our care and working in partnership with families and parents."
"National Learning Network is Ireland's largest non-Government training organisation with more than 50 purpose built training and employment units nationwide catering for over 4,500 students each year.
Its objective is to assist people at a disadvantage in the labour market to learn the skills they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities.
This is achieved through a brand of training, education, employment access and enterprise development that is respected and often replicated across Europe.
"The NPSA is an independent voice for parents and other family members of people with intellectual disability and/or autism and ...
- Is run by family members for family members - Campaigns for change by educating and informing societal attitudes towards intellectual disability and autism - Advises and supports parents and families of people with an intellectual disability and autism - Lobbies for appropriate legislative change.".
Now Project Mission is "to provide high quality training and support to enable people with learning disabilities to get the job they want and keep it."
"The Rehab Group is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which provides training, employment, health and social care and commercial services for some 56,000 people each year in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands and Poland. .. The people who currently use our services include young people and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, people with mental health difficulties, people with autism and people with an acquired brain injury.".
"Employ Ability Limited is a Supported Employment service for people who have a disability or health issue and live in the Dublin southwest area.".
"Camphill was established to work with people who were mentally handicapped - and this is still its principal role today. From the outset, the intention was to do this work not as a 'job' in the usual sense of the word, but as a way of life. Our Communities are formed of groups of people, some with special needs or disability, some more able, who live, work and learn together, in an atmosphere of mutual respect.".
"Cheeverstown House, based in Dublin, is a voluntary organisation, accredited by the Council on Quality & Leadership providing a wide range of residential, respite and day services to almost 400 children and adults with an intellectual disability and to their families in Cheeverstown Centre and throughout various community locations. This includes residential places in Cheeverstown Centre; with the remaining places in houses throughout the locality.".
The Congregation of the Daughters of Wisdom, based at Cregg House, Sligo are pleased to announce the imminent launch of their new website to coincide with the name change to Wisdom Services. It is intended that the site will be up and running soon after Easter 2009. The site will provide up to date information on all our services located both on campus at Cregg House and in the Community.
Daldorch House School and Continuing Education Centre is an independent, residential and day, special school managed by The National Autistic Society (NAS). The school provides a fusion of care and education across 24 hours for children and young people from five to 18 years, 52 weeks of the year. As of August 2006, the school will provide continuing education opportunities and supported living arrangements for young people up to the age of 21.".
Vyrnwy Academy is a residential learning facility for young adults (18+) with learning difficulties, including Autism and ASD. "We are committed to promoting independent living, through our three year programme, in a friendly, fun and welcoming environment. We give ourselves the title of 'Academy' as we wish to portray and maintain that Vyrnwy Academy is first and foremost a learning environment."
Their contact details are as follows:
Address; Vyrnwy Academy Ltd., Vyrnwy House, Oswestry Road, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AU. Telephone; 0044 1691 829112
"IACAT is the national registration body for creative arts therapists in Ireland. As a professional reference body, it promotes, regulates and upholds the work of creative arts therapists, including Art Therapy, Dance-Movement Therapy, Dramatherapy and Music Therapy.".
"AHEAD, Association for Higher Education Access and Disability is an independent non-profit organisation working to promote full access to and participation in further and higher education for students with disabilities and to enhance their employment prospects on graduation.".
"Disability.ie aim to provide easy access to a comprehensive on-line information service for people with disabilities.
WHAT - An on-line information service for people with disabilities and special needs, as well as their family and friends
HOW - A specially constructed/designed website with links to a broad range of information relevant to the needs of the user
"The work of EDF covers all fields of European Union competence and a great number of initiatives. Although the European institutions might seem far for many citizens, the decisions taken by the European Union, which are the result of negotiations between all Member States, have a direct impact on disabled people’s lives. That is why, the role of EDF is so important in monitoring all EU initiatives and in proposing new legislation to advance disabled people’s rights." ........
Irish Advocacy Network operates on Island-Wide basis. "Peer advocates are people who have personal experience of mental health difficulties who have achieved a sufficient level of recovery to complete an accredited training course in peer advocacy. Once they are qualified they can complete a period working with an existing peer advocate before engaging with clients on their own.".
"The National Disability Authority is the lead state agency on disability issues, providing independent expert advice to Government on policy and practice.".
"Paddy Doyle was born in County Wexford, Ireland, in 1951 and now lives in County Longford. Married with three grown up sons, he is recognized as one or Ireland's leading disability activists .. A frequent contributor to television, radio and the print media on matters as diverse as the role of the church in caring for children to the legalization of marijuana for medical use. He has also travelled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, speaking at conferences about disability and child sexual abuse.
"Sports in County Cavan for people with learning, intellectual or physical disability."
We now have a Sports Inclusion Disability Officer (SIDO) appointed to the Donegal Sports Partnership. The role of the SIDO is to promote sport and physical activity amongst people with disabilities in Donegal and to raise awareness on the benefits of their participation.
Activities and Recreation for people with Disabilites organised by Mayo Sports Partnership.
"Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership launched its new Sports Inclusion Disability Project in May 2008." A sports SIDO officer oversees the project with the aim to increase participation by people with a disability in sport and active recreation.
WASSA is an acronym for Waterford Autism Social & Sports Action. This organisation was set up earlier this year by local parents. The groups objective is to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through a range of social and sports activities.
"Heart n Soul is a leading arts organisation with learning disability culture at its heart. ".
Cavan Blog: "Susan at Stony River: Writer, volunteer, Mensan, mother to autistic children. Oh... help! Your visits and comments mean a lot."
(This blog was nominated for the 2009 Irish Blog Awards in four categories; longlisted in two. ).
Educational toys and games for special needs children.
"Whether you are a psychiatrist, doctor, nutritionist, psychologist or other health professional the role of nutrition and mental health is a continuing minefield of new information and our aim is to keep you well informed.".
"Headstrong is a new initiative working with communities in Ireland to ensure that young people aged twelve to twenty five are better supported to achieve mental health and wellbeing.".
" It’s easy to see when something’s wrong with us physically. But what about our mental health?
If people don’t even notice you’ve got a problem, they’re not going to offer to help.
Mental health is something we all have and it is something we should take steps to protect in the same way we guard our physical health.
If you can get your head in the right place then you’ve got the strength to handle anything life throws at you.".
"The Mission of each Lucena Clinic (Rathgar; Tallaght; Dun Laoghaire, Bray and Wickow) is to provide a specialised and comprehensive mental health service to the children and families of Dublin South, parts of Dublin West and County Wicklow. The philosophy of the services of the Order of St. John of God, based on the beliefs and values of the founder, is that people are the creation of God with intrinsic value and inherent dignity. This philosophy influences all our activities and obliges us to keep the dignity of the individual at the heart of our mission."
"Mental Health Ireland is a national voluntary organisation which aims to promote positive mental health and to actively support persons with a mental illness, their families and carers by identifying their needs and advocating their rights.".
Are there alternative ways to fund services? Are there alternative ways to provide supports and help for people with disabilities? If people with disabilities and their family members could be more in control of the ways their services are provided to them? If there are different ways to provide for the service needs of a person with a disability that will ensure that they have a good quality of life? are there are new ways to make sure people with disabilities can develop lifelong friendships and anenjoyable life? In short, is there an alternative way to enhance and ensure that people with disabilities are in greater control of their life, have choices and live their lives like everybody else?
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a evidence-based behavioural approach for the that aims to enrich the lives of People with Developmental Disorders.
"The Children's Rights Alliance is a coalition of over 90 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to secure the rights and needs of children in Ireland, by campaigning for the full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It aims to improve the lives of all children under 18, through securing the necessary changes in Ireland's laws, policies and services.".
Yvonne Cunningham is a Educational Psychologist in Co. Galway.
Dept of Education cutbacks targeting ASD and Home Tuition Scheme. [source: Irish Examiner, 2008]
According to the Department of Education, parents who receive direct grant payments from the Department of Education and Science must provide a current tax clearance certificate. Payments cannot issue until this tax certificate is submitted.
This certificate is useful if you plan to apply for home tuition. If Home Tuition Grant is approved then you may not receive the actual payments until you get this certificate.
An update on Sean Ó Cuanacháin.
Interesting report on Irish State duty to provide for development of the socialisation skills of a boy with autism.
Irish State fights High Court assertion that Free primary Education right may extend to eighteen and beyond.....
"Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities."
"The Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) ceased business as of November 30th 2008 and this web site has not been up-dated since that date. However, the site will remain available for browsing and download of its original content. Please direct any queries about the CECDE or this web site to the Early Years Education Policy Unit of the Department of Education and Science at earlychildhood@education.gov.ie .".
Project IRIS (Inclusive Research in Irish Schools) is a three year longitudinal research project which aims to carry out the most in-depth study of special and inclusive education ever conducted in Ireland.
The Child & Family Research Centre is a partnership between the Health Service Executive and National University of Ireland, Galway. Based in the School of Political Science and Sociology, the CRFC undertakes research, education and training in the area of child & family care and welfare.
The Department of Health and Children is committed to providing all its customers with a high quality service. The Complaints Procedure covers complaints about issues such as delays, mistakes and poor customer services by or from the Department i.e. instances where you did not receive the quality of service from the Department you feel you are entitled to.
"Health Service Executive (HSE) Libraries Online provides access for HSE staff to quality electronic resources, databases and library catalogues. These resources are brought to you by the HSE Regional Librarians Group consortium. This group represents the HSE library services nationally and has been actively involved in conjoint working for a number of years. Our current project is the development of an electronic library for HSE staff.".
"Welcome to LENUS the Irish health repository for the HSE, managed by the Regional Library & Information Service at Dr. Steevens' Hospital, Dublin.".
"Inclusion Ireland is a national voluntary organisation working to promote the rights of people with an intellectual disability in Ireland to ensure their full and equal participation in society. Inclusion Ireland was founded in 1961 (as namhi) and has now become the co-ordinating body for over 160 organisations providing services and supports to almost 28,000 people with an intellectual disability in Ireland.".
The NorthWest Parents and Friends Assocation in Sligo, supported by HSE, provides "services for children and adults with Intellectual Disabilities" and includes "day-care and pre-school services, community group homes, special schools, vocational training units and sheltered workshops for people with intellectual disabilities/special needs".
The National Council for Special Education, Ireland, has responsibility to find appropriate educational placements are available for children with Special Needs.
"This website is for:
* people with Autism Spectrum Disorders * families and whanau * friends of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders * anyone in the community who wants to know more
This service is provided by LIFE Unlimited and Parent to Parent. This service is available across New Zealand.".
"My name is Ariel and I'm 11 years old. I was diagnosed with (PDD) Pervasive Developmental Disorder which is an autism spectrum disorder. My mommy created this webpage for me so that we can educate others about Autism. She also put up a more recent picture of me!"
The Autism Association (Singapore) was set up in 1992.
"Welcome to autism london website: You will find information on autism and Asperger syndrome, on our services and how you can get support and advice.".
Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation. Autism New Jersey encourages responsible basic and applied research that may lessen the effects of, and potentially prevent, autism. Autism New Jersey is dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth potential and to enhancing the general public's overall awareness of autism.
New Jersey's Autism Resource
"Welcome to AWARES, the All Wales Autism Resource. AWARES aims to provide you with links to all of the autism information and resources you could need within Wales, and also to useful online resources outside of Wales".
"Consultant Paediatrician specializing in Biomedical treatment for: Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and Behavioural Problems". Some useful links on Biomedical.
US-Based Website by parents of two Special Needs children - for Parents of Children with Special Needs.
Geneva Centre for Autism is a Canadian and international leader in the development and delivery of clinical intervention, support and training for individuals, families and professionals.
"The International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) is a scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism spectrum disorders.".
"Welcome to Mindroom, A charity dedicated to helping children and adults with learning difficulties".
"..NCLD works to ensure that the nation's 15 million children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work and life..."
"Prior’s Court Foundation is dedicated to bringing the highest level of expertise to support and improve life chances for people with autism.".
" The Rainbow School for autistic children was founded by a group of parents with autistic children, in September 2000. These parents recognised that intensive and early intervention greatly enhances the long-term prognosis for these children and that a specialist approach to their education is vital. Because of a lack of effective early educational intervention these parents created a specialist school, which though based in Wandsworth now serves many other boroughs.
"Every child deserves the chance to sing every day. Singing improves learning, confidence, health and social development. It has the power to change lives and help to build stronger communities ... We want to give every child the chance to sing, with opportunities to develop their singing and performance skills."
UK Based charity. NAS Website includes information about autism and Asperger syndrome, the NAS and its services and activities.
"The SSA is an independent Scottish charity working for the rights and quality of life of people with autism. Our head office is in Alloa and we have over 750 staff.".
"UW Autism Center provides diagnostic evaluations and multi-disciplinary intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorders from infancy through adolescence and a wide range of professional training opportunities."
Bloggers who write about ASD from abroad.
"Autism Salutes, a personal blog, yet still autism and military related".
"As a parent of a child with autism, I want to make a positive difference in our community and beyond. The primary goal(as of January 2009)of this blog is to provide tips and information to parents and teachers that might help a person with autism navigate this world.".
Autism News and Opinion from Canada from Conor's Dad.
Blog by father to two boys (one on the ASD spectrum).
Hidden Recovery main website focussing on "Autism recovery can happen! A parent's experience with High-Functioning Autism. Diagnosed at 2 with PDD-NOS, and recovered by kindergarten".
All happy families are not alike... Essays and articles on parenting, special needs, autism, politics, and life in general, that convey moments of struggle and resolution, of self-doubt and understanding.
A blog describing ASD "Recovery".
"Chronicling the life of a home-educating family in Northern Ireland, with 3 children, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum."
Parent Blog website from the UK regarding Autism Treatments.
Autism-Europe aisbl is an international association whose main objective is to advance the rights of persons with autism and their families and to help them improve their quality of life. Autism-Europe ensures effective liaison among more than 80 member associations of parents of persons with autism in 30 European countries, including 20 Member States of the European Union, governments and European and international institutions and plays a key role in raising public awareness and influecing European decision-makers on issues relating to Autism.
One aim of the European Autism Information systems (EAIS) project is the creation of a reliable information system on ASD for Europe, which will promote the development of government policies to facilitate appropriate and effective treatments and services.
The Schafer Autism Report Archive & Digests contain older articles from a magazine called Schafer Report regarding Autism and: Special Education, Scientific Abstracts, Speech and Language, Public Health, Conferences.
Originally Published In Autism/Asperger's Digest Magazine as: Autism Aspergers Magazine Publications, Enhancing Conventional Medicine: Alternative Medicine's Place in Treating Autism.
Compilation of "important medical information from the top medical journals... about current medical practices and procedures, often difficult to find."
FRONTLINE is an Irish quarterly magazine published since 1989 for workers and families at the front line of learning disability/mental handicap.
"You may know that I run the unique Awares international online autism conference every year. You might also like to know that I am the founder and editor of the monthly international autism newsletter, Looking Up, launched in 1998. Within its 40 pages, we publish the very latest research, news and vews from the world of autism". (Adam Feinstein)
A magazine about "Autism and Develpmentally disabled community".
Autism Blogging team: Kristina is a Classics professor in Jersey City, New Jersey, a blogger and self-advocate (for her son). Dora is "committed to improving quality of life for individuals on the autistic spectrum--including herself!"
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non-profit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN's supporters include autistic adults and youth and "neurotypical" family members, professionals, educators and friends.
Abilitation's "primary focus is serving the needs of individuals with special needs and learning differences. Our special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy product mix focuses on movement, positioning, sensorimotor, education, communication, exercise, and play."
Company that manufactures and sells: speech therapy tools, oral motor tools, sensory activity tools, occupational therapy products, adult care needs, eye drop dispensers, respiratory products, early childhood developmental tools and feeding products. All of the products listed on this website are therapy tools to be used by professional therapists or caregivers trained in their use."
Selling Vocabulary Builder™ and Action Words!™ videos products.
"Bridges is a team of professionals that draws on combined 100+ years of direct experience within the augmentative communication system and school systems to create effective Assistive Technology solutions. The Bridges team is nationally and internationally known as having extensive knowledge of Assistive Technology products, for being a resource to educators and professionals and for delivering high quality professional development.".
Picture Cards useful for Visual Schedules.
Good resource for games, songs, communication cards, print resources and information for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or other special needs.
US Company selling Special Needs products: ABA & Autism, Autism Books, ABA Basics, Verbal Behavior, Assessments, Visual Communication, Conversation & Academic Skills, Social & Play, Skills, Inclusion at School, Biomedical, Parenting & Family Needs, Children's Books, Interactive Reading Books, Flashcards & Visual Supports, Nouns, Body Parts & Adjectives, Verbs & Prepositions, Matching & Sorting, Opposites & Go-Togethers, Categories, Sequencing, People & Emotions, Wh-questions, Clocks, Counters & Timers, Clocks & Teaching Time, Timers & Stopwatches, PECS, Scheduling & Visual Strategies, Picture
"Welcome to Experia, We are designers, manufacturers and installers of sensory equipment with a fresh, new and fun approach.
From sensory rooms and pools, soft play environments and outdoor sensory equipment to the very latest in sensory experience - the Multisensory Interactive Learning Environment (MILE) - we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of sensory equipment to deliver breathtaking new opportunities.".
"Learning Horizons seeks to become the best cutting edge publisher and creator of educational programmes of the highest quality and innovation, assisting teachers in providing children with the knowledge, skills and confidence to fulfil their individual potential, so that children everywhere can lead the lives of their choice.".
Selling symbol-based products such as: Boardmaker Software Family, Boardmaker Activity Pack (software enables you to create interactive symbol-based communication and educational materials), Interactive Products (unique educational products that combine sight, touch, and sound to enchance the learning process) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) products.
Autism and AAC, Blind Access, Deaf Access, Learning Disabilities, Literacy and Mathematics, Low Mobility, Low Vision, Voice Recognition.
"New Life Learning is an Irish headquartered eLearning organisation, working with leading recognised specialists from around the world, to make courses in Child and Personal Development, available to a wider adult audience, through the innovative use of ICT.
Pro-Ed Inc. is a "leading publisher of standardized tests, books, curricular resources, and therapy materials covering: Speech-Language Pathology, Special Education and Rehabilitation, Psychology and Counseling, Occupational and Physical Therapy and Early Childhood. Pro-Ed Inc's products are used by professionals, parents, and students around the world".
Pyramid Educational Products, Inc., located in Newark, Delaware, "is the premier source for products for the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)".
Selling products "dedicated to children with special challenges and those who care for them. We offer sensory integration and developmental products, pediatric therapy equipment, resources, and support for therapeutic professionals, health care professionals, schools, and families."
"Special Stories Publishing specialises in books for all children. Our books also give charities and their members the chance to tell their very own special stories.
Online shop selling various products: Aromatherapy, Assessment Tools, Assistive Technology, Autism Specialties, Bilateral Goodies, Feeding, Dressing, and Daily Living, Fidget Toys, Fine Motor Fun, Finger Strengtheners, Gift Certificates, Gross Motor, Handwriting, Kits, Music and Movement, Oral Motor Fun, Pressure Vests, Other Deep Pressure Specialties, Resources, Scissors, Tongs, and Finger tools, Seating Specialties, Sensory Earmuffs, etc.
"Autism Speaks and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are co-sponsoring an initiative to explore possible scientific opportunities in an international collaborative effort in autism epidemiology.
Autism Research demystified: A summary of the latest scientific findings in the causes and treatments of Autism.
The mission of the ARC is to understand the biomedical causes of autism spectrum conditions, and develop new and validated methods for assessment and intervention.
What is consciousness?
"CHICAGO (Reuters) - The brains of autistic children react to sounds a fraction of a second slower than those of normal children, which may help explain the communication problems associated with autism". [Dec, 2008]
"A fungal toxin commonly found in grain and cereal food crops can damage human and animal intestines" according to reserchers." [source: Environmental Health News, May 4th, 2009]
IAN, the Interactive Autism Network, was established in January 2006 at Kennedy Krieger Institute and is funded by a grant from Autism Speaks. IAN's goal is to facilitate research that will lead to advancements in understanding and treating autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). To accomplish this goal, we created the IAN Community and IAN Research.
"A closer look at the statistics suggests something more than a simple rise in incidence." [source: Scientific American, Dec 2007]
"The Charity is a non-profit-making organisation whose aim is to enhance awareness of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), and the promotion and funding of research and clinical trials of LDN as a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The results of such research will be published for the benefit of the public.
We need to raise funds to get clinical trials underway, starting with those for Multiple Sclerosis, and then for other diseases suggested by Dr Bernard Bihari which might benefit from trials of LDN.
"Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
PEDIATRICS (doi:10.1542/10.1542/peds.2007-2362) Published online October 29, 2007
Scott M. Myers, MD, Chris Plauché Johnson, MD, MEd the Council on Children With Disabilities
Abstract
UK Research charity site is aimed at anyone with an interest in autism, including people on the spectrum, parents, carers and professionals.
Article critical of campaign against Wakefield by Brian Deer, with Sunday Times by Spectator Columnlist, Melaine Phillips. [Spectator Magazine]
In September of 2001, Dr. Andrew Wakefield formulated a plan with friends and colleagues for the ideal treatment center for children with developmental disorders. The model comprised medical care, behavioral analysis and education, and clinical and laboratory research, all under one roof.
"The Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience (IICN) aims to promote the academic clinical neurosciences in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.
It organises academic meetings where teaching is carried out and where findings from neuroscience research are presented. It endorses research in neuroscience in Ireland and offers support for conducting research.
The membership of the IICN includes neuroscience clinicians and scientists working in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The IICN aims to:
Presentation by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride M.D. from Cambridge Nutrition Clinic in the UK regarding GAP Syndrome and GAPS Diet.
Website providing information about Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) which is precribed off-label by some doctors for various conditions involving weakened immune system.
"Dr Bernard Bihari’s clinical work with low doses of naltrexone (LDN) commenced over twenty years ago in the late 1980s and has since resulted in a small, but growing number of physicians prescribing LDN to minimize both progression and symptoms of immune system diseases for their patients.
Information about LDN (Low-Dose Naltrexone) by Quinns Pharmacy, Galway.
The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in society.
Far more children have autism than previously thought according to new study by respected Cambridge University's Autism Study Centre. The study shows as many as one in 60 children has some form of the condition. [Source: dailymail]
Hardhitting articles regarding Autism as an Epidemic.
The Autism File is a quarterly magazine dedicated to "give as much information as possible, with medical updates including: vaccination coverage, diet and nutrition, recipe pages .. and problems solved,
Established in 2000, Gra, Autism is a not-for-profit, parent led support group for families with an autistic family member. Based in Galway, the group aims to provide support services and facilitates for the families, loved ones and carers of children and young people with autism.
"The ISDH was formally established in 2002. It serves to promote, preserve and protect the oral health of people with disabilities. ".
The following are links to agencies who provide Behavioural intervention supervision for families who are running a home programme and/or need specific help with interventions for challenging behaviours. The supervisors normally supervise parents and/or ABA Therapists hired locally by parents. "ABA consultants" or "Behaviour Analyists" are skilled at least to minimum level to enter and engage in the ethical practice of ABA, to conduct functional behavioural assessments, implement and at times design behaviour support plans or learning/skill acquisition programmes, and analyse and display data to make informed decisions around intervention and learning needs. They are qualified to BCABA or BCBA level with the Behaviour Analysis Certification Board, an international body which sets standards for training and provides a route for securing Associate level Certification status.
ABA Service Provider in Dublin.
"Saoirse Support Service aims to support parents and professionals dealing with children with special needs. We believe that parents and professionals working in partnership offers the best level of support for children. We aim to establish a national support network which will allow the sharing of information between parents, educators and a wide range of other professionals who are supporting children with special needs.
"Presentation from Dr Magdalena Cubala-Kucharska, Medical Doctor, March 2009.
Clinical Reports on 6 children treated and discussion.".
"GPnotebook is an online encyclopaedia of medicine that provides a trusted immediate reference resource for clinicians in the UK and internationally. Updated continually, our database consists of over 26,000 pages of information. Fast and reliable, many doctors use GPnotebook during the consultation.".
"It is generally accepted within the autism community that autism is a behaviorally-based disorder. Conventionally, diagnosis is based on observation of behavior and treatment focused on alleviating challenging behaviors. A growing number of individuals within this expanding community also acknowledge that there exists an equally relevant biomedical component to the disorder that should not be overlooked in planning treatment programs for individuals who have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At the Great Plains Laboratory Inc.
"NHS Pathology Plus+ provides a more patient-centred approach which improves convenience and service, and gives greater peace of mind for patients (more frequent and convenient sample collection times for existing and extended surgery hours/ faster turnaround and access to results)".
"The definitive online database of over 40,000 UK Consultants, over 2,480 Republic of Ireland Consultants and over 42,000 UK GPs ".
"The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) is a medically-led laboratory that was established in 1987. It is the largest independent provider of clinical laboratory diagnostic services in the UK. We provide our customers with the laboratory information required for diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders.".
"Noreen Cronin is a nutritionist who provides private nutritional assessments and consultations to clients in Ireland and the UK....She has a special interest in autism and works with individuals on the autistic spectrum in Ireland and the UK".
Occupational Therapy.
PrivateOT.ie is a "online directory" and lists some "private occupational therapists".
Pediatrics (or paediatrics) is a branch of medical care that deals with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
"The Children's Clinic, Gorey, Co. Wexford, provides comprehensive evaluations and individualised treatment plans for children with a variety of developmental disabilities and associated learning and behavioural difficulties. The clinic's developmental paediatrician, Dr. Fennell, also conducts a monthly clinic in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.".
Links to Psychiatry Journals, UK Psychiatry site.
"From 1st January 2009, the College of Psychiatry of Ireland became the professional body for psychiatrists in Ireland, and will be the sole body recognised by the Medical Council and the HSE for Competence Assurance and Training in Psychiatry.".
"The Autistic Spectrum Disorders SIG was formed at the PSI Annual Conference in Westport in November 2001. Among its stated aims is the promotion of research related to ASD and awareness of the needs of people with an ASD. It is an inclusive active group with regular meetings, events, and contributions to the Annual Conference.".
"ARCOS (UK) exists to promote and provide information, advice and support for people with communication and/or swallowing problems.".
Link to the British Stammering Association. "Point of contact for information and support on stammering, also known as stuttering.".
A UK national charity and the UK's leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
A web resource full of (re)habilitation activities and ideas to support the development of listening and language skills in children, adolescents and adults.
The mission of Practical SLT is "That all staff within Practical Speech and Language Therapy will work as a team to provide a practical client focused and parent focused, high quality SLT Outreach and clinic based service within the client’s home or school setting, using a Total Communication Approach model. These practices will be demonstrated to parents and staff in sessions within a graded observation framework in order to provide ongoing training and support for parents and essential caregivers to empower parents and staff in continuing the goals between sessions.".
"Release is an internationally award winning not for profit speech and language therapy social enterprise with a focus on empowering parents to best work with their child. Release provides a group therapy model, backed by evidence based research, which helps to improve not only language and speech skills, but social skills as well. This model allows parents to meet and discuss the needs of their children in a safe and friendly environment.".
"Speakability is the UK national charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people with Aphasia and their carers.".
Dr Caroline Bowen has been a Speech-Language Pathologist engaged in clinical practice for many years" in Australia. She has produced a website containing speech and language developmental milestones and resourses for practioners, parents and teachers.
"Learning to speak is one of the most important skills in a child's development. Yet we so often take for granted that a child will naturally learn to speak, understand what we say and communicate.
Here you will find all the stages of language development that a child will go through, lots of great tips, and, if you are concerned about a child's development, what to do.".
Biological and Natural Healing treatments for Autism refers to the process of redressing the anomalies in the patient's Biochemistry through the use of specific nutrients.
"Dr Anton Van Rhijn, Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, presents a research protocol that he is studying in relation to Autism and treatment approches. He presents a three-stage approach: Exclusion Diet, Supplements and Homeopathic Remedy. Also presented some history of Homepathy and current topics.".
Site about the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride which introduces a "natural path of digestive healing.
The Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet has its foundation on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) created by Dr. Sidney Valentine Haas to heal digestive disorders. SCD gained great popularity after a mother, Elaine Gottschall, healed her own child and became an advocate for SCD. Elaine Gottschall is also the author of the popular book Breaking the Vicious Cycle. Intestinal Health Through Diet.
Advice on Treatment of Autism from a biological and medical perspective from experienced practioners including Temple Grandin and Dr Bernard Rimland.
Defeat Autism Now Protocol.
"Developmental Spectrums, California, is a medical clinic devoted to the medical treatment of certain brain disorders in children, especially Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).".
Links related to dietry interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This is a review of a talk by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride regarding the GAPS diet. The GAPS Diet (based on SCD) is proposed as a dietry based treatment for ADD, ADHD, learning/ behavior/ social problems, autism, depression, reflux, constipation and other digestive issues.
Lucy's Kitchen Shop supplies "products used by those on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet."
"The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a dietary treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. In spite of the fact that most doctors tell us that 'food has nothing to do with these disorders,' many of us have found that by following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, it is possible to reverse the symptoms of intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel, spastic colon, and celiac disease.".
NewLifeLearning.com Open Windows Essential Training – Online Autism Training Conference
This Conference is only presented twice a year in the USA, because the presenters are world-renowned specialist doctors and researchers who cannot take more time out to educate.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a strict grain-free, lactose-free, and sucrose-free diet that goes beyond the standard theory of gluten-intolerance being the sole culprit for pathology in the bowel.
"The Challenge? Crohn's disease. My answer? SCD!"
A Blog created to document experiences managing Crohn's disease with help of the SCD.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), has been used successfully by many people to treat the following: Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Chronic Diarrhea, candidiasis, and autism. Recipes for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ offers a diverse and delicious collection of 150 SCD-friendly recipes.
The SCD is based on the premise that limiting the diet to simple sugars (usually for a few months) will starve out toxic organisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and restore gut integrity and immune function. Some families report good results with ASD even following limited success on the GFCF Diet.
"A critical review of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundatation of America. The diet is considered as a natural treatment option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If you do decide to put your child on the diet, he says, do it under the guidance of an experienced nutritionist. Decide on a reasonable time frame - say, three to four months - and don't do anything else new for the duration of that period."
The Gut and Psychology Diet developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride from the UK.
Following on from environmental insults combining with genetic susceptability it is hypothesized that some autistic symptoms result from digestion/gut problems that chemically affect the central nervous system. The Specific Carbohydrate diet (SCD) and the Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet (GAPS Diet) both aim to heal the gut with follow-on therapies. The Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) Diet is for gluten/casein intolerances.
Information regarding using a Gluten & Casein Free Diet in the Treatment of Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities.
Site with overview information on Gluten/Casein Free Diets: "From the Celiac Perspective", "Sites by Individuals", "Research", "Organizations", "Commercial Sites", "Testing", "Books", "Mailing Lists/Forums".
Read this family's story and decide. [10/3/09, dailymail]
Introduction and brief history of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD).
UK Autism Charity, Biomedical Interventions.
This page shows links tagged as "IBD" (Irritable Bowel Disease).
"Three Key Ways Digestive Enzymes Can Benefit Autism Spectrum Conditions" by Karen DeFelice.
This page shows content tagged as "LDN" (Low Dose Naltrexone).
"Low dose naltrexone (LDN), where naltrexone is used in doses approximately one-tenth those used for drug/alcohol rehabilitation purposes, is being used as an off-label treatment for certain immunologically-related disorders.".
This is the link to LDN on wikipedia.
This category relates to children and adults with special needs (with or without Autism).
"Founded in 2005 by Howard Flannery, the Clare Crusaders has developed into a charity specialising in supporting children with disabilities. You can read more about who we are and what we do, or check out our photo gallery. In 2009, we opened a clinic in Barefield to improve the services provided. The contacts details for the clinic are: Clare Crusaders, Barefield, Co. Clare; Tel: 065 - 689 6015".
"Autism Training Courses, Multi Sensory Learning and Special Needs Training Providers ".
"The myspecialneeds site has been developed to advocate for people with special needs. If you have an issue that you would like promoted and action taken please email us with your issue and we will feature it on our site."
"The group’s overall aim is to seek a better education for children with special needs and to provide support for the parents of such children, who are often isolated and frustrated by their experiences of the education system. It was felt that an umbrella group was necessary to represent and promote the views of parents and to aid their role in partnership with the education system.".
HADD is an organisation in Ireland made up of volunteers - mainly parents of children with ADHD. As of 2009, local support groups exist in Mayo and Donegal.
"Irish National Council of AD/HD Support Groups is an umbrella organisation for the AD/HD Support Groups active throughout the country. The support groups operate at a local level and provide services such as information, advice and emotional support to families of children with AD/HD. Some also operate a telephone help-line and organise activities such as seminars and summer camps. INCADDS, as the national organisation, is responsible for the co-ordination of these support groups.
"LD OnLine.org is the world's leading web site on learning disabilities and ADHD, serving more than 200,000 parents, teachers, and other professionals each month."
"Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the parents of children with learning disabilities (LD) and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). Since May of 2000, we have provided action-oriented information via our unique newsletter, website, and educational programs — information that can help you become a successful advocate for your child."
Mission is to "strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with apraxia, so that each child has their best opportunity to develop speech".
A UK specialist independent centre for hearing testing in children and adults.
A UK registered charity working to support children, young people and adults with cochlear implants, as well as their families and local professionals.
The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) is a voluntary organisation aiming to promote awareness of Specific Learning Disability (SLD/Dyslexia) and to serve the needs of people with this difficulty.
"The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is an international organization that concerns itself with the complex issues of dyslexia. The IDA membership consists of a variety of professionals in partnership with dyslexics and their families and all others interested".
US-Based National Fragile X Foundation to unite "the Fragile X community to Enrich lives through educational and emotional support, Promote public and professional awareness, and Advance research toward improved treatments and a cure for Fragile X".
"NLDA is a non-profit corporation dedicated to research, education, and advocacy for nonverbal learning disorders. Nonverbal Learning Disorder, known as NLD, is a neurophysiological disorder originating in the right hemisphere of the brain. Reception of nonverbal or performance-based information governed by this hemisphere is impaired in varying degrees, including problems with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, evaluative, and holistic processing functions."
Savant syndrome is extremely rare. It has some association with Autism but not all Savants have ASD. Savants are children or adults who are extradionarily gifted individuals in some discipline, interest or splinter skill.
Daniel Tammet likes to call himself a high-functioning autistic savant. That means his brain is capable of learning a foreign language in a week and memorising vast chains of numbers perfectly. [timesonline, Jan 2009]
Savant-like skills ... more common among people with autism than previously thought?? [new scientist, April 09]
Homesite of the Foundation for the Study of Savant Syndrome. Some people with Autism have Savant abilities in rare cases.
"The Savant Academy supports the education of people with Savant Syndrome, including musical, linguistic, mathematical, and artistic savants. The organization also encourages scientific research into and awareness of Savant Syndrome. Founded by David Mehnert in Los Angeles in 2003, The Savant Academy is the first non-profit of its kind in the USA.".
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: ALTHOUGH SAVANT syndrome is not an officially recognised medical diagnosis, Darold Treffert, an American research psychiatrist, who was a consultant for the film Rain Man , defines the savant syndrome as "a rare condition in which persons with developmental disorders have one or more areas of expertise, ability or brilliance that are in contrast with the individual’s overall limitations"........
[Source: Irish Times, 2/July/2009]
This is a list of content tagged as "Tourette Syndrome".
Tourette Support Ireland is a national voluntary non-profit organisation. Our mission is to provide support for those who suffer with this sometimes misunderstood condition. We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS. Our membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field.
Formerly known as TSAI (Tourette Syndrome Association of Ireland).
The DIR/Floortime Model For Infancy & Early Childhood.
"The Off We Go! books are designed to help prepare children for first experiences. They have proven to be of benefit for children with special needs and in particular autism, as well as any young child experiencing these activities for the first time. Written by a mum, Avril Webster for her son Stephen, who has a developmental delay including sensory integration dysfunction.".
"The Out-of-Sync Child begins with descriptions of what sensory integration is and explains how problems with handling sensory input can manifest themselves. Discussions of the three categories of sensory function are provided - tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive - along with examples of children who have difficulties with these sensory functions in a preschool or home setting."
A Buncrana-based mother of Cian, aged 10, has written a memoir on living with Autism. Here is article published in the Irish Independent.
"The Autism Life.com presents an interview with Anne, a homeschooling parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum. Anne is one of the contributing authors to the book Home Educating our Autistic Spectrum Children edited by Terri Dowty and Kitt Cowlishaw published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers."
"Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help people with autism be the best they can be.".
"The HD500a's are the recommended partner to your Therapeutic Listening® CDs and are specifically designed by Sennheiser for this range of Cds. Although a cost cannot be put on the benefits the programme can achieve there is alas a price to be paid for the Headphones and it is quite expensive.
I had researched the headphones myself when they were recommended by our Occupational therapist and did not find them easy to get cheaply or quickly, so I researched a little further and decided I would try and make them available to other parents in the same dilemma as me.
"The Academy of Music educational programme for students with Special Needs".
"Jason is a qualified music therapist with a background in psychology and special education. Currently, he works in the fields of neurological rehabilitation, developmental disability and physical disability. He has conducted research into a developing area of music therapy: sensory integration.".
"Louise Kelly is a music therapy teacher who works with pupils with special needs at Scoil Iosagain.". [source: Derry Jounal, 20th March 2009]
"John Lubbock and Christine Cairns, musicians and parents of a son with autism, established Music for Autism in the United Kingdom in 2002 to share their love of music with other individuals with autism and their families. Their journey began by organizing a series of fundraising concerts and producing Songs for Alexander, a music compact disc dedicated to their son, to fund their charitable organization. ".
THE LEGENDARY Pyros are back this weekend when they play two concerts in aid of Scoil Iosagáin’s music therapy programme in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. The Pyros – Kevin Doherty, John Cutliffe, Ciaran Tourish, Paul Rodden, Michael Gallinagh and Laurence Doherty – will be joined by Altan accordionist Dermot Byrne and renowned fiddler Tommy Peoples on Friday night. Meanwhile, they’ll be joined on stage by the Henry Girls on Saturday night.
Here is content tagged as "PECS" (Picture Exchange System).
"We created the first sensabout. series to provide an enjoyable multi-sensory experience whilst also providing a vehicle for learning or consolidating learning about shapes. Its initial concept grew from a realisation that there was a gap in curricular and other easy to use resources for use with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities... They are not age dependent and are suitable for use with learners from 1 to 100!
"Sensational Kids is a registered charity. It is the inspiration of parents who found it difficult to obtain any occupational therapy & sensory integration therapy for their child. Frustrated by a lack of services they set about forming a registered charity with the dream of providing a state of the art, not for profit, occupational therapy and sensory integration centre for children with special needs in County Kildare. With ongoing fundraising, dedication and commitment we aim to realise our dream by opening our centre later this year.
"ICEP Europe provides the highest quality online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and University validated Diploma Programmes for teachers and allied professionals. Specialising in psychological issues and special needs topics, we deliver practical, relevant courses that address the real-life problems confronting educators. ".
"Learningpoint.ie enables you to access an extensive database of training courses and providers for the community and voluntary sector in Ireland, along with all the latest training news and events from across the sector."
"Providing Positive outcomes for People with Special Needs".
Content tagged as "conferences" is listed in this category.
Approaches for treating ASD.
"This paper is geared toward parents of newly diagnosed autistic children and parents of young autistic children who are not acquainted with many of the basic issues of autism."
By James B. Adams, Ph.D., Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., Autism Research Institute, San Diego, California Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., Autism Research Institute, San Diego, California
"Our aim is to empower consumers through providing information that may help in the development of informed decisions. We are dedicated to providing useful, timely, accurate, and easily understood information on a wide range of lifestyle topics (visit morefocus.com for a listing of other subjects covered).".
The greatest advancements in our knowledge of Autism as a condition arose from parents themselves. One of the most well known parent practioners was Dr Bernard Rimland RIP who boosted our knowledge of Austism Spectrum Disorder.
Stan Kurtz has transformed himself from an autism dad into an autism investigator and shares his experiences as a parent.
These links have not been assigned a group.
"Your Day Away" is a U.S.-based not-for-profit with an international reach that partners with organizations, schools, social service providers and parents around the world to allow for one day out of the year when parents, guardians, carers with special needs children can get away from their daily routine and have a break in your local community.
Article from Time Magazine on sibling relationships with ASD brother/sister. "Siblings will commonly have negative feelings — some might never connect or want to connect with their autistic siblings — but the good news is that typical siblings often turn out to be more compassionate and caring than average.". [Source: Time Magazine]
Friends of Autism is a Wisconsion, USA based non-profit organization founded in 2000 and involved in advocacy, promoting treatment as public health priority, autism research, awareness and education.
