Santa-America, an organization that provides volunteer Santas to visit special needs children in homes, hospitals or hospices, has put together a very useful video to prepare children with autism to meet Santa Clause.
The video, which you can view on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YGLYeOorJM), shows Santa describing each of the elements that make him different from other people. He describes his beard, his glasses, his hat, bells, gloves, etc., as well as the events that surround Santa (like waiting in line and taking pictures). The video finishes with an example of a boy visiting with Santa, so your child will know exactly what to expect and how to behave.
For more winter holiday prep tips, visit the IRCA's article on Making the Most of the Holidays for Your Family and Your Son/Daughter on the Autism Spectrum.
Preparing Your Child for Santa
Ask and Tell
Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum aims to try and help those on the autism spectrum learn how to effectively self-advocate in order to become independent, happy members of society. Ask and Tell includes advice on what to do and say by six people on the autism spectrum. Within the book, the reader will find information about how perceptions and behaviors can limit access to opportunities in education, social groups, and employment.
Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!
Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.
Precious Treasure
Precious Treasure: The Story of Patrick by Elizabeth Matthews tells the story of her son Patrick, who was diagnosed with autism. Precious Treasure contains letters written to her son about the good, the bad, the joys, and challenges of raising a child with special needs. Within the book, the reader will also discover that through her relationship to God, Matthews gained a better understanding of her son.
Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!
Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.
Getting Services for your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Getting Services for your Child on the Autism Spectrum by DeAnn Hyatt-Foley and Matthew G. Foley tells the story of two parents who, after their child was diagnosed PDD, searched for the proper educational care because professionals were not sure what to do to cater to their son's needs. Getting Services explains how the family went about getting educational services and information about those with disabilities, what they learned from these experiences and what other parents can do to help their child. Getting Services is an excellent source for those looking for advice on getting educational services for their children.
Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!
Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.
Early Intervention is Key
A study conducted at the University of Washington has demonstrated that early diagnosis and intensive treatment of autism can significantly improve IQ, language, and ability to perform everyday tasks.
Pediatrics reports that in the randomized, controlled trial of 48 toddler-aged children, 24 underwent the Early Start Denver model. The treatment plan included 15 hours a week of one-on-one therapy and 16 hours of training with parents. After two years, these children successfully rose IQ scores to within normal levels. The other 24 children assigned to regular therapists throughout the Seattle area did not.
You can read a summary of the study with interviews and implications here.
Inside Out
Inside Out: What Makes a person With Social Cognitive Deficits Tick? by Michelle Garcia Winner describes how the social problems your child may have can be connected to academic problems they are having, such as problems with understanding class readings. Within Inside Out, the reader will learn about Winner's ILAUGH model. this model explains a way for parents and professionals to find specific areas that a child may find a challenge, like social interactions. At the end of every chapter, the reader will find handouts and IEP goal suggestions.
Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!
Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.
Stress and Coping in Autism
Stress and Coping in Autism presents effective ways for people with autism and those around them to cope with stress. In Stress and Coping in Autism, the reader can see how stress manifests itself physically and emotionally in those with autism. It also describes how it is possible to lessen the impact of stress by understanding not only the science of stress and autism but also how the two are experienced.
Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!
Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.
