Act it out!: Social skills for teens with autism spectrum disorder and related disorders

Act it out!: Social skills for teens with autism spectrum disorder and related disorders is a 232-page guide to social skills lessons for teens in secondary schools. Written for parents, teachers, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals by a special educator and autism consultant, the book offers unique lessons that will break down complex social behaviors into steps that can be more easily managed.

The book begins with an extensive introduction covering some of the research and best practices on teaching social skills in addition to the components of the book and the way the units are structured. There are 16 units that are comprised of several different activities including warm-ups, explanations, quizzes, skits, discussions, and review. The units cover basic social skills such as self-introduction, conversation skills, apologies, negotiation, response to teasing, and more. After every two units, it is suggested to give students an opportunity to get out in the community to practice the skills that were learned. and after every four units is a review section to help reinforce what was covered.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

It's not a perfect world, but I'll take it: 50 life lessons for teens like me who are kind of (you know) autistic

It's not a perfect world, but I'll take it is a guide to life according to Jennifer Rose, a young adult on the autism spectrum. Rose is a college student working toward a degree in writing who decided to share her life lessons with other teens with autism who may be struggling like she does.

The 136-page book is organized into eight topics: Dreams and Reality; School; Friends and Family; Autism; Optimism; Stress and Setbacks; Coping; and Life Happens. In each, Rose offers her take on what worked or didn't work for her while growing up in the form of life lessons. Her sense of humor offers hope to kids who may be bullied or having to change schools several times as Rose did as a teenager. The stories that comprise the life lessons are short and are great examples of her ability to overcome, with help, the issues that she faced.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Growing up guide for girls: What girls on the autism spectrum need to know!

"The Growing Up Guide for Girls" is a one-stop guide for young girls on the autism spectrum explaining all they need to know about puberty and adolescence.

"The pre-teen and teenage years are a bumpy time when bodies change, emotions are high and peers are developing at different paces. Using simple, literal language and delightful colour illustrations, this book explains the facts about body changes such as growing hair in new places, periods, wearing a bra and keeping spots away! It gives cool tips on what makes a real friend, what it means to have a crush on somebody, and how to stay safe online." -publisher

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Growing up book for boys: What boys on the autism spectrum need to know!

"The Growing Up Book for Boys explains the facts behind the growth spurts, body changes and mood swings of adolescence for boys aged 9-14 on the autism spectrum... Using direct literal language and cool colour illustrations, this book tells boys all they need to know about growing hair in new places, shaving, wet dreams and [more]. It's full of great advice on what makes a real friend, how to keep spots away, and how to stay safe online. Most importantly, it explains that every body is amazing and unique and encourages young boys with autism to celebrate difference!" -publisher

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Asperger's teens: Understanding high school for students on the autism spectrum

"Asperger's teens: Understanding high school for students on the autism spectrum provides high school students with Asperger s strategies that they can use to help themselves feel more comfortable in school, find friends and get along with peers, work productively with their teachers, and move toward greater independence." -publisher

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this book or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Finding your own way to grieve: A creative activity workbook for kids and teens on the autism spectrum

"With illustrations throughout, Finding your own way to grieve begins with a simple story about what happens when people die. Each chapter then expands on the issues that have been raised in the story and offers a variety of coping skills exercises including writing, art and craft, cooking, movement, relaxation, and remembrance activities. Encouraging children with autism to express their loss through discussion, personal reflection, and creative activity, the book is ideal for children and teens to work through by themselves, or with the support of a family member or professional." -publisher

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Camp Yes, And... offers second week

Camp Yes, And... has expanded to another week! The second week offering will be held in Indianapolis at the IUPUI University Library. The camp is limited to 10 teachers and 10 teens with autism. Please register soon as the first week filled up quickly!

To learn more about it and to register, please visit:
http://yesand.indiana.edu/home.php

Free Improv Class for Teens on the Autism Spectrum and Teachers

Fans who remember watching Drew Carey and friends make up scenes and songs on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” will enjoy this four-week improvisational theater class for teens on the autism spectrum and teachers. Improv offers a safe, supportive, and creative environment for teens on the spectrum and teachers to develop communication and social skills together. In the words of one Camp Yes And teen attendee, "The activities exercised my imagination. It was really creative and fun."

Sponsored by Indiana University's Center on Education and Lifelong Learning, classes will be held at the Monroe County Public Library auditorium in Bloomington, IN, on March 4, 11, 25, and April 1 from 4-5:30 PM. Classes are designed to support teens (13-18) on the autism spectrum with Asperger’s or compatible diagnoses and teachers -- including para-educators, mentors, supervisors, etc. -- of any discipline working in K-12 public or private, university, and/or community-based settings (e.g., arts or social services organizations).

To register, visit: http://go.iu.edu/169M. Registration is limited to 7 teens and 7 teachers, so please commit to attending if you register.

For more information contact Jim Ansaldo at (812) 855-3702 or jansaldo@indiana.edu

Camp Yes, And

Last summer, the Indiana Institute’s Center on Education and Lifelong Learning and Indiana Resource Center for Autism collaborated to offer Camp Yes, And, an improvisational theater summer camp for teens on the autism spectrum and teachers.

Camp Yes, And was the first program of its kind in Indiana, providing both direct service to individuals with autism and a professional development experience for teachers. Recently, the Center received a grant award from the Collaborative Research and Creative Activity Funding program administered by the Office of the Vice Provost of Research at Indiana University Bloomington to conduct research around the impact of Camp Yes, And when it is offered again in the summer of 2016.

Visit their new website to join their mailing list and learn about next year's camp.

http://yesand.indiana.edu/home.php

The autism playbook for teens

The autism playbook for teens: Imagination-based mindfulness activities to calm yourself, build independence, & connect with others offers a strengths-based approach to help teens with autism spectrum develop social skills, strengthen communication, and thrive. The activities contained in each chapter are custom-designed to work with the unique perspectives, sensory processing, neurological strengths and challenges that teens with autism bring to their encounters with the social world.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Camp Yes, And...

Camp Yes, And is a brand new summer improv camp for teens on the autism spectrum and teachers, co-sponsored by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, the Center for Education and Lifelong Learning, and Answers for Autism. Fourteen teenagers and 11 teachers have registered for camp--nearly at capacity! Help is still needed, though, to fund this camp.

Improv helps teens on the spectrum to develop relationships and social cues, flexible thinking, and communication skills. Parents and teachers also report that improv classes have helped them to see teens on the spectrum in a whole new light. And don’t forget the fun!

Visit our Fundly page to learn more and donate: https://iufoundation.fundly.com/campyes-and

Camp Yes, and... update

An update from last week's announcement about this camp:

The Center on Education and Lifelong Learning will offer in conjunction with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism the Camp Yes, and... to teachers and teens on the autism spectrum. Get more information about this camp and its sponsors at:

http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=3780

Improv camp for teens on the autism spectrum and teachers

Looking for something different this summer for your teen on the spectrum? Camp YES, AND... is the first program of its kind in Indiana, combining a camp experience for teens with professional development for teachers. Improv helps teens on the spectrum to develop relationships and social cues, flexible thinking, and communication skills. Parents and teachers also report that improv classes have helped them to see teens on the spectrum in a whole new light. And don’t forget the fun! Please visit http://tinyurl.com/campyesand if you are interested in participating in the camp.

Also, please consider donating so that we can offer this wonderful experience to all. Visit the Fundly page to learn more and donate: https://iufoundation.fundly.com/campyes-and

Parenting a teen or young adult with Asperger syndrome (autism spectrum disorder)

Parenting a teen or young adult with Asperger Syndrome offers hope and help for parents who face issues that can arise when their child is transitioning to their adult years. The book contains more than 300 tips and strategies to help ensure parents and their young persons on the spectrum develop and maintain healthy and open relationships.

Want to know more? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this book or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Mobile App Monday - QuickCues

QuickCues is a social script app that helps teens and young adults on the autism spectrum handle new situations and learn new skills. Social scripts have been used successfully for years, but QuickCues makes these tools mobile and easy to use in everyday situations.

Five QuickCues modules are available:

• Communication
• Life Skills
• Socialization
• Coping
• On the Job

Want to learn more about this app? Please visit: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quickcues/id360381130?mt=8#

Mobile App Monday -- Sosh

Sōsh™ is an app that focuses on five abilities that are essential for social skills development: Relating, Relaxing, Reasoning, Regulating, and Recognizing. These "5R's" serve as a road map for individuals who want to be social, but may have faced obstacles in the past, and also serve as a guide for parents, teachers, and therapists hoping to encourage and assist individuals with their social goals. Exercises, strategies, and practical information help the user work through social situations in a step-by-step manner. And, most importantly, the app encourages work on these skills during everyday interactions, when learning is most likely to occur.

Want to see more about this app? Visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id442685559?mt=8

The Aspie Teen's Survival Guide

In The Aspie teen's survival guide, you'll find chapters on:

• Organization and School
• Transitioning
• Sensory Sensitivity
• Motor Skills and Awkwardness
• Stress-Management
• Bullying
• Socializing and Friendships
• Dating and Relationships
• Obsessions and Creativity
• And more!

Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title, or try worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Social skills for teenagers

This book provides support for those working with teens on the autism spectrum. From screening to goals to activities to measuring progress, Social Skills for Teenagers with Developmental and Autism Spectrum Disorders even provides helpful case studies to ensure understanding about what the program means to the teenager as they go through the process. With teen-directed as well as parent-directed techniques this well-rounded book provides interest for a wide variety of readers.

Want to check it out? Contact us or check worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

For kids

Need a website to help explain autism to kids? Want it in language that's easy for them to understand? Check out kidshealth.org. This site has lots of topics on health-related issues for kids, teens, and parents broken out into age-appropriate groups. The parent's site lists all of the articles for each topic with P, T, or K to indicate which article can be found in each age group.

The article on autism for kids talks about what it means to have Autism, how it's treated, and more. Additional topics related to autism can be found at the bottom of the screen. You can even sign up for a weekly newsletter.

Take Control of Asperger's Syndrome

Take control of Asperger's syndrome: the official strategy guide for teens with Asperger's syndrome and nonverbal learning disorder by Janet Price and Jennifer Engel Fisher is a book for teenagers with Asperger's or Nonverbal Learning Disorder. The authors provide tips on understanding the condition, self-advocacy, succeeding in school, maintaining good hygiene and making friends. The book includes sample charts for goal-orienting and input from teenagers with AS and NLD from across the United States.

Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Email us!

Not an Indiana resident? Find this book at your local library through WorldCat.