Using Functional Communication Training to Reduce Self-Injurious Behavior

Staff at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism has published an article on functional communication and how it relates to self-injurious behavior. It discusses why some of this behavior happens and offers advice on reducing it.

To read the entire article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/using-functional-communication-training-to-reduce-self-injurious-behavior

Transition Checklist: Moving From ABA Programs to School Programs

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has published an article on transitioning from ABA programs to schools. Written by the ABA workgroup, this articles build upon information found in another article and provides additional guidance to families and other professionals.

To read the entire article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/transition-checklist-moving-from-aba-programs-to-school-programs

The Augmentative/Alternative Communication Spectrum

Have you thought of Augmentative/Alternative Communication as a spectrum? There is a whole range of options from low/no tech to high tech solutions to empowering individuals with speech impairments. The folks at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have put together an article covering the spectrum of AAC.

To view the article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/the-augmentative-alternative-communication-spectrum

How and Where to Obtain a Diagnosis/Assessment in Indiana

Staff at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have updated their article on obtaining a autism diagnosis in Indiana. A quick excerpt follows:

"When an individual is suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder, obtaining an accurate diagnosis can be a time consuming, costly, and confusing process. However, the process can be made easier when qualified personnel are located who can thoroughly assess the individual to determine if they meet the diagnostic criteria for an autism spectrum disorder."

To read the rest of the article and view the resources available, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/how-and-where-to-obtain-a-diagnosis-assessment-in-indiana

Making the Most of the Holidays

Staff at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have put together a handy list of tips for helping your family make the most of the upcoming holiday season. The tips were developed with input from the National Autism Society, the Autism Society of Indiana, Riley Child Development Center, Easter Seals Crossroads, LOGAN Autism Learning Centers, and the Indiana Autism Leadership Network and are updated annually.

To read the article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/making-the-most-of-the-holidays-for-your-family-and-your-son-daughter

Grant Funding Opportunities: For Families and Professionals

Staff at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have updated an article on grant funding. The article lists national, state and local grants available for families and professionals supporting an individual with autism. It also provides a section on tips on seeking grants and proposal writing which includes information on finding funding resources, listing of resources for a guide for writing proposals, information about how to take a class or attend a webinar about accessing funding and a list of libraries in Indiana that offer access to the foundation directory online.

To read the entire article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/grant-funding-opportunities

Temple Grandin Articles

Did you know that the Indiana Resource Center for Autism has a number of articles written by Dr. Temple Grandin? The topics of these articles range from medication to employment to social problems.

In her latest article, Dr. Grandin was asked to identify those factors that facilitated her successful transition and employment. She wrote on making the transition from high school to the work place.

To read the entire article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/transition-ideas

Camp Yes And: An Improv Camp for Teens with ASD and Teachers

Staff at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have published an article on the success of the summer camp co-supported by IRCA and the Center for Education and Lifelong Learning. Camp Yes, And is a one-week session that offers the use of improvisational techniques to help improve the communication skills of teenagers on the autism spectrum.

To read the article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/camp-yes-and-an-improv-camp-for-teens-with-asd-and-teachers

Free Parent Group Meetings

This fall, The Indiana Resource Center for Autism staff will present information to parent support groups across Indiana. Meetings have been scheduled through February throughout the state. These meetings are free and open to the public and will be geared toward families with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum rather than professionals.

To view the meetings list, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/parent-group-meetings

Sensory issues and autism

Staff at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have published a new article on the sensory issues that children with autism often face. It discusses relatively a new theory that suggests that autism actually originates as a defense mechanism to over- or under-stimulation to environmental factors such as light and sound.

To read the entire article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/look-into-my-eyes

Curriculum Materials and Programs

Looking for curricular materials for students on the autism spectrum? The folks at IRCA have made your search a little bit easier! An article has been published that offers a list of instructional materials and programs in subjects ranging from math to living skills.

View the article and the listing at:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/curriculum-materials-and-programs-for-individuals-on-the-autism-spectrum

Combination Locks and How to Open Them

Combination locks can be tricky, and with the new school year upon us, the folks at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism is offering some resources to help your student open them. The article has various resources in various formats so that you can find the best fit for your student.

To read the article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/how-to-open-a-combination-lock-locker

For Parents: Preparing for the School Year

Summer is winding down. School is about to start and, for some in this state, it already has! To help parents get ready for the new school year, the folks at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism has put together an article of tips on advocating for their son or daughter.

Read the article by visiting:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/for-parents-preparing-for-the-school-year

Training, Coaching, Program Evaluation and Consultation Options

Ever wonder in what ways the Indiana Resource Center for Autism can work with your organization? An article has been posted on their website detailing the services they offer. Customizing the professional development options IRCA has to offer gives your organization exactly what it needs.

To learn more, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/irca-training-coaching-program-evaluation-and-consultation-options

Local Teams Trained in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has been hard at work training school or district teams of folks across the state "to build local capacity to establish and implement proactive and positive programming that reflects evidence-based practices for students across the autism spectrum." If you are interested in connecting with a team in your area, a list has been compiled to help.

Read more about the teams and the list at:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/local-teams-trained-in-autism-spectrum-disorders

Sustainable Change through Professional Development

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has published an article discussing the benefits of professional development for educators working with students on the spectrum.

"The numerous evidence-based strategies that have been developed and identified [for working with students with ASD] are irrelevant if educators do not know how to implement these strategies in their classroom or are not doing so in an appropriate way. Therefore, an essential piece of translating research to practice is the training and coaching of teachers in these particular strategies."

To read the entire article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/a-model-for-sustainable-change-in-asd-school-programming-through-professional-development-the-indiana-resource-center-for-autism

Medicaid EPSDT Benefit

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has published a new article discussing the Medicaid EPSDT (Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnostic, Treatment) benefit. Several agencies in Indiana are working together to get information on this benefit out to families.

To read this article, please visit:
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/medicaid-epsdt

Voting Rights and Responsibilities

In advance of the May primary election, the folks at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism have put together an article discussing voting as a young person on the spectrum. To read the article, please visit:
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/my-vote-counts

Supporting Individuals on the Autism Spectrum Coping with Grief and Loss through Death or Divorce

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has recently posted an article on their website on the topic of grief and loss. The article incorporates information on:

• Common Responses to Grief
• Factors Affecting the Grief Process
• Support Strategies
• Resources

To read the article in full, please visit:
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/supporting-individuals-on-the-autism-spectrum-coping-with-grief-and-loss

Increasing Incidence Continues

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism has recently updated their article on the increasing incidence of autism diagnoses in Indiana. To read the article in full, please visit:

http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/increasing-incidence-of-autism-spectrum-disorders-continues-in-indiana