The
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a non-profit who has been providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896, has produced an interactive storybook.
I Know My Fire Safety Plan teaches children with autism spectrum disorders what to do if a smoke alarm sounds.
I Know My Fire Safety Plan breaks down important points into easy-to-follow steps and uses the social story format. It acknowledges the apprehension children with autism may feel when a smoke alarm sounds or loud fire trucks with firefighters in turnout gear enter the neighborhood. Parents are advised to practice their fire safety plan with their children, and then read the story with them.
Participants are encouraged to use the interactive story to its full capacity by typing in their name, age, physical features, and the location of their outdoor meeting place. Children can also take part in the story by clicking on the corner of each page to turn it and they may start and stop at will.
The interactive story has been reviewed, at all stages of development, by the NFPA public education division’s Parents and Teachers of Children with Disabilities Advisory Group. It has also been reviewed by a psychologist from a school that serves children and adults with autism and by a respected author of manuals on crafting social stories.
You can view the social story book here:
http://www.nfpa.org/gallery/Fire%20Safety%20Book/flip_book_r7.html. Macromedia Flash is required to run the program. For more information on emergency procedures and autism, look into this book at the CeDIR Library:
Dangerous encounters--avoiding perilous situations with autism: a streetwise guide for all emergency responders, retailers, and parents
Looking for resources in your community for families and individuals with autism spectrum disorders? Autism Speaks has amassed a list of 119 private and state organizations in the state.
It's impossible to walk into a grocery store these days without being bombarded by marshmallow Peeps, chocolate rabbits, and pastel baskets filled with fake grass and plastic eggs. For most children, Easter (or Passover) is an exciting time. But big family gatherings, elaborate crafts and long religious services can add a lot of stress for kids on the spectrum. Here are some articles with advice on preparing for that visit from the Easter bunny:
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a non-profit who has been providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896, has produced an interactive storybook. I Know My Fire Safety Plan teaches children with autism spectrum disorders what to do if a smoke alarm sounds.
This Sunday we "spring ahead" for Daylight Savings Time. While adults may need an extra cup of coffee on Sunday, for children and teenagers or individuals with autism, the adjustment is particularly hard. Here are some articles with tips on how to make the transition easier.
Do you have a child on the spectrum old enough to show interest in the internet? Before you set them loose, check out Zac Browser, a free software package "developed specifically for children living with variants of autism spectrum disorders."
The trees are up, the houses sparkle, and the big day is fast approaching. Shopping for gifts can be stressful, and particularly difficult if you're looking for toys for a child with autism. 
Santa-America, an organization that provides volunteer Santas to visit children with special needs in homes, hospitals or hospices, has put together a very useful video to prepare children with autism to meet Santa Claus.
