Mobile App Monday - Grace

Grace is a non-speaking, simple picture exchange system developed for people with Autism to communicate their needs independently. Users can select pictures to form a semantic sentence which they can then share, by tilting the iPhone or iPod touch to create a full screen view, and pointing at each card to hear the listener read each word.

Want to learn more? Visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grace-picture-exchange-for/id360574688?mt=8

Research at IRCA

Ever wonder what type Research is being conducted at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism? Dr. Scott Bellini, IRCA's Assistant Director, has put together an article on just that topic.

"A primary responsibility of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) staff is to conduct research on methods to enhance quality programming for individuals across the autism spectrum. The IRCA is currently engaged in an expansive array of research projects that involve applied and conceptual lines of inquiry. Research conducted by IRCA staff addresses both the general needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and the specific needs of family members and individuals who are residents of the state of Indiana."

Want to read the entire article? Visit: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=3435

Prepositions!

Children need to understand and use a variety of critical prepositions, such as above, below, on, off, under, next to, in front of, and more. Prepositions! models the use of prepositions first in isolation and then in sentences to help build sentence structure. Humor, costumes and songs are used to keep your child engaged and provide additional reinforcement.

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

Increasing Incidence Continues

"In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control issued a report based on a sample of 8 year olds, and concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in 150 in American children and almost 1 in 94 among boys.  By 2009, based on a similar sample, that incidence had increased to 1 in 110.  Clearly, each year more children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)."

Want to know more? Read the entire article written by Dr. Cathy Pratt of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism by visiting: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/index.php?pageId=361

I Get It!: Building Social Thinking and Reading Comprehension Through Book Chats

I Get It!: Building Social Thinking and Reading Comprehension through Book Chats is a guide for parents and teachers to help build a child's reading comprehension from the angle of the student's social thinking ability. The author believes that reading comprehension is less about understanding language and more about understanding social thinking. Contents of the book include:

• Discussion of the research on reading comprehension and its relationship to social thinking
• A teaching approach called Book Chat that uses children's literature to teach social thinking
• Teacher-tested strategies for in-classroom use, aligned with current educational standards
• Numerous examples of Book Chat literature, organized to teach specific concepts
• IEP goal ideas and examples

Want to know more? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title.

A Politically Incorrect Look at Evidence-Based Practices and Teaching Social Skills

The book A politically incorrect look at evidence-based practices and teaching social skills: A literature review and discussion takes a hard look at the tendency for children on the spectrum to lack the ability to think socially when coming into the school system. Adding to the issues is the federal policy to rely on evidence-based practices, that may or may not be helpful, when teaching all students.

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

Superflex takes on Glassman and the Team of Unthinkables

Superflex Takes on Glassman and the Team of Unthinkables is written for elementary students to help them think about how they can save their day by conquering their own everyday issues and problems. As students learn about how Superflex manages Glassman and other Unthinkables, they learn skills that help them work on their own thoughts and behaviors. Quizzes and tip sheets are also built into the book.

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