463 Search Results for autism
April 9, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
In today’s post, we visit an online module for helping children with autism learn to better interact with their peers using a structured play group methodology. Structured play groups are among the evidence-based practices that professionals can use to support young children with significant communication challenges. This online module was developed as a part of the Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM), a project of the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Enjoy! If you enjoy this module and its accompanying resources, please consider supporting AFIRM.
April 8, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Spring is springing in our part of the world, bringing inspiration for new beginnings and the possibilities of rebirth. Here are some of the posts we shared in our prAACtical week. Monday – April Is Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation Month Tuesday – AAC Link Up (Check out the things people shared here if you get a chance.) Wednesday – Video of the Week: AT in the IEP Thursday – 5 Ways to Promote Generalization of AAC Use ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Inspired to read and learn more about the complexities of autism? Here are some posts that may be of interest. Sensory Interventions for Students with ASD: What Does the Research Say? Communication Supports for Problem Behavior with Dr. Pat Mirenda SGDs for People with ASD Narrative Skills in Students with ASD Friendship Skills for People with ASD who Use AAC And don’t forget to check out Lauren Ender’s materials for discounts on AAC and literacy apps... [Read More...]
April 1, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Around the world, people are celebrating Easter and Passover. May the holiday bring a sense of renewal to your spirit and peace to your heart. For some of us, the reflection and celebration come with a big dose of AAC! Monday – PrAACtically April: AAC Resources for A Year of Core Words Tuesday – AAC Link Up Wednesday – Video of the Week: Pivotal Response Treatment Thursday – PrAACtical Resources: AAC for School Staff :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Today is also the start of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. We’ll post more about that tomorrow, but here are some autism-related posts to get you in the mood to celebrate those around us who have autism. Building Engagement in Young Students with Autism AACtual Therapy: Making Core Words Fun for Students with Autism Autism and AAC: 5 Pinterest Boards to Follow Evidence-based AAC Strategies for Students with Autism with Betsy Corporale An ABA Perspective on AAC for Students with... [Read More...]
March 28, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Today we learn about Pivotal Response Treatment and its application to academics from Drs. Lynn and Robert Koegel of the Stanford School of Medicine. This 2-part presentation is available through the Tri-State ASD Webinar Series, which receives support from the Kansas Technical Assistance System Network (TASN), the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network, and the Colorado Department of Education. Part 1 Part 2 Enjoy!
March 22, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Lauren Enders does it again! We can always count on her for up-to-date information on the sales and discounts that get offered for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month (April) and AAC Awareness Month (October). Check out this useful information. Note: The resources in this post will be updated with new information as it becomes available. Thank you, Lauren! ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Looking to purchase an AAC or literacy app? It’s that time of year again! Don’t miss your chance to download select apps at a substantial discount in honor of Autism Acceptance/Awareness month. (Not all developers will be offering discounts.) Make sure you note specific sale dates for each app as they vary. Link to a PDF of this graphic for sharing: http://bit.ly/aacappsalegraphicmarchapril18 You can view or download a spreadsheet with sale dates and download links here http://bit.ly/aacappsalesmarchapril18 Reminder from my friend and respected colleague Rachael Langley: “Remember many of these programs... [Read More...]
March 15, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
If we do our jobs well, students with AAC needs will leave school with a solid plan for post-secondary learning and/or the workplace. In most places, it can be challenging to identify meaningful work and learning experiences for young adults with AAC needs as they exit public education. While employment and educational opportunities for these young adults are slowly increasing, it is nonetheless a struggle to help young adults get prepared for their post-school lives. In this post, we share some resources that can help teams guide students and their families. QuickBook Of Transition Assessments (Cline, Halverson, Petersen, & Rohrbach, 2005) Reading-Free Vocational Interest Inventory–Second Edition (R-FVII:2) (Becker, 2000) Choose and Take Action Vocational Assessment Software (Martin, Marshall, Wray, Wells, O’Brien, Olvey, & Johnson, 2004) Self-Directed Employment: A Handbook for Transition Teachers and Employment Specialists, (Martin, Mithaug, Oliphint, Husch, & Frazier, 2002): May be out of print but available in... [Read More...]
March 12, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Lauren Enders, an amazing AAC SLP from Pennsylvania, graciously shared this list of professional development opportunities that may be of interest. Lauren works as an Augmentative Communication/Assistive Technology Consultant for Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22. In the list below, she shares resources for AAC learning in both online and face-to-face formats. Enjoy! You can see more of Lauren’s guest posts here. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR AAC IMPLEMENTATION ONLINE SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING OPTIONS: Power AAC modules: a FREE training series developed by The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)with Gail Van Tatenhove, CCC-SLP. This series of brief modules can be used for professional development by individuals or groups who are supporting students with complex communication needs and who need or use AAC. The POWER AAC modules are intended to build the capacity of school personnel to improve communication skills and provide flexible, generative vocabulary for students who need or use AAC. AAC Institute... [Read More...]
March 8, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
We’re pleased to welcome back Dr. Kathy Howery for another analysis of an AAC research article. Kathy is based in Alberta, Canada, and has worked in the field of AT and special education for over three decades. In the past year, she completed her doctoral studies where she used phenomenological methods to seek to understand the lived experience of speaking with/through a speech generating device. Kathy is currently working as a consultant to schools and school districts across Alberta focusing primarily on children and youth with complex communication needs. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::; Allen, A. A., Schlosser, R. W., Brock, K. L., & Shane, H. C. (2017). The effectiveness of aided augmented input techniques for persons with developmental disabilities: A systematic review. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 33, 149-159. What this Article is All About (The Focus of the Research) This article presents the results of a systematic review of the research into what the authors refer... [Read More...]
March 7, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
“The love of the social world leads children to develop language.” Today, we turn our attention to some foundational issues important to those of us who try to help children with AAC needs become linguistically competent. Emily Rubin, director of the Educational Outreach Program at the Marcus Autism Center at Emory University in Atlanta, helps us understand the role of social-emotional engagement and ways we can support that in the classroom using Universal Design for Learning. Thanks to Emily Rubin and OCALICON for making this presentation, which was originally a keynote address, available to those who could not attend. Direct Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpynZ86usJo
March 1, 2018
by Carole Zangari -
Looking for information on alternative access for kids with significant motor limitations? Need a basic overview of communication and AAC for a para, parent, or colleague? Wanting to explore a variety of AAC resources? Check out the resources below. Working with Nonverbal Students with Autism: This was written by Susan Stokes under a contract with CESA 7 and funded by a discretionary grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. AAC Basics from Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative’s AT Answers Indirect Access by Justin Sims Enjoy!