Behavior Cycle

I wanted to find something that would explain and run through scenarios of some behaviors. What you should expect to happen, as we'll as what the child is most likely feeling. It sometimes can be  easy to forget, especially in the rage stage as explained on the website below by Claire B. Thorsen, MS, CCC, SLP
There is a total of 63 pages, which is a abundance of useful information. The information I'm specifically talking about is through to page 26!  

http://www.indstate.edu/blumberg/docs/claire-thorsen-behavior-management.pdf

'Tis the Season

The other day I came across this article, starting out on Pinterest and ended up at "Health Center" website. Which if you are familiar with Pinterest, I know you understand. I thought I would share this particular article not only because it's neat but also it is still the dreadful flu season which is no fun at all! Just a little fun fact article for the day.

The cause of autism is not fully understood and in the past year, many different theories have been raised and researched as to different factors that may increase the chance of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some of the theories include

Father’s Age May Increase Risk of Autism

Pesticides and Autism

Parents or siblings with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

A new study, published in the November 2012 issue of the journal Pediatrics, show that women who have the flu or an extended fever during pregnancy may be at increased risk for having a child with autism. 

The study, conducted in Denmark, looked data on over 96,000 children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2003. Mothers were questioned about illnesses as well as medication, specifically antibiotics, used during pregnancy. 

According to the study:

• Mothers who had the flu were twice as likely to give birth to a child who was diagnosed with ASD by the age of 3
• Mothers who had an extended fever (lasting for a week or more) were 3 times more likely to give birth to a child diagnosed with ASD by the age of 3
• Mothers who used antibiotics had a slightly higher incident rate of having a child diagnosed with autism

The study also showed several infections that had no influence on a child being diagnosed with ASD:

• Respiratory infections and colds
• Urinary tract infections
• Sinus infections
• Genital infections

According to the authors of the study, further research would be needed as their study had limitations. A more controlled study could provide additional information on risk levels and how these infections increase the risk of ASD. They also stated that while there was an increased risk, 98 percent of mothers who did have the flu or fever gave birth to children not diagnosed with ASD. 

References:

“Flu in Pregnancy Raises Autism Risk,” 2012, Nov 13, Staff Writer, Medical News Today

Language Lesson

I Need Help

Target age group: Grades two through five, small group of children with autism

Objective: To reinforce the concept of asking for assistance when needed.

Materials needed:

• Simple jigsaw puzzles with one piece missing

• Other games or toys with missing parts

Instructional strategy:

1. Begin by explaining the concept of asking for help. Model the appropriate language: "I'm having trouble. Would you please help me?"

2. Explain that you'll be playing games and putting together puzzles. Tell the kids that when they need help, they can ask for it.

3. When a child asks for help, present him or her with the missing piece of the game or puzzle.

Accommodations for nonverbal children: Teach the children to raise their hands for attention and then use a picture or gesture to ask for assistance.


I thought this was a simple activity to put together without having to spend any out of pocket money, which i know happens too often for educators. This isn't exclusive for just sped teachers but for any educator who might find it interesting and useful!

Words Through Silence

Before I Go To Sleep…

Mommy, don't you cry now and Daddy don't you weep.

I want to whisper something before I go to sleep.

I know that when I cam here I looked perfect in every way.

And you were so proud, Daddy; when you held me on that day.

And Mommy, when you kissed me and wrapped me up so tight,

I knew that I belonged here and everything was right.

But then I stopped talking and began to slip away,

I saw your worried faces as you knelt by me to pray.

And Daddy, I always notice how you wipe away a tear,

When you watch the other children as they run and laugh and cheer.

I may not be able to tell you how much I love you so,

Or even show you how I feel and what I really know.

But when you hold me, Mommy, at night when all is still,

I feel the love you have for me and I know that all is well.

And Daddy, when you take me to the park to run and play

I know that you still love me though the words I cannot say.

I want to tell you something before I go to sleep.

I may be sort of dirrect and you may not understand,

I know that I am not that little child that you and Daddy planned.

But I love you both so very much and I know you love me too,

And if I could only speak my heart, you would feel my love for you.

I know the future is unknown and you will always have to be,

The ones who love and listen and take good care of me.

I know that you are frightened and you shed so many tears,

And if I could I'd wipe them dry and take away your fears.

So Mommy, don't you cry now and Daddy please don't weep.

I want to say…I love you both, before I go to sleep.

Written by Sally Meyer 2000



Really enjoyed this poem. Express every word or thought that is worthy to say, because you never know what it would feel like to have your voice taken away. Just a little food for thought is how I felt after I read this and many other poems (this being my favorite I found) Always nice to remind yourself of other perspectives!

Since We're Friends

Here's a summary of a childrens picture book titled, "Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book"

Max s autism doesn t stop him from having fun! Even when Max struggles to navigate social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys enjoy playing sports, watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. Working together, a best friend s compassion and understanding turn Max s frustration into excitement. Whether on the basketball court, the playground swings, or at the neighborhood pool, the two friends enjoy each other s company.David Harrington s colorful illustrations complement Celeste Shally s touching story of friendship to create a book that is the perfect guide for children and parents to better understand those with autism spectrum disorders.



This is super way to educate the young children about autism and some of the struggles they may encounter. If they have knowledge at a young age, maybe that would help with the outcasting that you see so much with kids, even as early as elemenary school. Instead of hearing the kids slowly start referring to he\she by "that kid" and instead start referring to he\she by "my FRIEND"