Autism Links

Secret Agent Society

http://www.sst-institute.net/au/index/


Autism: parents make the difference

http://www.west-info.eu/autism-parents-make-the-difference/


Autistic Child Defended in Cafe - video

Autistic Child Defended in Café | Video - ABC News


Does The Brain Come Unglued in Autism?

http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/12/12/does-the-brain-come-unglued-in-autism/49001.html



Boy With Asperger’s Lands ‘Jeopardy!’ Tryout

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/12/11/boy-aspergers-jeopardy/16926/

Deohaeko Support Network

Deohaeko Support Network is a group of families who came together nearly 20 years ago to think about and plan for good lives for our young adult sons and daughters who have a developmental disability.

http://www.deohaeko.com/Deohaeko_website/Home.html

Autism Links

Social tips for young people and adults with Aspergers

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/communicating-and-interacting/social-skills/social-skills-for-adolescents-and-adults.aspx


School Bullies Prey on Children With Autism

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/03/school-bullies-prey-on-children-with-autism/


It’s an absolute nightmare: maternal experiences of enrolling children diagnosed with autism in primary school in Sydney, Australia

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687599.2012.717882

Autism Posts

Autism awareness: Leading others by example
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/example-366108-something-autism.html


I socialise differently - not wrong
http://nolongerinabox.wordpress.com/2012/08/26/i-socialize-differently-not-wrong-2/



ABC’s Four Corners and the messy truth of autism
https://theconversation.edu.au/abcs-four-corners-and-the-messy-truth-of-autism-9050


Autism Spectrum Disorder - Online Resource Transition Package
package from QLD to assist transition from early childhood to school
http://education.qld.gov.au/asd-online-resource-kit/


Autism unlocked
new website to assist children with communication & gain confidence
http://www.minews26.com/content/?p=18502


Top 10 people with Autism known today
http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-autistics-known-today.php

Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go is a new resource developed by Nican packed with information - presented in an easy to read, step-by-step way - which helps providers and people with disability alike to increase skills, confidence and discover their passions. 

The project includes tools for people with disabilities and providers.  For people with disabilities it includes support to: 

·         Become inspired

·         Build confidence

·         Stay fit & healthy

·         Make friends

·         Overcome fear

·         Overcome the inner critic

·         Develop assertiveness

·         Using mind mapping as a tool

·         Plan for the future or simply ask – what will I do today?   

For providers the kit provides support to:

·         Undertake a self-audit, with tips, tools, checklists and examples  

·         Develop an action plan including a shell action plan with project owners, timeframes, deliverables and commitments 

·         Develop a checklist for inclusive events covering issues ranging from accessible parking to inclusive communications
http://www.nican.com.au/node/15103

David series of books - amazon

Reading specialists, special education teachers and librarians agree that there are no other titles like this available. "How David Met Sarah," the first in a series of five books written for intellectually or developmentally disabled individuals, uses vocabulary appropriate for a third-grade reading level.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Anne%20Kelleher

Sue Larkey workshop in Canberra!

TEACHING STRATEGIES & BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT WORKSHOP with Sue Larkey: The workshop will cover:
Teaching Strategies: 
What is ASD? 
Autism learning style. 
Visual strategies. 
Social skills. 
Teaching play. 
Classroom strategies. 
Transitions. 
How to motivate and use special interests.

Behaviour Support: 
What are ASD behaviours? 
Preparing child and staff. 
Common playground issues. 
Meltdowns and anxiety. 
Transition for school and home. 
Repetitive and obsessive behaviours.
 
When: Tuesday 28th August 2012, 9.30am - 3.00pm. Doors open at 9.00am 
Where: Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue, Ainslie ACT 

Includes morning tea & lunch 
Cost: $125 (A special rate is available for parents of children with ASD. Please email Dearne to see if you qualify) | Please note: $125 for payment on actual day only. Any payments after the day of session will be $150 | 

Payment Instructions: payment on the day, do not send payment |

Information & registration form click this link creatingsuccess.co.nz/Sue_Larkey.php 

Limited places available please register ASAP | To reserve your place or have a registration form sent to you call Dearne on 0433 660 379 or go to www.suelarkey.com | For more workshop dates and locations visit www.suelarkey.com

Autism Links

Is Autism an “Epidemic” or Are We Just Noticing More People Who Have It?
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2012/07/11/is-autism-an-epidemic-or-are-we-just-noticing-more-people-who-have-it/

S.A. scientists looking at baby teeth for clues to autism
http://www.kens5.com/news/SA-scientists-looking-at-baby-teeth-for-clues-to-autism-162253445.html
i find it quite mind boggling that Autism speaks have donated $100K to this study!

Complete guide to social stories
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_social_stories.html

Fragile X: Unraveling Autism's Secrets
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1818268,00.html?imw=Y


Autism: What's Sex Got to Do with It?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200401/autism-whats-sex-got-do-it


Autism: the shameful truth
http://www.greaterdandenongweekly.com.au/news/local/news/general/autism-the-shameful-truth/2617688.aspx?storypage=2

Teaching Flexibility for the Autistic Child
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/flexibility_autism/ 

 

Centenary gift to Canberra kids

Centenary gift to Canberra kids: The initial concept plan for the ‘‘boundless’’ National Children’s Playground features a forest glade, embankment slide, a play sculpture including climbing wall and cubby, water play, sensory garden and a maze. However the community will get to have its say on the elements through a consultation phase. ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher announced $50,000 seed funding this morning for the project, which has been driven by volunteer public servants with private sector support. It will be accessible for children of all ages and abilities. Read more
To have your say about the project, visit the website www.nationalcapital.gov.au/haveyoursay 

Thomas the Tank Engine and ASD

Thomas the Tank Engine and Autism Spectrum Disorder
(From the June Autism Awareness Newsletter from the AAACT)

Millions of children around the world love Thomas the Tank Engine. Parents everywhere have watched their children learn, grow and have fun with this cheeky little blue engine.

For many children with autistic spectrum disorders, Thomas plays an even more important role. A 2002 study by the National Autistic Society in the UK shows that Thomas the Tank Engine helps break through the barriers of many children with autism and Asperger syndrome.

Parents of children with ASD have known for years that Thomas and his friends have special value to their children. The report confirms this anecdotal evidence, stating that children with ASD associate far more strongly with Thomas the Tank Engine than with other children's characters. Some parents of children with ASD have reported leaps of emotion, imagination and symbolic play that were unimaginable before the child's relationship with Thomas.

Why Thomas the Tank Engine?

Children with ASD seem to be particularly fascinated with Thomas. A number of reasons have been proposed to explain this special relationship.

* Children with autism are often attracted to objects arranged in lines (like cars on a train), as well as spinning objects and wheels.

* Thomas and his friends have bold, easily-to-recognize colours.

* Thomas and the other characters have friendly faces, often with exaggerated expressions. In the videos, the expressions are set for some time and are often accompanied by simple narration explaining the emotion ("Thomas was sad."), allowing children to identify the feelings and expressions.

* The narration of the videos is calm and clear, and changes are 'signposted' clearly.

* The stories are relatively short (less than five minutes) and easy to follow. Things that go wrong are usually resolved by the end of the episode.

* The unique stop-action photography of the videos allows the background and scenery to remain still, allowing for greater focus on the "big picture" with less distraction.

* The characters play predictable roles.

* Children with ASD often have the need to identify, list, collect and create lines with favourite

objects. Thomas is especially suitable for these activities.

Thomas is a True-Blue Friend

Many children with ASD have a hard time making and maintaining friendships. Thomas and the other characters can serve as substitute friends in a world with few friends.

Parents of children with autism and related disorders often mention that their children find Thomas calming and comforting, rather like a 'security blanket'. Children often like to have their trains with them at all times. The sound of the videos playing in the background can have a comforting effect while the child is engaged in other activities. This is especially important for children with ASD, where the world is often frightening beyond their understanding.

Learning with Thomas

Thomas often serves as a 'gateway to learning' for children with ASD. The interest in Thomas provides children with the motivation and interest to try new things. For example, a child who is not otherwise interested in the computer will eagerly learn computer skills when introduced to a Thomas game.

Thomas also often plays an important role in learning color recognition, numbers and language skills. Because language is such an obstacle for many children with ASD, Thomas' influence on these skills is especially beneficial.

Parents report children echoing entire chunks of Thomas videos. (This use of language, called echolalia, is common in children with autism.) Over time, many children move to using Thomas language in real-

life situations. Parents have reported great success in using Thomas language with their children, such as "Stop, the signal is up," or "Apply the brakes".

Emotional and Social Development

In the videos, Thomas and the other characters have exaggerated facial expressions, which are often set for a relatively long period of time. This allows the child with ASD to relate to the emotions, expressions and feelings of the characters. This is especially valuable for children who have difficulty understanding people and their thoughts and feelings. You can see some examples of Thomas' facial expressions on our Many Faces of Thomas page. http://www.myfavoritetoys.com/autism_faces.html

Chess club helping young minds

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-24/chess-club-hoped-to-strengthen-young-minds/4089532

Launceston families have formed a chess club aimed at helping gifted children and those suffering from ADHD or autism.

Hartley Lifecare Celebrates 50 years of Excellence in Service at Gala Dinner - 11th August - The Hellenic Club, Woden

Join with Hartley Lifecare as we celebrate 50 years of Excellence in
Service on the 11th August at the Hellenic Club, Woden.

A Gala Dinner will be held to celebrate achievements and thank the
Canberra community for their generous support over the many years.
Includes 3 course meal and drinks with entertainment provided by Smooth
Operators.

Date: Saturday 11th August 2012
Time: 7pm to midnight
Venue: Olympus/Apollo Room at The Hellenic Club, Woden
Tickets: $90 per person , $900 per table of 10.
For further information or to book tickets : Please contact Hartley
Lifecare on 02 62824411 or visit our website www.hartley.org.au

Dress Code: Cocktail/Lounge Suit
RSVP: 27th July

We look forward to celebrating with you at the Gala Dinner

"The Undateables" - new UK TV show

http://www.salon.com/2012/04/12/dating_while_disabled/singleton/


Shain, a 31-year-old with a learning disability, text messages a woman “I love you” before even going out with her. Luke, a 23-year-old with Tourette’s, first meets his dating coach and uncontrollably yells out, “Horny bitch!” Richard, a 37-year-old with Asperger syndrome, flexes his biceps until his date has to hint for him to stop.

These are just a few of the stars, and awkward moments, of the new British documentary series that sets up disabled singles with a leading matchmaker service and then follows their search for love. The premise alone is ripe for debate — and it doesn’t help any that it’s called “The Undateables.”

More post school options needed for young people with a disability | ACT Greens

ACT Greens Parliamentary Leader, Meredith Hunter MLA, today moved a motion to put a new focus on providing social inclusion, education and training for young people with a disability who are leaving school.
The Greens also launched a discussion paper together with an online survey
http://act.greens.org.au/content/more-post-school-options-needed-young-people-disability

Autism Links on the Canberra Day Long Weekend :D

New Study Shows Minority Toddlers with Autism are More Delayed than Affected Caucasian Peers

http://www.kennedykrieger.org/overview/news/new-study-shows-minority-toddlers-autism-are-more-delayed-affected-caucasian-peers



Why people with Aspergers seem so awkward around others: Rudy Simone

http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/why-people-autism-aspergers-seem-so-awkward-around-others-33892322


hmmmmm that's not many! i will try to find a few more before the end of tomorrow ;)

So Safe Training for Disability Workers

For Disability Workers
Visual & Conceptual Tools to promote Social Safety
SoSAFE! is a set of visual and conceptual tools designed to promote social
safety to clients with an Intellectual Disability (moderate to severe range)
and Autism Spectrum Disorder. SoSAFE! tools promote social safety through
the provision of a simplified and rule-governed model of social reality that
teaches the type and degree of verbal and physical intimacy appropriate with
different categories of people.
SoSAFE! Training 2012:
* Thursday 19th April 2012
* Tuesday 10th July 2012
* Tuesday 2nd October 2012
For further information or to enrol in this course visit www.shpfact.org.au

Know Before You Go: train-the-trainer course

Do you want to build YOUR capacity to EMPOWER people to CHOOSE their own
path to SOCIAL participation?
Nican will be running an 8 week course to provide community workers,
stakeholders and champions with the skills to develop and facilitate small
groups to build confidence and empower people facing isolation and
disadvantage towards greater social and economic participation.
Know Before You Go train-the-trainer will be held at the DISH@Oatley (62
Oatley Court, Belconnen) for two hours each Tuesday morning for 8 weeks. The
course starts Tuesday 20 March and finishes Tuesday 8 May 2012. The course
is funded through an ACT Government Adult Community Education (ACE) grant
and is offered free of charge.
What will you get?
. Training on how to run a learning circle
. 8 weeks of learning in a small group with an emphasis on practical
techniques
. Hands on experience with the learning circle format and the tools
included in the Know Before You Go kit
. A range of learning circle materials contained in a high value
presentation folder plus a USB credit card kit
. Certificate of completion
To apply...
For an application form, contact Jim McGrath at Nican on 6241 1220 or at
projects@nican.com.au

2012 Football-Connect Registration

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2012 Football-Connect Registration Where: ACT Hawker Football Centre Walhallow St Hawker 2614 Australia Driving Directions When: Saturday May 5, 2012 at 9:00 AM   Dear Karen, In 2011 Capital Football in partnership with Weston Creek Soccer Club (South Canberra) and Belconnen United/Belnorth Football Club (North Canberra) launched a Football league specifically catering for athletes of All Abilities. Participants were allocated a club close to where they live, received their own club shirt, attended weekly training sessions and participated in football matches weekly throughout the season with their own team at the Hawker Football Centre. 2011 season in review   2012 Season Information and Dates   Season 2012 promises to be even bigger and better with the Pre-Season Come and Try period set for May and the season launch scheduled for June. The Kanga Cup (Australia's Biggest Football Tournament) has also introduced a disability division in 2012 giving Football-Connect teams an opportunity to test themselves against teams from around Australia in the July school holidays. Football Connect individual player registrations are accepted online on an ongoing basis throughout the season. Just click on the link below to register for free. If you are interested in entering a whole team please let us know and we will register your team all at once. Register Now! I can't make it Please do not hesitate to contact us if have any questions about Football-Connect or how to register. Sincerely, The Football Connect Team Capital Football coaching@capitalfootball.com.au 6175 7116 Developed with assistance from the ACT Government under Disability ACT

Playgroups for children with disabilities / developmental delays

Playing Together ACT Playgroups are currently running three Playgroups for
families whose child/ren have a disability, chronic illness or developmental
delay in conjunction with the Child and Family Centres. This is made
possible through funding from the ACT and Federal Governments. Please
contact us for further information. For more information or to find a
PlayConnect Playgroup near you please call ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 882 or
email at playgroupsact@ixa.net.au

PlayConnect Playgroups - FREE - for children with autism

PlayConnect Playgroups for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At
PlayConnect Playgroups children, from birth to six years of age with Autism
Spectrum Disorder, delays in communication/ social development or play
and/or who may have rigid behaviours, have the opportunity to play in a
secure, supportive environment with their parents, carers and other family
members.
Parents and carers can meet other families in their area with children who
have similar characteristics and access information about how to link with
early intervention programs and support services.
This is a FREE program as part of the HCWA funding and no diagnosis of ASD
is required.
For more information or to find a PlayConnect Playgroup near you please call
ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 882 or email at playgroupsact@ixa.net.au or
website http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au