AUTISM FUNDING DEBATE RAGES ON

September 27, 2009

Sep 27, 2009

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT DEFENDED ITS DECISION THIS WEEK TO CUT AN EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM.

ONE OF THE PARENTS IN VICTORIA AFFECTED BY THE DECISION SAYS SHE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE PROGRAM RUNNING.

AUREL DURUISSEAU SAYS IT MAKES GOOD ECONOMIC SENSE TO CONTINUE THE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM.

“THIS IS GOING TO COST A LOT OF MONEY IN THE FUTURE. AND NOT JUST THIRTY, FORTY, FIFTY YEARS DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THIS GOVERNMENT’S LONG GONE. WE’RE TALKING TWO OR THREE YEARS WHEN THESE KIDS GO TO SCHOOL, NOT PREPARED, NEEDING MORE SUPPORT, MORE SPECIAL [EDUCATION], MORE TEACHER TIME.”

MINISTER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT MARY POLAK MET WITH A GROUP OF PARENTS WEDNESDAY AND INDICATED THE GOVERNMENT WANTS TO SPREAD FUNDING OUT OVER A LARGER NUMBER OF AUTISTIC CHILDREN.

DURUISSEAU SAYS SHE HAS CONTACTED OTHER PARENTS AFFECTED IN THE PROVINCE WHO ARE READY TO STAGE RALLIES.

Original article here.

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Asperger Support Groups Have Proven Beneficial to Parents and Children Coping with Autism Disorder

July 1, 2009

Asperger support groups are not just something for the teen or adult with autism but it’s a great idea for the parents of an autistic child. There are two types of support groups available to parents of autistic children. There are the ones that can be attended by one or both parents that meet regularly over a cup of coffee and sit down and talk about the struggles that they and their children face. This gives parents the opportunity to vent their frustrations as well as learn from others who have been through the struggles that they are trying their best to deal with.

Or, for those who find getting out difficult, maybe because they are not comfortable leaving their autistic child with a babysitter, there are always interactive websites on the Internet. This lets you talk to people all over the world who face the same problems you do no matter how big or small. This allows an exchange of ideas almost the same as the asperger support groups who meet weekly.

Some studies suggest that its healthier emotionally for parents to try to make the effort to join asperger support groups, even if run solely by parents, just because it means they’ll get out once a week.

With the advent of the World Wide Web forums have sprung up that deal with everything that one might want to talk about. Interestingly these forums have proven to be a wonderful thing for those with autism as the written word often comes easier to them then the spoken word. They have such difficulty with social interactions that this gives them a forum to talk without having to carry on a regular conversation. They can speak without the need for spoken words. They can communicate with their fingers and especially for those who are higher functioning they can talk to others like themselves and see how others cope. This gives them the opportunity to talk to their peers. Not just people their own age, but others who have autism and can exchange ideas on coping.

They may be able to gain support and make friends with others who can help them make decisions about their futures. People like them who may have had to make a lot of the decisions they are trying to make about living arrangements or getting a job. Being able to go to chat rooms and talk about these things with other autistic people can open up the world to them.

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How to Interact With an Autistic Child Through the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

May 24, 2009

Picture exchange communication system (PECS) is a type of alternative communication which uses pictures as a substitute for words to aid children with autism to communicate. It is made especially for kids with autism who are delayed in speech development.

This kind of program provides exchange and repetition, as well as prompts to enhance and emphasize the benefits of interaction and ability to express oneself to the point that these children could eventually become verbal.

When learning to use PECS, the child is first given a series of pictures of his favorite toys or food. If the child favors one picture, he gives it to a communication partner. This can be a parent or a therapist. In turn, the communication partner gives the child the specific toy or food. This form of exchange strengthens communication.

PECS may also be used when a child wants to make comments pertaining to his environment. For instance, if the child sees a bike, he hands a picture of a bike to his parent. The child will then comprehend the importance and usefulness of communicating, and will probably use natural speech eventually.

How is this done?

First, you have to look for pictures that your child can really relate to. Have it laminated, you can make your own binder, or purchase a working PECS binder.

Second, make sure that there are minimal distractions. Then lay out 2 to 3 picture cards.

Third, tell your child to choose from the cards by saying “you choose.”

Fourth, stretch out your hand and open your palm, then patiently wait for your child to choose and place the card on it.

Next, prompt your child to give you the picture card after they pick it up. This demonstrates that he wants the particular food, or toy.

Lastly, give him a reward. It can be a portion of the food in the picture, or his favorite toy, or you can engage him in a round of game.

Repeat the process with the use of different cards. Use a variety of activities, choices and rewards.

According to recent studies, this form of communication is effective in giving the learner the necessary tools to equip him in making communication smoother. It can also minimize negative behaviors caused by frustration and build spoken language abilities. Indeed, PECS is a priceless learning tool.

If you think that there is “something not right” with your child you must find out as soon as possible if autism is the issue. Treatments are less effective with each passing day as we grow older, so find out now with the complete autism resource for determining symptoms and goes into depth about ALL treatment options for autism, natural AND medical. Includes a mountain of information concisely written to cover all the important topics such as symptoms, all treatments, training and teaching information for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Treatments and training becomes less effective as the child ages, so do your family a favor and check out the ultimate autism guide at Autism Symptoms.

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Speech-Language Pathologists List and Contact Information

October 23, 2008

Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO)
Address: 19 Mantua Road, Mt. Royal, NJ, 08061
E-mail: headquarters@aro.org
Internet: www.aro.org
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AUTISM FUNDING DEBATE RAGES ON

Asperger Support Groups Have Proven Beneficial to Parents and Children Coping with Autism Disorder

How to Interact With an Autistic Child Through the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

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