Autism Assistive Technology

Overview of this Blog

This blog has been made for educators as well as parents of children who are Autistic. There are several resources in regards to assistive technology (how to go about getting it, funds, processes, different types) as well as information on autism.

Some of the information that may be found on this blog in regards to autism will include the spectrum of disorders as well as characteristics that are prevalent within the spectrum. Also included are websites of funding sources, types of assistive technology and other general information that educators and families may find helpful.

General information about Autism Spectrum Disorders (helpful resource links)

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Definition and symptoms  

http://vkool.com/autism-spectrum-disorder/

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/autism/

Autism Behavior Problems

What's Triggering Your Child's Outbursts?

 http://www.helpguide.org/harvard/autism-behavior-problems.htm

Asperger Syndrome

http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/aspergers-syndrome/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/asperger.html

http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/asperger-syndrome

picture taken from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLNNvvbe1X6luqGaXKaENYN05t808oz0XJnT7F3190uBbepocVbuz4L8Sxue35XBjdj106uaxAClPTp8yBy9A8Kfvi5XKIIStgx4wqBoyoS460T0W1MYNuj1LNhK9edHbT7gYNKd0mf7Q/s1600/autism-spectrum-conditions.jpg

Resources

ACT-Today at http://www.act-today.org United Healthcare Children’s Foundation at http://www.uhccf.org TACA: http://www.tacanow.org/about-taca/family-scholarship-program/ Generation Rescue: http://www.generationrescue.org

Grant Program

This grant program offers "funding assistance to families on a quarterly basis." http://act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php

The Make It Fit Foundation

The Make It Fit Foundation "is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by autism." You may also visit their facebook page to view Cookies for iPads - giving children with autism a voice. http://www.makeitfit.org/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cookies-for-Ipads-giving-children-with-autism-a-voice/186571024739428

Government Financial Resources

http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/documents/family-services/government_financial_resources.pdf

TACA TALKS ABOUT CURING AUTISM

The following site provides a spreadsheet of different National foundations, type of funding, region, and average amount of grant money provided. http://www.tacanow.org/family-resources/autism-grants/

Early Signs of Autism

picture taken from http://globalautismawareness.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-signs-of-autism-poster.html

Video: Early Signs of Autism

http://video.about.com/pediatrics/Early-Signs-of-Autism.htm?utm_term=early%20signs%20of%20autism&utm_content=p1-main-3-title&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-c6557c1f-f97c-47fd-aaad-efa32d232b98-0-ab_msb_ocode-12627&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=early%20signs%20of%20autism&dqi=&o=12627&l=sem&qsrc=999&askid=c6557c1f-f97c-47fd-aaad-efa32d232b98-0-ab_msb#vdTrn

TRANSCRIPT:

What is Autism

Autism is a disorder of language skills, social skills and behavior.  There is a wide variation in the expression of the disorder, so it has been termed Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD.  Children with ASD may be verbal or non-verbal.  Some will have problems with eye contact and social interaction; they may have difficulty holding a conversation or understanding the emotions of other people.  Some will show repetitive behaviors, including hand-flapping, head-banging, or repetitive or even obsessive play with toys.  Affected children will have difficulty functioning normally in all settings, including at home and in school.

Subtle and Obvious Autism Signs

Early signs of autism can be subtle or very obvious.  Screening begins with the parents; they should watch for slow development or regression in milestones.  Some children may start out speaking a few words, but then stop speaking or communicating over time.  Ask your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s development and if any further testing is warranted.  There are some general developmental signs that all children should have at certain ages. 

When You Should Be Concerned About Autism

You should be concerned if: by 6 months of age there is no smiling; by 9 months of age there is no interaction with parents by sharing smiles, sounds or facial expressions; by 12 months of age if there is no responding to the name, no babbling, no pointing, no reaching, or no waving; by 16 months of age if there are no single words; by 24 months of age if there are no 2-word phrases. If you or your pediatrician has a concern, there are screening tests that should be performed. 

Autism Screenings

One of the most commonly used screening tools is the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers or the M-CHAT. This is routinely performed at 18 and 24 months of age at the pediatrician’s office.  It consists of 23 yes-or-no questions answered by the parent.   The score gives a Pass or Fail, with a Fail indicating the need for more thorough screening.  The M-CHAT is a screening test, so it is possible to have some kids who do not screen appropriately.  The goal of the M-CHAT is to identify children who need further evaluation. Children with autism are being diagnosed more often now than ever.  If your child is showing early signs of autism or if you have a concern, talk with your pediatrician.  Once a diagnosis is made, therapy can begin so that your child can reach his or her utmost potential.