Author Archives: David Berkowitz, Editor in Chief.

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CES 2013 The Best in relation to potential benefit for autism Education!!

KIDZ GEAR WINS 2013 LEARNING® MAGAZINE TEACHERS’ CHOICE AWARD

 

Wins for Excellence in Classroom Products

 

January 16, 2013, El Dorado Hills, CA — Kidz Gear www.GearForKidz.com, the award-winning Grown-up Performance, Built for Kids! brand, announced today that KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids has won the 2013 Learning Magazine’s  Teachers’ Choice Award  for Excellence in Classroom Products.    

Kidz Gear Wired Headphones - Colors

Learning Magazine recognized the Kidz Gear KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids as one of the most outstanding classroom recommended products of 2013 in the “School Supplies Category.”  Kidz Gear won the award because it is a perfect tool for helping teachers in the multimedia educational process of all children.  Compatible with audio devices that use a 3.5mm (1/8”) audio jack, the Kidz Gear headphones work with MP3 players, iPads, iPods and even standard DVD and CD players – all of which are playing a larger role in classrooms today.

 

The Choice for Teachers Nationwide with Kidz Gear Gear Up For Education! Purchase Program

 

“We are honored to win the Teachers’ Choice Award for our KidzControl Volume Limited Headphones,” said Jack Peterson, VP Sales and Marketing, Kidz Gear.  “Combined with our Gear Up For Education! Purchase Program, we have certainly become a new choice for teachers nationwide.  Along with excellent teachers, children need good equipment and Kidz Gear is here with the goods!”

 

KidzControl Volume Limit Technology

 

All Kidz Gear headphones feature the proprietary KidzControl Volume Limit Technology.  The technology works by “limiting” the volume to approximately 80% of the maximum volume output capable from the audio devices in the market today.  KidzControl Volume Limit Technology delivers a safe volume limited listening experience for children of all ages.  Ergonomically designed with soft padded child-sized ear-cups and high-quality audio components, the KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids are value priced at only $19.99.

 

Kidz Gear is the Brand Adults Want and Kids Love


Kidz Gear headphones are not “toys,” but adult products built for kids.  Manufactured with the same high-quality, high-performance consumer electronics components found in adult headphones, Kidz Gear headphones are designed to solve the never-ending battle between a child’s desire for his or her parent’s things and the parent’s fear of them destroying an expensive item.   KidzControl™ Volume Limited Headphones for Kids are available immediately, priced at $19.99, from U.S. retailers, such as Target and InMotion Airport Stores.  They are also available directly at www.GearForKidz.com, Amazon.com and other fine online retailers.

 

About Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Awards

 

For 19 years, the Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice Awards have heralded the very best in classroom-tested, teacher-recommended products.  Each year, a nationwide panel of teacher-judges names the standouts in books, classroom supplies, educational games, websites, and more—everything you need for your classroom.  For more information, see: http://www.theeducationcenter.com/tec/afc/learning/lrn_tca_class_home/go.do

 

About Kidz Gear

 

Incorporated in 2001, San Ramon, California Supply and Beyond, LLC is the exclusive manufacturer of the Kidz Gear brand of products and accessories.  The Kidz Gear brand was created by founder and mother Laurie Peterson with the purpose of developing a line of products and accessories with adult features, performance and quality but with ergonomic and economic sizes, styles and prices for children.  The Kidz Gear product line has received rave reviews and awards from various Mother’s Group Organizations and industry publications.  The company is continually focused on bringing more products to market that support the company’s mission – Grown-Up Performance, Built for Kids! 

For more information visit www.GearForKidz.com, email: greatproducts@gearforkidz.com or phone: (877) Kidz-Gear.

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BEST OF CES 2013-REPLAYXD AND THEIR EXCITING HD CAMERA’S A PREVIEW!!

Replay XD
Replay XD

While I was at CES 2013, I spent 3 days trying to find products that really impressed me in their quality and design.

I really liked ReplayXD’s products!!

Here is a video highlighting their products:

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is a second video of their products in action!!

Watch this video on YouTube.

Here is a video from our friends at Engadget–>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/replay-xd1080-promises-to-capture-your-exteme-activities-without/

 

 

Replay XD!!!
Replay XD!!!

So far I am very impressed by the company, their people and their products. I am looking forward to testing and reviewing their products for real.

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An anthem for Autism from Youtube by BJ McKelvie and he talks about autism as well.

Watch this video on YouTube.

This one sums it up, even though I am high functioning it speaks to the feeling of being lost, confused that many feel!!

This one is nice too from BJ McKelvie!!

Watch this video on YouTube.

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How to Use Art to Break Down Barriers When Teaching Autistic Children

Help via the arts!!
Arts for people with autism
Working with autistic children presents an array of challenges for both therapists and parents. However, certified art therapists can really help these individuals. Their methods are not techniques that just anyone can employ though, as art therapists know a great deal about development, health, psychology and art. These techniques are not just for anyone to try, but learning about what these professionals do can be extremely beneficial to those of us who have loved ones living with Autism. Here are some common methods.

House Tree Person
House Tree Person, otherwise known as HTP, is a method that many art therapists use to analyze the drawings of their clients. Essentially, children draw a house on one piece of paper, a tree on a second piece of paper and a person on another piece of paper. From the details or lack thereof used to create these drawings, art therapists can analyze their lives.

Collage Projects
Another popular method employed by art therapists is the construction of collages. Some therapists will provide a certain medium and specific themes that the youngsters must use. For example, an art therapist might ask children to use items found in nature – pine cones and leaves for example, to create a representation of their favorite playground or their backyard at home. Other therapists will provide a range of mediums and tools while asking young ones to create any picture that they wish.

Free Drawing
Here is a method in which, as the name implies, the autistic children have a lot of freedom when it comes to what they would like to draw. Basically, art therapists provide them with paper and tools for drawing, and then the children create a picture in a specified amount of time. Now, you might assume that the therapist analyzes only the actual images put on the paper. However, the therapist will also look at how color was used or how accurately the drawings represent reality. When it comes to art therapy, it’s not about a one-size-fits-all method that works for everyone.

Group Work
Building teamwork skills is an important part of art therapy, and it’s really crucial for autistic children. They tend to have problems when it comes to social development, so any opportunity to work with a group is really excellent. In group settings, they might all be contributing one piece to the drawing. Depending upon the functioning level of the children and their age, a leader might be helping them out with the process. At the end, the art therapist has accomplished his or her task by breaking down walls that the youngsters might have built up toward one another. They can see that teamwork actually has some really positive outcomes, and they need not always be fearful or anxious about working with others.

Megan Ryan writes about health, human development and more. A home nurse, her proudest piece is on the Top 10 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs.
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Art Therapy for High-Functioning Autism: How to Get Started

Music Therapy
www.thearts4autism.com
Coping with a condition such as autism is a challenge that many of us and many of our loved ones face. However, so many strategies  exist to make life easier for those of us in this camp. Many haven’t heard of it, but art therapy is one of them, and with this great new tool, you can very much help the special high-functioning autistic person in your life find an excellent therapist. Here’s what you need to know.
Check Educational Background
Art therapy is not a subject into which people merely leap. In fact, most have to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, but many go on to pursue their master’s as well. When meeting with art therapists, verify proof of their degree and ask what experiences they had in college or grad school. Many of them will have completed internships, so they have real life experience upon entering the workforce, and it’d be prudent to find out how relevant their assignment was to the situation of your friend or family member.
Working with Students
As most people know, paying for health and medical procedures is quite expensive. Not everyone can afford these extra therapists (and many have insurance plans that don’t cover this kind of treatment). However, there is a way to still enjoy these services. As mentioned above, many art therapy students are required to intern at local hospitals or other care facilities once or twice. If you cannot afford a traditional therapy program, ask your hospital or local college if interning students are allowed to offer therapy to your loved one for free or a reduced price. This does not mean that all training art therapists will be able to do so. It depends on your state, local educational institutions and more.
Space
Parents who have high functioning autistic children might be inclined to hang around during the art therapy sessions. If the therapists request that they do, or both parties have a mutual agreement that such an arrangement is best, then they should. However, in quite a number of instances, people might tense up if a parent is nearby. A therapist might also notice that the patient is not eager to discuss certain issues with a parent present in the room. Therefore, it is often better to leave them alone – anything that you need to be aware of will be made known to you. Space is healthy – never forget this.
Don’t Diagnose
After you have observed a couple of the art therapy techniques, you might assume that you can use these methods at home. For example, you might see an art therapist explain how a drawing of a house has a particular significance in someone’s life. You go home and try to apply the same theory to another person or try to replicate this with your loved one. However, that analysis on the part of a therapist is comprised of many components. Only professionals can truly recognize these for they really are.So many treatment options exist for individuals living with autism. Art therapy is especially helpful though, because it allows patients to put together images and engage in crafts. In other words, this means they are having fun, expressing themselves and also (hopefully) healing. Those who have tried this method largely support its use, and it might be helpful to speak with some who have already tried this track.

Jennifer Banks writes about health, addiction and therapy. She works from and writes for http://www.delrayrecoverycenter.com.
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A thanks to Jeff Mosier from the Las Vegas Review Journal View News Paper an Article on our organization!!!

A thanks to Jeff Mosier from the Las Vegas Review Journal View News Paper an Article on our organization!!!
Autism Awareness
http://www.lvrj.com/view/area-resident-hoping-to-start-nonprofit-for-kids-with-autism-180951051.html

I would like to thank Mr. Jeff Mosier from the Las Vegas Review Journal’s View Newspaper for doing an article on us on their website and in their newspaper to hopefully help to find support, sponsors, and donors!!!

Here is a summary to the article–>

A Southern Highlands resident has started a nonprofit organization to put iPads and other tools in the hands of valley students in need.

Dave Berkowitz, 43, said he dreams of becoming a national arts and technology foundation for the autism community. Technology such as iPads can help some students with autism better communicate with their teachers, peers and families.

The nonprofit, unofficially called Arts 4 Autism, also would supply students with musical instruments, art supplies, concert tickets and scholarships. It is unofficial because Berkowitz has not applied for the organization’s tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status, yet. Berkowitz has been unemployed since October and said he cannot afford the application fee and an attorney to help with the process. He said he knows that people will hesitate to donate until the organization gains its tax-exempt status, but he is hoping someone in the community can help with that process.

For the rest of the story click here–>http://www.lvrj.com/view/area-resident-hoping-to-start-nonprofit-for-kids-with-autism-180951051.html

We also have an online campaign for fundraising as well–>http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/240108?a=1433442

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Improve The Life of A Loved One With Autism and interesting website

Improve The Life of A Loved One With Autism and interesting website

 

autism

An interesting site on autism–>

Click Here!
 

“If you’re really worried a loved one with Autism might never truly enjoy life to the full – Then this may be the most critically important website you’ll ever read…

“Finally, You Too Can Join Others Who Have Discovered Simple Methods To Effectively Spot The 31 Signs of Autism & Learnt Critical Information ToMaximize the Potential of Someone With Autism – Guaranteed.”

Continue reading to learn how others like you overcame confusion & uncertainty & discovered the “best” treatment options for their loved one with autism…

Rachel Evans

“Dear Rachel, Thank you for your continuous information regarding autism. The information is extremely informative and helpful.”

M Miller

From Rachel EvansRe: Improve The Life of A Loved One With Autism

Dear Parent or Caregiver

Hello, my name’s Rachel Evans…

Click Here!