I was on Special Needs Talk Radio, Autism As They Grow with Bobbi Sheahan!!

I was on Special Needs Talk Radio, Autism  As They Grow with Bobbi Sheahan!!
Autism Help USA/Technewszone
Autism Help USA/Technewszone

I had the opportunity to speak on Bobbi Sheahan and Amalia Starr’s Special Needs Talk Radio, Autism As They Grow’s Second to last show. I really appreciate it.

We are trying to make a difference for people with autism for quality of life, education, vocation and to help them find enjoyment in their lives, and promote inclusion as possible in schools. We are trying to do this by giving the gift of music, the arts and technology and by partnering with tech like Android, Blackberry and Apple Ipad Tablets to schools and individuals, music, and arts related organizations and people to help us get funding and reach people.

We would love to be on more shows, to gain support and make a difference.

Here is a link to the show–>http://www.blogtalkradio.com/specialneedstalkradio/2012/05/24/autism-as-they-grow-1

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/specialneedstalkradio/2012/05/24/autism-as-they-grow-1

A bio on Bobbi Sheahan–>

Catch my new show, Autism As They Grow, on Special Needs Talk Radio, Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. EST!

Do people suggest that your child is different – really different? Are you wondering how to make sense of your child’s behavior (or your spouse’s – or your own)? Don’t despair; help is on the way! Bobbi Sheahan and psychologist Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D., offer themselves as your scouts in the field. They have valuable information to share – from the moment you realize your kid is different (“My, what a quiet baby I have!”), to the self-righteous moms on the playground, to holding your marriage together in the realm of routines, they candidly tackle autism spectrum issues such as picky eating, bedtime battles, potty training, speech delays, discipline, early intervention, sibling rivalry, and much more!

Bobbi Sheahan is the mother of four children; Grace, her second-born, has been diagnosed with autism. Her new book, What I Wish I’d Known About Raising a Child With Autism: A Mom and a Psychologist Offer Heartfelt Guidance for the First Five Years, has been published by Future Horizons, the world’s largest and most authoritative autism publisher. Bobbi says, “Dr. Kathy DeOrnellas, my co-author, knows more about autism than anyone you will ever meet. Since I can’t bring you to her office – and I would if I could – this book is my way of bringing her to you.” In Chapter 2 (entitled Autism 101), Dr. DeOrnellas brings you more than 20 years of experience, teaching, and research in the field of autism in a readable, conversational manner.

Autism is not only a challenge to a family’s emotions; it can also be a financial drain. Bobbi says, “With families routinely spending thousands of dollars out of pocket each year, we are here to help to point families in the direction of meaningful, affordable help.”

For her part, Bobbi pulls no punches in telling the story of her family’s road to discovering Grace’s autism. “The entire family comes along on this journey, believe me,” she says. “There is a reason that my favorite chapter heading is: Fun and Folly With Self-Diagnosis: Is Asperger’s German for Engineer?”

The book is also enriched by quotes from more than two dozen families who have been breathtakingly honest about everything, from speech delays to potty training, from doing battle with professionals who are supposed to be on your family’s side; this book is an indispensable resource for families. From reading lists to guidance about building a personal and professional support system, the authors offer a crash course to families who don’t have time to waste. The wit and humor with which the information is conveyed is a much-needed breath of fresh air for families who desperately need a break – and a friend.

Available now at Future Horizons, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and wherever books are sold!

Please listen to the show, I am on at the halfway point. Please share with people in the media.

Please help us to help others, we can not do it alone!!!

How to reach us:

Http://technewszone.com

Or FACEBOOK–>http://www.facebook.com/technewszone

or YOUTUBE–>Http://www.youtube.com/technewszone

Or Itechnewszone on Twitter!!

Thank you I appreciate it.

Ryan’s Journey Through ASD (with Interactive Metronome) from Autismspot!!

Ryan’s Journey Through ASD (with Interactive Metronome) from Autismspot!!
Ryan’s Journey Through ASD (with Interactive Metronome)

I love Autismpot and their content. I recently found this nice article on Metronome therapy on their site that is worth reading–>

http://www.autismspot.com/blog/Guest-Blog-Ryan%E2%80%99s-Journey-Through-ASD-Interactive-Metronome

Ever wondered what Interactive Metronome (IM) therapy is or how it might benefit your child or client with an Autism Spectrum Disorder? This guest blog, written by Mary Jones, shares the story of a boy named Ryan who experienced great progress through the help of IM in a private therapy setting and within the home. Our thanks to Mary for sharing Ryan’s story.

RYAN’S JOURNEY THROUGH ASD
By Mary Jones

Ryan is an 8-year-old boy with an energetic, all-encompassing, endearing personality paired with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Raised by his grandmother, Ryan had been seeing me for conventional Occupational Therapy sessions for several years. He loved, craved, sought out and engaged in movement activities at every given opportunity and playing freely within a Sensory Gym was the highlight of his week. He could spin and not get dizzy, climb with never a sign of fear, crash with no sense of danger and his ‘engine’ continued apace from dawn to dusk. I had tried, using all of the clinical management and traditional therapy tools to influence Ryan’s control of his regulation and behavioral skills, with limited to inconsistent results. Ryan was comforted by deep pressure and would calm for short periods, but as soon as it was removed he seemed to be right back to square one. He enjoyed heavy work and was tolerant to his routine including lifting, pushing and pulling activities but again, the results of such calming activities were short lived. Ryan lived in a world where he was constantly being told and directed to ‘Slow Down’; ‘Press lightly’; ‘Be Careful’. His grandmother frequented the school office with insidious regularity as Ryan’s movement and learning style spilled over into his academic performance and classroom behavior. He could not sit still; could not follow directions; could not keep in class without a personal aide. Ultimately it was decided that placing Ryan in a self-contained class for students with an Emotional Handicap would serve best for his own safety and the wellbeing of his peers.

It was about this time that a new product was introduced into my therapeutic ‘tool-kit’ by the name of Interactive Metronome (IM). I completed the certification training with both interest and intrigue as to how a modality with the express purpose of improving a child’s motor response to an auditory stimulus, could also help in the remediation of multiple classroom skills, functional daily living skills, behavior and communication skills to name but a few. I reviewed carefully my functional goals for Ryan, which included learning how to slow down, control his behavior and attend to task for a functional time frame. With these goals in mind we embarked upon a journey together that transformed not only Ryan’s life but also the course of my professional ambition. As we progressed with the program, it became clear to me – Ryan was learning to reference the auditory beat and identify when he was too fast or too slow in his response speed, he was learning from the ‘inside-out’ what it meant when someone told him to ‘slow down’. Progress was steady and at a ratio of two sessions a week, each of 45-60 minutes, Ryan was demonstrating positive functional outcomes. He was beginning to attend for longer periods in class, could stand in line with his classmates, was listening and understanding with more clarity and consistency. But most of all, his negative behaviors were diminished to the point of recommendation to move up, once again to an integrated classroom.

As we well know, when faced with increased challenge or stressors, children with ASD often need a higher frequency of lifestyle modifications or support and Ryan was no exception. With the progression to integrated learning came a greater need to refine his response to his environment. His grandmother was concerned that he would fall back into his old ways if he did not maintain the same frequency with his Interactive Metronome training and brought to me a request to move his session frequency to three times per week. Now any of you that are familiar with attending therapy session will be fully conversant with the commitment involved in both time and personal finances, not to mention the act of a “Higher Power” it often takes to add another session into a therapists’ schedule. With all of these elements in mind I was thrilled as a professional to be able to extend structured program to Ryan and his family in the form of the IM Home Program. This program enabled Ryan to access Interactive Metronome interventions at home for short bursts before test taking, for longer periods when transitioning to newer challenges required for maturation (consider the stressors involved in Middle School!) and even to wind down and ‘reboot his brain’. More importantly it allowed me to keep in touch, professionally with Ryan and his family at a much more functional level for a far greater, more affordable time frame to help him get into gear for all that life had in store for him.

Mary Jones OTR/L

*

Mary Jones OTR/L, LMT, CIMT, Graduated from St Loye’s School of Occupational Therapy (UK) in 1986. She has been an Occupational Therapist for 20 (+) years and has been practicing in the USA since 1993. Mary has lectured extensively in her field at a local and international level and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings in both the USA and the UK. Curently, she is the owner of the pediatric practice Sensational Kids LLC, based out of Bradenton, FL.

Great Job James Durbin, on Idol last night, as fellow aspies we love ya, have so for over a year!!!

We followed James Durbin last year on American idol, promoted him like crazy on our website.

He did a great job on American Idol last nigh 4/12/12.

We wish he would help us as well with exposure maybe sponsor us.

Our mission is to help autistic people with their quality of life via music, the arts and technology.

Congratulations on your wedding as well. I have been married for 19 years, wish you the best of luck!!!!

A video from his website–>http://durbinrock.com

and his lyric video as well.

Tag your it, please share our youtube videos as well–>http://www.youtube.com/technewszone

Some details on James’s tour–>

http://viperroom.com/?page_id=4472

I really love your song, you have done a great job!!!

Gotta Love American Idol’s Commercials these ones for Ford, are nice American Idol 2012

Gotta Love American Idol’s Commercials these  ones for Ford, are nice American Idol 2012
Ford Commercial
American Idol 2012

We love music and want to help autism via technology, music and the arts. We also like American Idol.

This is one of the better videos that the idol folks have done recently:

and another that is unique interesting.

We wish that one of these organizations would help our nonprofit and news site get exposure, maybe do a video for us or talk about us on the air or sponsor our efforts.

American idol 2012 Best male performer Joshua Ledet

American idol 2012 Best male performer Joshua Ledet
Jessica Sanchez
American Idol 2012 Jessica Sanchez

We are an autism nonprofit that wants to help via technology, music and the arts. We are fans of Jessica Sanchez, who is in our opinion the best female performer, we are also impressed by Joshua Ledet who is the best male performer!!

Here is a video from You Tube of Joshua Ledet Singing, he is very good!!

If you can help us with exposure or to find sponsors as well, we would appreciate it greatly!!!

American Idol 2012, We really like Jessica Sanchez’s recent performances

American Idol 2012, We really like Jessica Sanchez’s recent performances
Jessica Sanchez
American Idol 2012 Jessica Sanchez

Our autism nonprofit’s focus is using technology, music and the arts to improve the lives of autistic people, we love music.
We really love music, and feel that is a huge benefit to people on the autism spectrum in educational and in a therapeutic manner.

We reached out to James Durbin who we followed heavily last year, and who is also autistic like us, but we did not get much support. We though that since we are autistic and he is autistic and we are focused on music and so is he, he would have been a huge help for us to find sponsors and exposure.

We are still fans.

This year we are impressed by Jessica Sanchez’s performances!!

and her duet with Joshua!!

Good Luck to Jessica!!

If you can help us with exposure to help autism that would be great as well!!!

A poem of thanks to teachers by Mari Nosal from Enabled Kids Canada

A poem of thanks to teachers by Mari Nosal from Enabled Kids Canada
Mari Nosal
Mari Nosal

Gratitude

One day I met a teacher

My mentor than my friend

She has been there through the tough times

My gratitude I send

No matter what my challenge

She never walks away

She taught me all the skills Indeed

And this I have to say

Thank you for your wisdom

Your spunk and humor too

You helped me be the best I can

Thanks for being you

My goals and dreams are being met

One soul helped this come true

One person took the time to guide

That person my friend is you

You are an inspiration

Your talents you do share

Your help, your guidance, humor, wit

Made school much easier to bear

Now as I forge forward

And apply what you have taught

I venture on so well prepared

Your love of life I’ve caught

My path is just beginning

I will falter along the way

I will stumble, fall, and want to run

But this I have to say

My quest for knowledge continues

Fears and apprehension do abound

I know this challenge I can take

Because I had you around

You made me believe I have a chance

To achieve what I aspire

That I can lead in my career

In me you lit a fire

Thank you mentor, teacher, friend

For giving me my start

You went beyond your job description

You live inside my heart.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

http://enabledkids.ca/?p=2024

“And A Child Shall Lead” by Mari Nosal from Enabled Kids Canada

“And A Child Shall Lead” by Mari Nosal from Enabled Kids Canada
“And A Child Shall Lead”
“And A Child Shall Lead”

A fine article by Mari Nosal from Enable Kids Canada, link–>link

I was perusing my supervision journals from graduate school. My classes were inclusive and consisted of children with emotional disorders, learning disabilities, mood disorders, intellectually advanced children, and neurotypical children. The children ranged in age from five to twelve. In layman’s terms, these children were from every background and developmental level that one could imagine.

In hindsight, I realize that my practicum journals emphasized an important lesson. No matter what background or circumstance these children come from, it does not matter. When they are observed without adding labels, they are all children. I felt that some entries in my journal could reinforce the fact that every child has a talent if we look hard enough. I hope to share some select entries in the future. My intent is to remind family, educators, and the public at large that labels have no place in a classroom or society We can learn as much from children as they learn from adults.

This morning was rather amusing. Some children started an art project. They wished to make kites that we could fly outside while waiting for the arrival of the older children’s school bus. It was early, and only some children were present. A fly buzzed around the art table. The children expressed irritation at the fact that the fly would not extricate itself from the premises. I informed the children that flies were living creatures and had families just like us. I told the children that flies have a right to live. An interesting shift in our art project developed. The children started making a creation from scraps that were lying about. The kite idea was quickly forgotten. In its place was the early construction of a home for the fly family to live in.

I marveled at their creativity and yes, personal reflection of these children. They had considered my explanation of a fly being a living insect within our world. They reconsidered their initial observation that the fly was a mere nuisance. A solution was than decided upon. The fly family needed a home. The children who were the chief builders of the fly haven were five and six years old. Every item found in our scrap box was assessed for use as building material. It is amazing to watch a child find a use for an item an adult would deem as trash to be disposed of.

Three pieces of construction paper served as the floor. Toilet paper found by one child during a trip to the bathroom was set down in multiple layers. This would serve as a bed. Several more layers were cut to an appropriate size, stapled together and attached to the bed to serve as pillows. Construction paper was cut and rolled into a small cone. Upon taping it to the paper floor, a doily was eyed. After scrutinizing the value of this item, it was set on top of the cone to create a table. One child decided that their home would not be complete without a basketball hoop. A small paper rectangle was attached to the front of the house. The center of a paper doily was cut out to create a paper hoop. It was attached to the rectangle stem. Viola–a basketball hoop was created.

I sat and wondered at the creativity and teamwork involved in this piece of architecture. The children had spent well over an hour creating it. I decided I had been the observer long enough. I believe a child’s imagination must be encouraged. Nurturing a child’s imagination develops future adults who are capable of trouble shooting and resolving the world’s issues. If we control every minute of a child’s day, the end result is an adult who was never trained to think independently. I added food for thought. I inquired as to what the fly family would have to eat. The children pondered this for a moment. One child looked up and asked, “Well, what do flies eat anyway?”

My response was answered with a serious tone. I wished to show the children respect for their hard work by taking their questions seriously. My suggestion was to set out a bowl of sugar. The children were informed that baking soda would be used in lieu of sugar. It was all I could find in my arts and crafts stock. I reminded the children that we could pretend it was sugar as the coloring was the same. This prompted the construction of a paper bowl to hold the powdery contents. I suggested a sign be displayed with the children’s motto: “Flies have a right to live.” This was unanimously agreed upon. I wrote the words and the children decorated the sign. The masterpiece sits on the windowsill of my classroom.

I was reminded today how small statements adults make are noted by children. They are much more reflective than we give them credit for. When retrieving some children from the kindergarten class at the end of the day, word had evidently traveled. Children who had not been in my morning program were looking at the ceiling. The quickly said, “Miss Mari, a sad thing happened today”. Thinking a child had been injured I quickly asked to know the news. Several children had an expression on their face that was similar to an adult who had just heard of a death in the family.

My curiosity was soon satisfied. One child pointed to a fly on the ceiling. He was calling the fly Alvin. My guess is the choice of names came from Alvin and the Chipmunks. Evidently, there had been two flies earlier in the day. I was informed that Alvin’s brother Theodore had died. I told them I was sorry to hear of Theodore’s demise. What had started off as a simple imaginary house had turned into a school wide concern for living beings! These children taught me a lesson about life and children. As educators we must never assume that little bodies have little hearts. Today, I was reminded of just how empathetic and reflective my little guys can be.

Autism Awareness, Our Ireport on CNN

Autism Awareness, Our Ireport on CNN
autism advocacy and technology news zone
help us to help autism

 

AUTISM ADVOCACY AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS ZONE
By David Joseph Berkowitz

As an individual with high functioning Asperger syndrome, a kind of autism, and the father of three kids who are also on the spectrum for this disorder, I have always felt a need to make a difference for the people with autism. I dream of establishing a national organization like the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society to make living on the spectrum better for those with autism related disorders. Utilizing my knowledge and passion for technology with my personal experience and interest in autism, I launched our site, on January 11, 2011 .

We are a tech-focused state nonprofit. As we get funded we intend to help those on the autism spectrum by using technology-tablets and related computer technology plus the gift of music and the arts, to make the lives of people with autism better, and to support their families and the educational facilities that serve them.

We have a unique approach, view point and ideas.

Our Plan:

Our intent is to give the gift of technology through donated tablets and along with proper training to children and young adults with autism, their families, and the educational programs and schools that could make use of them. We also plan to fund applications to use with the technology.

Tablets are a very kinesthetic device which seems to make learning easier for many people with autism. Tablets like Apple iPads aid in education and improve the level of involvement in many aspects of their lives. However, a decent tablet runs $400-$800 which is very expensive for most families of people with autism.

Our second intent is to give the gift of music and the arts. Schools are very short on funding especially for the arts and music. Most parents of kids with autism cannot afford instruments, band trips, choir events and other arts materials. We want to help.

We will donate musical instruments to people with autism and education to improve quality of life. In addition, we will give the resources to provide help to theatre programs in both private and in public schools, as well as other arts that accept people with autism in their programs. We strive to promote inclusion and acceptance.

In order to further the quality of life for people with autism we want to expose them to cultural events. We will donate tickets, to musical events, theater, and other arts to enrich their lives.

I feel that many people with autism are talented in the arts and music. Even if not talented in the arts, I feel they can definitely benefit from the exposure to arts, music and technology.

A version of this article was originally published on The Autism Spot, an excellent resource for autism related topics.

http://www.autismspot.com/blog/Guest-Piece-%E2%80%93-Autism-Advocacy-and-Technology-News-Zone

Please help us help others for the holidays!!

We need your help to donate of tech, music and the arts for the upcoming holidays. We want to give tablets to people with autism, as well as gift cards and tickets to concerts to make their holidays happier. Please go to our website now and make a donation today to help us make a difference for people with autism and their families. Even a $ 5.00 gift card or a donation on our website will make a huge difference in the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum.

We are also seeking corporate sponsors who can help us in 2012 as well.

In addition we need media exposure so please put a link to this article on your website as well.

I am smart, different, and am going about it on my own; I am not rich and need support so that I can help other people with autism. If you are interested in helping our organization, Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Please do not hesitate to contact me.

David Berkowitz, President and Executive Director

Autism Advocacy andTechnology News Zone, Inc. A Nevada Nonprofit Corporation

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-769722

Please help us to gain exposure to help people with autism, Feedburner and Technorati and for autism awareness!!!

Please help us to gain exposure to help people with autism, Feedburner and Technorati and for autism awareness!!!

In order to make a difference for autism we are trying to gain exposure. We would love to have an article done on us for a magazine, online website, tv show or newspaper. We are trying to make a difference for people with autism.

NV2BGRUVDAY2

Autism Advocacy and technology news zone founder
The President of Autism Advocacy and technology news zone

A summary of our intent–>

As an individual with high functioning Asperger syndrome, a kind of autism, and the father of three kids who are also on the spectrum for this disorder, I have always felt a need to make a difference for the people with autism. I dream of establishing a national organization like the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society to make living on the spectrum better for those with autism related disorders. Utilizing my knowledge and passion for technology with my personal experience and interest in autism, I launched https://technewszone.com, on January 11, 2011 .

We are a tech-focused state nonprofit. As we get funded we intend to help those on the autism spectrum by using technology-tablets and related computer technology plus the gift of music and the arts, to make the lives of people with autism better, and to support their families and the educational facilities that serve them.

We have a unique approach, view point and ideas.

https://technewszone.com/about/advocacy-autism-personal-appeal-post-eda-cafe/

Our feedburner feed for syndication:>>

http://feeds.feedburner.com/AutismandTechResourcesfromTechnewszone

We are also on Technorati now, as well as ITUNES of our Podcasts.

Our technorati id for verification–> NV2BGRUVDAY2

our youtube channel–> http://www.youtube.com/technewszone

We are united for autism!!!

NV2BGRUVDAY2