Here is an interesting video I found that was done by Hollywood life with James Durbin a bit ago.

I found this interesting James Durbin interview on MTV. My family and our autism organization support James in his future endeavors and wish him the best.

According to PSYCHCENTRAL, A new research study discovers several sporadic genetic mutations in children with autistic spectrum disorder.

University of Washington researchers used new molecular biology techniques to discover the mutations. The research is published online in the journal Nature Genetics.

Dr, Brian O’Roak and colleagues analyzed the genetic makeup of 20 individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their parents.

Please click here for the rest of the story and more information–>http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/05/17/genetic-mutations-linked-to-autistic-spectrum-disorders/26248.html

According to their about page–>

The Executive Director, Amy Arnold, M.S.Ed., has had a vision for seventeen years. This vision is to provide an educational opportunity like no other. The Monarch School is the product of her vision, combined with the efforts and hard work of the Middle/High Director, Mrs. Misty Reed, and other professionals and specialists, to bring evidence based interventions and therapies to your child! We believe that every child can learn. We believe you should never limit a child’s potential. And we believe in NEVER giving up!

The Monarch School
1736 New Jersey Rd.
Lakeland, FL 33803
On the Campus of Lakeside Baptist Church

Office: (863) 680-1290
Fax: (863) 680-1296

A link to their website:
http://www.themonarchschool.org/

Please check them out!!!

James Durbin, was voted off of American Idol 2011. He like Daughtry before him made it to #4. He was unique, talented and we really like him. I feel that with his talent, he should still be successful. James, do not let this get you down, keep reaching for the brass ring and you will indeed be successful. He is the first person on the autism Spectrum to make it on Idol and the first heavy medalist as well. We are proud of his accomplishments so far and expect great things in the future, so do not let us and your other fans down, and make it big and help the autism community as well.

Here is a snippet from Bill Board as well on the same subject:
In “American Idol’s” biggest shocker since Pia Toscano was eliminated five weeks ago, rocker James Durbin was sent packing on the elimination episode tonight (May 12). Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina and Haley Reinhart remain and make up season 10’s top three contestants.

James, who performed “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Love Potion No. 9” under Lady Gaga’s tutelage on last night’s episode, appeared stunned when host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Scotty was safe and that the rocker was eliminated.

click here for the rest of the story:
http://www.billboard.com/news/james-durbin-voted-off-american-idol-enrique-1005182262.story#/news/james-durbin-voted-off-american-idol-enrique-1005182262.story

We were all shocked at his being voted off, I was thinking Hailey would be next. I think that Scotty and Loren will be the final 2. It is hard to say who will come out on top. I like all 3 of them, but would have preferred James.

James Durbin a photo from American Idol 2011

The following video is an exciting look for those of us tech lovers into the new version of Android os. It seems really nice, I hope that it helps special needs education as well. I know there are some special needs Android apps starting to launch such as www.discovermyvoice.com for example.

The Video–>

In our continuing effort to follow James, a fellow gentleman with Asperger’s Syndrome. I present the 2 performances from May 11, 2011 of American Idol 2011, the Final 4.

Song # 1

Song # 2

We will keep continuing to follow James and his career and the Idol Results for 2011.

Tools of the Trade: Prior Written Notice

Excerpt reprinted with permission from a featured article in the May/June 2011 issue of Autism Asperger’s Digest magazine. Learn more at www.AutismDigest.com.

When parents participate in an IEP meeting, they’re often given a document called Procedural Safeguards. It may seem like such a small part of the sometimes overwhelming mounds of IEP paperwork that you might be tempted to ignore it. But don’t. Tucked within the Procedural Safeguards is an important tool called Prior Written Notice.

What is Prior Written Notice?
Prior Written Notice, or PWN, is a written record of certain decisions made by the school that impact your child’s education. Whenever the school changes your child’s special education program, or refuses a parent’s request to provide services, PWN (or PWNR – Prior Written Notice of Refusal) must be sent to the parents.

The federal law states Prior Written Notices must be sent before the school initiates any changes, or within a reasonable amount of time if a request is denied. The actual amount of time allowed differs according to each state’s law, and should be stated within the Procedural Safeguards.

Why is PWN Important?
For starters, it allows parents to be better involved in their child’s education by providing detailed information about school decisions. Since it’s in writing, it creates a record – a paper trail – of decisions made that can be used in a legal proceeding if parents decide to pursue a due process hearing. Finally, PWN discourages decisions made subjectively, too quickly, or those made with prejudice.

What’s Contained in PWN?
Here’s a scenario: your child is in his first year of middle school and his social skills challenges are interfering severely in his ability to interact appropriately in class and with his peers. You call an IEP meeting to discuss the possibility of the school incorporating regular social skills training into his program. By the end of the meeting the school denies your request.

The PWN should include all the following pieces of information about what the school is either proposing – or in this case, refusing – to do. Read these seven PWN criteria carefully; they are powerful tools IDEA set up to make schools accountable for their decisions:

Description of the action proposed or refused by the school.
Explanation of why the school wants to initiate action or why they refuse the request.
Statement about what other options were considered, including all ideas contributed by IEP team members, including parents, and why they were rejected.
List and description of all evaluations, tests, records, or reports the school used to make their decision. (Decisions must be based on data and assessments, not on money, lack of staff, or subjective comments on the child’s perceived ability.)
Description of all other factors that were relevant to the school’s proposal or refusal.
Notice to the parents that procedural safeguards are available and how to get them.
Statement about whom the parents may contact to get help in understanding their rights under IDEA.

Can Parents Request PWN?
Parents most definitely can – and should – request PWN if 1) you learn the school has made changes in your child’s services or special education program without first sending PWN; or 2) anyone from the school informed you of changes being made in your child’s program either in person, at a meeting, or over the phone.

Be sure you make your own request in writing. Remember the experienced words of Pete Wright from www.WrightsLaw.com, “If it was not written down, it was not said. If it was not written down, it did not happen.” This is why it’s so important to be sure you receive PWN, and to put any requests you make – whether for PWN or services – in writing.

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) offers a publication at www.nichcy.org called “Communicating with Your Child’s School Through Letter Writing.” This informative document shows a sample letter you may copy for requesting PWN.

PWN Tips
In How to Use a Parent IEP Attachment (WrightsLaw.com), Judy Bonnell recommends creating a simple form to help you keep track of all requests and changes addressed by the IEP team. Bonnell’s form includes columns for proposal, accepted, rejected, reason accepted or rejected, start date, and responsible person. You’ll also find a printable “Record of Proposals” at www.SpecialNeedsAdvocate.com/proposal_record.htm.

PWN as a Proactive Tool
Under IDEA law, the IEP team must formally consider – and accept or reject – any suggestions made by a team member. This means that parents may present their proposals and they have the right, not only to a formal discussion of the proposal, but also an explanation from team members about its merits, shortcomings, and other options. Most importantly, these discussions and decisions fall under PWN requirements. Either take a PWN form with you to the meeting and fill it out as the discussion unfolds, or follow-up with a written request for PWN afterwards. Make PWN an ally as you advocate for an appropriate education for your child.

Find more practical, proactive articles like this one in every issue of the Autism Asperger’s Digest. Six issues per year, just $29.95. Learn more at www.AutismDigest.com

Copyright © 2011 Autism Asperger’s Digest. All Rights Reserved.

A Facebook and Twitter Friend, Marianne Russo, author of the Coffee Klatch,http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Coffee-Klatch/14438362896825 sent me the following link with Regards to Derek Amato and his amazing abilities as well as his story.

Please take a look at it. The video is from the Science Channel and can also be seen here–>http://science.discovery.com/videos/ingenious-minds-derek-amato