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Autism Spectrum Disorders

Utilizing Mobile Technology for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Assistive Technology for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Published on Verizon

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data and statistics on ASD as of 2020, approximately 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with ASD. The article also highlights that boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed with ASD over girls. There are common misconceptions associated with ASD that warrant mention — these include:

  • All individuals with ASD have the same strengths and difficulties;
  • Individuals with ASD have a distinguished skill or strength;
  • Individuals with ASD do not suffer other disorders or conditions;
  • All individuals with ASD have an intellectual disability;
  • Children with ASD are unable to speak;
  • ASD in children is more aggressive than in other age groups;
  • Children with ASD have a temper, or are more aggressive;
  • Individuals with ASD do not experience the full spectrum of emotions;
  • Individuals with ASD cannot build strong, affectionate relationships;
  • Individuals with ASD prefer to be alone;
  • There is an ASD epidemic;
  • ASD is caused by the way that parents choose to raise their kids;
  • ASD is caused by vaccinations;
  • ASD can be outgrown.

Being aware of the various myths can help individuals understand that each diagnosis of ASD is different and individualistic. The way that one individual with ASD struggles can be entirely different than another individual with ASD. While communication, learning routines, and emotional regulation might be hard for the majority of individuals with ASD, technology has provided many solutions to these problems. This article will help identify the various technologies that are readily available to help children with ASD in a variety of realms.

 

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The Calais Adult Transition Program

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The Calais Adult Transition Program

Struggling to stay afloat in college? The Calais Adult Transition Program offers support to individuals with special needs looking to pursue higher education and employment. Calais provides on-site college and career readiness services for young adults ages 18 to 30 with mental health conditions, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and other special needs.
Services and Support includes:
  • Work-Study Model
  • Tailored to Your Personal Needs and Goals
  • Services on Your Own Schedule
  • Academic and Therapeutic Support
  • Life Planning and Career Counseling
  • Social Opportunities
Click here to learn more

Wandering and Elopement: Risks Factors and Strategies

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Wandering and Elopement: Risks Factors and Strategies

by Cathy Allore, M.ED

Wandering, also known as eloping, refers to an individual with a developmental disability attempting to leave, or successfully leaving a safe, supervised area, without permission or with the knowledge of those in charge. Wandering can occur in any setting, including homes, school environments, daycares, summer camps, residential or day programs. These frightening events can occur even with the best supervision, and no matter how vigilant a parent, sibling, grandparent, teacher, therapist, or paid caregiver might be.

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A Guide to Dental Care for Children with Autism

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A Guide to Dental Care for Children with Autism

published on byteme.com

Children with autism are likely to suffer many more oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease and dental injury, than children without autism. Many autistic kids have sensory sensitivities that make it difficult to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine. These issues may also make visits to the dentist challenging.

Parents and caregivers can do several things to make oral hygiene and dental visits easier for their autistic kids. Implementing behavioral techniques, using autism-friendly dental products, and seeking out dental professionals with specialized knowledge can all help your child with autism maintain good oral health.

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60 Books About Disabilities and Differences for Kids

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60 Books About Disabilities & Differences for Kids

Published on mrsdscorner.com

As a teacher, or parent, who works in education… we meet a lot of students with different abilities and specialties. And sure, we have Autism Awareness month and disability awareness… but it’s so much more than just being aware.

Below you’ll find a curated list of books on special needs, acceptance, and tolerance. There are also books that describe children who have other differences that may make life a little challenging, like walking, hearing, seeing, understanding social cues, and more. These are books that you can use to introduce the topics presented to other children, teachers, and adults.

 

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27 Games & Activities for Kids with Autism

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27 Games & Activities for Kids with Autism

written by Sam Walker-Smart, published on https://word.tips/

The importance of play in any child’s life cannot be understated. It helps develop motor skills, cognitive development and enables one’s ability to socialize. For those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, play can prove more challenging; special considerations need to be made from both parents and teachers on what resources are used to allow interaction and expression.

Fortunately, nowadays, with the advent of digital technology, we don’t only have learning support online, but also entire purpose-made apps and even mainstream video games that can prove entertaining and rewarding for those on the spectrum. Below 27 games for kids with autism, These have been broken into categories for ease.

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Making Up for Lost Time: Social Skills Lessons for the In-Person Classroom

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Making Up for Lost Time: Social Skills Lessons for the In-Person Classroom

Excerpt from: https://blog.planbook.com/social-skills-lessons/

Parents and teachers alike are concerned about the effect that a year of enforced social isolation has had on their kids. Younger children, in particular, need social interaction to learn behavioral norms and develop social skills that will help them throughout their lives.

Many teachers are ramping up their social skills lesson plans this year. Here are a few ideas for your classroom to help your kids connect emotionally and learn positive behaviors.

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I Hate Virtual Learning!

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I Hate Virtual Learning!

Helping our children get through remote learning.

written by Dr. Liz Matheis/ published on Psychology Today, 3/1/2021

Never did I imagine that school would look like each of my three children sitting in front of a computer. Never did I imagine that teaching would take place via video, where the teacher is trying his or her best to re-create the classroom environment. Never did I imagine that a teacher would turn the camera to the board or share her screen as she attempted to present a lesson to students.

Virtual learning has been difficult for many of our children who need a multi-sensory learning environment in the presence of a teacher and other students. Never have I appreciated the physical school space where our children are able to enter into a building, walk through the halls, sit at a desk, and travel around the building to attend different subjects and classes.

Needless to say, it’s been a struggle for us, as parents, a struggle for our teachers, and a struggle for our children.

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A School Psychologist’s Guide to Supporting Your Child in COVID-19 Lockdown This Year

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A School Psychologist’s Guide to Supporting Your Child in COVID-19 Lockdown This Year

Written by Dr. Liz Matheis/Featured in The Mighty 1/2021

The beginning of the new year usually brings hope, resolutions and plans. This January 2021, the new year feels different. More of the same. It’s been 10 months, almost one year of living through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Our lives are the most isolated they have been given the dark, cold winter and a holiday season that was “OK” and pretty much unsatisfying for many. As we continue to parent day by day with virtual learning, working from home, video meetings and chats and limited interactions with the outside world, our stress and exhaustion level is increasing.

What a Mess!

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"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
- Julie C.
"Dr. Matheis has a remarkable ability to understand the unique needs of her patients and address them constructively. She builds strong, meaningful relationships with patients and their families, encouraging trust and collaboration. When working with my son who struggles with autism-related anxiety, she created an environment in which he was able to calm down and open up to her in ways I had not seen before. She was able to reach him and helped him work through his crisis/problem. Most importantly, she empowered him to move forward."
- N.L.
"Dr. Matheis is amazing. She has tremendous resources and loads of energy. She is not willing to accept anything less than the most effective results for her clients. She made me feel as if my son was her top priority throughout the entire process. I would, without reservation, give her my highest recommendations.  Thank you, Dr. Matheis!"
- Anonymous
"Dr. Matheis has an amazing ability to read kids and connect with them. She has been an invaluable resource for our family over the past several years and has helped us with everything from educational consulting, to uncovering diagnoses as well as family therapy. Working with Dr. Matheis never feels clinical and most importantly, our children love and trust her. We can not thank you enough Dr. Liz!"
- Anonymous
"My teenage son had been seeing Dr. Matheis through his senior year of high school, as he was only diagnosed with ADHD at 16 years old.  Dr. Matheis came highly recommended from our pediatrician and she has done wonders for our son as well as our family, navigating new ways for him to deal with his diagnosis without the use of medication.  She taught him ways to organize himself and even when something did not work for him, she patiently continued teaching him new ways to keep himself on track.  She has also helped us as parents to understand how his mind works so that we did not continue to blame his lack of focus on him, rather on his unique way of thinking.  Thank you Dr. Matheis!!!!"
- LG
"Dr. Liz is the best! Our family was directed to her by our Pediatrician to assist with figuring out severe mood changes, severe anxiety, strange new fears and food aversion that had come onto one of our children literally overnight. After just a couple of visits, she suggested that the issues may actually be rooted in a physical issue and suggested we immediately take our child to be swabbed for strep, because Dr. Liz suspected PANDAS (a pediatric autoimmune disorder brought on by strep). The same Pediatrician that suggested Dr. Liz would not do the swab (they do not believe in PANDAS and we no longer go there) but I took my child to my doctor who did the swab and it was positive for strep. When our child went on antibiotics, within 24 hours all symptoms went away and our child was back :-) Dr. Liz then recommended a PANDAS specialist who helped us and our child is in complete remission and is happy and healthy. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Liz for her knowledge of all things, even the most remote and unusual and for helping us so much! Thank you!"
- Anonymous
"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
- Anonymous
"Thank you, Dr. Liz. Although we have told you countless times, it will never feel enough. You have listened when J could barely speak and continued to listen when he was sad, angry and confused. You've challenged him and directed us in our roles as parents. You've helped J face his fears while the list evolved and changed, and yet you've stayed committed to 'the course.' We pray that your children realize that time away from them is spent helping children learn and that vulnerability is a sign of strength and bravery."
- June I
"My son was admitted to an Ivy League school when only 2 years ago, you assessed him and saw his struggles, his Dyslexia. We are grateful that he no longer has to carry that deep feeling of inadequacy or shame that must have kept him so self conscious and from reaching his potential. He has the PERFECT program for him. He has A's in high math and economics. He became a Merit Scholar, a Boys State legislature, the HEAD captain of the football team and help a job ALL while studying and managing his classes and disability. I am PROUD of you, a young doctor, who knows and sees the vulnerability of children and helps them recognize "it's NO big deal" God bless."
- Anonymous

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