ScienceDaily (Sep. 24, 2012) — Vanderbilt University researchers are reporting today that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of medical interventions in adolescents and young adults with autism.
Read the full story HERE.
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Little Evidence Supports Medical Treatment Options for Adolescents With Autism, Researchers Say
2012-09-28 20:20:23Underlying Causes of Autism: UCSD Autism Center of Excellence interview
2012-09-28 19:44:51Dr. Eric Courchesne and the UCSD Autism Center for Excellence
With the growing number of media outlets sensationalizing studies on the purported causes of autism, such as paternal age or maternal weight, it has become increasingly important that we stay focused on the science of our profession. By remaining critical consumers of research and responsible disseminators of information, we allow ourselves, our colleagues and our profession to orient toward the highest standards of scientific knowledge and, thus, the highest standards of practice.
UC San Diego’s Dr. Eric Courchesne explains how an overabundance of neurons in the front cortex of the brain leads to autism. He recently published an important research paper revealing that children with autism have 67 percent more neurons in the frontal cortex. Courchesne explained that scientist must now work to discover why this overgrowth occurs.
Watch the video here.
For more information on Dr. Courchesne, read about his current projects here.
Entrepreneurship in Edmonton
2012-08-24 22:49:06Anthony… At Your Service!
A new city delivery service run by a young autistic man who always has a smile on his face has captured the hearts of Edmontonians. Deborah Barrett and Mike Hamm created Anthony At Your Service for Barrett’s son Anthony — a 24-year-old autistic man with the hopes that he would become a well-known member of the community.
Click HERE for the heartwarming story of Anthony and his place in the community.
Handwriting Without Tears Goes Digital
2012-08-14 16:46:17Bring a Digital Dimension to Multisensory Teaching
It’s no secret that we believe in the power of multisensory learning at Handwriting Without Tears®. We use multisensory teaching strategies to appeal to different learning styles (visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic). This approach creates a dynamic classroom environment where children succeed, regardless of learning style or background.
Children learn different skills through different media. Building Mat Man® on the floor with a class not only teaches body awareness, it encourages sharing and taking turns. Building Mat Man online helps build gross motor skills that children will need for mouse skills.
Digital tools are another multisensory avenue that can teach the skills children need to write. Computers, interactive whiteboards, and even handheld devices like the iPad can have significant benefits, and engage and support children as they learn to write.
A recent study at Auburn School Department in Auburn, Maine showed that kindergarten test scores increased after using an iPad in the classroom. Specifically, kindergartners who used an iPad tested considerably better at recognizing sounds and writing letters than those who didn’t (Washuk 2012).
For the full article, click here.
Alternatives to Restraints
2012-08-09 21:18:48Ten Alternatives to Restraining a Child with Special Needs
Special needs caregivers often report that they are reluctant or upset if they have to physically restrain their children in certain situations.
The purpose of restraining is to keep something from continuing to take place, and is often a last resort. People wonder if there are ways to prevent the need for it at all.
Here are 10 different strategies that parents and caregivers can try to minimize and avoid physical restraining their children:
Read the full article HERE.