April 18, 2011Autism

The Choices Game: Helping young people make positive choices and stay safe – An Interview with creator Christopher McMaster

“Sometimes we adults make the mistaken assumption that young people have acquired the skills they need to be safe, when these skills often need to be explicitly taught…Rather than hoping for the best, we can prepare our vulnerable youth as well as we can by familiarizing them with some of the risks they may encounter and teaching that they can make choices—empowering them to be able to say ‘No!’ or ‘Stop!'”

April 14, 2011Adoption and Fostering

Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for Autism Spectrum Disorders – An Interview with Dr. Virginia Cowen

“A child who displays aversion to touch can be taught how to understand touch—essentially learning to differentiate between normal and painful sensations. I have found that a systematic approach to massage is very important for children with autism spectrum disorders. When they learn what to expect, they are better able to relax and receive massage.”

April 8, 2011Adoption and Fostering

Lisa Spillane on How Qigong can help children who feel ‘pushed and pulled’ by their emotions

“…it dawned on me how ridiculous it was that even though I’d had this body for so many years and took an interest in health and nutrition, I was unable to confidently point to my spleen, pancreas or liver. I thought to myself that if I’d learned these exercises as a child, not only would I have known more about my body but I’d have been able to help myself in those dark times when I felt pushed and pulled by my emotions.”

April 1, 2011Adoption and Fostering

JKP celebrates World Autism Awareness Day 2011 at the V&A Museum of Childhood

We are thrilled to be celebrating World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) at the V&A Museum of Childhood in London on Saturday, 2nd April! The day promises…

March 24, 2011Adoption and Fostering

“I realized that I could help others find their voice” – An Interview with America X. Gonzalez, co-author of Speech in Action

“Speech in Action works well with children on the autism spectrum is because it is fun…If the student is bored out of his or her mind they won’t pay enough attention to learn anything. On the other hand, if they are actively engaged in a lesson they will pay enough attention to allow the information to enter their brains. They might need some repetition to completely learn the concept but since the activities are fun the kids beg us to do them all the time.”

March 16, 2011May 8, 2017Autism

Aspies on Mental Health – Editor Luke Beardon talks about the latest book in the ‘Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome’ series

“I was humbled by the contributions [to this book]; the openness, willingness, and selflessness of the accounts are stunning. The stark reality of the experiences of the contributors is extremely powerful, and I can only hope that professionals reading the book really do take to heart what people are saying, and the devastating effect mental health can have on people with AS.”

March 15, 2011Autism

Video: Get the mouth AND body moving for best results in teaching communication skills

Lois Jean Brady, co-author with America X. Gonzalez and Jim Elliott of Speech in Action, was recently interviewed on the Autism Hangout about the book…

March 11, 2011Autism

JKP authors to speak at the 5TH Annual Grace Curtis “Stand Up and Be Counted” Conference

“I became increasingly more interested in Asperger syndrome and females as my daughter got older. I really wanted her to grow-up in a very informed culture, a place where women on the spectrum were seen as lovely beacons of light with precious insight to share. It seems to me we are only beginning to uncover the potential of the Aspie female.”

March 10, 2011Autism

Toward an independent lifestyle – Karra Barber talks about her new skill-building workbook for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum

“My son is seventeen and is approaching the age of maturity. In an effort to prepare him toward an independent lifestyle (his goal as well), I knew we needed to build his life and community skills. I wanted him to feel confident in everyday tasks such as buying food, returning an item at the store, going to the bank, washing clothes, using public transportation or making himself a meal…”

March 7, 2011Arts therapies

Music for Special Kids – An Interview with Music Therapist and JKP author Pamela Ott

“Music is a medium that can be non-threatening, encourage participation, encourage attending skills, and encourage stimulation or relaxation. Because of these outcomes and more, music can be used to reach a child that may be hesitant to respond to other forms of communication.”