VIDEO – Mindfulness Play: Reaching students on a deeper level, with Deborah Plummer
In this series of videos, Deborah Plummer discusses the careful construction of the emotional environment in which the games and activities in her existing books…
Tag: parenting
Clare Lawrence demystifies the new ‘autism friendly’ approach to education known as Flexischooling
“School…can offer a great deal to pupils with autism, but it also presents them with daunting challenges. […] Flexischooling allows school, parents and child to work together, as a team. In so many ways it is a thoroughly ‘autism friendly’ approach, and is one recommended by many autism experts.”
“There is hope for all learners”: An interview with Paula Moraine on helping students take control of everyday functions
“I wanted to communicate that there is hope for all learners, that everyone can find a way to learn that is personal and successful. I wanted to share how to translate what a student is saying not just by listening to their words, but by listening to the essence of who they are as a learner. This is not something that can be communicated simply, and it is not a way of being that comes naturally to all teachers… Teaching is generally considered an activity that one does ‘to’ another. I think of teaching as something that I do ‘for’ that other person. The learning is theirs, the experience of change is theirs, and for me the main thrill is when that student starts finding his or her ‘voice’.”
Branding Aspie: “When it fits, the diagnosis ‘Aspie’ is a gift, not a curse.”
By Jennifer Cook O’Toole, social worker, teacher, “Aspie Mommy” and author of Asperkids. Long before my first baby could read, she knew her logos. Mommy…
Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum – An Interview with Eileen Riley-Hall
“Having daughters on the spectrum has made me a better parent. I really think about my parenting, and I understand that my role is to help my girls develop into the best people they can be. It is not about me, and what I want for them. It cannot be about ego, and I think that is a valuable lesson that parents of children with special needs learn early on, but one that all parents need to learn.”
Holiday Help for Your Anxious Child – by Deborah Gray
Here are some helpful tips for adoptive parents and foster carers to ensure that holidays are fun for everyone—especially for the anxious child. By Deborah Gray, MSW, MPA,…
Josh Muggleton’s Top Tips for people on the Autism Spectrum – Tip #1: Making Friends
In this new series of videos, Josh Muggleton gives his Top Tips on various subjects for people on the Autism Spectrum. This month, he offers…
Helping kids on the Autism Spectrum handle setbacks and celebrate successes – An Interview with Francis Musgrave
“Kids with High Functioning Autism (HFA) and Aspergers, are very self-aware, and crave social interaction. We work with them to facilitate this, not only to make socialising a rewarding experience but to help them see and remember how it is achieved. It requires constant and persistent reinforcement, but it really pays off. “
How Positive Psychology can help children be happy, confident and successful – An Interview with Jeni Hooper
“Professionals and parents want the best for children and need to know how to guide them through childhood. Positive Psychology provides the evidence on which to base decisions. For example, we know that optimism is invaluable to mental health because it encourages people to be hopeful and take good care of themselves. It helps people stave off depression by reframing challenging experiences and it increases people’s overall happiness.”
Therapeutic Gardening for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Educational Needs – An Interview with Natasha Etherington
“Getting a child with ASD into a garden has so many benefits, not least that they are given some autonomy outside. The most immediate benefit will be a sense of relief and welcome break from the classroom environment. Whilst gardening, we’re practicing social interaction and life skills, and working with soil and plants helps to reduce tactile defensiveness. Learning basic horticultural skills educates in context, and along the way you will also see an increase in language and communication skills.”