http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com Information & Insights on the Autism Spectrum Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:32:05 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en By Sharon Daugherty My good friend Dena has begun to raise 'Ragdoll' cats. I had never heard of this type of cat before.  However,  the more I learn about them the more I see similarities between our lives.  Ragdoll cats are white with a grayish nose and ears, and bright blue ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2012/02/01/i-want-a-contract/ By: Angela Nelson Did you know that research shows that children with autism can benefit from computer based education programs? Studies by Patricia Hutinger and Robert Rippey indicate that computer based education may help children with autism for the following reasons: Computer instruction may be more consistent than parental or teacher instruction. The consistency of computer ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2012/01/25/new-software-helps-autistic-children-build-language/ By: Marla Roth-Fisch Do you know a sensory sensitive child who is trying to understand themselves or starting Occupational Therapy?  If so, Sensitive Sam is the book for you!  This helpful book is based on my experience working with my son who has experienced both challenges and successes when it comes ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2012/01/18/sensitive-sam-a-book-for-the-sensory-sensitive/ Happy 2012 Everyone!  Here are the top ten most viewed articles from 2011: 10 Fun Gifts That Teach Children with Autism Social Skills Helping Children Focus in the Classroom He Got the Picture, But at What Price? How Much Weight for Your Weighted Blanket 5 Back to School Sensory Strategies for Teachers How to Talk ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2012/01/05/national-autism-resources-top-5-posts-of-2011/ An important aspect of the educational experience for a child with autism is the social interactions he or she will have with other students.  Creating, maintaining, and reinforcing relationships with other students is important for an autistic child.  Interacting  with general education students in the classroom can help increase an ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/12/29/fostering-friendships-in-the-classroom/ Something Social A hallmark of people on the autism spectrum is difficulty with social interactions.  Giving a gift that promotes social skills is a wonderful Hanukkah gift. Playtime with Zeebu: This new expanded video modeling set includes a video that covers lots of social situations and two puppets: Zeebu and Neek.  ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/12/20/hanukkah-gift-ideas-autism-asperger%e2%80%99s-syndrome/ By: Angela Nelson These days nearly everyone knows a friend or family member who is touched by autism. Perhaps it’s your own child or your sister’s child. Perhaps it’s the child of your neighbor, your dentist, your mail carrier, or hair dresser. With the holidays fast approaching, you may be asking yourself: ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/12/14/choosing-meaningful-gifts-for-people-on-the-autism-spectrum/ Did you know that many children and teens on the autism spectrum love visually interesting items?  So here are some proven popular items, to give you some gift inspiration to help make your shopping easy. Plasma Light Our Silver Plasma Light is a consistent favorite for people who are highly visual.  Everyone ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/12/02/10-visual-gifts-for-children-and-teenagers-with-autism-asperger%e2%80%99s-or-sensory-needs/ Picking out Christmas and holiday gifts for children  with autism can be a challenge.  Fortunately, we have lots of fun toys and games that are also educational. Here are ten of our  favorite gift ideas that also help teach social skills for all of the friends and grandparents who need ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/11/21/10-fun-gifts-that-teach-children-with-autism-social-skills/ Did you know gentle vibration can be extremely calming and soothing for people on the autism spectrum?  A simple vibration toy or product can calm and sooth an autistic person who is feeling overwhelmed or in the middle of a melt down.  They can also sooth an autistic person who ... http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/11/14/calming-vibrating-toys-gifts-for-autism-aspergers/