This article from BBC News discusses the benefits to having a dog at home. There's a book A friend like Henry that supports the strategy, too. When I taught in a self-contained functional skills classroom, we had therapy dogs visit weekly. Most of the children enjoyed the visit by the dog and found it very soothing. For those with tactile defensiveness, it took a while for them to approach and pat the dogs. However, after while, they did enjoy patting the dogs.
I love using technology with individuals with communication difficulties.
This article is encouraging for use of iPads. For families, it's important you search out support. The Sydney Eastern Subs support group is ASPIRE. They meet on the last Monday of each month in Maroubra Junction.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is including changes to Autism diagnosis. There will be the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders, which include Asperger's, Autism, and PDD-NOS.
Why are we making our students fit into the old system? Let's change our perspective on education and help all students learn in the way that best fits their own personality and learning style.
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AuthorAngela Sutton, Special Education Teacher and Autism Specialist Archives
March 2015
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