Adolescent Autism brings with it many new issues; although forewarned cannot be understood until experienced up close and personal.
Missed school days become a monthly occurrence. Safety first requires the child be in an environment quite the opposite of the chaotic halls of Jr. High. NOT for the lack of certified personnel, but simply the nature of the autistic brain, and in our case coupled with sensory dysfunction and severe anxiety. The need to preserve the "positive learning experience" far outweighs the attendance record. Preventing the possible psych/emotional damage that could undo/undermine the past and future is not a chance to take.
Although staying away from school solves one problem, it also tends to aggravate another - the anxiety of missed school work. Trust me when I say I would rather have the child in school with you all and have the time to make a living!
In our situation, the need to stay in a protected environment does not always mean we cannot continue our school work. Doing so would actually alleviate some of the stress of returning to the classroom. This brings us to an important form of AT.
The means to communicate in both directions. Not just email, but a format that will allow the class work in all formats to be posted, reviewed, answered, questioned, etc. This blog is just one such format I am testing. Google seems to be the most user friendly at the moment.
Low cost, simple to understand and implement in a short amount of time. The applications offered at the moment are quite extensive, and priced afford ably - FREE!
It won't cost a thing to check it out - if you do, please post your comments here so that we see what works for us and what doesn't. I've played with the document collaboration; a few of you received the first test when I sent Danni's science work out for your review. That was not difficult.
I also tinkered with the web page - have not had a chance to complete - too many other distractions. It looks relatively easy, compared to a few others I've worked with.
The issue of privacy was brought up, and so far in all formats, that is not an issue. You can invite (permission only) those involved, or not.
My understanding is that the service the teachers provide by uploading and working this system of communication/long distance learning is considered AT - but, I'm sure once such system is in place, working with all students and parents may prove to be a little easier.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Every Day Creates Greater Awareness of Specific Needs
Each day in the life of the adolescent autistic and all those that choose to be a part of it is another chance to learn by experience what issues urgently need to be addressed.
AT is not the answer to all issues, but the instrument we hope will ease some of the painful transitioning both adolescent and families are struggling to work through.
At the present moment, I believe the greatest tool first and foremost is a format of communication.
This list is a rambling of an exhausted brain. Please submit your comments and thoughts.
With technology comes the pain of dealing with hardware and software failures. This past weekend, my main desktop hard drive crashed hard. I don't know if the information stored will be retrievable. Unfortunately, I was under the impression all was backed up, but when I checked the external drive to reinstall the information into my secondary desktop I found almost all of the 500 GB still there....
It seems there are quite a few of us around town (Finally) that are on the same wave - I found a few websites that contain information for our area regarding AT! As soon as I can find them again, I will post it here.
I will also start to build the list of Hardware I've been playing with and specific software applications.
I continue on with the browsers and communication formats as well. As I go along, I may just post the links and not comment just to get them up in view.
We have had a long day dealing with the severe anxiety that has appeared with adolescence. Such turmoil - I don't wish these days on anyone. I hope with our efforts, we may be able to ease some of the stress those future families dealing with adolescent autism.
AT is not the answer to all issues, but the instrument we hope will ease some of the painful transitioning both adolescent and families are struggling to work through.
At the present moment, I believe the greatest tool first and foremost is a format of communication.
This list is a rambling of an exhausted brain. Please submit your comments and thoughts.
With technology comes the pain of dealing with hardware and software failures. This past weekend, my main desktop hard drive crashed hard. I don't know if the information stored will be retrievable. Unfortunately, I was under the impression all was backed up, but when I checked the external drive to reinstall the information into my secondary desktop I found almost all of the 500 GB still there....
It seems there are quite a few of us around town (Finally) that are on the same wave - I found a few websites that contain information for our area regarding AT! As soon as I can find them again, I will post it here.
I will also start to build the list of Hardware I've been playing with and specific software applications.
I continue on with the browsers and communication formats as well. As I go along, I may just post the links and not comment just to get them up in view.
We have had a long day dealing with the severe anxiety that has appeared with adolescence. Such turmoil - I don't wish these days on anyone. I hope with our efforts, we may be able to ease some of the stress those future families dealing with adolescent autism.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Assistive Technology + Team Collaboration = Unlimited Possibilites
It is with relief, appreciation and hope that the professionals taking the time to work with us in this pursuit of researching, reviewing, testing, funding, acquiring, implementing and teaching the system(s) that will define "Assistive Technology" be acknowledged for their efforts now and their continuing efforts into the next few years. I believe the benefits will be GREAT for ALL of us!
I learned this past year that accomplishing much of the above on my own amounts to only minimal growth and accomplishment. The scope of need that the autistic adolescent requires must come from a cohesive team fluent in the systems that require the "AT".
Experience shows that I can give my child the tools and skills to operate the technology, but cannot give her the guidance and understanding of when the appropriate time would be to utilize the "AT" in an environment from which I am absent. The Team needs the time to train, collaborate and implement these systems. I was mistaken when I thought the biggest hurdle would be the financing, the greatest challenge is Time; especially when it is not my own.
This is the beginning of an exciting journey as a Team moving towards a common goal that will benefit not just a few special children, but that will benefit all as well as their families given the opportunity. I cannot help but foresee wonderful, beneficial results from this work we are doing. I have hopes that more will join our efforts.
Thank you Pat, Diane, Julia for your continued efforts this past year and into next. I look forward to what accomplishments Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Barta will help us achieve as part of this team now and into next year.
I learned this past year that accomplishing much of the above on my own amounts to only minimal growth and accomplishment. The scope of need that the autistic adolescent requires must come from a cohesive team fluent in the systems that require the "AT".
Experience shows that I can give my child the tools and skills to operate the technology, but cannot give her the guidance and understanding of when the appropriate time would be to utilize the "AT" in an environment from which I am absent. The Team needs the time to train, collaborate and implement these systems. I was mistaken when I thought the biggest hurdle would be the financing, the greatest challenge is Time; especially when it is not my own.
This is the beginning of an exciting journey as a Team moving towards a common goal that will benefit not just a few special children, but that will benefit all as well as their families given the opportunity. I cannot help but foresee wonderful, beneficial results from this work we are doing. I have hopes that more will join our efforts.
Thank you Pat, Diane, Julia for your continued efforts this past year and into next. I look forward to what accomplishments Mrs. Murphy and Mr. Barta will help us achieve as part of this team now and into next year.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
AT4Autism's Trail
| posting this via googles blogger assigned email that links the info AT4Autism has sent you a link to a trail of web sites, created with a new service called Trailfire. Go to the trail: AT4Autism's Trail Join Trailfire as AT4Autism's contact: click here. A trail is a collection of web sites, along with notes that AT4Autism has added. Clicking the arrows in the note lets you move to notes on other web sites in the trail. To learn more about Trailfire, go here. | |
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Posting Glitch
In trying to post the last bit of info, I had a "neophyte blogger" scare: I had a ERROR message - had to take 15min of searching for the answer, and it was as simple as hitting my back arrow, which thankfully brought my long winded post back into view, and then saved it as a draft. Held my breath and clicked publish, and tah dah! there it was.
Gotta go fetch my lovely daughter from school, which is the reason for all of this "tech learning" craziness!
Gotta go fetch my lovely daughter from school, which is the reason for all of this "tech learning" craziness!
Comment on app used to upload last post
ScribeFire, a Firefox extension was used to post the last bit of info. Note the extra items (signs and letters) in the comments. Also a time needed to learn to use and input the information. The one thing I like is the ability to post to several blogs at once. This may be a good vehicle for the teachers to use if communicating assignments, due date reminders, etc.
I guess the same holds for students and parents in notifying all the teachers/professionals of current status of projects, emotional state, updates on daily issues. This would save time, especially if photographs or audio is available for upload.
I used both the Google Blog Dashboard to type comments directly, like this post. It's easy to get started right away. For the student; Immediate gratification upon seeing their information, image, etc. posted; is likely to increase the likelihood of increased interest in utilizing the tool. Like any other app, the learning curve is there, so time needed in this area (life skills; computer class; resource time; language arts) will be needed, but a tool worth looking at since the base information fills many future possibilities. The Firefox Google extension that allows you to post links and more to both email, blogs and mobile devices is fairly simple.
I have found this tool the most simple thus far.
I guess the same holds for students and parents in notifying all the teachers/professionals of current status of projects, emotional state, updates on daily issues. This would save time, especially if photographs or audio is available for upload.
I used both the Google Blog Dashboard to type comments directly, like this post. It's easy to get started right away. For the student; Immediate gratification upon seeing their information, image, etc. posted; is likely to increase the likelihood of increased interest in utilizing the tool. Like any other app, the learning curve is there, so time needed in this area (life skills; computer class; resource time; language arts) will be needed, but a tool worth looking at since the base information fills many future possibilities. The Firefox Google extension that allows you to post links and more to both email, blogs and mobile devices is fairly simple.
I have found this tool the most simple thus far.
Comment on app used to upload last post
ScribeFire, a Firefox extension was used to post the last bit of info. Note the extra items (signs and letters) in the comments. Also a time needed to learn to use and input the information. The one thing I like is the ability to post to several blogs at once. This may be a good vehicle for the teachers to use if communicating assignments, due date reminders, etc.
I guess the same holds for students and parents in notifying all the teachers/professionals of current status of projects, emotional state, updates on daily issues. This would save time, especially if photographs or audio is available for upload.
I used both the Google Blog Dashboard to type comments directly, like this post. It's easy to get started right away. For the student; Immediate gratification upon seeing their information, image, etc. posted; is likely to increase the likelihood of increased interest in utilizing the tool. Like any other app, the learning curve is there, so time needed in this area (life skills; computer class; resource time; language arts) will be needed, but a tool worth looking at since the base information fills many future possibilities. The Firefox Google extension that allows you to post links and more to both email, blogs and mobile devices is fairly simple.
I have found this tool the most simple thus far.
I guess the same holds for students and parents in notifying all the teachers/professionals of current status of projects, emotional state, updates on daily issues. This would save time, especially if photographs or audio is available for upload.
I used both the Google Blog Dashboard to type comments directly, like this post. It's easy to get started right away. For the student; Immediate gratification upon seeing their information, image, etc. posted; is likely to increase the likelihood of increased interest in utilizing the tool. Like any other app, the learning curve is there, so time needed in this area (life skills; computer class; resource time; language arts) will be needed, but a tool worth looking at since the base information fills many future possibilities. The Firefox Google extension that allows you to post links and more to both email, blogs and mobile devices is fairly simple.
I have found this tool the most simple thus far.
Application For Review
This might be useful for those students that need visual reference of information when compiling essay or project work. Ability to see web pages that contain information and organizing them to suit their needs without printing them out. This is similar to another application on the list to review.
Showcase - Successful Update
Showcase - Successful Update
Powered by ScribeFire.
Blogger Help : About AdSense for your blog
Blogger Help : About AdSense for your blog
This is seriously something to think about teaching these kids. Many have specific obsessions that they could possibly use as their drive to post current or interesting information and maybe generate income without the stresses of overwhelming "social interaction". It also seems at any rate a good introduction to earning income in the transitioning years from high school +
Tie in with early life skills curriculum. Need to review and implement to see the possibilities and teaching strategy.
Concept at soon to be 14yrs for my daughter is just within reach. Her Autism has kept her from understanding the concept of money and how to earn it; as well as the value.
Finding Google, Mozilla FireFox, Portable Apps, and CNet may be our ticket to finding a way for the Adolescent Autistic Community to achieve the means to personal success!
Now to try to find the right apps, software, hardware and figure out which would be ideal for the classroom, self reliance and of course, the "cool" factor! Then teach both kids, teachers and parents the skills and possibilities these skills will bring.
And finding the funding for the hardware. Any suggestions? I know I have a few thoughts for charity drive, utilizing the skills already taught to my daughter in combination with her "gift" that autism brought to balance her.
It's a good thing "geeks" are money makers today!
This is seriously something to think about teaching these kids. Many have specific obsessions that they could possibly use as their drive to post current or interesting information and maybe generate income without the stresses of overwhelming "social interaction". It also seems at any rate a good introduction to earning income in the transitioning years from high school +
Tie in with early life skills curriculum. Need to review and implement to see the possibilities and teaching strategy.
Concept at soon to be 14yrs for my daughter is just within reach. Her Autism has kept her from understanding the concept of money and how to earn it; as well as the value.
Finding Google, Mozilla FireFox, Portable Apps, and CNet may be our ticket to finding a way for the Adolescent Autistic Community to achieve the means to personal success!
Now to try to find the right apps, software, hardware and figure out which would be ideal for the classroom, self reliance and of course, the "cool" factor! Then teach both kids, teachers and parents the skills and possibilities these skills will bring.
And finding the funding for the hardware. Any suggestions? I know I have a few thoughts for charity drive, utilizing the skills already taught to my daughter in combination with her "gift" that autism brought to balance her.
It's a good thing "geeks" are money makers today!
LiveJournal.com - Start a Free Blog / Journal Today
LiveJournal.com - Start a Free Blog / Journal Today
Comparison of all the Free Blog sites to see which will be the easiest to teach the kids to use.
Comparison of all the Free Blog sites to see which will be the easiest to teach the kids to use.
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