Resources For
Sensory,
Safety and Abuse,
Legal,
Education,
Media,
News
Here on the Sensory, Safety, Legal, Education, Media And News Resources page you will see each section titled for you , and that title is hyperlinked.
When you click on that title it will automatically take you to the following section.
This section is for Autistic individuals dealing with sensory issues, along with anyone working or assisting them. Here you will see organizations, therapy centers and sensory toys, all related to helping soothe Autistic Individuals
Sensational Fun
Sensational Fun is a nonprofit organization in WNY with the mission to empower children and adults with diverse abilities. Our therapeutic play center provides sports, clubs, respite, open play, family events, and more.
We adapt to create an inclusive and safe environment for all to be themselves.
Snug Vest
The snug Vest is an Inflatable Pressure Vest Relieves Anxiety - Increases Focus - Manages Stress Snug Vest Inflatable Therapy Vest provides deep pressure therapy.
Firm pressure to the torso helps relieve anxiety and increase focus and attention. It is especially effective for individuals with autism, ADHD and those with high levels of anxiety or sensory disorders.
Pressure is evenly distributed to the sides, shoulders, & back of the torso to give a hug-like squeeze.
Warmkins - Universally Therapeutic, Heatable, Weighted-Sensory Plush
Warmkins Original 18" Universally Therapeutic Multifunctional Weighted Sensory Plush. Heatable, Huggable, Tactile Bliss, Luxurious Warmth, Calming Soothing Comfort, Versatility. Cause-Driven Mission providing Healing Hugs to Humankind Worldwide. Get Warmth. Give Love. Change the World.
One Warmkins at a Time…
Pocket Occupational Therapist
Cara Koscinski is The Pocket Occupational Therapist and teaches courses for pediatric occupational therapists and teachers.
Therapy ideas, books about raising children with special needs, interoception, executive function, pediatric OT, autism, sensory processing disorder, and trauma-informed care are all discussed.
Sensory App House
Sensory App House creates apps for stimulation, relaxation, fun, digital art and speech therapy.
Our apps can be used by therapists and educators to help younger people with visual and speech development and sensory issues.
Our apps have been mostly for free, and we are delighted to have had well over 3 million downloads.
We have a strong understanding of disabilities and difficulties, and make apps to help assist, even in the smallest of ways.
Many of the cause and effect apps are also switch accessible.
We develop for many platforms - iPads, Chromebooks, Android, Web Apps, Windows, Mac and Apple TV.
Please contact us about licensing and partnerships.
Sensory App House was founded by Professor Paul Blenkhorn and Dave Stevens, who also both co-founded reading and writing assistive software specialist Claro Software.
ESpecialNeeds
ESPECIAL NEEDS IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING OUR CLIENTS WITH THE BEST SELECTION OF ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT, REHAB EQUIPMENT AND THERAPY SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. WITH OVER 10,000 SPECIAL NEEDS PRODUCTS FOCUSED TO MOBILITY, SENSORY NEEDS, AND INDEPENDENT LIVING, OUR EXPERIENCED STAFF STRIVES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY SERVICE TO PARENTS, TEACHERS, THERAPISTS AND CARETAKERS WORLDWIDE.
Move Play Thrive
Here you will see Move Play Thrive, a resource, repository developed by OT, Sonia Story. Story developed the sensory treatment method, 'Neurodevelopmental movement.'
This teaching method, is meant to be used by OTs, PTs, SLPs, parents and whoever else may be able to administer the treatment to the child. Sonia Story's teaching is meant to assist those children who are Autistic, have ADHD, or may have another sensory processing disorder.
SensaCalm
Since 2008, SensaCalm has been custom sewing weighted blankets and other sensory products to offer people a natural way to have “Less Stress, More Rest.®”
Our mission is to provide fair, friendly customer service and the highest quality, most comfortable weighted products, hand-sewn in the USA by skilled workers earning a living wage.
Originally we served mostly the autistic community. The growing popularity of weighted blankets in recent years has broadened our customer base to include anyone with anxiety or who is seeking the most sound sleep imaginable.
Stimm Jewelry
Born in London. Raised in Toronto. Citizen of the world.
John has been designing jewelry for 30 years - a career often punctuated by travels to the far corners of the earth, seeking inspiration for his collections. There was an element of synchronicity that started his partnership with Boris. One breezy March morning, as he was taking his little boy, Valentino, to school, he discovered that the beat-up old family Volvo had been broken into.
There were papers, cds and vintage parking receipts littered about. Valentino picked up the mobile phone holder that was at his feet - the type that clamps on to the air vent. The magnet that holds the phone is covered by rubber.
He had already told his old man that he liked stroking the rubber case that holds the Iphone. 'It makes me feel calm, Daddy'. When he picked up the phone holder in the car, he started rubbing it and asked if he could keep it.
That was an auspicious start to designing for Stimm.
Glowing Globs®
There is no better feeling in the world than being entertained for hours without even being in front of screens. If only there was a way of achieving that level of relaxation on a day to day basis.
Our mission as a company is to do just that; to make boring times fun! Not everyone has the feeling of entertained without using or being in front of screens.
But with Glowing Globs, anyone can enjoy the fun from the comfort of their home.
Our Globs will flood your space with good vibes and positive energy. Endless fun is just a few clicks away!
Happy Hands Make Happy People Fidget Toys And Sensory Toys
Fidgets that are fun, fashionable, and functional.
Check out our great selection of sensory toys fidget toys for kids and adults.
We also have a great blog that is updated regularly.
Find us on social media and check back with our site often as products change and discounts are offered.
Happy hands make happy people!
This section is intended for anyone looking for safety resources. Here you will see various websites about how to prevent abuse, anti-bullying and how to keep your Autistic individual safe from wondering. The types of resources include: movies, safety products, awareness guides, and other resources.
End Abuse
This website was created by the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo with funding from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.
People with disabilities, family members, caregivers, human service employees, and other community stakeholders were involved in all parts of developing and testing this website
Substantial efforts were made to ensure that this website is compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Eight Days of Hope Trafficking Guide
Human trafficking is never an easy topic to discuss, but we can no longer avoid the information available, even though it may be painful to consume.
The following pages detail the horrors of human trafficking and provide insight into the ever-increasing online presence that modern day traffickers are utilizing to groom and recruit victims.
211specialneeds
Navigating the complex system of care for children with Special Needs can be challenging and often frustrating experience.
We are here to help. Care Coordinators assist families of children ages 0-22. In addition, Help Me Grow offers assessments, early intervention resources and support for children ages 0-8 years.
For Special Needs information and referrals simply Dial 2-1-1 or 954-537-0211 Specialists are available between 8:00am to 8:00pm.
When calling after-hours to Special Needs Connections, please leave a message with our 24-hour helpline counselors.
Autism Safety
The National Autism Association (NAA, 2015) provides a brief and practical list of five steps parents can take to address and prevent bullying in schools, including : preparing the team, preparing your child, addressing bullying with specific goals in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP), monitoring your child for signs of being bullied, and using the complaint process.
If I Need Help
If I Need Help provides special needs safety products and a system to help reunite you with your loved ones in the event that they wander or have issues communicating in a critical situation.
Do you have special needs or have a child or other loved one with special needs that is prone to wandering away from you or needs communication help in a critical moment?
We understand the panic that can overtake caregivers, people with special needs, and the community at large when they or a loved one goes missing and cannot communicate with others or advocate for themselves due to disability or disorder.
If this risk exists for you and your family, we would like to help.
Be Safe The Movie Don't Leave Safety To Chance!
Realistic Scenarios. Real Police. BE SAFE The Movie uses video modeling to show viewers how to interact with the police in everyday encounters.
Positive models help viewers of all abilities learn what to do and say when meeting the police. Crucial safety skills are clearly demonstrated in 7 Episodes, ranging from following instructions to the right to remain silent.
In each scene, real police interact with special needs individuals, giving BE SAFE true authenticity.
BE SAFE is great for teens and adults with disabilities and EVERYONE else for that matter!
Help prevent problems and improve outcomes in police encounters with these 7 Episodes: Episode 1: Laws Help us BE SAFE shows viewers how to follow laws, every day.
The law applies to everyone, whether a person has a disability or not. Viewers learn to follow the law to stay out of trouble. They can copy the video model to learn to cross the street safely. Episode 2: Law Enforcement Officers help us BE SAFE shows different ways that the police protect and serve the community.
The “Innocent Mistake” scenario shows what happens when two young who have unknowingly broken a law people meet the police.
Viewers can copy the video model to learn three key skills to interact with police: Stay Where You Are, Stay Calm, and Follow All Instructions from the Police.
Episode 3: Uniforms and Safety Tools satisfies viewer curiosity about police uniforms and tools.
In a scenario where the police and a police dog come into a restaurant, viewers can copy the model “keep your hands to yourself,” do not touch the police, their weapons or their canine partners.
Episode 4: Stay Calm When You Meet the Police is the signature scene fo BE SAFE, showing an encounter between a young robbery suspect and two armed officers.
Most people will never be detained or arrested in their lifetime, but it’s crucial to know how to cooperate calmly, just in case.
Viewers can copy the video model to follow all steps of an arrest procedure, and respond to directions from the police. Episode 5: Self-Disclosure (Tell the Police About Your Disability) shows an encounter between a young driver and the officer who pulls her over for speeding.
Viewers can copy the video model showing safe ways to let the police know about their disability or special needs.
Episode 6: The Right to Remain Silent comes into play when the police catch a young purse-snatcher in the act and he is taken to the police station.
Viewers learn about what happens next and can copy the video model to remain silent if arrested.
Episode 7: BE SAFE in an Emergency shows a young man making a 911 call and what happens when paramedics arrive.
Viewers can become familiar with what happens in a medical emergency and even practice answering some of the many questions paramedics ask.
This exciting 1-hour DVD is based on a script by Emily Iland, M.A. BE SAFE The Movie was created by and for teens and adults with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability and Learning Disabilities at Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films Workshop in Bakersfield, CA who appear in front of the camera and worked behind the scene.
Don’t leave safety to chance! Get your BE SAFE Movie today!
Experience Autism®
Autism is on the rise, with as many as 1 in 64 children in the U.S. now affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
As many of 50,000 of these children turn 18 every year. Individuals with ASD are particularly vulnerable in police encounters and emergency situations due to features of their disorder.
Police departments are challenged to safely and effectively respond to the growing population of individuals on the spectrum, who are growing up. Law enforcement officials want and need training to increase positive outcomes and minimize risk in calls involving individuals with ASD.
Experience Autism® is an engaging, hands-on training that helps law enforcement professionals and other first responders recognize the signs of autism and respond to the needs of this population.
Officers experience different features of ASD through Experience Autism® simulations.
They develop empathy and identify how to best meet the multiple needs of those with ASD during contact.
You may have heard of the Los Angeles Police Department’s celebrated Mission Possible program.
Experience Autism® is the foundation Mission Possible, created by autism specialist Emily Iland, M.A. Officers at Mission Possible and other training events report that Experience Autism® can help prepare law enforcement professionals and other first responders for real-life contact with individuals with ASD.
A Child Missing
We assist law enforcement agencies in the early search and recovery of missing children (often with Autism & Down syndrome), the elderly (often with Alzheimer’s disease), the disabled, and college students in the first hours of their disappearance, by use of our Alert System.
We also offer Child Safety Education Programs to children and adolescents through parks and recreation summer camp programs, and in schools to vulnerable/high-risk youth.
The Bully Project
The Bully Project is a website that aims to take action against bullying. It focuses on a documentary about children who were bullied during the 2009-2010 academic year and how their parents supported them and modeled “upstander” rather than “bystander” behavior.
The website invites users to share their own stories and host or organize screenings of the film to raise awareness.
The site includes tools (including DVDs and toolkits that can be purchased) for students, parents, advocates, and educators, with a section devoted to individuals with special needs. The tools for educators are also available in Spanish.
Stopbullying.gov
This government website provides a wealth of resources across a variety of areas, in both English and Spanish. An array of topics is covered with related subtopics and links. General topics and subtopics include:
What is Bullying – definition, roles kids play, and related matters (e.g., harassment, teen dating violence, peer conflict and more),
Cyber Bullying – what it is, how to prevent it, how to report it, and risk factors,
Who is at Risk – warning signs, effects, and considerations for specific groups (including bullying and youth with disabilities and special health needs),
Preventing Bullying – how to talk about it, prevention at school, working in the community, and a training center which includes videos, reading modules, research and statistics, training manuals, toolkits, user guides, and additional resources,
Responding to Bullying – stopping it on the spot, finding out what happened, supporting the kids involved, and being more than a bystander, and
Get Help Now – includes steps to take to resolve a range of bullying situations.
Additional sections include links to both federal and state policies and laws, a blog, and news releases (including media guidelines). Several resources may be useful for education/training including images and info graphics, over 30 videos, and hundreds of links to campaigns, tips, toolkits and trainings, research, evidence-based programs, podcasts, conference materials, and webinars.
When searching for a resource, specifics can be selected to narrow the search by topic, type, source type (federal or non-federal) and date.
This website may be useful for parents, educators, the community, teens, kids, and anyone wanting to learn more about bullying and gain access to resources to fit almost any need.
Stopbullying.gov at risk
This subsection of the stopbullying.gov website, focuses on youth with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as special health needs such as allergies and epilepsy.
Children in these groups may be at an increased risk of being bullied or bullying others.
This website raises awareness around creating a safe environment at school for children with disabilities as well as children with special health needs.
Teachers, parents, and students can find information about the perceived differences of individuals with disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain injury) and how their disability impacts their everyday life.
In addition, strategies that can be used to help prevent and address bullying are provided (e.g., creating a buddy system, rewarding kind and inclusive behavior, educating peers about the impact of disabilities and special health needs).
Lastly, teachers and parents can find several examples of school settings that have successfully implemented a peer support system and peer-to-peer learning to help prevent and address bullying in the classroom.
This section is intended for anyone who is looking for a variety of legal assistance. Here you will see Legal Aid, Legal Aid advocates, Legal aid books, parental advocate organizations and more.
Legal Aid Buffalo
The Legal Aid Bureau takes great pride in the achievement of one hundred years of service in Western New York.
The Bureau’s roots lie in the Charity Organization Society formed in 1877 by Buffalo’s Protestant church and establishment members steeped in a Social Gospel commitment to faith and good works.
These leaders were then confronting an influx into the increasingly prosperous city of waves of immigrants with their foreign languages, religions, and cultures.
Fear of social unrest mixed with a civic desire to “Americanize” the newcomers as well as a charitable impulse to improve their economic condition provided the motivation to organize a response.
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
COPAA’s mission is to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. Our primary goal is to secure high quality educational services and to promote excellence in advocacy.
COPAA works to:
• Enable parents to work more effectively with school personnel to plan and obtain effective educational programs for their children with disabilities;
• Encourage more attorneys and advocates to undertake representation of parents of children with disabilities in their efforts to plan and obtain effective educational programs;
• Provide advocate, attorney, parent and other professional COPAA members with the practical resources and information they need to obtain effective educational programs for students with disabilities;
• Enable members to network and share information and legal resources;
• Provide training for special education advocates on all aspects of special education advocacy and informal conflict resolution;
• Provide training for attorneys on legal practice: including due process, litigation, and informal conflict resolution;
• Enable parents to locate advocates, attorneys, and related professionals through COPAA's website directory;
Special Education Counsel
Tollner Law Offices is a special education firm with a wide range of experiences that include: All Special Education issues; Transition issues; Homeschooling; Suspension and Expulsion; Student Safety and Personal Injury; Bullying; Harassment; Discrimination; Charter Schools; and Evaluations.
Ideally, parents and school districts would work together to provide an individualized and appropriate education for every child.
Sadly, that is not always the case as districts create special education programs that are “one size fits all” and dictate what is “appropriate” for each child.
If you feel your child has not been properly or accurately evaluated or is not getting the appropriate education for his or her disability or learning disorder, and your district is denying your requests for a private placement or additional supports and services, this office can help you to understand the law and achieve your child’s educational goals.
If necessary, we will represent you at IEPs, 504 meetings, mediations, due process hearings and all subsequent judicial proceedings.
We will also file complaints in federal court for violations of ADA and Section 504. If your child has a disability and is being discriminated against, bullied, or needs educational support of any kind, we can help.
Special Needs Network L.A.
Special Needs Network’s mission is to raise public awareness of developmental disabilities and to impact public policy, while providing education and resources to families, children and adults.
SNN serves as a link between under-served communities and mainstream developmental disability organizations and governmental institutions, which often fail to address issues specific to these communities. SNN firmly believes that dignity, hope and opportunity are the birthright of all children.
Founded in 2005, Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) grew out of the struggles of Areva D. Martin, Esq. after her son Marty was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.
After finding it incredibly difficult to access services for Marty, Ms. Martin became aware of the enormous challenges faced by families affected by developmental disabilities in underserved communities – in particular, the neighborhood of South Los Angeles.
A Harvard-trained attorney, Ms. Martin used her entrepreneurial and legal skills, as well as her own experiences navigating the complex system of care, to create a parent-centered organization with a mission to help the communities in need through four resolutions:
1. Reduce the waiting period for families to have their children diagnosed; 2. Bring education, resources, and services directly to the community; 3. Provide unique learning opportunities for children and young adults with developmental disabilities; and 4. Forge an action-based coalition of families empowered to self-advocate at all levels of government.
These urgent resolutions were the seeds that blossomed into Special Needs Network and our long list of programs that today serve thousands of families in the Los Angeles area and throughout the state of California.
In May of 2005, we hosted an event that sent shockwaves all the way from South Los Angeles to Sacramento. It was a town hall style meeting held in the heart of the community at the Challenger Boys and Girls Club on South Vermont.
More than a thousand family members and caregivers turned out to show their support at this inaugural event, which was aptly titled “Impact of Autism on Communities of Color.”
Among those in attendance were key local and state officials, many of whom heard for the first time the frustrations of families who are struggling to deal with an unjust system.
Next, we followed this successful event with a series of comprehensive training programs designed specifically for parents of special needs children seeking help in navigating the complex system of care on their own – our flagship Parent Advocacy Mentor Program (PAM).
Since then, our roster of programs have grown to include Tools for Transformation Conference, Joe Patton Inclusion Camp (Camp JPAC), Back to School Inclusion and Resource Fair, Christmas Care Exchange and Toy Giveaways, and many more. (Learn more about our work.)
Focusing on health and human services, education and awareness, and outreach and advocacy, our programs have provided resources and services to more than 20,000 families to date, effectively establishing Special Needs Network as the premier nonprofit organization in South Los Angeles working on issues of autism and related developmental disabilities.
Amazon Google Play Apple Books
As an individual rights attorney and parent of an Autistic child herself, Areva Martin shares clear, step-by-step instructions on how parents can assert themselves-with doctors, teachers, school officials, neighbors, or even family members-and get the best results for their child.
Practical and inspiring, with personal stories from other parents of Autistic children, The Everyday Advocate offers real-world actions that work and teaches parents the skills to become better advocates for their children.
Different Roads Amazon
This book details Mr. Mayerson’s extensive career providing legal defense and counsel for ASD children and their families.
While an understanding of the law and the applicable statutes is important, the primary focus of Autism’s Declaration of Independence is substance and practicality, with a constant eye on the ultimate outcome.
Pretty much any student can “graduate” from the public education system.
However, what steps can be taken to make sure that a student with the potential to do so has sufficiently acquired the functional skills for graduating to something that is personally meaningful and fulfilling for them?
The transition to adulthood when IDEA’s educational entitlements come to an end is, of course, the “main event.”
With so much uncertainty in the world of education, this book is a timely and crucial resource for all Autism families and professionals.
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA)
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates is a national American advocacy association of parents of children with disabilities, their attorneys, advocates, and others who support the educational and civil rights of children with disabilities
The website provides important information about entitlements under federal law and is divided into resources for students and families, attorneys, advocates, and related professionals, and a peer to peer connection site.
Bet Tzedek Free Legal Services
Hundreds of thousands of Angelenos cannot afford housing, food, or medicine – let alone an attorney. Even though free legal aid helps ensure access to justice and basic necessities for the most vulnerable among us, there is not enough legal aid available: for every legal aid attorney in California, there are more than 6,000 eligible clients who need assistance.
Bet Tzedek is a non-profit law firm committed to addressing this challenge. We provide free, comprehensive legal assistance and representation, volunteer and court-based self-help services, and legal education to more than 20,000 people each year.
Bet Tzedek’s services keep families in their homes; secure care for those with physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities; protect seniors from abuse and real estate fraud; ensure access to safe housing and legal wages; and obtain guardianships for children to stay in safe, stable homes.
EBCALA
The purpose of EBCALA is to educate lawyers, advocates and parents about the legal challenges of autism. Formed in late 2008, EBCALA provides training, resources and a forum within which to advance legal and advocacy strategies to improve the lives of those with autism.
The autism community faces severe legal hurdles in many areas, including special education, insurance, healthcare, family law, criminal law and tort law, particularly related to vaccine injury.
Since 2009, EBCALA has organized an annual conference each May in Chicago, Illinois during the Autism One conference to address the unique legal needs of the autism community.
EBCALA has submitted amicus briefs in recent court cases of critical importance to the autism community.
It filed an amicus brief in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court about the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, and in Cedillo v. HHS, a case on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from the Omnibus Autism Proceeding.
EBCALA also partnered with Pace Law School to undertake a study of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program of the Court of Federal Claims.
EBCALA board members frequently lecture, present testimony, and write articles on the legal issues of significance to the autism community.
The Center will continue to research, teach and train people on the legal challenges facing the autism community and serve as a legal resource to the autism community.
EBCALA is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Birt, a remarkable lawyer and parent advocate who fought to recognize and address the legal needs of the autism community
Lawyer4children
The team at Law Offices of Hirji & Chau, LLP have built a long and loyal relationship with our clients since we opened our doors in 2006. We have helped hundreds of families all across the Los Angeles and Southern California area to receive the justice they deserve while understanding their needs.
Here you will see resources for educating those with Autism or for any Educators in general. Types of resources include: modules, tools, books, therapies, websites from teachers and more.
Parent Network WNY
Parent Network of WNY is a not-for-profit agency that provides education and resources for families of individuals with special needs (birth through adulthood) and for professionals.
Parent Network of WNY provides 1-on-1 Support and education through resources, workshops and support groups to assist families of individuals with disabilities to understand their disability and navigate the support service system.
The majority of Parent Network of WNY’s staff and board members are parents of children with disabilities, which provides a unique perspective, personal experience and empathy to the families we reach.
Since the reorganization in 2001, Parent Network of WNY has served around 10,000 people a year
Learning Disability Association of WNY
The Educational Advocacy Department assists parents /families through the special education process, as this process can be very confusing and frustrating. Our advocates are trained in the educational law and work with the family
to help the student receive what he/she is entitled to under the law.
Advocacy services can be provided at any point from the initial steps to obtain services or at any time for a student currently receiving special education service. Our advocate review records, speak with the family,
and attend the Special Education Committee (CSE) or 504 meetings.
They can assist families seeking evaluations and testing from local professionals outside of their school districts
and when necessary connect families with local law firms which deal with Special Education Law.
If you would like assistance please contact our office at 874-7200. LDA’s Educational Advocacy services are free of charge.
Museum of disABILITY History (Buffalo)
Discover the remarkable stories of people with disabilities at the Museum of disABILITY History--the only "bricks and mortar" museum of its kind in the United States!
There are three ways to experience our exhibits. The best is to come see us in Buffalo, New York for an interactive, hands-on learning experience (view the "Hours & Admission" page on the left to start planning your visit).
You can also check out our virtual museum here or you can rent one of our traveling exhibits for your school or organization.
You can also check out our virtual museum here or you can rent one of our traveling exhibits for your school or organization.
Skills Developing
Skills Developing is a web-based program for creating and implementing individualized treatment plans for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
This one-stop resource -encompassing everything from assessment to lessons to progress tracking - empowers parents to apply comprehensive, lessons and activities based on decades of scientific research
Skills Living
Skills living is the first-of-its-kind, comprehensive web-based tool to teach essential life skills to youths transitioning into adulthood and adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Skills living builds the foundation for transitioning youth and adults with Autism to develop independent living skills and reach their full potential as successful, contributing members of their adult communities.
Skills Logbook
Skills Logbook is an intuitive, state-of-the-art mobile application that pairs with Skills and enables efficient and accurate real-time data collection, facilitates team communication, provides instant programming updates and progress tracking with just a tap of a button.
Click here for android devices
Click here for IOS devices
Gemiini Systems Online Speech Therapy
Gemiini is a speech therapy program that uses an approach called Discrete Video Modeling—a clinically proven way to increase language, reading, & social skills.
It breaks down information into easy-to-understand "bites", making it ideal for people. This makes Gemiini an ideal solution for young children and people with special needs like Autism, Down syndrome, Speech Delay, Stroke, and others.
Sensory App House
Sensory App House creates apps for stimulation, relaxation, fun, digital art and speech therapy.
Our apps can be used by therapists and educators to help younger people with visual and speech development and sensory issues.
Our apps have been mostly for free, and we are delighted to have had well over 3 million downloads.
We have a strong understanding of disabilities and difficulties, and make apps to help assist, even in the smallest of ways.
Many of the cause and effect apps are also switch accessible.
We develop for many platforms - iPads, Chromebooks, Android, Web Apps, Windows, Mac and Apple TV.
Please contact us about licensing and partnerships.
Sensory App House was founded by Professor Paul Blenkhorn and Dave Stevens, who also both co-founded reading and writing assistive software specialist Claro Software.
The Rhythm Tree
Do you have a loved one who lights up when they hear music?
Are you looking for something that will increase their quality of life and help them learn, grow and express themselves?
My name is Ryan Judd and I help improve the lives and abilities of individuals with special needs by creating a musical, fun and motivating atmosphere for them to thrive in.
I have a master's degree in psychology and music therapy from one of the top contemplative education schools in the country.
I am a board-certified music therapist and have been specializing in helping people with special needs for more than 20 years.
The results I've achieved from integrating music and therapy are powerful and my work has even been featured on ABC World News Tonight and other national news outlets.
The Miracle Project
Elaine Hall was a top Hollywood children’s acting coach whose life changed dramatically after her toddler son Neal, adopted from a Russian orphanage, was diagnosed with Autism.
When traditional therapies did not work for him, she decided to try something radical: she chose to join his world instead of trying to get him to join hers.
If he spun around in circles; she would spin with him, playing “Ring around the Rosie.” When he would flap his hands, as some children with Autism do, she would flap with him and they would become birds flying and flapping around the room.
Elaine sought out leading professionals in the field, such as Dr. Barry Prizant, Dr. Ricki Robinson and the late Dr. Stanley Greenspan who encouraged her to keep working with Neal in the way she had intuitively been doing.
She then developed a methodology to teach other creative people, (actors, dancers, musicians, creative special educators) how to understand Autism so that they too could join Neal’s world.
Through these methods, Neal slowly emerged out of his isolation. Elaine then developed these methods into The Seven Keys to Unlock Autism and trained staff and volunteers how to work with other children with disabilities.
Armed with a grant from The Jewish Community Foundation, in 2004, she combined her past theatrical coaching experience with her Seven Keys to Unlock Autism trainings and created The Miracle Project.
Immediately, the results from The Miracle Project were dramatic and empowering.
Children with autism (speaking and non-speaking) and other disabilities participated in classes and performed live original musicals alongside their typically developing siblings and peers to a cheering and teary audience.
Most importantly families who were once isolated and alone became part of a dynamic, creative community.
Deep friendships were made between those impacted with Autism and those not.
In 2006 , Bunim/Murray Productions profiled The Miracle Project in AUTISM: The Musical which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2007, aired on HBO in 2008 and won two Emmy Awards.
In 2009, Autism: The Musical screened at the United Nations.
The success of both The Miracle Project and the film has inspired communities throughout the world and has helped thousands of individuals with autism be seen for their ABILITY.
The Miracle Project staff offers trainings, professional development workshops and summer camps nationally and internationally most recently in New Jersey, New England, San Francisco, Hong Kong, China and at universities including Brown University and Cal Arts.
Kailia Mullady Beatboxing Speech Therapy web page
Whether you are a beatboxer who wants to make it to the World Championships stage or someone who has to make speeches in their business frequently, I want to help you become a more confident, effective communicator!
I have been beatboxing since I was ten years old and since then have become the first ever 2x World Beatbox Champion, 3x Loop Station Champion and 3x Beatrhyme Champion.
I fell in love with beatboxing because it allowed me to find the power of my voice and gave me confidence that has crossed over into my personal life.
Now before you think I was born with this spirit, let me go back to my first ever 6th-grade chorus audition... I feverishly practiced "Colors of the wind" from Pocahontas for days on end and was feeling like nothing could stop me.
Then came the audition... I had no fear in my body until the very moment the piano started to play. I started shaking, I looked like a deer stuck in headlights, and when a sound did come out, it cracked like a prepubescent boy.
This moment was probably one of the worst days of my young life.
After that, I swore off singing for years.
My senior year of high school I was in Chorus, but I never sang. Everyone knew I was lip singing; it was that bad.
If you were to tell that girl that she would go on to become the 3x Beatrhyme Champion and sing on stages all over the world, she would have laughed right in your face.
Beatboxing made begin to feel comfortable with my voice. When I actually thought about how I was creating the trumpet with my mouth, I realized that I was singing but just making a different shape with my mouth!
So why had I been so embarrassed by my voice all these years? Confidence is a practice. You need to be actively pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to realize that there is nothing to fear.
When we become comfortable with the uncomfortable, then nothing can stop us. As someone who has been down that journey, I want to help you grow the most empowered version of yourself that you can be.
As both beatboxers and people, we should think of our selves as artists.
This means having a message that you believe in and will stand for.
I am so grateful to perform and speak on stages all around the world. I want to give other people that chance as well.
I have been an educator for the last eight years and honestly believe that I am the best suited to help you reach your goals. I believe in you, and I am so excited to help you on your journey!
The Autism Helper Inc
The Autism Helper Inc. is dedicated to empowering those who support individuals with Autism by providing resources, tools, and methods to measure success.
We aim to support teachers, parents, clinicians, and administrators by publishing daily blog posts at theautismhelper.com, creating curriculum resources, as well as conducting public speaking engagements and providing consultative services.
The Autism Educator
Amanda has over ten years experience supporting and educating autistic children, their parents and family members.
Amanda has 10 years experience of working with and educating autistic children.
She has extensive knowledge and experience in behavioural, communication, emotional regulation , and visual supports systems.
She provides tailored parent and professional trainings.
Parent consultancy post diagnosis. Over the last 6 years she has raised autism awareness and helped thousands of parents and professionals through her online blog www.littlepuddins.ie
Over the last five years she has provided “Understanding Autism” training to students, teachers and special needs assistants imparting best practice in all areas of care and education of children on the spectrum.
Amanda provides specialized autism training to businesses in Ireland and online to the UK.
Amanda’s career prior to working in the field of autism, centered primarily in the legal sector specializing in Family, Personal Injury, Probate and Tort Law.
In 2015 Amanda created the award winning website “Little Puddins”, documenting her family’s autism journey online.
Her award winning family blog www.littlepuddins.ie hosts readers from around the world visiting her blog for advice, support and to download her educational resources.
You can find out more about her social media platforms by going to her Facebook Instagram Website
Her column in The Connaught Telegraph educates and encourages readers to be more accepting and understanding of autism.
In November 2019 Hailey (11) was presented with the prestigious prize of Family Carers Ireland, Young Carer of the Year award by Marty Whelan in recognition of all her selfless work within the home, helping her three brothers with autism.
Sue Larkey
Sue Larkey is a teacher and written over 15 books to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Sue is passionate about "Making it a Success" for students and home & school.
Download FREE Tip Sheets at www.suelarkey.com
Sue specialises in Autism, Asperger, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ODD, ADHD, Anxiety, Behaviour and more
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The CEC is an international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational outcomes and quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities.
The focus is on helping educators obtain the resources necessary for effective professional practice.
Autism is one of many disabilities discussed.
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
IDEA is a law that ensures services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
The IDEA website contains information on early intervention services, local and state funding, and Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) issues including evaluation, reevaluation, and procedural safeguards.
Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
Sponsored by the Institute of Education Services (IES) of the U.S. Dept. of Education, ERIC provides ready access to education literature to support the use of educational research and information to improve practice in learning, teaching, educational decision-making, and research.
National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC)
In 2014 the NPDC, using rigorous criteria, classified 27 focused interventions as evidence- practices for teaching individuals with autism.
This website allows you to access online modules for many of these practices as well as an overview and general description, step-by-step instructions, and an implementation checklist for each of the practices.
NPDC is currently in the process of updating the systematic review through 2017 as part of the Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice.
It also has a multi-university center dedicated to the promotion of evidence-based practices for ASD. The Center operates three sites at UC Davis MIND Institute, Waisman Center, and the Franklin Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Caroline Chapel Hill.
Each of these websites delivers a wealth of information including online training modules, resources, fact sheets, and more.
Clemson University Spectrum Program
Thank you for your interest in the Spectrum Program at Clemson University. The Spectrum Program provides individualized services beyond standard accommodations for students diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The Spectrum Program is committed to helping students build connections through their college experience that will assist them in achieving academic, social, and career and professional development success.
The Spectrum Program at Clemson University seeks to support students and foster growth and independence in the following areas:
• Academic Skills and Resilience
• Personal and Interpersonal Skills
• Career and Professional Development Skills
• Independent Living and Social Skills
Lesley University Threshold Program
Threshold at Lesley University is a non-degree postsecondary program for young adults with diverse learning, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. For more than 35 years, we’ve been helping students navigate life with confidence.
At Threshold, dorm living, student activities, and a curriculum focused on career training and independent living create a college experience that feels both authentic and supported.
Students get support from caring faculty and staff at every step of their journey. We're here for them during the two-year core program and after graduation through two programs that guide transition into the working world.
With nearly 700 alumni and access to the diverse and lively neighborhoods of Cambridge, Massachusetts, opportunity for social engagement is just around the corner. Threshold graduates can count on our Alumni Center for continued support.
And with an extensive network of internship providers and employers, we're ready to help students pursue their career goals.
Think College
Think College is a national organization dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disability. With a commitment to equity and excellence,
Think College supports evidence-based and student-centered research and practice by generating and sharing knowledge, guiding institutional change, informing public policy, and engaging with students, professionals and families.
Disability Museum (Massachusetts)
The Disability History Museum's mission is to foster a deeper understanding about how changing cultural values, notions of identity, laws and policies have shaped and influenced the experience of people with disabilities, their families and their communities over time.