General Information

• Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism
  Teaching tips by Temple Grandin.

  FEAT -- Families for Early Autism Treatment
  From the site: "FEAT (Families for Early Autism Treatment) is a non-profit organization of parents and professionals, designed to help families with children who have received the diagnosis of Autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD NOS). It offers a network of support where families can meet each other and discuss issues surrounding autism and treatment options. FEAT has a Board of Directors that meets monthly to discuss issues, establish priorities, and vote on the direction of the organization. Every other month, a newsletter is published which contains current news and events. FEAT has a Lending Library, where families can get information about Autism and check out teaching materials for their therapy programs for free. FEAT also offers Support Meetings on the third Wednesday of each month which are designed to provide information to families whose children have been diagnosed with Autism and to provide emotional support to those who need it. Throughout the year, FEAT has parties, field trips and fundraising events. These activities are the most fun for the parents because this is when many friendships are formed."

  Trainland -- Beyond Autism
  From the site: "Thanks for checking out Beyond Autism! This is a labor of love and frustration done by a parent that has "been there done that". This autism site will contain many links to other resources and will be a comprehensive source of information for those of you just starting out - to help you move "beyond" the label of autism - somehow we all have to do that no matter how difficult it is... I have included many links on teaching methodologies, education and "special" education resources, IEP information, augmentive and communication assistance with assistive technology information, disability legal information, sensory dysfunction issues, specialized catalogs,behavior problems and much more! There is a trove of information here on PECS and communication ideas. There are many wonderful and helpful resources available to assist parents and professionals working with children with Autism and many other developmental disabilities."

  Helping Delayed Kids
  From the site: "This little website is to share ideas for parents to help with Early Intervention, Floortime, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Special Diets and other tips for parents of delayed kids."

  Easter Seals
  From the site: "For more than 80 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, inclusive child care, adult day services, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than one million individuals and their families each year at one of 400 centers nationwide."

  Different Roads to Learning educational products catalogue
  From the site: "Different Roads to Learning is an on-line catalog specializing in learning materials and playthings for children with developmental delays and challenges. This catalog puts together educational toys and materials that stimulate the skills leading to speech and language for challenged children ages 2 to 10. As the parent of a learning challenged child, I know how difficult it can be to find the appropriate materials and playthings for an exceptional child. The toys, tools and books in this catalog develop a range of cognitive skills for the wide population of children with challenges and delays. The products are simple and specific so that there is no distraction, confusion or over-stimulation. This catalog is focused on the areas of speech and language from a parent's perspective. The toys here stimulate cognitive and fine motor skills needed to encourage capabilities in challenged children. Success in playing gives our children self-esteem and accomplishment."

  Mayer-Johnson, Inc. -- Special Education Products
  From the site: "Mayer-Johnson, Inc. is a mail order company focusing on augmentative communication products. Roxie Johnson, co-owner of the company with her husband, had been working as a speech therapist with special needs children in the public school system and also with adults in a hospital setting. She saw the need for a set of picture symbols that limited-speaking or non-speaking persons could use for communicating. She developed the first book entitled The Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) that included 700 picture symbols. The symbols were designed to be copied on copying machines for multiple users. The catalog is [now] over 50 pages in size with over 150 products. Many of the products were developed by customers using the PCS. There are now approximately 5,000 individual picture symbols available in many different formats. They have been translated into many languages and are being developed constantly. Software continues to be an important part of the company's product line. Also included now are hardware items such as switches, touchscreens and speech devices."

  Stars for Kids
  Specialty Toys and Reinforcers for Kids

  Toys To Grow On
  From the site: "Toys To Grow On is your online source for the best in children's toys! We have everything from baby & toddler toys to activity toys, art projects and educational toys for the preschool years. Whether you're looking for unique learning toys or super-safe toys for infants and babies, you'll find it at Toys To Grow On!"

  Dragonfly Toy Company
  Toys for chidren with special needs.

  Watch Me Learn
  From the site: "The Watch Me Learn concept was developed by the mother of an autistic child who took matters into her own hands when traditional therapies didn't work for her son. What started as a simple idea has grown into a powerful teaching tool that has already helped thousands of autistic children learn everyday life skills and build the foundation for continuing development."

  Articles on Learning Disabilities
  From the site: "Articles on learning disabilities, reading, math."

• Visually Cued Instruction [Symbol Exchange]
  From the site: "Symbol exchange is an interactive communication method for individuals who are nonverbal. It requires an exchange of a symbol between a nonspeaking individual and a communication partner." This site is a very good discussion of the symbol exchange method of communication.

  DoToLearn
  From the site: "Do2Learn....see, do, and learn online. A web site providing learning activities to promote independence in children and adults with special learning needs." Includes information on special needs, picture cards, projects, games, and other activities.

  PECS symbols from Trainland site
  A list of links to sites where you can download your own PECS symbols for use with your child.

  Talking Words
  From the site: "Products to help you teach children to understand language and communicate."

  Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. -- Picture Exchange Communication System [PECS]
  From the site: "MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of Pyramid Educational Consultants is to provide exceptional behavior analytic and communication consultation and training to support educators, professionals, families, and caretakers in teaching and caring for individuals with learning difficulties. Functional and practical interventions using the full spectrum of applied behavior analysis are used to teach individuals how to communicate, function independently, and be successful in their schools, homes, places of employment, and the community."

  Yahoo! Groups: Speech Diet
  From the site: "A mailing list primarily for parents of children with speech delays and/or Sensory Integration Dysfunction, but all parents are welcome. Discussion should focus mainly on issues regarding diet, nutrition, vitamins, and dietary supplements and how they effect our children."

• ** Natural Reinforcers for ABA
  A long list of reinforcers for ABA that are fun for most children and can provide some new and exciting variety of reinforcers to keep children interested in learning.

  ** My ABA Drills
  Certain of the skills I taught my son. Currently includes Reading and Potty Training.

  How to Start ABA for your Child
  Information from my local support group leader's site.

  ABA for children with autism: Court cases and legal information
  An overview of autism, ABA, and court cases on ABA.

  ABA Resources for Recovery from Autism/PDD/Hyperlexia
  From the site: "I am the father of a school-age child who is recovering from autism. This page is a collection of Internet and other resources which parents of children with PDD, PDD-NOS, autism, Asperger's Syndrome, hyperlexia, or Rett Syndrome may find useful. All the information concerns teaching methods that are a branch of applied behavior analysis (ABA), often called behavioral intervention. This approach is also (inaccurately) called by some "Lovaas method." We worked hard for two years to get complete information, implement a program, and have our school system pay for it. My hope is to help spare other parents (and their children) some of the pain and wasted time we went through. Here are all the helpful resources I've found, with the best places to start marked."

  Guidelines for choosing an ABA provider
  Very good list of what to consider when choosing your ABA provider.

  Preschool shadow/aide
  Good information on how to select a preschool shadow/aide, and a description of what that person should be doing for your child.

  Book -- Catherine Maurice -- Behavioral Intervention for Young Children With Autism : A Manual for Parents and Professionals
  From the site: "Chapters on choosing an effective treatment discuss how to evaluate claims about treatments for autism, and what the research says about early behavioral intervention and other treatments. Subsequent sections address what to teach, teaching programs, how to teach, and who should teach. Also addressed are the organization and funding of a behavioral program, working with a speech-language pathologist, and working with the schools. Answers to commonly asked questions are presented along with case histories."

  Catherine Maurice statement on ABA
  Includes Catherine Maurice's statement about ABA, and an update on her children.

  Recovery, by Catherine Maurice
  Catherine Maurice's reply to the term "recovery from autism".

  ABA Forms
  Forms to print for ABA therapy.

  LOVAAS Institute for Early Intervention
  From the site: "The Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention is a research based Institute that specializes in teaching pre-school aged children with autism, pervasive developmental disorders, and related developmental disabilities. The behavioral intervention program was developed in the Psychology Department of UCLA under the direction of Dr. O. Ivar Lovaas. It is based on extensive clinical experience and more than 35 years of scientific research. Our focus is to serve children of all levels of functioning while providing an educational setting that allows them to achieve their individual potentials. The program is comprehensive - aimed at enhancing language and communication, social/play, pre-academic and independent living skills of young children so that they may take better advantage of opportunities in their communities and may require less professional attention as they grow older."

  ABA Resources [Free Downloads]
  Site includes LOTS of ABA resources. This specific page is for free downloads of ABA materials.

  ABA Flashcards
  Flashcards for ABA/PECS

  ABA Materials
  A site based in Australia, providing computer software for ABA home-based programs.

  Red and Green Choices
  From the site: "Applying Positive Behavioral Theories & Principles through Visual Strategies"

  Endless Potential
  From the site: "Endless Potential provides behavioral intervention and consultation services for children and adolescents diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Our teaching method is based on the principles of applied behavior analysis which is the most appropriate for children diagnosed with autism. This behavioral program has also, shown to increase language and decrease unwanted behaviors in children diagnosed with Down Syndrome and other Developmental Disabilities."

• What is Applied Verbal Behavior?
  Site gives a good description of Applied Verbal Behavior, plus links and other information.

  The Difference Between Lovaas and Verbal Behavior
  An article comparing the differences.

  Yahoo! Groups : DTT-NET
  From the site: "One of the most complex tasks both parents and professionals face is developing and implementing an effective language intervention for children with autism. Parents and professionals are finding that BOTH Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Training (NET), together with the help of Skinner's (1957) Functional Analysis of Verbal Behavior to be very effective for children with autism. And let me say, ALL THE ABOVE are components of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). This list group was designed to discuss how all of these components of ABA work together. It is a place where parents and professionals running home (and school) programs can discuss concerns and share their knowledge of this type of teaching."

• Dr. Greenspan Home Page
  Dr. Greenspan is a child psychiatrist who developed the "Floortime" developmental program.

  Greenspan Floor Time
  This is the developmental program established by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. From the site: "Goals of Floor Time Intervention -- To help the child: become more alert, take more initiative, become more flexible, tolerate frustration, sequence longer actions - plan and execute them, mediate process of finding solutions, communicate gesturally and verbally, take pleasure in learning"

  The Floortime Foundation
  From the site: "Floortime, a vital element of the DIR/Floortime model, is a treatment method as well as a philosophy for interacting with children (and adults as well). Floortime involves meeting a child at his current developmental level, and building upon his particular set of strengths. Floortime harnesses the power of a child’s motivation; following his lead, wooing him with warm but persistent attempts to engage his attention and tuning in to his interests and desires in interactions. Through Floortime, parents, child care providers, teachers and therapists help children climb the developmental ladder. By entering into a child’s world, we can help him or her learn to relate in meaningful, spontaneous, flexible and warm ways."

• Son-Rise
  From the site: "The Autism Treatment Center of America teaches parents and professionals caring for children and adults challenged by Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), and all other developmental difficulties how to design and implement home-based/child-centered programs enabling their children to dramatically improve in all areas of learning, development, communication and skill acquisition. Using The Son-Rise Program®, we have worked with over 22,000 parents and professionals from around the world - delivering proven results for over 25 years. This site contains a wealth of information and inspiration that will introduce you to everything that The Son-Rise Program has to offer. In these pages you will find an in-depth look at our learning and training programs available to help you develop the tools and skills necessary to create your own program and maximize your child’s learning and growth."

• RDI
  From the site: "The primary goal of the RDI™ Program is to systematically teach the motivation for and skills of Experience Sharing interaction. Deficits in Experience Sharing have been found to rest at the core of autism spectrum disorders. The RDI™ Program provides a path for people on the Autism Spectrum to learn friendship, empathy and a love of sharing their world with others. Language comes alive when integrated with real emotion. People with Autism and Asperger's learn not only to tolerate, but to enjoy change, transition and going with the flow. It begins at the edge of each person's current capability and carefully teaches the skills needed for competence and fulfillment in a complex world."

  RDI Connect
  From the site: "ConnectionsCenter was founded by Clinical Psychologists and husband/wife team Dr. Steve Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely in Houston, Texas during 1995 as a multi-disciplinary program to develop innovative evaluation and intervention programs for people with relationship disorders. We provide consultation, treatment-planning, customized intervention support, and training programs to hundreds of families and professionals from around the world. Our multi-disciplinary teams, supervised by Dr. Gutstein and Dr. Sheely, provide full assessments and treatment services for Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) and many other neuropsychiatry conditions."

• UNC Division TEACCH - Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication handicapped CHildren
  From the site: "The TEACCH mission is: To enable individuals with autism to function as meaningfully and as independently as possible in the community; To provide exemplary services throughout North Carolina to individuals with autism and their families and those who serve and support them; As a member of the University community, to generate knowledge; to integrate clinical services with relevant theory and research; and to disseminate information about theory, practice, and research on autism through training and publications locally, nationally and internationally."

• Computer Software
  A long list of computer software programs for special needs kids, from Trainland -- Beyond Autism.

  Dynavox Systems
  Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) products

  Alliance for Technology Access for the Disabled
  From the site: "The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA) is a network of community-based Resource Centers, Developers and Vendors, Affiliates, and Associates dedicated to providing information and support services to children and adults with disabilities, and increasing their use of standard, assistive, and information technologies. These ATA Members can be found all across the country. We hope that this web site will let you get to know us a little better, make use of our resources, contact one of our members and perhaps consider joining us in achieving our mission of "connecting children and adults with disabilities to technology tools."

Social Skills, Social Stories

• ** Social Skills Practical Suggestions
  Practical suggestions written by a spectrum adult.

  ** The "Token System" for Behavior Correction
  Using a token system to reward good behavior and discourage unacceptable behavior.

  ** Another "Token System" for Behavior Correction
  A different token system.

  Behavior Strategies
  Excellent ideas for correcting problem behavior from a parent.

  Social Story Guidelines by Carol Gray
  Gives the purpose of social stories, and guidelines for how to write your own. By Carol Gray, a leading expert in this area.

  Sumlin Social Stories
  From the site: "This is a selection of notes from over two years of behavioral intervention sessions with a young child who ultimately recovered completely from autism. It includes many curricula ("drill sheets"), therapists' notes, and parents' notes, covering (in part) the development of social skills to an age-appropriate level. The notes are by the parents, Megan and Jim Sumlin (pseudonyms), who feel strongly that this information should be freely available to all who might benefit from it. They ask only that these notes belong in the public domain, and are not to be claimed or copyrighted by any person who is or will in the future be seeking monetary gain for wide distribution of same. Feel free to re-distribute this document, but please include this entire preface."

  Social Stories
  From the site: "Many persons with autism have deficits in social cognition, the ability to think in ways necessary for appropriate social interaction. For example, theory of mind describes the difficulty autistic individuals have in assuming the perspective of another person. This can be addressed by a technique which is used to help individuals with autism 'read' and understand social situations. This technique, called 'Social Stories,' presents appropriate social behaviors in the form of a story. It was developed by Carol Gray and seeks to include answers to questions that autistic persons may need to know to interact appropriately with others (for example, answers to who, what, when, where, and why in social situations)."

  Social Stories books
  From the site: "These books will help your child learn how to cope with the characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome, and reduce the tantrums and meltdowns at the same time!"

• Sensory Integration [ARI]
  This is an article by ARI. From the site: "Sensory integration is an innate neurobiological process and refers to the integration and interpretation of sensory stimulation from the environment by the brain. In contrast, sensory integrative dysfunction is a disorder in which sensory input is not integrated or organized appropriately in the brain and may produce varying degrees of problems in development, information processing, and behavior. A general theory of sensory integration and treatment has been developed by Dr. A. Jean Ayres from studies in the neurosciences and those pertaining to physical development and neuromuscular function. This theory is presented in this paper."

  Sensory Integration International
  From the site: "Sensory Integration International (SII) is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation concerned with the impact of sensory integrative problems on people's lives. We bring together professionals, individuals, families, and researchers who want to know more about sensory integration. Our goal is to improve quality of life for persons with sensory processing disorders. We advocate early intervention to prevent sensory inefficiencies that have the potential of contributing to debilitating social or health conditions. In an effort to enhance wellness in the general public, SII promotes education about the impact of inadequate sensory processing and its relationship to health and one's occupation. A child's occupation is play and school performance."

  Sensory Integration Help
  An online source for parents and practitioners.

  Alert Program
  From the site: "Students learn what they can do before a spelling test or homework time to attain an optimal state of alertness for their tasks. Teachers learn what they can do after lunch, when their adult nervous systems are in a low alert state and their students are in a high alert state. Parents learn what they can do to help their toddler's nervous system change from a high alert state to a more appropriate low state at bedtime."

  Sensory Integration Dysfunction
  Site with lots of links on sensory issues.

  Sensory Modulation Training
  Site with information on sensory issues.

  Sensory Learning Center
  From the site: "At Sensory Learning Center International, we do not work with labels. We work with children and adults to improve perception, understanding and the ability to learn."

  Thera Products
  From the site: "Although Therapro originally offered specialty products and publications for mainly school-based and pediatric practices, today it provides products that address the needs of people in every stage of life, helping serve the occupational concerns of not only occupational therapists, but speech therapists, physical therapists, and educators as well."

  Willbarger Brushing Protocol
  A description of this protocol.

  Weighted Vests
  A site where you can purchase weighted vests.

  Weighted Vests
  A site where you can purchase weighted vests.

  Sensory Comfort
  From the site: "Sensory Comfort sells products for children and adults who have sensory processing differences (also called Sensory Integration Dysfunction, DSI, or tactile/sensory defensiveness)."

  Sensory Rooms
  From the site: "Sensory rooms and other art services."

  Book: Just Take a Bite
  Book with good information on helping a very picky eater.

  Magazine: S.I. Focus
  From the site: "S.I. Focus magazine is the first of its kind serving as an international resource to parents and professionals who want to stay informed regarding how to improve sensory integration and how to address sensory processing deficits."

  Yahoo! Groups : Sensory Integration Group
  From the site: "This spot is for the discussion of sensory integration (SI); for information, education, and therapy related to SI; for support of families dealing with sensory issues, children having behavioral and/or neurological difficulties, identifying triggers, and looking at solutions so everyone has a better quality of life as well as improved health. Whether you call it SID, DSI, out-of-sync, incredibly unique, different, my precious little one, or something else, this semi-moderated volunteer group is meant to provide practical ideas and support in daily lives."

  Yahoo! Groups : Sensory Integration Disorder Group
  From the site: "This group was created to provide a free space for discussion about therapies and everything that has to do with Sensory Integration Disorder (also known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction). Our aim is to provide info and support to parents, relatives, friends and professionals who deal with children who have SID/DSI."

  Yahoo! Groups : Underlying Causes of Sensory Integration Dysfunction
  From the site: "This group is for parents and professionals who want to talk about how to Treat the underLying Causes of Sensory Integration Dysfunction (hence TLC-SID). Sensory Integration Dysfunction can exist as a diagnosis all on its own and it can be a part of other diagnoses such as autism, attention deficit disorders with or without hyperactivity, pervasive developmental disorder, speech delays and disorders such as apraxia, learning disability, prematurity and Asperger Syndrome. Our group exists to talk about how to address the problems underlying the disordered sensory systems seen in children so that we can help get rid of their SI symptoms and help them function normally in all aspects of their lives. The underlying problems may be related to such things as nutritional deficiencies, immune dysfunction, heavy metal toxicity, vaccinations, cranial and upper cervical strains, and/or infectious agents (candida, bacteria, etc). The discussions of this group are related to diet, supplements, homeopathy, alternative therapies/treatments, medical testing or anything related to helping us understand the underlying problems so that they can be addressed most effectively."

  Yahoo! Groups : Sensory Integration Dysfunction
  From the site: "Sensory Integration Dysfunction is as difficult to deal with for the parents, as it is for the children that are diagnosed with it. Here, we can swap ideas and get support and advice on how to deal with your child, the school system, etc...All are welcome!"

• Echolalia Info
  From the site: "Echolalia is the repetition or echoing of verbal utterances made by another person. According to Prizant (1983) up to 75% of verbal persons with autism exhibit echolalia in some form. There are two types of echolalia: immediate echolalia and delayed echolalia."

  Wordfinding -- Ideas for people who have difficulty "finding the right word" when speaking
  From the site: "The purpose of this Word Finding Web site is to provide information about Word Finding for professionals, parents, and learners with word finding difficulties. Topics in this web site include definition, characteristics, assessment, intervention, and available course work."

  Encouraging normal speech patterns
  From the site: "As adult speakers we constantly make little mistakes when we talk, and then quickly correct them, almost without noticing. This process of self-monitoring and self-correction is called making revisions and repairs. Children with developmental phonological disorders are usually not very good "self-correctors", partly because it is hard for them to self-monitor their speech. The following strategies and activities can be used in order to encourage the development of self-monitoring and the ability to make revisions and repairs."

  Speechville Express
  From the site: "Welcome to Speechville Express. If your child has difficulty with speech, language, communication, or is a late talker, we hope you will find the website helpful. Our aim is to provide you with knowledge about available resources to help your child, or a child you care about who has a communication impairment or disorder."

  ** Ideas to help with coloring and drawing
  Here are some tips for helping the child who has difficulties with coloring and drawing.

  Handwriting Without Tears
  From the site: "Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) is the easy way to teach pre-printing, printing and cursive! It was developed by Jan Z. Olsen, OTR, an occupational therapist and handwriting specialist. She has more than 25 years of experience helping children and training teachers and therapists. HWT is an inclusive method for teaching children of ALL ability levels. Children love it. Also, it doesn't take any special training to teach the Handwriting Without Tears method. Parents and new teachers enjoy the simple and clear directions that make it easy to help children."

  Basic Handwriting for Kids
  From the site: "Learning to write numbers and letters are important tasks for children. It should be exciting and enjoyable activity through which children can experience success. Each lesson is featured on its own page, and kids are shown in simple steps how to write the numbers, letters, and sentences. Kids can trace uppercase and lowercase letters, and even blank sheets are provided for kids to practice more before their next lessons!"

  ASL Browser [sign language]
  From the site: "Welcome to Michigan State University's ASL Browser web site, an online American Sign Language (ASL) browser where you can look up video of thousands of ASL signs and learn interesting things about them."

  Riverdeep
  This site has been recommended for the Edmark reading program.

  Learn to Read at Starfall
  This site has been recommended for the Edmark reading program.

  Links to Language
  From the site: "LINKS to Language helps children establish attending skills and build competence in auditory memory, language processing and syntax."

  Sign language references from about.com
  From the site: "Sign language - ASL poetry, fingerspelling, sign language clubs, fonts, teaching, videos/CD-ROMs, signwriting, and other topics."

  American Sign Language
  From the site: "Feel free to use this site and learn from the various lessons and resources. There is no need to register or pay unless you want documentation to fulfill high school, college, or continuing education course requirements. I suggest you start with "Lesson 1," or check out the "First 100 Signs" mini-tour, or the ASL University dictionary. Enjoy!"

  Hand Speak
  From the site: "Handspeak™ is a subscription-based website, consisting of American Sign Language (ASL) online dictionary, lessons and resources, including Baby Sign, International Sign Language, Emoticon + Bodicon (facial expression + body language), gestures, manual alphabet (fingerspelling) and numeral, Sign stories and arts."

  Dynavox Systems
  Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) products

  Laureate Learning Systems
  From the site: "We have programs that train cause and effect, turn-taking, early vocabulary, syntax, cognitive concepts, auditory processing, and reading."

• AIT -- Auditory Integration Training [ARI]
  This is an article by Stephen Edelson of ARI. From the site: "Based on many of the telephone calls I have received at my research center, it is apparent that confusion exists about AIT. I am writing this letter to provide basic information about AIT as well as to clarify many of these issues."

  Scientific Learning: Products [Fastforward]
  From the site: "Fast ForWord Language™ (Fast ForWord) is an interactive, computer-based training program that builds the fundamental language skills critical for reading success and communicating in and out of the classroom. Developed by leaders in brain research, Fast ForWord Language helps students simultaneously cross-train multiple skills and adapts each exercise based on a student's progress to improve language and reading skills."

  The EASe "Electronic Auditory Stimulation effect" CD for auditory hypersensitivity
  From the site: "The EASe (Electronic Auditory Stimulation effect) disc series audio CD's are a digitally mastered recordings of properly licensed music, encoded through an auditory stimulation device. The EASe process consists of short, random bursts of high frequency energy precisely encoded into the music bed. The EASe process can have a relaxing affect on certain individuals, especially those who are sensitive to noise."

  Tomatis Auditory Stimulation
  From the site: "The Tomatis Method builds strong listening skills through auditory stimulation, to improve learning and language abilities, communication, creativity, and social behavior."

  Auditory Processing
  Information from my local support group leader's site.

  Online Directory of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Programs
  From the site: "This on-line directory contains valuable information about more than 4,000 programs that employ audiologists and speech-language pathologists who hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). ProServ also lists over 300 programs that are recognized as meeting the standards of quality care set forth by the Council on Professional Services Accreditation."

• Vision Therapy
  This is an ARI article on vision therapy. From the site: "Just as language and motor skills are achieved through a sequence of developmental stages, vision must also follow a progression of development. An infant is not born with the visual abilities that he will need in order to function successfully in his world. These abilities must develop through a variety of experiences across a period of time. At any point during this process, the visual development may be hindered, altered or completely stopped, sometimes by injury, illness, emotional trauma, lack of appropriate stimulation, or other unidentified causes. When language and/or motor skill development is interrupted, parents and teachers seek to identify the problem and intervene with therapy or training activities designed to assist the child in overcoming the delay. A similar approach is available to parents of children (or to adults) who have inadequately developed visual abilities."

  Vision Therapy Interview with a medical person
  This is an ARI interview with Dr. Melvin Kaplan, O.D., about vision issues in autistic children.

  Vision Therapy, Autism, and Sensory Integration
  From the site: "Too often, visual problems which would have been detected early in non-disabled children go undiagnosed and untreated for children with disabilities, perhaps because the visual examination would be difficult, or the child is not able to verbalize a problem, or the school's test showed "normal" 20/20 eyesight. Whatever the reason, all school aged children, including children with disabilities, should have a full visual examination."

  What is Vision Therapy?
  From the site: "Vision therapy -- a type of physical therapy for the eyes and brain -- is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for many common visual problems such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, double vision, convergence insufficiency and some reading and learning disabilities. Many patients who have been told, "it's too late," or "you'll have to learn to live with it" have benefited from vision therapy."

  Vision Therapy
  From the site: "Many vision problems such as eye movement disorders, binocular dysfunctions, focusing disorders, strabismus, amblyopia, and perceptual-motor dysfunction can be significantly improved through optometric vision therapy. "

  Many links about vision therapy
  This is a site of many links about vision therapy.

• ** My ABA Drills
  Certain of the skills I taught my son. Currently includes Reading and Potty Training.

  Potty Training Ideas
  From my local support group leader's site.

  TEACCH approach to toilet training
  From the site: "Many children with autism are difficult to toilet train. Parents and teachers have tried many approaches to teaching the children to use the toilet independently. Not all children respond to the same teaching techniques. A method that is helpful in one child's situation may not be useful in another case. TEACCH consultants are often asked for suggestions for successful toilet training. This article is the compilation of several experienced teachers' and consultants' suggestions about this area of programming."

  Autism Link: Potty Training
  From the site: "Potty training an autistic child can be a rather daunting task, but don't let it scare you. The key is to be consistent and persistent. Many of our children learn to become potty trained. It may take more effort and more time, but it will happen. Check out some of the links below."

  Book: Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders
  Good book with information on this subject.

  Bedwetting Store
  Online store with kits, alarms, books, mattresses pads, and other items.

• ** After-School Extracurricular Activities
  Question: My AS son does Tae-Kwon-Do once each week. I would like him to participate in another activity as well, maybe Boy Scouts. What are good activities, and how much is too much?

  ** Physical Education
  Question: Should physical education be required for AS kids, even if they do not enjoy it?

  Adapted Physical Education at PE Central
  This site gives information and adaptation ideas for physical education programs for individuals with disabilities.

  Adapted Physical Activity, Project INSPIRE
  This site has lots of information and activity ideas for adapted physical education for individuals with disabilities.

• NorthStar Foundation
  From the site: "At North Star, our clients are children whose challenges range from autism to serious medical conditions to grief over the loss of a parent; all these children have family members who are similarly affected and whose needs are factored into our services."

  Arf Kids
  From the site: "To provide disabled and terminally ill children Service Dog candidates that will be specifically trained to assist in the improvement of the quality of life and accessibility of the child."

  Canine Companions
  From the site: "Canine Companions for Independence is a national nonprofit that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships."

  Autism Service Dogs of America
  From the site: "ASDA is a non-profit, community based organization that provides uniquely trained service dogs to children living with autism and their families. The placement of a dog with the child enables the child and family to increase their mobility and socialization as a family, and the child individually. In most cases the dog accompanies the child at all times when the child leaves home. The dog goes to school with the child and the presence of the dog calms the child, reduces emotional outbursts and serves as a positive social link for the child to their home, school and community."

Practical Techniques

• ** Starting Out Homeschooling
  Question: My son is three years old but I don’t want to enroll him in public school. How can I start a homeschool program?

  ** ABA for Homeschool
  Question: How would I use ABA for my home program?

  ** My ABA Drills
  Certain of the skills I taught my son. Currently includes Reading and Potty Training.

  ** ABA and Social Skills
  Question: How would I use an ABA approach to teach social skills?

  ** Homeschool Recovery Story
  A severely autistic child who did better at home with his mother as teacher, than he did at public school.

  No Thank You, We Don't Believe in Socialization!
  An article about the "myth" of socialization.

  Socialization: A Great Reason Not to Go to School
  Research on socialization of children educated in schools vs. at home.

• HSLDA -- Home School Legal Defense Association
  Legal organization to protect your right to homeschool your children in the US. Also assists families in other countries but not directly.

  Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada
  Legal organization to protect your right to homeschool your children in Canada.

  National Center for Education Statistics: 2003 Homeschool Report
  From the site: "1.1 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2003"

• National Home Education Network
  From the site: "The National Home Education Network exists to encourage and facilitate the vital grassroots work of state and local homeschooling groups and individuals by providing information, fostering networking and promoting public relations on a national level. Because we believe there is strength in a diverse network of homeschoolers, we support the freedom of all individual families to choose home education and to direct such education."

  Home School Organizations
  A list of homeschool organizations by state and country.

  California Homeschool Network
  From the site: "California Homeschool Network is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the fundamental right of parents to educate their children. Our website provides information about CHN, current state and federal legislation affecting homeschooling families, and how to get started educating your children at home."

  Homeschooling Kids with Disabilities [maaja]
  From the site: "Homeschooling Kids With Disabilities offers information and support to people who have chosen to homeschool their children with special educational needs."

  Homeschooling Children with Special Needs
  Homeschool support on the internet.

  Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Resources: Special Needs
  A long list of links about homeschooling children who are gifted or have special needs.

  Uniquely Gifted -- Internet Resources for Gifted/Special Needs Children
  Good information on the education of children who are gifted and special needs.

  Marco Polo: Internet Content for the Classroom
  From the site: "Marco Polo provides the highest quality, standards-based internet content and professional development to K-12 teachers and students throughout the United States."

  Homeschool World: "The World's Most Visited Homeschool Site"
  This is the official site of Practical Homeschooling Magazine and The Big Book of Home Learning.

  Homeschooling Zone
  Homeschool information site for all families, including a large section on special needs children.

  Crosswalk HomeSchool
  Christian homeschool site with articles and information for successful homeschooling.

  The Learning Page
  From the site: "Learning Page provides a huge collection of professionally produced instructional materials you can download and print."

  K12 Curriculum
  From the site: "The award-winning K12 curriculum was designed to meet each child's learning needs. Whether you supplement with a single course or use all six for complete self-paced learning, K12 helps provide a solid home-based education for the most important child there is — yours."

  Christian HomeSchool
  From the site: "In summer of 1999 our family finished 12 years of home schooling. When we started out, there were only a few families in our area that taught their kids at home, only a few knew about or heard of the Internet, there were virtually no support groups and few places to buy curricula geared for a family at home -- and now look! Home schooling abounds everywhere you turn! Now it's reputable; ivy league colleges and universities are preferring home schooled students and companies are eager to hire them." Good site with lots of links and suggestions.

  The Moore Foundation
  From the site: "Hand in hand with homeschooling parents providing individualized curriculum, educational materials, and unit studies for Homeschool along with aid in learning disabilities, and gifted education."

  A to Z Homeschooling Website
  A very large site with lots of links and information.

  The Eclectic Homeschool Online
  A very large site with lots of links and information.

  Your Virtual Home School
  A very large site with lots of links and information.

  NATHHAN -- Home Schooling Special Needs Children
  From the site: "Home educating special needs children? Homeschooling challenged or disabled children has become an excellent way to provide a Christian education."

  Weird Kids
  Great site for homeschooling children with autism. Has lots of information, curriculum, and support.

  Homeschooling Children who "Aut" to be Home
  From the site: "We left the Navy in 1995 to homeschool our children. I will share ideas for people interested in homeschooling autistic children and for people supporting them."

  Learn in Freedom
  From the site: "This site is about learning in freedom, taking responsibility for your own learning."

  Timberdoodle
  From the site: "Timberdoodle Company has been meeting the needs of Home Educators for more than 18 years. We strive to provide only the best products at an affordable price. Please feel free to contact us with any questions."

  Teacher Tools
  From the site: "We at Teacher Tools have sought to provide functional and practical solutions for making the lives of the average Teacher a little easier. We offer a forum to share ideas, documents, and creations. The web was designed to bring people together, and we hope that we can in some small way act as a catalyst in bringing Teachers together."

  Yahoo! Group: AS Learning at Home
  From the site: "This is a list for families that are homeschooling full or part time, or those that are researching the option of homeschooling their autistic spectrum children. This is a great group of families from around the world and we all have different educational, child rearing and religious philosophies. If you can respect others differences then you are welcome to join. This is a high volume list."

  Yahoo! Group: AS You Like It
  From the site: "AS You Like It is a secular list for parents who homeschool, or who are thinking about homeschooling, children with Aspergers Syndrome, HFA, or PDD. Friends and relatives of these children are encouraged to join AS You Like It. People of all religious faiths and personal philosophies are welcome. We are an open-minded, forward-thinking, mutually respectful group of individuals, with diverse belief systems, who share the challenges and successes of parenting and homeschooling children on the autism spectrum. We share available educational and medical information, and reference materials. Our guidelines are simple--no religious references or signatures, and no soliciting in any form. Welcome all!"

  Yahoo! Group: Mom's Homeschooling Friends
  From the site: "Salutations, homeschooling moms... Grab a cup of coffee and jump in the conversation! We're here to support your homeschooling endeavors and to converse about anything (homeschooling or not) that comes up. WARNING: While homeschooling is a topic we are always happy to discuss, often conversations here stray from that discussion. This list is, for many of our members, one of the few "adult socialization" opportunities that they have in their busy days of educating children."

Labelling Your Child

• ** Labeling Your Child
  Question: I believe a child in my classroom may be AS. Should I discuss this with his parents?

  ** Obtaining a new label/diagnosis when child improves
  Question: My child has improved so much with diet and/or other interventions, I do not believe he still qualifies for the "autism" [or other more severe dx] label. Should I pursue a re-evaluation for a new diagnosis for him?

• Psychological and Educational Tests
  Common standardized tests for children with disabilities.

  Buros Center for Testing
  A site where you can purchase critical reviews of any tests recommended for your child.

• ** All-Autistic Classroom
  Question: My child started kindergarten in an all autistic class. I know there are several pros and cons of this. What are things I can look out for, positive and negative? He will be using the cafeteria after the first 2 months.

  ** Surviving the IEP Process
  Personal advice on how to survive your child's IEP meeting, and developing the most appropriate IEP for your child's education.

  Special Education Information
  IEP tips and advice from my local support group leader.

  IEP Tips for Children on Yeast Free/Wheat Free/Milk Free Diets
  From the site: "This handout was created by Lori Kornblum, a Wisconsin Attorney who is the parent of an adolescent with autism."

  Your Child's IEP: Practical and Legal Guidance for Parents
  Introduction, What Should be in my Child's IEP?, Law and Regulations, Practical Guidance for Parents

  Sample letters for the IEP process
  Letter templates to get you started with writing specific letters.

  IEP4u objectives
  From the site: "IEP 4U.COM has over 4000 free Goals and Objectives (IEP-ITP) each with changeable benchmarks. The Idea Statements are spread out over seven subjects (Domains) and four functional levels. Teachers, parents and students can now access objectives directly from this Web Site. Input key words, phrases, or test names in the search engine to find just the correct objectives for your students needs. Copy and paste any information you want, then modify the objectives (examples) to exactly describe the needs of your students. The kid section will give your students personal input to write their own objectives (with your help) and to play some interesting games as well. This information is free of charge and is designed to help you with the daunting task of writing proper IEP's. The data within this web site was written to correlate with the unique characteristics of various formal assessments. Since assessment is essential for the development of the IEP, specific questions were evaluated and idea statements written based upon those questions. Searching the data for idea statements by assessment will enable teachers to plan lessons based upon how the student scored on the assessment." Site also includes information specific to California.

  Goals and Objectives for IEPs
  Very comprehensive list of goals and objectives from the Oregon state school system.

  Special Education Department Sample IEP Goals
  Sample IEP forms, goals and objectives, procedures, and academic standards, from a school district.

  Developing IEP Goals
  Criteria for developing goals, checklist to follow, examples of goals and short term objectives.

  Individual Education Plan (IEP)
  An excellent site of information on how to prepare your child's IEP, and how to prepare yourself for the meetings.

  Preparing for your child's IEP
  Good info from my local support group leader.

  FAPE for the autistic child
  Good info from my local support group leader.

  Transition Checklist
  From the site: "Creating a Successful Middle and High School Experience for Youth with Asperger Syndrome"

  Accommodations and Modifications: Adjusting the Classroom Experience
  Accommodations vs. Modificiations for the IEP. Written by a school psychologist.

  Test Accommodations
  A table of test accommodations used in CA.

  Accommodations Manual
  From the site: "How to select, administer and evaluate use of accommodations for instruction and assessment of students with disabilities."

  Why Methodology Belongs in your Child's IEP
  From the site: "This article outlines the regulations which permit parents to discuss methodology at an IEP meeting."

  Sample IEP for child with autism/PDD
  From the site: "This is individualized and does not show all of the actual goals and interventions that are being done. As a skill is acquired - new objectives are to be added, it is not to be stagnant. As skills become easier the difficulty is increased. This also does not show goals for computer activities nor the augmentive communication devices (those are being worked on). It is VERY HARD to trust the district personnel at times that they will continue to meet your childs needs and keep it a fluid process, however we are at that point right now until they prove otherwise!! (Although that has taken us almost five years to get to that point!) Hope this is helpful."

  Yahoo! Group: IEP Guide
  From the site: "Special education support group with free IEP guide. [please have a large email acct. to recieve the guide]."

• Ten Common Mistakes Parents Make During the IEP Meeting
  

  Special Ed Advocacy: Mistakes People Make
  

• ESY -- Extended School Year Services
  Good info on ESY from Wrightslaw.

• Disability Harrassment statement from the US Department of Education
  From the site: "Prohibited Disability Harassment -- Reminder of Responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act"

  Bully OnLine
  Lots of information on dealing with bullies at school and work.

  Book -- Clare Sainsbury -- The Martian in the Playground : Understanding the Schoolchild with Asperger Syndrome
  From the site: ""The Martian in the Playground" is based on my own experiences and interviews with over 25 other people who, like me, have Asperger's syndrome (high-functioning autism). Although verbally fluent and sometimes of above-average academic ability, we face the same social/communicative and sensory disabilities as other people with autism. As schoolchildren, we were often baffling and frustrating to schoolmates and professionals alike, misdiagnosed or misunderstood, and met with hostility and rejection as well as incomprehension. The book describes the school experiences of children with Asperger's "from the inside" in a clear and accessible way in order to enable teachers and others to approach such pupils with greater insight and understanding. For far too many people with Asperger's - as one such person commented - "... all of school was either terrifying or totally boring...". I hope that this book may help to change things."

• Behavior Problems & Discipline
  An article from Wrightslaw.

  Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS)
  From the site: "We have developed the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) as an additional way to find out why people’s problem behaviors persist by assessing the influence of social attention, tangibles, escape, and sensory consequences on problem behavior. The MAS is a sixteen item questionnaire that assesses the functions or motivations of behavior problems. The sixteen items are organized into four categories of reinforcement (attention, tangible, escape, and sensory) described in the previous section. The MAS asks questions about the likelihood of a behavior problem occurring in a variety of situations (e.g., when presented with difficult tasks)."

  Addressing Student Problem Behavior
  An IEP team's introduction to Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans.

  Comprehensive Behavioral Support
  This site includes behavioral support information for individuals with severe behavior difficulties. Includes information on factors contributing to severe behavior, functional behavior assessments, childhood food refusal, and other difficult behavior issues.

  Functional Behavioral Assessment
  From the site: "This mini-web is designed to provide you with the resources needed to understand the usefulness of functional behavioral assessments and behavioral intervention plans in addressing student problem behavior, as well as what the law requires of school districts with regard to these topics."

  School Behavior.com
  Excellent site on behavior intervention.

• Dictionary for Parents of Children with Disabilities
  A 139 page PDF file!

  Alphabet Soup: Disability-Related Acronyms
  From the site: "Confused by the alphabet soup of disability-related documents and reports? Here's a quick guide to some of the more common acronyms in disability education, law, medicine and rehabilitation. Medical and psychological tests and medications are not covered."

  Special Education Acronyms
  Autism and special education acronyms, including some really funny ones.

  Acronym Finder search engine
  From the site: "The Acronym Finder is a world wide web (WWW) searchable database of more than 192,000 abbreviations and acronyms about computers, technology, telecommunications, and military acronyms and abbreviations." This site does not focus on special education acronyms, but occasionally you can find one here that you can't find in the "usual" places.

• Directory of Parent Centers
  Parent centers are private groups of parents helping other parents with issues related to children with disabilities. An excellent place to find an advocate who has been where you are, and knows how to find what you need.

  NAPAS -- Protection and Advocacy
  From the site: "The Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System and Client Assistance Program (CAP) comprise the nationwide network of congressionally mandated, legally-based disability rights agencies. P&A agencies have the authority to provide legal representation and other advocacy services, under all federal and state laws, to all people with disabilities (based on a system of priorities for services). All P&As maintain a presence in facilities that care for people with disabilities, where they monitor, investigate and attempt to remedy adverse conditions. These agencies also devote considerable resources to ensuring full access to inclusive educational programs, financial entitlements, health care, accessible housing and productive employment opportunities. CAP agencies (many of which are housed within P&A offices) provide information and assistance to individuals seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act, including assistance in pursuing administrative, legal and other appropriate remedies."

  The Differences Between IDEA and Section 504
  An overview of IDEA and Section 504.

  Comparison chart of IDEA, 504, and ADA
  A chart giving the differences among each of these laws.

  Overview of Section 504
  From the site: "The following Overview of Section 504 was written by David M. Richards, Attorney at Law, to serve as an introduction to the various duties imposed by Section 504 on public elementary and secondary schools."

  Wrightslaw - Special Education Law and Advocacy
  From the site: "Welcome to Wrightslaw! You'll find hundreds of articles, cases, newsletters, and other information about special education law and advocacy in the Wrightslaw Libraries. Parents, advocates, educators, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, up-to-date information about advocacy for children with disabilities."

  Special Education Law -- Reed Martin, J.D.
  Lots of information and articles by a special education attorney.

  The Way to do a Hearing
  An excellent page by Reed Martin on how to prepare for and present a Due Process hearing.

  Re-Examining Rowley: A New Focus in Special Education Law
  Interesting article, includes the following: "This paper presents a new and different perspective by exploring the Rowley standard for FAPE against the evolving backdrop of state educational standards and litigation about an adequate education under state constitutional law. Applying these standards to the analysis and reasoning in Rowley, this paper concludes that the "some educational benefit" standard no longer accurately reflects the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Rather, state standards and educational adequacy requirements provide the substantive requirements of FAPE, and these standards exceed the "some educational benefit" benchmark. This conclusion requires a fundamental change in the way courts, school districts, and parents should view special education services."

  Connecticut Guidelines for Education of Children with Autism
  Good info for any state.

  The ACLU Guide to Student Rights
  From the site: "Constitutional violations are far too common in public schools across the country.... Teachers and administrators have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for the students that is conducive to learning. They also have a responsibility to respect each student’s individual rights. These two missions are not incompatible. Simply put, students have rights too. Use the resources on this page to learn more and take action to protect the rights guaranteed to all Americans by the Bill of Rights."

  FindLaw - Your Online Legal Resource
  Legal information and research, federal and state cases and codes, website primarily for attorneys.

  COPAA -- Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
  From the site: "An independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization of attorneys, advocates and parents established to improve the quality and quantity of legal assistance for parents of children with disabilities."

  EdLaw -- Education Law
  Education law materials and online advocacy consulting service.

  Attorneys Who Represent Parents of Children with Disabilities
  EDLAW list of special education attorneys, organized by state.

  The Edlaw Center -- Text of IDEA, 504, ADA, FERPA
  Texts of statutes, regulations, judicial decisions and other useful materials.

  COPAA -- State Education Law Resources
  This page contains a compilation of Special Education Law State-Specific Internet Resources submitted by COPAA listserv members.

  The ACLU guide to the Freedom of Information Act
  Using the Freedom of Information Act, a Step-by-Step Guide, An American Civil Liberties Union Publication

  Taping phone calls and in-person conversations
  A Practical Guide to Taping Phone Calls and In-Person Conversations in the 50 States and D.C.

  Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act (FERPA)
  From the site: "(FERPA) sets out requirements designed to protect the privacy of parents and students. In brief, the law requires a school district to: 1. Provide a parent access to their child's educational records. 2. Provide a parent an opportunity to seek correction of records he/she believes to be inaccurate or misleading. 3. With some exceptions, obtain the written permission of a parent before disclosing information contained in the student's educational record."

  Special Education News: Covering breaking news
  From the site: "Special Education News answers a need in education for in-depth, timely news related to educating students with disabilities. The Web site and newsletter are journalistic publications centered on the news of the special education field. The Web site is also designed to offer unique resources to special education professionals in one convenient place. These include places for educators and others to exchange their views, find links to important information at other sites on the Web and keep track of news and events across the country."

  Yahoo Group -- COSEP, Coalition of Special Education Parents
  Yahoo group: "The Coalition of Special Education Parents (COSEP) is a discussion group whose dialogue is intended to be focused on the pre-school, elementary and secondary education of children having special needs. The sole purpose of COSEP is to provide a safe forum for the discussion of issues that affect children who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("the IDEA"). It is intended that the dialogue will assist its members in the all important process of achieving effective educational programs for their children. And, though its principal audience is expected to be parents, their advocates and attorneys are strongly encouraged to join and participate in the discussion as well."

  Yahoo Group -- Reed Martin SPED Law
  Yahoo group: "Welcome to the ReedMartinSPEDlaw listserv. Everyone is welcome in the discussion of special education laws and advocacy techniques." Also includes a chat room with a scheduled chat time with Reed Martin.

• IDEA Data
  From the site: "This web site provides public access to the most recent data about children with disabilities served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These data are collected annually by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs in accordance with Section 618 of IDEA. They are provided in the form of tables produced for the Annual Reports to Congress."

  IDEA Practices Home Page
  From the site: "Welcome! This site answers your questions about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, keeps you informed about IDEAs That Work, and supports your efforts to help ALL children learn, progress, and realize their dreams.... The IDEA Practices Web site is developed and maintained by Education Development Center, Inc.(EDC). EDC is a nonprofit educational research and development organization located in Newton, MA, with more than 250 projects around the globe. Throughout its 40 year history, EDC has been involved in numerous projects and programs focusing on children and youth with disabilities. EDC is working closely with CEC to create a resource-rich and highly interactive web site that will provide service providers and local administrators with information and support for IDEA-related concerns, issues, and strategies that work."

  LD OnLine: Learning Disabilities Information and Resources
  From the site: "The interactive guide to learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and children." Includes information on many disabilities, assessment and testing, special education laws and ideas, and message boards for discussion with other parents and teachers of disabled children.

  Special Education [about.com]
  Lots of information on special education.

  Education World® : Special Education Community
  Lots of special education and IEP information.

  Special Education, Learning Disabilities Resources
  From the site: "ISER is a nationwide directory of professionals who serve the learning disabilities and special education communities. We help parents and caregivers find local special education professionals to help with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder assessment, therapy, advocacy, and other special needs."

  Special Education Guide - Parentpals.com
  From the site: "Welcome to Parentpals.com Special Education Guide for parents and professionals. Ameri-Corp Speech and Hearing is pleased to offer special education support, special education teaching ideas and tips, special education continuing education , disability specific information and more. Therapists,audiologists, teachers, nurses and physicians contribute information on the following subjects: ADHD, autism, deaf and hard of hearing, emotionally disturbed, homeschooling, gifted, learning disabilities, mental retardation, orthopedically impaired, otherwise health impaired, severe and/or multiple disabilities, speech and language impairment, stuttering, traumatic brain injury and, visually impaired."

  SERI - Special Education Resources on the Internet
  From the site: "Special Education Resources on the Internet (SERI) is a collection of Internet accessible information resources of interest to those involved in the fields related to Special Education. This collection exists in order to make on-line Special Education resources more easily and readily available in one location."

  Web Sites: IEP's, IDEA, Special Ed.
  Preparing IEPs, IDEA, and inclusion.

  HIGH SCHOOL/HIGH TECH provides career paths for disabled youths
  This site is a Maryland program for high school youth with disabilities, primarily cerebral palsy. It is specifically for "Promoting science, engineering, and technology careers for students with disabilities", but gives some very good information and links for all people with disabilities.

  Net Haven
  From the site: "Net Haven is a small, vibrant community of parents, teachers and students concerned about the issues of raising and educating children with learning or attentional differences. Because of our size, we are able to address the unique issues of our participants. If a question arises that can't be answered by one of the people there in the chat, often we can find someone in the Net Haven community who can answer it. Because we hope to grow, we are able to add rooms so that each chat can remain small enough to remain helpful to everyone attending. Each of our hosts has specific expertise in one area and a broad background in LD and ADD issues."

• Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act
  From the site: "Privately-run child care centers - like other public accommodations such as private schools, recreation centers, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, and banks must comply with title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Child care services provided by State and local government agencies, such as Head Start, summer programs, and extended school day programs, must comply with title II of the ADA. Both titles apply to a child care center's interactions with the children, parents, guardians, and potential customers that it serves."

  Commonly Asked Questions About Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act
  A long list of common questions.

• ** Inclusion Recovery Story
  The story of a non-verbal child's improvement after being placed in a typical classroom.

  Kids Together
  From the site: "The Goals of Kids Together, Inc. include a desire to remove barriers that exclude people with disabilities. We support the belief that children with disabilities, like all children, have the need to be welcomed, cherished and embraced in our communities."

  Inclusion - Produced by the Renaissance Group
  From the site: "Inclusive education means that all students in a school, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses in any area, become part of the school community. They are included in the feeling of belonging among other students, teachers, and support staff. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its 1997 amendments make it clear that schools have a duty to educate children with disabilities in general education classrooms. This web site is designed for general education teachers, special education teachers, parents, and school staff to help provide some answers about how inclusive education can be accomplished. Resources for making accommodations are included as well as links to other web sites and resource lists for learning more about inclusive education."

  Building Inclusive Communities Main Site
  From the site: "This site is dedicated to supporting the work of people committed to strengthening democracy and creating communities in which ALL are valued, celebrated, where we all bring our differences of color, ability, wealth, culture to share with one another. We believe that we live in a society that creates enough abundance that all people can live well. We believe that people can build good communities, schools, care for one another, and live lives of productivity and enjoyment if we study our surroundings and decide how to realize this vision. We believe we can together to work towards these ends if we come together with common cause, work in small, local places to create images of new ways of being while simultaneously seeking to fight against injustice and oppression."

• Nat'l Academy Press, Educating Children with Autism (2001)
  An on-line book on educating children with autism.

  Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism, by Temple Grandin
  Temple Grandin's ideas and advice for teaching autistic children and adults.

  Room 5 -- Strategies for Teaching AS
  From the site: "Strategies for Teaching Students with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The following information has been gleaned from a variety of sources. It consists of information and ideas which have been used in my classroom. All suggestions do not work with all students. What works for me may not necessarily work in your classroom. If you have problem areas, maybe I can help. If you have suggestions, send me a note and I will give them a try and/or post them on the Room5 page."

  Resource Room
  From the site: "The Resource Room is a website with links and resources for learning, especially for people who learn differently or who have "learning difficulties" or specific "learning disabilities." There is a "Products Page" with educational materials for sale. However, the overwhelming majority of the resources on this site are lesson plans, articles, word lists, online times table practice and other resources posted in their entirety, for educational use. There are resources here to help you."

  Sites for Teachers
  Lots of information and lesson plans for teachers.

• US Dept of Education -- Order education publications online
  From the site: "Welcome to the ED Pubs On-Line Ordering System! This system is intended to help you identify and order U.S. Department of Education products."

  House Govt Reform Hearings -- SPECIAL EDUCATION: IS IDEA WORKING AS CONGRESS INTENDED?
  February 28, 2001

  U.S. Department of Education (ED) Home Page
  This is the homepage of the US Department of Education

  ED/OSERS: Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
  From the site: "The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is a component of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which is one of the principal components of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In addition to OSEP, OSERS includes the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). OSEP's mission and organization focus on the free appropriate public education of children and youth with disabilities from birth through age 21."

  National Assoc of State Directors of Special Education
  From the site: "The National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Inc. (NASDSE) promotes and supports education programs for students with disabilities in the United States and outlying areas." This site also includes a list of each State's Director of Special Education.

  National Center for Education Statistics
  From the site: Welcome to the K-12 Practitioners' Circle! This site is designed to make your search for National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and selected U.S. Department of Education (ED) K-12 resources fast, easy, and productive. "The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the U.S. Department of Education, is the primary federal resource for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations." As such, NCES offers a wealth of information for K-12 practitioners, which this Web site attempts to put it within easy reach."

  TRI -- Transition Research Institute -- transition from school to work for people with disabilities
  From the site: "Identifies effective practices, conducts intervention and evaluation research, and provides technical assistance activities that promote the successful transition of youth with disabilities from school to adult life."

• Friends of Special Schools - Service to Parents and the Community
  From the site: "This website is designed to help parents of special needs children to quickly find help and information." Includes information on finding help, information, an educational consultant, and finding a special school.

  The Help Group
  From the site: "The Help Group, one of California's leading children's organizations, is a family of non-profit agencies dedicated to serving children, adolescents, young adults and families with a wide range of special needs related to autism, Asperger's Disorder, learning disabilities, emotional development, mental retardation, and abuse and neglect."

  TERI Residential Programs
  From the site: "In 1980, TERI, Inc. was one of 13 agencies in California awarded grant monies to be part of a pilot project aimed at offering residential care under the ICF/DD-H (Intermediate Care Facility/Developmentally Disabled-Habilitative) Department of Health Services licensed model. We currently operate 9 homes in the North County area serving 54 adults and are in the process of opening a 10 th home for adolescent boys."

  Boston Higashi School
  From the site: "Our Mission -- Boston Higashi School, Inc. is the international program serving children and young adults with autism. Our philosophy is based upon the world renowned tenets of Daily Life Therapy developed by the late Dr. Kiyo Kitahara of Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Kiyo Kitahara's method provides children with systematic education through group dynamics, the intermingling of academics and technology, arts, music and physical education. The goal of this educational approach is for individuals to achieve social independence and dignity, and to benefit from and contribute to society. To enhance the understanding of autism through the implementation and application of Daily Life Therapy. Further, to promote autism education and research through the Higashi Institute for Professional Development."

  Heartspring
  From the site: "The Mission of Heartspring is to provide preeminent education, services, and supports so that children with disabilities can reach their maximum potential."

  The Bennington School
  From the site: "Surrounded by the Green Mountains in historic Bennington, Vermont, Bennington School offers a variety of therapeutic and educational services for socially, emotionally challenged boys and girls ages 10-18. A fully accredited educational program and comprehensive clinical and residential components are the center of the five campuses which total 51 acres. Bennington School's unique rural setting and its close proximity to culturally attractive urban areas provide numerous social, cultural and recreational opportunities to augment its programs."

  Mariposa School
  From the site: "The Mariposa School for Children with Autism is based on a model being followed by schools in California and Florida which are successfully providing one-on-one instruction to children with autism. We work with specialized consultants from the fields of speech and language, occupational, behavioral and educational therapies. This team of professionals, along with our program director, tailors and oversees each student’s program and provides guidance to our instructors who work with the children on a daily basis."

  Peterson's: Private Schools, Boarding and Day: Special Needs Secondary Schools
  This is the special needs secondary-schools page of Peterson's, "the ultimate education and test-prep resource". Here is from the main site: "Welcome to the most comprehensive and heavily traveled education resource on the web, brought to you by Peterson's--the nation's leading information services provider. Since its founding in 1966, Peterson's has helped connect individuals, educational institutions, and corporations with their goals through its critically acclaimed books, software, networking services, online activities, and special admissions services."

  Re-Focus, Inc.
  From the site: "Re-Focus, Inc. is a non-profit human service agency which serves adults with differing physical and developmental needs. We are an organization of dedicated people offering opportunities for growth in a loving, trusting, and challenging environment. We value and encourage the enhancement of the whole person each with unique talents and strengths. We also value the right of using these gifts in making informed life choices."

  Residential Schools, Homes, and Camps
  From the site: "Resources for autism, developmental delay, disabilities and special education residential schools and homes."

  Easter Seals Camps
  From the site: "Serving more than 76,000 people each year, Easter Seals camping and recreation facilities offer individuals of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the joys and challenges of summer camp in a fully-accessible setting. From campfire sing-a-longs and late night ghost stories, to boating, nature walks, swimming, and arts and crafts, Easter Seals camps provide all the excitement and activity available at mainstream summer camp programs. Easter Seals offers three types of camping programs nationwide to address the diverse needs of the children and adults they serve. Among the available programs are day, residential and respite camps."

  Kids Camps
  This site includes LOTS of camps for LOTS of types of kids. Examples include camps for: day, overnight, family, teens, sports, art, academic, special needs, military, and others.

  Camp Lee Mar
  From the site: "A special camp for special kids." Pennsylvania

  Special Camp for Special Kids
  From the site: "Special Camp for Special Kids provides a revolutionary educational and recreational summer day camp for youth with disabilities in one-to-one peer relationships with volunteer counselors."

  Therapy and Respite Camps
  From the site: "Information about summer camps that focus on therapy for kids with special needs and/or respite for the kids and their families." Includes USA and other countries.

  Camping Unlimited
  From the site: "Welcome to Camping Unlimited. We provide recreational activities and summer camping for children and adults with developmental disabilities."

  Surf Camp
  From the site: "Surfers Healing offers annual summer surfing camps for individuals with autism. These surf camps are designed to enable autistic children to gain self confidence skills as well as to promote the therapeutic benefits of surfing and its positive effects on the vestibular system." California

  Camp I Can
  From the site: "Camp I CAN-Camp Including Children with Autism Now--completed another successful and fun year in August of 2003. Over 115 children were treated to the time of their lives for one week of a fun, summer day camp. Each child had a one-on-one aide who assisted them throughout the week. Each day there were fun-filled field trips which included Pirate's Cove, Boomers, Knott's Soak City and a Beach Fun Day. It was the first and only camp experience for many of the children." California

  Kris' Camp California
  From the site: "Kris' Camp has been holding annual therapy intensive/respite camp sessions for children with special needs (thus far focusing on children with autism/autistic like challenges) and their families since 1995." California

  Ability First Camp
  From the site: "Ability First provides programs and services specifically designed to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives."

  Camp James
  From the site: "Every child's needs are different. Our warm and caring staff are carefully selected and trained to meet the needs of each child and to develop each camper's talents to their full potential."

  Special Camp for Special Kids
  From the site: " Special Camp for Special Kids provides a revolutionary educational and recreational summer day camp for youth with disabilities in one-to-one peer relationships with volunteer counselors. By providing an encouraging, loving, and fun environment, the Special Camp Program seeks to enrich our participants' social development, educational objectives, emotional well-being, and community awareness. Special Camp exists to inspire future generations to eliminate the stigma associated with the disabled community through the core principles of compassion, service, opportunity, and love."

  Dolphin Camp
  From the site: "The Special Needs Pathways Program is an individualized program designed for children and adults with special needs. Sessions are designed to help assist the individual work towards personal goals established by family and DRC staff. Entering into the dolphin’s world, educational and recreational activities are introduced to help increase motivation and enhance the personalized experience. Participants may learn to feel more positively about themselves in an environment that promotes fun, play and learning, which provides them with the opportunity to bridge that experience back into their personal lives. Most of all, they are able to have a fun-filled time away from the stress of medical, physical, or emotional concerns."

  The ARC, San Diego
  From the site: "Leisure Express Trip And Travel offers a full range of quality vacations for persons (18 and older) with developmental disabilities. A professional staff plans and organizes all vacations, which are staffed at a 1:3 ratio so our travelers can feel confident their needs will be met while away from home."

  Independent Living: disability resources and services
  From the site: "Website of the Institute on Independent Living. We serve self-help organizations of disabled people who work for equal opportunities, self-determination and self-respect. We offer training materials, technical assistance and information on personal assistance, advocacy, access, legislation and peer support."

  Independent Living Centers
  From the site: "Independent Living Centers are typically non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities." This site includes a long list of independent living centers from every state in the US and also many other countries.

  Centers for Independent Living Web Sites
  This site includes information and links for independent living