Important Research on Autism

Over the last week I have seen several articles with exciting new research on finding markers for autism at an earlier age.  As an increasing number of children are diagnosed with autism now, I am hopeful that we can find ways to identify children at a younger age and begin treatment at an earlier age.  I have seen the remarkable difference that early intervention can make in a child's life.  This article highlights research done right here in Atlanta at the Marcus Autism Center.  Very exciting!

http://sfari.org/news-and-opinion/news/2013/classic-sign-of-autism-appears-in-early-infancy-study-says

The Importance of Free Play for Social Skill Development

This article makes a really compelling argument about how kids today are missing out on learning social skills because they do not have the same amount of free play that we did growing up.  It is a long article, but well worth the read.  I wish I could gather up a pack of neighborhood kids right now for a game of "kick-the-can"!

http://www.aeonmagazine.com/being-human/children-today-are-suffering-a-severe-deficit-of-play/

Kids Enabled October Resource Fair

If you don't know about the Kids Enabled website it is a great way for families living in Metro Atlanta to find resources for their children.  This fall they are holding a resource fair in Sandy Springs.  It's a great way to find out about many resources and meet representatives from those organizations in person.  There are also fun activities, music, and food for kids and adults to enjoy.  Here is the link to more information:

http://www.kidsenabled.org/events/food-thought-kids-enableds-fall-resource-festival

What Is Your Child's Learning Style?

Summer has flown by and it's time to start preparing for the back-to-school crunch.  One thing I have become aware of as I have worked with my two children over the summer with reading and math, is just how different each child learns.  I have always known this to be true, but now I have experienced how you need completely different strategies for teaching a visual learner than you do for a kinesthetic learner.  Here is a great article that explains the different learning styles as well as tips for how to assist each type of learner with homework.

 http://www.schoolfamily.com/school-family-articles/article/826-what-is-your-childs-learning-style

Discovering Your Child

I found myself tearing up reading this article.  The author beautifully describes the journey of all parents:  figuring out who your child is with all their strengths and weaknesses.  This child happens to have Down syndrome.  But it is true for all of us:  our children bring so much to our lives just by who they are.  

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-06-26/opinion/ct-perspec-0627-downs-20130626_1_down-syndrome-facts-fresh-beat-band

Fun Activities for Practicing Math Skills

Happy Summer!  While school is out, it's always hard to keep children from forgetting what they have learned over the past school year.  This article gives some simple activities for practicing math skills wherever you are this summer.  There is also a link to a 43-page booklet from the U.S. Department of Education on more activities to promote math skills for preschoolers up to 5th graders.  So, while you are enjoying road trips, lazy days at the pool or carpools back and forth to various summer camps throw in some fun and easy math practice!  Just click the link below:

http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/homework-study-skills/fun-activities-elementary-math-skills?utm_source=newsletter_june_25_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_content=dearreadertext&utm_campaign=ldnews

Dysgraphia Questions and Accomodations--Part Two

Here is the second part of the article that I posted earlier this month about Dysgraphia.  Be sure to also click on the link for dyslexia resources found under the first answer about accommodations.  This article has a wealth of information about how to work with children who have dysgraphia.  Good summer reading as we prepare for next year's 504 and IEP meetings!

http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/dysgraphia-accommdations-faq-questions-answered?utm_source=standalone_june_1_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=weekendblog