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Here’s the news this week:
Dennis Debbaudt – The leading global voice on autism training for law enforcement and emergency responders on The Coffee Klatch
Dennis Debbaudt is the leading global voice on autism training for law enforcement and emergency responders.
Special Needs Trusts: Estate Planning Is Crucial for Ensuring the Future of Your Autistic Child
A few weeks ago I spoke with Laura Hoffman-King about Conservatorships for Special Needs Adults. This article focuses on another legal and financial issue facing many families – Estate Planning when you don’t think you have an estate.
But for the majority of American families – those earning about $65,000 a year for a family of four – a special needs trust is crucial. These families typically have very little in tangible assets, second mortgages on their homes, and little to no savings (likely due to paying for costly therapies). But even though they not wealthy, their children aren’t used to relying on government assistance. And they often have life insurance (mostly term life insurance or employer provided), which may be valuable. Estate planning vehicles like special needs trusts can ensure that this life insurance will in fact be available to retain their child’s quality of life.
The Story of our Autism Service Dog Paula…
I’ve been reading a lot of stories about service dogs for people with Autism. I like this article because it explains how the process of getting a dog works as well as the realities of using one – the good and the not so good, but not really bad. Do you have a Service Dog for your Special Needs Family Member? Please comment and let us know how it is working for you.
Anyway, that the gist of what she does. It is not miraculous. It is not a cure. It is not perfect. But she is IMMENSELY helpful. My wife and I were NOT dog people growing up. And Paula has been a WONDERFUL addition to our family. She is our daughter.
Lip-Reading Discovery Could Aid Autism Diagnosis
It was long believed that babies learned to talk by listening. But new research suggests that youngsters lip-read, a development that could have implications for diagnosing autism earlier.
Study looks at how kids with autism spend their screen time
Nothing about this surprised me. I see it with Matthew daily. I mean, if you understand the diagnosis of Autism, then the conclusions this study draws seem logical, at least to me. Still, it’s an interesting article.
“We found a very high rate of use of solitary screen-based media such as video games and television with a markedly lower rate of use of social interactive media, including email,” Shattuck says.
Durham University lead research in the battle against autism
Matthew doesn’t talk things through in his head, he thinks “out loud”. Even so, this articles has some interesting ideas.
A study led by Durham University found that if children with the condition were encouraged to “talk things through in their head” when solving complex everyday tasks then it would help improve their communication skills.
Autism roundtable, Part I: Angry parents, disability rights, and living in a neurotypical world
Fascinating article with much “food for thought”.
A Good Influence
Share this with your child’s mainstream classroom teachers so they can share it with other parents.
Making friends at school can be hard for any child, but it is especially difficult for children with autism. Most parents and clinicians focus on teaching these children how to navigate social rules. But another effective way to help students with autism in mainstream classroomsmay be to train their classmates in how to engage with them, suggests one new study.
If you have found any great resources or stories, please share them in the Comments Section.
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