ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has become part of every educators lingo. Unfortunetly, sometimes we are too quick to assume that a child has ADHD. Some symptoms of ADHD are also found in other conditions.  The following photo essay, posted on cbsnews.com, explores 17 conditions that mimic the symptoms of ADHD.

Is it Really ADHD? 17 Signs Pictures

For Christmas, my husband got me an iTouch. It is to date probably one of the best material gifts that I have ever received. Having a 3 month old often makes it difficult to find quiet time in front of the computer, so my iTouch is my lifeline to my email, facebook, and international news. I have become quite attached to numerous apps. Among my favorite are apps that provide me with international news (written, spoken and visual), hurricane and tropical storm alerts, brain teasers and I even have an app that shows me the signs to teach my daughter baby sign language! My iTouch has also proved great for travelling. Beyond just listening to music or playing games, being able to access the internet when a wifi signal is available is great. I also anticipate that in the coming years my iTouch, or perhaps an iPad by then, will be a great "busy"' tool to have when travelling with my daughter. I will be able to download her favorite t.v. shows or movies as well as have interactive educational games easily accessible.
From the time I got my iTouch, I thought "Wow, what a great educational tool!" Beyond the ability to listen and watch educational podcasts and other programming, the amount of educational apps out there are phenomenal. I easily came accross communication apps geared towards children on the Autism spectrum. For this reason, I was not surprised to come across the following article.
iHelp for Autism, which was posted SFWeekly, tells us about a mother named Shannon Rosa who has a son with Autism that has recently been introduced to a new iPad. Although Rosa is still a little skeptical about whether the progress and successes that her son has shown since being introduced to educational softward on the iPad will continue, it is quite clear to see that her son has made major advancements. He uses the iPad to learn basic educational concepts, play games, watch movies, as well as read and see social stories. Social stories are often used with children with Autism to help them navigate through appropriate behavior in social settings.
Overall, research and anecdotes seem to suggest that children with Autism are drawn to iPods and now the iPad. As a teacher who has taught children on the Autism Spectrum, I understand how essential visual aids are. I have spent many hours finding pictures, printing, cutting and pasting, and it's exciting to see that with the iPad and iTouch, some of this work can be cut out, while still having a favorable outcome.  I have also used social stories, and can imagine that the success of social stories would increase when they can become more interactive and personal, as software for the iPad seems to do.
Rosa makes it very clear in the article that there is no quick fix when it comes to ''treating'' Autism. However, it is clear to see that the iPad has become a teaching tool and favorite gadget for her son.

iHelp for Autism

The following information comes from the Master's Academy in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. They are currently looking for ABA therapists to work with children who have autism. If you are interested, or would like more information, contact Nicole Cox.

The following is a description of the program and post provided by Nicole Cox.

Our program is structured to provide one-on-one therapy to each child varying from 20-40 per week, as diagnosis dictate.  We are an integrative program, and practice integration of each eligible child into neuro-typical classroom and playtime settings. The program began in February of 2010 with one Instructor Therapist and one child.  As of June, we now have two children enrolled and have added a Supervising Therapist who serves as an Instructor Therapist as well.  We have two children on our wait list.  We are searching for the following:  

1) Persons possessing a Bachelor's in Psychology or Education, interested in receiving training towards Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and becoming an  Instructor Therapist for children with autism between the ages of 2-5.  Must be willing to work in a Christian environment. Must be willing to commit to a minimum of a one year contract (post training completion.)  

2) Persons who are currently qualified ABA Instructor Therapists with at least one year of experience. Persons with Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Verbal Behaviour Training (VB) will be an asset. Must be prepared to service children ages 2-5.  Must be willing to work in a Christian environment.  Must be willing to commit to a 6 month contract minimum. Must be willing to conduct seminars instructing in ABA techniques and strategies for teachers, parents, and caregivers.  

Must be vibrant in presentation and possess a youthful, fit persona to keep up with the physical demands of the position.  Must be able to work with children with autism whom are low and high functioning, and with varying strengths and deficits. Must be able to manage a variety of behaviors.   Starting Salary: $2000 per month (non-taxed) Housing: provided for non-island residents Transportation: Available for non-island residents   Please email all resumes and inquiries to: npcox649@yahoo.com

 

The following information is from the Master's Academy in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Would you know if your child had AUTISM?
 
Here are some "Red Flags" to look for:
 
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
No babbling by 12 months
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
No words by 16 months
No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age
Autism is a developmental disorder that may affect 1 out of every 110 children worldwide. 
With early diagnosis remarkable progress can be acheived.
If this sounds like your child or a child you know, call us at 649.244.4870...
 
There is nothing to fear, if you are informed!
 
The Master's Academy
Long Bay, Providenciales
Turks and Caicos, B.W.I.
 

Autism is a growing concern in our society. More and more children are being diagnosed. Here is an article posted by TIME that outlines that we can make changes in our society to help children with Autism be exposed to events that may have been too difficult in the past.

Kids With Autism at the Movies