How Can We Help Prevent Bullying of Students with Autism?

February 2, 2012

A few years ago, I interviewed many adults on the spectrum for my book Autism Life Skills about what were the important areas that concerned them the most while growing up. High on the list was safety. Many of them described  feeling terrified  during their student  years.  Practically all  recounted instances of  being bullied.  A recent report from the Massachusetts Advocates for Children (Ability Path, 2011) shows that bullying is still a concern for most students: nearly 88% of individuals with ASD are bullied in school.

This is one of the reasons Autism College has partnered with the National Autism Association to put on a free online conference, Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention, sponsored in part by The Social Express. Dr. Lori Ernsperger will be presenting on The 3 R’s To Bullying Prevention for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Recognize, Respond, and Report, on Saturday, February 11, 10:00 – 11:30am PST (1:00 – 2:30pm EST).

Parents can help by ensuring that their children learn and practice social skills either through the IEP process or after school and at home. However, preventing bullying at school needs to be addressed systematically.   Dr. Ernsperger will provide research and specific strategies in order for parents and professionals to create a safe educational environment and follow the legal requirements set out by the federal government on bullying prevention for students with disabilities.  The webinar will be interactive. There will be an opportunity for those signed up to send in questions ahead of time or while listening to the program. Chantal Sicile-Kira will moderate the Q & A.  To register for free, go here. For more information about the conference, go here.

The learning objectives of  Dr. Ernsperger’s presentation are:

  • Recognize the statistics of bullying
  • Recognize the warning signs of victims and stereotypes of bullies
  • Respond to the victims of bullies
  • Respond to bullies effectively
  • Teach anti-bullying social skills
  • Report bullying incidence in school settings

Dr. Lori ErnsbergerDr. Lori Ernsperger is from Henderson, NV where she is the owner of Autism and Behavioral Consulting. Dr. Lori received her doctorate in Special Education from Indiana University. She has over 25 years of experience working in the public schools as a classroom teacher, administrator, and behavioral consultant. She is also an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College in Florida. Dr. Ernsperger currently provides staff development and conference workshops to school district personnel and parents.  Her workshops cover the following topics: Managing Problem Behaviors, Implementing Effective Instructional Methods, Designing Appropriate and Functional Data Collection Methods for the Classroom, Practical Strategies for Working with Individuals with Asperger Syndrome, and How to Get Your Kids to Eat. Dr. Ernsperger is the author of: Keys to Success for Teaching Students with Autism and Just Take a Bite: Easy Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges and Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Many thanks to our sponsor,The Social Express, “Social Learning Made Easy.”

Free -on-line Conference on Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention

January 14, 2012

[Updated! Registration is now live]

Autism College in partnership  with the National Autism Association (NAA) is presenting a free on-line conference on Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention.  Topics to be addressed are sexual abuse risk reduction, bullying prevention, suicide risk, wandering, and preventing the use of restraints and seclusion.

The on-line conference Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention  to be held in February,  will include presentations by  experts in the field of autism and  safety issues, and broaches sensitive topics with real life strategies.  There will be a question and answer session moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira following each presentation.  Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to help support  the emotional and physical health and safety of your loved one affected by autism. Schedule is as follows:

Saturday, February 11, 8:15am- 9:45am PST,  Dr. Nora Baladerian, Ph.D. will present “How  Can Parents Reduce the Risk of Sexual Abuse of Their Child or Young Adult?”.

Saturday, February 11, 10:00am-11:30am PST, Dr. Lori Ernsperger will discuss “The 3 R’s to Bullying Prevention for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Recognize, Respond, and Report”.

Wednesday, February 15, 6:00pm-7:30pm PST, Dr. Joshua Feder will discuss “The Problem of Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Autism and Related Disorders”.

Saturday, February 18, 8:15am-9:45am PST,  Wendy Fournier of the NAA will  discuss Wandering .

Saturday, February 18, 10:00am- 11:30,am PST, Pat Amos, M.A. will discuss Preventing and Eliminating the Use of Restraints and Seclusion.

For those unable to attend live, there will be transcripts available for purchase. Register here.

Celebrating Holidays: Autism College Q & A with author Ann Palmer

November 1, 2011

Join us for a free Q & A with author and parent Ann Palmer on Thursday, November 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 PST. (Sign up for our newsletter to register and we’ll send you information about how to ask questions in the newsletter).

Celebrating holidays together is a way that families stay connected and feel supported. Families living with ASD especially need the support and understanding of their extended family members. But family get-togethers, holiday gatherings, or large social events are typically very stressful for a family with a child with ASD. Ms. Palmer will discuss why these events may be difficult and what family members and friends can do to show their support and make the holidays easier for the child with ASD and the parents.

Ann Palmer is the parent of a 28 year old son with autism and has worked in the field for the last 20 years. She was the Parent Support Coordinator for Division TEACCH and the Director of Advocacy and Chapter Support for the Autism Society of North Carolina. She is currently a faculty member of the Carolina Institute on Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Ann is the author of three books published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent’s Guide to Student Success was written about her son’s experience at a large state university. Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned was co-authored with Maureen Morrell and is an excellent resource for parents and family members of newly diagnosed children. Her newest book, A Friend’s and Relative’s Guide to Supporting the Family with Autism: How Can I Help? will be released in June 2012.

 

Autism College to present free live Q&A with author Tom Fields-Meyer

September 10, 2011

Autism College will present a free live Q & A on Monday, September 19, from 6:00 to 7:00pm PST with Tom Fields-Meyer, moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira. Tom is the author of the recently published book: FOLLOWING EZRA: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love from His Extraordinary Son, moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira. Sign up for this webinar at the bottom of this post. The publisher has generously agreed to send a free copy of the book to one of the Q & A participants, so send in a question and you may get more than just an answer!   

About the book, from the Following Ezra website:

When Tom Fields-Meyer’s son Ezra was a toddler and showing early signs of autism, a therapist suggested that the father allow himself time to mourn.

“For what?” he asked.

The answer: “For the child he didn’t turn out to be.”

That moment helped strengthen Tom’s resolve to do just the opposite: to celebrate the child Ezra was becoming, a singular boy with a fascinating and complex mind. Full of unexpected laughs, poignant moments and remarkable insights, Following Ezra is the riveting story of a father and son on a ten-year adventure, from Ezra’s diagnosis to the dawn of his adolescence. An engaging account of a father gradually uncovering layers of a puzzle, it rejoices in each new discovery and exults in the boy’s evolution from a remote toddler to an extraordinary young man, connected to the world in his own astounding ways.

Unlike other parenting memoirs, Following Ezra isn’t about a battle against a disease, nor is it a clinical account of searching for doctors, therapies or miracle diets. Instead, Fields-Meyer describes—with humor and tenderness—the wondrous, textured, and often surprising life one experiences in raising a unique child.

“This story will illuminate the experience of parenting a child with autism for those who don’t know it, and will resonate with those of us who know it all too well,” says novelist Cammie McGovern. “There are blessings along the way, and Tom Fields-Meyer depicts them beautifully.”

About the author, from  the  Following Ezra website:

Tom Fields-Meyer has been writing stories for popular audiences for nearly three decades, specializing in telling meaningful and worthwhile narratives with humanity, humor and grace. In twelve years as senior writer at People, he produced scores human-interest pieces and profiles of newsmakers. He penned articles on some of the biggest crime stories of the day (from the O.J. Simpson trial to the murder of Matthew Shepherd), profiled prominent politicians and world leaders (Nancy Pelosi, Pope John  Paul II, Sen. Ted Kennedy), and demonstrated a pitch-perfect touch writing tales of ordinary people overcoming life’s challenges in inspiring and compelling ways.

Tom also lends his skills to help others to put their compelling personal narratives into words. He teamed up with the late Eva Brown, a popular speaker at The Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance, to write Brown’s memoir, If You Save One Life: A Survivor’s Memoir (2007). Wiesenthal executive director Rabbi Marvin Hier called the book “very significant and meaningful…an everlasting and important legacy…and a reminder to future generations that championing tolerance, justice and social change are everyone’s obligation.”

Tom collaborated with Noah Alper, founder Noah’s Bagels, the successful West Coast chain, on Alper’s memoir: Business Mensch: Timeless Wisdom for Today’s Entrepreneur (2009). Publisher’s Weekly said: “This earnest book shines with Alper’s conviction, business savvy and decency.”

In September 2011, NAL/Penguin Books will publish Tom’s memoir, Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism, and Love from His Extraordinary Son. Full of tender moments and unexpected humor, the book tells the story of a father and son on a ten-year journey from Ezra’s diagnosis to the dawn of his adolescence. It celebrates Ezra’s evolution from a remote toddler to an extraordinary young man, connected in his own remarkable ways to the world around him.

Tom previously worked as a news reporter and feature writer for the Dallas Morning News, where he covered the kinds of stories that happen only in Texas (shootouts in Country-Western dance halls, culture pieces on the State Fair) and once was dispatched to Nevada to investigate a road designated by AAA as “America’s loneliest highway.” As a senior editor at the Chronicle of Higher Education, he traveled the nation’s campuses and once convinced his editor to send him on a 10-day junket aboard a schooner in the Bahamas (an assignment he came to regret, not just because of seasickness). Tom’s writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and Esquire.

A graduate of Harvard University, Tom lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer, and their three sons.

To sign up for the webinar, please signup for our newsletter here. Already signed up for the newsletter? Click here

 

Free Q & A on Back to School Tips with Dr. Peter Faustino, moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira

August 9, 2011

By the end of the summer, most of us parents are happy to see summer end knowing our ASD children will have routine and a schedule back in their lives (and so will we).  But  we dread the stress related to the start of a new school year.  There are ways to lessen the stress and help prepare both your child and the teacher for a new and hopefully successful new school year.

Autism College hopes to help this year by offering you a two hour free Q & A with Visiting Professor, Dr. Peter Faustino, school psychologist, moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira. Both Dr. Faustino and Chantal have written on the topic and are looking forward to answering your questions and giving you tips to prepare your child, yourself, and the teacher for the start of a successful new school year! Whether your child is fully included or in a special day class there are ways to prepare and alleviate some of the stress of the transition from summer to school, especially when there are teachers new to your child or teenager.

Join Dr. Faustino and Chantal on Monday, August 22, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00pm PST on the topic : Tips for Reducing the  Back to School Stress for Children with Autism, Parents and Educators.

Dr. Peter Faustino has been working as a school psychologist for more than 12 years.  He is currently the President of the New York Association of School Psychologists (NYASP).  NYASP – the state affiliate of NASP (www.naspweb.org) – serves children, their families, and the school community by promoting psychological well-being, excellence in education, and sensitivity to diversity through best practices in school psychology.  Dr. Faustino joined the Bedford Central School District in 2003 to work at the Fox Lane Middle School. Dr. Faustino also maintains a private practice with the Developmental Assessment and Intervention Center (DAIC) in Bedford Hills, NY.  He presents frequently at national conferences, schools, and parent organizations.

To sign up for the webinar, please signup for our newsletter here. Already signed up for the newsletter? Click here.

Summer Updates

August 4, 2011

Recently I have been neglecting Autism College because I’ve been busy writing book #5:  A Full Life With Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence. This book, co-authored with my son, Jeremy, is all about creating a life for a young person with autism. It’s a practical guide – like all my other books- but is really driven by my son’s goals and dreams for his future. At 22, he has many of the same aspirations as any young man, and as his mom (read: biggest advocate) I feel it is my duty to help him create the life he wants to live.

Now that the manuscript is done, I can get back to Autism College; back  to creating a site with practical information and training you can use. First step: getting more articles in the free library (those will be in over the next few weeks) and creating some courses on autism and the teens years, plus the transition to adulthood. Doing the research to write A Full Life has given me lots of new information and tips, and I look forward to sharing them with you.

Meanwhile, Autism College will present a free live Q & A on Monday, August 22, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00pm PST with Dr. Peter Faustino, school psychologist, which I will be moderating.  The topic will be “Tips for Reducing the Back to School Stress for Children with Autism, Parents and Educators.”

More information to follow soon!

Free live Q & A on Tues July 19, 2011: Auditory Processing with Terrie Silverman.

July 5, 2011

Autism College will present a free live Q & A on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00pm  PST with visiting professor Terrie Silverman, MS, and with Chantal Sicile-Kira moderating. The topic will be auditory processing and autism, and Auditory Integration Therapy. Sign up below.

Does your child   have difficulty coping with specific sounds; struggle with understanding what he/she hears;or shut down or struggle when there is much background noise? Does he or she hum or talk to himself/herself; have trouble with articulation, sound flat without inflection; or have trouble understanding what you say?   Your child may have auditory processing difficulties.  Tune in to hear what Terrie has to say. You’ll have the opportunity to send in some questions. Sign up below.

Terrie Silverman, M.S. received her master’s degree in speech/language pathology in 1973 from Rutger’s University and was trained in November 1992 as an Auditory Integration Training Practitioner. Ms. Silverman has been working with children, adolescents and adults with autism and developmental disabilities since 1974, in public schools, private schools, state and private residential facilities, group home settings, as a consultant, and with multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, clinics, schools and state programs.

Ms. Silverman and her staff have provided Berard Auditory Integration Training throughout the United States to over 2800 individuals. Ms. Silverman was Director of a Richmond, Virginia nonprofit agency for 12 years, where she created several programs to support families who were raising an individual with a developmental disability. Ms. Silverman was on the Board of Directors and was a member of SAIT, the Society for Auditory Intervention Techniques, and when it developed into a worldwide organization called BAITIS, the Berard Auditory Integration Training International Society, in 2007, Ms. Silverman was elected to the Board of Directors. She is a long time member of the Autism Society of America (ASA) and Developmental Delay Resources (DDR), as well as many other disability organizations. Terrie Silverman is a Berard Certified AIT practitioner. For more information go here.

Free Q & A Webinar with Autism College Visiting Professor Brian King

June 5, 2011

Autism College will present a free live Q & A on Monday, June 13, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00pm  PST with visiting professor Brian King, LCSW. Sign up below.

Have you ever wished you had access to someone who could give you some advice on how to parent more effectively your child on the spectrum?  Have you ever wished you could ask an expert how to communicate more effectively with your child?

Sign up for this free Q & A (sign up for our newsletter to receive instructions or check back here) and you’ll be able to ask questions from an experienced  therapist who has Asperger’s Syndrome. As an adult with Asperger’s and ADD, the husband of a woman on the Spectrum, as well as the father of three boys on the Autism Spectrum, Brian has the most comprehensive experience around regarding living on the Autism Spectrum.

Brian R. King LCSW  consults and speaks professionally nationwide, providing groundbreaking insights and strategies for bridging the communication gap between those on the Autism Spectrum and the rest of society. As a Presenter, Coach, and Mentor Brian trains his clients, ranging from parents, teachers, job coaches and individuals on the Autism Spectrum to develop and implement customized communication strategies for increasing collaboration.  Brian is known for his interactive speaking style which emphasizes dialogue with participants. He is very direct, authoritative, creative, positive, supportive, solution focused and nonjudgmental. He focuses his content on providing concrete strategies participants can apply immediately.

Brian’s thoughts have been cited in various books and publications including Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More – 10 Essential Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves to Learn.

Brian’s latest book, Let’s Relate: 
Strategies for Building Meaningful Relationships with People 
on the Autism Spectrum, will be published by  Jessica Kingsley Publishers in 2011.

For more about Brian, go to www.SpectrumMentor.com.

Sign Up

Free Live Webinar with Dr. Ricki Robinson – Autism College Visiting Professor

April 18, 2011

Autism College will present a free live Q & A on Monday, May 2, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00pm PST. Sign Up for this webinar here.

Have you ever wished you had access to a pediatrician who knows a lot about autism – including biomedical therapies and treatments ?  Have you ever wondered what a medical professional has to say about the importance of vision processing and  why assisted typing works as a communication tool  for some children with autism?  Sign up for this free Q & A and you’ll be able to ask questions from an experienced  pediatrician who is an expert in the field of autism.

Autism College is pleased to announce that our first  visiting professor  Q & A will be with  Ricki G. Robinson, M.D., M.P.H, author of the recently published Autism Solutions: How To Create a Healthy and Meaningful Life for Your Child.

Dr. Robinson,a pediatrician, has been providing hope and help for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders for more than 20 years. Her integrative, strengths-based approach to treatment includes a thorough evaluation of a child’s medical, developmental, social, emotional, behavioral and educational issues to find the solutions that maximize his health and well-being. In Autism Solutions, Dr. Ricki, as she is known to her patients, explains how to establish a team of professionals who can work with the child to give him or her the opportunity to live well, learn, interact and thrive.

Dr. Ricki Robinson is co-director of Descanso Medical Center for Development and Learning in La Canada, California.  She is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Keck School Medicine of USC and Senior Attending Physician at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.  She has been in private pediatric practice for over 30 years, specializing in children with developmental delays for over twenty years.  Dr. Robinson received her M.D. degree in 1973 from the University of Southern California.  She trained in pediatrics at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, having served as Chief Pediatric Resident for CHLA in 1976.  She is Board Certified in Pediatrics.  In 1988 she received her MPH from the University of California at Berkeley School of Public Health.

She has been actively involved in the field of autism since 1990, developing  multidisciplinary educational and medical programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and devoting endless hours in education, legislation and research efforts on a national level.  She is a founding board member of Cure Autism Now (now Autism Speaks) and the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL), and currently serves on the Scientific Review Panel of Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism advocacy organization.  Dr. Robinson organized and chaired the first nationally recognized task force to define the standard of care for clinical trials in autism.  The results of this outstanding effort were published in CNS Spectrums (January 2004, Vol. 9, #1).

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