Browse the following articles for a variety of topics regarding quality child care and teaching strategies.
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Printable Articles by Tara
Invite Interaction! You become really interested in the concept of interaction when someone you love seems to be "in their own world". The following are the completed parts of a 12 part series in progress. I hope to help you experience the amazing benefits of learning positive ways to connect with that special individual in your life that is experiencing challenges. Written mainly from the perspective of supporting individuals who’d be considered on the severe end of the autism spectrum, you will also find the concepts applicable to other relationships as well.
Invite Interaction! (Part 1) Why is it difficult for children with autism to interact? How can we help? Reasons it's so important to open our minds to learning - you can make a difference (yes, YOU!). Make a choice to begin.
Banish Boredom Forever! (Part 2) - How to drop assumptions and judgments and start having FUN!. Asking yourself a few simple questions helps your awareness and creativity blossom, no matter what the circumstances. Claim your power.
Deciding to Trust (Part 3) - Learn how to say "I care" or "I love you" without needing anything in return. Find out how to make your time, attention, and care as supportive as possible by realizing the value of autonomy. Discover the freedom of letting go of what you can't control, and taking responsibility for what you can.
The Non-Verbal Dance (Part 4) - Actions are the foundation to all advanced thinking and skill development. Connecting through action is powerful and effective with children at any level.
Building Foundations for Communication (Part 5) - Three no-fail methods to making interacting easier and more enjoyable for both parties. Increase your understanding of "play."
The Wonder of Words... (Part 6) - Where is the child on the action>thoughts>words staircase? How to encourage that next step with compassion and FUN.
Choose to Celebrate (Part 7) - Discover the power of celebrating! I can personally testify, making this choice is one of the most amazing shifts you will ever make to improve your life. What a wonderful gift special children offer the world!
Links to Articles by Tara
WANTED: Hope In Action Hope Magazine Online was so kind to extend an invitation to share the story about my background and the creation of the books. Do you want to change reality? This article describes the extraordinary power of acting on our hope for children. It also explains why we should be aware of our beliefs, because they fuel our daily choices that can make a profound difference in the quality of life for everyone.
Books By Tara help Autistic Children This was written to introduce the books to the readers of www.autismlearningfelt.com - a blog that reviews and discusses books, games, and toys that are beneficial for children on the autism spectrum. This article is an informative, brief summary of how the books came to be; and how they can support interaction.Books-Connecting Beyond the Pages - Great picture books are one of the BEST tools for building social connections with children, including those most significantly challenged with autism. Written for the PediaStaff eNewsletter to share creative ways picture books can be used to build the social connections necessary for promoting language development.
Autism: 10 Tips for Everyone Concerned about the increase in autism? So am I! This is a journey we are all on, and it is my hope to create more awareness so we can all learn and begin taking responsibility. Future generations will be shaped by the choices we make today. Make informed choices – here’s 10 ways to create change for the better.
The Autism Diet Connection Diet can have a positively profound effect on some children’s ability to function –sometimes even a full "recovery" from symptoms. Here’s a summary of some of the ways nutrition is connected with the symptoms of autism.
Autism: 10 Strategies for Implementing Diet Changes If your child’s diet consists of Pop-Tarts and McDonald’s, than adjusting things may not be easy. Switching from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to eating nutrient dense, whole foods takes determination and a creative attitude. It may seem overwhelming at times, but here’s 10 ways to keep yourself out of the funny farm while you make improvements. You know in your heart that it’s worth it.
Is Autism Genetic? It's Not a Fight, It's Our Future Genetics does not dismiss society’s responsibility to learn from this increasing condition and take action. Genetics are involved in everything from hair color, freckles, diabetes, and heart disease – it’s okay to be genetically "different" –we all are! We can still learn ways to improve our ability to support the growing number of children and families who struggle to make it through each day. "Autism" is a profound teacher that can teach us all ways to make the world a better place for everyone.
The Son-Rise® Program Realizing my son would be considered severely "autistic" shortly after his first birthday I began seeking answers. By far Son-Rise® is the BEST program that I have found! I’d love to see more and more public programs utilize the amazing Son-Rise® attitude. It is the most respectful, caring, effective, and FUN way to approach working with children who have significant challenges of any kind.
Son-Rise Book Review Read my review on the powerful, true story of Raun Kaufman’s emergence from autism. Now the CEO of the the Son-Rise® program and Option® Institute, his life continues to impact the world. No magic pill at all, the Kaufman family’s lives demonstrate the power that our attitude, our choices, and love can make in our lives.
Researchers Find First Signs of Autism Even in Infancy Does my child have autism? This response to a Time Magazine post emphasizes that parents do not have to wait for an official diagnosis to "take action." Connecting and playing with your child supports development, and is especially important for the child who seems unresponsive to others. If you have concerns, learn how to support your child through programs that specialize in interactive and relational therapies.
Links to Articles Tara Likes
The World Needs All Kinds of Minds This is a super-inspiring 20 minute video of Temple Grandin describing the extra-ordinary difference a “differently thinking” individual can make in the world. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with children diagnosed on spectrum by using what is motivating to him/her to create fun learning experiences. The entire video is well worth watching, and the ending Q&A is simply beautiful. Temple Grandin is living proof that if we offer the right support to individuals with special needs, the entire world becomes a better place for everyone!
Inspiring Video and News Story about Team Hoyt - True Heroes This is a 5 min. 46 sec. video telling Dick and Rick Hoyt’s story, a father and some team that defy all odds and show how the power of love and drive to action can overcome any obstacle. Everyone who watches this video will be inspired and enlightened. It is my hope that we all learn to look beyond apparent “disabilities” to truly connect with the human being within – as this story shows, we can all learn and grow together. What can be accomplished together is nothing short of amazing. This is the video version of their story, and you can find the link to their official website to learn more listed with my favorite sites.
FREE Inspirational DVD of Three Families' Stories This is not an article at all, but everyone who has or works with a child diagnosed with autism should sign up to receive this FREE DVD of Jordan’s, Jade’s, and Kyle’s recovery stories. Jordan’s story “I Want My Boy Back” is a 50 minute BBC documentary of his family’s journey towards learning how to connect with their son and the amazing progress they all experienced. Kyle’s and Jade’s stories are each 20 minutes long, and are both video documentation of their experiences with the Son-Rise program from the beginning to the end – several years of reaching out are summarized in the most powerful, touching testimonials of how the right attitude and caring people can make a HUGE difference in the life of a child. Get this DVD and watch, it is amazing!
Videos of Son-Rise Provider in Action Check out what a program that focuses on interaction can look like - watch Julie Sando here. You will notice she is enthusiastic, at ease, spontaneous, and sensitive to both kids’ non-verbal and verbal communication. She believes in their potential, and it shows. Julie is an independant Son-Rise® Child Facilitator and Teacher and you can read more about her services at www.autisticallyinclined.com .
Printable Articles Tara Likes
Attitudinal Training – The Power of Thoughts and Feelings in Reaching Children with Autism– By: Steven R. Wertz and Kaitryn S Wertz. This article has been reprinted with permission from the Growing Minds Autism Programs located in Jupiter, Fla. Steven Wertz is trained in both ABA and the Son-Rise® Program . Kaitryn’s expertise is in Human Development and Mental Health. Both have over 20 years experience with families whose children are on the autism spectrum. I have printed and given this article to many, many people over the years in order to help them understand my son Jake better. I am thrilled to be able to share it with you. This is a must read for any parent, therapist, teacher and/or other individual who is blessed to interact regularly with an individual on the moderate –profound end of the autism spectrum.
