Tara's Favorite Sites
Great Stuff for Kids
Memetales is a fun, online community for sharing children’s books and extension activities. Simply Sign Up or Log In to preview full versions of a variety of books online for FREEEEE. (You click on the book cover and “turn” the pages). After previewing books several times, there is always an option to buy the book (online or hardcopy versions). While you’re there, make sure you check out the online version of the WATER book by Tara!
Download Hans Wilhelm’s children’s books for free from this site (to print out or present in others ways you find useful). Many books are available is several different languages. Permission granted for non-commercial use only.
The Scanimation Matching Game Rufus Butler Seder has created some FUN books for kids of any age. The illustration MOVE!!!! Slight movements of the pages make horses gallop, penguins waddle, girls do cartwheels, and monkeys swing from trees… all kinds of action! Here’s a free little matching game kids can play on the computer to get a taste of the fun.
Parents, teachers, and children ALL love www.Starfall.com. This site has a ton of free, educational, easy-to-play games for kids that support letter recognition and reading skills. It is fun for a variety of ages, and even entertaining for adults too. The predictable, highly motivating activities are awesome for providing kids lots of repetition if needed, and they can move to the more challenges activities as they are ready.
My StoryTown This is cool site, all free, for kids. It has a story section, games, cyber show-n-tell section, and even a theatre! The theatre includes all the old School House Rock videos, Dr. Suess, and many more. This site is just loaded with fun things for kids to do. It’s brand new, so keep checking back to see what they’ve added.
Great Stuff for GrownUps
GrandCanyonSouth.com If you are planning (or would like to plan) a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, here’s some interesting information to help you out. Includes posts about hiking, keeping children safe, and other various tidbits to help you experience a fun adventure for everyone.
Joe Vitale used to be homeless. He now offers an enormous amount of books, ebooks, products, and FREE (yes, its true) information about how to use the “law of attraction” in business and life. He’s a web marketing genius, and if someone as “green” as I am can understand his materials, anyone can! His materials are fun to read, full of valuable ideas, and often ooze honesty and love. If you’re looking to improve your writing, marketing, and/or ability to attract your life desires; check out this guy’s abundant harvest!
Perfection Printing is located in Fairfield, Ohio. The people here are awesome! Their work is top notch. They transform my construction paper, glue stick/double-taped, home-made creations into sleek, polished books that I can offer to others. If you are in need of printing services, check out these folks.
While BooksByTara features interesting scenes often accessible everyday, the photography of Mike Teeters features some gorgeous scenes from around the world! Check out some of the beautiful sights from his travels here.
Candace and DavidPaul Doyle have dedicated their life to teaching others how to recognize all the various ways God speaks to us. They offer free inspirational daily quotes and introductory information to get you started. Improve your communication skills with the Voice for Love, it is easier than you think.
Jennifer Rothschild lost her sight as a teen. This began her journey towards becoming one of the most inspirational humans walking the planet! She’s funny, normal, and an awesome story teller. She’s also brilliant at explaining the profound “gifts” from God within challenging experiences.
If you’re looking to create a site or update your site check out Holly Laiveling’s services. She’s exceptionally skilled at listening and creating a personal, full-featured site at very reasonable prices. Check out her portfolio!
The Option Institute was created to help people become happier, clearer, and “live an extraordinary life” They specialize with helping people find peace within adversity. Books, tapes, DVDs, and adult programs are available to help people learn how to explore their beliefs and discover true inner power.
Autism is a journey we are all on. Many people are not aware of the impact this condition is shedding on every aspect of our lives. Those of us who live with autism every day have learned that despite the challenges, these individual’s lives have so much to offer. It is up to us to receive what they have to give. Here is a link to my first post on the subject. I am grateful to Dr. Nicole Sundene for the opportunity as a “mom expert” to represent children who can not yet speak up. My deepest mission in creating the books is to help all children develop their voice so they can speak for themselves.
This is a site exclusively with free give away offers. Check out how you can win some cool free stuff (including some Books By Tara) or run a give away to promote your product/website! Stefanie and Claire are fun and easy to work with, as well as busy moms themselves.
If you work with children ages 18 months -5 years, check out the Itty-Bitty Bookworm Curriculum! Tara Rison, an Early Childhood professional with extra-ordinary credentials has teamed with several passionate teachers to develop an easy to use, fun, high-quality program to support others who work with young children. Both home and center based child services can benefit from using this comprehensive curriculum committed to excellence for young children. BooksByTara.com is honored to included in the Itty-Bitty Bookworm Curriculum.
www.PediaStaff.com is a “nationwide, niche-oriented staffing company focusing on the placement and staffing of pediatric therapists.” If you are a pediatric speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, related assistant, or school psychologist and/or an organization seeking someone with those qualifications –check PediaStaff out! Full time, part time, contract, direct hire, temp to direct, hourly PRN, and per visit are all covered as well as a variety of a settings. Their site also provides valuable, on-going information and articles from a variety of specialists in the field. Click to read Books-Connecting Beyond the Pages by Tara McClintick
Special Needs & Autism Information
Amalia Starr is a family consultant, motivational speaker, and author of the amazing story Raising Brandon – an autobiography of her struggles in raising a son challenged with epilepsy and autism. With Brandon now thirty-six years old and living successfully and independently, she is “is on a mission to tell the story of people who live in the shadows.” Her goal is to bring hope, solutions, answers, and emotional relief to families raising a child with significant special needs. Amalia shares Brandon’s and her own experiences, successes, and challenges in a totally honest, detailed, and beautiful way. Visit her site to schedule a phone consultation or attend one of her presentations, workshops, or training sessions for creating a path to independence for adults with autism and other special needs.
Stephen Shore was diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies" and non-verbal until four years of age. It was recommended he be institutionalized. Fortunately his parents didn’t listen, and Stephen received the care and support he needed to thrive and shine. After completing his doctoral dissertation at Boston University, Dr. Shore is now a professor at Adelphi University teaching courses in special education and autism. He is also “President emeritus of the Asperger’s Association of New England”, and “serves on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, for the Board of Directors for Autism Society of America, Unlocking Autism, MAAP, the College Internship Program, and USAAA.” He presents and consults internationally on the various issues and challenges individuals with autism face, particularly adults. Dr. Shore says, "Adults with Autism : We spend 70 to 80 percent of our lives as adults, folks." He is the author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, and the critically acclaimed Understanding Autism for Dummies. Please visit Dr. Shore’s website for more information on specific programs for individuals with autism, Dr. Shore’s speaking schedule, and more information on this amazing individual and advocate for those living with autism and related conditions.
Hope Magazine Online is a wonderful resource for anyone who loves, cares for, or works with individuals with autism and/or any other type of special needs. The editor is an education professional who has a son diagnosed on the autism spectrum. She created the magazine in hopes “to bring awareness, understanding to all who wish to learn, to provide an avenue of sharing without criticism or condemnation, and to support other families.” Visit the www.hopemagazineonline.com to sign up for a free subscription where you can discover all kinds of helpful information and stories from families and professionals. They are also building a state directory to help families find local services to meet their needs.
“Autism Bites & Rocks & Bounces & Yells” The Kirton Family knows tons about autism. How? Because they have six children, YES SIX, with different diagnosis on the autism spectrum. They have found what the kids eat and drink to have a significant impact on symptoms. Read more about their family, resources they recommend, and find some amusing T-shirts at their website www.autismbites.com.
www.piecingittogether.com was created by Melanie - the proud Mother of Lauren Grace, a child with Autism. She wants to offer others “a line of quality, unique Autism Awareness merchandise. By incorporating the puzzle symbol into our everyday lives, we are given additional opportunities to educate those who have not yet encountered Autism, while showing our support to other families in the Autism community. In my search for quality and meaningful products, I've met many talented artists and craftsmen. Together we've designed many of the items offered in this web-store, some of which are custom and can only be found here.” You can shop online or go to see her products in person or at one of her shows in the Southern Ohio/Northern Ky area.
"The mission of The Autism Angels Network is to provide children on the autism spectrum with individualized, non-invasive, natural medical treatment and support; to promote their healing,
which in turn will help unlock their potential.” Tanya Kent founded www.autismangelsnetwork.org to provide hope and help for other families after her son, Jake’s, miraculous improvements in his late teens. Read Jake's story to learn more. Donate or shop the Autism Angels Amazon store to support other families in their journey towards recovery and unlocking each child’s full potential. I am very excited to be participating on the board of this growing non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who live with autism.
I just discovered this site for social modeling videos – I plan on trying some with Jake in 2010. Videos are available for children age 2-17. Knowing how making concepts visual as well as providing repetition can help kids learn, these could be a valuable resource for families and/or education programs.
The doctors warned this father that his son would live his life as a vegetable, and recommended they institutionalize and forget about him. This father didn’t listen. The story of the father/son Hoyt team is one of the most touching, inspirational testimonies to what can happen when you believe in individuals with apparent significant physical/functioning challenges. Too often we limit each other and ourselves because of fear of the unknown vs. supporting each other by learning how to create new ways to make each others dreams come true. Please watch the 5 min. 46 sec. video of Dick and Rick Hoyt’s amazing journey in the Links that Tara Likes section. This is the official link to their site where you can learn more and offer your support to Team Hoyt.
Kyle Westphal has recovered from autism. There is a free DVD that documents his remarkable story. This site is designed to gather information to help other families find their unique answers for their child. Find new information and share your story to help others.
Son-Rise is a book, a 70’s TV movie, and an amazing attitude regarding the gift of a special child. Miracles do happen, and love is always the answer. This is the most accepting, respectful, and joyous program for working with children. Everyone learns, and it changes lives!
This site provides advocacy and high quality early childhood programming for low-income children and their families throughout the state of Ohio. BooksByTara.com is proud to be a cooperate partner with the Ohio Head Start Association, Inc.
An awesome resource for explanations and ideas to support children with severe relating and other challenges. Learn how to help children climb the development ladder step by step in compassionate and empowering ways.
Jonathan Levy teaches parents ten specific strategies to connect deeply with a child who has trouble relating to others. Jonathan is gifted at explaining things in an easy to understand way and gives plenty of examples. He is LOADED with experience working directly with children as well as parents.
I love the free, downloadable articles on this site, especially the one titled “Extraordinary Parenting.” The average parenting/teaching skills do not work for all children. Parents and teachers of children with challenges have been called to step up and learn!!!
Autism Enrourage is a team of people with a common interest: spreading hope and inspiration to as many people as possible. We believe anything is possible for all children with Autism and related challenges. Most of us have either completed training programs at The Autism Treatment Center of America or have adopted a similar philosophy. This site was designed to create the easiest possible experience for parents and professionals to connect. I am thrilled to be included with this incredible group – please check out the other resources and information here, I highly recommend them.
Julie Sando is an independant Son-Rise child facilitator and teacher. Here you can learn more about her, watch inspiring videos of her working with children, and review her services and prices. Her site also includes some awesome resources as well as link for families looking for volunteers.
Natural Learning Concepts also provides products that support and promote learning for individuals on the autism spectrum. Their site also features a section called “The Greatness of Autism” which includes information on how to support individuals as well as fascinating interviews, articles, and employment information.
Social Stories are illustrated books to show a wide range of social situations. Each book addresses and explains a common routine activity. Social stories are designed to help prepare children ahead of time, and support their success in understanding what to expect.
A caring, concerned grandmother, Gretchen Wilson (Click here for Sean and Gretchen's story) founded the Sean Ashley House. Named after her grandson who is both autistic and blind, the house is designed to be a “model” home for individuals with autism, blindness, and/or other multiple challenges. Daily programming provides all kinds of fun, therapeutic activities such as swimming, horseback riding, music, exercise equipment, and community outings. The Sean Ashley House is located in Houston, Texas. Click on the link to read more and/or make a donation. Gretchen’s story is an awesome testimony of how one person can make a huge difference in the lives of many.
Health and Nutrition
Dr. Mercola’s website www.Mercola.com is amazing – sign up for the free eNewsletter to the get the full truth on the latest health news. Dr. Mercola has dedicated his life and this site for giving people unbiased health info. that is not paid for or supported by big pharma or the food industry. You can search health topics easily for a wealth of information. You can buy quality nutritional products as well as safe bug repellants, sun screens, and other products to support a healthy lifestyle.
Ed and Pat are grandparents who have created this very informative site www.naturalhealthstrategies.com. Here you can find research on vaccines safety, the dangers of soy, healthy cooking oils and more. “Yes, we all need to know how to have healthy children. My passion for kids has developed into a passion for health for all of us and now extends to our dear world.” ~ Ed editor@naturalhealthstrategies.com .
Nancy and Dan Kremer run a 140 acre, certified organic family farm located near North Star, Ohio. If you live locally and are searching for cow shares (fresh milk, crème and butter) and/or other whole food sources, including meats, here’s lots of info.
I firmly believe that if we want to reduce the rate of the “incurable” illnesses (cancer, diabetes, autism, and the list goes for days) we need to educate ourselves and change the way we eat. This site is a wealth of information.
An 80 acre, no chemical farm in Cridersville, OH. Order all kinds of foods and baking supplies online, and they can be shipped directly to you. Lots of hard to find flours and other interesting items can be found here.
Dr. Nicole Sundene is the editor-in-chief of Kitchen Table Medicine. She has a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and loads of practical experience. The site’s goal is to provide readers with the missing link in their health care experience and to ease the educational burden off busy doctors while providing the information and coaching that is typically not allotted in an individual appointment. The site is chocked full of nutrition and other safe, natural health promoting strategies. Tara is thrilled to have joined her vast team of authors to write as an advocate for parents of children diagnosed with autism and the amazing individuals who live with this condition.
