Resources and Educational Materials
Special Education

What is Special Education?
Special Education is specialized instruction provided for children from birth to age 22 who qualify according to the laws and regulations outlined by the state and federal government. A student may qualify for special education services as an individual with special needs in one of thirteen areas identified by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These are:
  • Hard of Hearing
  • Deaf
  • Deaf-Blind
  • Visually Impaired
  • Speech-Language Impaired
  • Specific Learning Disability
  • Multiple Handicapped
  • Orthopedically Impaired
  • Other Health Impaired
  • Mentally Retarded
  • Emotionally Disturbed
  • Autism
  • Traumatic Brain Injury

    Important from the Blue Ribbon California Commission:
    Regarding AUTISM:

We are pleased to inform you that the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism Report:
“An Opportunity to Achieve Real Change for Californians with Autism Spectrum Disorder” has been submitted to the Governor and the Legislature.  This report has been posted on the Commission’s web site at http://www.senweb03.senate.ca.gov in the “WHAT'S NEW” section of the home page. 

 

Sue North

Executive Director

The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission

 

 
    References for Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnosis Clinics:           


    Diagnostic Center, Northern California
    39100 Gallaudet Drive
    Fremont, CA 94538
    510-794-2500
    http://www.dcn-cde.ca.gov

    California Pacific Medical Center
    Child Development Center
    415-600-6200

    Children's Hospital & Research Center at Oakland
    Child Development Center
    510-428-3351

    Kaiser Permanente Santa Theresa Medical Center
    Autism Spectrum Disorder Center
    408-362-4350
    Kaiser parent support group:
    kaiserspectrumkids-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

    Children's Health Council
    650-326-5530

    Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System
    KidScope Assessment Center for Developmental & Behavioral Health
    408-793-5959

    Autism Clinic:                            
    Glenn Elliot, Ph.D., MD                           
    Bryna Siegel, Ph.D.
    UCSF, San Francisco
    415-476-7385
    415-476-7162
    http://www.ucsfhealth.org


    Stanford University Medical Center:
    PDD Clinic; Dr. Linda Lotspeich
    650-723-5511
    Palo Alto, CA
    Stanford Children's Hospital:
    650-497-8000
    http://www.lpch.org

    The M.I.N.D. Institute:
    UC Davis Medical Center
    Sacramento, CA
    916-703-0285
    http://www.mindinstitute.org


    Center for Developing Minds
    Developmental and behavioral pediatrics
    15951 Los Gatos Blvd. Ste. 6
    Los Gatos, CA 95032
    408-358-1853
    408-358-1802
    info@devminds.com
    www.devminds.com

       For Autism testing and diagnosis:

       Caroline (Kie) Johnson Ph.D. MS
       2414 Ashby Avenue
       Berkeley, Ca 94705
       510-843-2005

    Dr. Brad Berman, MD
    Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician
    Progressions
    Walnut Creek, CA
    925-279-3480

    Dr. Deborah Sedberry, MD
    Developmental Pediatrician
    Pleasanton, CA
    925-295-2020
        Dr. Clare Ames-Klein Ph.D.
        (Child Psychologist/Assessments)
        895 Moraga Road
        Lafayette, CA 94549
        925-283-6300          

          Autism Research Institute
          Information on diagnosis treatment and prevention of autism
          4182 Adams Avenue
          San Diego, CA 92116
          619-281-7165
          fax  619-563-6840
          www.autism.com/ari/

    Dr. Catharine Ross, MD
    Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician
    Santa Rosa, CA
    707-545-2082

    Children's Hospital Autism Intervention (CHAI)
    645 4th Street
    Oakland, CA 94607
    510-428-3792


    Parent Resource Centers

    California CADDRE:
    Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities Research & Epidemiology
    850 Marina Bay Parkway, Bldg. P, 3rd floor
    Richmond, CA
    email: autism@dhs.ca.gov
    510-620-3700

    Pacific Autism Center for Education
    Sunnyvale, CA
    408-245-3408
          CARE  Parent Network
          serves Contra Costa County
          Family Resource Center 1350 Arnold Dr. Ste. 203
          Martinez, CA 94533
          925-313-0999
          800-281-3023
          http://www.careparentnetwork.org

         ARC of California
         1225 8th St. Suite 590
         Sacramento, CA 95814-2213
         916-552-6619 www.arccalifornia.org
    Family Resource Network
    serves Alameda County
    5232 Claremont Ave.
    Oakland, CA 94618
    510-547-7322

    Family Resource Center - Gatepath
    serves San Mateo County
    1764 Marco polo Way
    Burlingame, CA 94010
    650-295-0189

    MATRIX Parent Network
    serves Marin, Napa, Solano & Sonoma Counties
    94 Galli Drive Ste. C
    Novato, CA 94949
    415-884-3535
    http://www.matrixparents.org

    PHP, Parents Helping Parents
    serves South Bay Area counties
    3041 Olcott Street
    Santa Clara, CA 95054
    408-727-5775
    http://www.php.com

    Support for Families of Children with Disabilities
    serves San Francisco Bay Area
    2601 Mission, Ste. 606
    San Francisco, CA 94110
    415-282-7494
    http://www.supportforfamilies.org
        Pacific Autism Center for Education
        Executive Director: Kurt Ohlfs
        408-245-3400  http://www.pacificautism.org

    Support Information and Services:


    California State Regional Centers for the Developmentally Disabled

    Regional Center for the East Bay
    serves Alameda & Contra Costa counties
    7677 Oakport Street Ste., 300
    Oakland, CA 94621
    510-383-1214
    http://www.rceb.org

    Golden Gate Regional Center
    serves Marin, San Francisco, & San Mateo counties
    415-546-9222
    http://www.ggrc.org

    San Andreas Regional Center
    serves monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara & Santa Cruz counties
    408-374-9960
    http://www.sarc.org


    (Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act)
    This is the Act (guidelines) for all Regional Centers visit:     http://www.dds.ca.gov

    2006 LANTERMAN ACT “printable pdf” edition is available by clicking here. Please note that DDS is not printing             the Lanterman Act booklets this year. For those of you that utilize “searches” of the Lanterman Act, the search                     function now works with the Lanterman Act pdf.


    Regional Center of the East Bay Clients Rights Advocate: 510-383-1200. This service provides free consultation to RCEB clients to address RCEB client issues. http://www.rceb.org
    writetous@rceb.org
         Navigating the Regional Center System:
       Advocate Consultant; James Huyck
       916-529-5300
       email; jfhuyck@yahoo.com

    Social Security Administration:
    (to address eligibility issues and disability benefits)
    800-772-1213
Resources in Special Education (RiSE):
RiSE Library is a great resource in San Jose.  Parents can check out Special Ed Law books Free of charge for three weeks at a time (they are mailed to you). 707-206-0533 ext. 103
408-727-5775, ext. 110

Financial Assistance:


Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Association (PMA)
800-762-4636
Provides prescription drugs; Indigent program for those who can't afford necessary prescription drugs.

Nord's Medication Assistance Programs:
800-999-NORD; Offers financial assistance for prescription drugs for those who are eligible.

Note about Transportation for the disabled: 
From the desk of Tammy Brock:
In Contra Costa County, disabled students (as well as anyone who has a temporary or permanent disability) is entitled to use the door to door County Link bus for a small fee. It takes approximately a month to set up an account therefore it is recommended that you set this up now even if you don't plan on using it for a while. A disabled person is allowed to bring an adult with them if needed.  The web site is www.cccta.org and the form is http://www.cccta.org/wb/media/Forms/ADA%20Application%206-04.pdf


The Law Regarding Medical Coverage for Autism Related Services:
First- you must reference Assembly Bill 88, when submitting a claim to your insurance carrier. Second- you must also include a written prescription (from an medical doctor) directly stating the EXACT services needed for your child.  Often times these services can be approved (they include speech, OT, Behavioral services).  Many parents have had success obtaining services, however if you need further assistance contact louiseglueck@yahoo.com


Click on Local Support Services for a list of local therapists for Speech/Language, Occupational, Psychotherapy, Physical,  Behavioral, Social Skills and more.


 Legal Services/Advocacy and Information:


DREDF: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
510-644-2555 (They advocate and inform clients about civil/educational  rights for those with disabilities.  http://www.dredf.org

CASE: Community Alliance for Special Education
415-431-2285 (They offer legal services/information about educational  rights for those with disabilities).

PAI:  Protection and Advocacy Inc.,
510-267-1200 (offers direct legal representation for disabled clients).
http://www.pai-ca.org


Area Board 5:
serves Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo & Contra Costa counties
510-286-0439

Procedural Safeguards information:
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS
1-800-926-0648

PACER: http://www.pacer.org

Navigating the Regional Center System:
Advocate Consultant; James Huyck
916-529-5300
email; jfhuyck@yahoo.com
      

To file a School District complaint or dispute resolution contact:
The Office of Administrative Hearings.
If you are filing a compliance complaint, you file with the state.
 
New  contact information:
OAH
Special Education Unit
1102 Q St. 4th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
 
New Information:
Complaints Management and Mediation
California Department of Education
1430 N. St, suite 2401
Sacramento CA 95814
 
Note from the desk of Tammy Brock: The CDE is inundated with paperwork and tends to"lose" compliance complaints. As a precaution, parents should consider faxing their complaint and then send a hard copy by certified mail. After a week, call the person assigned to the case to make sure they have it.


Jackie Goldberg
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2045
Fax: (916) 319-2145

Mark Wyland  Vice-Chair
State Capitol, Room 4130
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2074
Fax: (916) 319-2174

Juan Arambula
State Capitol, Room 6011
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 319-2031
Fax: (916) 319-2131

      Special Education Issues:
      
    California Department of Education
    Special Ed Division
    800-926-0648
    http://www.cde.ca.gov/spbranch/sed


    To request district mediation or due process hearing, contact:
    McGeorge School of Law
    Special Ed Hearing Office
    3200 Fifth Ave.
    Sacramento, CA 95817
    916-739-7053


    Legal web sites:
       California Education Code web site 
       VERY IMPORTANT SITE--
       A must see!!   http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/calawquery?codesection=edc&codebody=&hits=20
           The WJIII (Woodcock Johnson) given by the Advocacy Institute
        Public School's use this testing method. http://www.advocacyinstitute.

    Attorneys:


    Katherine Dobel,
    (Specializing in IEP advocacy)
    Berkeley, CA
    510-548-2004

    Sherman & Ziegler (Special Ed Law)
    David Sherman
    Washington Mutual Bank Building
    2740 Van Ness, Ste. 300
    San Francisco, CA 94109
    415-924-1300
    http://www.AboutAutismLaw.com
    aspecialedlawyer@aol.com

    Roberta Savage, Special Ed Attorney
    221 G Street, Suite 207
    Davis, CA 95619
    530-753-4497
    email: roberta@robertasavagelaw.com

    The Dale Law Firm,
    Stephen Dale, specializing in Estate Planning
    & Special Needs Trusts
    1670 Rivera Ave. Suite 101
    Walnut Creek, CA 94596
    (also located in San Francisco)
    925-280-0172
    415-989-6900
    http://www.achievingindependence.com

    Sarah Clarke, JD
    San Francisco, CA
    415-928-5374

    Reed Martin, JD
    (Special Ed Law)
    http://www.reedmartin.com

    Peter & Pam Wright
    (Special Ed Law)
    PO Box 1008
    Deltaville, VA 23043
    pwright@wrightslaw.com
    http://www.wrightslaw.com
From the desk of Lynne Weissmann:
In "Transition Planning: Setting Lifelong Goals," Jennifer Graham and Pete
Wright provide practical advice and checklists that will help your child
make a successful transition from school to employment and/or further education.
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/trans.plan.graham.htm
 Complete IEP Guide
All the plain-English suggestions, strategies, resources and forms you need to develop an effective IEP.

http://www.nolo.com/product.cfm/ObjectID/53269B09-7112-4E95-A90F8979BEA1F73A


     Legal Resource Books


    California Special Ed Law 
    (a must have)
    "A composite of Laws", 2003
    Department of Education
    PO Box 271
    Sacramento, CA 95812-0271
    To order call- 800-995-4099

    Special Education (a must have)
    "Rights and Responsibilites"
    1031 Franklin Street Suite. B5
    San Francisco, CA 94109
    casesf@pacbell.net
    Requires a $25.00 donation


    New articles, new books, new programs
    & new information....

This week on the national, weekly public radio series:

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=firuvpbab.0.497vznbab.wctqxnbab.17569&p=http%3A%2F%2Frd.bcentral.com%2F%3FID%3D2431349%26amp%3BNOLOG%3D1http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=firuvpbab.0.a87vznbab.wctqxnbab.17569&p=http%3A%2F%2Frd.bcentral.com%2F%3FID%3D2853149%26amp%3BNOLOG%3D1

ASPERGER'S SYNDROME: A TWO-PART SPECIAL REPORT.
ASPERGER'S SYNDROME: A SPECIAL REPORT

Dr. Peter Kramer talks with Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen, a researcher at Cambridge University, on recent advances in recognizing the condition. We meet Dr. Michael Fitzgerald of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, a child psychiatrist who’s made quite a stir diagnosing Asperger’s Syndrome among the dead. Then, in a panel discussion, three adults – Liane Holliday Willey, Stephen Shore, and Michael John Carley – talk about growing up.... http://www.theinfinitemind.com

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=firuvpbab.0.mnpuvpbab.wctqxnbab.17569&p=http%3A%2F%2Flcmedia.com%2Frafiles%2Ftim374.ram



Part Two:  offers a groundbreaking and extraordinary look at Asperger's in children and young adults. We meet Anders, a 17-year-old boy with Aspergers, and his mother Carol, who talks about her surprise when Anders suddenly began speaking like a professor and using four-syllable words. We also speak with film producer Robert Lawrence, about his forthcoming film, "Mozart and the Whale," starring Josh Hartnett and co-written by "Rain Man" screenwriter Ron Bass, which tells the tale of Donald and Isabelle, two "Aspies in love." Dr. Stanley Greenspan, founder of the DIR/Floortime approach, explains how children with autistic disorders can significantly build their capacity for emotional understanding and interpersonal connections through intensive play. Dr. Richard Howlin, a psychologist who works with teens with Asperger's, talks about the special challenges it poses with family, school, peers and especially dating. Finally, summing up the two-part series is commentator and visionary Howard Bloom, who reaches back to his childhood in Buffalo, and even further back to the dawn of man, to examine the lessons each of us can glean from our own handicaps and weaknesses. Go to:   http://www.theinfinitemind.com


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RADIO SHOW:  Autism One Radio

Check out the calendar for the on line Autism One Radio show.  http://www.autismoneradio.org

Chantal Sicile-Kira : The real World of Autism  airs in English every other week on Tuesdays at 1:30 EST on Autism One Radio, an internet radio station, 10:30 PST.  Chantal is a consultant to parents, schools, and service providers on individualized transition planning and adolescent issues.   http://www.autismone.org/radio.

The Real World covers the reality of everyday life dealing with autism in all its aspects. Interview segments focus on practical issues, discussed with leading experts and community members. Questions from listeners in regards to anything related to autism will be answered in the "Dear Chantal" part of the show. Anecdotes, current events, valuable resources and noteworthy individuals are covered in the "Travels with Autism" section.

Dan Coulter : Life in the Asperger Lane
Dan and his guests discuss practical tips and techniques to help people with Asperger'S Syndrome and similar Autism Spectrum Disorders succeed in the world -- and help others accept and appreciate them. Dan draws on his family's experiences raising a son with Asperger's Syndrome and on his research as a producer of educational videos about AS and other special needs.

You can join Dan Coulter for a 30 minute internet radio program, "Life In the Asperger Lane," on Autism One Radio.  The program airs at noon Eastern (US) Time on the second Saturday of each month. The Autism One Network website is: http://www.autismone.org/radio/
Email |

Nicki Fischer : Get Real with Nicki Fisher is the on line radio show through Autism One Radio from 3:30 - 4 pm every other Thursday http://www.autismone.org/radio. Nicki is the Founder and Publisher of The Autism Perspective magazine.  “Get Real” is a half hour weekly radio show featuring conversations with people on the spectrum.

In conjunction with The Autism Perspective magazine, Ms. Fischer has established one of the leading organizations devoted to bringing awareness of Autism and its associated challenges to the forefront.  By distancing herself from advocacy for specific treatments and theories, Ms. Fischer presents a refreshing look at Autism itself.  Unbiased and non-judgmental, The Autism Perspective advocates only for “realness”.  Those living with Autism, whether challenged by the condition itself or facing the challenges of children, relations or friends, are given an open forum to share personal experiences, challenges and triumphs.  email: nfischer@autismone.org


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San Francisco Chronicle article on curing autism dated November 13, 2005
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/13/CMGI7F9T5N1.DTL&hw=autism&sn=001&sc=1000
Autistic basketball player causes mayhem at game
 
Video description:
CBS ran an incredibly powerful story tonight that brings you to your feet and just keeps on giving each and every minute into it. Jason McElway, an autistic high school basketball team member in Rochester NY, served as the team manager and spirit coach for several years. On the final game of the season the coach let him finally put on a uniform with the rest of the team. Watch what happens then... CBS Evening News, Feb 23, 2006, 2:44, 320x240, 7megs. This is one of those rare stories that makes you drop everything and share it with others.
 
 
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Asperger Syndrome: A Clinical Account by Lorna Wing. This 1981 paper is what first brought the term "Asperger Syndrome" to the attention of researchers.
 
http://www.mugsy.org/wing2.htm

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Films involving autism:
 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Autism One Radio
Join Dan Coulter on the second Saturday of each month, 9am Pacific
 

Coulter Video offers a full range of video production capabilities, including project analysis, scripting, producing, directing, narrating and editing.

Phone: 336-794-0298      Web: www.coultervideo.com       Email: coultervideo@att.net

Mail us at: 1428 Pinecroft Drive, Winston Salem, NC 27104

COLLEGE PREP PORTFOLIO

In binder format, this portfolio helps you take the right steps and collect the documents you need to prepare the strongest possible college applications. Includes tabbed sections for each year of high school

__________________________________________________________________________________
Scientists baffled as autism cases soar in state, with no relief in sight
Treatment centers, schools inundated by kids needing help

RESEARCH from the Schafer Autism Report
To SUBSCRIBE to SAR: http://www.sarnet.org 
(The Schafer report is a "must have" for parents who have children on the autism spectrum)

Focus Narrows in Search for Autism's Cause
February, 2005

      [By Sandra Blakeslee.]
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/08/health/08brai.html

  **********************************************************************************************
The U.S. Supreme Court , by a decisive 6-2 margin, held Monday that
"[t]he burden of persuasion in an administrative hearing challenging an
IEP is properly placed upon the party seeking relief, whether that is
the disabled child or the school district."
 
That means the challenging party has the burden of proof in ANY special education case. 

Here's the free US Supreme Court URL for the decision.
 
 
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ED Pubs, the US Department of Education's Publications Center. 
If you have any questions or need further information please call 1-877-4-ED-PUBS (1-877-433-7827) or email at edpubs@inet.ed.gov <mailto:edpubs@inet.ed.gov>.
February, 2005

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Mecury Article: February, 2005

Autism linked to mother's allergies
Study tracks higher rate for disorder, but risks still low overall, doctor says  Feb. 2005

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Birth Defects Puzzle Officials

      By Jan HollingswortH jhollingsworth@tampatrib.com
http://news.tbo.com/news/MGBUP926S8E.html

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Re: Free DVD of NBC coverage
Go to this link:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/autism/menu/programming.asp

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Autism Spectrum Quarterly
http://www.asquarterly.com


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AWARENESS
Focus Narrows for Autism Cause, NYT article dated 2-4-05

The Age of Autism: Educated Guesses

      [By Dan Olmsted.] visit site for full article
http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20050222-010118-1074r

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NEW DVD HELPS SIBLINGS UNDERSTAND ASPERGER SYNDROME

 

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 26, 2007

 

      WINSTON-SALEM, NC – A new DVD shows brothers and sisters of children who have Asperger Syndrome how to deal with their siblings’ “different” behaviors and have close relationships. People with Asperger Syndrome tend to have normal to high intelligence, but have trouble interacting with others socially.

 

      Producers Dan and Julie Coulter of Coulter Video divided the DVD into four separate programs that offer children information they can understand based on their age and developmental level.  The program for siblings 4 through 7 years old features a live narrator interacting with puppets.  Two programs, for siblings ages 7 through 12 and ages 12 through adult, include interviews with siblings describing how they interact with their brothers and sisters who have Asperger Syndrome.   The DVD’s fourth program includes interviews with parents revealing how they found ways to help their children accept and support each other.

 

      “Things can be tough for siblings of kids who have Asperger Syndrome, especially when moms and dads often have to spend extra time and attention on another child in the family who has special needs,” noted Dan Coulter.  Julie Coulter added, “Some siblings try to become super achievers or super helpers.  Others tend to withdraw or rebel.  This DVD can help siblings understand their brothers and sisters who have Asperger Syndrome and see why their parents are doing what they’re doing.  It offers the whole family insights they can use to improve their relationships.”

 

      Combined, the programs on the DVD have a total running time of 109 minutes.

 

      Earlier this year, the Coulters released a similar DVD titled, “Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum,” which featured interviews with family members dealing with a range of autistic behaviors.

 

      The “Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger Syndrome,” DVD sells for $39.99 (plus shipping and handling) on the Coulter Video website: www.coultervideo.com.  The company provides previews of all its videos on the website, which also features an online archive of articles on special needs issues.

 

      Coulter Video is an independent video production company based in Winston-Salem, NC. 

 

Coulter Video PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS (available online at www.coultervideo.com)

 

“UNDERSTANDING BROTHERS AND SISTERS with ASPERGER SYNDROME” (DVD video)

This video is designed to help siblings and their parents understand children in the family with Asperger Syndrome.  Program One- for younger children ages 4-7; Program Two- for older children ages 7-12; Program Three- for teenage and young adults; Program Four- includes interviews with parents.   109 minutes

Copyright 2007 $39.99

 

 “UNDERSTANDING BROTHERS AND SISTERS on the AUTISM SPECTRUM” (DVD video)

This video is designed to help siblings and their parents understand children in the family on the Autism Spectrum.  Program One- for younger children ages 4-7; Program Two- for older children ages 7-12; Program Three- for teenage and young adults; Program Four- includes interviews with parents.   94 minutes

Copyright 2007   $39.99

 

"INTRICATE MINDS: Understanding Classmates With Asperger Syndrome" (DVD or VHS video) Candid interviews with teenagers designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce isolation, harassment and bullying.  Using the challenges and strengths of students with Asperger Syndrome as examples, this video stresses the benefits of getting to know classmates who appear to be 'different' on the surface. For grades 7 through 12.  12 minutes. Copyright 2005   $29.99

 

"INTRICATE MINDS II:  Understanding Elementary School Classmates With Asperger Syndrome" (DVD or VHS video) This video features interviews with elementary school students who have Asperger Syndrome explaining how it affects them  -- and describing their challenges and strengths.  The program also includes demonstrations that help viewers understand what it's like to have AS. Designed to promote positive interactions between classmates, INTRICATE MINDS II can help classmates accept kids who have trouble fitting in. For grades 3-6    16 minutes.  Copyright 2006   $29.99

 

"INTRICATE MINDS III:  Understanding Elementary School Classmates Who Think Differently" (DVD or VHS video) This video features interviews with elementary school students who describe what it's like to have conditions that make them act differently from their peers.  These interviews, along with demonstrations, promote positive interactions between classmates.  The program concentrates on behaviors classmates might see that could be associated with conditions such as Asperger Syndrome, Higher Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delay, Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder and others.   Kids who understand the reasons for "different" students' actions are much more likely to accept them socially and include them in activities.  For grades 3-6     17 minutes.  Copyright 2006   $29.99

 

"MANNERS FOR THE REAL WORLD - Basic Social Skills" (DVD or VHS video) This video features clear descriptions and demonstrations that help children and teenagers master appropriate social skills for some of the most common interactions between people.  For grades 4 through 12.  43 minutes.  Copyright 2004   $29.99

 

"ASPERGER SYNDROME: Success In The Mainstream Classroom” (DVD or VHS video) Interviews with parents, regular and special education teachers, a psychologist, an instructional aide and a social worker/case manager giving practical advice from their experience successfully integrating children with AS into classrooms.  For parents, teachers and others who support kids with AS.  43 minutes. Copyright 2000  $39.99

 

"ASPERGER SYNDROME DAD: Becoming An Even Better Father To Your Child With AS" (DVD or VHS video)

This program covers ten secrets parents can use to help a child with AS reach his full potential - and have fun along the way. The program features Drew Coulter -- a young man with AS while he was in college -- and his dad, Dan.  Through interviews, videos and photos, the program uses Drew's experiences from early childhood through the present to offer practical advice on being the dad your son or daughter with AS wants and needs.  For parents and grandparents of children who have Asperger Syndrome.  26 minutes.   Copyright 2004   $29.99

 

"ASPERGER SYNDROME: Transition To College And Work" (DVD or VHS video) This program shows how to search for and apply to the right college, how to access special needs services in college and how to prepare in high school for success in college. It also contains all the information in our "Transition to Work" video to help students find and hold jobs after college. For high school students preparing for college or a job.  57 minutes.  Copyright 2001 $39.99

 

"ASPERGER SYNDROME: Transition to Work"  (VHS video) Practical techniques to help students (or anyone with AS) get a job in the real world. It includes advice from a psychology professor with experience helping people with AS find jobs -- and from the director of a successful special needs career development program.  (Note: all the information in this video is also contained our video: ASPERGER SYNDROME: Transition to College and Work.)  For people with Asperger Syndrome or similar conditions preparing to enter the workforce.  34 minutes. Copyright 2001  $29.99

 

Book NEWS:

The Walnut Creek Barnes & Noble Book Store located at 1149 South Main Street
in Broadway Plaza ~ has the largest selection of Special Needs Books/References in Contra Costa County.  In addition, they offer many events including Story Time Reading for children of all ages, as well as interesting Discussion Groups and Book Club Groups.  Contact the Walnut Creek Barnes & Noble for their calendar of monthly events 925-947-0373.
   

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    About Cure Autism Now

    The Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and funding autism research and accelerating the pace of scientific progress toward effective treatments and a cure. The organization is one of the largest private funders of biological research in autism, providing more than $20 million for research grants, outreach and scientific resources since its inception in 1995. For more information about Cure Autism Now, please visit our web site at www.cureautismnow.org.

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        Autism Speaks
        2 Park Avenue
        11th Floor
        New York, NY 10016

        Phone: (212) 252-8584
        Fax: (212) 252-8676
        E-mail: contactus@autismspeaks.org
        http://www.autismspeaks.org

View the complete article
 http://www.reedmartin.com/usinganadvocate.htm



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    SchwabLearning.org
    Online Newsletter http://www.schwablearning.org

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    Books by Jessica Kingsley Publishers
    About Jessica Kingsley Publishers....

    Jessica Kingsley Publishers is a wholly independent company, committed to publishing books that make a difference. They publish books for professional and general readers in a range of subjects, and are best known for their long established lists of books on Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities.  To view  the JKP book list, visit: http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/index.php/cat/aspergerautism


    <>New Tony Attwood Book : The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
    by Tony Attwood, PhD $29.95
    "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook on the subject by Tony Attwood, clinical psychologist and best-selling author of Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals.
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    Books and Video's and DVD's
    from Michelle Garcia Winner!


JUST RELEASED - A SOCIAL THINKING CURRICULUM

  Think Social! A Social Thinking Curriculum
for School-Age Students
As requested by many of you, Michelle and her team are proud to announce the publication of her new book.

This book builds on the concepts Michelle talks about in "Thinking About You, Thinking About Me". It is highly recommended that you first become familiar with them.
Many of the lessons Michelle weaves into her workshops are written in detail in this book, and there are many more the audiences have never heard! Created at the request of educators, therapists and parents to learn more about how to teach students with weak social cognition and related social skills. This comprehensive curriculum, which breaks detailed lessons into eight chapters demonstrating how lessons evolve from working as a member of a group and observing others, through behavioral self- monitoring, interpreting and producing non- verbal/verbal responses and cues, while also providing hands on strategies for learning about many other areas of social complexity. Each practical lesson builds on the next, across the months and years. IEP goals, tied to Educational Standards, follow each chapter to help parents and professionals connect social goals relate to core academic success. The Curriculum also encourages student self-monitoring with the use of video feedback. The focus of each chapter is to teach a set of “social thinking vocabulary” to be carried out of the therapy room and used across the student’s entire day; both at the school and home. A handout defining these social thinking concepts is provided for parents and professionals working with these students to encourage the carry over of these key concepts. This curriculum is helpful to any parent or professional trying to understand the depth and complexity of teaching social thinking and related social skills to children who are weak in developing these areas. The publication certainly teaches all of us that we cannot take social development for granted! $79.00

NEW SOCIAL THINKING POSTERS

 
Social Thinking Posters were created to help students and teachers explore social thinking as part of their classroom experience in regular and special education. The information on the posters is helpful for ALL students! The four posters include:

1. The BORING Moments of working as part of a group to explore that coping with boredom is part of any group context. The poster reviews expected and unexpected behaviors. $12.00

2. Being Part of A Group
The 4 steps of perspective taking are a mandatory part of working together as a group; the poster encourages a classroom discussion!$12.00

3. Social Behavior Maps for Working as a Student in the Classroom: Social behavior mapping is a cognitive behavioral technique to help students learn how their behavior impacts other’s emotions and ultimately how people treat them. This technique is described extensively in Michelle’s book, Thinking About You Thinking About Me $12.00

4. Social Behavior Map Dry Erase Template: This poster is a Dry Erase surface template of a social behavior map to allow educators to use and reuse with students to define the social behavioral interactions with other people in specific environments. $15.00 for dry erase surface

Or purchase all 4 posters (poster 4 pack) for $45.00.

NEW DVD/VIDEO RELEASED OCTOBER 2005

  Strategies for Organization: Preparing for Homework in The Real World

This approximately 3.5 hour DVD hits upon the key points of Michelle’s popular workshop by a similar name. Michelle’s practical 10 step approach helps educators, parents and students explore the student’s related strengths and weaknesses, with clear ideas on how to help teach towards improved organizational skills. The Gray Center once again has produced this video. Price: $59.95 for 3.5 hours of practical information.



NEW WORKSHEETS BOOK

 
This spiral bound workbook provides over 250 social thinking lessons that dovetail off the lessons discussed in both the "Thinking About You, Thinking About Me" and "Think Social! A Social Thinking Curriculum for School Age Student" books. Worksheets! provides even more lessons than are covered in her other books and curriculum. These lessons are divided into chapters based on different aspects of intervention, including lessons on developing a deeper sense of perspective taking, skills for interpreting language meaning and lessons for acquiring behavior self-management. This book is a must have for those who are infusing social thinking into lessons across the school and home day. $44.00
BOOK: INSIDE OUT: WHAT MAKES A PERSON WITH SOCIAL COGNITIVE DEFICITS TICK?

 
This is Michelle's original book which introduces the ILAUGH model, showing the connection between social and academic skills. The model provides a way to pinpoint specific areas of challenges that a student may face and how these impact school work, as well as social interaction.

This book reviews a comprehensive model that helps us understand the social cognitive deficits of persons with diagnosis such as Asperger Syndrome. Included are worksheets that can be used in classrooms and in small group settings to help students learn a variety of concepts, including perspective taking. This book covers content presented in Michelle’s “Social Thinking Across the Home and School Day” workshop.

BOOK: Thinking About You, Thinking About Me

 
This is Michelle's second book and is the prerequisite for the Think Social Curriculum. It establishes Michelle's core philosophy about treatment for strategies to promote social interaction.
This book delves more specifically into the philosophy for how to understand and treat students with social cognitive weaknesses. This provides a more thorough discussion of perspective taking and the 4 steps of communication, which we base a lot of our therapy on. This book provides a lot of philosophy, related lessons for elementary school as well as lessons for older kids (middle and high school). Some goals are suggested to help teach these concepts at the end of each section. This book also explores the Me Binder, Social Behavior Map and Assessment procedures (formal and informal) in more depth.

The Thinking about YOU Thinking about ME book explores the critical nature of perspective taking (Theory of Mind) in our day to day interactions and its importance in the classroom setting. It describes how the perspective taking process works and offers a myriad of therapeutic activities for teachers/therapists to utilize with children and adults. Michelle explains how professionals can use informal measures (since no standardized measures are available) to assess the abstract skill and to determine which students will benefit from this type of treatment. Included are strategies that help students understand their own treatment programs (IEPs) and their behavior plans. The book covers contents presented in her workshops, “Nuts and Bolts of Starting Social Thinking Programs”, and “ Thinking about YOU Thinking about ME”.

DVD/VIDEO: SOCIALTHINKING ACROSS THE SCHOOL DAY AND HOME

 
The four-hour video/DVD features a 2-hour workshop Michelle presented that highlights the key points of her I LAUGH Framework, along with practical social and educational suggestions. The second 2 hour video/DVD shows therapy techniques Michelle uses when introducing new students to her therapy concepts. This 2 hours of therapy demonstration with elementary and high school students, in group and individual therapy, demonstrates how to put Michelle's social thinking into action.
ABOUT MICHELLE G. WINNER

 
For the last 7 years of her 21 year career, Michelle has owned a private practice in San Jose, CA called Michelle G. Winner’s Center for Social Thinking, where the needs of persons with social cognitive deficits are the focus. Michelle and her team of therapists continue to pioneer functional treatment and assessment strategies to better understand this abstract form of a learning disability that typically impacts those on the autism spectrum, with non- verbal learning disabilities and or ADHD. Her clinic serves persons from preschool to retirement. In recognition that there is a huge range of functioning within persons with the above labels, Michelle focuses most specifically on those with near- normal to way above normal verbal intelligence. Her work helps students, parents and professionals to understand how a social deficit can also impact achievement within the classroom environment. Michelle strongly encourages schools and families to work collaboratively together. In addition to giving workshops internationally, Michelle continues to work with clients, do assessments, consult with families and schools and create materials for use by parents and teaches. Her three books and treatment video are highly regarded in the field. In May of 2002, her work was acknowledged in TIME magazine.
 

    By: Michelle Garcia Winner
    To order visit- http://www.socialthinking.com

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                        New DVD-
    Surviving Due Process: Stephen Jeffers v. School Board
    When Parents and the School Board Disagree

    For more information onm this DVD, Contact Harbor House Law Press, Inc. at http://www.harborhouselaw.com
    or call 877-LAW-IDEA

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    New Program

    Handwriting High Five ~
    Created by Nan Arkwright OT     http://www.www.handwritinghighfive.com
    Handwriting high five is an educational tool that provides basics and remediation strategies.  Modules covered in the interactive computer program include: