Fabulous article posted for parents of children with developmental disabilities regarding sibling relationships. http://www.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/LWA_Siblings.pdf?docID=4183
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
22 Tips for Parents of Children With Developmental Disabilities.
Strategies for Parents
From “Life Beyond Disability” in the Parent-to-Parent Training Guide
1. Be open and honest- be available for questions and ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS.
2. Value each child individually.
3. Limit caregiving responsibilities of siblings
4. Use respite care and other supportive services to allow special time with the siblings.
5. Be fair. Treat the child with the disability as much like your other children as possible.
6. Accept the disability- this helps siblings also deal with it.
7. Put together a library of children’s books for siblings to read on the disability.
8. Schedule special time with the sibling.
9. Let siblings settle their own differences and learn to solve problems together.
10. Welcome other children and friends into your home.
11. Praise siblings – all children need parental praise.
12. Recognize that you are the most important, the most powerful teacher of your children.
13. Parents should recognize the uniqueness of their family.
14. Listen to siblings.
15. Involve the siblings in the decisions about their disabled brother or sister.
16. Require the disabled child to do as much for him/herself as possible.
17. Recognize each child’s unique qualities and family contributions.
18. Encourage the development of special sibling programs.
19. Help establish a sibling support group.
20. Recognize special stress times for siblings and plan to minimize negative effects.
21. Use professionals to help siblings as needed.
22. Teach the siblings to interact.
From “Life Beyond Disability” in the Parent-to-Parent Training Guide
1. Be open and honest- be available for questions and ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS.
2. Value each child individually.
3. Limit caregiving responsibilities of siblings
4. Use respite care and other supportive services to allow special time with the siblings.
5. Be fair. Treat the child with the disability as much like your other children as possible.
6. Accept the disability- this helps siblings also deal with it.
7. Put together a library of children’s books for siblings to read on the disability.
8. Schedule special time with the sibling.
9. Let siblings settle their own differences and learn to solve problems together.
10. Welcome other children and friends into your home.
11. Praise siblings – all children need parental praise.
12. Recognize that you are the most important, the most powerful teacher of your children.
13. Parents should recognize the uniqueness of their family.
14. Listen to siblings.
15. Involve the siblings in the decisions about their disabled brother or sister.
16. Require the disabled child to do as much for him/herself as possible.
17. Recognize each child’s unique qualities and family contributions.
18. Encourage the development of special sibling programs.
19. Help establish a sibling support group.
20. Recognize special stress times for siblings and plan to minimize negative effects.
21. Use professionals to help siblings as needed.
22. Teach the siblings to interact.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
COMPARING TECHNIQUES: FLOORTIME VS. DISCRETE TRIAL
Floortime: The philosophy of Floortime (DIR) is a developmental, relationship based model to help meet the child's developmental level and strengthen underlying elements that impede development. Greenspan, a psychiatrist, observed that persons with Autism lacked theory of mind and they would not understand that until they could master their own emotions and perspectives. The curriculum focuses on how to learn to relate intimately to others with warmth and meaningful communication with words or gestures, and also to think with abstract reasoning. There are six emotional milestones that need to be mastered in a sequential order: attachment and self-regulation, two -way communication, complex two-way communication, shared meaning and symbolic play and emotional thinking. It uses 6-10 uninterrupted 20-30 minute sessions throughout the child's day. The goals are to encourage attention and intimacy, promote two-way communication, encourage the expression and use of feelings and ideas, and to increase logical thought. In Floortime the adult follows the child's lead building and expanding on his/her interests. Greenspan talks about opening and closing communication circles and working to increase the number of effective circles.
Applied Behavior Analysis is a science which involves th application of basic behavioral practices and the use of systematic data tracking to evaluate the efficacy of the applications used to reach a desired outcome. Discrete Trial Teaching is a teaching methodology, but not the only instructional method under Applied Behavior Analysis and should not be used synonymously with it. Other methodologies include errorless teaching, pivotal response training, verbal behavior, fluency/precision teaching, and incidential teaching methods. The goal of a DTT session is to teach the child how to learn. There are sequenced curriculums in categories such as of attending skills, initiation skills, receptive language, expressive language, abstract language, pre-academic skills, self-help skills, social skills and school readiness. DTT uses the principles antecedents, behaviors, and consequences. It focuses on breaking the instruction down into small units, and each trial lasting 5-20 seconds, which provides many opportunities to practice per session. It uses teaching principles and techniques such as stimulus control, prompting hierarchies, shaping, fading, reinforcement, maintenance, and generalization. Sessions are generally highly structured, environments which may at times provide unnatural consequences paired with social praise. Teaching is usually directed by the teacher. In ABA, however, techniques can be done in natural settings with natural reinforcers. Lovaas recommended discrete trial sessions interspersed wtih play breaks, with breaks being as educational as possible. Teaching incidentally, in the natural environment, promotes generalization and use of acquired skills.
Applied Behavior Analysis is a science which involves th application of basic behavioral practices and the use of systematic data tracking to evaluate the efficacy of the applications used to reach a desired outcome. Discrete Trial Teaching is a teaching methodology, but not the only instructional method under Applied Behavior Analysis and should not be used synonymously with it. Other methodologies include errorless teaching, pivotal response training, verbal behavior, fluency/precision teaching, and incidential teaching methods. The goal of a DTT session is to teach the child how to learn. There are sequenced curriculums in categories such as of attending skills, initiation skills, receptive language, expressive language, abstract language, pre-academic skills, self-help skills, social skills and school readiness. DTT uses the principles antecedents, behaviors, and consequences. It focuses on breaking the instruction down into small units, and each trial lasting 5-20 seconds, which provides many opportunities to practice per session. It uses teaching principles and techniques such as stimulus control, prompting hierarchies, shaping, fading, reinforcement, maintenance, and generalization. Sessions are generally highly structured, environments which may at times provide unnatural consequences paired with social praise. Teaching is usually directed by the teacher. In ABA, however, techniques can be done in natural settings with natural reinforcers. Lovaas recommended discrete trial sessions interspersed wtih play breaks, with breaks being as educational as possible. Teaching incidentally, in the natural environment, promotes generalization and use of acquired skills.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Darien Libraries "Stories on the Spectrum"
Darien's Library at it's storytime program has included a new program designed for children between 3 to 8 who are on the autistic spectrum. The idea is to provide a space and time for children with the diagnosis of ASD to interact in a welcoming social environment, hear some stories, sing some songs, be comfortable exploring a new space, and allow families to network and chat.
The program begins Saturday, May 30th at 11am. It is available for all family members, siblings, etc. If interested call Kiera Parrott 669-5243 or email her at kparrott@darienlibrary.org.
The program begins Saturday, May 30th at 11am. It is available for all family members, siblings, etc. If interested call Kiera Parrott 669-5243 or email her at kparrott@darienlibrary.org.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
WESTPORT LIBRARY children's time
The Westport Library (westportlibrary.org)has a calendar of summer children's programs. Go to the website and kids-parents-special needs. The Tuesday Storytime (10:30-11:00) at Longshore Country Club, Wednesday Storytime on the Green (11:00-11:30), or Friday Fun Films 11:00-11:30 are some options. Go to their website or call 291-4810 for the calendar or more information.
Have fun.
Have fun.
Candice volunteered at STAR Rubino Center's Open House to do a storytime with the children.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
OPEN HOUSE
Come Connect and Reconnect
STAR Rubino Family Center is hosting an Open House on Sunday, May 17, 2009,
from 2p.m. - 4 p.m. Join us at our new facility at 120 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.
*Meet the staff
*Learn about our
Birth to Three Program
Private Pay Services
Individual and Group Therapy Sessions for children 3-5
*Fun for all:
Children's Music Group 2:00-2:30
Story Time 2:30-3:00
Story time 3:00-3:30
*Refreshments and Face Painting
*Door Prizes for the children
STAR Rubino Family Center is hosting an Open House on Sunday, May 17, 2009,
from 2p.m. - 4 p.m. Join us at our new facility at 120 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT.
*Meet the staff
*Learn about our
Birth to Three Program
Private Pay Services
Individual and Group Therapy Sessions for children 3-5
*Fun for all:
Children's Music Group 2:00-2:30
Story Time 2:30-3:00
Story time 3:00-3:30
*Refreshments and Face Painting
*Door Prizes for the children
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
HOLIDAYS
GIFTS: The Rubino Center has some children who have a wish list for the holidays (up to age of three.) Also some siblings may be in need of holiday items. Any of the types of toys that the therapists use like puzzles with knobs, farm animal sets, wooden blocks, shape sorters, playdough kits, arts and crafts supplies, magna-dooddles, etc.
call Laurie for more information.
HOLIDAY TIPS: the Special Needs Parent Coach, Strategies for Balanced Living for Parents of Children with Special Needs -Twelve tips for truly wonderful holidays for you and your family by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
1. Take care of yourself
2. Sort out what matters most
3. Decide what your "keepers" are for this holiday season
4. Be imperfect! And love it!
5. Give a gift to yourself.
6. Spend special time with your child
7. Choose one tradition per holiday that brings your family togehter for a moment of joy, reflection, fun relaxation, or just plain silliness
8. Get help
9. Nevermind what other people think
10. Take little time-outs when you can
11. Try something new
12. Be present
For complete article go to www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/holidaytips
CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY PARTY
A holiday party will be held on Wednesday December 17 at 10:30-12:00 at our new office . Santa (Angie Rubino) will be available, along with music by a local guitar player. Come join us and bring friends. Call Michael 855-o634
call Laurie for more information.
HOLIDAY TIPS: the Special Needs Parent Coach, Strategies for Balanced Living for Parents of Children with Special Needs -Twelve tips for truly wonderful holidays for you and your family by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC
1. Take care of yourself
2. Sort out what matters most
3. Decide what your "keepers" are for this holiday season
4. Be imperfect! And love it!
5. Give a gift to yourself.
6. Spend special time with your child
7. Choose one tradition per holiday that brings your family togehter for a moment of joy, reflection, fun relaxation, or just plain silliness
8. Get help
9. Nevermind what other people think
10. Take little time-outs when you can
11. Try something new
12. Be present
For complete article go to www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/holidaytips
CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY PARTY
A holiday party will be held on Wednesday December 17 at 10:30-12:00 at our new office . Santa (Angie Rubino) will be available, along with music by a local guitar player. Come join us and bring friends. Call Michael 855-o634
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