We are recruiting research participants for an in-home study for mothers of children between the ages of 3 through 7 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We will ask parents about parenthood and participants will be given the opportunity to provide cheek swabs for DNA samples. Families can receive up to $90 for completing home visits. Enroll at https://goo.gl/Jg8MsF and click that you are interested in home visits. Email questions to thriveasdstudy@gmail.com. Thank you!
Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism
Aiko & Egor displays simplied animation, engaging underwater characters, and utilitzes research-based curriculum. The videos are intended to be watched together by children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their family members, but can be enjoyed by many different children and adults. The app currently presents three different ways to watch the videos: 1) Play Video, 2) Learn Together, and 3) Skill Games.
Early Signs of Autism: An ASD Video Glossary
A web-based video glossary to help parents and professionals learn more about the early warning signs of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) was created by Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research. This glossary was developed together with First Signs, the leader in early identification and intervention of children with developmental delays and disorders, and Florida State University.
Learn how to spot early red flags for autism by viewing side-by-side video clips of children with typical behaviors in comparison with children with autism.
Pediatric Dentistry for Children with Autism
Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry caters directly to children with autism. Dr. Azi Ardakani, DDS has had additional training at Bellevue and NYU Hospitals and Lutheran Medical centers to treat the oral and dental needs of special needs patients, and he has trained to manage and understand their behavioral needs.
LITTLE HEROES assistants have done extra training and utilize behavioral techniques to enrich the experience of special needs patients. The set up of the dental facility helps reduce fear and anxiety and allocates sufficient space and time to get patients accustomed to the dental environment.
Office location: 26534 Moulton Pkwy, Suite C, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Warrior Hearted Special Children’s Foundation Grants
Grants up to $500 are awarded to a person with special needs for services or equipment not covered by health insurance or regional centers. Any person with special needs who lives in the Los Angeles or Orange County may apply. Applications are reviewed monthly. Many recipients come from communities that cannot afford the one-to-one specialized care and expensive equipment necessary for them to thrive. Funding is provided for special needs programs for educationally, emotionally, and physically challenged.
Apply at www.warriorhearted.org
Going on an Airplane: A Picture Story for Children
This Ability Path picture story will help to prepare your child for an airplane flight.
Go here to view it.
PROaupair – Professional Live-In Childcare for Families with Special Needs
PROaupair’s caregivers are attuned to a child’s individual needs and use their extensive training to ensure each child can reach his or her full potential. They provide high quality, skilled care depending upon the child’s diagnosis – implementing therapy homework, creating routines, and generally providing a warm, supportive environment.
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F; Robins, Fein, & Barton, 2009) is a 2-stage parent-report screening tool to assess risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The M-CHAT-R/F is an autism screening tool designed to identify children 16 to 30 months of age who should receive a more thorough assessment for possible early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delay.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months of age, in addition to broad developmental screening at 9, 18, and 24 months. The M-CHAT-R/F, one of the AAP recommended tools, can be administered at these well-child visits.
If you and your physician agree that further screening is needed, you can request a free developmental assessment through your State Department of Health. We provide the contact information for your state’s local Early Intervention coordinator on your child’s M-CHAT-R/F report.
Early Intervention sites offer further evaluations of your child free-of-charge. These developmental assessments often vary from county to county and may involve a physical exam, a cognitive exam, a hearing assessment, and a speech assessment. In addition to these important components of a thorough evaluation, you may also consider genetic testing and/or specialized assessments provided by a medical geneticist, a clinical psychologist, a developmental pediatrician, a pediatric psychiatrist, or a pediatric neurologist.
