Welcome to “On the Horizon”

Issue 104: Springtime Planning for Transitions

On
the Horizon is an award winning
weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities
who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their
child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.

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Exciting Events

A Note from Nicole: Weekend Full of Events

Idea of the Week:  Bubble Burst Painting

Feature Article: Springtime Planning for Transitions

The Horizons Team Recommends: Do Something Daily Calendar; “He Did What?! How NOT to Respond to Behaviors of Students with Autism”

Upcoming Events:  Summer CAMPS

Hi Everyone,

Ever have one of those weekends that doesn’t really feel like a weekend?  That’s what my family had this past weekend, with so many things packed into 2 days that it didn’t feel like time-off from work!  Despite the busy schedule, there were lots of great moments including a piano recital, first dance team photos, and a special event at church.  Having a weekend full of events that require dressing up made me realize how much my three boys have grown, and that they need some new dress clothes!  Add that to the list for an upcoming weekend…

This week I’m excited to announce an upcoming teleseminar I am offering to everyone at no cost.  The title is, “He Did What?!  How NOT to Respond to Behaviors of Students with Autism.”  I know that many of you have questions about how to handle autism-related behaviors that come up in school environments (and at home, too).  On this call I’m going to provide you with some of the things you definitely should not do when these situations arise.  You can register for the call here www.AutismBehaviorTeleseminar.com, and we will email you the call recording even if you can’t join us live.  There are a limited number of people we can accommodate on the call, so make sure to get your spot now!

Enjoy your week!

Looking to the horizon,

Bubble Burst Painting

Blowing bubbles is always fun, but try this new exciting idea to see what kind of creations your kids can make. First stir in 2 tablespoons of tempera paint or 15 drops of food coloring into a ½ cup of bubble solution. Next tape a large piece of paper to a fence, between two trees, or even attach to the cement ground and have your kids blow the bubbles against it. Watch for the amazing artistic presentation that will appear before your eyes!

Springtime Planning for Transitions

By: Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed.

The sun is beginning to shine, and the fresh smells of spring are upon us. This time of year is always a favorite of mine, whether I am at school working with my students or walking through the park with my son. As a special educator, this time of year is always busy in the school systems. Special educators, parents, and support staff alike generally meet together for an annual Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the coming school year. For those of you who are unfamiliar with them, IEPs are usually completed in the spring for students receiving special education services. When preparing for IEPs, it is essential for parents and educators alike to think about the conclusion of the current school year and the beginning of the next, and how they will support the child during this time.

During moments of transition from grade to grade, classroom to classroom, or school to summer, many children with disabilities begin to feel uncertain about what is to come for them in the future. This uncertainty can lead to increased in anxiety, which can be manifested in many different ways. As educators and parents, it is very important to plan not only for the upcoming school year, but also for the transitions in between. Here are several suggestions to make those transitions easier and less stressful for everyone involved:

• Communicate with the child that the school year is coming to an end, and that summer will be approaching. This is a good time to discuss moving on to a new teacher, saying good-bye to the current teacher, and ways for maintaining friendships over the summer.

Continued…

“He Did What?! How NOT to
Respond to Behaviors of Students with Autism.”

You definitely don’t want to miss the no-cost teleseminar I’m hosting.
During the call I’ll be sharing:

• The number one thing you MUST NOT DO when a student is exhibiting dysregulated behavior (this one tip alone will make your life easier!)
• How to communicate with students in the midst of challenging behaviors so they actually listen (this is something very few people do, but it makes all the difference in how quickly students can be redirected)
• What you need to do to stop arguments before they start (this will save you tons of time and energy!)
• The first action you need to take when responding to student behaviors (this action is probably not on your radar screen, but it should be)
• The gut instinct you need to ignore when a student becomes behaviorally dysregulated (learning to do this will absolutely reduce your stress level!)

Sign up today!
www.AutismBehaviorTeleseminar.com

Do Something Daily Calendar

Do you dread hearing your child complain, “I’m bored”?

Struggle to think of something fun you can do together?
Have trouble squeezing one-on-one time with her into your
day?

That’s why we created the Do Something Daily Calendar. The Calendar offers a daily dose of inspiration and ideas for spending time together–whether you have 60 seconds or 60 minutes.

In addition, $1.00 from every calendar sold goes toward research to improve the quality of life for those with autism, through a donation to the Foundation for Autism Research and Remediation.

For more information, click here.

Please join us!

• “He Did What?!  How NOT to Respond to Behaviors of Students with Autism.” – Teleseminar
  Thursday, April 29th, 2010 8:00PM EST
• Heart of a Spartan Health & Wellness Expo – Lansing
  May 1, 2010
• Walk Now for Autism Speaks – Chicago
  May 15, 2010
• AutismOne & Generation Rescue Conference – Chicago
  May 28-30, 2010
• Summer CAMPS – Red, White, & Blue
  (ages 4-7 morning  & ages 8-12 afternoon)
  June 28 – July 1
• Summer CAMPS – Let’s Make Music
  (ages 4-7 morning  & ages 8-12 afternoon)
  July 12 – 15
• Summer CAMPS – All About Pets
  (ages 4-7 morning  & ages 8-12 afternoon)
  July 26 – 29
• Summer CAMPS – Fun in the Sun
  (ages 4-7 morning  & ages 8-12 afternoon)
  August 9 – 12
• Summer Program – Collaborate and Create: Session 1
  Ages 11-18, 9am-12pm, Tues & Thurs
  June 29, July 1-15
• Summer Program – Collaborate and Create: Session 2
  Ages 11-18, 9am-12am, Mon-Weds, 9am-1pm Thurs
  July 26 – 29
• Extreme
  Makeover:
  Autism Education Edition
  August 4-6, 2010