Autism, Aspergers, PDD, ASD Awareness Necklace

Dichroic Glass Puzzle Piece Necklace for Autism, Aspergers, PDD, and ASD Awareness by RocknBauble Beautiful Dichroic glass puzzle piece pendant .Truly a spectacular piece. A sterling silver bail is securely attached to the back. Comes with an 18 in sterling silver box chain. Puzzle piece measures approx. 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch, and is signed by the artist on the back. 10% of proceeds will be donated to the Autism Society of Greater Orlando. Comes in a hand decorated cotton filled gift box. 1 out of every 150 children will be diagnosed with some form of Autism. Our son is one of these wonderful children. Purchase this Awesome Autism Awareness Necklace HERE

Famous People and ASD

Daryl Hannah has said that early in her career she would not go on talk shows or to premieres and that attending the Academy Awards was painful for her.

Daryl Hannah – actress known for her roles in  Blade Runner, Kill Bill and Splash was diagnosed as a child as being borderline autistic, Christopher Knowles – poet,  Matthew Laborteaux – actor on Little House on the Prairie, Jasmine O’Neill- author of Through the Eyes of Aliens, Sue Rubin – subject of documentary Autism Is a World, Birger Sellin – author from Germany, Robert Gagno – actor from Vancouver, Craig Nicholls – frontman of the band The Vines, Gary Numan – British singer and songwriter, Dawn Prince-Hughes – PhD, primate anthropologist, ethologist, and author of Songs for the Gorilla Nation, Judy Singer – Australian disability rights activist , Vernon L. Smith – Nobel Laureate in Economics, Satoshi Tajiri – creator of Pokémon, Liane Holliday Willey – author of Pretending to be Normal, Asperger Syndrome in the Family, Asperger syndrome advocate, education professor, Michelle Dawson – autism researcher and autism rights activist who has made ethical challenges to Applied Behavior Analysis, Temple Grandin – a designer of humane food animal handling systems, Hikari Oe – Japanese composer, Bhumi Jensen – Thai prince, grandson of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, Dylan Scott – Pierce, wildlife illustrator, Jim Sinclair – autism rights activist, Donna Williams – Australian author of Nobody Nowhere and Somebody Somewhere, Stephen Wiltshire – British architectural artist, Axel Brauns – German author of the autobiographical bestseller Buntschatten und Fledermause and filmmaker.

Possible ASD Suspects:

Albert Einstein – “suspect” – died before autism and Asperger’s Syndrome were recognized as conditions, so the possibility that he had Asperger’s Syndrome is speculation. Einstein had difficulties with social skills, which is a characteristic of Asperger’s Syndrome, but that would not be enough to diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome. Einstein could not speak fluently at the age of nine (language delays are common in children with high functioning autism) and he had some other characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome. Albert Einstein provided the theory of relativity and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Benjamin Franklin “suspect” -  considered to be one of the most important of the founding fathers of our country.  He was a theorist, author, politician, scientist, activist, and diplomat.  His scientific contributions included physics, discovery of electricity, and theories regarding electricity as well as the first head of the post office.  Indicating the potential need for rigid rule and order, with sorting tendencies.  Benjamin Franklins peers did not give him the assignment of writing the Declaration of Independence because they feared that he would conceal a joke in it.

Isaac Newton “suspect” – dropped out of school as a teenager.  A person with Asperger�s may not be able to accept rules in school if they appear illogical, pursuing a point or argument as a matter of principle, which can lead to a significant conflict with teachers and school authorities.

Unique Farm Experience for Children with Autism/Aspergers

Pennyhooks Farm is a beautiful, small organic beef farm situated on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border that has been owned by the Otter family for over 50 years. The Pennyhooks Project began 5 years ago and provides a unique experience to young people who have Autism/Aspergers Syndrome. The peaceful rural setting, supportive environment and the opportunity to have hands on experience in the running of a working farm as part of a team, provides a wealth of opportunity for personal growth and development.We offer the Countryside Stewardship Course, accredited by the OCN, with modules in:

• Animal Husbandry

• Conservation

• Leisure & Recreation

• Personal Development, Health & Safety

Further relevant life skills courses may also be available.

“Our aim is to provide a welcoming, accepting & interesting environment. We believe in our students and know that success leads to success. We give whatever support is required until students are able and confident enough to take part by themselves”.

We focus on developing the social and life skills that foster this independence, ensuring that all students reach their maximum potential and are helped to prepare for adult life.

A typical day at Pennyhooks Farm includes caring for the animals, conservation work on the water meadows and walks on the farm.

Practical activity is enhanced by the use of picture/word worksheets that are created to allow students with all levels of communication skills to participate.

Much care has gone into the design of the newly completed purpose built facility to ensure that the environment is peaceful, homely and safe.

Pennyhooks Project is managed by Lydia Otter, a Special Needs Teacher and Richard Hurford who is an experienced Probation Service Officer and Pennyhooks Farm Manager. They work with experienced and empathetic staff trained to support students and their families. Parents and carers are encouraged to participate in all aspects of a student’s experience at the Farm and are always welcome to visit.

The service is open to young people who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. The programme operates on all weekdays with students attending either daily or weekly, depending on their needs.

The courses run were developed by the Northmoor Trust and are accredited by the Open Colleges Network. We are members of the Soil Association, CLA & NFU and also of a group of like-minded people who are involved in Care in the Countryside that is headed by the Arthur Rank Centre.

Our service is tailored to meet the needs of individuals and we welcome further enquiries.

Pennyhooks Project
Pennyhooks Farm
Shrivenham
Wilts
SN6 8EX
info@pennyhooks-project.co.uk

http://www.pennyhooks.com

Ipod Application for Aspergers

Using iPods to Help Kids with Asperger’s Disorder

The Fraser program that utilizes iPod technology to assist individuals with Asperger’s Disorder. Fraser staff creates stories and visual strategies that are individualized to each client’s needs and teaches families how to create and load these onto iPods so that clients have these resources with them across settings. Clients typically bring their own iPods to Fraser as Fraser
does not have iPods to give to clients.

If you would like more information about this program, call 612-728-5399 x455 or email ipod@fraser.org. Please leave your name and address if you are interested in attending a workshop on this topic. Leave your name and telephone number if you need further information from Fraser staff. Given the high volume of inquiries we are receiving, we will return your call within 1-2 weeks. You can also go to www.fraser.org for further information about Fraser and the services provided.

We applaud this creative use of technology and hope others will follow this trend by devising new and innovative applications, devices and interfaces for people afflicted with this disorder.

About Fraser A Nationally Renowned Minnesota Nonprofit
Since 1935, Fraser has been helping children, adolescents and adults in the greater Twin Cities area reach their potentials.

One of the largest community resources of its kind, Fraser offers a lifelong spectrum of services:

• diagnostic evaluations

• comprehensive mental health services including individual and group therapy

• rehabilitation services including physical, occupational, speech-language, and music therapy

• child care and education for children with typical needs and special needs

• housing for adults and children with developmental disabilities

• workshops and seminars for parents, caregivers and professionals

Fraser is consistently rated a top nonprofit by the Charities Review Council of Minnesota, an independent organization that advocates for strong, accountable, ethical nonprofits.