All About Autism

Helping Children Communicate with Technology

Posted on October 21, 2014 by all about autism

Dynavox & teen One of the guiding principles throughout our history has been the desire to share our knowledge with others for the improvement of quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. That’s why we are very excited to work with Tobii DynaVox. Tobii is well known for their alternative access method devices like the eye-gaze access to computerized communication devices. DynaVox offers a portfolio of communication and education solutions for individuals with significant speech, language and learning difficulties. They have also played a significant role in moving the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) industry forward since the early 1990s.

Our specific project involves the Compass Communication App and the T-10 and T-15 devices. The T-10 is the smallest device at approximately two pounds and the industry’s first dedicated speech generating tablet. The T-15 at four pounds has a larger screen for children who need bigger letters, pictures and symbols. Both can be mounted and the T-15 has multiple access methods: direct selections, scanning and mouse capabilities. Based on our input, the Compass App has been updated to include new software changes, new page set-ups, uploads by populati Dynavox T10 on and compatibility with the Android tablet.

This is a win-win partnership because it enables us to secure the Compass App for each therapist as well as receive ongoing training throughout the school year and continuing education credits. In turn our therapists have shared their expertise and unique knowledge of students with significant challenges.

Who knows what the future will bring with the technological advances we are seeing occur????

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged autism, bni, communicate, computerized communication devices, DynaVox, ELBS, special needs, technology, Tobii | Leave a comment

Broccoli, Cauliflower and Autism? Who knew?

Posted on October 17, 2014 by all about autism

Broccoli and autism? When I broccoli vs kid saw the headline that the chemical sulforaphane found in broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies may reduce the symptoms of ASD, I was somewhat incredulous. When I read the study, my initial reaction was “I need to go out and buy sulforaphane supplements.” However, I wanted to research this study first.
I discovered these interesting facts:

Scientists at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and John Hopkins University School of Medicine gave 40 young men (13-27 years of age) with moderate to severe ASD the phytochemical sulforaphane or a placebo for 18 weeks
Sulforaphane, which showed negligible toxicity was selected because it upregulates genes that protect aerobic cells against oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA-damage. Studies have shown that the cells of individuals with ASD often have high levels of oxidative stress, the buildup of harmful, unintended byproducts from the cells’ use of oxygen, which can cause inflammation, damage DNA and lead to other chronic diseases.
Researchers found that many of those taking sulforaphane substantially improved in social interaction, verbal communication and decreased in aberrant behaviors.
This study was inspired by a 2007 study that indicated when children with ASD had a fever their social interaction became enhanced. Dr. Andrew Zimmerman (part of the 2007 study and the current study’s author) said there were several chemicals that stimulated changes in children with autism’s behavior during fever.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, although rich in sulforaphane do not contain enough of the chemical to see similar behavioral results.
The authors cautioned against starting sulforaphane supplements. This trial was very small to assure safety and there was also a potential side effect: 2 of the 29 boys taking the supplement had seizures although they had a history of seizures in the past.
The brand used in the study was a patented, pharmaceutical grade product that is not available for purchase over the counter.
If parents decide to try a sulforaphane supplement, they are strongly encouraged to work closely with a physician to monitor possible reactions.

I was very interested to read about the 2007 study, as Ryan’s behavior always improved when he had a fever. More eye contact, more language and significant decreases in repetitive behaviors. Then when he was healthy again the same issues reoccurred. I often raised the question, “why is this?” Now I understand why.

The researchers note that they don’t want to imply that sulforaphane is a cure for autism. The study offers preliminary evidence that there may be an equal or better supplement that could treat autism by improving symptoms caused by underlying cellular problems.

I’m not running out to get the supplement, but I do plan to share this research with Ryan’s physician. What are your thoughts?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged autism, bni, broccoli, cauliflower, cruciferous vegetables, ELBS, special needs, sulforaphane | 2 Comments

Expect, Employ, Empower! Recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Posted on October 14, 2014 by all about autism

Every October we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s employees with disabilities. The Barber National Institute (BNI) celebrated NDEAM with an awards ceremony today.

The excitement at the award ceremony

2014 NDEAM Award Ceremony

was contagious. Many of the employees in the community came back to BNI and shared their dream job experiences and encouraged their peers not to give up even though it can be hard to find a job. Thunderous applause followed each speech. Some of the takeaways I heard were:

EXPECT that everyone can have their dream job someday.
EMPOWER yourself by working with Transitional Work Services and learning new skills
EMPLOY your positive attitude and perseverance at your job

TWS Employee Award Winners

The BNI is not new to supported employment. Our program, which began in 1986, has worked with over 500 employers and has placed 700 people in the community workforce. I am also happy to say that year to date 26 individuals have secured employment in our community through the efforts of our Supported Employment program. Here is a very special video that BNI’s Supported Employment team produced.

Some of the Erie community employers include Erie Insurance Arena, Millcreek Mall, KFC, Bello’s Market, McQuillen Auto, Agility Marketing, Giant Eagle, Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Sisters of St. Joseph, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut, ODIS 12, Triangle Tech and Plastek to name just a few.

What can we do to increase employment opportunities?

Ryan receiving his award.

Have a CAN DO attitude and set your goals high.
Ask parents and educators to begin the transition process early and establish high expectations.
Ask employers to consider hiring a person with a disability when he/she meet your job specifications.

I would love to hear your success stories about community employment in your area.

P.S. I’m very proud to say that Ryan received an award as well for being

employed at Bello’s for one year and perfect attendance. He loves what he does at Bello’s and truly looks forward to working there every day.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged autism, bni, ELBS, employment, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, NDEAM, special needs | Leave a comment

Did You Know That October Is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

Posted on October 9, 2014 by all about autism

BNI student dancing at our first preschool dance (2014)

As we celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Month I would like to share some facts about Down Syndrome with you.

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.
There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.
The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.
Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, or approximately 6,000 births per year. Today, there are more than 400,000 people with Down syndrome living in the United States.
Most people with Down syndrome have cognitive delays
BNI student celebrating 100 Days and Counting by dressing in 1900s attire.

that are mild to moderate. Children with Down syndrome fully participate in public and private educational programs. Educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome.
Businesses are seeking adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small- and medium-sized offices: by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and in the computer industry to name a few.
People with Down syndrome have feelings just like everyone else in the population. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior.

Researcher Benjamin L Handen, PhD, BCBA-D, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is seeking adults with Down Syndrome to participate in a research study at The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bni, Down Syndrome, ELBS, facts about Down Syndrome, National Down Syndrom Awareness Month, special needs | Leave a comment

New Campaigns Are Developing Across the Country to Create an Inclusive and Diverse Workforce

Posted on October 7, 2014 by all about autism

Lori Sousa, 48, and Peter, Maxmean, 35, at their wedding reception in East Providence, R.I., in August. Ãngel Franco/The New York Times

The article A Couple Gaining Independence and Finding a Bond on the front page news of the Sunday NY Times caught my attention. It’s a love story about two people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who met at a sheltered workshop in Rhode Island, found their “soul mate,” and are now newlyweds. Their story came to light when this workshop came under federal investigation and was found to have willful violations of the sub-minimum wage law including the failure to record and pay employees for all of the hours that they worked. The state of Rhode Island agreed to a landmark consent decree which requires integrated opportunities for the 2,000 persons working in sheltered workshops across the state.

This decree put the other 49 states on notice that change is coming and employment in the community and not sheltered workshops should be the first consideration for persons with IDD. President Obama signed into law this past August the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which significantly limits placements at sheltered workshops and other work environments where people with disabilities earn less than minimum wage. Under the new law, individuals with disabilities age 24 and younger will no longer be allowed to work for less than the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour unless they first receive pre-employment transition services at school and try vocational rehabilitation services. Many senators and representatives have issued statements supporting this regulation,

An employee with BNI’s TWS.

noting that young people with IDD deserve to be treated with dignity and afforded all of life’s opportunities.

As the nation, we are seeing more movements to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workforce. Best Buddies International just launched their campaign I’m In To Hire, which promotes the business benefits of hiring individuals with IDD and motivate employers to create a more inclusive workplace.

A groundbreaking report “Employing People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” by the 2014 Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) reveals the business benefits of hiring this skilled, untapped group of employable candidates – like the fact that more than 3/4 of business who hired individuals with IDD rated them as “good” to “very good” on most performance factors, such as dependability and work quality.

TWS Employees from BNI

The Barber National Institute consistently works with the community and business leaders in PA to promote employment for individuals with IDD. Locally most students graduating from high school move into our employment programs, Transitional Work Services (TWS) or Supported Employment (SE). TWS offers training and work opportunities to individuals who wish to transition from school or unemployment into an integrated, competitive work force. A variety of work experiences and specialized training in landscaping, food service, janitorial work, and machine operation are provided. These and other opportunities give participants the experience needed to gain employment. The goal of SE is to prepare individuals for future employment success with a range of services to help ensure a good match for both the adult seeking employment and the prospective employer. The goal for each supported employee is that he or she will successfully and independently maintain employment in the community.

It is exciting to see the nation embrace inclusion of IDD in the workplace. What can you do to see this dream come true? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, diverse, Equality, I'm In To Hire, IDD, inclusive, President Obama, Rhode Island, special needs, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act | Leave a comment

Poverty and Disability Go Hand in Hand

Posted on September 30, 2014 by all about autism

Statistics provided by UC Davis Center for Poverty Research

It is very troublesome to read that poverty rates are back on the rise across the Erie region after two consecutive years of decline. 29.2% of the city’s residents (28,114 people) and 45.5% (9,649) of its children under 18 are living below federal poverty guidelines. Two years ago the rate was 25.7% of adults and 36.5% of children were living in poverty in the city of Erie. Unfortunately, poverty and disability go hand in hand. The poverty rate for working people with disabilities is 2.5 times higher than for people without disabilities. They struggle to secure employment, locate affordable housing and find needed medical care.

poverty - child We also know that the many conditions of poverty pose challenges to educational success. Impoverished children are less likely to attend preschool, often experience inadequate nutrition, have limited access to medical resources and may live in dangerous home situations. I’ve seen many of our students move frequently, have inadequate housing and, very sadly, experience homelessness.

I agree with Mary Bula, of Erie Together, in her statement, “poverty is a tremendous challenge in our community and it will take a community response to address it.” I’m proud to say that Erie has begun this task. I would only add that the intersection of disability and poverty must also be addressed if we are to break this connection.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, bni, disability, ELBS, Poverty, special needs | Leave a comment

Lack of Eye Contact In Infants Could Be An Indicator of a Future Autism Diagnosis

Posted on September 25, 2014 by all about autism

Did you know … 4842-344x228-Eye_contact

A child can be born with a genetic liability, but how autism is expressed can be changed between birth and 2 years due to brain development
It is anticipated that over the next few years the diagnosis of autism will occur at infancy
Visual fixation time (how much time a child spends looking) is different for children with autism, typical children and developmentally delayed children
Social interaction is the platform for brain development

Dr. Ami Klin

I had the opportunity to view an excellent webinar by Dr. Ami Klin, Director of the Marcus Autism Center (NIH Center of Excellence), Emory University. The Marcus Center is looking at social / visual engagement, social / vocal engagement and then developmental treatment. It was fascinating to learn that babies attend to eyes up to 2 – 3 months of age. All babies start with eye fixation at least 50% of the time as eyes are the reflexive behavior, genetically determined, subcortically controlled. Between 2 – 4 months this changes to interactional, reward driven, experienced dependent and cortically controlled. As the babies grew older, Dr. Klin found that children who are later diagnosed with autism decreased attention to the eyes. You may be asking yourself, ‘what is the importance of looking at eyes?’ It is not just for eye contact, but for the child to get the sense of value at looking at another. It is an issue of engaging the child.

He studied a set of babies at two months and eye contact found that all of them looked at the eyes. Then in the next 24 months typical children continued looking at the eyes, but children later diagnosed with autism begin decreasing significantly in this amount of time. A 16 month old child with autism often does not look at the eyes, but looks towards the mouth. In the 2^nd year of life babies with autism became focused on objects. Interestingly, some of the high risk babies for autism have course correction at 9 months. The question is why?

EarlyIntervention4 Dr. Klin is working with Dr. Amy Wetherby of Florida State University the author of the Autism Navigator™. The Autism Navigator™ for Early Intervention Providers is a web-based instructional system that addresses the need to increase the capacity of early intervention (EI) service providers to appropriately serve young children with ASD. Designed to support a mentoring model for delivering instructional content, it focuses on using effective consulting and coaching strategies to support intervention in everyday routines, activities and places in collaboration with families.

Dr. Klin’s motto, “Autism is an issue of diversity not disability” is his ultimate goal. His dream is not to cure autism, but to promote diversity and do away with its burdens. I concur!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, bni, Dr. Ami Klin, Dr. Amy Wetherby, EI, ELBS, eye contact, Florida State University, special needs | Leave a comment

5 Things You Can Do To Help The Caregiver In Your Life

Posted on September 23, 2014 by all about autism

A tragedy! The mother of a 13 year old with severe autism attempted to kill herself and her daughter. We are quick to think “how could a mother ever do that?” However, I recall the saying “don’t judge until you walk a mile in her shoes.” I haven’t, so I don’t judge her.

Instead I suggest that we as a community and a nation need to assure that there are programs, resources and support so that tragedies such as this don’t occur. How do we guarantee that this happens? What are the steps we should take?

Increase awareness of the challenges parents of children with special needs may experience.
Offer informal supports (babysit, include the child in your family activity, plan a fun excursion with the child) to give the parent a break
Contact your legislators on behalf of children and adults with special needs and their families to secure support and funding
Be willing to be a member of a support team to assist the parent at IEP meetings.
Help the parent find local resources, programs and support

If you are a parent struggling with challenges of your child with special needs, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Autism Speaks encourages caregivers to call the 24 hour hotline 1-800-273-TALK and has compiled a tool kit of resources that is available online.

It’s just as important to recognize that as a caregiver you must first take care of yourself. For some caregiver tips read my previous blog post.

Parents with children with special needs experience frustration, exhaustion and helplessness at some point but we must remember that we must always have hope. As a Catholic, I believe that God will only give us the challenges that we can handle.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, autism speaks, IEP, parent, special needs, stress | Leave a comment

Founder’s Day – A Celebration of Dr. Gertrude Barber

Posted on September 18, 2014 by all about autism

Ryan with Dr. Gertrude Barber

Today is a special day at the Barber National Institute. We are celebrating Founder’s Day to commemorate the legacy of our founder, Dr. Gertrude Barber and our enduring mission.

If we take a look back in time to the year 1952 services for persons with disabilities were nonexistent. As an Erie School District psychologist it was Dr. Barber’s responsibility to tell parents that their son / daughter could not attend school because of their disability. The parents had two options: send their child to a faraway institution or keep them at home. She and the parents wanted so much more. Thus began the Barber Center.

Her dream was to enable all children to learn and grow up in their own community where they would find acceptance and opportunity. Her vision has touched thousands of children and adults over the last 62

Students enjoying the Petting Zoo for Founder’s Day

years and has brought hope into the lives of their families. This vision has opened doors and minds by promoting acceptance, understanding and tolerance. I truly believe that Erie, PA serves as an example to the state and nation of an inclusive community. Our commitment remains strong and steadfast to this mission.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, bni, Dr. Gertrude Barber, ELBS, Founders Day, special needs | Leave a comment

Can Exercise Help Children with ADHD?

Posted on September 16, 2014 by all about autism

Ryan and I running in a Mother’s Day race a couple of years ago.

It’s 6 am. It’s so dark outside that one would think it’s the middle of the night. But Ryan and I are getting up to make our daily trek to the gym. I often think, why? Ryan and I both go to the gym after work and the two mornings he doesn’t work he goes to the gym. Do we really need all this physical activity?

Yes! “Exercise helps children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) according to a study,” in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal. This recent study found that children with symptoms of ADHD became more attentive and less moody when they participated in regular half hour sessions of aerobic activity before school. Physical activity can improve academic achievement including grades and standardized test scores. Unfortunately, physical education classes in many schools have been replaced by sedentary classroom based activities. This needs to change.

Ryan running in last week’s Beast on the Bay Adaptive Course.

We are initiating three new fitness programs in our school this year. Our adaptive bicycling program is now the responsibility of our PT/ OT department. Therapists are assuring that each student has an outcome based program tailored to the students’ strengths and needs. They are monitoring and tracking the students’ progress using the “Day to Data” app on the iPad.

Our fitness program has been modified to focus on fitness as a life skill. We will be addressing three primary areas of wellness: cardiovascular exercise, strengthen and balance. The students engagement in their fitness program will be measured by charting participation and using a modified Perceived Exertion Scale to rate how hard they work.

Ryan kayaking over the summer months in Erie.

We are also introducing Achilles International Run to Learn program, a series of educational and physical activities which will encourage and motivate students to participate in regular physical activities. Based on a 26.2 mile marathon, students will complete weekly laps that are counted and converted into miles and charted as a 26.2 mile route on a map of Erie, PA. Achilles Kids: Run to Learn is currently in 150 schools in the United States with approximately 3,500 students participating.

On a personal note, I, too, have seen many positive behavioral changes when Ryan engages in intense physical activities. He is very focused, stays on target during conversations, and engages in significantly less repetitive behaviors. So, you can be sure that Ryan and I will continue our six am treks to the gym in good weather and bad!