All About Autism

Under the Sea

Posted on September 10, 2013 by all about autism

Students on a “field trip” to visit the blue sailfish

Last week one of the teachers used the “ocean” as the classroom learning theme. The students’ were exploring the ocean and when I heard about this I couldn’t wait to talk to them about what they were learning.

As I entered the classroom, I was pleasantly surprised at how each student was fully engaged in the lesson. When I asked them “what did you learn?” every student had something to share.

Kayla was enthralled with the shark book. Jimmy was a virtual encyclopedia about the creatures of the ocean. He told me all about the lightening, jelly and vampire fish and the sting rays. No detail was left unshared. Coral was his next favorite topic. He was fascinated by the array of colors and shapes and knew details that would have made any deep-sea diver proud.

Scuba diving was also a hot topic. Everyone wanted to do it and many remembered when it was taught here as part of Camp Connections.

I could see their eyes light up with joy as they shared. They were engaged and grasping the lessons, which is a testament to the teacher and staff.

How did the teacher succeed?

She incorporated multiple types of media and tactile items from the sea to teach the lessons. Using the iPad she projected education movies and brainpop videos onto the wall. The students enjoyed touching the fish, coral and sea life on the wall. She brought in seashells and coral for the students to feel and used lobsters, sharks and jellyfish as her focus in teaching.

Most importantly she found the area of interest, the ocean, and used it to engage her class. I encourage you to try it! So many lessons can be taught through a topic of interest including math, spelling and colors to name a few. A little time and patience invested to find what that interest is will have big rewards for the student and the teacher.

The final fun experience for the class was a field trip.

The class stopped by my office where I have a beautiful blue sail fish mounted on the wall. They each took turns touching the fish while some talked about its color. It was a fabulous opportunity to experience the ocean with the class and to see how life “under the sea” can transform teaching.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism and the ocean, bni, creative education, engaging students, field trip, ocean, sailfish, teaching, under the sea | Leave a comment

Robots & Autism: What’s the impact? What’s the future?

Posted on September 5, 2013 by all about autism

A few years ago I was relaxing at home reading the latest edition of the Notre Dame Alumni magazine. I came across an article written by Dr. Joshua Diehl, Assistant Professor of Psychology, on his robot research and I was hooked. Fascinated and impressed by his work, I began to wonder how we could connect with him.

As the quest to connect began, I remembered that a colleague’s son was attending Notre Dame and, as it turned out, happened to be in one of Dr. Diehl’s classes. Through a series of conversations, emails, and meetings (along with a unified desire to see how robots and autism were linked) we saw an opportunity: to investigate the effect robots have on children diagnosed with autism. Thus began the unique collaboration between the BNI and the University of Notre Dame.

Joshua Diehl..Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame

Dr. Josh Diehl
Assistant Professor of Psychology
The University of Notre Dame

Dr. Diehl is the director of our research collaboration using robots to teach social skills to children with autism. The Robot Study was one of six research studies highlighted at the 2013 International Meeting for Autism Research and has gained worldwide attention.

Dr. Diehl also serves as Director of the For Understanding Neurodevelopment Laboratory (F.U.N. Lab) at the University of Notre Dame. The F.U.N. Lab focuses on understanding and improving disorders (including Asperger syndrome, Autism and PDD) and other neurological disorders.

I am thrilled to invite you to a inspiring, educational and informative meeting with Dr. Josh Diehl here at the BNI on Wednesday, September 25th from 6-7pm in our Forum. Come and hear about Robots and Autism: The Impact, the Potential and the Future.

The event is free and open to the public, so whether you are a interested community member, medical professional, teacher or family member, this discussion will move you! Reservations are appreciated by calling us at 814-480-6831. I hope to share this fabulous evening with you!

Check out the video regarding the project!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, aspergers, autism, autism research, bni, Dr. Diehl, FUN Lab, Josh Diehl, medical, notre dame, Notre Dame Alumni, parents, research update, robots, social skills, teacher | Leave a comment

“To Infinity….and Beyond!”

Posted on September 3, 2013 by all about autism

The excitement of a new school year is palpable! Welcome signs drape the walls, the smell of fresh paint in the air, new lesson plans and goals.There is so much to look forward to including how technology will advance learning for students’. It’s playing a key role in transforming the classroom!

Technology in school is becoming the norm when it comes education, support and training for students’ and faculty. We are thrilled and grateful for all the supporters who have made technology possible in the ELBS. Computers in every classroom, 50 iPads and 5 TAPits enable our teachers to work effectively and efficiently with the students building communication, creativity and connection ultimately enabling us to reach new heights!

This year the Elizabeth Lee Black School will begin hosting “Tech Talks.” “Tech Talks” will be a bi-monthly 30 minute conversation at the ELBS for parents, faculty and staff to ask questions and explore the realms of the digital world including new technological ventures. Stay tuned for details!

Everyday technology is changing, we read about it online and in the paper. It’s moving us, with the right guidance, to new heights in education and the classroom. The opportunities are limitless. As Buzz Lightyear said “to infinity and beyond!”

I would love to hear how you are using technology in school this year and to what heights it’s taking you?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged ASD technology, Buzz Lightyear, children and technology, communication, connection, creativity, digital, education, new school year, tech talk, technology, technology in school, Toy Story | Leave a comment

Ask Yourself, “Am I Being Kind?”

Posted on August 29, 2013 by all about autism

It was Saturday. Mass with Msgr. Kriegel was over and Ryan and I were heading home. Msgr. had spoken about being “kind” and “merciful,” his theme for the week. I was preparing to talk to Ryan about the concept, as we usually spend the ride home chatting about how the sermon applies to him, but he brought it up first saying “Mom, I’m going to be kind.”

We talked about how he could be kind which quickly grew into an increasingly long list. I wondered, “will this simply be a list or something he takes to heart?” I should have known that Ryan would take hold of a concept that was so black and white vs. abstract.

It’s only been a week and Ryan could be the poster child for being kind and merciful.

Ryan understands kindness as helping others. In the mornings he is immediately getting up and making his bed WITHOUT any prompting, saying that he is being kind and merciful. At the amusement park, Waldameer, he held open the gates for others to enter. So, for Ryan, it may be emptying the dishwasher, doing a great job at Bello’s or buffing the floors, he is always relating that he is “kind and merciful.”

Yesterday, kindness was repaid to Ryan (and me). We received a package in the mail from an unknown zip code with an anonymous note saying “we found this while on vacation and wanted to return it.” What was inside? Ryan’s wallet with all contents (his ID, money, etc.). He lost it last Saturday at Sara’s before mass.

I am so proud of and thankful for the way Ryan shows kindness (I’m also thankful for the strangers who returned his wallet).

Teaching anyone to think of others before themselves is an important social skill. There are a million acts of kindness. We just have to start with one!

Check out my Pinterest board (Kindness Counts) for fun, creative acts of kindness!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged barber institute, children, friendship, giving, helping other, kind, kindness, mercy, pinterest, random acts of kindness, Sara's, service ideas, tips | 4 Comments

First Day of School: What Do You Remember?

Posted on August 27, 2013 by all about autism

Fading tans and falling temperatures mean it’s that time of year again. As hard as it is to say goodbye to summer and get back to school, there are also quite a lot of memories associated with embarking on a new adventure every fall.

One of my earliest memories was from my first day of MaryVale preschool. I was two and a half years old, riding in the car with my mom sitting beside me. Of course by the time I was at Mercyhurst Prep School, getting my hair done and buying a new outfit were the top priorities!

Yesterday faculty, staff and students shared their experiences with me when I asked, “What are your memories of the first day of school?”

Pam – “The expression on the kids faces. They are so expectant. Everybody is working together. This is the best thing!”
Ann – “Just seeing the kids’ faces and smiles! Hoping they like you and remember you. It feels good when previous students want to be with you.”
Ellsworth – “The first smile from the kids! Sharing happy times and enjoying making eye contact.”
Jaime – “How much the kids have missed me and school.”
Kathy – “Having a student come to me, smiling as they walk off their school bus.”
Connor – “The excitement in getting to know new kids.”
Kyle – “Getting a chance to know students who are new to your room and helping them!”
Leslie – “There are just too many memories. I can see their faces, how they have grown. It’s like the first time you met them. You marvel at how many skills they have.”

Below, students’ share their feelings about the first day of school:

Jimmy – “I think the room looks great. I’d like to spend more time with friends.”
Brandi – “School is fun. It makes me happy. I like seeing Bryant again.”
Josh – “I was grumpy in the morning and then started to feel happy in the afternoon.”
Kayla – “Good…I like it.”

Ryan & I on his first day of kindergarten

As I listened to their experiences, I began to remember Ryan’s first day of kindergarten.

We sat together on the steps waiting for the school bus, feeling well prepared to start a new journey. But, I confess, as he rode off on the bus my eyes filled with tears as I thought “today my little boy starts a new chapter in his life” and wondered “Will he have friends?” But, I guess that’s what all mothers worry about on the first day of kindergarten.

I hope your first day of school this year was full of joy and that the year brings you fun, friendship and fabulous memories. We are off and running!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, bni, children, ELBS, erie, faculty, first day of school, friendship, fun, memories, school, sharing memories, teach, teachers, working together | 4 Comments

Dear Great Teachers…

Posted on August 22, 2013 by all about autism

It’s that time of year. Our school children are being sent into the hands of someone else to be cared for, fed, bandaged when injured and instructed. They are handed over entirely. It is not a parent, a grandparent, a relative or a friend.

It is a teacher.

Today I’d like to tell you about and say ‘thank you’ to one of our school teachers:

Denise Stoutamyer

Denise Stoutamyer

Denise is a Special Education teacher in the Elizabeth Lee Black School. In the eight years that she has been with our school, she has distinguished herself by her unwavering commitment to students ages 3-5 in an Early Intervention Specialized Preschool Class.

Denise is able to recognize, with an uncanny ability, the needs, desires and skills of each of her students. She creates a safe and stimulating environment conducive to being curious and learning. Denise has a positive approach to resolving behavioral challenges, is dynamic, creative, and a consummate professional. When not in the classroom you’re sure to find her with her students on some adventure, such as a scavenger hunt through the school or a search for dinosaurs. Denise is achieving great success with our preschoolers. She exhibits great leadership and dedication to all whose lives she has touched.

The ELBS has fabulous faculty! I can’t wait to tell you about them throughout the year. In the meantime, I thank them and all teachers nationwide who dedicate their lives to gentle souls, develop the minds of our children & make dreams come true!

I hope that you all continue to grow as your students do this year. In the words of ELBS friend and supporter Jim Dible, “We cannot be what we need to be by remaining where we are.”

May your school year be fun, with moments of peace and overflowing with thanks!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged asd, autism, back to school, bni, children, dreams, early intervention, education, EI, ELBS, first day of school, great teachers, learning, new school year, preschool, special education, students, teach, teacher, thank you | 3 Comments

Start the School Year with a ‘Thank You’

Posted on August 20, 2013 by all about autism

As I await the sounds of the students walking our halls and the artwork to drape the walls, I’m thinking of our faculty and staff returning today preparing for a new school year.

We are so fortunate to have such a fabulous faculty and staff and I want to take time this week to highlight a few of them in the blog but thank all of them here and throughout the nation. Many times we send a thank you to faculty and staff at the end of the year. Let’s start the school year with a “thank you!”

Chris Gross, PT, MS

Thank you Chris Gross! Christina (Chris) Gross is a Physical Therapist in the Elizabeth Lee Black School. A faculty member since 2007, Chris is the consummate professional. She utilizes her full range of experience to address the individual needs of each student. Chris partners with students, teachers and parents to set realistic goals and provides education at each step of her treatment to assure maximum benefit is achieved.

Chris has a vision of inclusion which has led to many opportunities for our school students. Through her initiative came the development of the adapted bicycling program and interactive iBook, Adapted Bicycling (available on iTunes). She actively pursued grants that have enabled us to develop a fitness room, purchase gait trainers and specialized equipment and seating. Chris also worked to create an adaptive Barber Beast obstacle course for students to be included in the Beat-the-Beast challenge.

I’m so grateful for all that Chris does for the students and look forward to her continued efforts this year. My hope is that you have a faculty member like Chris. One who continues to surpass expectations with a positive attitude, vision & compassion. And I hope that you too will begin the school year with thanks!

Chris earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy and a Master’s of Science specializing in neuro-rehabilitation from Daemen College. She is certified in Neuro-Development Treatment (NDT) for adult rehabilitation.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged adapted bicycling, back to school, barber national institute, bicycle, bni, children, disabilities, faculty, new school year, physical therapy, PT, teachers, thank you | 2 Comments

Now & Then: Ryan’s Favorite Summer Activities

Posted on August 15, 2013 by all about autism

19 summers (and even more activities later), Ryan’s summer activities were always action filled. Whether kayaking, golfing or at the beach Ryan remains true to his adventurous spirit!

Kayaking on the shores of Lake Erie (Summer 2013) He still loves the water…

T-time on the golf course….

Driving the ball 150 yards! (Summer 2013)

Ryan always loved golf! (practicing his swing age 2)

Running along the beach is always a favorite (2011)

Time at the beach (1 year old) he always adored.

Ryan LOVING the water at our home

And swimming at the BNI

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

10 Days and Counting

Posted on August 13, 2013 by all about autism

Ryan on the first day of school

A new school year is at hand. It is hard to believe, but there are only 10 days left of summer vacation before school starts. Backpacks are about to replace beach bag,s and sandals are being swapped out for sneakers. For both parents and children, the start of a new school year can bring excitement and nervousness. I remember feeling both on Ryan’s first day of kindergarten at Grandview Elementary School.

As we stood on the steps waiting for the bus, Ryan all decked out in his “first day of school outfit,” thoughts drifted through my mind: “How will he adjust? Will the teacher understand him? I can’t believe he’s off to school. He’s growing so fast!” I know many parents share similar thoughts.

The new school year may also produce flutters of apprehension for the child as they wonder: “Will my new teacher like me? Will I be able to find my locker or classrooms? Will I have any friends in my class?”

Ryan asked me “How long will I be in school? Will you be home after school?” He seemed very comfortable when he told me, “Mom, Ms. Conti will be my teacher.” And “I’m a big boy now since I’m in kindergarten.”

Switching from the laid-back fun in the sun of summer to rules, homework and routines can be a big jump for parents and children alike. But, with a little preparation and the right attitude, it can be the start of another successful year.

School bells no longer ring for Ryan, however, he continues with new “first days.” I am proud to say that he began a new job, working Tuesday mornings at Bello’s while and continuing his work at the Crime Lab. He is buffing all their floors, a job that he is both proud of and highly successful. What more can a parent ask?

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Calling All Shoppers!

Posted on August 8, 2013 by all about autism

It’s that time of year, back to school and end-of-summer sales! Did you know that you can shop, save, and give all at once? “Shop for a Cause” is a national event that takes place on Saturday, August 24^th at Macy’s stores nationwide. So why participate?

Four reasons to Shop for a Cause:

If you’re like me, shopping is fun–a relaxing time away from the daily routine.
You’re a fashionista who thrives on sales.
It’s back to school time, and you can save on new clothes, shoes or supplies for the kids.
Support children with disabilities in a simple, fun way.

How to give back?
Simply purchase a $5 savings pass (at the BNI) and our school keeps 100% of the proceeds from the sales of the passes. And when you shop on the 24th you can enter to win a $500 Macy’s gift card.

Where to get passes?
You can purchase your $5 shopping pass by visiting the BNI or mail us a check and we’ll send you the pass. Contact the school office at 878-4052 or mail your check to: