Virginia HB325 was signed on April 18, 2012. As of September 1, it requires each school board to ensure that aides assigned to work with teachers of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) receive training in student behavior management within 60 days of assignment to such responsibility. It also requires the Virginia Board of Education, in consultation with Virginia Commonwealth University, to develop online training that school divisions can use to fulfill the bill’s requirements. The training will be made available to local school divisions free of charge.
Read more: April 2012 Legislation Activity Update…
In this video, Karen Schoenhals, a woman with Asperger’s, reflects on how her condition hindered her from having social success as a schoolchild. Though she did well academically, she had problems recognizing social signals and vocalizing her emotions.
Read more: Engaging With People With Asperger’s…
Bread, milk, crackers, cookies, pizza—can what a child eats affect her behavior?
A study conducted at Penn State indicates that a gluten-free, casein-free diet can play a role in improvements in the behavior of kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). When kids with autism and GI symptoms eliminated from their diets the proteins found in wheat, cow’s milk, and other foods, parents noted improvements in “language, eye contact, engagement, attention span, and social responsiveness.”
Read more: Does Diet Affect Autism?…
Did you know that children on the autism spectrum are at high risk for bullying?
The initial results of a survey by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN) are staggering: 63% of 1,167 children with autism between ages six and 15 have been bullied. These children also experience meltdowns and aggressive outbursts triggered by bullies.
Read more: Study: Children With Autism Are Often Targets of Bullying…
Per a survey done by Cox Communications Teen Online & Wireless Safety, “38% of teens have experience with cyberbullying.” If you’re concerned about cyberbullying, check out a free live event on Saturday, April 21: “9 Lights in a Child’s Life,” streamed online from its Parker, CO location. A panel composed of nine leaders in the community, including 15-year-old child safety advocate Cassandra Perkins, a spokesperson for Be Your Own You (BYOU), a girls’ self-esteem company, will discuss internet safety and strategies for adults and children.
Read more: National Day of Cyberbullying Awareness Streams Live on April 21…
