Friday, December 28, 2012

10 Little Snowmen Interactive Online Game

A fun and educational game from Starfall. Learn to read the word "snow," design your own snowman, and listen to an illustrated version of the "10 Little Snowman" poem. http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/snowman/load.htm?f&n=main

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Decorate a Gingerbread Man Online Game

A fun and educational online game from Starfall. This games teaches shapes and colors while decorating the gingerbread man. http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/gingerbread/load.htm?f&n=main

Amazon.com donates a percentage of your purchase to support the Daily Autism Freebie. Buy from the link below and help us keep brining you freebies! Thank you!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Christmas Around the World Activities

A set of fun activities for learning about winter holidays around the world! http://homeschoolingindetroit.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Christmas_Around_the_World.pdf
 
 
Amazon.com donates a percentage of each purchase! Thank you for helping us keep bringing you freebies.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Strategies for Challenging Holiday Situations

A tip sheet from Sandbox Learning: http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Challenging_Holiday_Situations.pdf

Amazon.com donates a percentage of any purchase to support the Daily Autism Freebie! Help us keep bringing you free resources by making your Amazon purchases from this link. Thanks!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Build Your Own Snowman Online Game

An easy-to-use educational online game that includes a fun story after making the snowman! http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/snowman/load.htm?f&n=main

Amazon.com donates a percentage of your purchase to support the Daily Autism Freebie. Buy from the link below and help us keep brining you freebies! Thank you!

Monday, December 10, 2012

"What to Expect at Christmas" Social Skill Story


 
This story covers Christmas traditions including decorating the house and tree, hanging stockings, leaving cookies for Santa, opening presents going to church, and having Christmas dinner. This story you can customize; you can write or type in your family's own plans.

Find this story, and other Christmas stories and activities, please visit Positively Autism's Christmas page at: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_christmas.html

Friday, December 7, 2012

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Enter to Win a Visa Gift Card from Rethink Autism

Have a Picture that Shows off Your Holiday Spirit?
You could win a $50 VISA Gift-card!
In celebration of the upcoming holidays, we invite you to share your favorite holiday memories on Facebook. Simply send us pictures of your family's favorite holiday activities, vacations, holiday cards, art projects, cookies or cakes, decorations, snow creations, or amazing holiday sweaters, and have a chance to win a VISA gift-card!
How to Participate

1) Send your pictures to rachel@rethinkautism.com
2) Watch for your pictures to be added to our Facebook contest album.
3) Ask your friends & family to 'like' our page and view the album so they can vote for you!

The picture with the most 'Likes' by Friday, December 21st wins a $50 VISA Gift-card!

Teachers! We'd love to see pictures of your classroom, projects, and events too!
 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Christmas Social Story

A Christmas social story with PECS. Specifically focusing on holiday decorations and the vacation from school. From Special Education Technology British Columbia.

http://www.setbc.org/pictureset/resources/christmas_holidays/christmas_holidays.pdf


For more holiday fun, check out this new Christmas tree classroom rewards point chart from Positively Autism! Includes 4 point sheets (a 5-point, a 10-point, a 15-point, and a blank tree you can customize). http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Tree-Token-Economy


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Webinar: A Lifespan Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorder

With James Coplan, MD. (www.drcoplan.com)
Owner - Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics of the Main Line, PC
Clinical Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry - University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

In this webinar, you will learn about:
  • Leo Kanner: The original outcome study
  • Predictable changes: The Natural History of ASD
  • IQ and Atypicality: Different, but both important
  • IQ as a driver of outcome
  • Time - the Third Dimension
  • Beyond the DSM-V

Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/260384178

Monday, November 26, 2012

Transition Countdown Multi-Pack Sample


A set of two free transition countdowns that can be used to show a student the amount of time until a change in activities. Providing these types of "transition warnings" may reduce problem behaviors when changing activities.  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Transition-Countdown-Multi-Pack-Sample

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

What Are You Thankful For? Visual Choice Board

A seasonal conversation starter board from TinSnips special education website.

http://www.tinsnips.org/Media/thanksgiving/thanx.pdf

Don't forget to visit Positively Autism's Thanksgiving page for a free Thanksgiving social story you can customize! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/thanksgiving.html

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Thanksgiving Food Choice Sheet

Can be used during school activities to indicate a favorite Thanksgiving food, or during a Thanksgiving meal to allow a child to choose a food to eat.

http://www.tinsnips.org/Media/thanksgiving/favthanksfood.pdf

Monday, November 19, 2012

Social Stories on Thanksgiving Manners and Hygiene

Here are a couple of stories about manners and hygiene on Thanksgiving. http://pickettsmill.typepad.com/pritchard/2009/11/thanksgiving-social-stories.html

Amazon.com donates a percentage of your purchases to support the Daily Autism Freebie!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Thanksgiving Social Story

Here's a Thanksgiving Social Story from Dimensions Speech: http://www.dimensionsspeech.com/downloads/Thanks-Social-Story.ppt

View a different social story, songs, and links on Positively Autism's Thanksgiving page! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/thanksgiving.html


Amazon.com donates a percentage of your purchases to support the Daily Autism Freebie!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Taking a Break

The Daily Autism Freebie will be taking a break for a few weeks to find more freebies. If you know of any good free teaching materials or downloads for families or teachers, please send the link to nicole@positivelyautism.com . Thanks!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

"Going Out to Eat" Tips and Resources

Another great resource from Autism Speaks! On this page, you'll find some great tips and resources, including visual support ideas, for dining out with a child with autism. http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/going-out-to-eat

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Funding for iPads

A helpful list from the Autism Society that shares different grants and organizations that offer help with funding for iPads. http://www.autism-society.org/news/funding-for-ipads.html

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Six Tips for Making the Start of School Less Stressful

Many of you have already started back to school, but I just found out about this resource, and I thought I'd pass it along for those of you who haven't. It's a list of tips to help ease the transition back to school. From Sandbox Learning. http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Going_Back_to_School.pdf

Monday, August 20, 2012

A Letter to My Teacher: 15 Things About Me!

From Natural Learning Concepts: "If you're a parent, you're anxious about the new school year and hoping the teacher will notice your child's strengths. If you're a teacher, this is a very busy time of year! And you're excited about getting to know your students. Here is a letter to your child's teacher. It will help your child adjust to a new classroom and make the teacher's life easy too."

http://www.nlconcepts.com/products/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=166_172&products_id=860

Monday, August 13, 2012

Teachers Pay Teachers Back to School Sale!


Positively Autism has a store at Teachers Pay Teachers! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Nicole-Caldwell

Each member of Teachers Pay Teachers must offer one item for free, so look for freebies all over the site. Don't forget to use to promo code in the image above for the Back to School Sale discount!

Friday, August 10, 2012

How to Write a Back to School Social Story

Quick and easy guide to writing a personalized back to school social story for your child. I usually like to feature freebies that are ready to print and use, but some things are good to make yourself.

http://www.pediastaff.com/resources-back-to-school-social-story--therapist-activity-of-the-week--featured-august-20-2010

Amazon.com donates a percentage of your purchase to the Daily Autism Freebie!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Back to School Tips

Another great resource from Autism Speaks! Tips and resources on transitioning back to school. http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/community-connections/back-school-its-transition-time


Shop at Amazon.com and support the Daily Autism Freebie!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Intro to ABA Tutorial

A reminder about Positively Autism's free online tutorial to help you learn the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how it can help your children or students.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/aba/

Monday, July 30, 2012

Social Script Fading

A description of how to teach using social script fading from the Council for Exceptional Children.

http://www.tooloftheweek.org/2012/06/social-script-fading.html

Amazon.com recommends...

Friday, July 27, 2012

Restraint and Seclusion Brochure

A helpful resource from the National Autism Association. It includes tips for parents, students, and educators on safe and ethical use of physical restraint procedures.

http://www.autismsafety.org/pdfs/NAA%20Restraint%20Brochure.pdf

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Activities for Summer Break

A tip sheet on making the most of summer learning opportunities. From Sandbox Learning. http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Activities_for_Summer_Break.pdf

Don't forget about the summer stories, songs and activities from Positively Autism! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Rethink Autism Webinar: Increasing Peer Interaction

Increasing Peer Interaction with Dr. Bridget A.Taylor
July 25th, 6pm EDT / 5pm CDT

In this webinar, we will discuss:
Research-based interventions to increase peer interactions
Skills to target to improve peer relationships
Strategies to make play dates more effective

Register now: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/278077938

This webinar is free and open to everyone!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Enter to Win a Laminator

School Specialty is having a contest to win a personal laminator. Deadline is July 25. There's more info on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SchoolSpecialty

Amazon.com recommends...

Friday, July 20, 2012

Upcoming Sensory Friendly Films

Sensory Friendly Films
Ice Age: Continental Drift
July 21
10 a.m. local time 
Find a Participating Theater: http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films/
Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.

Studio Movie Grill Special Needs Screening
Ice Age: Continental Drift
11:00 AM
Find a Theater: http://www.studiomoviegrill.com/BodyGraphic.aspx?ID=203
Special needs children and their siblings are free. All other tickets are $5.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Free Social Story Book w/Purchase

This week, Natural Learning Concept is offering a free social story book with all orders over $35. View this offer, as well as their other weekly special here: http://www.nlconcepts.com/weekly-sale.html

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Friday, July 13, 2012

Helping Children Stay Organized at Home (Home Visuals)

Perfect for summer when our kids are home! Here are some tips from Sandbox Learning about keeping your children organized using visual supports. http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Helping_Children_Stay_Organized_at_Home.pdf

Keep the kids busy this summer!

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Buy 4 Sandbox Learning Stories, Get 1 Free

Sandbox Learning is offering a one-time, 3 day only promotion. Buy 4 stories and Get 1 FREE! Don't miss out on this great opportunity. To take advantage of the promotion:
To take advantage of the sale:

1. Go to http://www.sandbox-learning.com/
2. Click on the Products tab under Shop Sandbox
3. Add five or more stories to your cart
4. Check out as you normally would
5. See the savings!
Please feel free to email us at support@sandbox-learning.com with any questions. This sale applies only to online purchases processed before 9 am EST on Friday, July 13th.

Amazon.com recommends...
The Social Skills Picture Book Teaching play, emotion, and communication to children with autism

Friday, July 6, 2012

Free Educational Apps

The educational website, Cullen's ABCs is offering all of their iPad and iPhone apps for free until July 31st! They have apps for numbers, counting, and songs. http://cullensabcs.com/category/iphone-apps/

Check out Positively Autism's list of apps for children with autism! http://www.positivelyautism.com/apps.html

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Tips for a Healthy and Happy Summer

Some tips and resources from Autism Speaks on topics such as fitness, play, nutrition, and a national park access pass for children with autism. http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/health-and-wellness/summer

Check out Positively Autism's collection of summer stories and activities!

Summer Activities: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html
Fourth of July Activities: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_fourthofjuly.html

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Pool Safety Games and Activities for Kids

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be featuring summer activities as well as safety resources. Here's the first.

A collection of videos, games, and activities to teach pool safety to children: http://www.poolsafely.gov/parents-families/for-kids/

Monday, June 25, 2012

What to Expect on the Fourth of July


A social skill story about what families may do on the Fourth of July such as having a picnic or watching fireworks. http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/4thofJulysocialskillstory.pdf

View the rest of our Fourth of July activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_fourthofjuly.html

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Sunny/Rainy Weather Songs and Stories


Visit Positively Autism's weather activity page for vocabulary flash cards, train stories, songs, and games about sunny and rainy weather!

http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_weather.html

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Paula Kluth Contest


Dr. Paula Kluth, a specialist on autism and inclusive education, is offering a giveaway of a laminated strategy card with ideas to support literacy in the inclusive classroom. Visit her website to enter. The deadline is June 24th.

http://www.paulakluth.com/2012/06/20/new-laminated-card-literacy-instruction-for-inclusive-classrooms/

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Family Resource Kits

A listing of the toolkits available from Autism Speaks on topics such as going to the dentist, sleep issues, and medication.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/13toolkits.html

Friday, June 15, 2012

Special Needs Movie Screenings

Madagascar
Date: Saturday, June 16
Time: 11 AM
Location: Studio Movie Grill
More Info: http://www.studiomoviegrill.com/BodyGraphic.aspx?ID=203
Children's tickets are free, adults pay $5.

Madagascar
Date: Saturday, June 16
Time: 10 AM
Location: AMC
More Info: http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films/
I think tickets are regular price for this theater.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Intro to Autism Tutorial

A free online tutorial that provides information about autism and includes strategies for both parents and teachers. From PositivelyAutism.com.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/autism/

Monday, June 4, 2012

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

"Train in the Sun" Story

A summer vocabulary story from Positively Autism: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Sunny_TrainStory.pdf

Summer Autism Training from Positively Autism! Learn a fun, natural ABA method with a high success rate for increasing communication! http://www.positivelyautism.com/training.html

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Autism Guide for Military Families

I was out of town for the holiday yesterday, so I'm re-posting this freebie today in honor of those who serve.

Here's a link to the Autism Speaks resource page for military families. It includes an autism guide and links to support resources.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/military-families/resources

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Sunny Vocabulary

A vocabulary activity for summer from Positively Autism: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/SunnyVocabulary.pdf

Join Positively Autism's first online class! Learn a fun ABA method to increase your child's communication and motivation to learn! http://www.positivelyautism.com/training.html

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Last Day of School Social Story

An illustrated story from Slater Software about the last day of school.

http://www.slatersoftware.com/Last%20Day%20of%20School%20SocialStory.pdf

View Positively Autism's collection of summer songs, vocabulary stories, safety stories, and more: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

Monday, May 14, 2012

Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers

A free version of this autism screening tool from Autism Speaks. This might be a good starting off point to talk with your doctor if you have concerns about autism and your child.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/diagnosis/m-chat

Friday, May 11, 2012

"Going to the Doctor" Social Skill Story and Flashcards

Part of our developing activities series on doctor visits. The story explains the process of a doctor visit, and the flashcards help familiarize the child with things that he or she might see on the doctor visit.

Get both the story and the flashcards here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_doctordentist.html

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Mother's Day Activities

A brief overview of Mother's Day and what kids can do for mom on the holiday.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_MothersDay.pdf

View the rest of Positively Autism's collection of Mother's Day Activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/mothersday.html

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Monday, May 7, 2012

Friday, May 4, 2012

"All About Me" Student Information Form

A form for sharing student information with next year's teachers or other service providers, or for parents to provide information about their child to teachers.

http://www.tooloftheweek.org/2012/04/all-about-me.html

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Sensory-Friendly Movie Screenings

Please note that only children's tickets from Studio Movie Grill are free. Others require a ticket purchase, I believe. Please call your local theater for more information.

AMC:
May 5th
10:00 AM Local Time
Movie: Pirates! Band of Misfits
Find a theater: http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films/

Studio Movie Grill:
May 5th
11:00 AM Local Time
Movie: Pirates! Band of Misfits
More info: http://www.studiomoviegrill.com/BodyGraphic.aspx?ID=171

Monday, April 30, 2012

Developing Communication Skills for College

A guide from CEC's 7 Steps for Success: High School to College Transition Strategies for Students With Disabilities. http://www.tooloftheweek.org/2012/04/

Amazon.com recommends...

Friday, April 27, 2012

Panera Top Teacher Contest

Enter a teacher to win a breakfast for their class, a $200 Panera gift card, and $100 in office supplies.

http://www.panerabread.com/about/topteacher/?ref=KN-0001-042012

Amazon.com recommends...

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Expert Webinar Series

For the rest of April, Rethink Autism is offering free access to their expert webinar series. Rethink Autism is a great resource; be sure to check it out! http://www.rethinkautism.com/community/webinars/default.aspx

Want more free autism training? Visit Positively Autism's online tutorials! http://www.positivelyautism.com/tutorials.html

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Online Autism Story for Kids

A cute, animated story about being friends with a classmate with autism. Click "Book 2" on this page: http://klondikefamily.klondikebrands.com/

There is also a puzzle coloring activity to go with the story.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Mother's Day Social Skill Story

A brief overview of Mother's Day and what kids can do for mom on the holiday.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_MothersDay.pdf

View the rest of Positively Autism's collection of Mother's Day Activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/mothersday.html

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Autism Guide for Military Families

Here's a link to the Autism Speaks resource page for military families. It includes an autism guide and links to support resources.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/military-families/resources

Friday, April 13, 2012

Q and A with Autism Experts! Part 2

Brookes Publishing is offering an opportunity to submit your questions for Dr. Paula Kluth. Here's more information from Brookes:

Submit your questions on Facebook and Twitter for
for inclusion advocate Paula Kluth by April 16th and check back for her answers starting on April 23rd.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Enter to Win an iPad from the Autism Society

Here's an e-mail I received from the Autism Society of America:

To add to the National Autism Awareness Month excitement, the Autism Society is giving away another iPad!

If you are an Autism Society member – whether you’re just joining us or have been with us 50 years – you are eligible to receive an iPad 2 courtesy of The Puzzling Piece! A winner will be chosen at random on April 30.

To put your name in our drawing, all you need to do is fill out this simple entry form. Please limit your entry to one per person.

Remember, you must be an Autism Society member to enter. In addition to having access to special giveaways, Autism Society members receive the printed and online versions of the Autism Advocate magazine, and enjoy discount codes in our store.

Thank you for being a valued Autism Society supporter.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Passover Freebies

Here are a few Passover resources I found:
http://www.jgateways.org/Resources/Passover (includes visual aids/picture symbols for Passover stories and traditions).

http://specialchildren.about.com/od/allergysaferecipes/qt/gfpassover.htm?nl=1 (Gluten-Free Passover Recipes)

Thursday, April 5, 2012

"Going to Church on Easter" Social Skill Story


http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_ChurchEaster.pdf

There is also a "Social Skill Article" version of this story for older/more verbal students: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/EasterSocialSkillArticle.pdf


Amazon.com donates a percentage of your purchase to support the Daily Autism Freebie!