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

Strategies for Returning to School after a Break

A tip sheet for preparing for back to school. From Sandbox Learning. http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Returning_to_School_after_a_Break.pdf

December Online Calendar Game

An interactive online calendar game from Starfall. http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/calendar/load.htm?f&n=main

Christmas Song Visual Supports

Illustrated lyrics for:

Jingle Bells: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasSongJingleBells.pdf

The First Noel: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasSongNoel.pdf

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!

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.

Tips for Helping Individuals with Autism Have a Happy Holiday Season

A guide from the Autism Society of America: http://support.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=holiday_tips

Amazon makes a donation to support the Daily Autism Freebie with each purchase made from the following link:

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!

Enter to Win a $25 Gift Certificate to Montessori Print Shop

Today is the last day to enter! http://blog.montessoriprintshop.com/2012/12/06/gift-ideas-for-montessori-teachers.aspx

Amazon.com makes a donation for every purchase! Thanks for your support of the Daily Autism Freebie.

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!

"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

Christmas Vocabulary Cards

Small flashcards with pictures of Christmas vocabulary words. http://www.slatersoftware.com/XmasVocabCardsSmall.pdf

Find more Christmas activities at Positively Autism's Christmas page! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_christmas.html

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!

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

Riding the School Bus Lesson Plan

A lesson plan on riding the school bus from the Council for Exceptional Children. http://www.tooloftheweek.org/2012/11/riding-the-school-bus.html

Webinar: A Lifespan Perspective on Autism Spectrum Disorder

November 28, 6pm EST / 5pm CST

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

"Going to the Doctor" Social Stories

Prepare for an upcoming doctor visit with Positively Autism's social skill stories and activities. http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_doctordentist.html

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

"Getting There Is Half the Fun!" Activities for Kids to Do in the Car

Traveling this weekend? Here are some great tips and ideas on keeping kids entertained during car trips. http://prekandksharing.blogspot.com/2012/07/getting-there-is-half-fun-and-freebie.html

"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

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

Help Your Child Learn to Tell You About His/Her Day

A video tip from Rethink Autism. http://www.rethinkautism.com/community/news/Story.aspx?ID=676

Contest Giveaway - Maestro Classics 9-CD Collection for Kids

Enter to win a collection of classical music CDs for kids from Living Montessori Now: http://livingmontessorinow.com/2012/08/23/giveaway-maestro-classics-9-cd-collection-for-kids/

School Community Tool Kit

A tool kit to assist members of the school community in understanding and supporting students with autism. From Autism Speaks. http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/school-community-tool-kit

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

IEP Guide

A guide to the IEP process from Autism Speaks. http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/gp_iep_guide.pdf

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

Back to School Checklist: Organizing for Success

A great planning guide for teachers. I hope you all have a great school year and thanks for all you do!

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/back-school-checklist-organizing-success?eml=Teachers/e/20120817/facebook///SMO/teachers/article/backtoschoolchecklist/

Staying on Topic (in Conversation)

A lesson from Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/SocialSkillsToolbox/StayingOnTopic.htm

Need a social story for doctor visits? Check out Positively Autism's free resource page.

Responding to Questions

A lesson from Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/SocialSkillsToolbox/RespondingToQuestions.htm

Positively Autism's collection of free social skill teaching stories, songs, and activities!

Back to School Social Story

Here's an article about using a "Back-To-School" Social Story. It includes a sample story. http://tips4specialkids.com/2011/08/31/set-expectations-with-a-back-to-school-social-story/

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!

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!

End of Summer Activities to Prepare for the School Year

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

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!

Olympic Crafts Videos

Here are some Olympic theme craft ideas from Cullen's ABCs. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL209A56444AFE2279

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/

Paying Attention & Listening to Others

A lesson from Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/SocialSkillsToolbox/PayingAttention.htm

Social skill songs and stories FREE from PositivelyAutism!

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...

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

Friendship Cards: 24 Social Skill Prompts

A great resource for older/more verbal kids learning social skills. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Friendship-Cards-24-Social-Skill-Prompts

Positively Autism also has a store on Teachers Pay Teachers! Please follow our store and rate our free game!

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

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!

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...

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.

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

Travis the Train Goes on a Summer Picnic

Reposting one of my favorite Travis the Train stories. A picnic theme vocabulary story from Positively Autism: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/SummerPicnic_TrainStory.pdf

Swimming Pool Safety Story

A photo-illustrated guide to pool safety rules for kids. http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/socialstory_poolsafety.pdf

Find more summer activities and resources from Positively Autism here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

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!

Safety Tips for Portable Pools

English: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/367.pdf

Spanish: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/spanish/367s.pdf

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

Sunspotter Solar Telescope Contest

Frey Scientific is giving away a sunspotter solar telescope. The contest ends July 30. Please see this page for more info: http://freyscientific.wordpress.com/2012/07/02/july-giveaway-you-could-win-a-sunspotter-solar-telescope/

Amazon.com recommends...

The Everything Kids' Astronomy Book: Blast into outer space with steller facts, integalatic trivia, and out-of-this-world puzzles

Pool Safety Brochure

A quick printable brochure listing ways to keep pools safe for kids: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/360.pdf

Also available in Spanish: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/360s.pdf

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

Safety Tips for Pool Owners

Help make sure your pool is safe with these tips from PoolSafety.gov: http://www.poolsafely.gov/parents-families/simple-steps-save-lives/

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

How to Have a Sensory-Friendly Fourth of July

Tips from the Autism Society of America: http://www.autism-society.org/news/tips-for-families-and-1.html

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/

Fourth of July Crafts

Here are some July 4th craft ideas from the website One Place for Special Needs.

http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?words=4th+of+july+activities&section=resources_online

View Positively Autism's 4th of July stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_fourthofjuly.html

July 4th Coloring Sheet

A resource from the TinSnips special education website: http://www.tinsnips.org/Media/summer/july4.pdf

View Positively Autism's Fourth of July activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_fourthofjuly.html

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

Fourth of July Vocabulary

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

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

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/

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

Reciprocal Conversation

A lesson from Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/SocialSkillsToolbox/ReciprocalConversation.htm

Social skill stories with pictures are free from PositivelyAutism!

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.

Starting a Conversation

A lesson from Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/SocialSkillsToolbox/StartingAConversation.htm

More social skill stories from PositivelyAutism!

Shapes Train Story

A story to teach shapes featuring our popular Travis the Train character!

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

How to Help Children Retain Skills over the Summer Break

A tipsheet from Sandbox Learning. http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Retaining_Skills_over_the_Summer.pdf

View Positively Autism's summer-themed train stories and activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

Preparing a Child with Autism for Their Birthday Party

A helpful article! http://www.nationalautismresourcesblog.com/2011/04/20/preparing-a-child-with-autism-for-their-birthday-party/

More birthday social stories and activities: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_birthday.html

Tone of Voice & Volume Control

A lesson from Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/SocialSkillsToolbox/ToneOfVoiceAndVolumeControl.htm

More social skill stories and activities from PositivelyAutism!

Birthday Social Skill Stories

Social skill stories for going to a party, having a party, party games, as well as a birthday party visual schedule! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_birthday.html

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/

Appropriate Topics of Conversation

A lesson from Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/SocialSkillsToolbox/AppropriateTopicsOfConverstion.htm

View more social skill activities and stories at PositivelyAutism.com!

Flying on an Airplane Social Stories

For those of you going on summer vacations, here are some very well-made social stories about traveling on an airplane. http://www.phl.org/passengerinfo/Accessibility/Pages/AirportAutism.aspx

Emotions Color Wheel

A cool, visual tool for learning about emotions and facial expressions. From Do2Learn: http://www.do2learn.com/organizationtools/EmotionsColorWheel/index.htm

Positively Autism.com offers free social skill stories and activities!

Teach Your Child to Generalize Skills

A video tip from Rethink Autism. http://www.rethinkautism.com/community/news/Story.aspx?ID=616

Positively Autism offers summer ABA training! Learn more here.

"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

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

Travis the Train Visits the Beach

A beach vocabulary story from Positively Autism: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Beach_TrainStory.pdf

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

Swimming Pool Safety Story

A picture story about being safe at the pool from Positively Autism. http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/socialstory_poolsafety.pdf

Check out Positively Autism's other summer activities and resources here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

Summer Travel Tips

From the Autism Society of America: http://www.autism-society.org/blog/archive/summer-travel-tips-for.html

Train-theme summer stories and more from Positively Autism! http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

Help a Student With Asperger's Syndrome End the School Year Successfully

Tips from the Autcast: http://thautcast.com/drupal5/content/tips-help-student-aspergers-syndrome-end-school-year-successfully

Getting Ready for Summer Break

A tipsheet from Sandbox Learning: http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Getting_Ready_for_Summer_Break.pdf

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

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

"What is Autism?" Guide

An 18 page guide from AutismHelp.info: http://www.autismhelp.info/App_CmsLib/Media/Lib/1203/M3422_v1_634671610281785910.pdf

Special Needs Anti-Bullying Toolkit

A resource from Bully Free World. Includes resources for parents, educators, and students.

http://specialneeds.thebullyproject.com/toolkit

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

"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

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

Online Reading/Phonics Games

A great site with free online games for teaching reading and phonics skills. http://www.starfall.com/

Ways to Increase Communication and Language

A tipsheet from Sandbox Learning. http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Ways_to_Increase_Communication_Article.pdf

Developmental Milestones Screening

An online screening test to see how your child is meeting developmental milestones. From Easter Seals and CVS/Caremark.

http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageNavigator/ntlc10_mffc_homepageasq.html

"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

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Theme Activities

Vocabulary activities, a story video, and printables for "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

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

Enter to Win an iPad 2 w/Voice Symbol Software

PCI Education is giving away an iPad2! Click here for more information: http://www.pcieducation.com/win

Deadline is May 31, 2012.

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Apps for Autism: An Essential Guide to Over 200 Effective Apps for Improving Communication, Behavior, Social Skills, and More!

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

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/

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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

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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

"Other People Can Be First" Social Skill Story

A story written for a child who had a difficult time letting others do things first, such as getting in line.

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

Want more social skill stories? http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/09social.html

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.

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

Enter to Win an Autism Books Library!

A reminder that there's still time to enter this contest!

Enter to win one of two Autism book libraries each week in April from Brookes Publishing! http://www.brookespublishing.com/autism/giveaway/preview.htm

Books in the autism libraries include:

The PRT Pocket Guide


Individualized Autism Intervention for Young Children: Blending Discrete Trial and Naturalistic Strategies


Just Give Him The Whale!: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism

Montessori Giveaway Contest

Because I love Montessori!

Here's a chance to win a "Montessori Primary Teacher Manual Bundle" - http://starryskyranch.typepad.com/starry_sky_ranch/2012/04/montessori-primary-teacher-manual-bundle-giveaway.html

Amazon.com recommends these Montessori books:

Teaching Children to Make Good Choices

A tipsheet from Sandbox Learning: http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Teaching_Children_to_Make_Good_Choices.pdf

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

"Travis the Train Visits a Farm in the Spring" Story

There are two versions of this story: one that focuses on names of baby animals and one than focuses on animal sounds.

Baby Animals: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Spring_StoryTrain1A.pdf
Animal Sounds: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Spring_StoryTrain2.pdf

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.

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.

"Travis the Train Visits the City in the Spring" Story

A vocabulary development story for words such as kite, picnic, and garden.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Spring_StoryTrain3City.pdf

Spring Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards (either for viewing online or printing) with a spring theme.
http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Spring_Vocabulary.pdf

Enter to Win an Autism Book Library

Enter to win one of two Autism book libraries each week in April from Brookes Publishing! http://www.brookespublishing.com/autism/giveaway/preview.htm

Books in the autism libraries include:

The PRT Pocket Guide


Individualized Autism Intervention for Young Children: Blending Discrete Trial and Naturalistic Strategies

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)

"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


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Easter Preposition Game

Here's a great game for teaching prepositions with an Easter bunny theme from SpeakingofSpeech.com:

Directions: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/EasterBunnyDirections.pdf
Game Page 1: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/BunnyPrep1.pdf
Game Page 2: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/BunnyPrep2.pdf
Game Page 3: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/BunnyPrep3.pdf
Game Page 4: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/BunnyPrep4.pdf
Game Page 5: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/BunnyPrep5.pdf
Game Page 6: http://www.speakingofspeech.com/uploads/BunnyPrep6.pdf

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