Choosing a School for a Child With Special Needs: Written By Ruth Birnbaum. Taken from Amazon.com Ruth Birnbaum is a Chartered Educational Psychologist in independent practice, with 27 years’ experience in the field of education. A trained teacher with a Masters degree in Educational Psychology, she now visits schools across the UK to audit provision and advise parents and legal consultants on which schools are most appropriate for which children. If you are considering placing a child with special needs at a new school, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Should you choose a special school, or a special unit within a mainstream school? What will be the involvement of therapists? Maybe home schooling would be best? Whether the child has autism, dyslexia or any other special educational, emotional or behavioral need, this book will help you find the school that suits the child best. From drawing up a list of possibilities and setting up a school visit, to asking the right questions and recording your opinions in order to make an informed decision, “Choosing a School for a Child with Special Needs” will guide you through this complex and stressful process with confidence and ease. Whether…

Remember picture books are great assets for beginner level readers. Check out Eric Carle and is amazing collection of picture books about animals and nature! Eric Carle is an inspirational writer of children’s books. His books are comprised of simple stories, with beautiful and intricate pictures.  They’re great books to read with your little ones during story time or bedtime. Eric Carle’s collection is not only limited to books, but also other fun educational tools you can use with your children. The website has downloadable games, and coloring sheets that are easy to use and can be utilized as a fun or learning activity. The website also offers a blog site where you can read his biography, as well as find out about upcoming events and products. Be sure to check out his site, I think there is something for everyone! http://www.eric-carle.com/books.html

Eating an Artichoke: A Mother’s Perspective on Asperger Syndrome: Written By Echo R. Fling Excerpt taken from Amazon.com During a routine parent-teacher conference in November 1991, Echo Fling was told by her son’s teacher that his behavior in class was ‘not normal’. After two years at the pre-school, five-year-old Jimmy had failed to make any friends, had recently started to act aggressively towards his classmates, and was beginning to react violently to any changes in his routine. Echo was not taken completely by surprise: she had suspected for some time that her son was different from other children. Over the next five years, she and her husband accompanied Jimmy to doctors, medical specialists, learning consultants and psychologists. Finally, at the age of ten, Jimmy was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. This is the book that Echo Fling needed when she first set out to have Jimmy diagnosed, and it will enable parents and teachers to understand and help other children with Asperger Syndrome. Eating an Artichoke is a wonderful book for parents to read. This book will give insight and allow you to relate to the troubles, joys, and expectations Fling experienced as a mother raising a child with Asperger Syndrome.…

How Do I Teach This Kid? Written by Kimberly A. Henry Excerpt taken from Amazon First Runner-Up in the 2006 Writer’s Notes Book Awards, this book utilizes the strengths of children with ASD to help them develop new skills. Tasks are visually oriented, consistent; expectations are clear. Children learn motor, matching, sorting, reading, writing, and math skills using easy-to-make “task boxes.” Tasks include pushing items through a small openings (children love the “resistance” it takes to push them through); matching simple, identical pictures or words; sorting objects by color, size, or shape. Ideas are plentiful, materials colorful, and children love the repetitive nature of the tasks, which help them learn to work independently! Sample data sheets are included. This is a great book for parents of all children, however it additionally a good read to families affected by autism. It teaches them a variety of ways to learn educational skills maximizing on sensory stimulation through activities that target different learning styles such visual, auditory and tactile input. These activities are intended to both promote working together and completing tasks independently, without the help of a parent.