A-way with visuals

The heading is a slight (perhaps a poor) play on words... I am painfully aware that I have been neglecting this blog (ie. "away") for the last month. Here are my excuses (plus a few resources and a bit of useful information for you).

Playgroups for children with Autism

In Australia, the government and Playgroup Australia have teamed up to fund playgroups for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Autism-like symptoms. These are called PlayConnect Playgroups.

So while I have been neglecting you, I have been investing time in connecting with some special people helping children with Autism in my area, and with a few families whose children have Autism Spectrum Disorders or language delays.

Medowie PlayConnect

Medowie PlayConnect started on the 18th of June. We run on Fridays from 10am until 12noon. I am the facilitator of the group and have really enjoyed getting to know the parents and children who have come along for the last few weeks.

Our Schedule

While we are pretty flexible because we are all just getting used to each other, this is our little schedule which helps us keep track of what is going on. If you want to use these pictures, you can access it here...

This website has a whole variety of visuals that can be used for both pre-school and school aged children, at home and at school.

Our Hello and Good-bye Song

At Medowie PlayConnect we also have a "hello" and "good-bye" song. You can find it here (in pdf format) ...

We are using a little AUSLAN sign language with the song, and you can click on the links in the document above to watch short clips of the key signs for our song. Feel free to use it if you need a short greeting and farewell song.

And another thing....

I have also been busy marking assignments, all of which were about finding ways a child with ADHD can be included in a wide range of different lessons and classrooms... there are some great ideas and great teachers coming your way :)

I am also preparing for my presentation at the Autism and Aspergers Support Group in Richmond on the 12th of July. We will be having some discussions about bullying and inclusion. To find out more, visit http://www.autismsupport.org.au/

Hopefully I will see you there.

And I promise more posts this month - to finish off the series on executive functioning.