Autism Safety Project

Last week, Autism Speaks announced the launch of their new Autism Safety Project, a resource for families and First Responders that provides "information and guidelines for communicating with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in emergency situations." Check it out.

Thomas the Tank Engine Helps Autistic Kids Identify Emotions

I previously posted about the upcoming Thomas and Friends Live show at Nokia Theatre. Well, there is more exciting news for Thomas fans today:

A recent study in the United Kingdom showed that autistic kids tend to be more fascinated with Thomas the Tank Engine than other fictional characters. Researchers think that the kids find the show so appealing because of "the clear facial expressions of the characters, the pacing of the program and the easy-to-follow story lines."

The steam locomotive and his friends are the stars of a new game in Australia, designed to help autistic children recognize emotions.

The study inspired the organization Autism Spectrum Australia to create a game using Thomas and his friends to help autistic children recognize emotions in facial expressions. I am looking forward to playing it with my son!

Maximizing Your Child's Success DVD available on autismspot.com

Dallas-based BCBA Billy Edwards and autismspot.com have teamed up to create a new educational dvd: "Maximizing Your Child's Success: ABA Techniques and Approaches for the Home." You can learn more about the dvd on autismspot.com, where it is available for purchase.

Educational Toys for Play and Therapy Use

I went into the Lakeshore Learning Store on Dallas Parkway by the Galleria today, and I am glad I didn't have much time to browse or I would have wanted to buy everything in the store. My son had a good time there, too. They have a lot of toys out in the store where kids can play with them, and they were having arts and crafts activities in the middle of the store. It was my first time in the store but I have ordered puzzles and picture cards from their online store before and I have been pleased. I highly recommend visiting the store though for great therapy toys and products, and bring along your kid if you can.

There are also several great websites where you can purchase quality educational and therapeutic toys and games online. And sometimes just browsing the sites gives me ideas for things I can make myself or look for on craigslist or ebay, or in secondhand stores.

Check out:

Lakeshore Learning
Different Roads to Learning
Kidscope Toys
Baby Bumblebee

Local News: Euless women's group produces DVD about autistic kids and worship

Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Women’s group at Euless church produces DVD aimed at helping worshippers understand challenges faced by parents with autistic kids…(click to read)