| Autism Outreach Project- This is one of the best hidden and unknown resources for educators and families. It has a free lending library of over 1,000 books, DVD's, and other materials than you can check out completely free. You can also link to their a list of their upcoming classes. There is also additional links that offer information regarding researched based strategies. |
| Autism Society of Washington- This is a local chapter of a national organization. This organization can a reference point, but it is also a great place that can help you get involved in the community and link you with other local support and educational groups in your area. This organization also has a legislative piece that can link you to recent legislative actions or bills that are affecting people and families associated with Autism. |
| Autism Speaks - This site has a great be informed section that talks about what Autism is, What to do about it, How to cope, How to grow with it, and navigating the spectrum. Each of these areas have very valuable informative information. In addition to the get informed section they also have links to upcoming major events, resources, and new medical information. |
| Council for Exceptional Children - This site has a nice link "News and Issues", talks about current issues in the news nationally. It also has an important link to "Evidence Based Practices", every parent should be aware between practices in the classroom versus in special education. |
| FEAT of Washington - This organization has various community programs. They can connect you with a mentor family that can help support you. They have theme based outings that your child can participate in with trained and qualified staff one Saturday a month. They have summer school programs. They also have a Teens Transition Program. |
| Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction - Special Education This link has additional links to information that may be helpful in understanding your child's rights, publications available, training, and other programs our state as currently available. This is also a good link to look at assessment options available for you students. |
| Ombudsman (Citizen's Representative) through OSPI - Our state has an Ombudsman who services are free. Kristen Hennessey is to provide support to families and educators around laws and regulations. She is an unbias and neutral professional who is very knowledgeable in the students rights and regulations governing their education. Check out this web page for more information regarding her role and services available to you. |
| Social Thinking - The social aspect is a vital piece to all my students. This is why I recommend looking at the Social Thinking concept, it takes social skills to the next level. Michelle Garcia Winner is a SLP who has dedicated her profession to increasing social development in students with Autism, ADHD, Aspergers and other social cognitive deficits. Her page explains her philosophy. I highly recommend her book Thinking About You, Thinking About Me as a good starter to her philosophy. If you have a chance to go to one of her workshops, I again would encourage you to attend. You can find more information on dates and locations on her page. |
| Special Education Publications- This link connects you the special education publications through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Office. You can download many of these publications free or order them at a very low cost. Some of the publications I would recommend (The Educational Aspects of Autism, Washington Administrative Code {WAC - Washington's version of IDEA 2004 publication date July 30,2007}, and Procedural Safeguards). Some of these publications are offered in multiple languages. |
| Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy - This site has abundance amount of information around special education law and the students rights in very user friendly terms. I highly recommend any of the books written by Pete and Pam Wright. ( Special Education Law, IDEA 2004). The site has all kinds of links to articles and useful information from other advocates that can help parents and professionals navigate through the law. |
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