You made it to spring break!! Hope you all have a fun relaxing break!!!
Month: March 2017
The Black Crow and The White Dove
This chapter begins with a short story about a white dove (symbolism of beauty and peace-something/someone who seems to have it all) being lost. The white dove approaches a black crow and asks where a particular path goes because they are searching for the path to happiness. The black crow responds that all paths are really one connected path-possibly indicating that everyone in this world is on the same search to happiness. I believe Naoki included this short story as a reminder that everyone in this world is on the same path and ultimately just wants to achieve happiness.
The questions for this chapter were very relevant to students that I work with and I found each answer to be interesting. I found Naoki’s answer about needing a visual schedule to be particularly surprising…
Why do you need cues and prompts?
Naoki says that people with autism are sometimes unable to move to their next action without a verbal prompt. For example, even after someone with autism requests a glass of apple juice they are unable to actually drink it until they are provided with a verbal prompt. Naoki says that his brain is wired to move from one action to another only when provided with prompts. He compares his brain needing prompts like people need a green light while driving to “go”.
Why can you never sit still?
“I’m always on the lookout for an exit. But even though I’m forever wanting to be someplace else, I never can actually find my way there.” Naoki also says that he is more relaxed when he is in a state of motion as opposed to sitting still.
Do you need visual schedules? * I found this response most surprising
Short answer-Naoki says no! He says that visual schedules are too restricting and stress him out about where he needs to be and when. Naoki suggests talking through the day’s plans with him instead of giving him a visual schedule. He suggests talking through the fact there may be changes to this routine as well. Naoki says that it is often misunderstood that people with autism do not understand just by listening. I found this statement significant because I honestly find myself doing the same. I have assumed with certain student’s that they require visuals to really understand my message or intent. On the other hand, I am often surprised when one of my student’s picks up on something that I said when I really didn’t’ think they were listening. My students are often looking away or engaged in another activity as I speak and I need to remind myself that they are taking in more than I may realize. I also think that this response about visual schedules may be specific to Naoki. Obviously everyone with autism is different and I have definitely seen the benefits of visual schedules as opposed to verbal reasoning and explanations.
What causes panic attacks and meltdowns?
Naoki says many things may cause them and sometimes they are just unavoidable even with an ideal environment. Naoki suggests letting the panic attack (screaming and yelling) just happen and stay close by to ensure everyone is safe. –I think that this response is difficult to accept when working in a school setting because one student’s meltdown often triggers another student and it turns into a domino effect!
What are your thoughts on autism itself? * I found this answer to be very deep and philosophical
Naoki mentions all of the turmoil and crisis in this world today and suggests that people with autism are here as a reminder of “what truly matters for the Earth”.
–Marie Fisher, SLP at Newburg, Atherton, and JCTMS
Lonely SLP
I just wanted to share a link with you all today! I won’t say too much about it, just that I would love for you to share your thoughts in the comments below!
**Edit** For some reason I cannot get the link to work. Here is the web address. You can copy and paste this link:
Sorry and thanks for your patience!
The Great Statue of Buddha
In the beginning of this chapter Naoki speaks of witnessing others cry and wondering why they are crying. He describes his own experience when he visited a town called Kamakura and the great statue of Buddha caused him to burst into tears. He explains that it was more than just the majesty and dignity of Buddha, it was the weight of the history and generations of people’s hopes, prayers and thoughts that broke over him. He felt as though Buddha said to him, “All human beings have their hardships to bear, so never swerve from the path you’re on.” He also reminds the reader to remember that crying isn’t always about sadness or meltdowns.
Q48 Why are you always running off somewhere?
He explains that he doesn’t choose to run off and is constantly working to fight the impulse. He compares it to being teleported from one place to another without even knowing it.
Q49 Why do you get lost so often?
He describes his answer to this question as follows: “Simply put, people with autism never, ever feel at ease, wherever we are. Because of this, we, we wander off- or run away- in search of some location where we do feel at ease.”
Q50 Why do you wander off from home?
The answer to this question is described as his “body moved because it was lured outside by something there.” One time he was almost hit by a car and the fear had such an impact on his memory that he stopped running away after that experience.
Q51Why do you repeat certain actions again and again?
In his opinion, people with autism do not do this simple because they enjoy it, but because their brains send out the same order over and over and there is comfort and good feelings that come from it. He envies people ability to know what their minds are saying and have control over it. He feels as if he has to obey the missions that his mind sends to him.
Q52 Why don’t you do what you’re supposed to do, even after being told a million times?
There is a sequence that happens and no matter how many times he’s told not to do something, the impulse to re-create that sequence takes over and sends some type of pleasant electrical buzz to his brain. He compares it to watching your favorite scene of a DVD over and over on auto repeat.
Q53 Why are you obsessive about certain things?
Obsessing over certain things happens because they like it or because it causes them to be calmed or soothed. He mentions that people should try and stop the behavior if it is disruptive or bothersome, but if it isn’t, then just let them be.
–Allison Forrester, SLP at Noe Middle and Manual High
SLP Summit
Today, Lauren Gillenwater (SLP at Greenwood Elem.) shares some thoughts on a PD she recently participated in:
Hello everyone!
I am feeling inspired after the SLP Summit and ready to put some of the speakers’ therapy ideas in action! I have had a chance to apply several ideas. For example, I introduced new visual support and questions to teach critical thinking skills to older students. As a result, the students seem more engaged and eager to participate. I introduced some other new visuals and asked new questions to teach inferencing, sorting relevant and irrelevant information, context clues, sequencing, and compare/contrast. I’ve used a lot of sticky notes and diagrams to add a new twist to teaching the same skills. I have seen better attitudes among preschool students since I modified the classroom structure. I look forward to implementing other ideas discussed, such as graphic organizers to teach vocabulary and learning visuals for behavior management. Overall, I have enjoyed trying out some new ideas. I think the students have found it just as refreshing!
Thanks, Lauren!
A Story I Heard Somewhere; Question Wrap-Up
In this chapter, Naoki answers the following questions:
Why do you memorize train timetables and calendars?
Naoki explains that it is fun to memorize schedules and calendars. He stated that numbers are fixed and unchanging, following the same set of rules unlike trying to interpret human relationships and ambiguous expressions. I have kiddos on my caseload that remember birthdays of peers and classroom staff. This information is constant and unchanging, allowing them a clear way to engage in social interaction.
Do you dislike reading and picking apart long sentences?
Naoki states that he enjoys dissecting sentences but his patience wears quickly and he loses the meaning of the sentence. Naoki enjoys learning but people with autism need different strategies and approaches to help them learn. We see this in every individual on our caseload. We use a variety of specially designed instruction to ensure our kiddos can effectively communicate in a classroom environment.
What do you think of running races?
Naoki does not hate running but when placed in a competitive situation, he states that he overthinks the movement of his arms and legs and does not enjoy beating others. This question resonated with me. I was outside with one of my classes when I witnessed one student running quickly around the track. When the teacher suggested a race between other peers, the student refused to participate stating, “I can’t run that fast.” I was hoping a race would be a great way to focus on social skills. My initial thought was this student does not want to lose, but after reading this chapter my perspective has changed.
Why do you enjoy going out for walks so much?
Naoki stated the obvious reasons like “walking makes you feel good” or “it is great being in the open air” but, for people with autism, their fondness for nature is different. Naoki describes his body feeling recharged when outside.
Do you enjoy your free time?
Naoki explains that it is hard for people with autism to find something they want to do. People with autism tend to gravitate toward activities they can do. Playing with familiar items is comforting to people with autism because they already know what to do with the object. I see so many of my kiddos during free time do the same activity. One of my students likes to draw and another likes to listen to the same song repeatedly.
–Kim Campbell, SLP at Valley Prep and Stonestreet Elem.
Dictation Programs
Good morning! In an attempt to provide you all with appropriate resources and the information to support these resources, We asked a couple of your colleagues to trial a couple of different dictation programs. Shaneh Raymer (SLP at McFarran and the Diagnostic Center) trialed Dragon Speak and Jessica Weiringa (SLP at Dawson Orman and the Diagnostic Center) trialed Google’s speech-to-text program. Below they share their experiences:
Shaneh says:
*Overall it does not seem to save much time. The only thing that we can really use it on is the communication written report because it is more lengthy. The other forms just require a few sentences that we can type quickly.*When copying and pasting from Word in Dragon speak to Infinite Campus apostrophes become “?” And have to be edited. Using the dictation pad is better for this.*In diagnostic center, sometimes we don’t have a dedicated quiet place to use the headphones*I have found that I made errors that I did not catch (ex: “verbs in context” became “verbs AND context”) I guess this may get better if we were to use it more. (I have what Brian called the ” cheap” set of headphones and Jess has the more expensive ones, so maybe that would make a difference?)
*We cannot use either program to type directly into IC. We have to use Word, Google Docs or the dictation pad (in Dragon) to dictate and then copy and paste into IC. This is just another step that takes a little more time.
Jessica had a similar experience, saying:
I had very similar issues. After talking with Shaneh, I did not seem to have quite as many errors using the google docs, other than with student names. In comparing the two programs, I feel that google docs was fairly simple to use, but it was definitely not a time-saver based on the issues Shaneh mentioned. If our reports had more of a narrative style, I do think it would save time. With opening and closing several documents, I found it easier to just type and use copy/paste to complete our forms. The other big issue for me was finding a quiet place to use the program.
Thanks so much, ladies!
Based on this information and what you already know about dictation programs, would you be interested in a summer PD dedicated to either or both of these programs? If so, please comment below!
A Story I Heard Somewhere
In this chapter Naoki refers to a story of a girl who danced for 7 days straight. She danced and danced, and bore the exhaustion that it placed upon her. With the intent of continuing to dance, on the 8th day she stopped dancing after being asked by a handsome young man, because she had then found a reason to stop. With this chapter, I thought about the repetitive things that I see my students with autism do day to day, and considered that we, as educators, are the “handsome young man” that these students are seeking to help them stop their repetitive movements from which they find so much comfort.
Q37 asked the question “Why do you flap your hands and fingers in front of your face?” He explains that flapping and waving his hands in front of his face helps the light enter his eye more pleasantly. Without the filter he states that presents as “needles” into the eye. He knows the light presents so many different benefits and is necessary and this is how he copes.
Q38 asked the question: “Why do you ling up your toy cars and blocks” He explains that lining up things is fun to him! He simply likes to sequence things and see how they line up. He also enjoys puzzles for much of the same reasons.
Q39 asked the question: “Why do you like being in the water” He explains he is free and happy. There are no people hassling them in the water. This is a type of freedom that people with autism only feel in the water, due to the high demands and stimulation they receive from day to day.
Q40 asked the question: “Do you like commercials on TV?” Naoki explains they he likes the comfort in what he has seen and heard before, but does not necessarily like the one that he are novel or he is unfamiliar with.
Q41 asked the question: “What kind of TV programs do you enjoy” He explains that he enjoys TV programs that are intended for younger kids. It is not the childishness he enjoys of the program, it is simply the straightforward stories that makes it easy to guess what is going to happen next. These programs are easier to watch and keep him relaxed. He feels a sense of safety and relief.
Q42 asked the question: “Why do you memorize train timetables and calendars”. Naoki explains that he memorize these things because it is fun! Numbers are concrete, fixed, unchanging and something that he can rely on. He views numbers as simple, clear, and easy to understand. He finds himself always wondering if he is “perceiving” things the right way and with numbers there is no questions!
Personally, these questions were beneficial for me to read. I work with the preschool self-contained population, and see a large number of children with autism. Some of the behaviors and tendencies he speaks to, I find myself almost resenting because I feel as if it is a wall I am continuously trying to break down so we can address their specific language goals. I find myself continually managing the stemming and obsession with numbers multiple times a day. The one part in particular that stood out to me was that he wanted to be able to stop these repetitive movements, and was seeking out something to help him stop. I often times consider it to be the opposite. I find myself being the one who wants them to “stop” the repetitive movements and maybe I am overthinking it all? Maybe what I need to be trying is much simpler than what I am doing every day. You know the sessions, where you feel like you have exhausted every “trick in your bag for the last 30 minutes and feel like you accomplished absolutely nothing? Maybe I am approaching it all wrong. Maybe I need to slow down and think more basic, more concrete, go with what they feel comfort in vs. trying to find something else they may prefer…
Lindsay Manis, Churchill Park Pre-School
Newsela
Today Marie Fisher shares a resource she learned about during an online PD opportunity:
I thought that I would share a website that I have been using since I found out about it through an online PD. Some people may have already heard about it. The website is https://newsela.com/— I love this website because it allows me to pick a subject area/ reading level and then it generates a list of relevant and interesting articles to print. You can also generate articles based on reading skills and common core standards you wish to target. Not only do my students find the articles interesting, but I have found myself entertained by some of the current events that I read. I have used articles from this website to target a multitude of my goals for middle schools.I use Newsela as a source to find articles that I can address a multitude of goals with. Each Newsela article is offered at different reading levels. Each article also comes with ready-made writing prompts and “quizzes” that address various reading objectives. I have used the Newsela articles to address higher-level language objectives including:-Main idea- having students create summary sentences about the passage to ID main idea.-Vocabulary-highlighting target words in the articles and having students use context clues to define unfamiliar words.-Story recall or summarizing- Having the students fill out a visual support as they read to help summarize and sequence 3-5 events.-WH comprehension questions (the articles come with pre-made comprehension questions)-Compare/contrast- Having the students compare various vocabulary embedded in a particular article or reading two articles and comparing the two articles.
Thanks, Marie!
Earthling and Autisman
In this chapter, we hear Naoki talk about the short story he made up about the discourse between the Earthling and the Autisman. He related it back to gravity on an airplane pulling at his body. He found this to be pleasant. He wished for a planet where the gravitational pull would be perfect for people with autism to move freely. Questions made up most of this chapter.
Summary of Questions
Q#25 asked the question “what’s the reason you jump?” He stated that when jumping, he can feel his body well. He also discusses “seizing up” which means he can move the way he wants; “shaking loose the ropes that are tying up my body”. It is when those with autism are constrained that the flapping starts.
Q26 asked the question “why do you write letters in the air?” He stated it is a way to help him remember.
Q27 asked the question “why do people with autism often cup their ears?” He stated that noise can be terrifying and cupping the ears helps calm them down.
Q28 asked about moving arms and legs in an awkward way. He states that he does not have clear sensations of his arms and legs being attached. He compares it to a miswiring of his sense of touch.
Q29 asked why he does things the rest of us don’t, specific to the five senses working differently. He stated that it’s “actually our emotions that trigger the abnormal reactions” and not the nervous system malfunctioning.
Q30 asked “Why are you too sensitive/insensitive to pain?” He relates this to an inner pain and that negative memories are connected to the action. He compared it to a jigsaw puzzle that requires all pieces to fit together.
Q31 asked the question “Why are you so picky about what you eat? “ He stated that it isn’t because the sense of taste is off but that people with autism need more time to appreciate unknown foods.
Q32 asked the question “when you look at something, what do you see first?” He stated that we can never know that answer. He talked about everything have its own unique beauty being a blessing and wished we all could appreciate the beauty that they see”
Q33 asked if it is difficult to choose appropriate clothing. He says yes and that people with autism often have difficulty understanding the logic of layering clothes or getting themselves cooler. Some people will only wear the same clothing day after day and that it is reassuring to wear the same clothes daily.
Q34 asked about understand or having a sense of time. He stated that since time has no clear boundaries, it is confusing for people with autism.
Q36 asked why sleep patterns are all messed up. He stated that he did not know why and that he rarely has this problem.
–Karen Reynolds (SLP at Hartstern Elem.)
** I (Kinsey) apologize for the late posting–I thought this post was scheduled but it was saved in a different way. Thanks for your patience!**
JCPS Speech 
