wonderful essay by a student with autism

August 02, 2011 Columns

First Person on the Last Page: No One is Perfect

by Samuel Traxler

Sam Traxler was a new eighth-grader in our school district in 2010, and I've spent the past several months working with him on social language skills. The following essay, composed in his language-arts class, is Sam's response to the prompt "I believe…" Sam's essay offers a truly powerful, inspiring, and insightful message.

—Kara Rollins, MS, CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist,
Geneva (Ill.) School District #304 (krollins@geneva304.org)

I believe that no one is perfect because everyone has their own problems in life. They have certain fears and challenges that flow through the rivers of their brains. I am a young man who is autistic. Autism can affect anybody, nobody's immune to it. Autism chooses its victims at birth and starts to affect the flow of the brain, no matter what you are doing; autism is like a constant knocking of ideas flowing to one's sight, voice, and one's heart. In my own life, I had to struggle with a lot of obstructions that knocked on my brain, flowing through my head, and getting stuck inside. These obstructions can last what feels like years, and can stop me in my tracks. This will be the story for the rest of my life.

I have gotten into trouble during my life because I have made mistakes, some at school and some at home. Even when I knew I shouldn't have done it, the knocking of my brain sometimes becomes too much to ignore. Even the smallest idea that enters my brain can become a great reaction, these ideas manifest like the hot rays of the sun sliding through a magnifying glass and causing a tiny flame, which could spread into blazes of furious fire. Then, if something similar to the other speck of sight collides within my sight, it causes a nervous and furious reaction, which spreads a lingering flame in my heart. It can happen because, in the deepest part of my being, comes yet another flame. This is my daily struggle, and it's called autism.

Autism took me as its victim at birth and went into my healthy brain, and then caused some unusual effects throughout. But it also did something interesting and amazing. It released an energizing and talented spark that can allow what I call instinctive talent. I have a capability of learning at an extremely fast rate, and I believe that my future is limitless. Life to me is like the notes of a song that fly into my ears. I can feel a joyful tingling inside of my head, and these notes play like a concerto in the depths of my soul and are like a heartwarming instrument for me.

Sometimes, the flames of autism can be overwhelming. Sometimes I struggle during tough situations that I think are not possible for me. Our world is never perfect. And no matter what, I know that I will be alright because I have family and friends who care for me. I would not change the fact that I have autism for the world because it makes me who I am. So no matter what's going on in your life, you should know that the world is not perfect and it never will be, but there are a lot of good things that come from our world and across the universe, so live with a purpose and smile.

         

SLP Kara Rollins with Sam Traxler, whose essay expressed his thoughts about having autism.

 

cite as: Traxler, S. (2011, August 02). First Person on the Last Page: No One is Perfect. The ASHA Leader.

http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2011/110802/First-Person-on-the-Last-Page--No-One-is-Perfect.htm

once again...

My iPad crashed once again. I downloaded the new iPad software (iOS 4.3.5 I think) and then it got stuck on the start up apple screen. I had to restore which means all my organization work is again lost. Hopefully the back up will work at least to some extent. The same thing happened the last time I updated with the new software. Is it just my iPad? I'm thinking it might be and I am thinking I might need to return it to Woot.com and get my money back.

back to school app sale

There is a back to school app sale going on this weekend- Friday through Sunday. Check out the Technology in Education facebook page (like them and tell them I sent you). You can see the list of developers participating here- http://teachingall.blogspot.com/

another great article

http://mashable.com/2011/07/25/ipads-disabilities/

Another great article about the use of iOS devices.

great article

Here is a really great article. It is called "What to Say to Parents of Children with Autism" by Jean Winegardner.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/autism-unexpected/2011/jul/13/what-say-parents-children-autism/

some facebook pages I like...

Here is a list of the pages I like and groups I've joined on facebook. You may find some with  promo code opportunities, discounts, information about specific apps, and apps in general. If there is a specific app you want or developer you have determined that you like, like them on facebook so you are aware if there is a sale.

General Groups/Pages

- A4cwsn
- MomsWithApps
- App Store
- GeekSLP
- Technology in Education
- Calming effects. weighted lap pads
- iTeach Special Education- iDevices in Special Education
- APPS FOR AUTISM
- APPS FOR AUTISM (different than the one above... don't ask me why there are two groups with the same name)
- Ipad revolution for children with Autism
- Technology For Autism Now, Inc.
- Autism Teachers
- iTaalk
- LearnWithFunApps

Developers-

- Speech with Milo
- Smarty Ears
- ArtikPix
- Duck Duck Moose
- Spark Your Imagination
- Once Upon An App
- Chore Pad
- TouchyBooks
- Mythos Machine LLC - VivaBook interactive books for iPad
- Super Duper Publications
- AbleNet Inc.
-The Story Mouse
- Verbally
- Let's Go Chipper
- Mobile Education Store
- OneVoice
- Signing Time
- Dan Russell-Pinson (Game Designer)
- Grasshopper Apps
- Good Karma Apps
- MightyBookJR.com
- Dexteria
- MoBlue Tech
- Ruckus Media Group
- Tizio Publishing
- Grace App for iPhone, iTouch and iPad- Picture Exchange for Non-Verbal People
- Pictello
- iCommunicate
- Proloquo2Go

Favorite Apps for Special Needs

Another list of apps for children with special needs. I wouldn't say it is a list of the "best" because every child has such different needs. However, this will give you a list of ten apps that many people are finding useful.

http://www.appolicious.com/curated-apps/3682-best-apps-for-children-with-special-needs

Redeeming Promo Codes

Here is a great explanation of how to redeem a promotional code. You can redeem a code from your iTunes account or directly from your device. The process is slightly different for each of those methods but both are very easy. Following developers and other groups on facebook is a great way to snag some promo codes. I will be posting a list of some of the facebook pages I follow related to apps.


http://www.innerfence.com/howto/redeem-free-promo-code-for-iphone-app-from-iphone-or-itunes

Angry Birds

There are many game apps out there that can be used as reinforcers during therapy or testing. Most, if not all, have many opportunities to work on language skills, too. I’ll address a few that I like in the the next few posts beginning with….

Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio (all free versions for me)
Apparently many people find these birds and pigs addicting. Luckily, I do not. Basically with this game you lauch the birds at the pigs to make them pop. It takes some planning to get themost points or stars at each level.

Some language ideas to work on with these games include positional concepts, sequencing, seasonal vocabulary, size and shape concepts, describing, asking and answering questions, explaining strategy/reasoning, writing or telling about how to play the game, vocabulary (think of new words like launch), comparing and contrasting… and the list goes on.

What else can you work on with the Angry Birds games?

Search 'angry birds' in itunes and all the paid and free options for the iPod Touch/iPhone and the iPad come up for you.

what kinds of apps do you want?

When looking for apps to use in speech-language therapy there is definitely a gap. Also, of the ones I do like and use there is room for improvement. So, my question to you- what do you wish you could find in an app? A certain language skills? Something different than the artic apps out there?

Conversation Builder App

This article tells about the app Conversation Builder. It is going on my wish list!

http://community.advanceweb.com/blogs/sp_2/archive/2011/07/11/awesome-apps.aspx

apraxia poem

Family Matters

A Poemby Mindy Wagnerby Mindy Wagner, mother of Garrett, diagnosed with suspected apraxia of speech All of the expectations Still loom in the back of my mind Remembering the day that they told me That he was more than a little behind He looks at me with great beauty And an always glistening eye As if he knows theres a problem And he is looking and asking "why?" All of the answers he's wanting Are still questions I ask inside Trying to find the answers The emotion, I'm trying to hide I am realizing how strong God has made him How he grows and learns more each day He has strength and determination I know silent he will not stay There is a world out there that needs him Needs all that he has to give So through the years we will teach him How to talk, how to love, how to live This is but a fleeting moment So I kneel at the bed and pray For the strength that God has given my son And the power to teach him today https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=chKMI0PIIsE&b=701779&ct=464405

discounted OT app

Dexteria is on sale through midnight tonight. 2.99 from 9.99, so a pretty good discount. I don't have the app, have never used it, and am not an OT so I can't speak personally about it. However, if your child needs fine motor practice it might be a good thing to try.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dexteria-fine-motor-skill/id420464455?mt=8

Interesting Autism Article from CNN

This article is very interesting. It talks about a possible link between chemicals in the environment, like BPA (in plastic) and autism.

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/07/scientists-warn-of-chemical-autism-link/?hpt=hp_t2

List of Apps

Here is a list of apps. It was posted on the APPS FOR AUTISM facebook page by Kristi Tindell.


Language/Sentence Structure

• Sentence Builder
• Language Builder
• My First Couplets

Categorization/Sorting/Feature Function and Class

• Clean Up
• NLC Autism/Sort and Categorize Game
• Functions/Kindergarten.com
• Class/Kindergarten.com

Language/Labeling/Vocabulary Building/Receptive ID

• Zoo/Kindergarten.com
• Actions/Kindergarten.com
• Fruits and Nuts/Kindergarten.com
• Eat/Kindergarten.com
• Emotions/Kindergarten.com
• Play/Kindergarten.com
• Vehicles/Kindergarten.com
• Wear/Kindergarten.com
• Instruments/Kindergarten.com
• Vegetables/Kindergarten.com
• Science/Kindergarten.com
• Sport/Kindergarten.com
• Places/Kindergarten.com
• Word Slaps Categories
• Sounds/Different Roads to Learning

Social and Life Skills

• Social Skills Sampler
• Literacy/Life Skills Sampler
• Work Skills Sampler
• Life Skills sampler
• Going Places/Model Me Kids

Support APPS

• IEP Checklist
• TaptoTalk
• First=Then (scheduling APP)
• Image Searcher (great for importing images to use with the scheduling APP above)
• Working4 (token system)

Skills
Shapes

• Shape Puzzle Free
• Toddler Teasers/Shapes
• Shapes/Kindergarten.com

Math

• Toddler Tools/Counting Lite
• Rocket Math Free
• Mad Math Lite
• Slide Math Lite
• Dino Math Free
• Kid’s Math Free

Reading

• Cat in the Hat Lite
• Green Eggs and Ham Lite
• Bob Books Magic Lite
• ABC Reading
• ABC’s and Me
• 3 pigs
• Tuneville
• Amazing Race
• Toy Story Digital Book
• Alphabet/Kindergarten.com
• AlphaBaby Free
• Redfish Alphabet

Matching/Memory

• Animal Free
• Animal Match Free

Color Identification

• Color Slapps
• WH Questions/Smarty Ears

Music/Interactive

• Itsy Bitsy HD/Duck Duck Moose
• Wheels on the Bus HD/Duck Duck Moose
• Laurie Berkner Band Free

Spelling

• Spelling Bug
• Spelling Bus

Speech/Articulation/Prepositions

• ArtikPix Free
• Speech with Milo/Prepositions

App Review: Speech with Milo: Sequencing

Speech with Milo: Sequencing by Doonan Speech Therapy is the newest Milo app. First of all, the pictures are pretty small on an iPod Touch. Some sequences are especially difficult to see well on that smaller screen (like' Tying a Shoe'). It is definitely better on the iPad. There are 36 sequences total and each one has three pictures. After putting the pictures in order the student can watch a short video of Milo (and his friend Melvin) acting out the sequence. My students love this video.

There are a few of the sequences that are difficult for several of my students to understand. Some of them just are not too clear. The sequence of 'Eating a Hamburger' is one example. It is definitely clearer on a larger screen but it required some explanation of the order for several of my students. After a few students expressed confusion about it I started to just skip it. I started making a list of the sequences to turn off or skip, especially for certain students.

The clapping when you put a picture in the right spot is very motivating. The whole group started clapping loudly along for each other. The sound the app makes when it is incorrect is also helpful.

One thing I would like to have is a sentence about each picture said aloud. You can touch the green button to hear the phrase of what is happening, such as, "Milo is tying his shoes." I don't see a way to have the app say something like, "First, Milo's shoes are untied. Second, Milo reaches down and ties his shoes. Last, Milo's shoes are tied."

You can turn on a hint under settings. The hint lists one sentence under each picture saying what is happening in that picture. The sentences also have and a), b), or c) before. Several of my students quickly figured out (and luckily told me) that they could just put the three pictures in order of A, B, C and be correct. They were not even looking at the picture! I'd love to have a way to have the sentences but not the a), b), and c) before them.

I have noted one potentially negative difference with using an app for sequencing versus actual cards. Many of my students moved the pictures to the spots without really looking at the sequence. They knew they would hear the positive clapping or negative beep. With actual cards they don't have that immediate reaction from me so they seem to put more thought into their answers. When a few specific students started doing this a lot I told them they could not watch the video if they had a 'wrong' beep (or, for some students, if they have more than one of the 'wrong' beeps). This helped them look more closely at the pictures before just trying one.

Overall, I really like this app. For the price of $2.99 you have 36 sequences. Sequencing seems to be universally difficult for students with language difficulties so this is definitely an app that can be used by SLPs and parents on a regualar basis. I would definitely recommend purchasing it if you have a child/student/client/patient who needs help with sequencing. 

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speech-with-milo-sequencing/id431803095?mt=8

wondering about speech and language developmental milestones?

If you are wondering about speech and language developmental milestones, take a look at this website. It gives information about what many children are doing at certain ages, both receptively and expressiverly. There are also ideas of things you can do to help your child progress if there is a delay.

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart.htm

website for app deals

The website Digital Storytime reviews iPad/iPod touch/iPhone book apps. They have a specific page that features discounted or free apps. Most are books but there are games and other apps occasionally, too. I check it frequently and download any that are free in iTunes to check out later on a device.

http://digital-storytime.com/sale.php

Speech-Language Year End celebration on Monday

On Monday I will be having year end parties by grade level. The students (and their parents) have worked so hard this year and I wanted to do something special to celebrate that. I am lucky to work with a great group of students with equally wonderful parents.

An App Deal

Smarty Ears has Articulate It! on sale for $9.99 for one week in honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month. It is an app to use for articulation therapy or home practice. I have not tried it out yet but will this week in therapy. They also have Expressive, an AAC app, for $9.99. I am not planning to get this one right now because I don't think I would use it much with my current caseload. However, it does look like a good app for children who need AAC. Definitely a better price than proloquo2go so maybe a good starting point.

Following some of the developers, like Smarty Ears, on Facebook is a good way to stay up to date on any sales they may have.

Let me know what you think if you get either of these.

Articulate It! by Smarty Ears
http://smartyearsapps.com/2010/10/25/articulate-it/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/articulate-it/id391296844?mt=8

Expressive by Smarty Ears
http://smartyearsapps.com/2010/10/25/expressive/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/expressive/id398345416?mt=8

book club

I think week one of the social skills book club was a grand success! One of my typical social peers has been a struggling reader for his whole academic career. Earlier this week he came to therapy telling me he loved the book. It made me so happy to hear that! On Wednesday he stayed after school so I could help him finish the assigned reading for the meeting on Thursday. He did great on Thursday- participated well and was a great peer model. Then, on Friday, he came in and shocked me. He had finished the book! The day before he was on around page 37 and now he was one page away from the end! The book has 155 pages. I am so, so proud of him!

The students that the group was formed for did well, too. They all participated (some with a little more prompting than others) and shared insightful information about the characters and their behaviors. I think this was a great book choice and I may continue with other Roald Dahl books next year.

The only negative thing about the meeting on Thursday was not enough time! I think we had so much more we could have discussed.

Book Club has Begun

I have started two book clubs focusing on social skills. Each group is a combination of students needing targeted social skills instruction and typically developing peer models. The first book selection for both groups is "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl- one of my favorites! We will have discussions about the behavior of the children, adult reactions, feelings, using kind words, and other social aspects. I am excited about this (and the students seem to be as well) and hope it goes as well as I am hoping!

Has anyone out there done something like this before?

Hello!

I will post information here about activities in speech-language therapy sessions, book club information, iPod and iPad app reviews, relevant activities around town, interesting articles, activities for home, etc. I'll do my best to post regularly.

Rebecca