Abstract
This paper consists of a letter to parents about a web site devoted to autistic learning activities, as well as a 2-page explanation of how the web site can help in structuring the child's learning.

From the Paper
"Children with autism need a way to connect with the outside world and technology is an excellent medium for that connectivity because it offers them a variety of options. Unlike many other avenues technology is controllable and programmable and easily tailored to the individual user's preferences and level of ability. These are vital attributes for autistic children. Those that are distressed by too much noise and chatter or too much visual stimulation can use technology such as a computer program or an interactive white board and ..."

Tags:letter, web site, Internet, online, technology, autistic, school, teacher, learning

Abstract
This paper is a literature review addressing how SMART Board technology can be used with autistic learners.

From the Paper
"The research question that this literature review will explore is "How do SMART Boards affect the learning of autistic children". This question leads to a study of the role of new technologies in teaching those with autism, an examination of the SMART Board as an educational tool in the autistic child's classroom, an assessment of the technology as it relates to teaching autistic children and the specific uses to which SMART Boards can be put in the classroom for..."

Tags:SMART Board, autistic, education, learning, literature review

Abstract
In this article, the writer describes strategies for teaching autistic children in inclusive classrooms at the elementary level. Recommendations on how these can best be utilized are presented.

From the Paper
"Autistic children have historically been educated in one of two settings in an autistic-only environment where all of the other children are also autistic or in an inclusive setting where they are taught side-by-side with non-autistic children. Although there are cogent arguments on both sides of the issue Grossi-Kliss asserts 'When one considers that the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities is often sought then the primary focus of early intervention for children with disabilities is an inclusive setting'. The practice of teaching autistic ..."

Tags:autistic, teaching, education, students, organization, strategies, inclusive

Abstract
This paper studies and reviews coping strategies for mothers of autistic children. The paper begins by discussing the stressors faced by the mothers. Next the paper describes the results of cognitive defects in children. The paper includes a qualitative review of four published studies on the topic.

From the Paper
"This study identified and explored the effectiveness of the coping strategies used by mothers of children with autism. By using a qualitative review of four published studies that incorporated interviews of mothers of children with autism this research..."

Tags:COPING STRATEGIES, MOTHERS, AUTISTIC CHILDREN

Abstract
This paper looks at some of the challenges that are faced by families with an autistic child. It begins by presenting a case study of a family who struggled to diagnose a child with autism. It also discusses crisis issues within families who have children with autism. The paper then analyzes a study that looks at whether there is a connection between language and theory of mind between autistic children and those with moderate learning difficulties.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Families with Autistic Children and Crisis
Methods
Results
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In another study titled, "The Broader Cognitive Phenotype of Autism in Parents: How Specific is the tendency for local processing and executive dysfunction?" (Bolte, 2006, p. 639) showed parents of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children performed faster in processing their children with a myriad of interactive tests (Embedded Figures Test, Block Design, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Tower of Hanoi, and Trailmaking Test) compared to parents with schizophrenia or mental retardation (640-1). It seems that autistic children need more attention from parents compared to the other children having schizophrenia and mental retardation. As the parents learn to cope with autistic disorder, their children seem to trust and cope with their parents."

Tags:ASD, language, intervention, coping, adapting

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of parenting in relation to having an autistic children. Topics covered include the medical history of the disorder and an exploration of what it means to parent an autistic child. The paper also describes autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder.

From the Paper
"According to Sicile-Kira and Grandin, autism is really an 'umbrella' term that refers to several types of developmental disorders and disabilities including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome and Atypical Autism, all of which are known as pervasive developmental disorders or PPD. Pervasive Developmental Disorders have the following characteristics in common: impairments in social interaction, imaginative activity, verbal and nonverbal communication skills and a limited number of interests and activities."

Tags:autism, parenting

Abstract
The paper describes the characteristics of autism and how autistic children face difficulties in communication. The paper focuses on the use of music therapy and signing as a mode of communication. The paper also points out that there is no therapy which is going to suddenly work for every autistic child; therapies may need to be combined to achieve results.

From the Paper
"There are a group of conditions which can cause developmental delays in children. Taken together they are called PDDs, or Pervasive Development Disorders. Autism, lumped into this group, is by far the most common, and the child begins to show signs before the age of three if the parent knows what to look for. It is imperative that the child be diagnosed and assessed as early as possible. Such individuals may well live a normal life span but they will likely need constant supervision.
"Some characteristics to be aware of are repetitive motions. The child may ring his hands, flap his arms or roll his head. He may run from room to room or spin in circles. By the age of three a child may exhibit head banging. He may become aggressive with his parents or other children and show temper displays."

Tags:speech, words, hearing

Abstract
The paper outlines the 'applied behavior analysis' (ABA) approach and the 'treatment and education of autistic and related communication-handicapped children' (TEEACH) approach to teaching and discusses three suggested approaches to reading instruction; bottom-up, top-down and eclectic where there is a mix of bottom-up and top-down modes. The paper examines the literature that shows how students with autism require a reading program that is structured, but flexible because all children with autism seem to express different needs and learning styles. The paper then reveals that the eclectic approach is best, because an autistic student requires several methodologies to obtain the appropriate education.

From the Paper
"When teaching a beginning autistic reader, especially as late as the secondary level, it is necessary to determine the learning methodology that will be best for teaching the required skills. This decision will be based on two different factors: First, students with autism have varying degrees of difficulty with communication, from severe (little to no interaction) to mild (the ability to receive information and provide a response or feedback). In order to teach reading to such a student, it is necessary that there appears to be an interest in labels, letters and words, as well as enough ability and skill level to look at these materials. Once a student recognizes that groups of letters form words that have meaning, and groups of words form sentences that have meaning, it is possible to move to beginning reading material. (Porco, 1989, p. 4)."

Tags:literacy, instruction, flexibility, learning, styles

Abstract
The paper explains that sensory integration therapy is an attempt to rectify sensory disparity and dysfunction in autistic children. The paper presents the profile of the autistic child who would most benefit from this therapy. The paper relates that research shows how sensory integration therapy can improve the child's ability to play and interact better with his/her surroundings. The paper notes, however, that it may be uncomfortable and create a less than positive situation for the development of the child. The paper concludes that it is therefore important that the therapist be fully trained in the latest theories and praxis.

From the Paper
"Numerous studies in recent years have shown that there is a possible link between sensory integration therapy and improving the quality of life for autistic children. This form of therapy is seen as a "....valuable tool to teach autistic children how to interact with their environment." ( Evans R.) The problem of sensory integration is a crucial factor for many autistic children. It is very often the case that the sensory impulses of the child conflict with and are contradicted by those expected by the society in which they have to interact."

Tags:stimuli, behaviors, neuroscience, developmental, psychology, occupational, therapy, education

Abstract
This study examines the psychological well-being and sibling relationships in adolescent siblings who have a brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder. In examining these children, the paper attempts to determine the incidence of children who experience conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and antisocial behavior who also have autistic siblings as well as what factors tend to contribute to an increased incidence of these conditions in otherwise-normal siblings of autistic children. Finally, the study attempts to identify clinical interventions that have been proven effective in helping the entire family in general, and otherwise-normal siblings in particular, in the past.

Introduction
Background of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Questions
Limitations and Delimitations
Definitions
Summary
Preliminary Literature Review
Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study

From the Paper
"The number of children who have been diagnosed with autism has increased sharply in recent years; the data had suggested that autism occurs in at least one of every 1,000 children; however, more recent studies demonstrated a prevalence rate that was two- to three-times higher than these earlier estimates. According to Mayes, "Autistic spectrum disorders occur much more frequently in males than females, with the exception of Rett Syndrome, a rare and severe disorder only occurring in females" (p. 92). Autism often occurs in combination with other mental impairments, such as mental retardation, seizure disorders, and attention deficit-hyperactivity/disorder. Furthermore, autism is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed, but once the condition is diagnosed, the most effective response is early, aggressive intervention focusing on social and communicative deficits; however, older individuals with autism may also gain some benefit from structured interventions."

Tags:asperger, syndrome, impairments, disintegrative, rett, neuropsychological, profile