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rom audio books to classroom sound systems, many families have found that assistive technology (AT) can provide a crucial boost — to struggling students' academic performance and self-esteem. Need some guidance when it comes to choosing the best tools for your child with a learning disability? Learn more about AT and how to find the right fit for your child's needs and strengths with this collection of articles developed in collaboration with Marshall Raskind, Ph.D., an expert on assistive technology.

Unfortunately, boys and girls with autism often face barriers to participating fully in youth community organizations. And so with help from respected experts in the field of autism and special education, experienced parents and caregivers, we have created Leading the Way: Autism-Friendly Youth Organizations, a guide for organizations to ensure that youth with autism have the same formative experiences through community programs that are available to their typical peers.

What:This presentation addresses the components of a successful Assistive Technology (AT) evaluation, who needs to be involved, models for effectiveness and how to make sure that the evaluation results support successful implementation. Webinar attendees will learn the difference between consideration and evaluation, how to leverage IEP team or 504 team participation in the evaluation process and how to translate data collection and findings from the AT evaluation into successful implementation within a plan based on the environments and tasks the individual is likely to encounter.  This webinar will examine questions parents and advocates should ask to guide and inform participants in the evaluation process. We will explore the legal obligations of schools to provide assistive technology evaluations and examine the factors that often go awry as well as suggestions for moving the process forward in the best and most effective manner possible. Time is provided for questions from participants.Registration: Cost: $50Your purchase includes one web access and one toll-free phone line for live 90-minute event, materials and unlimited access to Webinar archive. Gather a group in one location so many can participate for one low price!Click here for secure online purchasing!When:Wednesday, February 8, 2012 12:00 pm - 1:30 PM MT Contact:The Advocacy InstitutePhone: 540-364-0051Email: info@advocacyinstitute.org

The late Kingman Brewster, president of Yale University, once said, "Incomprehensible jargon is the hallmark of a profession." We laugh at bizarre excesses, such as "kinetic wellness" to mean "gym class" (true example!) but jargon has a darker implication: buzzwords can be well-chosen to mask a truth that the uninitiated may find distasteful. Here is a quick guide (with a healthy dose of dry humor) of some of the wonderful-sounding phrases used in schools.

During IEP season the stakes are high.  Parents and teachers alike go into those meetings full of emotions and ideas.  Sometimes I am surprised that what is unsaid seems just as loud as what is actually said. In the past In the past, I’ve made the mistake of going into an IEP angry.  I did not get the best results for my son at that meeting.  So I’ve been trying different tactics over the years, and I’ve made a conscious effort to learn the art of diplomacy in my words and actions.

When: 10:00am-12:30pm,  Saturday,  July 17   Where: The Rural Institute Conference Room   700 SW Higgins, next to the Pattee Creek Market What: PLUK and the Rural Institute are pleased to welcome Dr. Taylor as a guest speaker to our community.  The focus will be on sensory processing in children and adolescents. Dr. Taylor is a family psychologist, parent and the author of The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD, Helping Your ADD Child, and From Defiance to Cooperation. Questions? Email Mary Hall at mary.hall@pluk.org or call 888-406-1914 (toll free)

The Office of Public Instruction has posted links to current Section 504 guidance on our Website.  This guidance is from the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE)  and the Office of Civil Rights. The links are available on the Special Education Webpage (http://opi.mt.gov/Programs/SpecialEd/Index.html) under "RELATED LINKS" and include: Guidelines for Educators and Administrators for Implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973-Subpart D A Parent and Educator Guide To Section 504 Accommodations for Identified Children With Disabilities Section 504 Procedural Requirements for School Districts; and Section 504 A Possible Service Option for Students with Disabilities Section 504 requirements are separate from special education.  This guidance is provided as a courtesy.

Wrong Planet is the web community designed for individuals (and parents of those) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences. We provide a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies. Asperger's Syndrome, a pervasive development disorder, is a form of autism. People with Asperger's Syndrome usually have normal or above normal IQs. Asperger's can be described as an inability to understand how to interact socially.  

These easy-to-use guides were created especially for teachers/caregivers and parents to provide hands-on ways to embed social emotional skill building activities into everyday routines. Each book nook is comprised of ideas and activities designed around popular children’s books such as Big Al, Hands are Not for Hitting, On Monday When it Rained and My Many Colored Days. Examples of suggested activities include using rhymes to talk about being friends, making emotion masks to help children identify and talk about different feelings, playing games around what to do with hands instead of hitting and fun music and movement activities to express emotions.

A new tool kit released Thursday is designed to make the transition to adulthood easier for those with autism by giving families an overview of the options and resources available when it comes to housing, employment and other issues. The kit from Autism Speaks was developed by parents and professionals and is geared toward families of those ages 13 to 22. At more than 100 pages, it covers topics ranging from developing self-advocacy skills to sexuality in addition to practical concerns like housing, education and employment options after high school.

Click here to download the flyer for the Youth M.O.V.E Montana (PDF) We the members of Youth Motivating Others through Voices of Experience’ (M.O.V.E.) National envision systems in which every youth person that enters a youth serving system is being prepared for life through genuine opportunities and authentic youth involvement throughout all systems levels. We help guide the redevelopment of the systems so that no youth falls through the cracks. We advocate for youth to utilize their power and expertise to foster change in their communities and in their own lives. Youth M.O.V.E. National works toward the day when all people will recognize and accept the culture of youth, their families, and the communities that serve them in order to be truly culturally-competent. Youth M.O.V.E. National looks forward to the day when youth are no longer treated as numbers, problems or caseloads, but as individuals and humans. We will all stand as partners: youth, youth advocates, supporters, parents, and professionals to see our youth become successful.

Q. IS IT TRUE THAT YOU WERE DOING LAUNDRY WHEN YOU GOT THAT EARLY MORNING CALL FROM STOCKHOLM?

A. Yes. I don’t usually do the laundry so early in the morning, but I was already up, and there was all this laundry staring at me.

Q. DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A BIOLOGIST?

Jennifer Byde Myers is a writer, editor and parent of a child with autism. She has been writing since 2003 at www.jennyalice.com, chronicling her family’s journey from diagnosis to daily living with her son’s special needs. She is a founder and editor of The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism.

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety and substance abuse often start in adolescence, then peak in young adulthood. But for young people who don't have steady jobs or stable paychecks, getting help can be tough. A popular provision of the Affordable Care Act that took effect in 2010 aimed to make it easier for young adults to get access to health care, by allowing them to stay on their parents' insurance until they turn 26. So, are more young adults getting help with mental health issues because of the provision? Maybe, suggests a study published in the September issue of Health Affairs.