Piece of the Puzzle

That Autism Awareness Charity Walk and Games is an event supported by the Autism Society of Iowa and sponsored by local businesses for Autism Awareness. There will be activities like face painting, tattoos, bubbles, matching game, fishing, making shapes, egg hunt, etc. Join us at McKinley Park -  600 McKinley St. Creston, IA 50801 on April 27th! For more information,  click here

Lessonpix   February, ah Yes! The month of cupid, hearts and love! The Autism Team want to share their love of all things LessonPix!     If you have not heard of LessonPix it is a web based- no dvd required, easy way to create online visuals quickly to help your students with schedules, communication, social stories, flash cards other customized materials, and save to your computer or share as a PDF file. There is also a sharing center which lets you see and share what other people have created. Individual or group memberships are available. Go to www.lessonpix.com where you can try it for free! This 2 minute video explains the program. Here is an example of a social story made with LessonPix and here’s another “Computer Rules” . Happy Reading!

10 Tips to Expand Your Child's Diet Families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder may be concerned about their child’s feeding abilities. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder frequently have restricted diets consisting of foods with similar characteristics provided in a consistent manner. In fact, research has shown that as many as 90% of individuals with Autism demonstrate feeding difficulties (Kodak & Piazza, 2008). You are NOT alone if your child or student is experiencing these difficulties as well. 

What is Video Modeling? Video modeling is an intervention/strategy that is used with students with Autism. Video modeling can help with: Observing correct behavior Teaching imaginative play skills Teaching perspective taking Increasing existing positive behaviors Modeling, then teaching imitative play Preparing for a new event or activity

Want to be a part of something big? The University of Iowa invites you to join SPARK for Autism, the nation's largest autism research study. The SPARK site in Iowa City is the closest clinical site for all of Iowa and Nebraska. But on January 5, SPARK for Autism is coming to YOU! Free for anyone participating in SPARK, participants will enjoy a sensory-friendly night at The Durham Museum in Omaha. Learn more  HERE

The Autism Society of Iowa Fall Conference will feature internationally renowned keynote speaker Stephen Shore, Ph.D. presenting on the 3A’s of Autism: Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation as a Pathway to Fulfilling and Productive Lives . The conference will also offer multiple breakout sessions. Click here for more information.

The Function of Preference Assessments for Students and  Their Importance in Applied Behavior Analysis Techniques     Preference assessments are an integral piece of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) but, first, what is ABA? ABA involves research-based strategies for conducting preference assessments, teaching behaviors (including academic behaviors) by using specific and systematic methods for instruction, providing consistent and scripted adult-response strategies following various student behaviors, presenting highly motivating and immediate reinforcement following defined (correct or appropriate) behaviors, and determining systems of data collection and analysis. Read More