Archive for the ‘Local Resources’ Category

  • From The Publisher – Spectrums Magazine Winter 2016

    Dec 22, 16 • 1124 Views • Local Resources, Newsroom • • 1 Comment

    Features include: Martial Arts and Autism • Striving for Disability Equity • Special Celebrations • Advocating for Community Inclusion • A Literary Hero for All Abilities • Holiday Travel • Dear Spectrums Readers – Annual Appeal • From...

  • From Surviving to Thriving with Jonathan Chase

    Dec 15, 16 • 1457 Views • Local Resources, Newsroom • • Comments Off on From Surviving to Thriving with Jonathan Chase

    From Surviving to Thriving by Karen Krejcha –  Jonathan Chase is well-known and respected in the Portland metro area for being an advocate, educational consultant and mentor to youth and young adults on the autism spectrum. A bit of a Renaissance man,...

  • AWEtism We Embrace Support Group

    Sep 26, 16 • 2478 Views • Local Resources, Newsroom • • Comments Off on AWEtism We Embrace Support Group

    By Shasti McLaughlin – A new kind of autism support group respecting the diversity of the human spectrum relaunched in Portland, Oregon in September 2016 and it’s free to attend! AWEtism We Embrace (AWE) is a facilitated support group for...

  • From The Publisher – Spectrums Magazine Fall 2016

    Sep 22, 16 • 1088 Views • Local Resources, Newsroom • • Comments Off on From The Publisher – Spectrums Magazine Fall 2016

    Features include: Autism “Rocks” – Pokemon Go Trainers Catch Autism Acceptance – Bullying Prevention – Helping Teachers Understand Your Child – Awetism We Embrace – Letting Go of “Normal” – Voting...

  • Dads Need Support, Too

    Jun 10, 16 • 2643 Views • Local Resources, Newsroom • • 4 Comments

    Dads helping Dads – Finding resources and programs for men  by John Krejcha – When it comes to autism-related parenting resources, there are many blogs, books, support groups, websites and forums dedicated toward moms. Parenting resources in...

  • Dear Spectrums Magazine Readers

    Jun 8, 16 • 1523 Views • Local Resources, Newsroom • • Comments Off on Dear Spectrums Magazine Readers

    This is a copy of the welcome letter from Editor, Karen Krejcha that was published on pages 6 and 7 in the Summer 2016 issue of Spectrums Magazine. In April 2016, Spectrums Magazine was acquired by Autism Empowerment and became a nonprofit program of the...

  • Online Safety Checklist

    Nov 11, 15 • 1511 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on Online Safety Checklist

    Keeping kids and teens safe online is a must in our technology-based society. We have a handy checklist to share with the internet users in your home. Click here to download the PDF.  ...

  • Follow up: Facilitating Communication

    May 20, 15 • 1852 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on Follow up: Facilitating Communication

    By Joanna Blanchard, MOTR/L “Ask the OT” recently received a follow up question about the column: “Why is My Child So Cranky After School?” which brought up some great questions about facilitating communication. (Details and names have been edited...

  • At-home sensory space for teens

    Dec 16, 14 • 3207 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on At-home sensory space for teens

    By Joanna Blanchard, MOTR/L Last month we explored ideas for children to find sensory input in the home. Here are some strategies for self-regulation to help teens during times of stress, transitions, homework or down times. By this age, your child may be...

  • Setting up a home sensory space

    Nov 4, 14 • 2383 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on Setting up a home sensory space

    By Joanna Blanchard, MOTR/L Buying and finding space for sensory equipment at home can be daunting, but every space has potential.  As the weather turns us indoors, here are some ideas.  What to get:   Before you buy, decide where it will go.  How to Use...

  • Let Go or Be Dragged (Attributed to a Zen proverb)

    Aug 18, 14 • 1893 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on Let Go or Be Dragged (Attributed to a Zen proverb)

    By Joanna Blanchard As our youngest child gets ready to attend middle school in the fall, I want to post and re-post this video until everyone sees it and internalizes it: Ethan and I put this together one day, years ago when he was home sick in the third...

  • What can Occupational Therapy do for my child?

    Apr 22, 14 • 1862 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on What can Occupational Therapy do for my child?

    Q: What can Occupational Therapy do for my child? A: Occupational therapy uses meaningful and purposeful activity (or “occupations”) to help people achieve optimal quality of life. Pediatric occupational therapy practice specializes in the occupations and...

  • Exercise and increasing activity levels for sensory kids

    Mar 10, 14 • 2475 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on Exercise and increasing activity levels for sensory kids

    By Joanna Blanchard MOTR/L Have you ever wondered, “Just how many more repetitions of that same obstacle course does he really need?  What is this doing for him?” while watching your child’s occupational therapy session? It is likely your OT is working...

  • Help with crankiness after school

    Jan 5, 14 • 9194 Views • Local Resources • • 1 Comment

    Q: Why does my child seem so tired and cranky after school and how should I respond? A: Many parents are frustrated when, after a typical day of school, their child is cranky or has a huge meltdown at home. His teachers report everything is fine during the...

  • Strategies for Self-regulation

    Oct 1, 13 • 4935 Views • Local Resources • • Comments Off on Strategies for Self-regulation

    Q: Why does my child constantly want to chew on things/pick his nose/put his hands in his pants? A: These are often ways children find to effectively self-regulate and soothe themselves. Many kids on the Autism spectrum are professionals at self-regulation...