Fwd: Autism and RDI: What Would You Do?

April 11, 2012

Issue 27

April 11, 2012

B r a i n B y t e s

Genetics First

The Connection Between Autism Symptoms

and Gestation

Interesting Science: Anxiety Linked to Heightened Sense of Smell

Quick Links

RDIconnect Website

Find an RDI Consultant

RDI Certification for professionals

Where in the World is Aunt Martha?

She is in Ontario with Certified Consultant,

Palasti!

The Lighter Side

by

Q: What happened when a Priest, Rabbi, and Clown entered a bar.

A: What is this a joke?

"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones-the ones at home." - Mother

Families who have been impacted by autism amaze us by the gift of themselves they give to each other every day. The incidence is now one in eighty-eight up from one in ten thousand only a few years ago. We salute them today. As each of you walks throughout your day, share a word and smile of encouragement to those with whom you come in contact.

In Their Own Words

Click on these links to see what RDI consultants are doing!

Amy Cameron

Breathing Underwater Podcast

Kathy Darrow

Kathy discusses RDI in an interview on Autism One Radio

Hudkins

'The RDI Mom' Blog

Isaac

Understanding Autism Podcast - Broadcast live on the 2nd Monday and 2nd

Zoe

'Food for Thought' Blog

Find Us

Dear Friend

This week, we hear a story about how kindness can make all the difference and RDI Certifed Consultatant, Libby Majewski, shares tips for creating an IEP.

Don't forget to share our newsletter with your Facebook or Twitter friends by clicking the 'share' button at the top of this page.

-le Sheely, Ph.D.

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A Compassionate Stranger

by le Sheely, Ph.D.

We have all had the experience of being in the super market with a difficult child, our discomfort exacerbated by the eye aversion of well-meaning adults. For parents of children with special needs, whether physical or neurological, this aversion of gaze can sometimes have the unintended effect of further isolation.

Recently I was talking to a mother whose 10 year-old with autism had a meltdown at the grocery store. He wanted the toy car, she said "no" and he threw himself on the ground, repetitively shouting. We can all relate to this mother's discomfort and many of us would have bought him the car just to curb our own embarrassment, even if we threw it away at home. But, she didn't give in even though she was aware of her spectacle, what she believed others were saying or thinking about her. What happened next, however, was not only a surprise but a compassionate moment from a total stranger. There was a light touch on her arms, she turned to....

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Tips on Creating an IEP with a Developmental Focus:

by Libby Majewski

Libby Majewski is a Relationship Development Intervention (RDIÂ®) Program Certified Consultant whose ultimate aim in life is to be present to others as they grow and develop. Libby earned her BA in Psychology at Villlanbova University and has over 20 years experience working with children with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder/not otherwise specified (PDD/NOS), and related disorders. She founded KidsAhead Consulting in 2003 and currently heads up a cohesive team of consultants, certified teachers, school shadows, and home support staff. KidsAhead is contracts with numerous public school districts in the South Jersey and Philadelphia area to provide home, community, and school services. Contact Libby.

RDI Consultant, Libby Majewskidd

I know, I know...it's March and it is NOT the most wonderful time of year. IEP

(Independent Education Plan) season is upon us and parents everywhere are

preparing, researching, talking to other parents, consulting with advocates, case managers, and a variety of professionals. All in hopes of hitting the nail on the head and creating a comprehensive plan that will take their special needs child to the next level, academically and otherwise.

As one of those parents, you may be thinking that maybe next year will be the year your child will flourish and become more independent, more social, more engaged. That is definitely possible. A lot of that will depend, of course, on what type of approach you take with your child

in the home setting. It is my feeling as a developmental consultant that home is the best place to start working on addressing your child's deficits, whatever they may be. However, with the right IEP, a lot can be accomplished as well. In my experience, shifting the focus to developmental

growth in an IEP can dramatically alleviate a child's stress level and improve their functioning both at home and school.

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