Announcement from Spectrum Connections

[Guest guest]

Hi all, I just wanted to drop a note to introduce Spectrum Connections, a new

entertainment and learning DVD series for children on the spectrum of autism and

related disorders (www.SpectrumConnections.com

<http://www.SpectrumConnections.com/> ).

Spectrum Connections came about out of my desire to give my now 4-year-old son,

who has autism, some great entertainment that would, at the same time, address

his " spectrum " needs. I am a TV producer in New York City and I simply wanted to

offer something good, high quality, nurturing and FUN to all kids like my son.

Through my years in children's animation, I was able to team up with some

wonderful ex Disney producers who have a company called ssimo! Inc. They

were just as excited and committed as me to bring the best quality entertainment

to

children with special needs. The result is the first two of 13 episodes of

Spectrum Connections.

The series is distributed by ssimo! Inc. and Genius Products, and is

available at SpectrumConnections.com, Amazon.com, BN.com, Borders (online and in

the stores) and other places.

Spectrum Connections' goal is to connect with spectrum children on a KID level.

The shows are not meant to be therapy - they are fun and entertaining while

communicating and teaching core curricular in an engaging way.

Led by a wonderful licensed music therapist named Balzano, MA, MT-BC,

the programs model a music therapy class: Volume 1 features songs about EMOTIONS

( " The Happy Song " , " The Sad Song " .. etc.) and Vol. 2 deals with BODY

MOVEMENT and SPATIAL RELATIONS through song and example.

My secret agenda was to make shows that " typical " kids would be a tad envious of

because they were so darn great - and I have been told that we've succeeded. One

of the great things we've found about Spectrum Connections is that autistic kids

love it, typical kids love it, and parents do too. This is fantastic, as it has

been my great hope that this series would help bring everyone together. Spectrum

kids are isolated enough already.

I hope you spend a moment to check out the series at

www.SpectrumConnections.com. On the site, you

will find information about the programs, the series history as well as video

and audio clips from both shows.

If you like what you see, please help in spreading the word. …and of course,

purchase! We have worked hard to keep prices low, and the programs are under $15

everywhere - the lowest prices ($11.19) are found on SpectrumConnections.com,

our

home site.

We welcome all feedback in general, and hope for your comments and thoughts for

future episodes.

Thanks for spending the time to read this posting and I hope you and your

child/children like Spectrum Connections.

Cleve Keller

Creator-Producer

cleve@...

" I hope that you find the Spectrum Connections series to be a valuable tool for

your child that has both entertainment value geared towards children with autism

and related disorders, and as a tool for generalizing skills learned at home or

in

school. We’ve designed these music experiences on the DVDs to draw the child’s

attention to specific concepts, activities and motions. The skills are

presented slowly, clearly, and with high levels of practice. Our hope is to

provide students with

the practice necessary to sing the songs and perform the actions independently.

Our ultimate goal is that we can make a special contribution to the language,

recreational, and educational development of a child through the exciting and

fun

medium of music. "

- Dr. Amy Davies Lackey, Ph.D.,

BCBA

" Finally, a show for special kids and their parents - I actually can't stop

singing the songs - I envision live Balloo in an arena with Gluten free snacks -

bring it on - special families finally have their own entertainers! "

-Jackie Ceonzo, Founder of

SNACK Special Needs Activity Center for Kids

" Wow! Yes! My four year old son who is on the spectrum really has hooked into

both videos and even asks to see them (which is a very, very rare thing for him

to do). I’ve caught myself humming the songs and look forward to seeing them

too.

Thumbs up! "

-Janine P, mother

M. Guppy - " Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be

no courage unless you're scared. "

Listowner & Facilitator of: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Texas-Autism-Advocacy/ and

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TexasAutismSupport/