A mental health crisis is escalating: the number of children needing specialized help for mental health disorders is increasing as the number of educators that are qualified to handle these situations decreases.
9
MAR
MAR
0
Student anxiety disorders are at an all-time high, making it increasingly important for teachers and other staff to know how to recognize and respond to students with anxiety.
Anxiety Statistics from the CDC
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.
14
NOV
NOV
Written by Rachel Wise (article republished with permission)
In this article you will find 15 supportive behavior strategies for children on the autism spectrum (some strategies can be used with adults as well). Many of the strategies can also be used to help children without autism who have challenging behaviors.When caring for or working with a child with autism, a parent, teacher, or other adult may become frustrated with the child’s behavior. Behaviors can come on suddenly, last for hours, be hard to control, or make the adult scared or embarrassed.
13
NOV
NOV
First Resort in Florida to Earn the Designation
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is the latest destination to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) to help ensure guests and families with children who have autism have the best possible experience.
The resort implemented a training and certification program provided by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to ensure staff are trained to work with individuals on the spectrum and to share the resort’s commitment to ensuring all guests are accommodated. For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in autism training for licensed healthcare professionals and educators around the globe. IBCCES created programs specifically for the hospitality and travel industry since parents with children on the autism spectrum often find vacationing to be a challenge due to sensory needs, dietary restrictions, and safety concerns.
24
OCT
OCT
Over the last 20 years, the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased significantly in the United States; from 6.1% to 10.2%. Countries around the globe are noticing a similar increase as well. According to Department of Health, about 6.4% of children and adolescents are affected by the disorder in Hong Kong, with over 10k new cases in 2017 alone. Dr Patrick Ip, clinical associate professor at HKU’s department of pediatrics and adolescent medicine, attributed the “phenomenon” to more accurate diagnosis and growing awareness about the importance of treatment.*
It’s incredibly important to ensure professionals working with individuals with ADHD and other cognitive disorders are provided opportunities to receive up-to-date focused training options. The Board Certified Cognitive Specialist program includes training on ADHD as well as autism, dyslexia and other related cognitive disorders. Equip yourself with a professional credential backed by relevant training to ensure you’re providing the best quality services for those living with cognitive disorders.
5
OCT
OCT
VillaKey has completed the process of becoming a Certified Autism Center, which is a designation that demonstrates the organization’s commitment to ensuring their clients who have autism or sensory sensitivities will have the best possible experience. This is the first vacation rental company globally to earn the CAC designation.
VillaKey has helped families, many with children on the autism spectrum, book vacation home rentals for years, but they furthered their commitment to serving those clients by completing the CAC program, which includes evidence-based staff training, through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). As a Certified Autism Center, parents can rest assured when booking through VillaKey that their needs will be understood and VillaKey’s experts will guide them to the best option for their family.
4
OCT
OCT
Written by Rachel Wise (article republished with permission from here )
In this article, you will find 15 supportive behavior strategies for children on the autism spectrum (some strategies can be used with adults as well). Many of the strategies can also be used to help children without autism who have challenging behaviors.When caring for or working with a child with autism, a parent, teacher, or other adult may become frustrated with the child’s behavior. Behaviors can come on suddenly, last for hours, be hard to control, or make the adult scared or embarrassed.
10
JUN
JUN
IBCCES Board Member and international speaker Dr. Stephen Shore was recently interviewed by Lime Connect. Read on for an excerpt and a link to the full interview delving into Dr. Shore’s perspective as a professor and professional who happens to be on the autism spectrum:
Lime Connect: You’ve famously said, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Why is that an important point for people to understand about their interactions with individuals with autism, in particular?
23
MAR
MAR
By Elayne Pearson, C.A.S, Special Needs Preparedness Specialist
I love the classic Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” But let’s be honest, December can be a difficult month for most of us – with all the juggling, jingling, jangling, and jostling of added obligations and opportunities. For people affected by a challenging special need or disability, it can be extremely difficult. Between the extra-long list of “to-dos” for everyone, the sugary treats, decorating, shopping, junk food, programs, and family gatherings — the toll exacted from individuals with fragile systems can feel like pure drudgery instead of pure joy. School teachers often observe goal-digression in students instead of progress and harmony. So, if you’re a professional, feel free to pass this little piece on to similar parents of special needs loved ones.
13
DEC
DEC
Creative Ideas To Offer Better Visual Support For Neuro-Diverse Children
By Guest Contributor Evan Brown
Leveraging visual support for neuro-divergent children entail using a visual item, such as a picture card or mood boards, to communicate with a child who exhibits a shortcoming in using or has difficulty understanding language. Visual supports can be in the form of lists, written words, objects, drawings and photographs. Ample research stands as evidence that visual supports provide one of the best communication mediums for children with developmental disorders. When employed for children on the autism spectrum, a visual support serves two main purposes: helping the child communicate with those around them, and aiding parents in communicating better with their child.
12
JUN
JUN