The NAO robot, made by French company Aldebaran Robotics, is a humanoid about the size of a 1-year old that walks, talks and plays games. Kids seem to like interacting with the robot, and researchers are now using it to teach communication and empathy skills to ASD children. More info on the ASK NAO (Autism Solution for Kids) project at the Aldebaran Robotics website. Video from NBC via the Aldebaran Robotics Youtube channel.
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Unnamed: Documentary About Nonverbal Learning Disability
Sonetta Duncan is a documentary film maker with NLD (non-verbal learning disability). She’s currently working on a documentary in which she goes across the world to meet fellow NLDers. Sonetta is looking for funding, as well as messages and videos from anyone with NLD, explaining what having the condition means to them. More details may be found on the documentary’s Facebook, and Sonetta is contactable at sonettaduncan at gmail.com.
As a filmmaker with a Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NLD), it is almost only natural that I make a documentary about my disability. I was 16 when I discovered I was gifted with NLD and in the few short years of knowing about my disability, I have met some wonderful and amazing individuals who’s stories deserved to be shared, experienced, and felt around the world. In this breath-takingly touching documentary, I go across the world to meet my brother’s and sister’s who share something very special with me: NLD. [from the documentary Facebook].
Love is NOT All You Need (Real-World Marriage Tips)
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I spent a good deal of time studying what it is that makes a “good marriage”. Then, I went out and actually got myself married. I took that handbook, that was so well-written and painstakingly researched, and tossed that puppy out of the nearest window. Marriage is not about theory or research. It is about getting in, rolling up your sleeves, and digging in your heels for life. Because one thing I know for certain about being married: if you sit around thinking that there are hard and fast rules…the last argument that you will ever have will be inside of a lawyer’s office.
Notice that I never used the “buzzwords” in the title that you normally see when discussing marriage advice. I will never use the words: successful, happy, or loving to describe my philosophies. Just practical, real-life stuff here. Happy is all about perspective, this is just…
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Scientists Identify Genetic Markers for Autism
Scientists at the University of California have identified genetic markers that correlate with autism, paving the way for a possible blood test for autism in infants. Early detection and treatment greatly improves the chances of reducing the severity of autism symptoms. Video from Australia’s Network Ten and here’s a news article from abc.net.au.
Book Review: The Journal of Best Practices
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From time to time, I cruise the autism shelf in my local library. Recently, this book jumped out at me:
The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband by David Finch
The author tells of how he is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome around age 30, and sets about to make changes in himself to be a easier-to-live-with and more interactive spouse and father.
I found the book interesting, and amusing (though I have to warn you, there is offensive language in the book).
The author does a great job sharing the inner workings of his mind and emotions. It was fascinating to read how he managed the rigidity, sensory sensitivities and emotional overload that are often are part of Aspergers and autism. Excluding the bad language, I really enjoyed this read, even though the author didn’t sugar coat…
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Musical Interlude: J. S. Bach – Sleepers Wake
Drowning: Learn the Warning Signs
In many drowning incidents, people nearby don’t know the victim is drowning. It often takes a trained lifeguard to spot someone in trouble. From watching movies, we’ve come to expect a drowning person to thrash about, wave, shout for help, and try to swim to safety. Quite often in real life, NONE of that happens. Drowning swimmers usually go through the Instinctive Drowning Response, in which they look like they’re “climbing a ladder underwater”, while their mouths constantly go above and below the waterline. Victims rarely wave or call out, because they’re instinctively focused on staying afloat and breathing. It often takes less than a minute before they completely submerge. To find out more, read this article and watch the video below from WIVBTV.
via slate.com
The Story of Luke: Award-Winning Movie About Someone With Autism
Luke, 25, is autistic and lives a sheltered life with his grandparents. But his world is suddenly turned upside down when his grandmother dies and he is forced to live with his dysfunctional relatives who have no patience for him or his senile grandfather, who they quickly force into a nursing home. Luke is left with his grandfather’s final semi-coherent words: “Get a job. Find a girl. Live your own life. Be a man!” For the first time in his life, Luke has a mission. He is about to embark on a quest. [Synopsis from the movie website]
Neo 2: The No-Frills Portable Word Processor
Some autistic writers find computers more distracting than useful, with the overwhelming number of options and apps available. Enter the Neo 2, a stripped-down portable word processor that cuts out all the bells and whistles. It allows you to focus on writing, without the formatting choices and programs that might get in the way (the plain text can be downloaded later to a proper computer for formatting). The Neo 2 is designed for portability, with a small sturdy body and long battery life. It’s also highly affordable (price valid at time of writing). Video review below is by Brave Luck Books.
Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum: by Lynne Soraya
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Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum by Lynne Soraya is described as “What you need to know to move into a place of your own, succeed at work, start a relationship, stay safe.” In fact, it’s a great deal more. Lynne, who writes for Asperger’s Diary in Psychology Today and works for a Fortune 500 company, covers everything from proper conduct and attire at a job interview, what to do when stopped by the police, setting boundaries, career goals, work related issues and self advocacy. My copy is filled with highlighted sections and notations, such as this quote regarding boundaries:
“The unfortunate reality for many on the spectrum is that the training that we receive to help us to “blend in” to the wider world can have the difficult side effect of teaching us to ignore our own boundaries.
“We learn to tolerate pain and discomfort of situations beyond what many…
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DESIGN FOR ASD 