Helpful resources part 1

I will pause from the information overload for this post and draw your attention to resources that have been helpful to me or have come highly recommended.

Gen Jereb: 'There's a Traffic Jam in my Brain.' 

This has been one of the most informative and helpful courses I have done. The course is 7 modules (approx 7 hours) and is available online throughout the month of October. You can watch the videos when you are able. The cost is approx $170 but I think it was money well spent. (My husband also watched it with me)

What did I like so much?

• There was heaps of information regarding how our bodies and nervous system function and what their needs are.
• There was wide application - not just for kids with autism - but many kids would benefit. It was useful for teachers, parents and therapists.
• She is an engaging speaker
• The songs were a bit daggy but fun.
• She clearly LOVES what she does and has heaps of experience in the US and Australia
• Lots of practical applications.

You can see a 10min snippet of her here.

'The Out of Sync Child' by Carol Kranowitz is on my reading list and comes highly recommended. It looks at the issues of sensory processing disorder and how we can help our children organise sensory information.

'No more meltdowns' by Jed Baker is a helpful book written to help you examine the causes behind behaviour. Finding the causes of behaviour will help you prevent the behaviours in the future. I have read parts of this and found it quite practical.



Sue Larkey
Sue Larkey is a primary school teacher and a special education teacher. She has a wealth of resources, information and experiences. Her website is a great source for resources for both school and home. She also organises workshops across the country with the expert Dr Tony Attwood. I have attended one of these workshops and it was well worth my time.


Lifestart
This group is an early intervention service for ALL kids with additional needs (not just ASD) which we have only become members of this year. In some ways I wish we had used their services earlier - but you can't do everything!! They have a number of centres around Sydney and are an incredible family friendly and accessible service. They offer group therapy with individual plans and sometimes one on one therapy. They offer services in your home to help with behaviour management. They offer open and supported playgroups to kids with disabilities They offer ongoing workshops and courses. Their support is wonderful and offer many opportunities to connect with other families. We have our son enrolled in their transition to school program (which runs all year!!) and are thrilled at what they are offering.
At a small cost of $275 per term this is a wonderful service and comes highly recommended. (Remembering one 1 hour session of therapy will typically cost $120 or more).
If other people are looking for services to support or donate I would love you to donate to these guys!