Great Expectations Speech, Sensory & Learning Center - Livonia, MI

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This lens is dedicated to helping the children, and families of the children, who face challenges caused by Autism, Sensory Integration Disorder, Speech and Lanugage Delays, Developmental Delays, Fine and Gross Motor Challenges and other mental, emotional, neurological and learning hurdles that the kids frequently called "special" have to overcome in their living, learning and loving.

It's based on my own personal life as a father, advocate and owner of a children's therapy center where we work with many of these children and their families. 

Please review this lens and then visit our main website at My Great Kid for more information about our center. Or feel free to download a packet of information about the programs that we have to offer. 

If you'd like information on our nonprofit, created to provide therapy scholarships for children with Autism and other related challenges feel free to visit our Squidoo lens for it at Liberty Kids or check out the main website here.

Thanks for visiting and please feel free to contact me with any thoughts, questions, comments or feedback by emailing me here.

Where Is Great Expectations? 

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West Bloomfield Police Abuse Autistic Boy & His Family 

A Chilling Story For The Parents Of Any Autistic Child

Police Abuse Autistic Boy & His Family
The basics of the case sound like, and probably soon will be, the plot line for the latest Law & Order. An Autistic girl 'communicates' that she has been abused to a school worker. The catch ... she does it while using what's known as an 'augmenative' or 'facilitated' communication device. These

The Special Education Law Blog 

A special education legal resource discussing case law, news, practical advocacy advice, and developments in state and federal laws, statutes and regulations. Postings include insight and sometimes humor from Charles P. Fox, a Chicago, Illinois attorney who is also a parent of child with special needs, and other guest authors.

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Is Your School Honest With You? 

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School's Concerns During IEP Season 

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YouTube Video: The Problem With Schools 

Ken Robinson from the TED Conference

Ken Robinson is a fantastic speaker. He has a great way of make excellent points in a very entertaining and humorous way. This is a must see for any parent with a child in school.

20 minutes

Sir Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

http://www.ted.com Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity. TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers are invited to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes -- including speakers such as Jill Bolte Taylor, Sir Ken Robinson, Hans Rosling, Al Gore and Arthur Benjamin. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, politics and the arts. Watch the Top 10 TEDTalks on TED.com, at http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/top10

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Thinking Outside The Box 

Bill Marriott - Marriott Hotels

I was impressed with a story I heard a little while ago about an old man who lived alone in the country. He was worried about digging his tomato garden because it was such hard work and the ground was hard. His only son Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent,

I'm really feeling bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me.

Love,
Dad

A few days later, he received a letter from his son:

Dear Dad,

Don't dig up that garden, that's where I buried the bodies.

Love,
Vinny

At 4:00 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son:

Dear Dad,

Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances.

Let's all work hard at thinking outside the box, being creative and solving problems.

12 Tips For Your Next I.E.P. 

Steps to follow to get an I.E.P. that works ....

  1. Take it all very seriously. This is a legal, contractual relationship that you're embarking on. The decisions made throughout the I.E.P. process will literally help decide whether your child has the tools needed to be successful or whether they'll struggle needlessly and be pushed to the side.
  2. Realize that the folks at the school are good people BUT it's not their responsibility to make sure that your child receives a good I.E.P., just a legal one. They are not looking out for your best interest, they're looking to protect their own best interests and their own budgets. Before you let this annoy you though realize that you're doing the same thing. After all, what's your priority-the school's budget or your child?
  3. Know the law - State and Federal ~ it's crucial to making sure that your child gets the protection that they (and you) need. You'll be surprised how many times the folks at the school don't know (or don't seem to know) what the law really says. If you don't know the law-you can't (and won't) win. (more information available at www.MyGreatKid.com)
  4. Complete a practice I.E.P.. This approach gets you familiar with the paperwork and allows you to have established goals for your child before the formal meeting.. (copies available at www.MyGreatKid.com)
  5. Talk to the people that have the most contact with your child on a regular basis (teachers, aides, therapy providers, class helpers, etc.) before the meeting. They're the experts-so you want to pick their brains as much as you can. Find out how they feel about your child's progress, challenges, future goals and the things that they need to accomplish those goals. WARNING: Sometimes they won't go "on the record" but they'll frequently share lots that will be helpful as you put together your plan
  6. Know all the services the school and school district have at their disposal and everything they've done in the past to help other children. How do you find this out? Ask, visit and research.
  7. Learn how to be a better negotiator. It might seem odd but that's what the whole process is-a contractual binding negotiation. (for a list of good books and sources visit www.MyGreatKid.com)
  8. Don't go alone. You're going to be outnumbered and will likely feel outgunned so bring someone who can act as moral support, backup and a witness. Spouse, grandparent, family member, friend, neighbor, etc..
  9. Keep outstanding notes during the meeting (this is also a great job for your backup person) and do your own private write-up of the meeting as soon as the meeting is over.
  10. Don't get emotional. Getting emotional destroys your ability to think clearly, strategically and creatively. Use your emotions as fuel but remember that you need to be mentally sharp and ruled by reason as you maneuver through the process.
  11. Lack of money is not a valid (or legal) reason for denying services-and it's normally a lie.
  12. Capitalize on the Internet. There are huge libraries of knowledge, tips, tricks, techniques and templates that can make the I.E.P. process less stressful and more effective. (for a list of sites visit www.MyGreatKid.com)
  13. Bonus Tip : Don't hesitate to get your own outside evaluations, especially if you don't agree with the school's evaluations. It's one thing to disagree with the school based on your gut-it's a whole new ball game though when you have an independent outside evaluator who bases their opinions on your child's needs not on available resources.

Apraxia & Speech Related Challenges 

Apraxia-Kids : Every Child Deserves A Voice
Good source with a variety of information for parents, professionals. Dedicated solely to Apraxia - the Family Start Guide is a great resource.
Advance Magazine
Advance for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists is a trade publication offering content relevant to speech language pathologists including current research. This website (and magazine) is a great resource. While the target isn't parents, the information is great for staying current and informed on the latest and greatest. If you want to be an informed parent this site (magazine)is a must!
Speechville Express: For caregivers of children with language disorders
A good resource site. It's not the definitive source for information but there is some really good stuff here to start with.
Childhood Apraxia Of Speech
I don't necessarily agree with her advice "Don't ever say "You can't have it unless you say it first". Sometimes when you've got the child's attention and they are motivated this actually works well to get them to try harder verbalizations.

However, this article does have some good tips and strategies, as well as, a good quick breakdown of the basics.
Yahoo Groups - Childrens Apraxia Net
Parent On-Line Group for Apraxia. You have to get a FREE membership at Yahoo but it's worthwhile to access some of the groups. Great way to learn and share with other parents.

Great Autism & Special Needs Sites On The Web 

The Liberty Kids - Therapy Scholarships
A MI Nonprofit that raises money for therapy scholarships for children with special needs.
Bridges 4 Kids
The goal of bridges4kids is to provide as much timely, useful information as possible to both parents and professionals regarding children with special needs, disabilities, and those who are at-risk. Bridges4Kids provides information for parents of children in both special education and general educ
Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy
Links to hundreds of special education law and advocacy articles, newsletters, cases, and practical guidance for parents, advocates, and attorneys. Wrightslaw is the most comprehensive special education advocacy site on the Internet
Autism Society of America: Homepage
Nationwide support group that promotes lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included, ...
Autism Resources
Links, frequently asked questions, advice from parents, book lists, and articles.
National Alliance for Autism Research
A national nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to finding the
causes, prevention, effective treatment, and ultimately, a cure of the autism spectrum of ...
Autism Research Institute
A non-profit organization devoted to conducting research, and to disseminating its results on the causes of autism and on preventing, diagnosing and treating ...
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF AUTISM (AUTISM.COM)
Autism Info Site
Google News
Autism Articles Live From Google
Exceptional Parent Magazine - Eparent.com - parenting those with disabilities or special health care needs.
Exceptional Parent is the leading publication for the special needs community. Empowering parents and professionals by sharing ideas, support, products and resources in the care and parenting of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
First Signs
First Signs is a website dedicated to early identification and intervention of children with developmental delays and disorders. This site is a wealth of information and links
The Schafer Autism Report
All things Autism from treatments and therapies to the latest news.
Child.com : Autism Article
The prevalence of this confounding disorder has reached frightening proportions, changing medicine, politics, parenting - and childhood itself.
Myomancy
ADD/ADHD
AUTISM
DYSLEXIA

Other Great Autism / Special Needs Squidoo's 

A Lens On Autism
As a parent of a child who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, I know well the importance of early identification of and intervention for children with developmental disorders. At First Signs, we educate parents, healthcare providers, clinicians, and early childhood educators on how to recognize the first signs of a developmental delay or disorder, such as autism. This lens aims to be a helpful starting point for anyone who is concerned about a child's social, emotional, and communicative development. Sarah and I certainly wouldn't be where we are today without the help of these top-notch organizations and resources.
Social Stories
Individuals on the autism spectrum often have difficulty determining the correct action in a given social situation. Social stories have been found to be extremely helpful for these individuals. Social stories are brief narratives from the perspective of the child that describe a situation, provide explanations about the feelings and thoughts of all individuals, and give directions regarding the appropriate response. These stories allow the autisic child to perform more appropriately in social situations.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Joys and Challenges of Siblings
This lens is an evolving community for siblings of those having autism spectrum disorder, a mental illness, or other related or suspected brain disorder. Please come for information, to share, to despair, to celebrate, and to find friends with similar challenges. I hope to make this accessible to all age groups, from the school-aged child dealing with a special needs sibling, to adults who have been "doing this" for a long time (that would include myself!)

New Word of the Day 

See You're Already Smarter For Having Visited This Site

ineffable: Dictionary.com Word of the Day
ineffable: incapable of being expressed.

Jason McElwain Video - Original ESPN Video 

This story is old now but this original ESPN story is still exceptional.

Jim Johnson (J-Mac's Coach)

When Coach Jim Johnson says, "Dreams Come True," he means it. Not only did he have the faith to put autistic high school basketball player Jason McElwain into the final minutes of the last game of the season, but the miraculous 20-points then scored by Jason McElwain was one of the most inspiring moments in sports history. At the podium, Coach Jim Johnson brings this incredible story to life, shedding light on the "The Essence of Teamwork" and "The Ultimate Level of Sportsmanship." www.rothtalent.com

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YouTube Video: A Face Of Autism 

The face of autism

Here's the story -- well, the first five years -- in the life of Quinn: a wonderful, exuberant, mostly non-verbal boy with autism. You can see how the signs appeared over time, even before his diagnosis was made at 21 months. *** Teachers/schools/community service groups: You may use this video as part of autism awareness or positive educational training. No additional permission is required. (I can provide a higher-resolution version if needed.) * TO THE HATERS: Quinn did not watch TV for hours each day. He learned the credits mostly from the DVD boxes that he carried with him everywhere. (And if you want to leave a rude/arrogant/stupid/mean comment... well, I'd suggest you worry less about my parenting skills and more about those of your own mom and dad.) NOTE: Unfortunately, I no longer have the faceautism.org domain name mentioned in the video -- so I have no idea what might end up on there. Sorry. Music ("Ma Solituda") by Rob Dickinson/Catherine Wheel (www.RobDickinson.com)

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Age Of Autism - News Articles 

Dan Olmsted, in my opinion, has written some of the most important articles on Autism out there. His Age of Autism series is outstanding and his constant pounding on vaccines and drug companies is at the very least informative. Must read articles.
Articles by UPI reporter Dan Olmsted
Archive of Olmsted articles.

Autism News Clips 

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Use These Links To Seach For More About Autism On The Web 

Autism At Technorati
The lates blog postings about Autism
Autism On Google
Autism search from our friends at Google
Autism Search From Dogpile
Another search engine that searches other search engines.

"It's important for people to understand the higher number of diagnoses is not because the criteria for autism has expanded .... It is actually harder now than it was in 1980, when autism was first introduced as a disorder, to meet the criteria."

- Michelle Rowe, Ph.D., Professor of Health Services at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia

What Kind Of World Do You Want 

This is a great site, great idea and these are two of my favorite videos from it .....

We are all connected to one another through our actions. Each person has the ability to make a difference. This is one of the messages of the Five For Fighting video "World."

Tell the world what kind of world you want and raise money for charity by making and uploading a video of yourself, your friends or your family--whomever and whatever--answering the question, "What Kind Of World Do You Want?"

Or, you can raise money for charities that John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting has personally selected. Watch any clip on this site and money will go to the charity listed with that video. Please see below for the updated list of charities and contributions per views.
The Way My Brother Loves Me
I thought this was a really touching video that shows how autism impacts a brothers relationship. Great!
Mia
Cute video with a very good message.

Take A Break With This Thought ...... 

"What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think....you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.", Emerson

Autism In The Medical News World 

The latest Autism News articles published daily. Includes news on social interaction problems, lack of communication skills and emotional interpretation difficulties - causes and how to overcome them.

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Mercury Not Removed From Children's Vaccines 

An estimated 80% to 90% of this year's flu vaccine supply contained the mercury-based preservative thimerosal, even though the shots can be manufactured in mercury-free formulas.

CDC Vaccine Committee Recommends More Shots For Children
Article Date: 29 Feb 2008 - 0:00 PST

Autism and Vaccines 

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Age of Autism 

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Take A Break With A Thought (or two) ..... 

"Life is tough, and if you have the ability to laugh at it you have the ability to enjoy it." Salma Hayek

"A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary." Dorothy C. Fisher

Autism Stuff At Cafe Press 

Some Are Cool, Some Are Smart, Some Are Not ... You Be The Judge

License Plate Frame; I Love Someone with Autism

License Plate Frame; I Love Someone with Autism

From: camsvoice.com

Price: 11.99 Buy Now

eye contact is overrated Fitted T-Shirt

eye contact is overrated Fitted T-Shirt

From: Through Our Eyes

Price: 16.99 Buy Now

Autism Question Large Mug

Autism Question Large Mug

From: Pi Day Buttons, Twilight Merch, St Pat's Day Tees

Price: 17.99 Buy Now

Tote Bag

Tote Bag

From: laakeacreationsautism&more

Price: 12.99 Buy Now

non verbal [not dumb] White T-Shirt

non verbal [not dumb] White T-Shirt

From: Through Our Eyes

Price: 18.99 Buy Now

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YouTube Video: In My Language 

I think this video is fascinating.

In My Language

The first part is in my "native language," and then the second part provides a translation, or at least an explanation. This is not a look-at-the-autie gawking freakshow as much as it is a statement about what gets considered thought, intelligence, personhood, language, and communication, and what does not.

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The Logic Of Will Rogers 

This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer.
- Will Rogers

Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what's going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House? - Will Rogers

We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can. - Will Rogers

New Did you know? Random Facts 

Books To Read If You Have A Child With Special Needs 

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide

by: Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright

Don't go to your next IEP without it.

Amazon Price: $19.55 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Wrightslaw: IDEA 2004

Wrightslaw: IDEA 2004

by: Peter Wright; Pamela Darr Wright

The new rules, easy to understand and well explained.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind

Wrightslaw: No Child Left Behind

by: Peter W. D. Wright, Pamela Darr Wright, Suzanne Whitney Heath

NCLB is changing the face of education. This book helps explain why, how and what your rights are as a parent.

Amazon Price: $29.35 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy

Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy

by: David Kirby

If you're concerned (or just curious) about the Vaccine debate this is the book to read.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, Revised Edition

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, Revised Edition

by: Carol Stock Kranowitz

THIS BOOK IS REQUIRED READING. So many children could be helped if more parents, teachers, doctors understood what this book teaches.

Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Your Inner Physician and You

Your Inner Physician and You

by: John E. Upledger

Strange, weird but logical and probably one of the most effective and impactful therapies I know of or have experienced.

Amazon Price: $10.88 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

The Out-of-Sync Child has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction

The Out-of-Sync Child has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction

by: Carol Stock Kranowitz, T.J. Wylie

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help

Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help

by: Lynn M. Hamilton

A great first resource if you have a child that's been diagnosed with Autism.

Amazon Price: $11.24 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism (The Healthy Mind Guides)

The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism (The Healthy Mind Guides)

by: Stephanie Marohn

A great source for an explanation of therapies and helps out there for people dealing with Autism who would like non-drug based choices.

Amazon Price: $13.46 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Special Diets for Special Kids

Special Diets for Special Kids

by: Lisa Lewis

The title says it all. This book is a cooking resource for people with food allergies.

Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Upside-Down Brilliance: The Visual Spatial Learner

Upside-Down Brilliance: The Visual Spatial Learner

by: Linda Kreger Silverman

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Raising Topsy-Turvy Kids: Successfully Parenting Your Visual-Spatial Child

Raising Topsy-Turvy Kids: Successfully Parenting Your Visual-Spatial Child

by: Alexandra Shires Golon, Linda Silverman

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Copy This! : Lessons from a Hyperactive Dyslexic who Turned a Bright Idea Into One of America's Best Companies

Copy This! : Lessons from a Hyperactive Dyslexic who Turned a Bright Idea Into One of America's Best Companies

by: Paul Orfalea, Ann Marsh

Amazon Price: $18.68 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

A Mind at a Time

A Mind at a Time

by: Mel Levine

Amazon Price: $11.70 (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

The Myth of Laziness

The Myth of Laziness

by: Mel Levine

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009) Buy Now

Thanks For Reading This Far ...... 

Here Are Three Quotes From Teddy Roosevelt That I Like, The First Is My Favorite

"It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."