RISD SSS - Parent Newsletter

During the cold winter months, people with autism can engage in sensory activities indoors to help regulate their sensory experiences.

Benefits of Sensory Toys

Every child experiences the world differently. Some might dislike certain textures, while others love spinning or jumping. By understanding their specific sensory likes and dislikes, you can choose toys that help them feel calm and comfortable, making their (and your :) lives easier.

• Tactile Toys: These toys help kids explore touch. They come in different textures and can be squeezed, squished, or played with to help them feel good and learn about how things feel. Think squishy balls, fidget spinners, and playdough.
• Auditory Toys: These toys use sounds. Some make calming noises like rain, while others make fun sounds like drums or bells. They help kids listen and understand different sounds.
• Visual Toys: These toys are all about seeing! They have bright colors, lights, and moving parts that are fun to look at. Think lava lamps, kaleidoscopes, and toys that light up.
• Body Position/ Movement Toys: These toys help kids feel their bodies. They use deep pressure, like weighted blankets or squeezing toys, to make them feel grounded and calm.
• Balance and Spatial Orientation Toys: These toys help with balance and movement. Think swings, spinning toys, and rocking chairs. They use motion to help kids feel steady and in control.

Key takeaway: These different types of toys help autistic children learn about the world around them and feel good in their own bodies.

Remember: Every child is different, so it's important to find the toys that work best for each individual.

Fostering Friendships: Creating Meaningful Relationships for Students with ASD.

This "mini-course" has curated interview answers from Erik Carter, Ph.D. on the subject of friendships, school and social relationships, and belonging for students with autism.

Participants will:

• Understand the importance of structuring and fostering relationships inside and outside school settings
• Discuss some best practices on how to approach members of the community
• Discuss some best practices and tips on how to collaborate with students peers and influencers.

Click HERE to register.

EXERCISE: 24- 25

Learn how exercise, a strategy that involves an increase in physical exertion, can be a means of reducing problem behaviors or increasing appropriate behavior while increasing physical fitness and motors skills.

Participants will be able to:

• Define exercise
• Identify skills to be taught using exercise
• Identify the steps for implementing exercise
• Locate resources.

Click HERE to register.

Parent-implemented Intervention (PII) entails parents directly using individualized intervention practices with their child to increase positive learning opportunities and acquisition of important skills. Parents learn to implement such practices in their home and/or community through a structured parent training program.

Participants will be able to:

• Define parent-implemented intervention
• Identify what skills to teach using parent-implemented intervention
• Identify the steps for implementing parent-implemented intervention
• Locate resources

Click HERE to register.

The Richardson Police Department is excited to launch the "Take Me Home program! This service helps reunite individuals with cognitive disabilities who may struggle to communicate with officers if they are found wandering or reported missing. When a family enrolls, officers can access important information such as photos and emergency contacts. Families can enroll at www.richardsonpolice.net/takemehome

Are you looking for resources for after graduation? Please check out our website. CLICK the picture.

Check out the resources below:

• Richardson ISD Special Education
• SpEd Tex: Special Education Information Center
• Texas Transitions: Student-Centered Transitions Network