Mirror Neurons

Hi Friends!

I was just recommended this video about mirror neurons.  Although we're still at the beginning stages of understanding them, there's some awesome theories and ideas regarding how they may affect individuals with symptoms of autism.  Really fascinating topic to consider.  Enjoy!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/mirror-neurons.html

The Danger of Technology

Someone shared this article with me and it was really fascinating to me, mainly because it makes so much sense.  When I think about healthy development, I think about how important it is to have real life, face-to-face social interactions in order to continuing growing and learning.  Technology is not bad, but it is important for us to regulate and recognize how it affects us.  Are we still getting our play time with our kids or are we constantly being distracted by the phone, the computer, the tv?  Are we getting long strings of imaginative play and pleasurable interactions with our kids (30-60 minutes or more a day?).  Are we outside running around with them, enjoying the physical and imaginable activities that they love?  Are we present with them and are they present with us?  And if not, how do we change it so that both parties are more available and more capable of real-life, face-to-face, developmentally encouraging interactions?

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2048363,00.html

Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Autism

And one more...

http://chaoticidealism.livejournal.com/82464.html?view=455968#t455968

Brains and Autism

This is an interesting article that will help those working with autism better understand the way our brains work differently.  Enjoy!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129379866&ft=1&f=100

Temple Grandin: The World Needs All Kinds of Minds

So, for those of you who work with kids with Autism or other Special Needs, this is a fantastic insight to the way they may be viewing the world. This is a clip from a woman who has Autism named Temple Grandin and she does a fantastic job explaining the way unique thinking and perspective in the world can result in some amazing products. It's a great reminder to me that even when the world is different than I see it to someone else, it can all result in wonderful things if I'm patient, perceptive and willing to merge my ideas with those of another. Enjoy!

Multi Sensory Integration

Thought this was a fun and interesting little article about how kids with autism may process sensory information.  Enjoy!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100819173840.htm