Great Wall Posters fro Single Mothers who have Children with Autism

Here are some wonderful quotes from Single Mothers who have Children with Autism. 

10 Great Toys for Sight Challenged Kids

Today we welcome Guest blogger Carol Watson from Nationalnannies.com.

Kids love toys of every shape and size, there’s no doubt about it.  But not all children are alike and not all kids like the same things.  When buying a gift for any child, it’s important to consider if the child will enjoy the gift. The same holds true when buying a gift for a blind or visually impaired child. Fortunately, there is an amazing array of toys that have been specially designed or modified for sight challenged kids so that they are able to enjoy many of the same toys as those who were blessed with good vision. There are also many popular toys that both blind and sighted children enjoy.

Check out these 10 great toys for sight challenged kids.

Let’s Rock Elmo: Let’s Rock Elmo is an interactive toy that sings and plays music. The toy comes with various instruments that Elmo and the children can play together.  Let’s Rock Elmo does not have to be purchased through a specialty store and can be purchased at most large retailers.  Make sure to install the batteries before you give the toy to the child so that they can start playing with it immediately.

Braille Learning Doll: The Braille Learning Doll is a specialty doll that is available through several different vendors, including Enable Mart. There are 6 buttons on the stomach of the doll which allows the child to make all braille letters.  This is an educational gift that will help the child learn Braille. 

Board games: A company called Maxi Aids offers a large line of standard board games that have been modified to work for sight challenged kids.  Some of the games include Checkers games that have high contrast color pieces, Scrabble games that have large print tiles and boards, and Monopoly that comes in a large print edition. Since both sight and blind people can play these games, it can help foster inclusion.

Bop It/Bop It XT: Bop It is a fantastic game that a child can play alone or with friends.  The Bop It gives verbal commands that tell you to bop it, twist it, pull it and shake it.  Once the child knows where the different parts of the game are they should be able to play by listening to the verbal cues.  There are many different games within the Bop It toy and there are different levels of play as well.  This is a great game for the whole family.

Dolls: If you buy a doll, make sure that it plays to more than one sense.  There are dolls that talk and play music that a blind child may enjoy.  Dolls with texture can be great for visually impaired children too. Look for clothes that have patches or embroidery on them so that the child can tell the difference between her dolls and doll accessories.

Stuffed animals: Everyone loves a nice soft stuffed animal to hug, but to make this toy even better for a sight challenged child you may want it to engage more senses.  Choosing different types of stuffed toys, like ones stuffed with beans, crinkly paper and batting can help engage additional senses.  The texture of the animal is important too.  Maybe it’s a lion and it has a long haired fuzzy mane, soft fur on the back, and a long tail.  All of those things will make the toy more fun for a sight challenged child.

Braille games: Maxi-Aids also makes card games like Uno, Phase 10 and Dominos that all come equipped with Braille cards. While the child can often feel how many dots are on a domino they can’t tell what color it is without some help from the Braille dots.

Audio Dart Master: This dart game has a texturized board that the sight challenged person can feel prior to play.  The rest of the game is played by audio commands.  The board calls out the player’s name and score, and will even give off a signal to help a sight challenged player aim for the bulls-eye.  It’s available at audiodartmaster.com.

Wikkistix: This is a very useful gift because it’s a toy, a craft, and is useful for marking things for sight challenged kids.  Wikkistix are sticky string-like sticks that come in various colors and can be bent and wound around anything.  Kids can make creatures to play with or create greeting cards.  The Wikkistix can even be used to teach shapes and to label things like a keyboard.   

Rib-it-Ball: Someone was really thinking when they created the Rib-it-Ball.  The ball has sections of bright colors so it’s easier to see for sight challenged kids.  The ribs stick out so that it’s easy to catch and the ribs crinkle like paper so it’s easy to hear when it’s being thrown to you.  This ball will help with muscle control and hand/eye coordination.

http://www.nationalnannies.com/blog/10-great-toys-for-sight-challenged-kids/One of the most important things you can do when picking a gift is to find out what the child enjoys.  Keep these toys in mind the next time you are on the hunt for the best gift for a sight challenged child in your life.

You can more great ideas for toys and parenting tips on the NationalNannies blog

10 Reasons Big Wheels Have Stood the Test of Time

Today we welcome Sara Dawkins of NannyPro as a guest blogger.

Since their introduction in 1969 the brightly colored plastic tricycle called Big Wheels has been a childhood favorite. Unlike many toy fads that have come and gone over the years, this one has maintained its popularity. Generations of kids have raced their Big Wheels down the neighborhood sidewalks and streets. What has kept this tricycle going strong for all these years? Here are just 10 reasons Big Wheels has stood the test of time.

1. Safer – One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of Big Wheels among parents is that they are much safer than the traditional trike or bike. The lower profile makes it less tippy giving it high ratings among consumer groups. Parents still find this different tricycle design gives their kids a safer way to have fun.
2. Easier to ride – The Big Wheels low slung design puts the pedals out front and makes it much easier to ride than the traditional trike. The ease of locomotion makes these tricycles much more fun and fast paced. Young kids are tearing around the neighborhood in record time.
3. Low profile – Similar to a race car, the low profile Big Wheels give children a heightened sense of speed. Young kids can master greater control while getting a feeling of independence as they race down the driveway feeling every bump and taking sharp turns.
4. Versatile – Standard metal tricycles are much less versatile than Big Wheels which allow kids to do tricks and stunts that would be impossible with a heavy cumbersome trike. The coolest kids on the block would master peel-outs, doughnuts and skidding stops to impress their friends.
5. Durable – Another secret to the Big Wheels longevity is its rugged durability. Though made mostly of plastic, parents are hard pressed to find a more durable product for the price. Over the years design changes have only enhanced this feature.
6. Marketing – For decades the popularity of Big Wheels has been easy to market. Now considered a household name, various brands of similar design have been featured in popular television shows, events and even theme parks.
7. Variety – The colorful plastic used is eye catching and versatile. The variety of colors and themes gives both boys and girls endless choices. They can even get their Big Wheels pimped out with chrome, lights plus all the bells and whistles. They even make Big Wheels for adults.
8. Inexpensive – Since the major components of these popular tricycles are plastic, Big Wheels can be manufactured and sold for less than standard metal bikes and trikes. The inexpensive price range has helped them stand the test of time.
9. Outdoor fun – Parents would be hard pressed to find a better toy to get their kids outside to play. For generations Big Wheels have provided kids with countless hours of outdoor fun.
10. Nostalgic parents – Most parents these days had a Big Wheel trike when they were young and want their kids to have the same enjoyment. The nostalgia surrounding these toys has helped contribute to their continued popularity.

The genius of the Big Wheels design has virtually made traditional tricycles obsolete. Energetic kids everywhere are racing their Big Wheels with friends and trying their best to outdo each other. Children compete to be the one with the coolest and fastest trike on the block. Adults relive their childhood at Big Wheel Rallies throughout the country. The Big Wheel phenomenon has stood the test of time and will probably continue for some time to come.

Read more articles from Sara Dawkins at http://www.nannypro.com/.

Your school could win software support for children with autism

John LeSieur
www.peoplecd.com
+1.702.968.0357
info@peoplecd.com       
People CD Inc.

PRESS RELEASE

CEO Seeks Schools with Special Needs for Project

Offers to Install Special Software for Students with Autism

LAS VEGAS, NV – April 18, 2012 – A CEO and grandfather offers to install specially designed software in schools that have students with autism. John LeSieur, CEO of People CD Inc. and grandfather to Zachary who is on the autism spectrum, announced the offer as a way of giving back for the success of their just recently launched Zac Picto, a software especially designed for students with autism.

The project, named Zac Connection, looks for 5 schools with students on the autism spectrum, has at least one computer in the classroom with access to the Internet and with parents willing to participate in the project. People
CD will provide them Zac Picto with full support, help setup the content and will also help connect students and parents together. Zac PIcto is a software completely free of charge for professionals and parents.

“On Autism Awareness day we have officially launched Zac Picto and already have received tons of positive feedback from parents and professionals,” said John LeSieur, People CD CEO.

To qualify for the project, schools may register at www.zacpicto.com/zac-connection. Parents, students, teachers, alumni associations and other interested parties may nominate their schools to the project.

“At a rate of 1 in every 88 children on the autism spectrum, it's time to do bold moves and empower people with autism,” added LeSieur.

More information on Zac Picto and the Zac Connection project may be seen on www.zacpicto.com or email info@peoplecd.com.

About John Lesieur and People CD

People CD Inc’s mission is to create innovative technology to reorganize world information and adapt it to the end user. John LeSieur, People CD’s President and CEO, understands the need for specially designed software for
children on the autism spectrum, being a grandfather to one, and has created Zac Browser and Zac Picto for the purpose.

For more information about People CD Inc. visit www.peoplecd.com.

Creators of Zac Browser to launches software for people with autism on World Autism Day.

Las Vegas, NV – April 2nd, 2012 – Zac Browser, an award winning browser for children with autism, will now have a sister software to assist people with autism: Zac Picto. The creators of the award winning browser, Zac Browser, are launching the new software on April 2nd, which is World Autism Day.

Creators of Zac Browser to launch software for people with autism on World Autism Day from People CD Inc. on Vimeo.


Zac Picto is an all-in-one solution based on a pictogram system. The software has been created in a way that helps parents, professionals and caregivers working around a child with autism by giving them a more manageable way to track progress. Additionally, the system brings a visual organizer and serves as a teaching assistant; all of which is built around an important social network.


PeopleCD is the creator of Zac Browser and Zac Picto. Zac Picto has been a work in progress for some time. Its creators were determined to offer a viable solution to bring a product to the market that would give added value to those who have autism, as well as their network of support. “We have spent more than 18 months creating a unique solution to empower people with autism for a lifetime,” says John LeSieur, President and CEO of PeopleCD. John is also the grandfather of someone who is on the autism spectrum.


Zac Picto will be available to the public on April 2nd. The software is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux and is also offered free of charge to the public.


In July, the software will be available in Spanish, thanks to the collaboration of Fundación Orange.


For more information on the software and to keep updated with the countdown of the launch, visit zacpicto.com.


About People CD Inc.


People CD’s mission is to create innovative technology to reorganize world information and adapt it to the end user.

Choosing games and play for children with autism

Once again AblePlay has joined us today to share ideas on how to think about play and games for children with autism.  I want to thank them for sharing their expertise with us.  Mara
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Like everyone else, children with autism have both skills they can advance, and struggles they need to overcome to reach their highest potential. Games and play are great ways to build a child's strength and also work on those skills they need a little help with

Here are seven areas to keep in mind when choosing games, toys and play products for children with autism.

1. Visual Thinkers. Many of these children simply see the world from another perspective - the visual one. They think in pictures instead of words.

Games and Play
Art is often both an enjoyable activity for kids with autism and a way to relieve the stress and strain of a busy school schedule. Drawing, painting, working with clay, are all great creative outlets.

2. Detail Orientated. If you ask a child to visualize a car, often a child with autism does not see just the general outline, but rather very specific components of one particular car including the buttons, fabric pattern, chrome design and other details.

Games and Play
The more details a play product has, the better some kids with autism will relate to it. When choosing toys, think realistic, for instance a memory-matching game with real photographs.

3. Design and Pattern Aptitude. Visual thinking has a whole lot of positive aspects and the ability to design is one of them. Often included in this characteristic is the ability to visualize in three dimensions.

Games and Play
Children with visual preferences often really enjoy working with small detailed play products like LEGOs, small blocks and three-dimensional building projects.

4. Concrete Thinker. Many kids with autism interpret language literally.

Games and Play
Look for games that offer very clear instructions. But also work with these children to introduce more pretend play to help them develop the ability to abandon reality and learn to interact with other children who are using their imagination.

5. Sensory Sensitivity. Because of visual orientation, kids with autism can be especially vulnerable to over-stimulation. Florescent lights may pulsate and may even hurt their eyes. Glare from windows, the movement of ceiling fans or ambient noises may penetrate these children in frustrating or even hostile ways.

Games and Play
Before buying a toy or play product, give it a once over on a sensory scale. Determine if the volume can be turned down, the lights dimmed and whether it could cause a child to become distracted, disoriented or provoke anxiety.

6. Show Rather than Tell Preference. Because language is sometimes a struggle, telling a child with autism what to do is often the hard way to reach him or her. Showing works better for many of these hands-on learners.

Games and Play
Before playing a new game or exploring a new play product, do a test run with the child. Show him through actions how to play such as slide down the slide yourself, build a block house or take a few turns on the game board before you start to really play the game.

7. Social Interaction Struggles. Kids with autism can need help navigating social interactions. To an outsider, they may look like they don't want to play. Often they are do not know how to ask appropriately to enter the play situation and need coaching on the interactive potential that is around them.

It is helpful to think about learning the social aspects of play like teaching a child how to be an actor or actress. Role play the right words to be included in an activity, and show him or her the polite and appropriate way to ask. Then rehearse these approaches just like learning the words to a play.

Games are a great way for kids with autism to tap into their strengths and explore the areas they need a little help with. Play is an easy, fun and fast way to accomplish both.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Macy Kaiser is the Director of Business Development for the National Lekotek Center, a division of the nonprofit Anixter, creators of the social enterprise AblePlay. Their organization is the leading authority on toys and play for children with disabilities and special needs. For further information, please contact them at 773.528.5766 or visit online at www.ableplay.org.

Kids with Special Needs Can Now Find Special Needs Bikes

For the next couple of posts, the folks from AblePlay are providing us with insight on great toys and games.  AblePlay^TM is a toy rating system and website that provides comprehensive information on toys for children with special needs. AblePlay was created so parents, special educators, therapists and others can make the best decisions when purchasing products for children in their lives with disabilities.  There first post for Let Kids Play is about bikes. Thanks AblePlay for your great work and for sharing your wisdom.

Riding a bike is more than a mere childhood experience; it is a right of passage for many children.  The surge of self-propulsion, coupled with the ability to set your own speed and course can give a child an incredible sense of freedom, joy and self-esteem.  Children with special needs can be helped by connecting them with one of the great special needs bikes in the marketplace today.

That’s where AblePlay comes in.  This website is a great resource for mainstream toys that work well for children of all abilities.  AblePlay believes that  “special needs bikes” is an important category to cover with their ratings and reviews. AblePlay also knows parents need more information.  Here are some questions parents often ask:

What if a child craves a bike but doesn’t quite have the balance thing down yet? Well the folks at National Sporting Goods make some special needs bikes that fit the bill. Their injection-molded Ybike models looks almost like two-wheelers, but the bumper on the back actually houses two-wheels.  It also has no pedals allowing a child to learn balance with the assistance and confidence of their feet.  This creates a special needs bike that builds balance without the intimidation or lack of control negotiating pedals can often bring.  Plus the cool, hip style looks super cruising down the sidewalks.

The Little Tikes¨ 3-in-1 Trike is a great start in the biking world for little ones that need a little assistance.  It has a height-adjustable adult-assist handle, three-point harness seatbelt, safety bar and fold-out foot rests.  All those options allow for the adult to help and the child to take the lead when ready. 

What else is out there in the special needs bikes “3 wheel” category? 

National Ambucs makes a great one called the Am-9S AmTryke. This model is really a special needs bike that accommodates a child who has limited leg mobility by allowing them to use their hands for impulsion. Three-point seat belt, parent assist handle and straps for the legs allow every boy or girl to keep up with their friends and peers.

What if your special needs child is not ready for a bike of their own?

One of our favorite special needs bikes is the Buddy Bike that offers a new twist on tandem by putting the child in front.  This allows for a higher degree of monitoring for the adult. A shorter wheel base builds stability and the child seat is lower for easy visibility.  Two Buddy Bikes are available, one for novices and non-riders and another with all the bells and whistles of 27 speeds.

Why is a special needs bike important?

Top five reasons to buy a special needs bike:

1. Provides excellent exercise
2. Creates sense of balance
3. Connects to outdoors and nature
4.  Boosts morale and offers “street cred”
5. Delivers self-empowerment, self-motivation and self-esteem

Mobility is something many kids take for granted, like walking and running.  Riding a special needs bike allows even those children who struggle with movements to get out, get active and see the world with the wind in their face and the sun on their backs.

For more play products, including more information on these special needs bikes, go to www.ableplay.org