FAQautism » Video Discussions

VODcast: Graduation Surprise

cathy — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:30:04 +0000

This young lady surprised all of us with her calm, attentive behavior at her recent high school graduation. Because she becomes very agitated or overly excited in the face of schedule changes, unexpected noises, and crowds, we expected her behavior to escalate out of control in reaction to the long ceremony and speeches in a noisy gym, the walk across the stage for her diploma, the camera flashes and applause, and the cap and gown. Click on this Seesmic VODcast to hear about her graduation. If you are receiving this via e-mail or podcast, click on our website http://FAQautism.com.

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VODcast: Talking Without Words

cathy — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:05:41 +0000

My friend Dylan shares this message: “Even non-verbal individuals with autism can understand sophisticated language, so please include us in the conversation. Don’t talk around us, talk to us!” Click on this Seesmic VODcast to learn more. If you are receiving this message via e-mail or podcast, click on http://FAQautism.com to view the 2-minute video.

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Flapping Hands A young adult friend with autism asked for some ideas...
VODcast: Valentines Sometimes it is difficult to find an appropriate valentine for...
VODcast: Reach out and touch This Seesmic video post is dedicated to one of my...

VODcast: Wacky Snacks

cathy — Sat, 16 May 2009 16:19:13 +0000

Looking for munchies for your friend with autism who loves crunchy snacks? Take 2 minutes to watch this Seesmic VODcast for some ideas – yummy, healthy snacks with lots of crunch. If you are receiving this message via e-mail or podcast, click on our website to view the video. http://FAQautism.com

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Talking Without Words My friend Dylan shares this message: “Even non-verbal individuals with...
VODcast: Paper Valentines No need to spend lots of money on gifts for...
VODcast: Reach out and touch This Seesmic video post is dedicated to one of my...

VODcast: Toss and Catch

cathy — Sat, 09 May 2009 14:45:10 +0000

Some individuals with autism are not interested in playing with others, or they lack the motor skills to enjoy playing toss and catch. Click the arrow for the 2-minute Seesmic video demonstrating the secret to encouraging everyone to join in the fun, even the most reluctant, resistant, or withdrawn person. If you are receiving this via e-mail or podcast, click on http://FAQautism.com. Enjoy!

The following posts may also be helpful:

Summer Sleepovers How can families help youngsters with autism join the fun...
Favorite Music Some people enjoy listening to music to sooth frayed nerves...
Retro Summer Sometimes something as simple as having a theme for summer...

VODcast: Green Thumb

cathy — Sat, 02 May 2009 14:46:04 +0000

The family of a 5-year-old was trying to find a way for their youngster to enjoy free-time in their fenced back yard. She did not pay any attention to toys, but obviously enjoyed gardening. Unfortunately, she just destroyed all living things by picking flowers or pulling plants out of the ground. Click on this Seesmic video to see how this young girl discovered her own method for enjoying dirt and flower pots and the process of planting flowers and gardening to her heart’s content. If you have a young green thumb, you might want to adopt the idea developed by a 5-year-old. If you are receiving this post via podcast or e-mail, you will find the video on our website http://FAQautism.com

The following posts may also be helpful:

Green Thumb A parent asked about some ideas for helping her 3rd...
VODcast: Valentines Sometimes it is difficult to find an appropriate valentine for...
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VODcast: Celebrate!

cathy — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:17:23 +0000

Singing to celebrate our 500th podcast! If you are receiving this post via podcast or email, click on http://FAQautism.com to view a video of my friends singing and blowing bubbles at our fiesta!

The following posts may also be helpful:

Bubbles Made Easy Few activities are more enchanting to any of us than...
VODcast: Valentines Sometimes it is difficult to find an appropriate valentine for...
VODcast: Talking Without Words My friend Dylan shares this message: “Even non-verbal individuals with...

VODcast: Celebrating 500!

cathy — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:11:44 +0000

WooHoo! Join the celebration of our 500th podcast on FAQautism.com. We don’t have an office or a staff or a budget. We don’t track listeners or bug subscribers. Our mission is to maximize the potential and to enhance the quality of life of individuals of all ages with autism and those around them by providing short, to-the-point, practical tips and effective strategies for everyday living. Help us fulfill our mission and celebrate by adding 500 new followers by April 20 (including YOU if you aren’t yet part of the crowd!) Tell individuals with autism and those around them – family, teachers, therapists, medical professionals, friends, neighbors – to click on http://FAQautism.com

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Underwear Issues A few brave adults diagnosed with autism have asked about...

VODcast: Flapping Hands

cathy — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:01:22 +0000

A young adult friend with autism asked for some ideas to help keep her flapping hands in check. She felt as if her rocking and flapping annoyed classmates and family members since she tended to do both when she was reading or watching television or otherwise focusing intently on something other than her behavior. Check out this Seesmic VODcast for some ideas that have worked for other people over the years – new, less obvious habits to keep hand occupied. If you are receiving this message via podcast or e-mail, just click on our website to view the 3-minute video. http://FAQautism.com

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Outgrowing Stuffed Animals Sometimes our friends with autism become very attached to their...
VODcast: Instant Messaging For a variety of reasons, many of my friends with...
VODcast: Spring Storms Just like their peers, some individuals with autism are very...

VODcast: No “HAM” in my hamburger!

cathy — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:20:13 +0000

Our friends with autism often interpret words very literally – a characteristic that can lead to MAJOR miscommunication issues. For example, a teen had a meltdown in public because he could not find any of his favorite food (ham) in his “hamburger!” Click on this Seesmic VODcast for more examples of language mix-ups. If you are getting this update via e-mail or podcast, click on our website http://FAQautism.com. Feel free to send us examples of literal language interpretation from your life.

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Talking Without Words My friend Dylan shares this message: “Even non-verbal individuals with...
VODcast: Outgrowing Stuffed Animals Sometimes our friends with autism become very attached to their...
VODcast: Spring Storms Just like their peers, some individuals with autism are very...

VODcast: Spring Storms

cathy — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:41:32 +0000

Just like their peers, some individuals with autism are very frightened by spring storms. We can all help the situation if we remain calm as thunderstorms approach. Help your friend relax by having them put on headphones to listen to music or a book. Help them learn to tolerate the unexpected crashes of thunder and the pitter-patter of rain by letting them make music with a thunder tube and a rain stick. Take a look at this Seesmic VODcast to see a demonstration of very realistic sounds created by a thunder tube and rainstick. Just click on the VODcast below or on our website – http://FAQautism.com

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Remove the Temptation Difficult behavior tops the list of challenges that many parents...
VODcast: Outgrowing Stuffed Animals Sometimes our friends with autism become very attached to their...
Water World Although some individuals with autism do not like swimming or...

VODcast: Rindercella

cathy — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:07:05 +0000

This very silly version of Cinderella has made many of my friends with autism – princes and princesses of ALL ages – giggle and guffaw. It is an example of “Anguish Languish,” a writing technique introduced in the 1950′s by Dr. Howard Chace of Miami University in Ohio. If you are receiving this message via podcast or e-mail, take just 3 minutes to click on our website, http://FAQautism.com to watch a short Seesmic video featuring a unique version of Cinderella. Enjoy!

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Talking Without Words My friend Dylan shares this message: “Even non-verbal individuals with...
VODcast: Paper Valentines No need to spend lots of money on gifts for...
VODcast: Reach out and touch This Seesmic video post is dedicated to one of my...

VODcast: Making Conversation

cathy — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:05:57 +0000

My buddy was basically non-verbal for many years – just making loud sounds when he wanted something. As words emerged, he just repeated the last words of sentences or questions. Then he began repeating whole sentences, but was not able to formulate phrases or sentences unless he was taught word-for-word what to say in specific situations. As you can tell by watching this Seesmic video, he can now connect with people and carry on an improvised conversation. He even seems to enjoy the process. YIPEE! If you are receiving this message via e-mail subscription or podcast, click on our website to see my buddy carrying on a casual conversation. http://FAQautism.com

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VODcast: Tyler’s Conversation You can see in this Seesmic video that my friend...
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VODcast: Reach out and touch

cathy — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 17:33:36 +0000

This Seesmic video post is dedicated to one of my buddies with autism who rarely acknowledges the presence of other people, and tends to withdraw from connecting with other people – visually, verbally, or by touch. A simple song and a plain piece of paper were the magic ingredients to create a personal connection with this youngster. If you are receiving this message via podcast or e-mail, click on our website, http://FAQautism.com to view a 3-minute demo, then grab a piece of paper and join the fun!

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VODcast: Boxes!

cathy — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:08:30 +0000

This 3-minute Seesmic VODcast includes ideas for using simple boxes to help children, teens, and adults with autism (1) focus scattered thoughts, (2) calm agitation or frustration, and (3) occupy flailing arms or fidgety hands. Click on our website http://FAQautism.com to see some intriguing, inexpensive boxes.

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VODcast: Paper Clips

cathy — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:54:13 +0000

Many individuals with autism of all ages enjoy having something to keep their hands and minds occupied. Paper clips are a great option because they are portable and inexpensive. Paper clips come in all sizes, colors, and even shapes, and can be stored in a small ziplock bag or a small box. Some of my friends with autism collect paperclips and carry a few with them everywhere they go. Of course, we would not give paper clips to someone who is likely to put them in their mouth, but keeping minds busy during down time or waiting time can help decrease impatience, agitation, and explosive behaviors. Check out this 4-minute Seesmic video on http://FAQautism.com to see some great ideas for enjoying paper clips.

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VODcast: Paper Valentines No need to spend lots of money on gifts for...
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VODcast: Paper Valentines

cathy — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:48:10 +0000

No need to spend lots of money on gifts for Valentine’s Day. Many of my friends with autism – kids, teens, and adults – were enthralled this week when they saw pretty valentines emerge from a little piece of paper. Some were able to cut their own, either free hand or with a pattern. Paper valentines are a fun, free way to say, “I love you!”

If you are receiving this message via e-mail or podcast, click on our website to see a 3-minute demo http://FAQautism.com

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VODcast: Valentines

cathy — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 16:28:39 +0000

Sometimes it is difficult to find an appropriate valentine for our friends with autism. This VODcast features some valentine treats that say “I Love You” in very special ways. If you are receiving this post via e-mail or podcast, click on our website to view the 4 minute video http://FAQautism.com.

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Paper Valentines No need to spend lots of money on gifts for...
VODcast: Reach out and touch This Seesmic video post is dedicated to one of my...
VODcast: Green Thumb The family of a 5-year-old was trying to find a...

VODcast: Zingo!

cathy — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:34:13 +0000

Because of exceptional memories or math skills, many individuals with autism love to play games. Others are unable to play games because of limited language, because of poor sportsmanship, or because they don’t like hanging out with other people. Zingo! is a fun game that encourages everyone to participate. Click below to see Zingo! If you are receiving this message via e-mail or podcast, just click on our website to view the short Seesmic video of Zingo!

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Toss and Catch Some individuals with autism are not interested in playing with...
VODcast: Rindercella This very silly version of Cinderella has made many of...
VODcast: Talking Without Words My friend Dylan shares this message: “Even non-verbal individuals with...

VODcast: Let It Snow!

cathy — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 20:26:53 +0000

Individuals of all ages with autism are often intrigued with the intricate patterns and designs that emerge when cutting paper snowflakes. These visual delights are an inexpensive, enjoyable activity when the “weather outside is frightful.” If your friend with autism tends to chew or tear paper, put snowflakes in a small ziplock bag so they can enjoy their personalized creations. Click below for a 3-minute demo of foolproof method of cutting paper snowflakes. If you are receiving this message via e-mail or podcast, click on our website http://FAQautism ENJOY!

The following posts may also be helpful:

Winter Wonderland Winter days can be challenging for people with autism for...
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VODcast: Outgrowing Stuffed Animals

cathy — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:57:12 +0000

Sometimes our friends with autism become very attached to their stuffed animals and depend on the security even as they fall apart after years of use. What are some ways to replace stuffed animals that are disintegrating without causing a major emotional meltdown? How can we encourage teens with autism to replace the teddy bear they’ve carried around since they were toddlers? Click on this Seesmic VODcast for some ideas. If you are receiving this post via e-mail or podcast, click on our website to view the VODcast. http://FAQautism.com.

The following posts may also be helpful:

VODcast: Boxes! This 3-minute Seesmic VODcast includes ideas for using simple boxes...
VODcast: Fine-Feathered Friends Some individuals with autism respond very well to pets. Some...
VODcast: Spring Storms Just like their peers, some individuals with autism are very...