Comments for Linda Hodgdon Blog - Autism Consultant : Speaker : Author http://lindahodgdonblog.com Tue, 15 May 2012 16:15:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Autism and Vaccines – Getting information by lindaho http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-vaccines-getting-information#comment-1403 lindaho Tue, 15 May 2012 16:15:06 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=238#comment-1403 Thank you for commenting. Thank you for another recommendation for information on the autism-vaccine topic. I am not a medical doctor. My professional focus is on treatment for children through adults with ASD and related communication challenges. Yet, when I tell people that I work in the field of autism, the vaccine question is one of the top 5 questions that I get. That is why I included this topic in a blog post. I did state in my blog post that Dr Offit and his books have produced their ” own share of interest and controversy.” My goal is not to regurgitate the history of the autism – vaccine topic. It continues to be controversial and divisive. My goal is to state that this continues to be a topic that a lot of people have questions about. There are some parents and professionals who desire more information on the topic. Many have moved their focus to treatment. I am personally grateful that there is more research. My purpose in sharing this information is to state that this is still a question that a lot of people ask. It is fair to tell people where they can get more information. It is also fair to state that the presenter or topic is controversial (which I did). After that, each individual can choose where to spend their energy. Linda Hodgdon P.S. Glad you love the blog! Thank you for commenting. Thank you for another recommendation for information on the autism-vaccine topic. I am not a medical doctor. My professional focus is on treatment for children through adults with ASD and related communication challenges. Yet, when I tell people that I work in the field of autism, the vaccine question is one of the top 5 questions that I get. That is why I included this topic in a blog post.

I did state in my blog post that Dr Offit and his books have produced their ” own share of interest and controversy.”

My goal is not to regurgitate the history of the autism – vaccine topic. It continues to be controversial and divisive. My goal is to state that this continues to be a topic that a lot of people have questions about. There are some parents and professionals who desire more information on the topic. Many have moved their focus to treatment.

I am personally grateful that there is more research. My purpose in sharing this information is to state that this is still a question that a lot of people ask. It is fair to tell people where they can get more information. It is also fair to state that the presenter or topic is controversial (which I did). After that, each individual can choose where to spend their energy.
Linda Hodgdon
P.S. Glad you love the blog!

]]> Comment on Autism and Vaccines – Getting information by Jill http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-vaccines-getting-information#comment-1400 Jill Tue, 15 May 2012 09:32:52 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=238#comment-1400 Yes, I agree with Melissa. Dr. Paul Offit is hardly a "neutral" source of information regarding vaccines and whether or not there is a link to autism. Linda- LOVE the blog (learn something everyday from you), but very surprised at your recommendation/mention of this course. Your blog subscribers should know that this course will not give them a unbiased viewpoint on this topic. I would recommend (for what's it worth) Dr. Sherry Tenpenny's book Educate Before you Vaccinate as a "balance" to anyone planning on taking the Coursera course. You know- it's like listening to NPR in the morning and Sean Hannity at night- somewhere in between is the truth! :) Yes, I agree with Melissa. Dr. Paul Offit is hardly a “neutral” source of information regarding vaccines and whether or not there is a link to autism. Linda- LOVE the blog (learn something everyday from you), but very surprised at your recommendation/mention of this course. Your blog subscribers should know that this course will not give them a unbiased viewpoint on this topic. I would recommend (for what’s it worth) Dr. Sherry Tenpenny’s book Educate Before you Vaccinate as a “balance” to anyone planning on taking the Coursera course. You know- it’s like listening to NPR in the morning and Sean Hannity at night- somewhere in between is the truth! :)

]]> Comment on Autism and Vaccines – Getting information by Melissa http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-vaccines-getting-information#comment-1389 Melissa Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:32 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=238#comment-1389 An even better resource is "What your Dr. May NOT tell you about Childhood Vaccines" by Dr. Stephanie Cave or "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Sears. Two doctors who actually have experience with children on the spectrum, not one who has never treated an autistic child that just creates and promotes vaccines... An even better resource is “What your Dr. May NOT tell you about Childhood Vaccines” by Dr. Stephanie Cave or “The Vaccine Book” by Dr. Sears. Two doctors who actually have experience with children on the spectrum, not one who has never treated an autistic child that just creates and promotes vaccines…

]]> Comment on Are We Preparing Our Students with Autism for the Past or the Future? by Paolo http://lindahodgdonblog.com/are-we-preparing-our-students-with-autism-for-the-past-or-the-future#comment-1379 Paolo Thu, 10 May 2012 19:54:50 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=234#comment-1379 Thanks for the article. IMHO, I think it's horrendous how people can't even have a meal together without constantly checking their gadgets. I am one for never promoting this behavior, regardless of concerns I may have about my child's ability to socialize. With so many more activities filling up our lives now, the time we spend together in person is so precious. We can survive the short time at a meal without reading relatively meaningless messages and checking trivial news stories. I prefer that my child be strong socially when actually with people rather than practicing their texting skills. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the article. IMHO, I think it’s horrendous how people can’t even have a meal together without constantly checking their gadgets. I am one for never promoting this behavior, regardless of concerns I may have about my child’s ability to socialize. With so many more activities filling up our lives now, the time we spend together in person is so precious. We can survive the short time at a meal without reading relatively meaningless messages and checking trivial news stories. I prefer that my child be strong socially when actually with people rather than practicing their texting skills.
Just my 2 cents.

]]> Comment on Are We Preparing Our Students with Autism for the Past or the Future? by Tuan http://lindahodgdonblog.com/are-we-preparing-our-students-with-autism-for-the-past-or-the-future#comment-1378 Tuan Thu, 10 May 2012 12:24:20 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=234#comment-1378 I was impressed by what you had written which made interesting reading. It is the reality, even in my country, Sri Lanka, one can notice what the new technology has made for the youth - is it advancement or deterioration? The reality is sadly the 'Cell Phone' addiction, where the respecter of the person is not maintained!! Sincerely yours Tuan I was impressed by what you had written which made interesting reading. It is the reality, even in
my country, Sri Lanka, one can notice what the new technology has made for the youth – is it
advancement or deterioration? The reality is sadly the ‘Cell Phone’ addiction, where the respecter of
the person is not maintained!!

Sincerely yours

Tuan

]]> Comment on Autism and Social Skills – Facebook in Bed??? by Kathy http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-social-skills-facebook-in-bed#comment-1373 Kathy Sun, 06 May 2012 00:23:08 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=232#comment-1373 A friend of mine has a 33 year old son with Asperger's, her biggest concern is that he has no friends his age. I fully intend to refer her to this website to give us both a place to start. A friend of mine has a 33 year old son with Asperger’s, her biggest concern is that he has no friends his age. I fully intend to refer her to this website to give us both a place to start.

]]> Comment on Autism and Social Skills – Facebook in Bed??? by Kristi http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-social-skills-facebook-in-bed#comment-1370 Kristi Fri, 04 May 2012 14:37:50 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=232#comment-1370 This is a big question that is coming up more and more in my work. It is truly a values debate and I find Districts using the argument against technology to keep my clients from assistive devices or the appropriate WiFi link to use their already purchased technology on the alter of " technology abuse". But my students would often be far more connected to peers if they could text or email. One such student is a second grade male with such serious anxiety about school that we can only get him to attend in a learning center. He is borderline selective mute and will often shut down when his schedule is changed (without or without visual supports) or he is expected to write. His aide has found that texting from his IPod brings him back into communicatn and gets him back on track to learn in a positive way. Another student with serious depression feels he has nothing to offer in a friendship and refuses to attempt to develop real relationships but with UTube he will create friend groups and communicate with them which is a bridge to showing him his thoughts and opinions are interesting to others! I am never one for a "when in Rome" mentality, but sometimes kicking against the goads isnt effective either! This is a big question that is coming up more and more in my work. It is truly a values debate and I find Districts using the argument against technology to keep my clients from assistive devices or the appropriate WiFi link to use their already purchased technology on the alter of ” technology abuse”. But my students would often be far more connected to peers if they could text or email. One such student is a second grade male with such serious anxiety about school that we can only get him to attend in a learning center. He is borderline selective mute and will often shut down when his schedule is changed (without or without visual supports) or he is expected to write. His aide has found that texting from his IPod brings him back into communicatn and gets him back on track to learn in a positive way. Another student with serious depression feels he has nothing to offer in a friendship and refuses to attempt to develop real relationships but with UTube he will create friend groups and communicate with them which is a bridge to showing him his thoughts and opinions are interesting to others! I am never one for a “when in Rome” mentality, but sometimes kicking against the goads isnt effective either!

]]> Comment on Autism and Social Skills – Facebook in Bed??? by Suzette http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-social-skills-facebook-in-bed#comment-1366 Suzette Thu, 03 May 2012 22:39:53 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=232#comment-1366 Linda, I think you've hit the nail on the head!Parents without exception express a desire for their children to have friends outside of school, to be invited to birthday parties, on play dates, etc. I agree that an important link is for teachers, related service providers, counselors, etc. to be informed about the interests and engagements of their typical peers and make that part of the activities they plan when teaching social skills. I know that many students with autism can master the highest level of video games in a short time, but do they know how to connect to peers using the media technology you mentioned, but why would they, if they don't have that connection with their peers? I am going to make a point of finding out how much students with autism know about texting, facebook, etc. and if they are using it and with who? Linda, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head!Parents without exception express a desire for their children to have friends outside of school, to be invited to birthday parties, on play dates, etc. I agree that an important link is for teachers, related service providers, counselors, etc. to be informed about the interests and engagements of their typical peers and make that part of the activities they plan when teaching social skills. I know that many students with autism can master the highest level of video games in a short time, but do they know how to connect to peers using the media technology you mentioned, but why would they, if they don’t have that connection with their peers? I am going to make a point of finding out how much students with autism know about texting, facebook, etc. and if they are using it and with who?

]]> Comment on Autism and Social Skills – Facebook in Bed??? by Deana Border SLP http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-social-skills-facebook-in-bed#comment-1365 Deana Border SLP Thu, 03 May 2012 17:57:50 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=232#comment-1365 Thank you very much for this pertinent discussion. I find my own (old) brain boggled by what is out there, but we do want to include these things into accommodations and/or modifications in IEP's, if appropriate. I now include some of these things in "assistive tech" portions of IEP's if a child is nonverbal, and add a goal for familiarization sometimes as well. Thank you very much for this pertinent discussion. I find my own (old) brain boggled by what is out there, but we do want to include these things into accommodations and/or modifications in IEP’s, if appropriate. I now include some of these things in “assistive tech” portions of IEP’s if a child is nonverbal, and add a goal for familiarization sometimes as well.

]]> Comment on Autism and Social Skills – Facebook in Bed??? by Linda Swenski http://lindahodgdonblog.com/autism-and-social-skills-facebook-in-bed#comment-1364 Linda Swenski Thu, 03 May 2012 17:49:49 +0000 http://lindahodgdonblog.com/?p=232#comment-1364 I have tried to use facebook in social skills training with students who have Autism. The biggest problem is that most schools block facebook from their server, so it cannnot be used in a meaningful way when teaching social skills at school! I have tried to use facebook in social skills training with students who have Autism. The biggest problem is that most schools block facebook from their server, so it cannnot be used in a meaningful way when teaching social skills at school!

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