Some of My Favorite things!
Helpful Resources Websites and Apps
lot of families do not know how many resources are out there and when they do begin to fi nd some, it becomes overwhelming to sift through and fi gure out which ones are worth it. I wanted to share just a couplf of the ones I have found over the course of my career that I have been able to use with a variety of individuals and families with great success.
Websites:
Autism Impact helps families fi nd quality caregivers (e.g., babysitters, nannies, etc.) who have experience working with individuals with Autism. The caregivers are recruited and screened by people who have a long history of working with individuals diagnosed with autism in a variety of capacities. They currently offer two types of packages. One is a CareMatch Toolkit for $99 where you can use their resources (e.g., templates and scorecards) to fi nd a caregiver on your own or you can hire a recruiter for $2,400 who does all the work for you to fi nd the perfect caregiver for your family.
I just stumbled upon this website and I LOVE it. They offer a lot of information and tips for travel for individuals diagnosed with Autism. They also provide up to date information about practice vacations. Practice vacations include opportunities across the country to practice airport and hotel routines with staff who are trained and sensitive to the needs of families and individuals diagnosed with Autism.
Airport visits include practicing moving through security, boarding a plane, listening to the announcements, and disembarking to go through the arrival process. It is completely FREE, but you have to register ahead of time. They offer options to sign up to be notifi ed when an airport near you is hosting an event. There are also opportunities across the country to practice staying at a hotel for one or two nights.
Check out this newsletter showcasing Bradley International Airport, here in Connecticut, as the fi rst airport to receive the “Autism double-checked” certifi cation!
Choice Works:
Choice works is a very-user friendly app that allows families to create a visual schedule for their child. It offers a huge library of pictures and activities, but you can easily add your own pictures, videos, titles, and activities on the spot. It helps to review what is coming next and if there may be a change to the day or activity. It also offers auditory clips with each picture. You can create a variety of schedules and change the picture size based on your need. You can also add timers so your child knows how long an activity will last. They also have other apps within a bundle that allows you to make a visual calendar as well. If you opt to get just the Choiceworks app it is $24.99 on the Apple App store, but it is SO worth it. I have been using it for years with success for so many different individuals.
Visual Countdown Timer:
This countdown timer comes with a variety of backgrounds so your child can choose the picture and sound they want to hear when the timer is up. The picture starts out covered with a completely green screen and as the time decreases, more of the picture is revealed. Once the time is about 2/3 complete, the color will change from green to amber to red to visually prompt your child that time is almost done. You can set the timer anywhere from 10 seconds to up to an hour. It is free with the option for in-app purchases for more backgrounds.
