Pick of the Week: S’Match! Memory Game

S’Match! presents a fun “spin” on the classic memory game. The S’Match Spinner tells players whether they’re looking for matches according to color, number or category. The game allows for readers and pre-readers to learn and play together as the colorful cards feature both the pictures and words. You can useS’Matchfor developing language, memory and concentration skills while children learn about sorting and categorizing.

This week only, save 15% on S’Match! by entering the Promo Code BLOGSM5at checkout.

*Offer expires on July 31, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout.

Pick of the Week: MotivAider

It’s the best tool available for people of all ages to stay focused and change behavior and habits quickly, easily and privately. The MotivAider is one of our bestsellers for behavior modification of all sorts. The MotivAider is a simple electronic device that vibrates at timed intervals to provide an individual with a private prompt to engage in a specific behavior. You can program it to vibrate on a variable or fixed schedule at different durations and intensity. There’s a wonderful article and review on the uses of the MotivAider by our friend Jenn over at Toys are Tools that explores how some students and teachers are using the MotivAider in their classrooms.

This week only, you can save 15% on the MotivAider by entering the Promo Code BLOGMTVT at checkout. If you’ve always wondered just what the MotivAider can accomplish, here’s your chance to try it at a great discount.

 


*Offer expires on July 17, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout.

 

New Online Curriculum from Autism Expressed Provides Digital Skills to Students with Autism

Autism Expressed is a new organization that strives to empower people with autism with the skills to use the internet and participate in social media. Their mission is to “give students with Autism marketable digital age skills and therefore, a greater advantage when pursuing their independence.” Lessons show them how to understand internet slang and lingo, how to make a Facebook page, and even how to launch a website.

Autism Expressed provides an online curriculum that teaches students internet basics like browsing, searching, email and web safety. The curriculum used is based on the methods of Applied Behavior Analysis so that each lesson builds on the previous and includes an activity so students can practice their new skill. Students can earn achievement badges to reinforce their progress. Students can log in and use Autism Expressed independently. After finishing their video lesson, they can complete an associated activity to unlock a new badge. If they get the answer wrong, the student is provided a prompt. Video lessons and activities can be viewed and practiced as many times as needed to comprehend content and to earn a badge. Since the safety of students is of the utmost importance, in addition to continuous reinforcement of safety procedures throughout the curriculum, there is also a special embedded browser that limits the access students have while they are learning and practicing their new skills.

Ideally, the results of the program are increased motivation, resiliency and a greater learning and earning potential.

Individuals and organizations can register here and you can also find them on Facebook.
 

The Importance of Assessment in Treatment Planning, by Mark Sundberg, PhD

Did you know that the Different Roads’ catalog features exclusive articles by experts, parents, and teachers working with students with autism? This article by Mark Sundberg, author of the The Verbal Behavior Milestone Assessment & Placement Program (VB-MAPP), focuses on the importance of assessment in any treatment or intervention program. We’re sure you’ll find it informative!

Introducing the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) from James Partington and Michael Mueller!

We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS), a brand new assessment to complement the ABLLS-R, from James Partington, PhD, BCBA and Michael Mueller, PhD, BCBA. This brand new tool assesses Basic Living, Home, and Community Participation skills in individuals with autism, across all ages. This week only, we’re offering this brand new product as our pick of the week. You can save 15% on the AFLS by entering the Promo Code BLOGAFS3 at checkout.

The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) is an assessment, skills tracking system, and curriculum guide for the development of essential skills for achieving independence. It can be used to demonstrate a learner’s current functional skill repertoire and provide tracking information for the progressive development of these skills throughout the lifespan.  The AFLS contains task analyses of many of the skills essential for participation in a wide range of family, community, and work environments and can be used simultaneously with the ABLLS®-R.  There are currently three Protocols , and they address these different areas: Basic Living Skills, Home Skills, and Community Participation Skills.

The complete AFLS covers more than 735 daily living skills in 24 skill areas to comprehensively assess an individual’s functional, practical, and essential skills in everyday life, in their home, school, and community. The skills addressed are all based upon overarching goals for maximizing freedom, independence, and opportunities for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Each assessment module contains eight different skills areas that thoroughly assess functional skills across a wide range of settings throughout a learner’s lifespan.  Every module of the AFLS is designed to ensure that parents, caregivers, and professionals provide learners with the very best opportunities to learn how to do tasks for themselves in a broad array of real-world settings.

Based on the methodology of applied behavior analysis, the AFLS is a unique tool for assessing basic, home, and community participation skills of individuals with autism of all ages, including adolescents and adults. The AFLS is designed to be an easy- to- use assessment tool for parents, educators, professional staff, and other caregivers. These assessment protocols will help educators, parents and professionals develop enhanced person-centered programming and transition plans, providing critical roadmaps for parents concerned about where their children will go as they grow, and their ability to live active, meaningful lives.

The AFLS is available as a complete assessment, containing the Guide & Scoring Instructions, along with the Basic Living Skills, Home Skills, and Community Participation Skills Protocols: AFLS: Assessment of Functional Living Skills Complete Bundle.

You may also purchase the Individual Protocols along with the Guide:

AFLS Guide & Basic Living Skills Assessment Protocol 
The Basic Living Skills Module addresses self-help, self-care, self-management, hygiene, routines, and core communication skills.  These skills should be thought of as a prerequisite for any functional skills program for learners regardless of age, setting, or disability.  These essential skills, if not mastered, will have a profound impact on a learner’s ability to live independently, to be successful in school, and to take advantage of various social and recreational activities throughout the learner’s life. The Basic Living Skills Module includes:
•Self-Management
•Basic Communication
•Dressing
•Toileting
•Grooming
•Bathing
•Health, Safety and First Aid
•Nighttime Routines

AFLS Guide & Home Skills Assessment Protocol              
If the learner is living with parents, in a supported facility, a group home, or independently, the Home Skills Assessment Protocol provides an essential review of skills required for home living. Basic and advanced skills for preparing and eating meals, cleaning, dressing, doing laundry, leisure skills, and daily activities are assessed.  The Home Skills Module includes:
•Meals at Home
•Dishes
•Clothing and Laundry
•Housekeeping and Chores
•Household Mechanics
•Leisure
•Kitchen
•Cooking

AFLS Guide & Community Participation Skills Protocol      
Community participation begins most basically with learning to physically navigate safely around sidewalks, streets, and signs. A wide variety of skills are also required for one to independently shop in grocery and department stores, shop at the mall, and eat at a fast food or sit-down restaurants . In addition to the above mentioned skills, telling time and using time-related concepts, making and keeping appointments, using a phone, and other skills that help people stay connected and interact with others in the community, are also assessed in this module. The Community Participation Skills Module includes:
•Basic Mobility
•Community Knowledge
•Shopping
•Meals in Public
•Money
•Phone
•Time
•Social Awareness and Manners

Remember, this week only, you can save 15% on the AFLS by entering the Promo Code BLOGAFS3 at checkout. Be among the first to get what is sure to become an invaluable resource today!

*Offer expires on July 3, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout.

 

 

Pick of the Week: Dr. Jen’s U-Play Mat for Education – NEW!

When you’re in one-on-one sessions and get down on the floor with the kids, wouldn’t it be wonderful to still have the benefits of a working surface that the child has complete visual and tactile access to? The brand new, innovative U-Play Mat is the answer! The U-shaped mat and 50 photo flashcards create a solid learning environment, promoting face-to-face interaction and eye contact.

There are 10 clear pockets on the 4′ x 3′ mat which allows the child full visual and tactile access. The U-Play Mat comes with 2 decks of cards featuring Animals and Foods from the folks who brought you the Language Builder Picture Cards. Each deck has 50 cards with 25 matching pairs. Each card has a clear, photographic image with the corresponding label on one side, and fun facts on the reverse. These fun facts can serve as conversation starters to build interaction, vocabulary and language skills. You can also use the U-Play Mat with additional customized set of flashcards and images. There is a detailed Activity Guide for therapists, educators, and parents to organize and implement an education program. The guide comes complete with 19 custom-designed, reproducible data sheets to record responses and track progress.

This week only, save 15% on the new Dr. Jen’s U-Play Mat for Education by entering the Promo Code BLOGUPM at checkout.

*Offer expires on June 26, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout

 

Pick of the Week: Trifold Literacy/Choice Board

Do you ever need to make a quick transition during activities or when working with different students? This Trifold Literacy/Choice Board allows for 6 complete workable surfaces so that you can prearrange symbols on each and every side to ensure a quick and easy transition. The easel measures 4″ x 16″ and is made of the Veltex brand loop fabric so your picture symbols stick directly on to the board – no need for two sides of Velcro anymore! The versatile board can be used for choice-making, scheduling or for a sight word/story board for working on literacy skills.

This week only, save 15% on the Trifold Literacy/Choice Board by entering the Promo Code BLOGTFL3 at checkout.

*Offer expires on June 19, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout

Pick of the Week: Earobics – Auditory Development & Phonics CD-Rom

The Earobics CDs are well-known and excellently reviewed by both parents and professionals who use the program with their students. Earobics teaches the phonological awareness and auditory processing skills that are critical for learning how to read, speak and spell. Both Earobics Step 1 and Earobics Step 2 deliver interactive games over hundreds of levels to deliver extensive training and practice. The software automatically adjusts to the appropriate skill level of the user based on the correctness of the responses.

Both levels accommodate tracking and data collection for 2 players and one guest. Earobics Step 1 is recommended for children at a cognitive level of 4-7; Earobics Step 2 is recommended for ages 7-11.

This week only, save 15% on the Earobics Software by entering the Promo Code BLOGEA12 at checkout.

*Offer expires on May 29, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout.

Pick of the Week: Save OVER $100 on the Language Builder Flashcard Bundle

This is a fantastic deal and it won’t last long…The Language Builder Flashcard Bundle contains 3 sets of cards at savings of over $100! Normally, purchasing these top sellers individually costs $268.90 but this week only, wwe’re offering the Language Builder Picture Cards, Language Builder Picture Noun Cards Set 2, and the Photo Emotion Cards for $165.00 for ALL THREE! That’s over $100 in savings!

To take advantage of this amazing offer, you must click on the links above! This special offer is only available to you – our readers -for one week! The offer ends on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Since it’s an exclusive offer, you must follow the links on this post to access the Language Builder Picture Card Flashcard Bundle on our site.

The Language Builder Card Sets are the most widely used photo language flashcards for teaching key language concepts to children and adults with autism, developmental delays, or speech/language delays. All of the cards measure the same 3 1/2″ x 5″ so coordinating the flashcards is a breeze.

The Language Builder Picture Noun Cards contain 350 photographic flashcards for teaching key language concepts to children with autism or other speech and language delays. This set of vivid, beautiful noun cards was created by a parent and a therapist both personally experienced in the program needs of Applied Behavioral Analysis.
The set includes images in nine basic categories: Animals, Foods, Vehicles, Furniture, Clothing, Toys, Everyday Objects, Shapes and Colors. Stage One is comprised of 105 cards that present two identical images on non-distracting white backgrounds. These basic cards foster matching, labeling and categorization skills. The remaining cards round out Stage Two, which presents the images in their natural settings, enabling children to conceptualize and generalize.
In addition to fostering receptive and expressive language, these cards are also ideal for higher learning, including functions, story telling and more. On the back of each card is an easy to use system for tracking your child’s progress, including a list of possible program uses, with the date that each is introduced and mastered. Each set includes 57 foods, 39 animals, 27 vehicles, 31 clothing items, 24 furniture items, 39 familiar toys, 15 basic stages sets, 13 colors with duplicates, 12 shapes with duplicates and 83 additional objects familiar to your child.

 

The Language Builder Picture Noun Cards Set 2 is a 200-Card set of photographic cards that offers additional vocabulary for students who have mastered the original Language Builder. Categories include Body Parts, Safety Signs, Tools, and Musical Instruments, along with over 100 additional cards to expand your set. This set is great for labeling practice, as well as sorting, adjectives, functions, things that go together, storytelling and more.

 

 

 

 

The Language Builder Photo Emotions depict facial expressions and emotions by presenting various scenarios featuring men and women of various ages and ethnicities. This 80-Card set will help students identify and discuss different feelings and emotions. Half of the images are presented against a plain background, showing only the upper body and face, clearly depicting a single emotion. The remaining cards show people engaging in real activities and situations in natural settings and contexts. This invites discussion about a range of emotions, why people may feel a certain way, and possible responses to these feelings. For the convenience of the instructor, the back of each card is numbered, provides a label for the featured image, and lists suggested activities for which the card is targeted. An included activity booklet provides more detailed instruction ideas.

*This offer ends on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST.  You must click on the links above to access the Bundle on our website.

Pick of the Week: Clear Schedule with Token Strip

This new Clear Schedule with Token Strip is ingenious! It combines the value of  a schedule board with a token economy system. You can keep learners on task with either images or actual objects as they move along their picture or written schedule. The clear pockets and Velcro strips can be used on both sides so planning and transitions are easy.

This week only, save 15% on the Clear Schedule with Token Strip by entering the Promo Code BLOGCST2 at checkout.

*Offer expires on May 15, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. Not compatible with any other offer. Be sure there are no spaces after the Promo Code when you enter it at checkout.