Resources for Special Needs Handbook 2015 by Autism World Magazine

A Resource Guide & Ideas for Therapists, Teachers, Parents and Carers working with people with Special Needs.

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

A Resource Guide & Ideas for Therapists, Teachers, Parents and Carers working with people with Special Needs. Creator:

Heidi Heeman (author/designer); Iain Croft (editor)

Title:

Resources for Special Needs Handbook : A Resource Guide & Ideas for Therapists, Teachers, Parents and Carers working with people with Special Needs Heidi Heeman (author/designer); Iain Croft (editor)

Subjects:

Weighted Products-Sensory-Chewable-Jewellery-Social Stories-Apps-Assistance Dogs-Visual Communication Aids & Resources-Safety-Tracking Devices-FidgetEducational-Therapy Products Autism--Special Needs, Queensland Australia-Handbooks-People With Autism--Services-Support-for--Queensland-Australia.

Disclaimer Heeman, Heidi, author and designer. A resource guide and ideas for Therapists, Teachers, Parents and Carers working with people with Special Needs. / Heidi Heeman (author); Iain Croft (editor) Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this handbook is correct and upto-date at the time of publishing (August 2015), however, as services and businesses change regularly this cannot be guaranteed. This handbook does not contain ALL of the services and/or business out there for special needs or endorse any of the services/businesses listed. No one was charged for any advertising in this book. This handbook is free for families, health and education professionals and may be shared or reproduced. My sincere apologies for any errors or omissions. Please send any updates or amendments to me (Heidi Heeman) at cairnsautism@bigpond.com to be included in any websites, facebook updates, PDF files and future hardcopy editions. Please check facebook.com/groups/resourcesforspecialneedsaustralia for latest version of the handbook..

Table of Contents Weighted Products

Home Sensory Ideas On A Budget

Chewable Jewellery

Vehicle and Car Seat Safety

Autism Awareness - Media

Social Stories (Apps, Books & Software)

Social Story Apps

Toileting - Apps and resources

Useful Websites

Assistance Dogs

Sexuality, Continence and Sleep

Autism Training, Workshops & Seminars

Behaviour

Visual Communication Aids & Resources

Safety, Tracking Devices, Mobile and Apps

Sensory, Fidget, Educational and Therapy Products

Special Needs Clothing

APPS - Websites To Follow

Toy & Resources Libraries

Resource Facebook Groups

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Introduction

_______________________________________________________________________________ Welcome special needs families, carers, educators and medical professions and thank you for reading this handbook. I've recently written a Cairns Autism Parents handbook and the Queensland version also. As a single mother with two sons on the Autism Spectrum I am always looking out for useful resources. I have essentially become an *Occupational Therapist and *Speech Therapist from the amount of work I have put into my sons, Samuel and Braiden and have a range of resources that could start an early childhood centre! I am sure a lot of you special needs families feel the same way.

Thanks to Jacqui Little and Alison Lyons; resource extraordinaires and all the administrators and members from the facebook group 'Resources for Special Needs' who have helped contribute towards this handbook. Jacqui and Alison are two very resourceful and well dedicated ladies in the autism community! Also the administrations and members from facebook group ASD Matters, a very supportive group for Autism families. Also thanks to all my facebook friends whom I have never met in 'real life' but we share the special needs bond together. I hope no matter where you are on your 'special needs' journey this handbook will be a useful guide for you. Enjoy the read, Heidi (*without the official degree)

With the help of Jacqui Little & Alison Lyons, resources extraordinaires and all the administrators and members at Resources for Special Needs - Australia

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Download at http://bit.ly/1HtSaBi

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Weighted Products ____________________________________________________________ Calming Kids Australia is a wholly Australian owned and operated business dedicated to helping those children and adults with special needs. Website: www.calmingkids.com.au

Calming Moments Our Products are not only suited to kids on the autism spectrum, other kids will also adore our products. Website: www.calmingmoments.com.au/shop www.facebook.com/calmingmoments.com.au

My Diffability Australia is an online supplier of toys and resources for people with different abilities. Website: www.mydiffability.com.au www.facebook.com/mydiffability

Sensory Matters Many unique practical and fun products to help those living with Special Needs. Website: www.sensorymatters.com.au https://www.facebook.com/sensorymattersaustralia

Sensory Spot is a local online retailer of handmade weighted therapy items and fidgets located in Queensland. We make weighted blankets from lap size to single bed size along with weighted toys, cushions and much more. Website: www.sensoryspot.com.au www.facebook.com/ReenieMayBoutique

Handmade weighted blankets, vest, cushions and fabric sensory blankets all made to order. Website: www.facebook.com/HugsFromMum

Nana's Weighted Blankets Ask yourself.. How long since you got to sleep through the night? What is a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest worth for you and your child? Call Nana. Website: www.facebook.com/pages/NanasWeighted-Blankets/379580441680

Sensory Gifts That Heal. Kids love them! Lukas' Sensory body socks are fabulous for tactile and deep pressure proprioceptive seekers, and for those who are tactilely defensive. Website: www.sensorygifts.weebly.com (gallery only, order through facebook page) www.facebook.com/pages/Sensory-Gifts/752900211464128

One Stop Sensory Shop Website: www.onestopsensoryshop.com.au www.facebook.com/OneStopSensoryShop

Mummy & Me Custom Made Weighted Blankets Weighted blankets can make a phenomenal difference to those who have trouble getting to Mummy & Me Custom Made Weighted Blankets and/or staying asleep as well as Weighted blankets can make a phenomenal helping them relax in stressful difference to those who have trouble getting to situations. Weighted Blankets are and/or staying asleep as well as helping them mostly used by those living with relax in stressful situations. Weighted Blankets are (but not limited to): Sensory mostly used by those living with (but not limited Processing Disorder, Autism, to): Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHD, ADHD, ADD, Anxiety and Restless Leg Syndrome. ADD, Anxiety and Restless Leg Syndrome. Website: Website: www.facebook.com/Mummyandmeweightedblankets www.facebook.com/Mummyandmeweightedblankets

Kreatively Stitched Weighted Lap Cushions, Peek a Bags, Personalised Santa Sacks Website: https://www.facebook.com/Kreativelystitched

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Home Sensory Ideas On A Budget __________________________________________________________ A sensory room is an environment designed to develop people's sense. It can be used as a therapy for children with limited communication skills. Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may have trouble processing one or more senses. Creating a sensory room to balance between relaxation and activity within the framework of a safe, adapted environment designed to stimulate senses such as feel, vision, sound, smell and taste, usually through special lighting, music, and objects. Bubble Column

Privacy Pop

$129 at Sensamart

The Privacy Pop is a unique bed tent designed to provide a snug fit around the bed for maximum privacy and seclusion from any unwanted distractions. Australia seller - www.mrmonkey.com.au

The Dark Den

Ocean Wave Projector

Mood LED Cube Seats

Mirrored Ball Set

Also comes in large size, 'Mega giant dark den' It also has built in speakers. From $14 on eBay There is another one called Aurora Wave - that has 7 colours.

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Disco Ball

Plasma Ball

Lava Lamp

$15 at Kmart

$20 at Kmart

Glitter Lava Lamp $12 Kmart

Projecting Galaxy Star Light

Colour Change light bulb

Rope Lights

$5 on eBay, $10 in Kmart

$5 eBay - $20+ in supermarkets, Bunnings etc

Bunnings - Lytworx 6m LED Multi Coloured Festive Rope Light $24.90

Boon Glo Nightlight With Portable Balls

DIY Bubble Column Platform

LED Net Lights -For Wall Or Ceiling

How to make one www.autismfrog.com/2013/11/16/diybubble-column-platform/

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Sensory Bags

Fairy Lights

Interlocking Soft Foam Mats/Tiles

Very cheap on eBay

Loads of ideas on Pinterest on how to make different sensory bags

Floor Pillow Or Crash Mat

Pillow Pets

Glow Pets

Peapod

You can put poly pellets in these and turn them into weighted cushions

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

LED Light Spinning Wand

Jumbo Water Snakes

Sagosten

Put the cover over SAGOSTEN air element, sold separately $20 each

Vibrating Massage Tools

Rain Maker Toys

Other vibrating plush toys, balls also make fun

Neck Wrap Animal Pillow

You can put polly pellets in these and turn them into weighted items also

Lakeshore Giant Sight And Sound Tubes

Howdahug chair

Or search for ' Primary Science Sensory Tubes' and you can add your own items in.

A HowdaHUG chair provides extra vestibular movement for children that require a rocking motion when seated on the floor or chair. It curves around the back which allows the seat to hug the body.

Sensory Boards Unlimited on what you can make here! I suggest taking a look at Pinterest for some fantastic ides on DIY Sensory boards.

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Elmo's Vibrating Hands

Balll Pit

Have A Sensory Hamper

... or use a hard-plastic kids pool. 100 Pack of Play Plastic Balls, Kmart $13.00

Space Hopper Ball

Glow In The Dark Sensory Box

Peanut Gym Ball

Gym Mats

Pillow Bed

No Sew, Teepee

How to make one

www.itsalwaysautumn.com/2014/12/09/make-kids-pillowbed-easiest-cheapest-way.html

How to make one â&#x20AC;Ś

www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/02/a-no-sew-teepee

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Mocka Teepee

Safety Scooter Board

www.mocka.com.au/teepees.html

Action Junior Jumper Mini Trampoline

Lycra Cloud Or Morph Suits

www.morphsuits.com.au

Classroom Display Fish Net

Room Wall And Floor Padding

Hang danlges off it such as blank CD's

BIg W and Kmart sells them for $40

www.edex.com.au/classroom-display-fish-net-blue.html

Water Led Speakers

Bright Light Pillow Starlight / Moonlight Cushion

Reject Shop, Big W eBay sells them $20-40

Big W and The Reject shops sells them

DIY Light Box

How to make one

www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/03/do-it-yourself-lighttable-shapes-using.htm l

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Swivel Chair - IKEA

Jigsaw Softie Mirrors

Ikea products to North Qld see www.swedentoyou.com.au

Fibre Optic Lamp

Hanging Seat - IKEA

Swinging develops the sense of balance and body perception. It also brings a feeling of well-being and relaxation.

Oggz - Electronic Eggs

The Sensory Steamroller will help reduce your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anxiety, calm him or her and increase on-task behaviour.

Website: www.thesteamroller.com.au

Bubbles!

Smellems Bubbles

Make a Face Stress Ball

shop.australiangeographic.com.au/make-aface-stress-ball.html

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Pin Art

Blob Frog Novelty Stress Ball

Light Up Glitter Balls

Other Bedroom Ideas IKEA KURA Reversible Bed & Tent

'The Safespace

Rainbow Bed Canopy

www.fasequipment.com/flipbook/Autis m/files/assets/basic-html/index.html#1 .

Lego Feature Wall

DIY Magnetic Board

Use an oil drip pan or there are these Magnetic boards from IKEA

Hanging Decorations

Type in hanging decorations in eBay and you have 6,000 to chose from!

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

KIDS LOVE THEM! Small 4-6 yrs $35 Medium 7-9 yrs $45 Large 10-12 yrs $55 X-Large 13-15 yrs $65

Se n s o r y - G i f t s

Postage for under 500g $8 Express post $15 Custom sizing also available Many colours to choose from

To order, Contact Melinda on 0432 628 884 or email faithlovehope@outlook.com.au Made in Cairns, Qld

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Chewable Jewellery Se n s o r y - G i f t s ____________________________________________________________ Ninja Babies Funkiness For Fun, Teething & Special Needs! BPA-Free chewable jewellery for infants to adults! Funky designs & vibrant colours!

Toothypegs: Teething Necklaces and Accessories

Website: www.ninjababies.com.au facebook.com/TheBabysRoomTownsville

Uniquely Awesome Kids ASD Resources Website: www.uniquelyawesomekidsasdresources.com www.facebook.com/pages/Uniquely-Awesome-Kids-ASDResources/199580190106174

Our products have been shown to assist with those that have oral sensory issues and like to chew, as well as tactile children that fidget. We have some great chunky necklaces, along with Elephant and Giraffe chewies that can assist in providing relief to your child and help them to calm and focus. Website: www.facebook.com/messages/toothypegs1

Sensory Haven Stocks a huge range of the Jellystone Designs Silicone necklaces and chews. Jellystone Designs jewellery is free from BPA, Phthalates and PVC with a fabulous soft-feel and texture. Jellystone Juniors is our â&#x20AC;&#x153;kidsâ&#x20AC;? of silicone jewellery range. Designed for children 3 years plus. Non-toxic Durable and strong (although not indestructible) Designs are stylish and funky Easy to clean in a steriliser, dishwasher or just soapy water. Fitted with a breakaway clasp for added safety. Website: www.sensoryhaven.com.au www.facebook.com/SensoryHaven

Sensory Oasis for Kids Sensory Oasis for Kids is filled to the brim with amazing sensory, educational and fun products and ideas to help special needs kids feel super special! Amazing selections of Twiddle, Tangles, tags, bracelets and pendants and more! Website: www.sensoryoasisforkids.com.au

Sensamart develops high quality sensory smart products. Products include Sensachew chewable pendants.

Australia's largest range of silicone teething jewellery Shop online. Website: www.teethingjewellery.com.au/

Chewigem - Stylish, FUNctional jewellery, designed to look amazing, while discreetly serving your child's need to chew. Website: http://www.chewigem.com.au

Special Needs Toys - Children with autism and other sensory disorders, in particular, can greatly benefit from a range of sensory toys and activities, especially as part of a sensory diet. Offering a great range of Chewable necklace, pendants, bracelets and pencil toppers. Website www.specialneedstoys.com.au

Website: www.sensamart.com.au

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Vehicle and Car Seat Safety ____________________________________________________________ Houdini Harness most secure vehicle harness - will keep any Houdini's from escaping from their vehicle seat! Website: www.medifab.com.au

The Carrot child seat - providing various kinds of extension accessories and multi-adjustable features to allow longer use during the child’s life and to suit the wide spectrum of children’s needs.

Hurphy Durphy Seat Belt Buckle Guard Suited to both front release and top opening seat belt buckles. Once fitted, it can be removed easily by adults but is virtually impossible for children to unfasten, due to the use of heavy duty Velcro. This also removes the risk of accidental release. Website: www.hurphydurphy.com

Website: www.specialneedssolutions.com.au

Seatbelt Buckle Cover A seatbelt buckle cover is used to prevent undoing a seat beltmeets the requirements of Australian standards and fits onto seatbelt buckles of most cars.

buckle me up™ is a wireless seatbelt reminder and alert system for the back seats of passenger cars. Website: www.bucklemeup.com

(Qld) Funding for vehicle and car seat equipment such as these can be found at www.health.qld.gov.au/mass/community-access/default.asp

Website: www.mobilityengineering.com.au/bucklecover.htm

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Raising Children Network Download this free app on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and disability to get funding and services help, parent stories and reliable, easy-to-understand information. Proudly produced by Raising Children Network. You can use the Children with Autism & Disability app before and after a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or disability. With this free app, you can: use our pathfinder to navigate each stage of funding, services and support before and after diagnosis connect to ASD or disability services in your area with a mapping tool and key contacts directory navigate the Australian services system with step-by-step expert guidance learn from other parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experiences through parent videos get more information about disability and ASD from up-to-date, evidence-based articles.

The app is available for iOS and Android. Search the app store for ' Children with Autism & Disability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a parent guide'

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Autism Awareness - Media ____________________________________________________________ A few great videos explaining Autism, great for friends, carers, grandparents, teachers..

Nick has Autism. A kid-friendly animation that focuses on a boy with autism named Nick. It teaches children that students with autism may think differently or need some accommodations, but all students are of equal worth and should be treated as such. To view in Youtube go to : www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtRYKjucDHk

Marvelous Max is a 3 minute animated video for Primary School kids. The aim of the video is to create more awareness of autism spectrum disorder. To view in Youtube go to : www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc77MksM_2c

'What are you doing?' (trailer) is now available for sale to the public! If you are a parent, carer, family member, educator or industry professional, you will find the film to be a valuable educational tool and a great addition to your resource library. You can purchase your own copy of 'What are you doing?' for $20.00 plus postage www.whatareyoudoingfilm.com

Just Like You - Autism launches an exciting campaign that calls our communities, our kids and the world to learn, understand and accept those living with autism. (20mins) To view this in Youtube go to : www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0w6carvS8k

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Be Like Buddy™ Autism Videos

Autism teaching videos, visual schedules and behaviour modelling stories for children on the autism spectrum hosted by BUDDY, the most energetic, fun and lovable puppet ever!!! Created by the parent of a child with autism. Each video in the Be Like Buddy™ series is available for immediate download with a corresponding visual schedule and storybook for printing!

Fantastic Resource! - Special Needs Toy Guide E-Book To help you find the right the right toy for your child with special needs Friendship Circle has launched a new e-book called Toys: A comprehensive guide to finding the right toy for your child with special needs. The purpose of this e-book is to narrow down the field of infinite toys to those which successfully target special interests and emerging skills. Here you’ll find tried-and-true toys and activities recommended by experienced therapists and parents – yes, even toys for children who refuse to play with toys, or children who prefer to spend hours each day watching objects spin. Download at www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/SpecialNeedsToyGuide.pdf

Concerned about your child's eyes? OPSM has come up with a novel way of helping. They are offering a free Penny the pirate screening kit. There is two types available including one for the free online app for the tech loving kids or one that has the book. more info and a short video clip on how it works ..at Website: http://www.opsm.com.au/penny

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Social Stories (Apps, Books & Software) ____________________________________________________________ Social Stories are highly structured interventions that use stories to explain social situations to children with autism. They also help children learn socially appropriate behaviour and responses. Free online books for social skills - Learn about Bullies, learning to listen, a story about mongering anger, A tale about telling the truth, Sportsmanship, winning isn't everything, learning about courage and much more. Website: https://wedolisten.org/media

Trace Moroney Books A creator of exquisite children's books that touch your heart and soul . . . and just make you feel good. Her feelings series are fantastic for kids with autism to understand. Website: www.tracemoroney.com

Sandbox Learning - Social Stories (create online) Customise the illustrations to the An open market place where educators buy, sell child's appearance based on and share original teaching resources. gender, hair style and color, eye Great social stories available. color, skin tone, glasses, and method Website: www.teacherspayteachers.com of communication. Our collection of children's stories addresses emotional, social, One Place for Special Needs safety, and communication skills to foster character scoured the Internet to come development. Lots of choices for social stories. Website: www.sandbox-learning.com up with the most complete list of free social stories The Social Express targets core covering everything from deficit areas that stand in the way behavior to toilet training. We also have included of school, social, and life success stories showing sequential processing, the steps for for children and young adults with what to expect in a variety of activities. Some are social learning challenges. text only and others include pics. Website: www.thesocialexpress.com

ConnectAbility offers a visuals engine that is great for creating a quick social story on the fly. There are no downloads necessary. Simply select your template (choose from choice time, rules, schedules, personal stories and more), add Boardmaker images or upload your own images and print or save as a PDF.

Website: www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com

LessonPix is an easy-to-use online resource that allows users to create various customized learning materials. LessonPix offers a simple three step process for creating a social story. Website: www.lessonpix.com

Website: www.connectability.ca/visuals-engine

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Huge post on social stories just keep scrolling down! Website: http://www.autism-pdd.net/social-stories-autismpdd/

The New Social Story Book By (author) Carol Gray Carol Gray developed the Social Story in 1991 to promote social understanding in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Now, nearly twenty years after their inception, Social Stories have become a standard approach for teachers and parents all over the globe, and the stories are more effective than ever. This 10th Anniversary Edition of The New Social Story Book offers over 150 of the most requested Social Stories, each one professionally written by Carol Gray. But it doesn't end there - Carol also teaches you how to write Social Stories yourself. Includes a FREE CD of printable, editable Social Stories! 265 Pages Available at most bookstores

Great list of Social Stories and Visuals Website: www.supportingautismspectrum.weebly.coml

Easy Social Stories Offering autism / special needs support, including inexpensive, instantly downloadable PDF files for self-printed booklets, mobile and computer use. Website: www.easysocialstories.com

Living Well With Autism Social Stories: Appropriate Behaviors. Also have social stories on: Health and Wellness Puberty Tips Personal safety Self care and grooming Website: http://www.livingwellwithautism.com/how_to_use_social_storie s/social_stories-behaviors

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Social Story Apps Talk'n Photos A simple to navigate talking photo album. Completely customizable, this app allows you to add text and voice recording to album covers as well as each entry (picture) within an album. Photos or symbols may be uploaded from your camera, taken with your iPad/iTouch/iPhone or downloaded from a large number of free clip

Conversation Social Stories and Simple PECS Communication Tool Conversation social stories is made up of four social stories about different conversational skills and simple communication tools to go with them. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/conversat ion-social-stories/id485658095

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/talknphotos/id502043039

Stories About Me Create their own social stories for their children and students. Blending photos, text, and voice recordings into a talking picture book, children can playback rich media stories of their own personal experiences. Swiping advances the pages and tapping plays the audio; simple as that!

Our Story for iPad Enables young children to take part in fun games which can help develop interests and skills that will be relevant to them when they start to read by creating your own social stories using your photos. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/our-storyfor-ipad/id681769838

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storiesabout-me/id531603747

Story Creator - Easy Story Book Maker for Kids Easily create beautiful story books containing photos, videos, text, and audio all in one gorgeous collection. Story Creator truly brings your best stories to life and easily allows you to retell and share your most memorable moments.

StoryBuddy The original and very first Story Creator on the App Store! Create books with painting, photos, and text to share with friends and family! https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storybudd y/id390538762

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/storycreator-easy-story-book/id545369477

i Create... Social Skills Stories Customize sequential steps of a storyline, the app is designed to make unlimited personalised social skill story books by importing personal photos, adding titles, text and audio to unlimited pages in the story.

iPrompts速 PRO - The Leading Visual Support Suite for Autism and Special Education Works great with kids who need more structure, including kids with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), and even typical, pre-verbal toddlers!

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/i-create...social-skills/id513666306

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/ipromptsvisual-supports-schedules/id313144705

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Stories2Learn A parent approved app that promotes social messages to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. S2L offers parents and educators the ability to create personalized stories using photos, text, and audio messages. These stories can be used to promote an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s literacy, leisure, as well as social skills. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/stories2lea rn/id348576875

My Pictures Talk Create stories with pictures, audio, and video. Use for video modeling wanted behavior. My Pictures Talk helps you catalog, share, remember, and teach skills to those with autism or developmental delays. We allow you to bring your photos to life with text and audio. You can create talking photo albums, or use as a teaching tool to help promote wanted behaviors. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/mypictures-talk-video-modeling/id368388315

App search engine - for more social story apps Website: http://appcrawlr.com/ios-apps/best-apps-social-stories

Free Apps - Useful FREE apps by the Qld Government for: Sightwords Queensland Schools ReadyQld, Language development Tips and advice about bullying Social and emotional skills and more! Website: www.qld.gov.au/services/mobile

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Toileting - Apps and resources __________________________________________________________ Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Are you ready? An animated toilet training resource. This DVD includes the popular animation 'Tom's Toilet Triumph'. In addition, the DVD includes three short variations of the animation, with toileting sequences that can be chosen for a girl, and two versions for a boy; 'standing for a wee' and 'sitting for a wee'. Website: www.dcsi.sa.gov.au/services/disability-services/disabilitypublications-and-resources

Visual Aids for learning Free downloads - This sequence of visuals can help children in learning how to go to the toilet independently. Website: www.visualaidsforlearning.com/freesequences/91-toilet-training.html

Tips for Toileting By Sue Larkey Autism Spectrum Disorders: Strategies for home and school.

Toilet training for children with special needs. A simple, practical tool that offers tips and pictures to help you and your child learn the key milestones of toilet training. The app contains a boy and a girl version. Each version has three sections: Custom Sequence, Full Sequence and a Short Sequence https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/toilet-training-forchildren/id694524907

Potty time with Elmo. Narrated by Elmo, this is an animated storybook and song app that will help teach your child about potty training through storytelling and music. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/potty-time-withelmo/id525507410

Potty Training Social Story. An interactive social story about potty training that is customizable for boys or girls. The app also includes a visual schedule for using the potty and an extensive FAQ page that lists answers written by a board certified behavior analyst to common potty training questions. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/potty-training-socialstory/id473779642

Website: www.suelarkey.com.au/media/toilettips.pdf

Visual Schedules - Self Care. Download the PDF to print. Website: www.livingwellwithautism.com/how_to_use_picture_cards_a nd_schedules/self_care_visual_helpers

Potty Training Time. From hugs and high-fives to stickers and Snickers, there are many ways to encourage potty training. With the new POTTY TIME app, you have eight new ways to celebrate your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potty training success https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/potty-trainingtime/id473203652

Loads of strategies from Raising Children Website: www.raisingchildren.net.au/articles/autism_spectrum_disord er_toilet_training.html/context/556

Pepi Bath. (self-care, bathroom and toilet) A role-play game where children learn about hygiene in a fun way. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pepibath/id505124220

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook One Place For Special Needs. Here you'll find plenty of articles, strategies and tips for toilet training children with a variety of special needs. Plus you'll find resources for trouble shooting many types of potty problems like smearing poop, fear of the toilet and potty training regression. Website: www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_toilet_trai ning.html

Pinterest. Helpful tips, visuals, books, endless list. Website: www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Toilet%20training%20aut ism

Step by Step Going Potty with the Wonkidos. Going Potty, is a fun animated cartoon of the Wonkidos teaching step by step how to use the potty. Reinforce the steps and behaviors kids need to know to feel confident to use the potty. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/step-by-stepgoing-potty-wonkidos/id511333719

FREE visual and rewards chart from Wonkidos at www.wonkidovideos.com/ckfinder/userfiles/files/Wonkidos_Potty _Steps_and_Chart.pdf

The New Potty - Little Critter This charming tale of common potty training frustrations encourages children to keep trying. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-new-pottylittle-critter/id415763952

Do2Learn. Varity of small to large visuals, to print out to make a sequence or social story. Website: www.do2learn.com/picturecards/printcards/selfhelp_toiletin g.htm

Thanks Alison Lyons from The Appy Ladies for This Great List www.theappyladies.com/potty-training

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Useful Websites ____________________________________________________________ The Sensory Spectrum. A website dedicated to Sensory Kiddos and their Parents to discuss and find information and resources. Website: www.thesensoryspectrum.com

Ian Bean - SEN ICT Training and Consultancy Web site of Ian Bean, former teacher and ICT coordinator at Priory Woods School, Inclusive Technology's Consultancy and Training Manager now Independent Special Needs ICT consultant and trainer specialising in the use of ICT and assistive technology to support learners of all ages with severe and complex additional needs. Ian has an amazing resource page with over100 free accessible activities to run on your computer. our activities have been carefully designed to help your students develop and build access skills using switches, touch-screens or pointing devices such as joysticks or eye gaze

The Social Expressâ&#x201E;˘ An engaging, educational software for children and young adults with social learning challenges. The online learning program uses individual webisodes to teach users how to think about and manage social situations. Each webisode-lesson covers a specific social skill and helps kids to practice and develop meaningful social relationships and succeed in life. Website: www.thesocialexpress.com

Autism Awareness Our nation's largest not-for-profit organisations, dedicated to increasing education & understanding of ASD in our community. Website: www.autismawareness.com.au

Website: www.ianbean.co.uk www.facebook.com/SENICT.info

Autcraft A whitelisted Minecraft server for children (and adults) that have autism and their families. What this means is that if you or a family member has autism and you own the computer version of Minecraft, you can register and apply to be put on the whitelist and play with other people just like you. Autcraft was created by Stuart Duncan (aka AutismFather in game) who not only has autism himself but also a child with autism as well. The server is administrated by adults that include autistics, parents of autistic children or a family member of someone with autism. There are also "Helpers" that include "jrhelpers" which are children that prove to be responsible, positive and helpful with people; and "srhelpers" which are adults that demonstrate some knowledge of the game as well as being respectful, responsible and helpful.

Autism on the Seas Autism on the Seas has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Website: www.autismontheseas.com

The Measured Mom is an education website which supports teachers and parents with thoughtful articles and free printables. Website: www.themeasuredmom.com

Website: www.autcraft.com

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

The BRAVE Program is an interactive, online program for the prevention and treatment of childhood and adolescent anxiety. The programs are free, and provide ways for children and teenagers to better cope with their worries. There are also programs for parents. Website: www.brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au

Pinterest Whether you want information on visuals, sensory rooms, how to make a weighted lap bag, there are thousands of creative ideas to be discovered, the list is endless. Examples to search on Pinterest - sensory play, autism activities, sensory room, autism resources, sensory table ideas, home school ideas, social stories, pretend play, autism visuals just to name a few.

School Mum is a website full of tips, tricks, advice and fun for School Mums by School Mums. Load of resources and information on parenting, school help, health, holidays, challenges, activities and competitions. Website: www.schoolmum.net

Website: www.pinterest.com

Secret Agent Society is a social skills training program to help children feel happier, calmer and to make new friends. Website: www.sst-institute.net

Brolly Sheets - Quality Waterproof bed linen to take the hassle our of a wet bed, plus clothing and chair protectors. Website: www.brollysheets.com.au

BedSOKâ&#x201E;˘ the first sleeping bag for beds. An all-in-one zip-up sheet set to keep children snug and secure all night long. Website: www.bedsok.com

Lycra Sheets are a fitted sheet similar in shape to a sock, designed to slip over the entire mattress in addition to traditional bedding. They are effective in calming over-stimulated children at bed time. They work in much the same way as the Sensory Body Socks. Website: www.frilledtobits.com.au/lycra-bed-sheets

SparkleBox 1000s of FREE teaching resources, just browse, download and print. Includes Australian worksheets.

Happy Hooligans Easy, inexpensive, crafts and activities for kids, as well as parenting topics and recipes for parents, teachers and carers. Website: www.happyhooligans.ca

3 Dinosaurs Is a web site with free printables, tip reviews, and book activities for tots, preschoolers, kindergarten, first grade & second grade. Website: www.3dinosaurs.com

Website: www.sparklebox.co.uk

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Paging Fun Mums Replacing Insanity with FUN! Channel your inner crafter, photographer, cook, artist, decorator and designer and join us on the journey to being the funniest Mummy you can be!

Babble Dabble Do A website created by Ana AKA The Artsy MacGyver! Babble Dabble Do brings art, science, and design to families looking for creative inspiration!

Spectronics is Australia and New Zealand’s largest supplier of special needs software and assistive technologies.

KidsLearningStation (part of All Kids Network) is dedicated to providing high quality printable free worksheets for teachers, parents and other care givers.

Website: www.babbledabbledo.com

Website: www.pagingfunmums.com

Website: www.spectronics.com.au

One Page Profile Beautiful and useful templates. One Page Profile is a profile of a person which is positively focused on their core qualities. There are three key sections to a One Page Profile: 1. What other people like and admire about the person 2. What makes the person REALLY happy and is most important to them 3. How the person likes to supported Lots to choose from and are in word format templates. Website: www.sheffkids.co.uk/adultssite/pages/onepageprofiles1.html

I Can Write - My Name! Create your own personalised worksheet to help your children learn to write their name.

Website: http://www.kidzcopy.com.au/my-name

PlayConnect Playgroups is an early intervention strategy funded through the Australian Government Helping All Children with Autism Package. Children do not require a formal diagnosis or referral to come and enjoy all that PlayConnect has to offer. PlayConnect is a playgroup for the whole family and siblings and carers are also welcome and included at PlayConnect.

They have hundreds of free preschool worksheets and kindergarten worksheets that are perfect to add to any preschool or kindergarten lesson plan and beyond. So far we have collections of free worksheets for learning the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, math, reading, writing and much more and we are adding news ones all the time. Website: www.kidslearningstation.com

Therapy Street for Kids fun occupational therapy learning activities are designed especially to boost kids’ school skills! Website: www.ot-mom-learningactivities.com

Minecraft Camps are events held with 24 (sometimes more) children. Each child has their own computer, though they are all participating in the same ‘world’, so they can collaborate and play together. These events are usually held in schools in school holidays and on weekends. Join them on facebook or see their website for upcoming events near you, or suggest your school to them to host a camp. Website: www.buddyverse.net/minecraft-camps

Website: www.playgroupqueensland.com.au

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Assistance Dogs ____________________________________________________________ Public-Access Certified Assistance Dogs are available from the following organisations: The Association of Australian Assistance Dogs North Queensland Inc. is a charitable organisation dedicated to the training and promotion of accredited Assistance Dogs for people with a disability. ASDOGS (NQ) Inc. Address: PO Box 2052 Mareeba, Queensland, 4880 Phone: 07 40923344 Website: www.asdogsnq.com.au

Smart Pups are based Sunshine Coast, Qld â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will accept applications from Qld, NSW and ACT. Website: www.smartpups.org.au

Righteous Pups are based Bendigo, Vic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will accept applications from anywhere in Australia. Website: www.righteouspups.org.au

Guide Dogs Qld are based Brisbane, Qld - currently assessing the results of their pilot program but accepting expressions of interest. Website: www.guidedogsqld.com.au Canine Helpers is a community support organisation that provides assistance to people with a disability through the training and placement of different types of assistance dogs, including: - Service Dogs for people with physical disabilities; - Therapy Dogs for people with many other types of disabilities. Website: www.caninehelpers.org.au

mindDog assists mental health sufferers to procure, train and certify psychiatric service dogs. These dogs assist people with mental health disorders whose lives are often severely compromised by anxiety and fear. Website: www.minddog.org.au

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Assistance Dogs Australia PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops and Support) brings together parents of children with autism, to share experiences and explore the potential that a pet dog might have within the family. Website: www.assistancedogs.org.au

Many families who would like a Public Access Certified dog find the thought of so much fundraising daunting, as cost can be around $15,000, especially while still caring for their children with ASD. An alternative is to arrange to train and certify a pet, rescue dog or ex-show dog. In Queensland, the list of approved training institutions and trainers can be found here www.communities.qld.gov.au/disability/key-projects/guidehearing-and-assistance-dogs/for-trainers. Trainer Craig Murray doesn’t certify any dogs he hasn’t raised and trained himself, but his assistance dogs are free www.dogschool.com.au/Assistance-Dogs-pg24098.html. Another option for an assistance dog (though not Public Access Certified) is a companion/therapy dog. All of the organisations listed above, as well as Assistance Dogs Australia www.assistancedogs.org.au, Canine Helpers for the Disabled www.caninehelpers.org.au, Tameruke Labradoodles www.australialabradoodles.com Mind Dog www.minddog.org.au provide these dogs – often they are dogs who have been through the training required for Public Access Certification, but didn’t succeed in passing their Public Access Test.

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Sexuality, Continence and Sleep ____________________________________________________________ Separate books - Special Boys’ Business™ and Special Girls’ Business™ is a puberty resource written for boys and girls with special needs, including: Intellectual disability, Physical disability, Communication disorder and Autism As sex education is an important aspect of a child’s development, the authors have written and published a series of puberty books to prepare and support boys and girls for puberty. These sexuality education books have simple language, accurate information and fun illustrations which girls and boys will enjoy. The books are easy to understand, provide practical information and have attractive illustrations to help girls and boys manage this stage of their life with confidence.

Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) (Commonwealth) Eligibility criteria listed on website for product subsidy about $530 per year is available to assist families with meeting the cost of continence products for their children. For a list of each states schemes, see Website: www.bladderbowel.gov.au

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Website: www.secretgb.com

_________________________________________________ Sleep clinics: please ask your Child Health Nurse, GP or paediatrician for a referral and further information. Melatonin and Circadin are also widely used to assist with sleep onset in children with autism. Please discuss with your General Practitioner to see if appropriate for your child.

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Autism Training, Workshops & Seminars ____________________________________________________________ â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key is to prepare for the process as well as you can. When you come across a challenge, try to stay positive, keep asking questions and focus on what you can do next or learn next to help things alongâ&#x20AC;?. www.raisingchildren.net.au Sue Larkey An Australian teacher and author with extensive experience and research into education for kids with autism. Delivers seminars Nationwide. Website: www.suelarkey.com

Dr Tony Attwood International authority on Aspergers Syndrome. Website: www.tonyattwood.com.au

Dr Wendy Lawson A published psychologist, parent to four children and has autism spectrum condition, Wendy travels internationally to deliver workshops on autism. Website: www.mugsy.org/wendy

Nelle Frances Offers real life tips, advice & strategies as a parent, daughter, educator & Author on all things Asperger's. Website: www.aspergerchild.com

Early Days Online Workshops (Contact Autism Qld for upcoming workshops) Early Days provides free workshops for parents and carers of children with ASD or suspected ASD. You can do online workshops in your own time or attend one-day workshops. Early Days online workshops can be accessed at: Website: www.prc.moodle.com.au/course Postive Partnerships Evidence-based materials and practical resources published online and delivered nationally through training for teachers and other school staff, and workshops for parents and carers of primary school aged children with autism. Website: www.positivepartnerships.com.au Compass covers a wide range of topics that affect young people today including some of the following: - Autism and Aspergers - Attachment Difficulties - Anxiety and Depression - Brain Development and Neuroscience - Challenging Behaviours - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - Self harm and Suicide - Solution Focused Interventions - Trauma

We use trainers who are the best in the field from across Australia and the world. Website: www.compassaustralia.com.au/seminars.html

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Behaviour ____________________________________________________________ Stepping Stones Triple P gives you tips and strategies to manage the big and small problems of family life. It helps encourage behaviour you like, cope with stress and teach your child new skills. Supermarket meltdowns? Mealtime tantrums? Bedtime battles? When you’re the parent or caregiver of a child with a disability, sometimes life can be extra challenging. That’s why the Stepping Stones Triple P Project is currently offering parents in Queensland and Victoria free parenting support. Website: www.triplep-steppingstones.net

The RAP Parent Program (RAP-P) The Resourceful Adolescent Program - Parent Program (RAP-P) was developed to help parents promote the optimal family environment for healthy adolescent development. More specifically, the program addresses known family protective factors for adolescent depression and suicide and is designed as an early intervention program. It is generally run in communities through Queensland Health or Education Queensland. Website: www.rap.qut.edu.au/programs/rap-a.jsp

Management of Young Children Program (MYCP) Education Queensland's Management of Young Children Program (MYCP) provides an early and proactive intervention program for parents which promotes skillbuilding and relationship development. In MYCP, parents are trained in multiple skills, including praise, instruction giving, behaviour-tracking, problemsolving, prompting and shaping desirable, purposeful behaviour. The program runs for approximately six weeks for parents of children aged two to seven years. For further information, parents should contact their local Education Queensland district office to see if one is run in your area. FABIC runs online workshops for parents of children with ASD to deal with emotional development, behaviour, anxiety and communication.

Website: www.fabic.com.au/workshops-presentations/fabiccourses/changing-behaviour

The BRAVE Program is a free online program that offers resources and information for children and their parents. It is designed to help young people with anxiety overcome their worries, develop resilience and improve the quality of their lives. It’s designed for children aged 8 and up. Website: https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/child-program

Headspace Headspace is the National youth mental health foundation. They are all about helping young people who are going through a tough time. Website: www. headspace.org.au

Bullying. No Way! A great resource created by Australia's educational communities as well as students, staff, parents, agencies, education officers and community members. It is intended to support young people to be safe, supported, respected, valued - and free from bullying, violence, harassment and discrimination. The website contains information and support for students on how to handle situations of bullying. For more information see www.bullyingnoway.gov.au

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Visual Communication Aids & Resources

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Boardmaker Software - create Visual-PCS Cards, onscreen activities by adding voice, sound, animation and video. Website: www.spectronics.com.au

Find Activities and Boards at

www.boardmakerachieve.com/Activities/Search

or Boardmaker Share - Mayer-Johnson's board sharing/community site, must have Boardmaker to use the files.

Picto-Selector is a windows application for creating visual schedules. It is used by many teachers and parents. The download contains over 28000 pictos (images) and it's all Free to use. Website: www.pictoselector.eu

Tutorial on how to make one here.

Website: www.mynameissnickerdoodle.com/2012/09/chorechart-tutorial.html

For high quality pecs cards, always 100% free! My PECS is your free resource to an extensive library of professional and high quality PECS cards and symbols. Search our catalog to get started. Website: www.mypecs.com

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

PODD stands for: Pragmatic – the ways that we use language socially Organisation – words and symbols arranged in a systematic way Dynamic Display – changing pages. Works in with Boardmaker software (above)

Mrs. Riley helps professionals, teachers, and parents collaboratively make pages of picture cards. If you've ever made a picture card with a custom image yourself, you know that it can be tedious. Website: www.mrsriley.com

They've wrapped the entire process into a single online application with these goals:

Website: www.spectronics.com.au

Easier - Designed to make simple tasks simple. Faster - Sharing is built right in so it's often a matter of search and print. Cheaper - Pay for only what you need.

Grocery and Toys PECS A large collection (over 3200) of realistic pictures designed to improve the shopping experience for families with children with autism and communication difficulties.

The pictures from the Off We Go! series are great! They are available as free download, just fill out your details on their quick form.

Website: www.grocerypecs.com

Toy PECS are a large collection (over 1300) of realistic picture exchange communication symbols. They are designed to assist children with autism and communication difficulties who use the picture exchange communication system (PECS). Website: www.toypecs.com

•Going to a Birthday Party •Going to Buy Clothes •Going to Buy Shoes •Going to the Cinema •Going to the Dentist •Going to the Doctor •Going to the Hairdresser •Going to the Optician •Going on a Plane •Going to a Restaurant •Going to the Supermarket Website: www.offwego.ie/resources/free-downloads.html

How It Is Visuals (or pictures) are a great tool for seeing and understanding. This is a fantastic place to start if you are new to the world of visual aids for your child. Lots of freebies. Free Downloads! Website: www.visualaidsforlearning.com

An image vocabulary for children about feelings, rights and safety, personal care and sexuality. Website: www.howitis.org.uk/browse.htm

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Download resources in many categories including booklets, puzzles and games, flashcards, worksheets, visual timetabling, activities, visual aids, emotions, teaching aids, matching and sorting, classroom display, clipart, E-books and social skills. Loads of information! Free to join.

Create your own visual social stories books Let these guys do the work for you. Custom Photo Books where you can add text to photos make social stories. Websites: www.artisanstate.com www.vistaprint.com.au www.minibox.com.au

Website: www.autismbuddy.com

Sample of a Schedule or timetable for the home These can be purchased at PECS Australia Website: www.pecsaustralia.com

ASD Visual Aids Product range which consist of ‘Visual Symbols’ and stories to help in social situations, timetable boards, key chains, stress balls, stickers, traffic lights along with other communication tools.

Website: www.asdvisualaids.com

Do-N-Slide™ Picture To-Do Lists teach your child organisation and sequencing skills with visual prompts they can slide from from "to do"to "all done. "Their very own Visual Schedule provides planned activities or sequences in pictures, ordered the way things should happen.

Magnetic Visual Schedules SchKIDules are personalized visual schedule systems designed to communicate a routine, sequence, activity or transition to a child. Website: www.autismschedules.com

PCS Downloads Basic / beginners pictures

Website: www.childrenwithspecialneeds.com/pecsdownloads

Website: www.do-n-slide.com

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Sandbox Learning - Social Stories Customise the illustrations to the child's appearance based on gender, hair style and color, eye color, skin tone, glasses, and method of communication. Our collection of children's stories addresses emotional, social, safety, and communication skills to foster character development. Lots of choices for social stories. Website: www.sandbox-learning.com

GoTalk Communication Device Series GoTalks are battery powered augmentative / alternative communication (AAC) devices used by people who cannot communicate well by speaking. An overlay of pictures (or words or symbols) is created. The overlay is slid into the GoTalk, and then the user can “talk” simply by pressing on a picture to play a message. This allows users – maybe for the first time – to communicate quickly and easily just by pressing a button.

Augmentative Resources Best and biggest catalogue full of amazing products!

Website: www.spectronics.com.au

Website: www.augresources.com

Health visuals Loads of free medical visuals such as A&E and Hospital, Blood pressure, Eyes, Healthy living, Noses, Operations, Skin, Teeth, Tests

An abundance of information - communication boards, social stories and visuals Website: www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com

Website: www.widgit-health.com/downloads/index.htm

Colourful sets of high-resolution JPG images. Images can easily be resized to suit your needs. Downloads also includes a PDF document with the timetable images pre-arranged 6 to a page. You can download for free if you tweet or facebook post.

SpeechPage.com Discover The Exciting Way Your Therapy Sessions Can instantly Become more fun for your clients & easier to manage for you using colorful & heavy duty speechpages! Website: www.speechpage.com

Website: www.sparklebox.co.uk/special-needs

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Visual Engine - a tool for creating visual support. Free! Many children with Special Needs are visual learners. This means they understand and remember information better when the see and hear it rather than just hearing it. Visual Schedules A visual schedule shows what activity is currently happening and what activity will happen next. A schedule might show two events or it might show several. It is based on what the child can understand. Visual schedules provide information that does not â&#x20AC;&#x153;go awayâ&#x20AC;? like words do. This allows the child a longer time to process and understand the information. Visual schedules highlight the important information and provide predictability and structure. You need to teach the child to use the visual schedule starting with two symbols and showing the child that the symbol is related to the activity. Gradually increase the number of symbols. Once the child knows how the use the visual schedule, they may be able to use it independently without adult help. Website: www.connectability.ca/visuals-engine

Praactically Speaking This is an Aussie augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)information sharing page, particularly as it applies to young children with autism.

Visual Aids for learning Free sequence visual downloads such as: Death and Grief Lanyard Having a blood test Night Rountines Bus Travel Teeth Cleaning Going to the dentist Emotions Swimming Lessons Hand Washing Getting a Hair Cut Morning Routine Bathing Toilet Training Having a Shower Behaviour Meal time Website: www.visualaidsforlearning.com

Free Speech Articulation Materials and Resources websites:

Speechie Freebies is a collaborative blog where you can find free materials and content to use in speech-language therapy! Website: www.speechiefreebies.com

Heidi has put together this blog to share some of the tips and techniques tha have worked for me over the years in teaching kids to improve their speech and more effectively communicate. Website: www.mommyspeechtherapy.com

Free speech therapy worksheets so you can easily download and print them out to use as part of your speech therapy program. Website: www.heatherspeechtherapy.com/worksheets

Website: www.praacticallyspeaking.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/PrAACticallySpeaking/1488812111389361

Free Speech Articulation Materials - Save, Print, Use! Website: www.testyyettrying.blogspot.com.au/p/downloadprint-free-speech articulation.html

Auslan Signbank is a language resources site for Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Auslan is the language of the deaf community in Australia.

This resource page contains many examples of picture-and-word work sheet intended for use in speech-language pathology intervention. Website: www.speech-languagetherapy.com/~speech/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=37 3Aconsonants&catid=9%3Aresources&Itemid=117

Website: www.auslan.org.au

Free materials for practice with specific speech sounds. Website: www.speakingofspeech.com/Articulation_Materials.html

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Safety, Tracking Devices, Mobile and Apps __________________________________________________________ A perfect starter phone for kids. OwnFone is Australia's simplest mobile phone: a low cost, longlasting, low risk mobile phone for Australians, designed especially for kids and the elderly. Design your own! Website: www.kids.ownfone.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/OwnFoneANZ

AngelSense provides parents of children with special needs visibility into the child’s daily activities and well-being while under the care of others. (worldwide product) Key benefits: • Improving care by detecting mistreatment or bullying • Help locate a wandering or lost child • Peace of mind • Increasing the child’s sense of self-confidence • Higher level of independence for the child Website: www.angelsense.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/AngelSenseProtectingChildren

Trax is a small GPS tracker that can easily attach to your child, elderly demented or your beloved dog. You can easily monitor your loved ones in real time with your smart phone, I-pad or lap top. Trax is specifically designed for being used by children 2-7 years old, Pets and elderly diagnosed with dementia. (Australia is a supported country) Website: www.traxfamily.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/traxfamily

The Tile Great for your keys, handbag etc. Cheap, small, compact and light - handy to attach to kids clothing or shoes. However - Battery Duration & Lifetime of The Tile is 1year. You would need to purchase another one. Has its limits (of 100 feet) but good for at malls, playgrounds, outdoor venues etc. Website: www.thetileapp.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetileapp

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook Cheeky Echinda Selling ID and awareness products. - Single use purpose designed identification wristbands - Floating charm Awareness lockets - Stickers for car/home Special Needs and Autism - More ID and awareness products to comeBased in Melbourne, ship worldwide. Website: www.cheekyechidna.com.au - www.facebook.com/cheekyechidna

BuddyTag You can remain aware, alert and assured with BuddyTag, the latest child safety device that helps parents keep track of their kids when out and about. It comes with a free iOS or Android App, a bluetooth tag, a wristband with personal ID information. When the child with BuddyTag is out of the parent's proximity, our App will sound alarm on parent's phone. If the child did get lost, the personal ID information will help in getting the child reunited with the parent. There is also a Panic Alarm on the BuddyTag. Website: www.ruggabub.com.au/unique-baby-products/my-buddy-tag

One2Watch is a smart device for children featuring the latest design in intelligent emergency. It's not just a watch... it is a safety device which allows you to call your Children, monitor their location through GPS, and has a SOS calling feature in the event your Child feels they may be in danger. The One2Watch is a SIMPLE device for young Children to call their Parent's/Carers if they feel they are in any danger. Children are not required to remember phone numbers and help is at hand from the push of a button. Website: www.one2watch.com.au www.facebook.com/pages/One2Watch/1592286041030781

SafetyTat is a fun and colorful kids temporary safety tattoo customized with a mobile phone number. When applied to the arm of your child or loved one, SafetyTat provides an immediate, highly visible form of identification that stays in place even when wet! That's why it's "The Tat That Brings Kids Back!â&#x201E;˘" Website: www.safetytat.com - https://www.facebook.com/safetytats

AAC Wristbands Australia AAC ID Solutions is Australia's leading supplier of identification wristbands, silicone wristbands, lanyards and promotional products. Website: www.wristbands.com.au - www.facebook.com/wristbands.australia

Big Red Safety Toolkit by the National Autism Association. (NAA) NAA (USA) has created two digital safety toolkits that can be downloaded free, a Caregiver Toolkit and First Responder Toolkit. Although these are created in a format for Americans, the concept is great, so be aware that emergency numbers will need to be changed to Australian. Website: www.awaare.org

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook ID4U Identity Bracelets, Dog Tags and Allergy Bands for Children, Women and Men. Website: www.id4u.com.au

WizID Australian supplier of wristbands, lanyards, access and identification cards as well as solutions for events, functions, venues, festivals and corporates. Website: www.wizid.com.au

Kids Kontact - Identity wristbands: The cost is small but the saving could be massive. A wandering child is every parents worse nightmare when visiting shopping and events and can cause distress to both parents and children alike. Kids Kontact specialises in safety, ID wristbands, allergy alerts and tracking devices to ensure that children remain safe and easily identifiable in an emergency. Website: www.kidskontact.com.au

Walkabout Bands Personalised Silicone Wristbands with no minimum order (Qld based) Silicone safety bands engraved with a contact persons phone number, ideal for toddlers, special needs, memory loss, athletes. Available in 3 sizes. Website: www.walkaboutbands.com

iStaySafe Pty Ltd was founded to empower children and parents with the knowledge and skills to lead a safer and ultimately happier life. Great well informed ebooks on safety, bulling and stranger danger for a very small purchase amount. Website: www.istaysafe.com.au/ebooks

Daniel Morcombe Foundation 'Help Me' App. A great way to not only help keep kids safe, but assist people of all ages, from 7 to 97, covering all kinds of personal emergency situations! Website: www.danielmorcombe.com.au/app.html

Police Child ID (app) By AFP National Missing Persons Coordination Centre. The Australian Police Child ID App was designed and built by AFP based on software provided under licence by the FBI to help parents and guardians more easily collect and send important information about their child/children in the event of a disappearance or abduction. Website: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/police-child-id/id547533218

Find My Friends (app) allows you to easily locate friends and family using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Just install the app and invite friends to share locations by choosing from your contacts or entering their email addresses. Also lets you set up location-based alerts that can notify you automatically when a friend arrives at the airport, a child leaves school, or a family member arrives home safely. You can also set up alerts to notify friends about changes in your location. Website: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/find-my-friends/id466122094

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

If I Need Help Patches, Shoe Tags, iD Cards, Window Clings, Bumper Stickers, Dog Tags, Pins, Clips & More!! Put patches, pins, clips onto your clothes, backpack, or device! Put your new Shoe tag on your favorite shoe with tieless laces. Wear your Dog Tag. Have your iD card in your wallet. Find out more about these exciting products in our shopping section Website: www.ifineedhelp.org

Medifab Walking Rein. A walking rein suitable for children, adolescents and adults with behavioral needs. It features a webbing harness that secures around the torso of the individual, with a rein strap that can then be held by a parent/carer/adult. Designed to be used in conjunction with education and behavioural interventions. Two models available. Website: www.ilcaustralia.org.au

KinderKord is a wrist to wrist connection for you and your child which leaves your hands free--while keeping your child physically connected to you. (note, if you can't purchase by Amazon international, they are also listed on ebay) Website: www.kinderkord.com

Children's Harnessess by Elaine, Inc Child Safety Harnesses for Baby or Toddler; Child-to-Adult Safety Harnesses for larger children and those with Special Needs; and Safety Harnesses to use with an Autism Dog. If you are looking for a strong, well-made, well-designed Safety Harness to keep your loved-one safe, you have come to the right place. If you are looking for a pretty fabric wrap with single row stitching, or stuffed animal backpacks with plastic d-rings and plastic snap hook detachable leads the length of your arm, then keep going because you won't find anything like that here. "You get what you pay for" and our Safety Harnesses are expensive. Website: www.childharness.ca

Australia Government Emergency Care Plan The Emergency Care Plan is a practical resource to support carers in their caring role. Download the Word document at: Website: www.dss.gov.au/node/32615

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Sensory, Fidget, Educational and Therapy Products Australian websites

_________________________________________________________ To source and supply the best products to support educators in homes, childcare centres, preschools, early learning centres, playgroups, special schools, primary schools, toy libraries, hospitals, and the general public Website: www.windmill.net.au

Sensamart is committed to providing high quality products that aim to fulfill the needs of special needs children that impact on and individuals ability to feel safe, calm and secure Website: www.sensamart.com.au

From puzzles to science, music to mathematics and craft to construction, we have over 7,500 toys and educational resources guaranteed to entertain and challenge young minds. Website: www.edex.com.au

My Diffability Australia is an online supplier of toys and resources for people with different abilities.

Inclusion, independence and fun! Website: www.specialneedstoys.com.au

Awesome Autism Resources at an Affordable Price. Website: www.awesomeautismresources.com

Website: www.mydiffability.com.au

Aiding in the development of special needs children. Website: www.sensorywonders.com.au

Educational Resources for Schools and The Early Years Website: www.kesco.com.au

Australia's largest supplier of educational resources Website: www.teaching.com.au

Sensory Matters has a wide array of unique, mostly handmade resources to benefit children and adults with special needs Website: www.sensorymatters.com.au

Products range is broad to encompass the needs of Mathematics, Literacy, Art & Craft, Developmental Toys, Puzzles, Outdoor Play Equipment, Games, Music & Dance, Babies & Toddlers, Sand & Water Play plus much more. Website: www.hop.com.au

An abundance of products available. Website: www.suelarkey.com.au

The Toy Bug - for fun Educational and Sensory Toys! Website: www.thetoybug.com.au

Providing tools to help children and adults with learning and communication difficulties, these resources help those interact and communicate with others. Website: www.prompteducation.com

Products that lead the field in supporting children â&#x20AC;&#x153;from the inside outâ&#x20AC;? Website: www.shopau.sensorytools.net

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Products beneficial for those children with special needs such as autism, language delay, sensory processing disorder, ADHD. Website: www.sensorykids.com.au

Providing supplies for parents, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Physiotherapists, Teachers and other allied health professionals or just to people wanting to have a little fun with sensory toys Website: www.senseabilities.com.au

Life Skills 4 Kids offers an outstanding assortment of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most advanced resources designed specifically to help your child develop critical life skills and reach his or her fullest potential. Website: www.lifeskills4kids.com.au

Pencil Grips Plus we specialise in a range of pencil grips plus other innovative products that you can use within the home, classroom, or office. Website: www.pencilgripsplus.com.au

Peppertown has the largest retail selection of playground accessories (slides, forts, swings plus much more) at competitive prices and we ship anywhere. Website: www.peppertown.com.au

Celebrating their 27th year in the business they have a wealth of resources to help children meet the challenges of learning. Website: www.elizabethrichards.com.au

Stocks resources from pre-school to university with the accent upon the early years and primary schooling. Website: www.edsco.com.au

Supplies schools and families with educational and special needs resources, including a wide range of chewy toys, jewellery, weighted products and writing aids etc. Website: www.teachmehowshop.com.au

Quality Play Equipment at Market Prices Website: www.ecoviva.com.au

Introduce your child to a world of possibilities by providing Educational Wooden Toys for Kids, Preschooler & Early Child Website: www.spielgaben.com

Special Needs Play Equipment provides fun & safe play equipment for residential and commercial settings.Swing sets, disabled swings & therapy swings. Website: www.specialneedsplayequipment. com.au

Fidget Blankets are handmade unique quilted sensory blanket/mats, designed for children with disabilities in mind. Website: www.facebook.com/Fidgitblankets

(this one is not Australian, but an awesome resource!)

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Special Needs Clothing (weighted, seamless and compression clothing)

__________________________________________________________ Seams Away – Clothing apparel for those children who have sensory issues. (currently having a closing down sale) Website: www.seamsaway.com.au - www.facebook.com/seamsawayclothing

JettProof undergarments are made from CalmTex, a light weight, breathable, high quality fabric with excellent stretch and recovery properties, which can be worn comfortably under a child’s clothing all year round Website: www.jettproof.com - www.facebook.com/JettProof

Able Clothing - Comfort and easy to wear with smart cool looks especially for children and young adults with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and Autism. Website: www.ableclothing.com.au - www.facebook.com/pages/AbleClothing/109200632575738

My Diffability – Suggestions on what makes clothing suitable for those with sensory issues and they supply them. Website: www.mydiffability.com.au/collections/clothing

Wonsie - Specialises in bodysuits for older children and small to medium adults. Website: www.wonsie.com.au - www.facebook.com/WonsieKids

Climagel Weighted Vest - and other weighted products.. Website: www.specialneedstoys.com.au

Seamless Socks (Aussie stores) Jefferies - Seamless organic cotton turn cuff socks

www.happytoes.com.au/Cotton_Turn_Cuff_Socks_p/jf2290.htm

Sunfort - Plain school socks

www.happytoes.com.au/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SF7305B

It Makes Sense - SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Sensitivity Socks. Simple, welldesigned products that make life easier every day for people with sensitivities. because it makes sense. Website: www.itmakessense.com.au/smartknitkids-seamless-sensitivity-socks

Fuss Free Feet - At Fuss Free Feet we believe in making positive steps towards enhancing the lives of children, families and communities, starting with one foot at a time. Website: www.facebook.com/fussfreefeet

For a list on Overseas Online Stores To Purchase Sensory Friendly Clothing see www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/01/21/8-online-stores-to-purchase-sensory-friendly-clothing

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

APPS - Websites To Follow __________________________________________________________ Features Free and Discounted Apps, Promo Codes and Giveaways Follow them on Facebook to get their daily deals and free apps straight to your newsfeed. 'Free App Friday' is the best day of the week. Always huge price discounts in April being World Autism Awareness Month . Friendship Circle - Special Needs Apps. With over a thousand apps now available to help individuals with special needs it has become increasingly difficult to find and choose the right special needs app. www.friendshipcircle.org/apps

App Crawlr AppCrawlr uses a new method to combine advanced data mining and statistical modeling technologies to provide users with the most relevant and trusted recommendations for searching and discovering apps. http://appcrawlr.com

Smart Apps for Special Needs A resource of special needs families, teachers and therapists.

www.smartappsforspecialneeds.com

The iMums Kids app & product reviews, news, interviews, articles and giveaways! Follow their facebook page, where the post a huge list of paid apps that has gone free on special daily. www.theimum.com www.facebook.com/TheiMum

AppyMall A Place to Discovery, Learn, Review and Download apps. A dedicated community for educational apps for infants, children and teens with thousands apps available for download with reviews and ratings for apps from parents just like you. www.appymall.com

Smart Apps for Android Keep an eye out each week for 'Free App Friday' for Android

The Appy Ladies A diverse group with various backgrounds and interests, who have a passion for apps and information. Sharing their knowledge and experiences with their followers. Providing iOS app reviews, information and resources for readers in a fun and friendly environment. http://theappyladies.com

AppAble As parents of Special Needs Children we know how difficult it can be to find the right app for your child. We hope to make this a little easier for you all by providing reviews and also showcasing the Developers who make the apps. www.appabled.com www.facebook.com/AppAble

Smart Apps for Kids

www.smartappsforkids.com/android www.smartappsforkids.com

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

If you haven't discovered Pinterest yet, do it now!

This particular board is created by Lauren S. Enders SLP/Augmentative Communication Consultant/Assistive Technology Consultant. Lauren's done all the hard work for us, listing apps in categories in subject order, I guarantee you will find what you are looking for, and will save you hours searching for the right app. Website: www.pinterest.com/lasenders

Another great board is Speechie Freebies www.pinterest.com/speechiefreebie/ Search on Pinterest such as - sensory play, autism activities, sensory room, autism resources, sensory table ideas, home school ideas, social stories, pretend play, autism visuals just to name a few.

Lois Jean Brady, Speech Language Pathologist Assistive Technology Specialist has released her revised editon of her book 'Apps for Autism'. Available at all good bookstores.

Volume Sanity (App) Do you have a child who always plays video at full blast? I suggest to download this app. Note: for the app to work it always needs to be open, or running in the background. This app is fantastic and definitely saved my sanity!

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/volumesanity/id764527872?

ISBN-10: 1941765009 ISBN-13: 978-1941765005

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Toy & Resources Libraries __________________________________________________________ Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark Resource Centre Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to the provision of high quality professional and developmental support to children with a disability and additional needs. They also run an Educational resources and Toy Lending Library. Website: www.noahsark.net.au Playgroup Queensland Toy Libraries offers a wide range of toys and equipment for use in playgroup sessions and at home. For more details on becoming a member in regarding Toy Libraries or Playgroup QLD playgroups in your area please the State Office Toll Free 1800 171 882. Website: www.playgroupqueensland.com.au/playgroup-programs-for-families/playgroup-programs/toy-libraries ARC toy library and Resource Centre (Cairns and Far North Qld) Children and young people (aged 0 to 18) who have a disability can use the Toy Library and Resource Centre. Mobile service to regional areas of Far North Queensland also available. Access to the ARC Toy Library and Resource is via payment of a yearly membership fee. Please contact ARC for current membership rates. Website: www.arcinc.org.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/arcinc Moreton Bay Region SEQ - Redcliffe Special Needs Library. The Redcliffe Special Needs Library Association provides a lending service to enhance the lives of people with special needs and their families. Website: www.rsnl.org.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Redcliffe-Special-Needs-LibraryAssociation/792280670797242 Maryborough Toy and Special Needs Library An extensive range of toys, educational resources, play equipment and specialised disability equipment. Annual membership fee may apply. 10-20 toys may be borrowed for a 3 week period. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1-4.30pm, Wednesday 10am-4.30pm, Saturday 912am. Addres: 239 Lennox Street, Maryborough, Tel: (07) 4190 5893 Website: www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/toy-libraries Nerang Branch Library Special Needs Library The Special Needs Library provides a collection of resources and equipment to assist with the development and rehabilitation of children and adults with special needs. Items are available for loan to support a range of developmental needs such as fine and gross motor skills, speech and language skills and imaginative play. Address: Corner White and Price Streets Website: www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/library/special-needs-library-10117.html The Community Resource Centre is a purpose-built centre to provide access to resources and facilities for people for people who have an identified physical, psychological, intellectual or social need and for professionals and organizations that assist them. It also houses resources that can be used by teaching professionals to enhance their own, their students' and parents' teaching and learning needs. Adaptive Technology Space, Life Skills Training Areas, Treatment and Interview Rooms, Meeting and Training Room, Indoor and Outdoor Play Spaces. Website: www.banana.qld.gov.au/community-resource-centre

Make sure you check in with your local autism support group for lending resources. such as toys and books!

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Resource Facebook Groups ____________________________________________________________ Resources For Special Needs Group. This facebook group has been developed over several years to the point where it reaches and assists over 10,000 mothers, carers, professionals and others involved with special needs around the world. Resources for Special Needs provides a single place to access advice, apps and the opportunity to participate by assisting others. This group is an illustration of the best in human behaviour. People who can help, do so. Everyone benefits. facebook.com/groups/resourcesforspecialneedsaustralia Learning to Learn Group People with complex special needs require an individual learning regime. Parents and carers are best equipped to know what works for them. Our collective knowledge in an easy to navigate site may be very useful. You may feel new and have nothing to share: this is not true. Your questions will help others discover new thoughts and ideas about home educating their children. Your tips, your links to resources, etc will be useful to others. A feature of this group is that it values and respects diversity: we believe there is no one right way to home educate and that every individual family builds an educational experience to meet the needs of that family facebook.com/groups/specialneedslearning Autism Discussion Page Bill Nason is a mental health professional, with a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in clinical psychology and more than 30 years of experience in treating individuals with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Over the years he began to specialise in autism spectrum disorders and developed a strong compassion for these children. In May of 2011 he started this Facebook page which has now grown to 80,000 members. Through his articles and slide presentations members encouraged him to write a book, which he did, two of them. This page is a wonderful resource and support for many parents, children, teachers, professionals, and people on the spectrum. facebook.com/autismdiscussionpage His books are a must read!

Resources for Special Needs - Handbook

Publication of this handbook was proudly supported by Autism World Magazine

and with the help of Jacqui Little & Alison Lyons, resources extraordinaires and facebook group administrators at Resources for Special Needs - Australia

Our grateful thanks for helping this Resources for Special Needs Handbook reach Australian families and health and education professionals supporting families affected by special needs.