Resource Review

Reviewed by Krissy Wright.

NEW DVD!!

Autism at school. A video resource for teachers and parents in New Zealand. 2009.

This new DVD is a fantastic new resource that has been produced by Southern Moon Productions with funding for South Island filming kindly provided by Whitestone Cheese Rolling New Zealand. It is very comprehensive and is divided into three sections.

The first section of the DVD looks at the different models of education in New Zealand at both primary and secondary school level. It looks at mainstreaming, satellite classes, and special schools and shows the classroom in action in the various settings. Included are perspectives from parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, educators, other professionals working with young people with ASD and most importantly the children and young people themselves!

The second section offers practical advice and strategies for parents and professionals to use. Psychologist Lenard Nel discusses the specific characteristics associated with autism and how this can affect learning and behaviour. There is also a pdf of his discussion on the DVD which can printed off.

The last section involves the children and young people with ASD talking about their experiences at school. They discuss what they enjoy about being at school as well as the aspects that they find challenging and may struggle with. They offer a valuable insight into not only their lives at school but also in everyday life.

Some may consider this DVD long at 150 minutes, and it is structured in chapters so viewers can go to the section that interests them. However, I recommend watching the entire DVD to avoid missing any gems of information that could make the difference in a child or young person with ASD thriving or struggling at school and home.

A final personal note - I have a son with Down syndrome and I found numerous useful strategies that I can implement with him as well.

If you would like to view this DVD it can be borrowed from the our library or you can order your own copy by contacting Jude Smith at Southern Moon Productions. Email judesmi at gmail.com, call her on 027 241 1423 or go to their website at http://southernmoon.weebly.com.

Blue Bottle Mystery - An Asperger Adventure

Author: Kathy Hoopman.

Kathy Hoopman is a primary school teacher and children's author. In this simple but delightful story she has captured the essence of what it is like to live with Asperger's syndrome. Ben and Andy are friends who attend the same school. The story focuses on Ben's experiences at school and his continued bewilderment at what to him seems odd rituals and often confusing ways in which other people interact with him. It isn't until well into the story that he receives a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. Although the book is brief (I read it in less than an hour) and it is a children's story, it still manages to encompass a diverse range of issues common to children with Asperger's syndrome.

I particularly liked the subtle blend of an imaginative child's tale and yet a view inside the world of Asperger's syndrome. This book would be lovely for teachers to read to a class; it would also be great for parents to read with their child with Asperger's syndrome and siblings. It is also just a great imaginative story.