Web ResourcesThese resources were compiled and annotated by Jennifer Minton, MS, OTR/L, a pediatric occupational therapist who works with California Children’s Services in San Mateo, California. This information is used with her full permission.
Developmental/Learning Disabilities
|
 |
Autismhttp://www.autism-society.org/ The Autism Society of America has 20,000 members nationwide with over 200 chapters in almost every state. Its mission includes advocacy, education, active public awareness, and the promotion of research in order to provide people within the autism spectrum lifelong access and opportunity. Cure Autism Now Foundation is an organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists who aim to accelerate the pace of biomedical research in autism through raising money for research projects, education and outreach. The organization's primary focus is to fund research through a variety of programs designed to encourage innovative approaches toward identifying the causes, prevention, treatment and a cure for autism and related disorders. Information is provided about understanding, diagnosing, treating, and living with autism. http://www.futurehorizons-autism.com Future Horizons provides resources on autism and Asperger’s, including books, videos, newsletters, magazines, conferences, and internet links. The Autism Research Institute (ARI) was founded in 1967 to conduct and foster scientific research designed to improve the methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing autism. ARI also disseminates research findings to parents and others worldwide seeking help. The Floortime Foundation offers an interdisciplinary approach to helping children with autism that focuses on the emotional development of the child. The website provides the theory behind the approach, research, conference information, articles and scientific papers, local networking groups, and resources for parents. http://www.abainternational.org/ The Association for Behavioral Analysis provides information about applied behavioral analysis (ABA), a therapeutic approach used frequently for children with autism. The website is a center for ABA research, education, and practice. Caregiver supporthttp://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/home.jsp The Family Caregiver Alliance provides information, education, services, research, and advocacy to support and sustain the work of families who care for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. Cerebral PalsyUnited Cerebral Palsy (also known as Understanding Disabilities Creating Opportunities) is an organization that provides information about cerebral palsy, and whose mission is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/cerebral_palsy.htm This link connects to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke information page on cerebral palsy. It describes cerebral palsy, and provides information about treatment, prognosis, and research. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/ddcp.htm A subset of the CDC, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities provides information about cerebral palsy, its causes and prevention, prevalence, and resources. Creative Play ActivitiesEarly Childhood Direct is a professional resource for parents, teachers, and therapists who have or work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Ideas for activities and curriculum, arts and crafts, as well as expert advice, publications, and message boards are on the website. Crayola’s website offers ideas for coloring, arts and crafts, and card creation. http://www.pbs.org/wholechild/parents/play.html This PBS link provides advice on fostering creativity in play activities. http://www.highlights.com/sdx/H22121.jsp From the producers of Highlights magazine, the website provides ideas for imaginative and outdoor play, and science and discovery. They also sell books, puzzles, and toys. Developmental/Learning DisabilitiesThe Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning Disorders is an international federation of clinicians, educators, researchers, and parents working in cooperation to identify innovative approaches to the identification, treatment and education of children with developmental, communication, and learning disorders. The Council works to promote dialogue, improve clinical assessments and interventions, identify new directions for research, develop guidelines for clinical practice, and create opportunities for training, supervision and communication. The website contains links to informational webcasts; information about conferences, meetings, and support groups; and publications. Memberships are available for professionals, parents, and students. Exceptional Parent Magazine’s online resource providing information, support, ideas, encouragement & outreach for parents and families of children with disabilities, and the professionals who work with them. Examples of topics include education, healthcare, technology, sports, mobility, and life planning. First Signs aids in the early identification and intervention of children with developmental delays and disorders. Information is available about developmental milestones, red flags, developmental and behavioral disorders, screenings, early intervention, and treatments. The National Center for Learning Disabilities provides resources and information on particular learning disabilities and suggestions for living with learning disabilities. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides information, conducts research, and offers grants and fellowships. The Epilepsy Foundation’s website contains information and research about the disorder. It also has information on medications, state driving laws, and getting and keeping a job with epilepsy. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association provides information about ADD and ADHD, conferences, articles, and local support groups. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder provides science-based, evidenced-based information about ADHD to parents, educators, professionals, the media, and the general public. The Tourette Syndrome Association’s website contains information about the syndrome, the medical aspects and treatment, research and science, and publications and videos. In addition, it has an educational link for children to understand the syndrome. The Muscular Dystrophy Association provides access to information about MDA and ALS. The website has publications about MDA and ALS, information about clinics and services (including MDA summer camp), and research. http://www.biausa.org/Pages/home.html The Brain Injury Association of America provides information to the general public, people with brain injury, and friends and family of those with brain injuries to promote brain injury prevention, provide education, disseminate research, and communicate treatment and rehabilitation information. Sensory IntegrationThe Alert Program was developed by two occupational therapists who wrote the book, How Does Your Engine Run? The program is geared for teachers, therapists, and parents who choose appropriate strategies to change or maintain states of alertness in children and in themselves. Sensory Integration International is a non-profit organization that provides information on sensory integration for professionals, individuals, families, and researchers. A variety of courses are available for advanced training in sensory integration dysfunction for occupational and physical therapists, as well as basic courses to help understand sensory integrative disorders for parents, family members, and teachers. Informational texts, as well as audio and video tapes are available for purchase. http://www.out-of-sync-child.com This website was created by Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of The Out of Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction and The Out of Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction, among others. It contains information about sensory integration dysfunction, including detailed examples of what sensory integration dysfunction looks like in children. Information about the Balzer-Martin Screening Program, a method for identifying possible developmental problems in children ages 3, 4, and 5 years old, is also provided. http://www.sensoryresources.com Sensory Resources provides books, audio and video tapes, lists of workshops and conferences, and online resources focusing on raising children with sensory motor, developmental, and social-emotional challenges. This website is geared for parents, family members, teachers, and occupational and physical therapists. A project of the KID Foundation, the Sensory Processing Disorder Network was created to help parents, teachers, therapists, doctors, and others learn about and understand sensory processing disorder. The site lists websites, books, articles, videos and other resources about sensory processing disorder. Information about how to find a qualified occupational therapist, a directory of local professionals who work with children with sensory processing disorder, a network of local support groups for parents. General Child DevelopmentAmerican Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of pediatricians who work towards the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Information about children’s health ranging from immunization and obesity, to breastfeeding and injury prevention is available on the website. Zero to Three’s website provides information for parents and professionals about early child development. Access to training and consultation, fellowship programs, conferences, publications, and tips are provided. Early Childhood Direct is a professional resource for parents, teachers, and therapists who have or work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Ideas for activities and curriculum, arts and crafts, as well as expert advice, publications, and message boards are on the website. Provided by the Nemours Foundation, this website contains health information for kids and teenagers in a fun, interactive medium. Products/CatalogsAbilitations offers products for children with disabilities. They have specialized environments, movement equipment, fitness and sports products, and products that provide varying sensory input. http://www.specialkidszone.com Special Kids Zone offers therapy, exercise, and special education products for children. Products are available in the following categories: sensory stimulation, handwriting, gross motor, fine motor, oral motor, adaptive technology, daily living, mobility, orthopedic, furniture, and positioning. The Children’s Group, Inc. has music, videos, books, interactive CD-ROMs, educational resources, and live concerts for all families. http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/nika Discovery Toys offers educational toys for children, allowing them to learn through play. The website also has a toy finder chart that helps people pick an appropriate toy based on a child’s age range or targeted skill. http://www.dyenamicmovement.com/ Dye-namic Movement Products, Inc. sells dance, exercise, movement, and therapy equipment made out of stretch band fabrics to promote physical strength and flexibility, body awareness, creativity, cooperation, and team building. Educational Activities, Inc. offers educational products for all ages, including early childhood, upper elementary and middle school, and high school and adult education. There are a variety of audio/video tapes and workbooks. Miss Roben’s website sells foods for people with allergies. Every product is wheat-free and gluten-free, and many are free of casein, dairy, corn, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, egg, and more. OT Ideas, Inc. offers products for teachers and occupational therapists to help children develop fine motor and visual motor skills. Sensory Comfort sells products for children and adults who are hyper or hypo sensitive to sensory stimuli, such as touch, sound, smell, movement, taste, and/or visual. http://www.southpawenterprises.com Southpaw Enterprises offers products for children with special challenges and those who care for them. They have products for sensory integration, developmental delay, and pediatric therapy. Southpaw Enterprises also provides resources and support for professionals, schools, and families. Pocket Full of Therapy assists occupational therapists and others, concerned with the development of children, find the unique materials needed to provide effective, appropriate, motivating and fun, pediatric therapy and learning. The website also has an idea exchange and an Ask the Therapist section. Handwriting Without Tears is the handwriting curriculum of choice for many therapists, teachers, and parents. This website provides information on the Handwriting Without Tears Method, and sells all of the materials required to implement this handwriting program. Professional OrganizationsAmerican Occupational Therapy Association is the nationally recognized professional association of occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students of occupational therapy. The website is useful for the general public to learn more about the profession as well as for therapists and students to gain tools and resources. Occupational Therapy Association of California is an association dedicated to representing the needs and interests of OT practitioners in the state of California. The association promotes the occupational therapy profession, represents practitioners in the state of California, supplies legislative updates and information, offers opportunities to network and grow, and provides training and workforce development. American Physical Therapy Association is a national professional organization. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education. Information for physical therapy consumers and practitioners is available on the website, including legislative updates, publications, research, conferences, and jobs. American Speech-Language Hearing Association is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for its members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. The website provides information for the general public, practitioners, and students. In addition, the website allows for the location of a professional in a designated area as well as links to purchasing products. Professional Development Programs sponsors continuing education workshops and symposia of interest to professionals who provide services to children & adults with special needs. OT Exchange is a networking website where pediatric occupational therapists can exchange ideas, share experiences, and brainstorm together.
|
