Did You Know?
- Mentally retarded children are not mentally ill people
- Down Syndrome condition is caused due to the presence of an extra chromosome in some cells in the body
- Autistic Children are not schirzophinic.
- Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders of movement and posture
- ADHD – Children with Attention Deficit Disorder have problems in learning,memory & attention
- Dyslexic children have problems in reading and writing
- Learning-disabled children will have difficulty with the mechanical aspects of writing,and problems with spelling, punctuation, and handwriting
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Autistic Savant
'Autistic savant' means a person with Autism who has a special skill. 'Savant' comes from the French word for 'knowing' and means 'a learned person'. A person with this condition was once known as an 'idiot savant', since 'idiot' was an acceptable word for mental retardation in the late 19th century, when the phenomenon was first medically investigated. Around 10 per cent of people with autism show special or even remarkable skills. For example, a person with autism, who may be intellectually disabled in most ways, could have an exceptional memory for numbers.
A range of savant abilities
Around 10 per cent of people with autism show special or even remarkable skills. The skills range includes:
Splinter skills - the most common type. The person, like an obsessive hobbyist, commits certain things to memory, such as sports trivia.
Talented skills - the person has a more highly developed and specialised skill. For example, they may be artistic and paint beautiful pictures, or have a memory that allows them to work out difficult mathematical calculations in their head.
Prodigious skills - the rarest type. It is thought that there are only about 25 autistic savants in the world who show prodigious skills. These skills could include, for example, the ability to play an entire concerto on the piano after hearing it only once.
Specialised skill
In all cases of savant syndrome, the skill is specific, limited and most often reliant on memory. Generally, savant skills include:
Music - the piano or keyboard is the most popular instrument. For example, the skill may be the ability to play the instrument without being taught.
Art - such as the ability to draw, paint or sculpt to high standards. For example, Richard Wawro is an autistic savant who is also blind, but his crayon drawings command up to $10,000 each.
Mathematics - for example, the ability to work out complicated sums in their head, or to calendar calculate (for example, work out what day it was on 1 June1732).
Language - in rare cases, the person may be unusually gifted in languages.
Other skills - such as knowing the time without seeing a clock, untaught mechanical skills, having an unfailing sense of direction or the ability to commit maps to memory.
The brain's right hemisphere
Autistic savant behaviour is so far unexplained. However, researchers think it might have something to do with the right hemisphere of the brain.
The brain is divided into two hemispheres, left and right, bridged by a thick band of nerve fibres called the corpus callosum. While left hemisphere skills are involved with symbolism and interpretation (such as understanding words and body language), the skills of the right hemisphere are much more concrete and direct (such as memory).
CT and MRI scans of the brains of autistic savants suggest that the right hemisphere is compensating for damage in the left hemisphere. It seems that the right hemisphere of an autistic savant focuses its attention on one of the five senses - for example, if it concentrates on hearing, then the autistic savant may have a special skill in music. Research is ongoing.
Their skills may be reinforced
It is thought that habitual memory centres of the brain take over from higher memory centres, which helps to explain why some autistic savants are like obsessive hobbyists who do the same thing over and over. Apart from habitual memory, other factors that may help an autistic savant to hone their special skill could include:
The ability to focus and concentrate
The desire to practise endlessly
Positive reinforcement by family, friends and caregivers.
A range of savant abilities
Around 10 per cent of people with autism show special or even remarkable skills. The skills range includes:
Splinter skills - the most common type. The person, like an obsessive hobbyist, commits certain things to memory, such as sports trivia.
Talented skills - the person has a more highly developed and specialised skill. For example, they may be artistic and paint beautiful pictures, or have a memory that allows them to work out difficult mathematical calculations in their head.
Prodigious skills - the rarest type. It is thought that there are only about 25 autistic savants in the world who show prodigious skills. These skills could include, for example, the ability to play an entire concerto on the piano after hearing it only once.
Specialised skill
In all cases of savant syndrome, the skill is specific, limited and most often reliant on memory. Generally, savant skills include:
Music - the piano or keyboard is the most popular instrument. For example, the skill may be the ability to play the instrument without being taught.
Art - such as the ability to draw, paint or sculpt to high standards. For example, Richard Wawro is an autistic savant who is also blind, but his crayon drawings command up to $10,000 each.
Mathematics - for example, the ability to work out complicated sums in their head, or to calendar calculate (for example, work out what day it was on 1 June1732).
Language - in rare cases, the person may be unusually gifted in languages.
Other skills - such as knowing the time without seeing a clock, untaught mechanical skills, having an unfailing sense of direction or the ability to commit maps to memory.
The brain's right hemisphere
Autistic savant behaviour is so far unexplained. However, researchers think it might have something to do with the right hemisphere of the brain.
The brain is divided into two hemispheres, left and right, bridged by a thick band of nerve fibres called the corpus callosum. While left hemisphere skills are involved with symbolism and interpretation (such as understanding words and body language), the skills of the right hemisphere are much more concrete and direct (such as memory).
CT and MRI scans of the brains of autistic savants suggest that the right hemisphere is compensating for damage in the left hemisphere. It seems that the right hemisphere of an autistic savant focuses its attention on one of the five senses - for example, if it concentrates on hearing, then the autistic savant may have a special skill in music. Research is ongoing.
Their skills may be reinforced
It is thought that habitual memory centres of the brain take over from higher memory centres, which helps to explain why some autistic savants are like obsessive hobbyists who do the same thing over and over. Apart from habitual memory, other factors that may help an autistic savant to hone their special skill could include:
The ability to focus and concentrate
The desire to practise endlessly
Positive reinforcement by family, friends and caregivers.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Thursday, February 5, 2009
National Award
Prabhakar, former student of AIKYA received "National Role Model Award" of Government of India on world Disanility day on December 3, 2008 at Vignan Bhawan, New Delhi.
view the video here
http://gallery.me.com/shyamsubramanyan#100001
view the video here
http://gallery.me.com/shyamsubramanyan#100001
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
CREEDA - SPORTS CLUB FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
CREEDA - Sports Club of AIKYA
AIKYA offers special coaching in extracurricular activities like Indoor and Out door sports
AIKYA offers special coaching in extracurricular activities like Indoor and Out door sports
Sporting Activities include :
Track and Field Events
Football
Handball
Volleyball
Bocci
Cycling
Trekking
Camping
Adventure Sports
For more details call AIKYA at 2461 2668 /9444 960643
Track and Field Events
Football
Handball
Volleyball
Bocci
Cycling
Trekking
Camping
Adventure Sports
For more details call AIKYA at 2461 2668 /9444 960643
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIKYA is a comprehensive resource center on all matters concerning
children requiring special attention
AIKYA is a comprehensive resource center on all matters concerning
children requiring special attention
Importance of Extra Curricular activities in Schools
Exposure to a wide variety of activities contributes to learning in fun and non-stressful ways. It can give the students a sense of belonging and confidence. This is all the more true with and important to students with learning difficulties. The schools can help these students gain some perspective, and a self-esteem boost, by guiding them toward activities that play to their strengths and offer opportunities for success. The extra activities does not force the student to excel, but let him enjoy many new experiences. Help him set realistic goals and celebrate the small achievements. With each success, the student gains confidence that will spill over into other areas of his life.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Employers - Your kind attention please
“Employers - Your kind attention please –
I shall be an asset to your company. I am your opportunity ”
People with Down's syndrome are capable of learning, forming friendships,gaining employment and leading independent and active lives with differing levels of support.
Many people of working age with Down syndrome are out of work or are not given any opportunity to work
Research has shown that 80% of people with DS of working age want to work and can work.
EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Of a potential workforce of lakhs of people with Down syndrome in our country, hardly any will ever have the chance to prove that they are capable of contributing successfully to their employers or to the nation’s economy. With appropriate training and support, people with Down’s syndrome can and do make a huge contribution at their workplaces. Society must give people with Down's syndrome the same choices and chances as they do to others.
This is an appeal to you to help in making this a reality
SOME ADVANTAGES OF EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME
People with Down's syndrome want to work so that they can be independent, earn their own money, learn new skills, meet new people and develop a sense of worth and good self-esteem.
.
In giving a person with Down's syndrome a chance, you will gain keen, reliable, flexible workers who are ready to start at short notice.
People with Down Syndrome bring many benefits to the workplace
- improved staff morale
- good business practice
- reduced staff turnover
- improved staff attendance
- access to an untapped pool of labour
- a positive corporate image, promoting social inclusion and adherence to equal opportunities requirements.
Research has shown that employees with disabilities generally stay in the job for longer than their non-disabled counterparts.
They have a strong commitment to work, as well as good punctuality records and low absentee rates.
Employers recognise that having a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community they serve, makes for good public relations. Having a person with a learning disability in your workforce will enhance your company's image!
What you can do to make it a success
• Look at your procedures to see whether they are difficult for an employee with learning disabilities to comply with.
• Recognise that changes to the job or hours of work, may be required as part of making 'reasonable adjustments'.
• Recognise the 'natural' support provided by work colleagues and nurture this. Provide shadowing or support from a more experienced worker
• Consider whether your methods of communication, and language used, could be made simpler and easier to understand. Speak clearly, avoid jargon, use short words, use short sentences, avoid metaphors. If someone doesn't understand, try asking the question in another way!
• Check that the person has understood and, if necessary, repeat instructions.
• Break the job down into separate tasks.
• Whilst giving information about the job, show the person how to do it!
• Invite the person to perform the task and, if necessary, show again.
• Ability to learn can fluctuate from day to day. Once a task has been learnt, it will be retained but just revisit a task over a period of time to make sure!
• Some people may learn a task but develop their own individual way of accomplishing the task. If it gets the job done, allow the person room for development and creativity!
I shall be an asset to your company. I am your opportunity ”
People with Down's syndrome are capable of learning, forming friendships,gaining employment and leading independent and active lives with differing levels of support.
Many people of working age with Down syndrome are out of work or are not given any opportunity to work
Research has shown that 80% of people with DS of working age want to work and can work.
EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Of a potential workforce of lakhs of people with Down syndrome in our country, hardly any will ever have the chance to prove that they are capable of contributing successfully to their employers or to the nation’s economy. With appropriate training and support, people with Down’s syndrome can and do make a huge contribution at their workplaces. Society must give people with Down's syndrome the same choices and chances as they do to others.
This is an appeal to you to help in making this a reality
SOME ADVANTAGES OF EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME
People with Down's syndrome want to work so that they can be independent, earn their own money, learn new skills, meet new people and develop a sense of worth and good self-esteem.
.
In giving a person with Down's syndrome a chance, you will gain keen, reliable, flexible workers who are ready to start at short notice.
People with Down Syndrome bring many benefits to the workplace
- improved staff morale
- good business practice
- reduced staff turnover
- improved staff attendance
- access to an untapped pool of labour
- a positive corporate image, promoting social inclusion and adherence to equal opportunities requirements.
Research has shown that employees with disabilities generally stay in the job for longer than their non-disabled counterparts.
They have a strong commitment to work, as well as good punctuality records and low absentee rates.
Employers recognise that having a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community they serve, makes for good public relations. Having a person with a learning disability in your workforce will enhance your company's image!
What you can do to make it a success
• Look at your procedures to see whether they are difficult for an employee with learning disabilities to comply with.
• Recognise that changes to the job or hours of work, may be required as part of making 'reasonable adjustments'.
• Recognise the 'natural' support provided by work colleagues and nurture this. Provide shadowing or support from a more experienced worker
• Consider whether your methods of communication, and language used, could be made simpler and easier to understand. Speak clearly, avoid jargon, use short words, use short sentences, avoid metaphors. If someone doesn't understand, try asking the question in another way!
• Check that the person has understood and, if necessary, repeat instructions.
• Break the job down into separate tasks.
• Whilst giving information about the job, show the person how to do it!
• Invite the person to perform the task and, if necessary, show again.
• Ability to learn can fluctuate from day to day. Once a task has been learnt, it will be retained but just revisit a task over a period of time to make sure!
• Some people may learn a task but develop their own individual way of accomplishing the task. If it gets the job done, allow the person room for development and creativity!
Parents Association of people with Special needs
About Tamil Nadu state co-ordination Committee of PAIVAAR – NFPA
We have the pleasure in introducing TNSC of Parivaar – the State Federation of the National Federation of Parents’ Associations for Persons with Mental Retardation, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Disabilities which is a national level apex body of the parents for persons with these disabilities.PARIVAAR has a membership of more than 160 parents associations spread in 27 States and a Union Territory. Parivaar is a advocacy organization which takes up the issues concerning of persons with these disabilities and represent them to the Central and State authorities.
Parivaar conducts parent awareness programmes leading to formation of parents associations to provide various services to the persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, conducts seminars, workshops on various subjects, undertakes media publicity, publishes newsletters etc. One of the important programmes is to conduct Roundtable conferences in various states to bring synergy among the professionals, parents and the Government representatives in order to implement various programmes for rehabilitation and well being of persons with disabilities.
Parivaar has very close coordination with the National Institute for Mentally Handicapped [NIMH], Secunderabad and National trust.
Happy Teacher's Day
On the Teachers’ day
We rededicate ourselves to the cause of Special education and extend special greetings and a message to all special eduators working with students with special needs
What makes a great special education teacher?
1. You love your role, you love being with your students and you couldn't imagine doing anything else. You were meant to teach special needs children, you know this in your heart.
2. You have a great deal of patience and know that little steps in learning go a long way.
3. You know your students well and they are comfortable and at ease with you, they enjoy having you as their teacher and look forward to going to school each day.
4. You provide a non-threatening, welcoming environment that nurtures each of the students you work with.
5. You understand your students, you know what motivates them and you know how to scaffold activities to ensure that maximum learning occurs.
6. You take each student from where they are and provide experiences that will maximize success. You're always discovering new things about your students.
7. You are very comfortable working with exceptional learners and learners with diverse needs.
8. You thrive on challenge, can easily build relationships with your students and your student's parents.
9. You are a life-long learner and committed to the profession.
10. You have a never ending willingness to ensure that all students reach their maximum potential. You constantly strive to 'reach and teach' every student under your care.
“ Happy Teacher’s day “
We rededicate ourselves to the cause of Special education and extend special greetings and a message to all special eduators working with students with special needs
What makes a great special education teacher?
1. You love your role, you love being with your students and you couldn't imagine doing anything else. You were meant to teach special needs children, you know this in your heart.
2. You have a great deal of patience and know that little steps in learning go a long way.
3. You know your students well and they are comfortable and at ease with you, they enjoy having you as their teacher and look forward to going to school each day.
4. You provide a non-threatening, welcoming environment that nurtures each of the students you work with.
5. You understand your students, you know what motivates them and you know how to scaffold activities to ensure that maximum learning occurs.
6. You take each student from where they are and provide experiences that will maximize success. You're always discovering new things about your students.
7. You are very comfortable working with exceptional learners and learners with diverse needs.
8. You thrive on challenge, can easily build relationships with your students and your student's parents.
9. You are a life-long learner and committed to the profession.
10. You have a never ending willingness to ensure that all students reach their maximum potential. You constantly strive to 'reach and teach' every student under your care.
“ Happy Teacher’s day “
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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