The most essential requirement for an autistic student who wishes to attend college is early preparation. The abilities and interests of the student must be assessed and then appropriate goals may be determined. These goals need to be measurable goals, interim steps, clear desired outcome, and proper support. The transition to a college environment may be difficult for the student with autism, but with preparation and transition planning, the process will be obtainable. The difference between college and high school is one of teaching types. In high school, the student study under a structured plan while in college he will experience a broad spectrum plan.

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In the spring of 2012, STAAR – the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness – will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) program.

The Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas educators worked together to develop a new assessment system as set forth by the 80th and 81st Texas legislatures. The focus was on increasing postsecondary readiness of graduating high school students and helping to ensure that Texas students are competitive with other students both nationally and internationally.

There will be two cut scores, and they will identify three performance categories:
•    Level III: Advanced Academic Performance
•    Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance
•    Level I: Unsatisfactory Academic Performance

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New findings by the Council of State Government’s Justice Center made a bitter discovery this year when it found that Texas public schools more frequently disciplined children with learning disabilities by in school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and expulsion. Records were evaluated at Texas’s largest school system which enrolls close to one million students. They revealed that 75% of middle and high school students with disabilities had been suspended, expelled, or both at least once. Only 55% of the learning disabled students had not suffered those consequences.

Findings showed that the punishments were equally administered to the disabled students. Of those students suffering from an emotional disturbance, 90% were suspended or expelled at least once between the 7th through the 12th grades. Even more astounding was the fact that half of this group were suspended or expelled more than (eleven) 11 times.

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The Autism Answer Book is a great reference book that includes more than 300 of the Top Questions Parents Ask. Areas to review when reading this book are:

• What is Autism?
• Getting a Diagnosis
• School Success
• Treatment Options
• Fair Discipline
• Social Connections
• Communication Differences
• Valuing Passions
• Sensory Sensitivities

Pay special attention to Chapter 11, School Success. Here you will drill down and address topics that should be addressed in the IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting.

I want to share a book with you. The Autism & ADHD Diet by Barrie Silberberg is a remarkable book that I refer to clients when I meet a child such as Noah. Today, I referred this book again and I thought I should post it on our web so that parents could easily locate the book and include it on their home reference shelf.

The rate of ASD has increased alarmingly in recent years. In 1995, one in 500 children was diagnosed with autism. In 2000, the rate was one in 250. Today, in 2008, it’s one in 150, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Noah's Story

Noah was a wild boy before he began second grade. His father and I were called to the school for an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting. Because of Noah’s out-of-control behavior, school officials didn’t want him there. Yet they were willing to have professionals observe him and try to fit him into a regular class. The plan was to meet again in November and decide what to do.

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Provided by Kim Ashby

Answer the following questions:     YES     NO

Do you skip words or lines when reading?        
Do you reread lines?        
Do you lose your place?        
Are you easily distracted when reading?        
Do you need to take breaks often?        
Do you find it harder to read the longer you read?        
Do you get headaches when you read?        
Do your eyes get red and watery?        
Does reading make you tired?        
Do you blink or squint?        
Do you prefer to read in dim light?        
Do you read close to the page?        
Do you use your finger or other markers?        
Do you get restless, active, or fidgety when reading?        

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, then you might be experiencing the effects of a perception problem called Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, which can interfere with your reading efficiency. Now, for the first time, there is a simple method Irlen Colored Filters worn as glasses or contact lenses, that can help people overcome this problem quickly and easily.

Copyright © 1991 by Perceptual Development Corp/Helen Irlen.  All rights reserved.
For other self tests including the long test, headache test, light sensitivity test, autism test <a href="http://irlen.com/index.php?s=selftests">click here</a>.

Your step by step guide to Hope and Healing.....your simple step-by-step guide to the breakthrough Diet that produces extraordinary results..... Read More...http://glutenfreecooking.about.com/od/glutenfreecookbooks/gr/reviewautismdiet.htm