Week in Review - June 19, 2015

WEEK IN REVIEW

NewNASETPublications and Articles of Interest in Special Education and Disabilities That Were Reported This Week

June 19, 2015 - Vol 11, Issue 25


 

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In This Issue

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

 

 

Dear NASET News,

Welcome toNASET'sWEEK in REVIEWHere, we provide you with the latest publications fromNASETto read and or download, as well as some of the most interesting articles that have happened this week in the field of special education. We hope you enjoy this publication.  Feel free to send us articles for this publication or let us know your thoughts about theWEEK in REVIEWatnews@naset.org.Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,


NASETNews Team

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New This Week on NASET

JAASEP - SPRING SUMMER 2015

Table of Contents

Learning Disabilities Today: An Examination of Effective and Not-So-Effective Interventions

Teaching Algebraic Equations to Middle School Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Students with Disabilities in the Polish Educational System After the Political Changes (2007 - 2012)

FAPE and LRE in Online Learning: Special Education Directors' Perspectives

A Preliminary Investigation of the Benefits of Computer-Aided Instruction in Reading Decoding for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities

Perspective Taking Through Film: Educating Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers About Autism

Comparing Student and Teacher Perceptions of the Importance of Social Skills in a Self-Contained Setting

Inclusive Education Practice in Southwestern Nigeria: A Situational Analysis

Parent Perspectives on Home-Based Intervention for Young Children with Developmental Disabilities: The Parent-Implemented Communication Strategies (PiCS) Project in Illinois, USA

The Digital Divide and Inequities for Students with Disabilities:Needed....A Bridge Over Troubled Waters!


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Autism Spectrum Disorder Series

June 2015

 

Trying to Figure Out the Function for Problem Behaviors? Ask the Child!

Introduction

When addressing problem behaviors in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the first step is to determine the function the behavior serves. The main reason why we need to determine the function for problem behavior is so that we can teach the child replacement skills that are more appropriate that can serve the same function. There are many tools teachers and behavior specialists use when doing a functional behavior assessment to determine the function of a problem behavior. Yet, one of the most effective things we can do first when trying to determine the function of a challenging behavior, however, is to ask the child why he/she is engaging in the problem behavior. You would be amazed at what you can learn about a student's problem behavior if you just ask. This issue ofNASET'sAutism Spectrum Disorderseries, written by Deb Leach, Ed. D., BCBA (and reprinted with permission from Doug Goldberg at The Special Education Advisor at www.specialeducationadvisor.com/trying-to-figure-out-the-function-for-problem-behaviors-ask-the-child/, will explore the impact and effectiveness of asking children directly about their problem behaviors and why they do what they do.

To read or download this issue - Click here (login required)

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SeeNASET'sLatest Job Listings

Parents' Age May Be Factor in Child's Autism Risk

Parents' ages may play a role in a child's risk of developing autism, a new study suggests. Past research has already reported a higher risk of autism among children of older parents, as was found in this new paper. But this study also suggests that children of teen parents and of parents with a big age difference have higher odds of developing an autism spectrum disorder. "Your age and the age of your partner matters, but older age, younger age or a large gap in age is not deterministic," said study author Sven Sandin, a statistician in the department of medical epidemiology and biostatistics at Karolinska Institute in Sweden. To read more,click here

Brains of Teens With Bipolar Disorder Develop Differently: Study

Teens with bipolar disorder seem to have abnormal development in areas of the brain that help regulate emotions, researchers report. "In adolescence, the brain is very plastic so the hope is that one day we can develop interventions to prevent the development of bipolar disorder," senior study author Hilary Blumberg, a professor of psychiatry, diagnostic radiology, and of psychiatric neuroscience at the Yale Child Study Center in New Haven, Conn., said in a university news release. Bipolar disorder typically appears in the teens and causes severe swings in mood, energy and activity levels. Problems with impulse control are common among people with bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder are also at high risk for substance abuse and suicide, the researchers said. To read more,click here

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NASET MEMBER'S BENEFIT -

Board Certification in Special Education Available to NASET Members

Through an agreement with The American Academy of Special Education Professionals(AASEP), NASET members now have the opportunity to achieve AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) at a reduced fee.  AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) is a voluntary choice on the part of the candidate. The candidate for Board Certification wishes to demonstrate a commitment to excellence to employers, peers, administrators, other professionals, and parents. From the standpoint of the Academy, board certification will demonstrate the highest professional competency in the area of special education. Board Certification in Special Educationestablishes a much needed standard for professionals, across disciplines, who work with exceptional children.

 

For more information on Board Certification in Special Education,click here

New Trial Tests Whether TB Shot Fights Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers are launching a clinical trial to see if a vaccine approved long ago to prevent tuberculosis may also hold promise as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. The proposed five-year study is designed to investigate whether repeated injections of the tuberculosis vaccine bacille Calmette-Guerin (or BCG vaccine) can quiet the immune system attack that causes type 1 diabetes and improve blood sugar levels in people with long-standing diabetes. "BCG is showing so much promise in worldwide trials [for conditions such as multiple sclerosis]," said study author Dr. Denise Faustman, director of the immunobiology laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. To read more,click here

Housing Unaffordable For Many With Disabilities, Report Finds

Housing is too costly for people with disabilities living on Supplemental Security Income in nearly every place across the country, with apartment rents often exceeding an individual's entire monthly income. Nationally, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in 2014 totaled 104 percent of the monthly SSI payment for a person with a disability, according to a report out this week. "From Bethel, Alaska to Boston, Mass., to Tallahassee, Fla., we have an affordable housing crisis in our nation's local communities, and it is particularly acute for people with disabilities on SSI," said Kevin Martone, executive director of the Technical Assistance Collaborative, which produced the report along with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. To read more,click here

NASET Members Only

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Guess the answer to this week's trivia question and we'll recognize you in next week's Week in Review.
Congratulations to:  Marie Wise-Miu, Shameem Banu, Olumide Akerele, Prahbhjot Malhi, Rena Root, Laurine Kennedy, Ope-Oluwa Olubela, Marvin Western, Marilyn Haile, Virginia Osewalt, Pamela Downing-Hosten, Wanda Routier and Mary Amason who all knew the answer to last week's trivia question: This corporate giant is looking to address the needs of a billion people with disabilities worldwide and putting big bucks behind the effort. It is offering up $20 million to nonprofits "using emerging technologies to increase independence for people living with disabilities." What is the name of the company?
ANSWER:  GOOGLE

THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
High-volume hydraulic fracturing -- also known as "fracking" -- allows access to large amounts of natural gas trapped in shale deposits. Natural gas wells using this method are increasingly common in the United States. According to a new study of Pennsylvania birth rates, living close to a high number of "fracked" natural gas wells may be linked to an increased risk of having what type of issues for babies?

If you know the answer, send an email tocontactus@naset.org
All answers must be submitted no later than Monday, June 22, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.

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More Young Children Exposed to Marijuana, Study Finds

There's been a sharp increase in marijuana exposure among young children in the United States in recent years, a new study finds. The increases in exposure come as more states have legalized the drug for medical or recreational use, the researchers noted. Marijuana exposure in young children generally comes from breathing or swallowing the drug. "The high percentage of ingestions may be related to the popularity of marijuana brownies, cookies and other foods," study co-author Henry Spiller, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital, said in a hospital news release. To read more,click here

Scientists Bioengineer First Artificial Animal Limb

Researchers say they have taken the first steps in creating artificial replacement limbs that could be used for transplantation in the future. Massachusetts General Hospital scientists have developed bioartificial rat forelimbs with functioning vascular and muscle tissue. (The term "bioartificial" means using biomaterials and cells to make replacement organs or limbs.) The scientists believe this process could one day work in primates -- including humans -- as well. To read more,click here

Spinal Cord Injuries Drop Among Young, But Rise Among Older Americans

While the overall rate of traumatic spinal cord injuries was stable from 1993 to 2012, an increasing number of older Americans have experienced this injury, a new study finds. "Spinal cord injury is a catastrophic injury that often results in permanent disability," said lead researcher Dr. Nitin Jain, an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. Injuries to the spinal cord can cause paralysis as well as permanent changes in strength, sensation and other functions. To read more,click here

Autism Linked to Higher Smog Levels, Study Says

Air pollution exposure may be linked to a child's risk of autism, a recent study suggests. The controversial findings echo similar results from a study last winter that found an increased risk of autism among children of women exposed to more smog late in pregnancy. This new study -- which does not establish a direct connection between dirty air and autism -- did not find a statistically significant increased risk for autism related to air pollution exposure at any specific time during pregnancy. To read more,click here

Technology Offers Hope of Better Bionic Legs

Scientists say they're making progress toward developing a motorized artificial lower leg that automatically adjusts to changes in movement, such as from walking to using stairs. Currently, powered prosthetics are available for the arm, knee, ankle and foot, but not for the length of leg from knee to foot. The technology described in a new study aims to use electronic signals from the user's brain to control the knee-to-foot prosthesis. While years away from prime-time use, the advances reported in the study are promising, said lead author Levi Hargrove, director of the Neural Engineering for Prosthetics and Orthotics Laboratory at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. To read more,click here

NASET - Members Only Savings

NASET is pleased to provide our members with exclusive access to discounts on products and services. These savings are available to all currentNASETmembers. To find out more about savings from Life Lock, Avis, Budget, Cruises Only, Orlando Vacations and more -Click here

States Consider Better Pay For In-Home Caregivers

People working in one of the fastest growing professions in America aren't well paid. Many of them don't get health or retirement benefits. And federal minimum wage and overtime protections still don't apply to them. Despite the low wages and odd hours, 2 million Americans are home care workers, helping to dress, feed and bathe the elderly and people with disabilities within their homes. They are in high demand: The U.S. population is aging, and more seniors want to stay in their homes instead of moving to nursing homes. To read more,click here

More Evidence That General Anesthesia May Affect Young Brains

Having general anesthesia during surgery at a very young age may be linked to poorer brain development, new research suggests. Children who had received general anesthesia during surgery before they turned 4 years of age later scored slightly lower on listening comprehension and parts of an IQ test, compared to children who had never had general anesthesia, the researchers found. The children's overall IQ scores, however, remained within the normal range. "It is difficult to see whether this decrease had any functional effect for an individual child," said study author Dr. Andreas Loepke, a professor of clinical anesthesia and pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. To read more,click here

Special Education Law Symposium

The 40th Anniversary of the IDEA: The Past is Prologue

REGISTER NOW: June 21 - June 26, 2015


Lehigh University's intensive one-week institute provides a practical analysis of legislation, regulations, and case law relating to the education of students with disabilities.The symposium is designed for special education coordinators and teachers, principals, psychologists, parent advocates, attorneys (on both sides), hearing officers, state officials, and other individuals interested in legal literacy concerning the education of students with disabilities.

The workshop is offered for graduate and continuing education credit. Weekly and daily options are available.  Full information is now available on our website:coe.lehigh.edu/law.  For any questions, email or call Shannon Weber or Donna Johnson atspecialedlaw@lehigh.eduor (610) 758-5557(610) 758-5557.

 

Disability Advocates Urge FDA To Ban Shock Devices

More than a year after the Food and Drug Administration said it might ban electric-shock devices used to modify behavior in individuals with disabilities, advocates are calling on the agency to take action. In a letter sent last week to Stephen Ostroff, acting commissioner of the FDA, dozens of disability advocacy organizations urged the agency to ban what are known as aversive conditioning devices. "We call for the FDA to issue a total ban on any aversive conditioning devices used for contingent electric shock, in order to protect the public's right to safe, evidence-based treatment and the inherent human rights and dignity of people with disabilities," reads the letter signed by over 70 advocacy groups including The Arc, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the Autism Society of America, the National Disability Rights Network and the National Down Syndrome Society. To read more,click here

Gun Violence Takes Toll on Kids' Mental Health, Study Finds

More than one in four children in the United States is exposed to weapon-related violence -- as a victim or witness -- which ups their risk for mental health problems, a new study says. Using 2011 data from a national survey of children and parents, researchers also estimated that one in 33 kids has been assaulted in incidents where lethal weapons -- guns and knives -- were used. Such lethal weapons exposure makes it more likely they will arm themselves, or associate with people carrying weapons. They are also more likely to suffer long-term psychiatric consequences, the study authors said. To read more,click here

Survey Finds Most With Special Needs 'Striving To Work'

A new, national survey finds that the majority of people with disabilities want to be employed, but they often encounter barriers to work. Overall, nearly 43 percent of individuals surveyed said they were currently working. Another 25 percent said they'd been previously employed and a handful of people said they hadn't worked but were looking for a job. Collectively, those behind the research said the figures show that nearly 69 percent of those with disabilities are "striving to work." The findings come from a telephone poll of more than 3,000 adults with disabilities across the country conducted by the University of New Hampshire for the Kessler Foundation, a New Jersey-based nonprofit that focuses on neurological disabilities. To read more,click here

Special Diets, Supplements Not Always Helpful for Kids With Autism

Well-intentioned parents of children with autism may think that special diets or supplements can help their child, but a new study suggests that often these efforts lead to problems. As the researchers explain, many children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are picky eaters, and parents may direct them to nutritional supplements, or gluten- or casein-free diets. However, the study reported June 4 in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that these regimens leave children still deficient in some nutrients, such as calcium. On the other hand, special diets and supplements can cause children to take in excessive amounts of other nutrients, such as vitamin A, the researchers said. To read more,click here

Honor Society for Special Education Teachers

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Children with TBI Have Poorer Sleep Quality, More Daytime Sleepiness

A new study suggests that children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have poorer sleep and more daytime sleepiness in comparison to healthy children. Results show that children with TBI were more likely to experience greater daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances and a poorer overall sleep quality. The children with TBI also had impaired emotional, physical and social functioning when compared to healthy children. "We were surprised that children with a TBI experienced persistent increases in daytime sleepiness and decreases in sleep quality compared to healthy children," said principal investigator Kimberly Allen, PhD, RN, assistant professor, Center for Narcolepsy, Sleep and Health Research, Department of Women Children and Family Health Science, at the University of Illinois-Chicago. To read more,click here

Cyberbullying Less Stressful Than In-Person Bullying, Study Claims

Young people who face bullies both online and in-person may have much greater distress than kids who deal with just one form of bullying, especially cyberbullying, a new study contends. When bullying starts and stays online, it may not persist as long or involve a major imbalance of power. As a result, cyberbullying may be somewhat easier for young people to endure than traditional bullying that occurs face-to-face, researchers from the University of New Hampshire said. To read more,click here

Early Intervention Improves Long-Term Outcomes for Children with Autism

Early intervention for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder helps improve their intellectual ability and reduces autism symptoms years after originally getting treatment, a new study shows. The study is the first in more than 20 years to look at long-term outcomes after early intensive autism intervention. The therapy began when children were 18 to 30 months of age and involved therapists and parents working with the toddlers in their homes for more than 15 hours each week for two years. To read more,click here

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jobsNASET's Latest Job Listings

* Special Education Classroom Teacher - Provides instruction to students with developmental disabilities in education, vocational, functional and self-help, social-emotional, and behavioral areas. To learn more-Click here


* Special Education Teacher - Provides for the academic, social and emotional growth of each student by using a variety of instructional strategies. The Teacher continually assesses each student's progress to maximize his or her fullest potential. To learn More - Click here


* Special Education Teacher (Middle or High School) - For Northumberland Middle School or Northumberland High School. Ability to work in inclusion/collaborative instructional setting. To learn more- Click here


* Special Education Teacher-Communication Disorders Collaborative - Fuller Elementary School, located in Keene, New Hampshire, is looking for a Special Education Teacher for the Communication Disorders Collaborative (CDC). The ideal candidate will have experience teaching students that have communication disorders, often involving social/pragmatic language weakness, along with knowledge of the special education process and writing measurable IEP goals. To learn more - Click here


* Special Education Teacher - $125K Salary - Earn a $125,000 salary and join a team of master teachers at The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School, recently featured on the front page of the New York Times. To learn more -Click here


* Self Contained Classroom Special Education Teacher - Needed in Arizona (Phoenix and surrounding cities). Needs are in the self-contained setting serving students with emotional disabilities (ED), Autism (A), Severe/Profound (S/P), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). STARS is the largest school contract agency in AZ. STARS is therapist owned and operated. To learn more - Click here


* Informational Technology Resource Teacher - is a full time, 10-month salaried employee who will work with students, faculty, and the administration to facilitate the integration of technology into all areas of instruction at Oakwood School. To learn more - Click here

Food For Thought..........

Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

Henry James
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