eSpecially Ben

In the course of working on purchasing new equipment for Ben, I made contact with someone who developed a list of funding sources for families. She would prefer not to be named - we will just call her Angel. Angel did this on her own, to help the families who do not have a way to pay for the equipment their children desperately need. If you know of others we can include on this list, please add in the comments section or email me directly. The web addresses and information have been checked as of today, October 24, 2014. Angels in Need Davidson, North Carolina Website: www.angelsinneed.org Phone: 704-607-5118 Coverage: Local & International Angels in Need is a 100% volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity based in Davidson, North Carolina. It is our mission to serve children with special needs and their families both locally and abroad. Our goal is to enrich the lives of these children and families by supporting already existing programs and organiza...

We are in the process of selecting an augmentative communication device for Ben and a speech language therapist (one of her hats) sent us this video. I know I have been YouTube crazy lately, but this one is worth it. And I applaud the mom for the way she handled the situation, saw the importance of what occurred and shared its powerful message with us.

Pass this info on to parents and others! The Holly Rod Foundation, founded by Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete, who themselves have a son with autism, are having a holiday giving campaign by donating iPads to families with children diagnosed with autism, and who are either non-verbal or have limited verbal ability. Children must be on the autism spectrum. The iPad, with its many apps, is an excellent tool for communication and can be life changing for some children. There is a financial requirement - single family annual > gross income of less than $35,000 or dual family annual income of less than $50,000. Please spread the word to those you know affected by autism. Here is the link to apply: http://www.hollyrod.org/#/ holiday-2010/4545650338

When Ben was three, we started using a Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS. It is a system used widely with children with Autism. Ben has not been diagnosed with Autism, but we still find it quite useful. PECS is a augmentative and alternative communication device, used by people with special needs. It involves using pictures and symbols to communicate needs and wants. A longer and more in depth definition and history of PECS can be found at this Wikipedia site . To start, you need a large three-ring binder (about 3 inches wide), rolls of Velcro (more than you expect), hard plastic dividers, access to laminating machine or self-laminating sheets, scissors and camera. We use the following categories within the PECS book: Food Daily Activities Toys Outdoor Activities Places People Media (DVDs, books, music) Self-Help Activities The categories help us find the photos fast and return them to their correct location for use the next time. It will also help you to de...