Behaviour Workshop #1: Strategies to Manage Task-Avoidance and Attention-Getting Behaviour

This workshop is for educators and caregivers/parents of young children on the autism spectrum.

I will build an understanding on the various functions (reasons) for behavior, describe that I've selected 2 functions for this workshop (task avoidance / escape and attention-seeking), go through each one using a combination verbal description, visuals including video clips, and discussion (audience-trainer and audience-audience) in order to introduce some strategies which have been known to be effective (either from published research and/or from my own field experience). We would also be breaking into groups to practice some of the strategies. 

To register, please use the directions on the attached flyer.

"Travelling by Airplane with a Young Child on the Autism Spectrum": Presentation

Audience Feedback: 

I really liked that you broke down every step from that time that you leave your house to the actual in flight travel.  I think a lot of times, one doesn't really realize how many steps it takes to travel by air (especially over seas travelling) with children, but especially with  children who do take every step very literally.  I've had the topic of travelling by plane come up a few times from a couple of different families;  as a person who works closely with the autism community and doesn't travel by plane often,  it can be difficult to remember all the steps you have to go through to even get on board.

Your presentation was very insightful --
I think you were exactly right when you said that being prepared before you even leave the house is the best advice to give anyone who is travelling with a child with Autism.


- H.F., Senior Therapist, De Pere, Wisconsin

Originally, this talk was presented in the USA at the ASW Conference in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin in April 2013. 

Due to interest locally, ANDI Initiative will be giving this presentation again, this time here in Malaysia. Kindly register your interest in the comments or email us at ANDI.Initiative@gmail.com.

Promoting Success for Children with Special Needs in Inclusive Environments through Mindful Shadowing - Workshop

This workshop for shadow aides and teachers was a full house this past January. ANDI Initiative intends to conduct a similar workshop in the next few months. If you are interested to attend, please email us.


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Have HOPE

Shared with express permission of the parent

Client confidentiality is VERY important to ANDI Initiative, that's why you won't typically see videos or photos of children we work with. Nor do we ever share out personal communication and information. However, occasionally, a parent gives express permission to share. For that, we thank them, because this is very valuable. These glimpses give other struggling parents MOTIVATION and HOPE, for their own children.

A few days ago, this parent sent me this and gave express permission to share the SMS as well as permission to leave her son's name is the SMS. Dharman's mother always downplays her effort and dedication. However, in the last 2 years, she has been a good student herself, learning everything she could, asking a lot of questions, and then taking the advice and implementing tirelessly with her son after work and on the weekends, and coming back to me with problems to troubleshoot. She also learned to take my advice about relaxing :-)

Parents, does this sound familiar? If so, can you see that you are not alone? Keep up your good work.



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JH Rocks!

Client confidentiality is of utmost importance to ANDI Initiative, that's why you don't typically see videos or photos of children we work with. However, occasionally, a parent gives express permission to share. This is very valuable, as these glimpses give other struggling parents MOTIVATION and HOPE, for their own children.

Here, JH's mother has allowed me to share a video she sent me. Both she and I know that with good guidance on appropriate programmes, good implementation from therapist and mother, and the tenacious everyday effort of JH's mother, JH has come out from the depths of autism and can learn, and participate in the world. He is seen here learning to play the guitar.

May JH continue to reach for the stars!

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You've Got to Move It, Move It...

Yes, we are all concerned about our children's learning, but don't forget: Besides the Mind, there's Body and Soul too!

Make space and time for physical activity!

Family photo

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February 2014 Intake Dates Confirmed for the ASD Parent Training & Support Series

Click on the image for a larger view

Click on the image for a larger view

ANDI Initiative will be starting another intake of the ASD Parent Training & Support Series starting February 10, 2014. This will be our 13th intake since 2007.

For more details and an application form, please send an email to ANDI.Initiative@gmail.com or send an SMS to 012-538 6134.

To read testimonials from previous parents who have participated in this Parent Training Programme, click HERE or on the Parent Testimonial button in the sidebar (right).

Start empowering yourself with the how-to!

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