Lynn Parsons

Please visit my new page at http://lynndparsons.com.

I’ve moved my blog to http://lynndeniseparsons.blogspot.com. I also have a new website at lynndparsons.com, and twitter @parsonslynn!

The debate has raged for years as to the effectiveness of early intervention for children with Autism. A new study at the University of Washington shows that the Early Start Denver Model is effective with children as young as one year old. The treatment requires only 15 hours per week as compared to 40 hours for Applied Behavior Analysis. This was found to be so effective that it has been expanded to other locations. For more information, see the CNN story at http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/conditions/11/30/autism.study/.

What if you or your child has been diagnosed later in life? This is not a hopeless situation. See the “Autism” link at the left side of your screen for information and teaching methods.

More than 80 local community leaders have formed this coalition, which will begin meeting in January to address the needs of those with disabilities. This includes:

By the numbers Tarrant County has about 700 group home beds for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A child with mental retardation is born in Tarrant County every 12 hours.

A child with Down syndrome is born in Tarrant County every two weeks.

A child with disabilities is born in Tarrant County every 3  1/2 hours.

About 7,500 people in Tarrant County are on waiting lists for state-funded community-based services.

About 200 people in Tarrant County live in state schools.

Pretty exciting times for Tarrant County!

This is a big focus for parents and educators. I’ve worked with many students with learning disabilities who thought the September following graduation a bus would show up and take them to college.

It’s understandable. They have been passed from school to school their entire educational lives. Investigating their options and making plans are foreign concepts.

That’s why I’ve added the “Transition to Adulthood” page. Posted there you can find many links parents and students can use as they look towards the future. If you have any other suggestions, please leave a comment!

A college student from Iowa continues to serve those with special needs, as she has since childhood. Inspired by her mother, a teacher, this story is worth reading! http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091016/NEWS/910160316/1001/NEWS&community=Johnston

After two weeks, the story can be told! “Teaching Special Spirits” (working title), which I co-authored with the amazing Danyelle Ferguson, is getting published!

I got the phone call as I was counter-protesting outside city hall. A group was protesting prayers held at the beginning of city council meetings, so we decided to make our voices heard. As we were watching the television cameras scan the crowd (yes, we pushed the cute little kiddos forward!), my cell phone rang. Didn’t recognize the Utah phone number, but felt prompted to answer anyway. I was so pleased to hear from Tristi Pinkston from Valor Publishing Group! She asked about the background noise, and I explained about the protest. Tristi added her “phone vote” to the 200+ already there for our side. The other group had only a handful, so successful night all around. Of course, my friends wondered why I had started jumping up and down! Now they know . . .

My new book, “Teaching Special Spirits” (working title) will be published June 2010 by Valor Publication Group. This book teaches parents, teachers, and leaders how to best help those with disabilities at church. Written in partnership with Danyelle Ferguson, the mother of a child with a disability, this book covers topics for all aspects of family and church life.

Here is a collection of links I think would be most useful for teachers. Please comment and share your favorite resources!

One of the most difficult parts of writing an evaluation is the recommendations. I have posted a new page just for research-based recommendations. Post comments with those you use most, and we’ll create a database.