so theci al times - aapc publishing · the social times, volume 1 (2009-2010) ©2009 autism...

The Social Times, Volume 1 (2009-2010) ©2009 Autism Asperger Publishing Company; www. asperger.net

The Social Times has been created and endorsed by Kari Dunn Buron, a pretty good teacher from Minnesota.

Webpage Advisors Patricia Cretella – speech-language pathologist David McCoy – autism researcher

The Social Times Advisory Group Mariah Sheehey – young adult with Asperger Syndrome Paul Tsai – young adult with Asperger Syndrome Pam Erikson – parent of boy with Asperger Syndrome and executive director of the Autism Society of Minnesota Pamela Wolfberg – creator of Integrated Play Groups and teacher trainer Scott Bellini – social skills author and teacher trainer Heather Hanzlick – autism education specialist Shelly Schmitt – occupational therapist Joyce Santo – autism education specialist Tere Sieunarine – parent and president of the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago Patricia Cretella – speech-language pathologist David McCoy – autism researcher

Prepublication Focus GroupsThe following groups participated in focus groups to advise AAPC and Kari regarding the look of and contents of the magazine: CEC educators Camp Discovery Campers ages 10-21; Autism Society of Minnesota Adult Support Group at the Autism Society of Minnesota

Why Develop a Magazine Like The Social Times?

The idea for The Social Times came about when a teacher in Minnesota asked if anyone knew of a social skills magazine that might be useful to use in a high school social skills group. Nobody knew of one, but everyone thought it sounded like a great idea.

The Social Times has been developed as a tool to support other social skills curriculum. The reading level varies from article to article, but is generally appropriate for students with Asperger Syndrome in grades 3 through 10. Prior to publishing the first volume, the concept and samples were reviewed by many, including students ages 10-21. Most of the responses regarding the usefulness of the content were very positive.

The Social Timesat a Glance


We know that students with Asperger Syndrome typically learn best within predictable routines. The Social Times offers a predictable format for students to appreciate and anticipate, especially when used at regular intervals – there are seven issues, which can be spread over the school year on an almost monthly basis. The articles discuss common problems that can be discussed in more systematic and less personal ways.

In each issue, the main topic focuses on an area of social cognition that appears to be affected in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The word searches and crossword puzzles support the vocabulary introduced in the Main Event article. Whenever possible, guest authors who are experts in a given area write The Main Event.

Motivation is a typical problem faced when teaching social information in a “classroom” environment. Hopefully The Social Times has been designed to add some fun to the curriculum and thereby increase student motivation.

An overall goal of the magazine is to increase active participation by offering each participant his or her own copy of the magazine and suggesting activities that require actual practice of the skills and concepts discussed.

Please feel free to send in feedback regarding your use of the magazine. Encourage your students to write letters to Roger or social mishap ideas to the editors, Claire and Winston.Please send all such emails to: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Note to Teachers

We are including a brief, 5-minute PowerPoint® presentation that can be used at a teacher or parent meeting. For each issue of The Social Times we will include a different presentation specific to the topic. This presentation will be accompanied by a Mainstream Teacher Handout with tips for recognizing and working with social issues in the classroom.

I am Kari Dunn Buron,a teacher from Minnesota,

and I just love this magazine!

You betcha.


Books and Other Materials by Kari Dunn Buron

Kari Dunn Buron, M.S., is the coordinator of an ASD certificate program for educators at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. She received her Master of Science degree in behavior disorders and learning disorders from Illinois State University in 1980. She recently retired from K-12 special education after more than 30 years. Kari is one of the founding members of the MN Autism Network, a statewide group of Autism Resource Specialists, and a past president of the Autism Society of Minnesota. She has spent 17 years working with the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago, where she travels annually to volunteer in homes and schools. In 1995, Kari developed Camp Discovery, a summer camp for youth with Asperger Syndrome. In 2003, she received a fellowship that allowed her to study social cognition and ASD from an international perspective. She is the co-author of The Incredible 5-Point Scale and The 5-Point Scale and Anxiety Curve Poster; and the author of When My Autism Gets Too Big!, A 5 Is Against the Law! and When My Worries Get Too Big! She is the creator of A “5” Could Make Me Lose Control, an activity-based method of working with highly anxious students. Finally, Kari is co-editor of Learners on the Autism Spectrum – Preparing Highly Qualified Educators. Kari speaks nationally and internationally on topics related to ASD, social cognition, and challenging behavior. She serves on the professional advisory board for the Autism Society of Minnesota and the Autism Asperger Digest. For more information, visit www.5pointscale.com


Message to Teachers

The editors of The Social Times would like to encourage social skill groups to write Roger a question. Sometimes it is easier for groups to come up with and affirm ideas for submission. If you as the teacher do the legwork of mailing it in, we might actually get some student input!

We are also interested in original poems and artwork from students in your social groups. All original work will be labeled with the student’s name and home town.

Please send to the following e-mail address: [email protected]


Sample Parent Letter

Dear ___________

Your student is currently participating in a social skills and social understanding group. As a supplement to our curriculum, we will be receiving a monthly magazine that addresses the social issues typically involved in autism spectrum disorders. The magazine is published by the Autism Asperger Publishing Company, a company that publishes books to support families, educators, and individuals with ASD. When we are finished using the magazine at school, your student will be able to bring it home. I believe you will find the information in each issue both interesting and helpful. Please contact me if you have any questions about the magazine or our social skills curriculum.

Yours,

___________________________________

so theci al times - aapc publishing · the social times, volume 1 (2009-2010) ©2009 autism...

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