Does anyone have a recommendation for a basic computer skills class for a young adult with autism? He has auditory processing disorder, so I need something very visual, and step by step. If it is online, the speaker cannot speak too quickly or with an accent. Having a "show me" then repeat approach is best. Looking for the basics: Word, Excel, uploading and downloading files, antivirus, computer maintenance, using Google calendar, and other basic apps, etc. Thank you so much!

Does anyone know of any curricula or materials that promote language and syntax development using rhythmic music, and movement? Preferably non-childish materials. This is for use with a young adult. Thanks!

Thank you so much Pen and Peterpan. Lots to look at!

Young adult on the spectrum.

Yes, my son already did Corrective Reading B1 level. That brought gains for sure and he's not forgotten the material

Language for Learning and Language for Thinking are for younger kids Im looking at the DI programs for teens and up. High school level https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.nifdi.org/resources/free-downloads/new-to-di/new-school-handouts/1247-di-in-high-school/file.html&ved=2ahUKEwiqt4jluILiAhUBeKwKHfw1Ai4QFjAAegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw0CC_nz405eaYYrryqix2pq

Can anyone recommend picture books for older students where the illustrations and contract are not so childish? Looking to develop narration skills in an older learner

Ok, I don't know anything about Reading Mastery, it sounds like it is more for learning to read versus reading to learn. My son is more on the hyperlexic side, so learning to read was/is not his issue. His issues are languagecomprehension, auditory processing, and expressive language, especially syntax. I found it interesting that the study I linked http://daddcec.org/Portals/0/CEC/Autism_Disabilities/Research/Publications/Education_Training_Development_Disabilities/ETADD_48(1)_41-48.pdf cited not only gains in reading, but language. I've used direct instruction myself with him at home, so one on one.

I have used Corrective Reading before with my teen, and found it to be quite effective. I'm probably going to bump him to the next level this year and see if we can get further gains. I'm also looking at Reasoning and Writing. Both of these programs seem to be helpful in older kids with learning disabilities. I'm just curious if anyone is using them or has used them. They are very teacher friendly and easy to implement. Can often be found used for a substantial discount. How effective was Reading Mastery for your child with autism? What age did you use it?

Has anyone used SRA's Direct Instruction Programs (i.e. Corrective Reading Comprehension) to remediate your autistic child's language and comprehension skills? "Teaching Reading Comprehension and Language Skills to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities Using Direct Instruction" This study was encouraging: http://daddcec.org/Portals/0/CEC/Autism_Disabilities/Research/Publications/Education_Training_Development_Disabilities/ETADD_48(1)_41-48.pdf

What is Anatomy and Physiology for artists? That sound interesting!

Thank you Flor. I just found out that this teacher is new to Big River Academy, so there are not any videos that one can watch. I have an email into her though to ask some questions about coming on as a Spanish 2 student to her curriculum.

2Peanuts, Thank you for your very helpful information!

Thank you so much 8Filltheheart! Very useful information. I appreciate the time you took to write this up!

2Peanuts, Thank you for your wonderfully encouraging comments. I think for my son, an OTA would be a good way to start out. He can always choose to pursue OT later if he so desires.My son was considering a degree in art therapy, but it requires 6 years of schooling vs 2 for OTA. I’m not sure he even wants 4 years of college versus 6. He’d rather get started with life and earning a good living sooner than later.Im hoping OTAs could do art therapy with clients in schools or in the home. This article seems to indicate that OTAs can use art therapy. I think my son would be great at this given his aptitude’s and interests.https://otaonline.stkate.edu/blog/occupational-therapy-assistant-work/ My son would love to shadow an OT or OTA for a day. Anyone know how to set that up? DS is little concerned about the science required to get the OTA degree. But on first glance the classes don’t look that difficult to me. Anatomy, medical terminology, health, etc. Not chemistry, physics, etc. Right?

Has anyone’s child pursued an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree?. It is a 2 year degree with excellent pay (average $60,000) and benefits. Our local community college will be offering this degree in 2020. My child graduates in 2021, so good timing. My kiddo is interested in art therapy, but that is a masters level degree and the average pay is $45,000, which is $15,000 less than on OTA , and requires more years of college.  I have read that occupational therapy assistants can utilize art therapy in their job. True?  Would love to learn more about this degree and career.

Beth R 7:18am #30373 Has anyone’s child pursued an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree? It is a 2 year degree with excellent pay (average $60,000) and benefits. Our local community college will be offering this degree in 2020. My child graduates in 2021, so good timing. My kiddo is interested in art therapy, but that is a masters level degree and the pay is $45,000, which is $15,000 less and 4 more years of college. I have read that occupational therapy assistants can utilize art therapy in their job. True? Would love to learn more about this degree and career.

Thank you Flor. I’m considering their Spanish 2 class, and I’m not sure if you can jump in to that method coming from a different method. I’m going to try to find out. Has anyone taken Spanish at Big River with Ariana Hall?

Has anyone taken Spanish at Big River Academy online? Would love feedback!

Has anyone taken Spanish at Big River Academy online? Would love feedback!

Hi MichaelJenn, Let me know now if you find anything that fits the bill. The Movies as Literature Class still is of interest to me as some other classes at Open Tent Academy.

Thank you Lori. Lots to think about.

Lori, From Open Tent Academy: During class, students learn the background of the movie prior to watching it. For homework, students will watch a full-length 2 hour movie and answer 10 -20 comprehension questions. They typically get 1 week for this; however, they know about this in advance (everything is spelled out). After they watch the movie, during class, Jonathan (the instructor) and the students analyze the movie like it was literature, looking at various literary aspects (characterization, setting, plot, conflict, climax, resolution) as well as hold discussions on various key points of the movie. Students are strongly encouraged to participate and we do not put students on the spot - ever. Additionally, during class (on opposite weeks of the discussion), students learn the make up of a good essay (structure) and how to write expository, persuasive, compare/contrast, research and critique essays as well as techniques they can put in their writing to make it more descriptive. For every movie, for homework, they write a five-paragraph essay. They have 2 weeks to write the essay. So, you can plan on about (depending on speed) approximately 8 hours of outside work every TWO weeks. This includes the watching the movie, comprehension questions and an essay. The class meets weekly for 1.5 hours. If you add everything up - class time plus 4 or so hours of homework per week (8 every other week) - that is about 5.5 - 6 hours a week for a high school English class. In all, there are EIGHT movies and EIGHT essays. Additionally, there is one creative project (due by class 18) a mid-term and final. The mid-term and final we go over in class - question by question before they take it AND they get an in-depth study guide about a month. For a high school English class, I think this is easy but there is 120 hours of work (including class time) over the course of the year to qualify for high school credit.

Also, the Lights, Camera, Action: An Alternative Course for High School English - Movies as Literature Course by Open Tent Academy, though not traditional literature, would involve discussion and analysis of concepts and vocabulary using a medium that speaks to his visual brain. It would also open his mind up to a wider genre of topics than he presently reads or watches. I know it is only 20 weeks, however, there is work required for the break weeks. Also ds will be reading several play scripts during the school year and acting in them as well as attending at least 8-10 theatrical productions. And doing lots of SAT verbal prep meaning reading and analysis of such. Film/cinematography is a very huge interest for this kiddo. He may wind up in the field someday and already has some connections and hands on experience.

Thank you Lori. You are always so generous with your advice. I am likely going to scrap the Journalism class for 11th grade, and also maybe even the SAT prep class, instead using Khan and a tutor. In 9th grade my son had a combination literature/vocabulary/grammar/writing class for 9th grade (English IV at Big River Academy). He did well enough, and got a solid A, but some of the literature was difficult for him. I especially recall the Hobbit and Treasure Island being a slog. Maybe it is for everyone? I dunno. It was for me too, and I read with him. In 10th grade (present) he is taking a format writing class, and nailing it. He can express himself well with his own ideas and experiences, and is carrying a high A. So, for 11th grade, it probably makes sense for him to focus more on literature, versus just writing or journalism. In his PSAT, his writing was strong, whereas reading was not as strong. He has struggled in the past with classic literature comprehension. He can write well when it comes to his own ideas and experiences, but it is harder for him to understand what I would call classic literature. I was the same way in high school and college, and I had to rely on Cliff notes for the same. It did not stop me from getting a higher education degree in a STEM field though, and having a great career. If any of you have a good recommendation for a gentle, online class focused on literature with some writing, I would appreciate it. He does best interacting with others. A lively, patient, gentle teacher would be best - not so much to explain the writing process, which he is good at, but to help comprehend the literature and help break it down. Maybe a class where they even read together in class, stopping to go over passages in the moment. Perhaps a class where the pace of reading is a bit slower, only covering 4-6 books per year instead of so many. I know it is a long shot, but does anyone have a good recommendation? I think this might help him even in the SAT. Thank you!