To download the AARC/CEEHI/VISIT Spring 2008 Newsletter in PDF, click here.

What is in it:

• Spring Greetings
• Ideas and Games for Outdoors
• Know the Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Awareness Creates a Sense of Belonging for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
• Activities: Art Gallery and Tubes
• Ideas and Games for Outdoors
• Back Page: Summer Closure and Deaf Chat Coffee

Spring greetings from VISIT, CEEHI, & AARC! The days are getting longer and brighter and we hope this newsletter finds you enjoing the warmth, light, and spring snow!! Old man winter has a way of hanging on.

As you can see, AARC has joined the newsletter. AARC stands for Alaska Autism Resource Center. Betsy Kruth has provided the newsletter with valuable information for early intervention, “Know the Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Enjoy this delightful Alaskan weather, with warmer days to come!

by Merle Birnbaum

Birth-3 Months
Wind Chime Music

It is enchanting to hear wind chimes in the breeze. Wind chimes made of glass, wood or brass can be hung out of your baby’s reach, but where the family can hear the wonderful sound.

3-6 Months
Here is Your World

Our community is part of your baby’s world. Go for a walk and tell your baby about the police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, buses, hospitals, planes, trains, schools, parks, and playgrounds that she may hear or see. She will learn that her community has people available to help her later in life. Continue Reading

by Betsy Kruth

Parents and family members are usually the first to suspect something is ‘different’ about the development of their child. With autism in the news and media so frequently, parents may want more information about autism spectrum disorders. Below are some early indicators and warning sings.

Child may:

• Avoid touch and eye contact.
• Not respond to his/her name.
• Lose previous language or social skills.
• Not engage in play with others.
• Have very limited or unusual food preferences.
• Like things the same and resists change.
• Have difficulty communicating wants and needs.
• Show no ‘social smile’ or desire for joint attention.
• Under or overreact to sound, light, taste, and/or touch. Continue Reading

by Mandi Morgan

Many times as a hearing person, we take everyday activities for granted. We hear someone at the door knocking or ringing the doorbell. We pick up the phone when we hear it ring. We make telephone calls and talk to loved ones that we miss. In a more serious situation, we know when a smoke detector is signaling that there may be danger and we need to leave the building.

Imagine if you were not hearing these sounds, or if these sound were miuffled to you. The world is less predictable. Your environment might seem a little confusing. You mgiht even find yourself in danger. Continue Reading

Art Gallery

Tape pictures from magazines or calendars on the wall at your baby’s eye level. Babies especially enjoy looking at clear pictures of:

• Baby animals
• Faces

Continue Reading