This is the intro to the interview -

We think of Asperger’s syndrome (considered a milder form of autism) as a disability that prevents someone from leading a full life. But can it be a disability if you don’t know you have it? John Elder Robison, older brother of Augusten Burroughs (Running with Scissors), was self-diagnosed with Asperger’s in his forties but not before he built a successful business, designed pyrotechnical guitars for KISS and had a family. All this and more are chronicled in his satisfying biography, Look Me in the Eye (see the review in LJ 8/07). LJ reviewer Corey Seeman (Kresge Business Administration Library University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) sat down with Robison to discuss how Asperger’s has affected his life.

To catch the questions and answers, please to the Library Journal Site.. I think the review will be up later. It was a great book.

Favorite parts of the site are articles and Writings and Poetry.

From the site: "Michigan's first website devoted specially to the interests, concerns, and needs of Michiganians with disabilities. Of Michigan's nearly 10 million residents, about 1.9 million have a disability. That's one in every five residents."

"On these pages you will find the services and programs for people with disabilities offered by the State of Michigan as well as other sites of interest. Whether you're looking for assistance in finding a job, want to learn about the latest assistive technology, or have a question about your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you will find it here."

"The Michigan Departments of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) and Information Technology (DIT) collaborated in developing this website. We will continue to enhance this site and would appreciate your input. If you have suggestions for making the site more helpful and user-friendly,please e-Mail us at disabilityresources@michigan.gov"

You can search by disability and the type of toy. A great resource for determining appropriate toys for the child with a disability.

Resource from the National Lekotek Center

"Our Mission: Lekotek uses interactive play experiences, and the learning that results, to promote the inclusion of children with special needs into family and community life."

Website includes numerous services, information on resources, and articles on appropriate play. Many children with autism have inapropriate play with toys (lining them up for one). Also includes links to AblePlay, a database of toys for children with special needs.

"The toys featured in the Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently Abled Kids have been extensively evaluated and specifically chosen by the National Lekotek Center for promoting the development of children with physical and cognitive disabilities. The National Lekotek Center is an independent non- profit organization dedicated to making the world of play accessible to children with all types of disabilities so they can learn just like any other kids. Each toy in the Guide has a strong play value and is chosen for its developmental and educational attributes."

"The National Lekotek Center of Evanston, IL is a non-profit organization with a national network of 50 affiliates that promote access to play for children with special needs, and access to supportive services for their families. For more information on toys, play and technology for children with disabilities, please contact the Lekotek Toy Resource Helpline at 800-366-PLAY or visit our website at http://www.lekotek.org."

Excellent resource from the Bridges4kids site (see their section on special education). This large resource (177 page PDF) comes from Redmond, Oregon) and will be very useful in identifying specific goals to be associated with a student's IEP. The Goal Bank has been written to use the same terms as found in the eSIS SPED software.

In this document, you can find IEP goals in just about every area that you would have on your own document. These include: English, Functional Academics, Independent Living, Mathematics, Mathematics Readiness, Motor, Recreation and Leisure, Self-management and Daily Living, Social Emotional, Speech and Language, Study Skills, and Vocational/Career Education.

A great resource even if your school is not using eSIS SPED software. It will allow you to see good examples of clear ways to state IEP goals for the special needs child.

Many resources are also available on their products page which includes links to New Hampshire Public Radio pieces on autism.

As advertised, the site offers ten ideas that help better understand the process. These are (see the article for full explinations):

-Believing the professionals are the only experts.
-Not making requests in writing.
-Not being familiar with Prior Notice section of the Procedural Safeguards (34 CFR 300.503).
-Requesting a related service instead of an assessment that supports the need for a related service.
-Accepting assessment results that do not recommend the services you think your child needs.
-Allowing the assessment information to be presented for the first time at the IEP meeting.
-Accepting goals and objectives that are not measurable.
-Allowing placement decisions to be made before IEP goals and objectives are written.
-Allowing your child’s IEP meeting to be rushed so the school staff can begin the next child’s IEP meeting.
-Not asking a lot of questions.

The site has very good information on Autism and resources that you can use. Of primary note are three books that can be downloaded in their entirety from the site:

A Parent's Guide to Research (the first book in the Life Journey through Autism Series that provides basic information on Autism, especially useful for the parent first discovering the diagnosis for a loved one).

An Educator’s Guide to Autism (the second book in the Life Journey through Autism series provides parents, teachers and education professionals with a plan for teaching a child with autism in the general elementary classroom setting).

An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome (the third book in the Life Journey Through Autism series that illustrates ways to work with Asperger Syndrome children within an inclusive classroom setting).