A note of thanks for your participation and support

I would like to personally thank all of my colleagues for your time, commitment, and support during my internship.  I have learned a great deal from you all that I plan to use in my personal and professional like.  I really enjoyed the presentations.  The presentations were clear and self explanatory.  The infornmantion experiences has help me grow as a teacher and advocate.  I am looking forward collaborating with you all to do presentation and continue our advocacy efforts.  I would like to congratulate everyone on their short-term goals.  Also I would like to encourage everyone to keep on doing a good job and advocating for young children and their families. I wish everyone the bestof luck with their long-term goals and future presentains.

Continuing My Advocacy Efforts

As I prepare my presentation, I have been able to refelct on my teaching experiences.  I have also begun  t realize, plan, and organize my long-term goals.  As I prepare my information for the presemtation, I am researching Early Autism Studies.  The earlier a child recieves treatment the better outcome is to likely to be.  Treatment starts with a focus on social skills.  During the last few years, screening instruments have been devised to screen children for Asperger's Syndrome and higher functioning autism.  The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionaire (ASSQ), the Australian Scale for Asperger's Syndrome and the Childhood Aspergers Syndrome Test (CAST) are some of the instruments that are reliable for identification of school-age children with autism.  The tools concentrate on social and behavioral impairments in children without significant language delays.  Although there are no single test that is best for ASD,I encourage people togather as much information about ASD before they finalize treatment.  My long-term goal requires me to search for programs and facilities for ASD. 

My Personal advocacy Journey

I am inspired to help others because I believe its important for me to assist others. I strongly believe in team work and collaboration. I am inspired to advocate and support children and families because I have always wanted to be a teacher. I enjoy being compassionate and effective. I feel that I must be resourceful, available, sympathetic, and have empathy in order to effectively advocate for children and families. My ideal goal is to enhance the understanding and interactions of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). I have obtained knowledge and resources by researching ASD. i have also gained knowledge that will enhance my professional career. My advocacy plan will be used to empower families, schools, and communities of ASD. The only challenge i have encountered thus far is being unemployed. But I plan to utilize my free timeti create and implement a more thorough presentation and advocacy plan. I plant to also do some more research. i encourage others in their advocacy efforts to be optismistic, have a vision, set realistic goals, and collaborate with a wide range of individuals. I also strongly advise them to recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potentials of all children and their families. The advocates must also develop and maintain relationsgips with the families we serve.

Interview with ECE Teacher

I interviewed a ECE Teacher name Ms. Jackson.  Ms. Jackson works at King's Kiddie Kingdom.  During the interview, I learned that both Ms. Jackson and I share a mutual concern and interest for children with special needs.  I was able to reflect back on my classroom setting as I observed her classroom setting.  The interview allowed me he opportunity to learn some strategies and challenges that Ms. Jackson is experiencing as a teacher.  I was alos able to share some information that I learned from EDU391.  Ms jackson shared her community resource book that she created and gave to her parents and community.  I also learned information about trainings, certifications, and endorsements for special education and educators.  Although I did not obtain information to support my long-tern goals, I was able to utilize and use the information I recieved.  I plan to seek other resources  and organizations to relate to the larger community in regards to my topic. 

Advocacy Project

As I prepare to become an advocate for Autism Apectrum Disorder (ASD), I am thinking about strategizing myadvocacy efforts.  I am thinking about my short-term and long-term goals.  I am also thinking about key audiences and developing an effective advocacy message that everyone in attendance will benefit from.  My advocacy focus is to create and implemnt w foundation that teachers, families, students, and educators will be able to utilize and refer to.  It is my vision to present information about children with exceptionalities that will helpp them be included in activities and programs.  Itis ideal for progrms to be able to provide families appropriate information, resources, and references.  I strongly feel that children with special needs must recieve developmentally appropriate services and practices.  i anticipate learning and participating in a more global arena for my ongoing long-terms.