Answered Questions is a monthly resource for the Spanish language Disability Community that fills an information need. Each month, we look through the searches on our blog and through the information requests made by our patrons who speak Spanish and pick a topic that fills the largest need. Each article mentioned below is associated with this month’s information need. We search the various Spanish language News sources and feeds throughout the month to bring you these articles. With the exception of the NIDRR Projects and Further Investigation, all the linked articles and resources are in Spanish. This month we focus on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders, the most popular topic among our Spanish-speaking patrons.
NIDRR Projects:
Examination of the Use of a Spanish Version of the Online and Applied System for Intervention Skills (OASIS) Training Program with Parents of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder – Project Number: H133G110131 (In English)
Although this project has completed its research activities, the project looked to address the deficit in access and training for parents who speak Spanish of children with autism spectrum disorders. The researchers adapted the Online and Applied System for Intervention Skills (OASIS) Training Program to teach these parents how to use empirically-based interventions with their child. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated based on various markers and the families completed surveys to elicit feedback regarding the program.
Research:
Group for Autism and Learning Disabilities (Autismo España)
This group is based in the Instituto de Robótica – Universidad de Valencia. This group is studying 5 areas: (1) use of virtual reality for employment of people with autism, (2) use of virtual reality to research social comprehension of emotions by people with disability, (3) use of agendas and email for people with autism, (4) use of virtual reality for the education of people with Down syndrome, and (5) use of multimedia apps for the support of people with Down syndrome during work integration.
Technology:
ITASD 2014: Digital Solutions for People with Autism (AutismoDiario.org)
The 2nd International Congress ITASD will take place this year in Paris on October 3rd and 4th. The Congress will be an open forum of exchange of ideas and opinions in which all interested parties (people with autism, families, professionals, businesses, researchers and developers) can discover and present the advances and in the world of technology as it applies to autism.
Rehabilitation:
The benefits of sports for children with autism (Fundación Convalores)
This article describes the benefits of sports for children with autism and describes what parents need to be aware of (how tired their child is, things that their child might not think to ask for such as water). The article also describes the ideal modalities to get children with autism started in sports.
Education:
Inclusive Education in Paraguay (Fundación Teletón)
Sofía Barranco, Director of Inclusive Education of Fundación Teletón, speaks about the state of inclusion in schools in Paraguay. Ms. Barranco states that, for inclusion to be a reality, there is much to do in all sectors. She also states that the complete inclusion of children with disabilities needs two things first: a plan that includes the whole scholastic community (school personnel, technical team, parents, and students) and the design of curricular accommodations. To learn more, visit the Fundación’s website.
Employment:
Choosing the Right Job for People with Autism or Asperger Syndrome (EspectroAutista.Info)
This article, written by Temple Grandin in 1999 and translated into Spanish by Jimena Drake, discusses choosing a job that best fits the talents of people with autism or Asperger Syndrome. Ms. Grandin also discusses her method of choosing the right job and she provides the lists she used to help her figure out her strengths.
Human Interest:
Lorenzo’s Dipper (AutismoDiario.org)
Lorenzo’s Dipper is a children’s book written by Isabelle Carrier about a boy named Lorenzo who always has to pull a red dipper behind him. At times, the red box gives Lorenzo challenges that, with the help of some friends, he learns to slowly overcome. Through his challenges, Lorenzo has to find the positives in his life where he previously only saw the negative. Lorenzo’s Dipper artfully teaches children not to stereotype people with disabilities. A video is included.
Resources:
- Spain – Autismo España provides information, publications, research information, forums, and resources for people with autism and their families.
- Mexico – Clínica Mexicana de Autismo (CLIMA) provides information, resources, events, education, research, and other services for people with autism and their families.
- Colombia – Liga Colombiana de Autismo (LICA) provides information, community, news, and support for parents and families. They also have a Facebook page.
Further Research:
- REHABDATA:
o On Autism and Spanish Language (In English)
o On Latinos and Autism (In English)
- PubMed:
o On Latinos and Autism (In English)
o Spanish Language and Autism (In English)
- CIRRIE:
o On Autism and Spanish Language (In English)
Collection Spotlight from the National Rehabilitation Information Center 