Learning Ladders Society

BIBD'S "Toy Story 3" Treat to special needs children

2010-06-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

Bandar Seri Begawan - As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) yesterday treated over 130 children from the Child Development Centre, Learning Ladders Society and KACA for the movie screening of 'Toy Story 3' at the Empire Hotel and Country Club's cinema.

Present at the movie outing was Hajah Noraini Haji Sulaiman, BIBD's Chief Financial Officer, Head of Division, senior officers and members of the BIBD CSR committee.

The event was aimed at fostering closer relationship between BIBD and the institutions with the hope of bringing joy to the special children. Hajah Nurul Akmar Haji Mohd Jaafar, the Head of BIBD CSR, said that the movie outing was the first of its kind organised by BIBD. "We want to ensure that these children will have a good time watching the movie.

`Toy Story 3' is not like any other ordinary animated movies that will make the children laugh, but will also touch their hearts. We hope that this movie will teach these children the values of solidarity, loyalty and strong friendship ties," she said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Maktab Duli REALITY Programme at Learning Ladders

2010-06-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

A certificate presentation ceremony was held yesterday by the Learning Ladders Society to thank all the Maktab Duli A level students who have participated in the REALITY Attachment Programme at the centre for the past two weeks.

During their attachment period the students have learned something about autism and how an Applied Behaviour Analysis Counsellor works with Autistic children. The students were also able to see first hand how the training via video-conference link operates with Dr Douglas Lee from Canada. The students have also assisted the staff in the preparation of special educational materials.

Awang Halimen bin Takong, one of the six attachment students, said that this attachment period had helped him to understand Autism better. He also observed that the job of an ABA Counsellor requires proper training as the Counsellor needs to know a lot of things in order to deliver the intervention well.

Lastly he also said that this REALITY Attachment Programme has helped him to appreciate how lucky he is and that he now feels more motivated to strive harder to achieve his full potential.

Dr Sharina binti Haji Yunus welcomed the REALITY attachment programme and said that it is a very positive initiative from Maktab Duli and the Government and hopes that there will be many more such programmes in the future.

The REALITY Attachement Programme is in line with the Ministry of Education’s aspirations set in SPN 21, which aims to meet the social and economic challenges of the 21^st century by encouraging students to gain 21^st century skills.

Thank You So Much TelBru Let's Give Back from Learning Ladders Family

2010-06-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

The children of Learning Ladders will sure enjoy their new playroom and toys

The staff of Telbru. Thanks for planting the flowers around the centre.

The ladies who were working on our signboard. Thank you!! Our FIRST signboard :)

ABA Counsellors, MD volunteers, Lil Sarah and Adik.

Do visit us again next time =)

HIGHLIGHTS

Telbru has pledged its support to Learning Ladders Society's dedication in helping students with autism and other developmental disorders by providing financial aid and complimentary e-Speed broadband connectivity at the association's premise.

A mock Cheque of $1500 was presented by the General Manager to Our President Dr Sharina. It will be used to buy more educational materials for the children of the society.

`Fulfilling' a wish-list by students of the association on education items such as books, board games, toys and sports equipment.

Goody bags were also given to all the children of the society. The kids LOVE it.

TelBru staff also painted the students' playroom with vibrant colours to help stimulate a fun and positive learning environment.

Group effort by staff by cleaning the premises including grass-cutting and overall tidying of the premises. Beautifying the premises, green-fingered staff did flower-planting to bring more natural decorative to the students.

Thank You TelBru Let's Give Back Crew from the Learning Ladders Family

Telbru Uplifts Broadband Education At Learning Ladders Society (We are on Page 8 today!!)

2010-06-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Bandar Seri Begawan - Telbru has pledged its support to Learning Ladders Society's dedication in helping students with autism and other developmental disorders by providing financial aid and complimentary e-Speed broadband connectivity at the association's premise.

TelBru's 'Let's Give Back' initiative selected Learning Ladders Society as the charity association for the month of May. A total of 55 staff from TelBru visited Learning Ladders Society premise yesterday in their initiatives to lend a helping hand to the organisation's noble cause in educating parents, carers and the public about autism and other developmental and learning disabilities.

Learning Ladders Society, which was founded in 2007, primarily helps families with children on the autism spectrum to get in touch with qualified and experienced professionals in the field of childhood disorder. The association will provide professional assistance with the diagnosis and help create an individual education plan for the child. More importantly, parents will be given training by the association on how to implement the individual education plan.

The society believes this will help to empower parents in their effort to educate their own children. The event started with a donation presentation to the President of the association, Dr Sharina Hj Yunus by Hjh Ainee Hj Bungsu, General Manager of TelBru Information Technology Division. Besides monetary donation, TelBru announced that it would extend its effort to fully support the association's education initiatives by providing complimentary e-Speed broadband connectivity to the premise.

Lim Ming Soon, General Manager of Product Development, Marketing and Sales Division of TelBru said, "TelBru and its strategic partner of Let's Drive, GHK Motors Sdn Bhd are delighted to extend their hands to Learning Ladders Society, not just in terms of monetary but a sustainable effort to aid the students in their learning.

TelBru will do its best to help the association by reducing their financial burden and also raising awareness on Learning Ladders Society to the public in the perseverance of their cause. Throughout this year, TelBru will help promote the association at our business centres and during roadshows'.

While recognising monetary support is essential for the running of the association, TelBru believes that the presence of e-Speed connectivity permits the association a wider variety of online learning experience. As video conference is used daily by the Learning Ladders Society counsellors and students to communicate with experts in Canada, TelBru hopes to assist the students by realising the true notion of learning without boundaries.

`Similarly, we understand with broadband Internet the students can communicate with their teachers and educators overseas on coursework, do research on academic topics and other relevant course websites. In this instance, the provision of complimentary e-Speed broadband at Learning Ladders Society helps make use of IP tools educationally by facilitating video conferencing sessions for the students and teachers to communicate with its consultants all over the world," Ming Soon added.

Yesterdays activities included `fulfilling' a wish-list by students of the association on education items such as books, board games, toys and sports equipment. TelBru staff also painted the students' playroom with vibrant colours to help stimulate a fun and positive learning environment.

Group effort by staff of the two companies to clean the premises including grass-cutting and overall tidying of the premises was also organised. To beautify the premises, green-fingered staff also proceeded with flower-planting to bring more natural decorative to the students.

TelBru staff also helped the signpost the premises with a permanent awareness signboard for the public and also other proper road labelling of the areas. --

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Learning Ladders To Hold Autism Awareness Family Day On June 6

2010-06-05T01:04:00.000-07:00

Kuala Belait - Learning Ladders Society Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with Katakljau Humanitarian Relief Support Group will be organising Autism Awareness Family Day this coming Sunday, June 6 at Taman Persiaran, Kuala Belait.

The event will begin at 7am till 5pm and is open to the public especially people residing in the Belait District. The main highlight of the event includes exhibition on Autism Awareness and Autism Intervensi Programme, conducted by Learning Ladders Society Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The objective of the programme is to create awareness on autism to the community. Various family activities will also be held such as mass aerobic exercise, which will begin at 7.30am and members of the public are encouraged to join the event that aims to encourage and promote healthy lifestyle. The event will also see a bazaar sale - selling varieties of decoration products, clothing, used items as well as food and drinks. The bazaar stalls are open to local entrepreneurs and bumiputera businessmen particularly in the Belait District.
Those interested to participate in the bazaar sale can contact Dayang Hajah Rossita Ajak at 8238588. The closing date for registration is today, June 5 at 12 noon.

Meanwhile, there is also children colouring contest, which is divided into two categories. Category A for children aged between three to six years old and Category B for children aged between seven to 12 years old. The registration fee for the competition is $2 for each entry. Drawing blocks will be provided by the organisers and participants are requested to bring their own colouring pencils.

The competition will start at 9am until 11 am. Attractive prizes await winners at the event. The prizes presentation will be held at 3.30pm at the same venue. There are also family events such as fun fair, henna and face painting. Further information on the event, please contact Learning Ladders Society or call the hotline at 8238588. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

CAREER AS AN ABA COUNSELLOR

2010-05-24T00:09:00.000-07:00

ABA AS A CAREER

Children and young people with autism may have very specific and individual support needs. Decisions about the most appropriate type of provision will be based on the assessed needs of the children and their families.

A ‘good’ ABA provision, therefore, will be highly personalised and there will be planned emphasis on enabling children to generalise all learned skills into new situations and in providing parents (and all others working with the child) with the skills to respond to their child’s communication, social and behaviour needs across all environments.

Therefore, WHO can carry out an ABA Program?

ABA Therapist

ABA Therapists use the principles of applied behavior analysis in working with clients.

The role of an ABA Therapist in any ABA program is integral to the overall success of a child’s program. An ABA Therapists’ primary role is to teach PLAY, COMMUNICATION, SELF-HELP and ACADEMIC SKILLS to children with a Neurological Disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In broad terms, ABA Therapists use a reward system to teach and reinforce certain learned behaviors. The National Institute of Child and Human Development cites ABA therapy as a viable treatment for autism spectrum disorders, www.nichd.gov.
ABA Therapists may also work with developmentally disabled children and adults or in workplace settings focusing on employee performance.

An ABA Therapist works as part of a team, alongside the child’s family and other therapists, and is supervised and trained by an ABA Program Consultant who will provide training and guidance.

Professional certification and Continuing Education

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (www.bacb. com ) does offer three certification programs for ABA Therapists:

1) Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) ,

Able to supervise and train ABA therapist or design ABA Program

- BCBA certification will be the basis for the Doctoral-level credential that will be designated as BCBA-D. Individuals who wish to become BCBA-Ds must first become certified as BCBAs and then meet any additional requirements

2) Board Certified Behavior Analyst,

Able to supervise and train ABA therapist or design ABA Program

- requires a master's degree behavior analysis or a related area

- 225 hours of graduate level coursework in specific behavior analytic content areas

- 18 months of mentored experience or 9 months of supervised experience in designing and implementing applied behavior analysis interventions;

- and a passing score on a standardized examination

3) Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Deliver ABA Program Intervention and assist in designing ABA Program under direct supervision by BCBA

- requires a bachelor's degree

- 135 hours classroom instruction in behavior analysis

- 12 months mentored experience or

- 6 months of supervised experience in implementing applied behavior analysis interventions,

- and a passing score on a standardized examination.

"An ABA Therapist, BCABAs, or individuals with equivalent or less training and experience, are not qualified to independently design, direct, and guide behavior analytic programming for individuals with autism.

They may deliver behavior analytic intervention, and may assist with program design, but should be adequately supervised by BCBAs or the equivalent."

Required Skills for a Career as an ABA Therapist

ABA Therapists should be patient and dedicated to working with their clients, especially in settings where they work with children.

ABA Therapists must have outstanding communication skills, solid reporting skills and impartial assessment skills

A commitment to continued education and training is needed to become a successful ABA Therapist.

Career as an ABA Counsellor/ Therapist @ Learning Ladders Learning Centre

The job roles of an ABA Counsellor/Therapist @ LL Learning Centre:

To provide regular one-on-one therapy sessions which include teaching new skills and managing challenging behaviors.

To observe and record the child’s progress.

To communicate with the Program Supervisor/Consultant, parent and other members of the team.

To participate in clinical or team meetings.
To maintain and revise the child’s program.

Who can apply?

Local fresh graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education or related fields.

What happens when I am accepted?
You will go into our 9-months Intensive ABA Training Program. This includes 150 hours of intensive classroom work and 640 hours of supervised ABA implementation work with the children.
Your designation will be ABA Counsellor

What happens after the 9-months ABA Training Program?
You will be required to continue working at the Centre until a completed period of 3 years.
Within this period you may choose to continue your education and obtain your professional certification starting from the BCaBA level. This coursework can be done via online and supervised by our current BCBA-D consultant.

Early Diagnosis Vital In Tapping Potential Of Autistic Children

2010-05-20T05:14:00.001-07:00

PARENTS and teachers were urged to take a positive approach in improving the lives of autistic children, as lack of understanding can result in the children feeling isolated, said a senior Ministry of Education official.

Permanent Secretary Datin Paduka Hjh Apsah Hj Abdul Majid said that parents and educators should act as catalysts for change.

"Our positive approach, understanding, acceptance, compassion and good communication links will improve the lives of children with autism so that they too, can be fully participating members of the society."

During the opening of a colloquium on "Early Diagnosis and Early Intervention for Children with Autism" at the Civil Service Institute, she said that families often had to deal with an overwhelming lack of understanding and support at times when they need it most.

"(Parents and teachers) are often asked to control their 'naughty children' who have autism. This lack of understanding and unhelpful attitudes can lead to children with autism feeling isolated, and in some cases, prevent them from developing their confidence."

She said it was difficult to identify whether a child had autism, as it generally did not affect an individual physically.

She explained that children with autism could find it "very hard" to understand the world and communicate with others, and said teachers and parents may even be unaware of the condition.

Early intervention is crucial to ensure that autistic children have the appropriate education in a learning environment that allows them to lead productive lives, Datin Paduka Hjh Apsah said.

Datin Paduka Hjh Apsah encouraged about 250 participants, comprising teachers, parents, non-government organisations and civil servants, to carry out early diagnosis for autistic children as it would allow them to have better progress.

"It is my belief that children with autism have unique skills and deserve a chance to fulfil their potential. It is necessary, therefore, that the provision of early intervention and the range of support services be put in place for children with autism," she said.

The permanent secretary also stressed the need for close cooperation and collaboration between government and community organisations to promote the inclusion of individuals with autism into society.

She cited the Child Development Centre and various non-government organisations who provided early diagnosis and intervention programmes, and said it was this collaborative dynamism that was the forefront of all efforts towards supporting autistic children.

Collaborations would help remove barriers and uphold inclusive education practices to ensure and promote sustainable development in inclusive education. "(This will reflect) the commitment 'it takes a whole village to educate a child'."

In line with current reforms of the National Education for the 21st Century (SPN21) in promoting equality education for all, Datin Paduka Hjh Apsah said that through appropriate learning support and intervention programmes in a supportive environment, children with autism can achieve their best possible learning outcomes and reach their potential.

"This will help them to promote their self-esteem, self-confidence and their active participation in school. In doing so, this will also help to ensure that students become valued, independent and life-long learners," she said.

Currently, there are about 85 autistic children attending schools in the Sultanate.

Special Education Unit (SEU) Deputy Head cum Co-Chairperson of the colloquium Jennie Wong said the two-day colloquium aimed to provide a platform for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of autism and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for autistic children.

She added that it was also one of SEU's initiatives to equip educators with the knowledge to meet the educational needs of students with autism, so they can attain positive developmental and educational outcomes and become contributing members of society.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Thank You Baiduri Bank for the donations

2010-05-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

Baiduri donates $60,000 to charities

May 3rd, 2010

The Baiduri Masters Charity Golf came to an end yesterday with a new record as having seen the largest participation in any golf event in the country after two weeks of intense competition among players.
The prize presentation ceremony was held last night at the Manggis Ballroom, Hua Ho Manggis Mall.
In attendance was YAM Pengiran Muda Abdul Muqtadir. Other guests included Cabinet Ministers, members of foreign diplomatic missions, sponsors, golfers and senior officials of Baiduri Bank Group.

In his welcome address, Pierre Imhof, General Manager of Baiduri Bank, thanked all event partners, sponsors and participants for their contributions.
Speaking on the objective of Baiduri Masters, Mr Imhof said, “The main objective of Baiduri Masters is to raise funds for local charities that support people with special needs and promote activities that would help special people gain acceptance in the wider society. It is with the generous contributions from everyone that special people in Brunei may be assured of that opportunity”.

The Baiduri Masters is acknowledged as the biggest and most prestigious golfing event in Brunei and this year marked the 15th year it has been held. This year saw a new record number of 1,067 registrations, breaking its record last year of 971.

The organisers introduced two new features – the ‘cut’ for the top 20 golfers to play for the green jacket, and Panaga Golf Club as a second venue. This is the first time a gold tournament was held simultaneously at two golf courses in Brunei.

From the tournament proceeds and part of Baiduri’s charity contributions, Baiduri Bank Group donated $60,000 to several charity and welfare organisations during the ceremony last night.
First on the recipient list was Pusat Ehsan which received $20,000 to help with the construction of a new classroom block at the centre. Hj Ahmad Hj Abd Rahman, Policy and Training Trustee of the Centre received the cheque on the centre’s behalf.

A second cheque for $20,000 was presented to SMARTER Brunei to help meet the cost of a new building in Jerudong for the association. On hand to receive the cheque was Malai Haji Abdullah Malai Haji Othman, President of SMARTER Brunei.

Three other establishments that support children with special needs were also presented with donations from Baiduri Bank Group.

A cheque of $7,500 was presented to Learning Ladders Society and received by its president, Dr Sharina Hj Yunus. Another $7,500 was given to the Child Development Centre of RIPAS Hospital and received by Pengiran Martini Pg Hj Tahir from CDC, and $5,000 was donated to Special Education Unit, Ministry of Education and was received by Bukit Hidup. All donations were presented by Mr Imhof

Coutesy of Sahrol Daud.

Round of golf to mark HRH's birthday

2010-04-12T04:24:00.000-07:00

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah (L) presents the trophy to Hjh Rusni Hj Lamat (R), the overall gross winner of the 2010 Royal Patron's Challenge Trophy, during a prize-giving ceremony at The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong yesterday. Picture: BT/ Zamri Zainal Amir Amin

HER Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah yesterday graced the prize-giving ceremony of the 2010 Royal Patron's Challenge Trophy at The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong, near here.

Held in conjunction with HRH's birthday, the golf tournament was organised by the Brunei Ladies Golf Association (BLGA).

Her Royal Highness turned 23 on Friday.

Datin Seri Utama Hjh Rosnah, the chairperson of the BLGA, said in her speech: "On behalf of the BLGA, I would like to thank Her Royal Highness for attending the prize-giving ceremony of the Royal Patron's Challenge Trophy which is being held in conjunction with Her Royal Highness' birthday."

The highlight of the event was the cake-cutting ceremony which was followed by the handing over of a 'pasambah' by the BLGAto Her Royal Highness.

The BLGA then donated proceeds from the tournament to the charity of Her Royal Highness' choice, the Learning Ladder Society.

Present to receive a mock cheque of $13,000 from Datin Hjh Rosnah was Dr Sharina Hj Yunus, the president of the Learning Ladder Society.

To be held every two years by the BLGA in celebration of Her Royal Highness' birthday, 70 golfers participated in the one-day tournament.

Hjh Rusni Hj Lamat took the overall gross title with a score of 81.

In the guests category, Jane Teo took the gross title with a score of 83 while Celine Foo was the nett winner with a score of 61.

Datin Chang Nyuk Kee scored 69 to top the nett in the senior category while Joan Chin won the gross title with a score of 86.

The junior category was clinched by Dk Siti Nurmashiriah who scored a 63.

Lee Miew Vin, meanwhile, became the tournament's sole 'Bull's Eye' winner when she aced the fourth hole.

Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Celebration of World Autism Awareness Day

2010-04-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our event partner:-

Thanks to our sponsors for World Autism Awareness Day Celebrations Event:-

Thank You for willing to sponsor our event.

Thank you for supporting us and joining us for the launching of the world autism awareness day:-

Snapshots from the launching event of the world autism awareness day:-

Thank you ALL!! Stand Up For Autism!!

Learning Ladders Charity Fun Walk Event a success!!

2010-04-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our event partner KatakIjau humanitarian support group for their continuous support throughout the whole event.


Pengiran Sabri (dua dari kiri) yang menyertai kegiatan senamrobik.

See you again next time!!

Thanks to those who came to our Charity Fun Walk Event. Thanks to San Teh for these wonderful pics. Thanks to our volunteers and supporters. We really appreciate everything that you all have done for us.

Brunei "stands up for autism"

2010-04-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Dr Sharina binti Hj Yunus giving her welcoming address.	Minister of Health in a speech during WAAD at the Yayasan Complex.
Health Minister touring the exhibition. - PHOTOS: JASON LEONG	Guest of honour receiving a token of appreciation from the President of Learning Ladders Society.
Committee members posing for a photo.

Brunei Darussalam joined the rest of the world on a global effort to celebrate World Austism Awareness Day (WAAD) 2010 with the objective to raise awareness about autism.

The launching ceremony was organised by Learning Ladders Society (LLS), one of the organisations in Brunei for early intervention for children with neurotic disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The ceremony was held at the Ground Floor of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) Complex, yesterday.

Brunei has a concrete effort to improve services for these children to enable them to live up to their full potential through the Children Development Centre (CDC).

"The CDC offers services through a multi-disciplinary team of professionals with a holistic management approach with the goal of obtaining the maximum functional independence," said the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman in his speech during the ceremony.
"But the life-long care for individuals with autism is very expensive," said the minister before adding that there is no known cure for autism but there is hope because it is treatable.

Leading researchers and autism education providers agree that children with autism need increased access to evidence-based interventions such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and other similar intervention strategies.

"We are aware that there is a shortage of qualified professionals in this area. In that context I am pleased to be informed that Learning Ladders Society has initiated a training programme for local Bruneians to enable them to become qualified ABA therapists," said the minister.
The training programme to become qualified ABA therapists last for nine months and can lead to the internationally recognised BCABA qualifications. The trainings are conducted by an experienced Behavioural Psychologist, Dr Douglas Less in Canada through a combination of on-site visits and video-conferencing.
The minister lauded LLS as the first group of Bruneian ABA counsellors are completing the training in a few months' time.

"This pioneer group will be able to go on to train more locals and thus increase the pool of qualified professionals in the area of ABA.
"The Ministry of Health will continue to support and collaborate with LLS in their initiative to employ and empower local Bruneians and improve the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder," added the minister.
The minister officiated the World Autism Awarness Day 2010 with the sound of a 'gong' and later witnessed a video presentation about autism and LLS. This was followed by a certificate presentation for sponsors and head of volunteers.
The minister also toured an exhibition that was set up to raise awareness on autism. Leading the tour was Dr Sharina binti Haji Yunus, President of Learning Ladders Society.

Dr Sharina said that due to limited funds, LLS can only employ three ABA counsellors and cater to not more that 20 children and would like to employ and train more locals in providing services to many more children especially those on the 'waiting list'.

She too has a six years old child who suffers from ASD. She said, "We urgently need funding to employ, train and cater to more children. With our own people doing the therapy we can extend our help to children at grass root level regardless of socio-economic background of the family."

The day also saw LLS's LifeSize video-conference system with Dr Douglas Lee from Canada about ABA Training Programme that was held at fourth floor of YSHHB Complex.

Also present to witness the launching ceremony was Deputy Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, permanent secretaries and various volunteers groups including UNISSA students.

This year's theme for WAAD is 'Stand Up for Autism'. The exhibition is open to the public during this period to further raise awareness and gain better understanding on this serious disorder.

Courtesy of Aziz Idris, Borneo Bulletin.

Autism Awareness Day Observed By Learning Ladders Society

2010-04-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

BANDER SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI (GaeaTimes.com)-

Learning Ladders Society called one and all to observe the Autism Awareness day on April 2, 2010. The day was commemorated with a host of initiatives by the Learning Ladders Society to uplift the living conditions of all who are affected by autism.

To observe Autism Awareness day, Learning Ladders Society held a function at Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Complex. The disorder as explained by the members happens to be a deadly disorder which takes a heavy toll on children who are affected the most by this neural abnormality. Autism happens to be a lifelong persisting disorder that crops up during the first three years of life and hangs on forever.

To observe World Autism Awareness day, United Nations General Assembly declared 2nd April as the World Autism Awareness Day with a vision to uplift the lives of autism patients so that they can live life like any other normal human being. Brunei Darussalam has joined this noble effort and as Learning Ladders Society would like to put it forward “Stand Up for Autism’ is the very slogan which is their driving force.

Autism Awareness day makes a combine effort from one and all to strive towards the development of all who are affected by this neural disorder. For years numerous cases of autism is being reported which includes men, women and children alike. Autism Awareness day makes an urgent and noble consideration towards the affected so that the sufferers of this disorder can live their life to the fullest without any hassle or hindrance.

Courtesy os Sayantika, Gaea News Network

Learning Ladders Society will be having a 4 kilometres Walk-For-Fun Charity Walkathon at the National Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah

2010-04-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Autism is increasing world-wide. In line to commemorate the World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, the Learning Ladders Society with the assistance of the Green Frog Humanitarian Relief will be organizing two events that day, this was said by the President of Learning Ladders Society at the Press Conference in Gadong, this afternoon.

Doctor Sharina Yunus, this year's theme from the United Nations is 'stand Up For Autism' and Learning Ladders Society will be having a 4 kilometres Walk-For-Fun Charity Walkathon at the National Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah. Participants can register at the venue between 6 to 7 in the morning with a registration of 20 dollars that includes a T-shirt, water and food. The proceeds will be used to support Learning Ladders' activities. Meanwhile, the launching of the event was held in the afternoon at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital.

Watch the video at RTB News web.

Courtesy of RTB News.

Learning Ladders Society celebrates WAAD 2010

2010-03-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

In 2007 the United Nations General Assembly has adopted Resolution 62/139 by declaring World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) to be celebrated on April 2^nd in perpetuity from 2008. The WAAD resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about Autism throughout society and encourages early diagnosis and early intervention.

Learning Ladders Society will organize three events to join in the global effort in celebrating World Autism Awareness Day and help raise awareness about Autism. The three activities planned on the 2^nd of April with the help of our event partner KatakIjau management services are:

1. Charity Fun Walk at 7 am in the morning around the indoor stadium

Close-up route of the Charity Fun Walk. For more information you can visit our facebook "Learning Ladders Society Celebrates WAAD 2010"

2. Launching ceremony in celebration of world autism awareness day at Kompleks Yayasan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

3. A three day exhibition from 2^nd to 4^th April on Autism and ABA at Kompleks Yayasan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The exhibition will include:

- What is Autism?

- What is ABA?

- Career with Learning Ladders Society and so on.

Hope to see you there. Remember that for every penny you spend will help the future of Learning Ladders Kids.

Learning Ladders Society listed in WAAD website

2010-03-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Learning Ladders Society is now listed in the world Autism Organizations. Its an honour to be listed with the rest of the organizations all over the world. As quoted by Action For Autism, "we believe that autism must be conceptualized and recognized as a disorder that affects children and families throughout the world."

In conjunction with the World Autism Awareness Day, Learning Ladders Society is going to hold "Learning Ladders Charity Fun Walk Day" with event partner KatakIjau (Greenfrog management service)

Our event is already listed in the World Autism Awareness Day Website.

LLS Invitation to GreenFrog Management Service Charity Dinner

2010-03-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

A charity dinner was hosted by an association called `Katak1jau' (GreenFrog) for students and teachers of the Pusat Bahagia centre in Kampong Pulaie, on the 23rd February 2010 in conjunction with the 26th National Day celebrations.

The dinner was organised for the purpose of highlighting the nation's achievements while also keeping in mind the welfare of the disabled community and to continue providing them with assistance where needed.

Thanks for the Invitation and looking forward to our next event.

Our director @ the table

Learning Ladders Family Fun Day Carnival

2010-03-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Carnival attracts families, raises funds for LLS centre

Feb 8th, 2010
LOCAL band performances, funfair games, magic shows, colouring contests, bouncers, a flying fox set-up, face painting, henna tattoos, a bike show and great food from participating outlets such as Pizza Hut, KFC, Rasamas, Serikandi, RBC Express and Dairy Queen were just some of the enjoyable activities available to visitors during the Family Fun Day Carnival held for the Learning Ladders Society (LLS) yesterday.
Hundreds of children and adults turned up at the VIP car park section of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium to enjoy themselves for a good cause.

“We have so many volunteer groups lending their hand towards our charity event such as the Katak Ijau Fan Club, Rugby Knights, members of UNISSA, Bersatu Bikers Club to name a few, and for that we are very thankful,” said the Director/Vice President of LLS, Puan Linda.

“We really hope this event will help us raise funds for the centre because funding is one of our most important concerns at the moment.

“We wish to cater to more children, especially those who are on our waiting list and we need funding for that,” she continued.

Speaking with the Bulletin, Ak Kamal Ghadafi expressed his pleasure, highlighting the good food, great games and incredible local band performances.

LLS, since its launch in May 2008, has been working around the aim of increasing awareness for and helping children with neurological disorders.

Courtesy of Afelda Ghani, Borneo Bulletin.

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OUR FAMILY FUN DAY POSTER

Created by Our Talented Director, Puan Linda.

A DAY BEFORE THE EVENT

LL Centre became VOLUNTEER CENTRAL. Here our volunteers the RUGBY KNIGHTS and Volunteer Head (our counsellor) Niza placing name cards on all 100+ name tags!!!

Alif counting all the tickets!!!

Another volunteer making sure everything is ready

Volunteers spent the whole day going to and from LL Centre. Here the volunteers are having dinner...PIZZA!!!!

Counsellor Husnul and Counsellor Niza trying their hands at Mini-Golf

Everyone was working very hard to make sure everything went smoothly. Our Director and even our President were helping their staff and volunteers to make sure everything was ready for the next day. Volunteers had to stay up late just to test out their games and helped Learning Ladders. Learning Ladders Staff had to work overtime to organize the gifts for the winners of the games.

THE FAMILY FUN DAY CARNIVAL

Learning Ladders Staff interviewed by Rampai Pagi.

Counsellor Valerie being interviewed for Rampai Pagi and Counsellor Niza posing while waiting her turn.

Counsellors talking to Rampai Pagi producer and POSED =)

Having tea with Guest of Honor Datin Hjh Masnah

Guest Of Honor leaving her mark on the Friendship Wall

Highlight of the day, our Friendship Wall. Thanks to our supporters.

Bersatu Bikers Club with KFC Mascot. Thank You for your donations to us.

Our Counsellors werevery brave to try out the Flying Fox. Kudos!!

Our Counsellors with Puan Linda's three sons.

From left Valerie, Husnul, Niza and Alif.

Sarah, our President's daughter and our Counsellors posed after having their face painted by Katak Ijau crew.

Adik, Our President's son with his Ultraman's balloon.

Thank You KatakIjau for your generous gift!

Thanks to those who came to our Learning Ladders Family Fun Day Carnival, Big Thanks To our volunteers from UBD, UNISSA, SEKOLAH PERDAGANGAN and the rest of RUGBY KNIGHTS TEAM. Thanks to Rampai pagi, Media permata, Borneo Bulletin and Pelita Brunei. Thanks for the generous donations made by KFC, Bersatu Bikers Club and to all who donated to us on the 7th of February 2010.

Also a VERY BIG THANKS to KATAKIJAU Fan Club. Looking forward to working with you all again.

CHEERS!!

Learning Ladders Car Boot Sale

2010-03-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

On 31st January, we organized a car boot sale day as early as 7am at UNISSA Car Park. A couple of vendors joined and sold their unwanted items at a very low price. Rental per car was $30 and the money went to Learning Ladders Society. KUDOS to our director for getting the most customers at Learning Ladders booth. We got more than we expected. SOAS College was organizing a car boot sale event on the same day too. It didnt matter though, as our director quoted "The more the merrier".

Ms Valerie and Ms Husnul were selling their yummy cupcakes at LL booth and all proceeds went to Learning Ladders Society. They spent the night baking cakes at the centre. Ms Niza was showing off her talent making the banner for our car boot sale event with our director Puan Linda.

We'll definitely going to organize another car boot sale event soon. Hope to see new vendors at our event. Thanks to ALL who came, joined and bought @ our Charity Car Boot Sale. Thanks to UNISSA for letting us use the car park. Looking forward to next months Car Boot Sale! See you all there again =)

Our poster for the Car Boot Sale

Snapshots from the Unissa Car Park.

Cupcakes baked by Ms Valerie and Ms Husnul

SEE YOU ALL AGAIN NEXT TIME!!

BIBD Charity Netball Tourney

2010-02-17T04:32:00.000-08:00

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) held an invitational netball tournament with government agencies and private organizations at the Headquarters of the Royal Brunei Police Force Stadium, in Gadong on 15th February 2010.

Some 120 participants from several organizations as well as BIBD’s CSR committee members were at the event. The participating organizations were BIBD, Takaful BIBD, Takaful IBB, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB), Tabung Amanah Pekerja (TAP), Yayasan SHHB, Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT), JAPEM and DST.

The tournament kicked off with an official opening by BIBD’s Chief Financial Officer Hajah Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman.

Among the aims of the annual BIBD Invitational Charity Netball Tournament was for BIBD to foster close relationships with other organizations through sports and at the same time encourage women to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, the tournament hoped to build teamwork among peers both internally and externally.

The tournament saw teams showing their competitiveness, skills and team spirit.

The event ended with a prize presentation by the guest of honor Acting Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Hjh Shireen Bte Hj Mustapha to the top three winning teams.

In conjunction with this event, BIBD also presented mock cheques with total donations of B$6,942.00 to three charity organizations including SMARTER, Learning Ladders Society and KACA who each received $2,314.00.

The donations were collected from the tournament’s registration fees as well as proceeds from charity events organized by BIBD in 2009. For every dollar raised from the public during the charity events were matched by the bank.

Courtesy of BIBD CSR

Local ABA Counsellors @ work

2010-01-14T01:52:00.000-08:00

What does an ABA Counsellor do?

Working with kids with Neurological Disorders
To Conduct one-to-one teaching with the kids.
To provide verbal Behaviour Programs.
To provide cognitive and higher order learning programs.
Conducting Parent Interviews prior to creating a program and many more

In the initial stages of a program 2 ABA Counsellors are assigned per child.

One Counsellor will take the lead and conduct the session while the other will observe and record the child's response.

A Parent Interview being conducted. This is a requirement prior to a program being created. Questions asked are often very specific to a particular child only. This is how an individualised program is created.

Ms Niza explaining to a parent how the session with their child was carried out and how their child responded during the session.
Open communication with parents is essential at the Centre.

Data recorded will be shown to Dr Douglas Lee and discussions will be done prior to a program being created.

Training With Overseas Consultants

2010-01-14T01:07:00.000-08:00

Training sessions are conducted by the appointed Consultants through on site-visits and LifeSize video conference. The objective of the training is to:

Train Learning Ladders Staff to become a qualified Behaviour Analyst.
To maintain a quality individualised program for every child the staff will review each child's progress daily.
To ensures that each individual program is carried out smoothly so that each child can achieve maximum learning opportunity.
Enables the consultant to observe a program session of any child when required.
To work towards sitting for a BACB ( Board Analyst Certification Board ) examination to obtain a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) credential.

The staffs were trained by Dr. Douglas Lee, Ph.D. ABPP, BCBA-D (Clinical Psychology) during his visit to Learning Ladders Centre

Ms Valerie, Husnul and Niza are now working full-time with Learning Ladders Centre supervised by Dr. Douglas Lee from Canada.

Dr. Douglas Lee was observing Ms Niza demonstrating one of the program to Ms Valerie via LifeSize video conferencing.

Facilities Available at Learning Ladders Centre.

2010-01-14T00:34:00.000-08:00

Other than LifeSize, facilities at Learning Ladders Centre include: Library, 4 ABA Therapy Rooms, Indoor Play Area, Computer Station, Parents Lounge, Prayer Room, Tea Room and etc.

Parents Lounge

Plush, comfortable sofas and armchairs are placed in this space. Bookshelves filled with informative reading materials are also placed here so parents can sit,chat to other parents or read and drink coffee while waiting for their kids to finish their session.

This screen was donated to the Centre. Soon we can use it to show educational programs to parents or for small group presentations.

We also have a fully airconditioned prayer room with en-suite ablution (wudhu') area.

Parents are encouraged to volunteer at the Centre while waiting for their child's session to finish.
One mum is volunteering to play with a child whose mum is being interviewed by the staff.

The Centre also fully utilises natural lights from outside to create a light airy and also comfortable feel to the whole Centre.

Tiny city was kindly donated to us from an anonymous donor from Kuala Belait.
It arrived on our doorstep one rainy day and is a favourite to all the kids!

Another Indoor Play Area at Learning Ladders Centre. This was donated to us by parents who visited us on the 3rd January 2010.

Thank You All!

LifeSize at Learning Ladders Centre.

2010-01-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

Learning Ladders Centre is using e-technology to maintain a high quality for the programs for the children at the Centre.

Our Local Graduate Staff goes online with our overseas Consultant Daily using LifeSize.

To maintain a quality individualised program for every child the staff will review each child's progress daily. This high level of program and progress monitoring ensures that each individual program is carried out smoothly so that each child can achieve maximum learning opportunity.

The LifeSize video conferencing facilities is also used for training our local staff and also enables the consultant to observe a program session of any child when required

Learning Ladders Centre

2010-01-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

The Learning Ladders Learning Centre (LLC) for children and adolescent with Neurological Disorders such as Autism, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities was set up by the Learning Ladders Society with the help of Brunei Government and kind hearted individuals in November 2009.

The LLC utilises one-to-one individual Learning Programme delivered under the practice and science of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

Learning and Training Programme at the centre is run and managed by a team of international Consultants which includes Dr. Douglas Lee, Ph.D. ABPP, BCBA-D (Clinical Psychology) a qualified Behaviour Analyst from Canada and Amanda Reed, BAppSc (Speech Pathology), MA, a qualified Speech Pathologist from Australia.

At present the centre is staffed by 3 ABA counsellors whose role is to conduct the one-to-one ABA sessions , 2 admin officers and 1 housekeeping staff.

Box Donation

2009-12-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

We need small boxes as many as possible to organize our stuff. You can donate those fancy cute boxes or just the clean shoe boxes that u dont need anymore. Inform us if you're coming to our place to drop the boxes. We are available at the office on Monday till Friday during office hours. So gather those boxes and donate to us for a good cause.

Big or small we are happy to accept those unwanted shoe boxes. We'll put down your name in our fan profile to honour your generousity. Thank you to those who donated shoe boxes to us.

Ms Val and Ms Fizah sorting out boxes

Thank You for the boxes!!

This cake came with the first batch of shoe box donation!
Thank you to the kind lady who sent it

Thank You NBT Toyota Classics 2009

2009-10-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Sound Of Charity

Last Updated on Saturday, 31 October 2009 07:34Written by The Brunei TimesSaturday, 31 October 2009 05:59

Bandar Seri Begawan - Music for a cause: HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah (C) handing to a representative of Learning Ladders Society the mock cheque representing a donation worth $44,000.

The money was part of the proceeds from last night's performance of the Toyota Classics' Prague Chamber Orchestra at the ICC.

The rest of the proceeds went to Pusat Ehsan. Ninan Chacko (2nd L) managing director of NBT, and Mitsuhiro Sonoda (R), president of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific look on. The orchestra performed to a full house at the ICC. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Related Articles:
TOYOTA Classics Is Back In Town

INSPIRATION Alan Salon Fundraising 1st November 2009

2009-10-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

ALAN Inspiration Salon @The MALL Gadong, will be having a Fundraising event at their Salon on 1st November 2009.

ALL proceeds from their hair services on that day will be given to Learning Ladders to help fund our new LL Kids Learning Centre.

LL members, Supporters and their family (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents, Friends!) are invited.

Encourage family and friends to get a haircut on that day!

Please show your support by coming and informing your friends.

Come and get a haircut for charity!

Related Articles:

IA Salon to hold charity hair services campaign

Charity Chair Services of IAS

IA SALON celebrates 5th anniversary with fund drive

IA Salon Gears Up For Hari Raya

NBT Toyota Classics 2009 - Prague Chamber Orchestra

2009-10-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

NBT Toyota Classics 2009 is here again.

Performing this year is the Prague Chamber Orchestra.

There are 2 recipients for the sales proceeds - Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah and Learning Ladders.

Support these two charities by attending and bringing your friends and family.

Ticket prices are listed on the poster.

Certified ABA Therapist: Is there such a thing?

2009-10-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

One of the most FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) from parents that we get is "Certified ABA Therapist: Is there such a thing?"

There are a lot of people out there claiming they are qualified as such.

One article that we found may help to clarify this matter.

Ramadhan Donation - His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen Presents Organisations

2009-09-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Written by Arnie PDH Ishak & Syafiq Affendy Wednesday, 09 September 2009 09:21

Bandar Seri Begawan -

His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen yesterday presented donations on behalf of the AM Gunners Football Club to five charity associations in the country.

The ceremony was held at the residence of Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Pahlawan Maj Gen (R) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Hj Mohd Jaafar Hj Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Chairman of AM Gunners Football Club in Jerudong.

Five-thousand and five hundred dollars each were received by Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hashim, CEO of Dana Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Alimin Hj Abdul Wahab, Senior Trustees and Board of Trustees of Pusat Ehsan, Dato Paduka Hj Zainal Hj Momin, President of KACA, Malai Hj Abdullah Malai Hj Othman, President of SMARTER and Shamsul Bahri Hj Kamis, representative for the President of Learning Ladders Society.

The donations were collected from the Charity Football Match played between AM Gunners Football Club and Muara Villa FC last April, in which HRH Prince Abdul Mateen played for his team, as well as from the sales of T-shirts during the match.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Congratulations Dr Sharina

2009-09-07T01:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Dr Sharina on the birth of her baby boy.

Ramadhan Donation 2009 - BISTARI donates at a Tadarus Ceremony

2009-09-06T02:10:00.000-07:00

Today, BISTARI held a Tadarus ceremony.

At the end of the ceremony, a cheque of B$ 3000 was handed over to Dr Sharina (President of LL) as part of BISTARI's Ramadhan contribution.

Dr Sharina then handed over the society's ANNUAL REPORT for 2007-2008.

Included in this report is the profile of New Committee Members for 2009, Events of the society for 2007-2008, Future Plans and Stages of Renovation work for the new Learning Centre scheduled for completion in Mid-September.

Last year BISTARI made a pledge to contribute annually to the society.

BISTARI is one of the society's major sponsor because of their generous and continuous support to the society.

Change In Learning Ladders Logo

2009-09-06T01:39:00.000-07:00

When we first started the society, it was mainly as a support group for parents with children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder.

As our numbers grew, we discovered that more and more children were diagnosed with multiple neurological disorders and not only Autism.

Hence now Learning Ladders is a Society for Early Intervention for Children with Neurological Disorders such Autism Spectrum Disorders, Brain Injury, Developmental and Learning Disabilities.

HSBC donates

2009-08-28T05:38:00.000-07:00

Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)

HSBC local heroes donate to charity organisations

Friday, August 28, 2009

STAFF of HSBC who have been awarded the title of "HSBC Brunei's Local Heroes 2009" presented cash donations totalling $4,000 to three local charity organisations yesterday.

The "HSBC Brunei's Local Heroes 2009" came from various departments across the bank. These selected individuals were given the said title for their positive and exemplary contribution to the bank. Also present during the presentation ceremonies was Lim Boon Teck from the HSBC Corporate Susceptibility Department.

HSBC organised the "HSBC Heroes" programme to recognise the employees who have demonstrated the characters and attributes most valued in a global organisation like HSBC, such as taking action beyond what was expected to make a real difference to the bank's customers and their own workplace.

This year, the teams were voted by their colleagues and the winners bagged prizes which included the coveted opportunity to donate $1,000 to any local charity of their choice.

Salyahrinah Yahya who led the winning team from Global Markets Department presented a mock cheque of $1,000 to Hj Ahmad Hj Abd Rahman, Policy and Planning Trustee, Board of Trustees of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam. The check presentation took place at the centre in Bengkurong.

"We are very fortunate to work for HSBC, an organisation whose priorities are not only their customers, services and products but promoting corporate sustainability activities amongst its staff, business partners and as well as the general public. We hope that Pusat Ehsan will benefit from our humble donation especially during this blessed month of Ramadhan," said Salyahrinah.

Two other organisations who received donations from the group were SMARTER Brunei and The Learning Ladders Society. SMARTER received a donation of $2,000 which was presented by the leader of the Credit Risk Management team Lim Hui Ling to Malai Hj Abdullah Hj Malai Othman, President of SMARTER Brunei who was on hand to receive the donation at the organisation's centre in Sengkurong.

Roscimarine Bakar who led the Credit Operations Team presented a mock cheque of $1,000 to Norhaslinda Ibrahim, Vice President and Co-Founder of The Learning Ladders Society.

"Continuous commitment to service execellence has always been key to the susceptibility and success of our business. The hard work and commitment displayed by these staff members on a daily basis has made them our role models in the bank. Being the true heroes that they are, they have decided to share their award through their contributions to Pusat Ehsan, SMARTER Brunei and Learning ladders Society," said Teck. "Being able to do this makes them feel empowered and proud that HSBC cares a great deal about the community in Brunei. We hope the donation recipients today will benefit greatly from our team's contributions," he added. (MAN)The Brunei Times

Source URL: http://www.bt.com.bn/en/happenings/2009/08/28/hsbc-local-heroes-donate-charity-organisations

Apologies!

2009-08-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Currently our blog is under "renovation".

CfBT donates

2009-04-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

THE Centre for British Teachers (CfBT) donated books and educational materials to the Learning Ladders Society to benefit in the reinforcement of reading and writing to children diagnosed with autism.

The centre’s English Language Teaching Primary manager, Juliet Cowly said that the learning materials donated included synthetic phonics storybooks and educational toys, which will “boost the two institutions in their advancement of teaching autistic children to read and write”.

Present to receive the donations on behalf of the Learning Ladders Society was its president, Dr Sharina Yunus who extended her gratitude towards CfBT for the learning materials donated to autistic children, which will benefit their educational development.

“The learning materials received will be placed in our resource library at the centre. Parents are able to borrow the learning materials for children with autism, development delay and other learning disabilities.”

She further added that the learning materials received were applicable in the reinforcement of education for 50 children and adults currently registered at the Learning Ladders Society centre.

Ian Donaldson swims for Learning Ladders

2009-03-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Published on The Brunei Times (http://www.bt.com.bn/en)

BSP staff donates to Learning Ladders

Fighting for a cause: Dr Sharina Hj Yunus (L), the president of Learning Ladders, holding a cheque she received from Ian Donaldson (R) of BSP, at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Picture: BT/Bahrum Ali

Bahrum Ali
BRUNEI-MUARA

THE Learning Ladders Society for Autism Awareness on March 14 received a contribution with a total amount of $5,225 from an expatriate, Ian Donaldson, at a simple ceremony at the Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong.

"I informed my friends at Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) and from other companies that they could give me the money if I completed a 20-kilometre swim which was held in Australia," said Ian.

He added that he told his friends that the money will be donated to the Learning Ladders society.

He added that most of his friends agreed with him as he has a good intention and further more, he used his own expenses to pay for the whole trip, registration and accommodation.

"The 20-kilometre swim was organised by the Rottnest Channel Swim Association and started from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island in Perth, Australia," said the 46-year-old expatriate. He added before the competition, he underwent six months training at the Panaga swimming pool and he scored the 114th position out of 148 participants.

He said that he was determined to complete the swim and even though he found it tough, he felt a great sense of achievement in finishing the race.

He added that the first time he participated in this tournament was in 1997 and this was the sixth time he participated in such event. He said that after a while, he came up with an idea to raise fund in supporting a local Brunei charity organisation.

"I could just ask for a collection directly from my friends if I wanted to, but it was not fun at all as I wanted to show them something worthwhile before he asked for the contribution," said Ian.

Ian has been working in BSP as Chief Explorationist for almost three years now.

He said that he has distributed circulars and posters explaining his good intentions.

Ian's wife, Karen who came from Scotland said that she also helped his husband by distributing the circulars at Brunei Shell Recreation Club's (BSRC) Horse Riding Club. She said that she felt happy to support his husband's sincere intention to help the Learning Ladders Society.

"I selected to present the donation to the Learning Ladders Society as they did a fantastic job in raising awareness on autism and supporting families of autistic children," said Ian.

He added that after hearing from his workmate, Abdullah Ibrahim and wife, Molly, about this local charity organisation, he felt highly motivated to help these unfortunates. He said that by giving this donation, he believed that it would support their needs and raise their profile.

The donation was received by Dr Sharina Hj Yunus, the president of Learning Ladder. She said that this donation will specifically be used to support the unfortunate's educational needs.

"Every equipment for these unfortunate children were specially ordered from overseas and the price are really expensive," said the president. She added that with this donation, it would help ease the burden and the expenses of the autistic parents.

She said that the centre even recruited international professional instructors from Canada to teach their special skills on how to deliver the best teaching method to these children. "We absorbed their skills and we practised it to teach the children at the centre," she said.

She said that the Learning Ladders is a parent-based organisation and relied on sponsors, donations and the support of the public.

She said that currently there are now almost 40 children studying at the centre and soon they will be moving to a new building which is located at Gadong.

"This building was given by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and we are glad that the government has been very generous and positive in looking into the welfare of these unfortunate children," she said.

She said that this centre has been actively giving their best care to the unfortunates for the benefit of their future.

"As a parent, we must be responsible for the children's needs," said Dr Sharina whose second son was diagnosed with autism.

She said that the centre had been actively doing activities to raise the fund. However, she welcomed generous individuals, associations, and companies to step forward contribute donations to help the centre. The Brunei Times

Source URL: http://www.bt.com.bn/en/corporate_scene/2009/03/16/bsp_staff_donates_to_learning_ladders

More articles:
http://www.panagaclub.com/divisions/sports/swimming/past_events.php

4-day SEMINAR on Behavioural Intervention for Children with Autism and/or Other Learning Difficulties 2nd – 5th February 2009

2009-01-22T21:55:00.001-08:00

The Ministry Of Education Brunei Darussalam will be holding a "4-day SEMINAR on Behavioural Intervention for Children with Autism and/or Other Learning Difficulties from 2nd – 5th February 2009".

Learning Ladders is working in collaboration with the Ministry and several of our members have been chosen as part of the various working committees.

The invited guest speaker will be Dr Douglas Lee, a Behavioural Psychologist, from Canada.
He is the Clinical Director of Behavioural Solutions Inc., and has a deep knowledge and experience in the field of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.

The 4-day Seminar will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Main Conference Hall.
The seminar will start from 8:00am - 4:30pm.

For more details please call or email us.

4-day SEMINAR on Behavioural Intervention for Children with Autism and/or Other Learning Difficulties 2nd – 5th February 2009

2009-01-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

Final Day Consumer Fair

2009-01-11T15:26:00.001-08:00

This is our final day at the Consumer Fair.
At around 830 pm, Linda (our VP) went up on stage to receive a mock cheque worth B$ 2018.
All our committee members were exhausted after a long day but well worth the effort.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Final Day Consumer Fair

2009-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Day 2 Consumer Fair JAN 2009

2009-01-10T21:28:00.001-08:00

This is Day 2 of Learning Ladders at the Consumer Fair JAN 2009.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Day 2 Consumer Fair JAN 2009

2009-01-10T21:28:00.000-08:00

This is Day 2 of Learning Ladders at the Consumer Fair JAN 2009.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

1st Day CONSUMER FAIR PART3 @ ICC

2009-01-10T09:10:00.001-08:00

SUNLIT kindly invited and gave a free booth to our society and several other NGOs during their recent CONSUMER FAiR Part 3 @ ICC.
This event is being held from 8th-11th January 2008.

Unfortunately, our society could not attend it during the first day of the event because the Autism Awareness merchandise that was kindly sponsored by FORD Premier Automobiles Sdn Bhd was not ready. But to our surprise it arrived on Friday the 9th, and the committe immediately went on "overdrive" to set up the booth. Surprisingly, we attracted quite a big crowd even before we finished setting up.....

Make a Smilebox photobook

1st Day CONSUMER FAIR PART3 @ ICC

2009-01-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Under Construction

2008-12-21T05:53:00.003-08:00

and

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Currently, our blog is under construction.

Not all the features are fully functional.

We should be fully functional in the new year.

Don't hesitate to drop us a line if you need more info.

Thank you.

2008-12-21T05:53:00.002-08:00

and

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Currently, our blog is under construction.

Not all the features are fully functional.

We should be fully functional in the new year.

Don't hesitate to drop us a line if you need more info.

Thank you.

Under Construction

2008-12-21T05:53:00.001-08:00

and

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Currently, our blog is under construction.

Not all the features are fully functional.

We should be fully functional in the new year.

Don't hesitate to drop us a line if you need more info.

Thank you.

2008-12-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

and

Sorry for the inconvenience.

Currently, our blog is under construction.

Not all the features are fully functional.

We should be fully functional in the new year.

Don't hesitate to drop us a line if you need more info.

Thank you.

UPDATED! - Second National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education

2008-12-12T07:41:00.001-08:00

Today, Learning Ladders Society, invited by the Special Education Unit of The Ministry of Education, presented a paper on "Early Intervention and Transition into Mainstream Classroom" during the Second National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education.

The paper jointly written by Dr Sharina, Norhaslinda and Dr Terry was presented by Dr Sharina.

For anyone interested to read more on the paper, please email us.

Updated 12 Dec 2008:

UPDATED! - Second National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education

2008-12-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Anonymous Donations

2008-12-08T05:52:00.001-08:00

Today, Linda Ibrahim (Vice-President), received a donation of B$ 1000 from a generous and kind-hearted individual from Kuala Belait. The lady who wished to remain anonymous gave this donation via our Support Volunteer from Kuala Belait, Ms Molly Ibrahim.

Earlier this month, the society also received donations from various individuals, all wishing to remain anonymous, comprising of kind-hearted Bruneians and one expat leaving Brunei.

Thank you to all for supporting LL Kids. All your generous donation will go towards providing more services to LL Kids so that they can reach their full potential.

Anonymous Donations

2008-12-08T05:52:00.000-08:00

LL on Rampai Pagi

2008-12-05T01:09:00.001-08:00

This morning, Dr Sharina (President), Linda (VP) and Riana (Secretariat) appeared on RTB Rampai Pagi.

In conjunction with "International Day for People with Disabilities" (held on 3rd Dec), Learning Ladders went on air as part of the society's on going "Autism Awareness in Brunei Darussalam" Campaign. Since the campaign aims to reach all levels of the public, the show was done in Bahasa Melayu so that the message can reach out to the Non-English speaking residents of Brunei.

This video courtesy of Radio Television Brunei (RTB).

LL on Rampai Pagi

2008-12-05T01:09:00.000-08:00

Dermalog Donates

2008-12-02T02:01:00.001-08:00

Recently, DERMALOG, a German Company, donated B$ 5K to Learning Ladders Society .

On behalf of DERMALOG, Mr Gunther Mull presented a mock cheque to Learning Ladders President, Dr Sharina Yunus.

The mock cheque presentation was held on Friday 28th November 2008 at Emperor's Court in Manggis.

Mr Gunther Mull and his colleagues were also given goodie bags containing LL Info Pack and Autism Awareness T-shirts.

DERMALOG is one of the leading international companies in the field of biometric identification systems.

DERMALOG's expertise lies in coming up with technology concepts which are verifiably good and consistently innovative. This can be seen in the development of the widest product range of deployable techniques, the largest number of biometric patents as well as in our worldwide installations (e.g. the most modern AFIS in South America, forgery-proof personal identification with biometric data).

Although their headquarters is based in Hamburg (Germany), Marketing takes place on a worldwide basis and is directed from the Hamburg head office by means of strategic alliances with representatives, system integrators, local software firms or general contractors. In addition, we have set up a branch office in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) for the Asian market, as a result of the growing volume of orders.

Dermalog Donates

2008-12-02T02:01:00.000-08:00

DERMALOG is one of the leading international companies in the field of biometric identification systems.

November Birthday: Happy 5th Birthday Adik!

2008-11-20T23:00:00.001-08:00

Name: Muhammad Saifullah
Diagnosis: ASD

Adik is our resident "Pirates and Ships" specialist.
From literally having no words, Adik is now quite a chatterbox and keeps everyone around him amused with his funny antics.
Adik also has this uncanny ability to know ahead if someone will be arriving on his doorstep and will be ringing the doorbell!!
Thanks to Adik and his progress, his mum has been able to help all of us on this wonderful journey of helping our children with ASD and Other Learning & Developmental Disabilities improve and reaching their full potential.

A VERY BIG thank you Adik, you are definitely a shining STAR

November Birthday: Happy 5th Birthday Adik!

2008-11-20T23:00:00.000-08:00

A VERY BIG thank you Adik, you are definitely a shining STAR

HRH PAIPA Sarah presented generous donation to Learning Ladders

2008-11-07T18:00:00.001-08:00

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, who was the guest of honor of last night's Toyota Classics Vienna Operetta Orchestra Concert, presented a mock cheque of $30,000 to Learning Ladders Society President Dr Sharina Yunus.

This generous donation from NBT will help us to continue with our good work and help us reach our goal of setting up a Learning Centre so we can offer more services and activities for all Learning Ladders KIDS.

On behalf of the children of Learning Ladders, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to HRH PAIPA Sarah and NBT for having chosen us as one of the beneficiaries of this year's Toyota Classics Charity.

THANK YOU

HRH PAIPA Sarah presented generous donation to Learning Ladders

2008-11-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU

Signs of Possible ASD in Adolescents

2008-10-28T05:47:00.002-07:00

If you suspect your child could have an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) it's important to raise your concerns with your child's doctor, as the earlier the diagnosis and therefore intervention the better the prognosis.

Signs of Autism

There are two major diagnostic classification systems in current use, the International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4^thedition (DSMIV).

They have similar symptom criteria for diagnosis based on three general impairments, with the following behaviours, which are out of line with their mental age:

Social - Delayed or abnormal social development.
Language and communication - Delayed or abnormal language and communication both verbal and nonverbal.
Thought and behaviour - Rigidity of thought and behaviour and lack of imagination. Displays ritualistic behaviour, reliance on routines, and impairment of imaginative play.

DSMIV is diagnostic criteria used in the United States and many other parts of the world.

ICD10 is the most commonly used ASD classification system in the UK and Europe; although many research studies also use DSMIV or other criteria.

The diagnostic criteria for ASD continue to develop as more research is done and understanding improves, and they are likely to change with future revisions.

Signs of Possible ASD in Adolescents

General Picture

Long standing difficulties in social behaviours, communication and coping with change, which are more obvious at times of transition (e.g. change of school, leaving school)
Significant discrepancy between academic ability and "social" intelligence, most difficulties in unstructured social situations, e.g. in school breaks
Socially "naive", lack common sense, not as independent as peers

Language, nonverbal skills and social communication

Problems with communication even if they have a wide vocabulary and normal use of grammar. May be unduly quiet, may talk at others rather than hold a "to and fro" conversation, or may provide excessive information on topics of their own interest.
Unable to adapt their style of communication to social situations e.g. may sound like "a little professor" (overly formal), or be inappropriately familiar
May have speech peculiarities including "flat", unmodulated speech,
repetitiveness
May take things literally and fail to understand sarcasm or metaphor
Unusual use and timing of nonverbal interaction (e.g. eye contact, gesture and facial expression)

Social Problems

Difficulty making and maintaining peer friendships though may find it easier with adults or younger children
Can appear unaware or uninterested in peer group "norms", may be alienated by behaviours which transgress "unwritten rules"
May lack awareness of personal space, or be intolerant of intrusions on own space

Rigidity in thinking and behaviour

Preference for highly specific, narrow interest or hobbies, or may enjoy collecting, numbering or listing
Strong preference for familiar routines, may have repetitive behaviours or intrusive rituals
Problems using imagination e.g. writing, future planning
May have unusual reactions to sensory stimuli e.g. sounds, tastes, smell, and touch, hot or cold.

Disclaimer:

All material in this report is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of the survey findings. Instead readers should consult their physician or other qualified health professionals on any matter relating to health and wellbeing. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by the publisher.

Resource:

Rachel Evans - The Essential Guide to Autism & The Essential Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/

www.essentialguidetoaspergers.com/aspergers.html

Signs of Possible ASD in Adolescents

2008-10-28T05:47:00.001-07:00

Signs of Autism

They have similar symptom criteria for diagnosis based on three general impairments, with the following behaviours, which are out of line with their mental age:

Social - Delayed or abnormal social development.
Language and communication - Delayed or abnormal language and communication both verbal and nonverbal.
Thought and behaviour - Rigidity of thought and behaviour and lack of imagination. Displays ritualistic behaviour, reliance on routines, and impairment of imaginative play.

DSMIV is diagnostic criteria used in the United States and many other parts of the world.

ICD10 is the most commonly used ASD classification system in the UK and Europe; although many research studies also use DSMIV or other criteria.

The diagnostic criteria for ASD continue to develop as more research is done and understanding improves, and they are likely to change with future revisions.

Signs of Possible ASD in Adolescents

General Picture

Long standing difficulties in social behaviours, communication and coping with change, which are more obvious at times of transition (e.g. change of school, leaving school)
Significant discrepancy between academic ability and "social" intelligence, most difficulties in unstructured social situations, e.g. in school breaks
Socially "naive", lack common sense, not as independent as peers

Language, nonverbal skills and social communication

Problems with communication even if they have a wide vocabulary and normal use of grammar. May be unduly quiet, may talk at others rather than hold a "to and fro" conversation, or may provide excessive information on topics of their own interest.
Unable to adapt their style of communication to social situations e.g. may sound like "a little professor" (overly formal), or be inappropriately familiar
May have speech peculiarities including "flat", unmodulated speech,
repetitiveness
May take things literally and fail to understand sarcasm or metaphor
Unusual use and timing of nonverbal interaction (e.g. eye contact, gesture and facial expression)

Social Problems

Difficulty making and maintaining peer friendships though may find it easier with adults or younger children
Can appear unaware or uninterested in peer group "norms", may be alienated by behaviours which transgress "unwritten rules"
May lack awareness of personal space, or be intolerant of intrusions on own space

Rigidity in thinking and behaviour

Preference for highly specific, narrow interest or hobbies, or may enjoy collecting, numbering or listing
Strong preference for familiar routines, may have repetitive behaviours or intrusive rituals
Problems using imagination e.g. writing, future planning
May have unusual reactions to sensory stimuli e.g. sounds, tastes, smell, and touch, hot or cold.

Disclaimer:

Resource:

Rachel Evans - The Essential Guide to Autism & The Essential Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/

www.essentialguidetoaspergers.com/aspergers.html

Signs of Possible ASD in School Age children

2008-10-28T04:36:00.002-07:00

Signs of Autism

They have similar symptom criteria for diagnosis based on three general impairments, with the following behaviours, which are out of line with their mental age:

Social - Delayed or abnormal social development.
Language and communication - Delayed or abnormal language and communication both verbal and nonverbal.
Thought and behaviour - Rigidity of thought and behaviour and lack of imagination. Displays ritualistic behaviour, reliance on routines, and impairment of imaginative play.

DSMIV is diagnostic criteria used in the United States and many other parts of the world.

ICD10 is the most commonly used ASD classification system in the UK and Europe; although many research studies also use DSMIV or other criteria.

The diagnostic criteria for ASD continue to develop as more research is done and understanding improves, and they are likely to change with future revisions.

Signs of Possible ASD in School Age Children

Communication impairments

Abnormalities in language development including muteness
Odd or inappropriate prosody (the acoustic properties of speech) i.e. pitch/ tone
Persistent Echolalia (persistent repetition or "talking like a parrot") or
Palilalia (repeating words or sounds they've spoken themselves)
Reference to self as "you", "she" or "he" beyond three years
Unusual vocabulary for child's age/social group
Limited use of language for communication and/or tendency to talk freely only about specific topics

Social impairment

Inability to join in play with other children or inappropriate attempts at joint play (may manifest as aggressive or disruptive behavior)
Lack of awareness of classroom "norms" (criticizing teachers, unwillingness to cooperate in classroom activities, inability to appreciate or follow current trends and fads and fit in with the crowd)
Easily overwhelmed by social and other stimulation
Failure to relate normally to adults (too intense/ no relationship)
Showing extreme reaction to invasion of personal space and resistance to being hurried

Impairments of interests, activities and/or behaviours

Lack of flexible cooperative imaginative play/creativity
Difficulty in organizing self in relation to unstructured space (e.g. hugging the perimeter of playground, halls)
Inability to cope with change or unstructured situations, even ones that other children enjoy (school trips, teachers being away etc)

Other factors

Any other evidence of odd behaviours including unusual responses to sensory stimuli

Disclaimer:

All material in this report is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of the survey findings. Instead readers should consult their physician or other qualified health professionals on any matter relating to health and wellbeing. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by the publisher.

Resource:

Rachel Evans - The Essential Guide to Autism & The Essential Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/

http://www.essentialguidetoaspergers.com/aspergers1.html

Signs of Possible ASD in School Age children

2008-10-28T04:36:00.001-07:00

Signs of Autism

They have similar symptom criteria for diagnosis based on three general impairments, with the following behaviours, which are out of line with their mental age:

Social - Delayed or abnormal social development.
Language and communication - Delayed or abnormal language and communication both verbal and nonverbal.
Thought and behaviour - Rigidity of thought and behaviour and lack of imagination. Displays ritualistic behaviour, reliance on routines, and impairment of imaginative play.

DSMIV is diagnostic criteria used in the United States and many other parts of the world.

ICD10 is the most commonly used ASD classification system in the UK and Europe; although many research studies also use DSMIV or other criteria.

The diagnostic criteria for ASD continue to develop as more research is done and understanding improves, and they are likely to change with future revisions.

Signs of Possible ASD in School Age Children

Communication impairments

Abnormalities in language development including muteness
Odd or inappropriate prosody (the acoustic properties of speech) i.e. pitch/ tone
Persistent Echolalia (persistent repetition or "talking like a parrot") or
Palilalia (repeating words or sounds they've spoken themselves)
Reference to self as "you", "she" or "he" beyond three years
Unusual vocabulary for child's age/social group
Limited use of language for communication and/or tendency to talk freely only about specific topics

Social impairment

Inability to join in play with other children or inappropriate attempts at joint play (may manifest as aggressive or disruptive behavior)
Lack of awareness of classroom "norms" (criticizing teachers, unwillingness to cooperate in classroom activities, inability to appreciate or follow current trends and fads and fit in with the crowd)
Easily overwhelmed by social and other stimulation
Failure to relate normally to adults (too intense/ no relationship)
Showing extreme reaction to invasion of personal space and resistance to being hurried

Impairments of interests, activities and/or behaviours

Lack of flexible cooperative imaginative play/creativity
Difficulty in organizing self in relation to unstructured space (e.g. hugging the perimeter of playground, halls)
Inability to cope with change or unstructured situations, even ones that other children enjoy (school trips, teachers being away etc)

Other factors

Any other evidence of odd behaviours including unusual responses to sensory stimuli

Donations Pour in for Learning Ladders during Ramadhan 2008

2008-09-21T06:25:00.001-07:00

By Azaraimy HH

Learning Ladders, a society for early intervention for Autism and other developmental and learning disabilities, received donations in a ceremony which took place at Bandar Seri Begawan.

Present to receive the donation on behalf of the society was the president of Learning Ladders, Dr Sharina Yunus.

In her speech, Dr Sharina expressed her sincere thanks to Dayang Gazala bte Abdullah Ulat, principal of the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School and Mr Soh representing the Uni Arcade Sdn Bhd, for their kindness and generosity in supporting the society in its ongoing efforts to tackle the problems of autism.

At the ceremony, the generous contributors were shown an informative and a touching short film on Autism and the Learning Ladders Society and were presented with certificates of appreciation and an information pack regarding Autism.

The Learning Ladders Society was founded in 2007 by a group of dedicated parents committed to Advocacy, Public Education, Information and Referral, and Support for families with children on the Autism Spectrum or related disorders.

Learning Ladders Society works towards reducing the impact of Autism on individuals and their families and to support educational strategies that are scientifically validated.

Further information regarding their aims and objectives can be obtained at http://learning-ladders.blogspot.com.

Donations Pour in for Learning Ladders during Ramadhan 2008

2008-09-21T06:25:00.000-07:00

By Azaraimy HH

Learning Ladders, a society for early intervention for Autism and other developmental and learning disabilities, received donations in a ceremony which took place at Bandar Seri Begawan.

Present to receive the donation on behalf of the society was the president of Learning Ladders, Dr Sharina Yunus.

Learning Ladders Society works towards reducing the impact of Autism on individuals and their families and to support educational strategies that are scientifically validated.

Further information regarding their aims and objectives can be obtained at http://learning-ladders.blogspot.com.

BISTARI donates to Learning Ladders Yearly

2008-09-15T01:11:00.001-07:00

Yesterday,Sunday 14th September 2008, during a Tedarus ceremony held by BISTARI, our society received a cheque from BISTARI President Datin Edah.
BISTARI has kindly committed to donate to Learning Ladders Society on a yearly basis.

Read the News excerpt here

BISTARI donates to Learning Ladders Yearly

2008-09-15T01:11:00.000-07:00

What Autism Is And What Autism Is Not

2008-09-06T08:16:00.002-07:00

This is "Autism For Beginners"—just to correct some common myth and misconceptions.

*What Autism Is Not:*	What Autism Is:
Autism is not a disease.	Autism is a way of being in the world, it's a character.
Autism is not a psychological problem.	Autism is an "alternative brain wiring". It is a way of information processing and part of neurological diversity.
People on the autism spectrum are not all the same.	Non-autistic people differ from each other, so why autistic people are supposed to be a homogenous group? Autism is a broad spectrum of different abilities, ways of living, philosophies of life etc. Some people think that autistic people differ among each other more than non-autistic people, because they are less prone to follow peer pressure, which requires a certain amount of conformation. Rita Jordan writes: "Individuals with autism may be more different from one another than others because of their lack of socialisation into a common culture".
Asperger's syndrome and autism are not clearly distinguishable from each other.	Asperger's syndrome and autism are a seamless continuum. Some people get diagnosed with autism in their childhood and as adults they are diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. They have "moved" on the autism spectrum. Often you can't make out a difference between high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome in adulthood; diagnostically they are differentiated only by the presence or absence of a language delay. On the other hand high functioning autism and "classical" autism are not clearly distinguishable: diagnostic differentiation is done by IQ and this concept has proved very unreliable, especially with regard to autism. People appear different in their way of being autistic and their abilities—but they are all autistic.
Autism does not result from deficient education of a child. Autism is not caused by emotional negligence, emotional stress, abuse or trauma.	Autism is caused genetically. The theory that autism was caused by "cold", emotionless mothers, arises from a generally biased view on autism on the one hand and from the fact that some mothers of autistic children are on the autism spectrum themselves on the other hand (fathers are, too, but they were only referred to as "engineers"—which tells much about the gender notions behind it). For an autistic child it is a big luck for the most part to have parents who are on the autism spectrum themselves, because they can understand the child much better than non-autistic people could. To non-autistic people the behaviour of the parents might look strange and the problems of the child are traced back to that. However, autism has to do nothing at all with the way a child is raised. You can raise a non-autistic child as good as you can, she will never become autistic.
Autism is not rare.	A new study came to the conclusion that more than one of hundred persons is on the autism spectrum.
Autism is not only about children.	Autistic children don't suddenly stop being autistic by the age of 18. Autistic children grow to be autistic adults.
There is no "normal" person behind a "wall of autism".	Autism is an integral part of an autistic person. Autism is not separable from the personality of an autistic individual. Autism colours every perception. And those are beautiful colours. Autism influences the way a person thinks, senses, perceives, reacts and interacts. To wish that autism would disappear means to wish that the person was somebody else. And, anyway, autism is not a "wall".
You can't "cure" autism.	You can't cure autism, because Autism is not a disease. Even if autism were a disease, there wouldn't be any treatment to "make autism disappear". Even if this were possible, most people in the autism spectrum would not want to be ""cured" because autism is an inherent part of their personality and a "cure" for autism would mean a destruction of their personality.
Autism is not a tragedy.	Autism is often viewed negatively, especially when autistics don't speak—maybe because most of them lack opportunities to express their own opinions about it (and usually nobody asks, because people usually think they already knew the answer). There are autistic people who started speaking by the age of six or even twelve years, or people who communicate in other ways, and have a clear recall of the time they didn't speak; most of them view this time neutral or positive. Though people on the autism spectrum live in our society in a hostile environment (overloading, incomprehensible, impatient and generally arranged for non-autistic people) and autism is constantly pathologized, many of them share a positive view on being autistic. Many autistic people enjoy being autistic and would not want to be "cured". You can be autistic and happy, even in this society.
Autism is not a new phenomenon.	The first detailed description of a child that we would call autistic today was written in 1799 by Jean Itard ("the wild boy of Aveyron").
Autism does not mean not being able to speak.	Most people on the autism spectrum do speak. The diagnosis Asperger's Syndrome is applied when autistic children display no speech delay, in other forms of autism speech is considered delayed. Some children start speaking by the age of three, others by twelve, some never speak but communicate in other ways, such as by pictures, sign language on the computer.
When an autistic person learns to speak that does not mean that they are no more autistic.	Autism is persistent. But autistic people do learn (everybody learns); many autistics learn to speak and some of them learn to appear "normal", i.e. to not match the stereotype most people use to have about autism. Still they are autistic; their perception, their ways of thinking are and will always stay autistic.
You can't tell they are autistic from a hundred yards.	Autistic people look like any other people do. You wouldn't spot an autistic if you encounter one. You might even be acquainted with one (or several) autistic(s) and you don't even know it (and maybe they don't know either).
Autism is not a cognitive disability.	There are many very intelligent autistics. Non-speaking people on the autism spectrum are often intelligent either.
Autism does not mean intellectual giftedness.	There are highly gifted autistics along with people of average intelligence and some with a learning disability. The intelligence distribution on the autism spectrum is probably the same as it is among non-autistic people, it's just the kind of intelligence that seems to be different.
Autism does not mean to have an exceptional talent like Rain Man (portrayed as a "savant").	Savants are very rare. Few autistic people do have abilities which are so exceptional, that they are classified as savants. Many others don't. There are non-autistic savants either, although on the autism the frequency of savant abilities appears to be higher than average. Many people on the autism spectrum have extraordinary abilities which are considered less spectacular.
Autism does not mean a general rejection of social contact.	Many autistic people like to make friends but either they don't know the neurotypical ways of socialising or maybe they don't like to socialise in neurotypical ways, but would socialise in their own way. Some autistics don't want to socialise with others because those are too loud and disturbing. Until now, we don't know much about how people on the autism spectrum get along with each other because they don't have yet many opportunities to meet each other. All people on the autism spectrum need "alone time" to relax.
Autism does not mean not to be able to go to school.	All children on the autism spectrum do learn. Because they learn differently and schools are made for non-autistics, they often need or would need accommodations to learn and to tap their full potential. However, most students on the autism spectrum go to regular schools and are often not identified as autistic.
Autism does not mean to be not able to live independent.	It might be true for some people on the autism spectrum; yet most autistic people live independent. Consider that every person needs some kind of assistance or support from others. Nobody lives as Robinson Crusoe. The amount of support one person needs varies individually. Same on the autism spectrum. Autistics just need another kind of support or assistance. The point is that people who need whatever kind of support can live independent.
Autism does not mean to have no feelings.	Autistics have feelings for other persons; however they often do not express them in a usual way. Probably they tend to form rather strong relationships with few persons than superficial relationships with everyone. Many autistics make friends with other autistics and generally prefer people who share their interests. There are also autistics who live in happy relationships.
Autism does not mean to lack imagination.	People on the autism spectrum often have a vivid, creative and unique imagination. Some autistics don't necessarily turn their imagination to social situations or they might do that in unusual ways. If children on the autism spectrum don't play "to act as if" games it is often said that they lack imagination, yet they just express their imagination differently. By the way, there are also autistic children who do play "to act as if".
Not all people on the autism spectrum think in pictures.	Visual learning might be more prevalent on the autism spectrum than in the average population (though we don't really know), but it's definitely not true that all autistics think in pictures. And there are many non-autistic people who think in pictures, too.
Not all people on the autism spectrum love math and numbers.	There are autistic people who are great mathematicians (Richard Borcherds, professor in Berkeley and winner of the Fields Medal is one of them). But there are many people on the autism spectrum who don't like math and some of them struggle with math at school.

Article from autism-culture.com - made with autistic pride

What Autism Is And What Autism Is Not

2008-09-06T08:16:00.001-07:00

This is "Autism For Beginners"—just to correct some common myth and misconceptions.

*What Autism Is Not:*	What Autism Is:
Autism is not a disease.	Autism is a way of being in the world, it's a character.
Autism is not a psychological problem.	Autism is an "alternative brain wiring". It is a way of information processing and part of neurological diversity.
People on the autism spectrum are not all the same.	Non-autistic people differ from each other, so why autistic people are supposed to be a homogenous group? Autism is a broad spectrum of different abilities, ways of living, philosophies of life etc. Some people think that autistic people differ among each other more than non-autistic people, because they are less prone to follow peer pressure, which requires a certain amount of conformation. Rita Jordan writes: "Individuals with autism may be more different from one another than others because of their lack of socialisation into a common culture".
Asperger's syndrome and autism are not clearly distinguishable from each other.	Asperger's syndrome and autism are a seamless continuum. Some people get diagnosed with autism in their childhood and as adults they are diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. They have "moved" on the autism spectrum. Often you can't make out a difference between high functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome in adulthood; diagnostically they are differentiated only by the presence or absence of a language delay. On the other hand high functioning autism and "classical" autism are not clearly distinguishable: diagnostic differentiation is done by IQ and this concept has proved very unreliable, especially with regard to autism. People appear different in their way of being autistic and their abilities—but they are all autistic.
Autism does not result from deficient education of a child. Autism is not caused by emotional negligence, emotional stress, abuse or trauma.	Autism is caused genetically. The theory that autism was caused by "cold", emotionless mothers, arises from a generally biased view on autism on the one hand and from the fact that some mothers of autistic children are on the autism spectrum themselves on the other hand (fathers are, too, but they were only referred to as "engineers"—which tells much about the gender notions behind it). For an autistic child it is a big luck for the most part to have parents who are on the autism spectrum themselves, because they can understand the child much better than non-autistic people could. To non-autistic people the behaviour of the parents might look strange and the problems of the child are traced back to that. However, autism has to do nothing at all with the way a child is raised. You can raise a non-autistic child as good as you can, she will never become autistic.
Autism is not rare.	A new study came to the conclusion that more than one of hundred persons is on the autism spectrum.
Autism is not only about children.	Autistic children don't suddenly stop being autistic by the age of 18. Autistic children grow to be autistic adults.
There is no "normal" person behind a "wall of autism".	Autism is an integral part of an autistic person. Autism is not separable from the personality of an autistic individual. Autism colours every perception. And those are beautiful colours. Autism influences the way a person thinks, senses, perceives, reacts and interacts. To wish that autism would disappear means to wish that the person was somebody else. And, anyway, autism is not a "wall".
You can't "cure" autism.	You can't cure autism, because Autism is not a disease. Even if autism were a disease, there wouldn't be any treatment to "make autism disappear". Even if this were possible, most people in the autism spectrum would not want to be ""cured" because autism is an inherent part of their personality and a "cure" for autism would mean a destruction of their personality.
Autism is not a tragedy.	Autism is often viewed negatively, especially when autistics don't speak—maybe because most of them lack opportunities to express their own opinions about it (and usually nobody asks, because people usually think they already knew the answer). There are autistic people who started speaking by the age of six or even twelve years, or people who communicate in other ways, and have a clear recall of the time they didn't speak; most of them view this time neutral or positive. Though people on the autism spectrum live in our society in a hostile environment (overloading, incomprehensible, impatient and generally arranged for non-autistic people) and autism is constantly pathologized, many of them share a positive view on being autistic. Many autistic people enjoy being autistic and would not want to be "cured". You can be autistic and happy, even in this society.
Autism is not a new phenomenon.	The first detailed description of a child that we would call autistic today was written in 1799 by Jean Itard ("the wild boy of Aveyron").
Autism does not mean not being able to speak.	Most people on the autism spectrum do speak. The diagnosis Asperger's Syndrome is applied when autistic children display no speech delay, in other forms of autism speech is considered delayed. Some children start speaking by the age of three, others by twelve, some never speak but communicate in other ways, such as by pictures, sign language on the computer.
When an autistic person learns to speak that does not mean that they are no more autistic.	Autism is persistent. But autistic people do learn (everybody learns); many autistics learn to speak and some of them learn to appear "normal", i.e. to not match the stereotype most people use to have about autism. Still they are autistic; their perception, their ways of thinking are and will always stay autistic.
You can't tell they are autistic from a hundred yards.	Autistic people look like any other people do. You wouldn't spot an autistic if you encounter one. You might even be acquainted with one (or several) autistic(s) and you don't even know it (and maybe they don't know either).
Autism is not a cognitive disability.	There are many very intelligent autistics. Non-speaking people on the autism spectrum are often intelligent either.
Autism does not mean intellectual giftedness.	There are highly gifted autistics along with people of average intelligence and some with a learning disability. The intelligence distribution on the autism spectrum is probably the same as it is among non-autistic people, it's just the kind of intelligence that seems to be different.
Autism does not mean to have an exceptional talent like Rain Man (portrayed as a "savant").	Savants are very rare. Few autistic people do have abilities which are so exceptional, that they are classified as savants. Many others don't. There are non-autistic savants either, although on the autism the frequency of savant abilities appears to be higher than average. Many people on the autism spectrum have extraordinary abilities which are considered less spectacular.
Autism does not mean a general rejection of social contact.	Many autistic people like to make friends but either they don't know the neurotypical ways of socialising or maybe they don't like to socialise in neurotypical ways, but would socialise in their own way. Some autistics don't want to socialise with others because those are too loud and disturbing. Until now, we don't know much about how people on the autism spectrum get along with each other because they don't have yet many opportunities to meet each other. All people on the autism spectrum need "alone time" to relax.
Autism does not mean not to be able to go to school.	All children on the autism spectrum do learn. Because they learn differently and schools are made for non-autistics, they often need or would need accommodations to learn and to tap their full potential. However, most students on the autism spectrum go to regular schools and are often not identified as autistic.
Autism does not mean to be not able to live independent.	It might be true for some people on the autism spectrum; yet most autistic people live independent. Consider that every person needs some kind of assistance or support from others. Nobody lives as Robinson Crusoe. The amount of support one person needs varies individually. Same on the autism spectrum. Autistics just need another kind of support or assistance. The point is that people who need whatever kind of support can live independent.
Autism does not mean to have no feelings.	Autistics have feelings for other persons; however they often do not express them in a usual way. Probably they tend to form rather strong relationships with few persons than superficial relationships with everyone. Many autistics make friends with other autistics and generally prefer people who share their interests. There are also autistics who live in happy relationships.
Autism does not mean to lack imagination.	People on the autism spectrum often have a vivid, creative and unique imagination. Some autistics don't necessarily turn their imagination to social situations or they might do that in unusual ways. If children on the autism spectrum don't play "to act as if" games it is often said that they lack imagination, yet they just express their imagination differently. By the way, there are also autistic children who do play "to act as if".
Not all people on the autism spectrum think in pictures.	Visual learning might be more prevalent on the autism spectrum than in the average population (though we don't really know), but it's definitely not true that all autistics think in pictures. And there are many non-autistic people who think in pictures, too.
Not all people on the autism spectrum love math and numbers.	There are autistic people who are great mathematicians (Richard Borcherds, professor in Berkeley and winner of the Fields Medal is one of them). But there are many people on the autism spectrum who don't like math and some of them struggle with math at school.

Article from autism-culture.com - made with autistic pride

How to Show Love to an Autistic Child

2008-09-06T07:50:00.002-07:00

One of the most pervasive myths that surround autism is that a child who has it will never show affection and can't accept getting affection from anyone.

There have been literally piles of stories of parents taking their child to a psychologist and the doctor telling the parents that your child can't possibly be autistic because he gives you a hug now and then.

While this opinion is just flat wrong, studies have shown that autistic children do process sensory touch differently than a non-autistic child and that this is where the myth that autistic children don't like to be touched comes from.

Autism and the way it affects kids really runs the gamut from light to severe. An excellent point to remember when dealing with an autistic child is that every single autistic child is different and will react to almost everything differently. Here are some tips for showing your autistic child affection, and remember, your experience may vary.

• Trial and error.

For some kids with more severe autism, a simple, random hug can be sensory overload. They can become agitated, upset and even violent if they are touched without prior warning. You will probably need to have a trial and error approach when it comes to hugging and touching your autistic child. Some methods may be responded to in a positive way, other ways won't be. You just have to try and see.

• Let the child come to you.

If you think your autistic child needs a hug, instead of rushing into his personal space and just taking one, speak to the child, bend down to his/her level and open your arms. Smile and let the child know that they are loved and see what the response is. If they don't come running in for a hug, don't be offended, it may just not have been the right time for the child.

• Try hand signals.

If your child is too sensitive to hugs or touches to show affection, you can try positive reinforcement in addition to hand singles. Things like a simple thumbs up accompanied by a smile and some positive comments can let the child know they are loved and what they did was good. You can also offer the child a chance to hug during these situations and they might just take you up on it.

• Make sure everyone is on the same page.

If you, the parents, are starting to make progress on getting your autistic child to be more affectionate, you don't need a sibling, teacher or grandparent who doesn't know or understand your child's boundaries messing up all of your hard work.

If you've begun to implement an affection program with your autistic child, make sure everyone who would possibly try to hug or touch him/her knows the rules.

Consistency and repetition are crucial to autistic kids, and this applies to a situation like this, as well.

Trying to figure out a puzzling condition like autism can be a lifelong challenge. For many parents, the affection issue may be the biggest. But with patience and learning to go by the child's cues and not your own, you will be able to connect with your child in a deep and meaningful way.

How to Show Love to an Autistic Child

2008-09-06T07:50:00.001-07:00

One of the most pervasive myths that surround autism is that a child who has it will never show affection and can't accept getting affection from anyone.

• Trial and error.

• Let the child come to you.

• Try hand signals.

• Make sure everyone is on the same page.

If you've begun to implement an affection program with your autistic child, make sure everyone who would possibly try to hug or touch him/her knows the rules.

Consistency and repetition are crucial to autistic kids, and this applies to a situation like this, as well.

Autism Anxiety Overload

2008-09-06T07:47:00.002-07:00

The renowned autism expert Tony Atwood is fond of putting it this way: "Autism is anxiety looking for a target."

Autism and anxiety go hand-in-hand.

Autism affects a person's ability to communicate with others or to understand the world around him, and that's bound to cause anxiety and panic sometimes.

Anxiety becomes even worse when there is a change in the autistic child's routine. Even positive and "fun" changes, like a school field trip or a visit to the zoo, can increase anxiety and aggressive behaviours.

For parents, the best course of action is to anticipate upcoming changes and help your child prepare for them.

Many parents find it helpful to use stories and pictures to prepare children for impending disruptions. If it's a field trip to the zoo, for example, use pictures to show your child what he'll see at the zoo, what the zoo will be like, and what sort of things to expect.

Do this each day for three or four days prior to the trip. That way, when the trip actually happens, the child won't be entirely out of his element, but will already understand and appreciate some of what will be happening.

Other changes in the routine are less enjoyable but still necessary. Getting a new teacher can be traumatic, as can moving to a new house. If at all possible, try to spread out the major changes. If you move to a new house, try to do it during the long school holidays, so that your child won't have to deal with the added anxiety of getting a new school and new teacher mid-year.

You can also introduce your child to the concept of "change" in a positive way by practicing with non-negative things. For example, just for practice, give him a little extra TV time instead of homework time one night, to show that changes in the routine can often be fun and good. Then practice with a neutral change (homework after dinner instead of before dinner), then with a negative one (changing play time into chore time).

This process can help your child grow accustomed to the idea of change and learn to adapt without becoming anxious.

Autism Anxiety Overload

2008-09-06T07:47:00.001-07:00

The renowned autism expert Tony Atwood is fond of putting it this way: "Autism is anxiety looking for a target."

Autism and anxiety go hand-in-hand.

Autism affects a person's ability to communicate with others or to understand the world around him, and that's bound to cause anxiety and panic sometimes.

For parents, the best course of action is to anticipate upcoming changes and help your child prepare for them.

This process can help your child grow accustomed to the idea of change and learn to adapt without becoming anxious.

Spare the Rod? Disciplining autistic children effectively

2008-09-06T07:43:00.002-07:00

Choosing the method in which you decide to discipline your autistic child can be one of the most heart-wrenching and difficult decisions you can make.

Since so many autistic children act out in a violent way, it is very difficult for many parents to not make the logical leap to spanking.

While there is no consensus whatsoever on the proper way to discipline an autistic child, one important point comes up again and again when researching the different methods and that is making sure the child understands that the punishment is a direct result of his/her actions.

Whichever method you choose, it's best not to wait a long period of time between the punishable act and the punishment itself.

Here are some other points to consider when it comes to discipline and an autistic child.

• Have a sliding scale of discipline. Don't rely on an old standby like sending the child to their room for every form of punishment. You must have an increasingly severe punishment scale to fit the behaviour.

• Consistency is key for the child to connect his behaviour to the punishment. Make sure that mom and dad or anyone else that may be in a position to discipline the autistic child follows the same template and uses the same scolding technique. As parents of any autistic child know, repetition is very important and so is routine. If the same punishment is administered for the same bad behaviour, it increases the chances for comprehension immensely.

• Spanking is extremely controversial. There are proponents that were raised by parents who spanked and are determined to raise their children the same way, autism or no autism. It is my opinion that, at least for autistic children, spanking is not the way to go. If you look at the previous point about repetition, this would have to apply in all situations for it to work properly, including public situations. I don't think anyone wants to be seen in a public place spanking their autistic child; you would rightly expect a visit from child services the next day.

Also, autistic children, even more so than regular children, are a sponge to events going on around them.

If they see you hit and it is deemed acceptable behaviour, don't be surprised to see an surge in your autistic child's violence level. A non-autistic child has a much easier time understanding "do as I say, not as I do" when it comes to hitting.

• Finally, don't give up hope with discipline if the first few methods you choose don't work. One of the mantras you learn early on as a parent of an autistic child is that each and every child with autism is different. He or she may end up responding to unorthodox or unlikely forms of discipline that no non-autistic child would. Keep searching for the method that best suits you and your child and try not to get discouraged.

Dealing with discipline and autism can be one of the most difficult dilemmas a parent can face. But with patience and trial and error, you will find a happy medium that will work for both you and your child.

Spare the Rod? Disciplining autistic children effectively

2008-09-06T07:43:00.001-07:00

Choosing the method in which you decide to discipline your autistic child can be one of the most heart-wrenching and difficult decisions you can make.

Since so many autistic children act out in a violent way, it is very difficult for many parents to not make the logical leap to spanking.

Whichever method you choose, it's best not to wait a long period of time between the punishable act and the punishment itself.

Here are some other points to consider when it comes to discipline and an autistic child.

Also, autistic children, even more so than regular children, are a sponge to events going on around them.

Positively Addressing Bedwetting and Autism- 5 tips you can try today

2008-09-06T07:36:00.002-07:00

Knowing how to effectively communicate with an autistic visual thinker is not the only challenge parents of autistic children face.

Enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, is another issue that may occur and needs to be dealt with in a patient and positive manner.

Why do some autistic kids have trouble when it comes to toilet training? There are different reasons, some of which include:

• Imitation difficulties

• Hypnotic condition – A lack of muscle control and failing to react or recognize the urge to urinate.

• Not being aware of feeling wet can also complicate and delay toilet training.

• Damaged cerebellum and basal ganglia – These are areas of the brain that are not formed correctly in autistic children, and are responsible for functions related to learning, motivation, cognition and movement control.

There are different methods to help your child overcome enuresis.

However, the treatment that will work best depends on the child's individual needs. In addition, you need to make sure your child can efficiently use the toilet during the day before working on controlling bedwetting.

The following are 5 tips you can try to help eliminate bedwetting:

1. Diet adjustment – Diet intervention may help autistic children with bedwetting because many autistics are prone to allergies and have sensitivities to certain foods, because they have a damaged immune system.

Common food allergies that can lead to bedwetting include grain (IE wheat, oats, and barley), dairy products, strawberries and citrus fruits. Aside from bedwetting, other symptoms caused by these foods may be stomach aches, nausea, whining, crying, hyperactivity, aggression, insomnia, and in rare cases, a seizure.

In order to find out if your child has an allergy, you will need to remove the food from their regular diet for about two weeks and then give it to them on an empty stomach. If allergic, they will have a reaction 15 minutes to an hour from the time they ingested the food. If a reaction occurs, then you know what food to eliminate.

Note: consult your doctor before trying this treatment method.

2. Reduce fluids - Limit the amount of fluids you give your child before bed. Get your child used to having a drink an hour before bedtime, instead of right before it's time to sleep. This will help reduce the chance of bedwetting.

3. Night-lifting – This technique involves waking you child occasionally throughout the night and walking them to the bathroom to use the toilet, and returning them to their bed. Teaching your child to wake up and empty their bladder at various times during the night can help send the right message and improve toilet training.

4. Dry protection – Absorbent underpants, a protector sheet and placing a protector pad between the sheets and mattress are all great ways to help a child feel dry at night while they are still learning how to develop control. Disposable, absorbent underpants help your child and you cope with bedwetting, by preventing pyjamas and sheets from having to be washed when there is an accident. Furthermore, when using such protection, talk to your child about what the urge to urinate feels like.

5. Moisture Alarm – This is a special alarm that clips on to the outside of bed sheets and activates as soon as the child begins to wet the bed. The idea is the alarm will wake the child who will then finish their business in the washroom before returning to sleep. Note: talk to your doctor about moisture alarms.

It takes time to stop your autistic child from bedwetting, but you need to stay persistent, patient and understanding even well after it appears the child has ceased enuresis as it is not uncommon for relapses to occur.

Positively Addressing Bedwetting and Autism- 5 tips you can try today

2008-09-06T07:36:00.001-07:00

Knowing how to effectively communicate with an autistic visual thinker is not the only challenge parents of autistic children face.

Enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, is another issue that may occur and needs to be dealt with in a patient and positive manner.

Why do some autistic kids have trouble when it comes to toilet training? There are different reasons, some of which include:

• Imitation difficulties

• Hypnotic condition – A lack of muscle control and failing to react or recognize the urge to urinate.

• Not being aware of feeling wet can also complicate and delay toilet training.

There are different methods to help your child overcome enuresis.

The following are 5 tips you can try to help eliminate bedwetting:

Note: consult your doctor before trying this treatment method.

Learning Ladders Society

BIBD'S "Toy Story 3" Treat to special needs children

Maktab Duli REALITY Programme at Learning Ladders

Thank You So Much TelBru Let's Give Back from Learning Ladders Family

Telbru Uplifts Broadband Education At Learning Ladders Society (We are on Page 8 today!!)

Learning Ladders To Hold Autism Awareness Family Day On June 6

CAREER AS AN ABA COUNSELLOR

Required Skills for a Career as an ABA Therapist

Early Diagnosis Vital In Tapping Potential Of Autistic Children

Thank You Baiduri Bank for the donations

Baiduri donates $60,000 to charities

May 3rd, 2010

Round of golf to mark HRH's birthday

Celebration of World Autism Awareness Day

Learning Ladders Charity Fun Walk Event a success!!

Pengiran Sabri (dua dari kiri) yang menyertai kegiatan senamrobik.

Brunei "stands up for autism"

Dr Sharina binti Hj Yunus giving her welcoming address.

Minister of Health in a speech during WAAD at the Yayasan Complex.

Health Minister touring the exhibition. - PHOTOS: JASON LEONG

Guest of honour receiving a token of appreciation from the President of Learning Ladders Society.

Committee members posing for a photo.

Autism Awareness Day Observed By Learning Ladders Society

Learning Ladders Society will be having a 4 kilometres Walk-For-Fun Charity Walkathon at the National Stadium Hassanal Bolkiah

Learning Ladders Society celebrates WAAD 2010

Learning Ladders Society listed in WAAD website

LLS Invitation to GreenFrog Management Service Charity Dinner

Learning Ladders Family Fun Day Carnival

Also a VERY BIG THANKS to KATAKIJAU Fan Club. Looking forward to working with you all again.

CHEERS!!

Learning Ladders Car Boot Sale

BIBD Charity Netball Tourney

Local ABA Counsellors @ work

Training With Overseas Consultants

Facilities Available at Learning Ladders Centre.

LifeSize at Learning Ladders Centre.

Learning Ladders Centre

Box Donation

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The Sound Of Charity

INSPIRATION Alan Salon Fundraising 1st November 2009

IA Salon to hold charity hair services campaign

Charity Chair Services of IAS

IA SALON celebrates 5th anniversary with fund drive

IA Salon Gears Up For Hari Raya

NBT Toyota Classics 2009 - Prague Chamber Orchestra

Certified ABA Therapist: Is there such a thing?

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Apologies!

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4-day SEMINAR on Behavioural Intervention for Children with Autism and/or Other Learning Difficulties 2nd – 5th February 2009

4-day SEMINAR on Behavioural Intervention for Children with Autism and/or Other Learning Difficulties 2nd – 5th February 2009

Final Day Consumer Fair

Final Day Consumer Fair

Day 2 Consumer Fair JAN 2009

Day 2 Consumer Fair JAN 2009

1st Day CONSUMER FAIR PART3 @ ICC

1st Day CONSUMER FAIR PART3 @ ICC

Under Construction

Under Construction

UPDATED! - Second National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education

UPDATED! - Second National Seminar and Workshop on Special Education

Anonymous Donations

Anonymous Donations

LL on Rampai Pagi

LL on Rampai Pagi

Dermalog Donates

Dermalog Donates

November Birthday: Happy 5th Birthday Adik!

November Birthday: Happy 5th Birthday Adik!

HRH PAIPA Sarah presented generous donation to Learning Ladders

HRH PAIPA Sarah presented generous donation to Learning Ladders

Signs of Possible ASD in Adolescents