Autistic Students Learn from Music Lessons

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/fenway-kenmore/2011/02/at_the_boston_conservatory_aut.html

As a special educator, I see many families struggling with coming to terms with their child's special needs.  This struggle often leads to pseudoscientific programs.  I get very frustrated with programs that do nothing more than exploit families who are trying to find ways to help their child.  That is why it is so great to read articles like this one.  Programs actually making a difference for children and their families need to be more visible and vocal than the scams.

Protective Playcase for iPhones from Fisher-Price

This is probably too young for most of your classes but a great idea if you have or know anyone with a baby.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/02/protective-playcase-for-iphones-from-fisher-price/

Human vs Computer

Here is an interesting topic to talk about.  I did not see this but I may have to watch the next two episodes.

http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/02/watson-wrong-answer-trebek/

Uncontacted Tribe in Brazilian Jungle

Here is an interesting video that shows a Brazilian tribe uncontacted by civilization.  Very interesting video that could initiate very interesting conversations or writing prompts in the classroom.

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/02/uncontacted-tribe-video/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Great new tool for post secondary transitions for students with Autism

This is a source to consider when creating transition IEPs for students with Autism.

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/03/new-tool-aimed-at-teens-with-autism/

Great Science Article

This is an article about a water flea that has more genes than humans.  Not only do they have more genes they have genes scientists have never seen before.  Very interesting article.

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/02/water-flea-genome/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Autism Rates on the Rise in CA

Autism rates still on the rise.  Here is an article on CA autism rates.  Unfortunately, we are still unable to identify why they continue to rise.

http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/autism-rate-triples-among-k-12-students-8488