Helping Individuals with Special Needs Learn & Grow
Laura Gaffney, Durand’s Family Support Coordinator, and her son Andrew, now 26 with autism was interviewed by Alicia Vitarelli. This is an incredible story of Andrew overcoming his disability to achieve a successful and fulfilling family, work and social life as well as Laura’s long-time relationship with Durand as a client and
https://www.facebook.com/durandacs/videos/1572522962766415/ Here’s to the board, staff, families, and students who make the Durand community a warm and welcoming one!
Why They Are So Popular and How They Can Help Your Child with Autism Fidget spinners have been around since the mid-90’s and are now starting to gain widespread attention. Fidget Spinners have risen in popularity all over the nation, but what many do not know is that they first started as a
Summer is right around the corner! Are you and your family looking for fun, summer activities your child to be a part of this summer? Summer camps are a wonderful way for kids to build relationships, find new ways to communicate with others and learn some of life’s most practical lessons. Not
Magazines can offer insight and in-depth information from people who have had similar experiences than you. Although it is not always the most convenient to get a paper magazine in the mail, many of these magazines offer blogs, forums, and online versions of their magazine that you can access right from your
[caption id="attachment_1489" align="alignleft" width="300"] On April 10th, the Sesame Street crew welcomed 4-year- old Julia to the neighborhood and quickly learned that Julia has autism spectrum disorder.[/caption] Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, and Ernie now have a new neighbor on Sesame Street, Julia! On April 10th, the Sesame Street crew welcomed
When I think of how many things have changed in the last forty years at Durand Academy, I would have to say technology is the most drastic change. Many special needs individuals, like our non-verbal students, have the opportunity to use computers, iPad’s, and cell phones that enable them to communicate with
I wish people understood just how bright and intelligent our individuals actually are and that our individuals have feelings. They react the same as someone without similar conditions. The biggest misconception that I hear is “Oh, I thought all people like that live in facilities. “ People really believe our population should
Durand awards Dr. Stephen M. Shore with the Dr. Temple Grandin Achievement Award for Excellence in Autism. Diagnosed with “Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies” and “too sick” for outpatient treatment, Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen
[caption id="attachment_1364" align="alignnone" width="1536"] Dr Jim Ball Durand Consultant with Dr Temple Grandin in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.[/caption] Mount Laurel, NJ: Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., a professor at Adelphi University who has autism and Asperger’s Syndrome and is an author of several books including Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences With Autism and Asperger