Theresa McFarland, M.A.

Theresa McFarland, M.A.has over 20 years of education and experience providing services to children and adults who have disabilities including autism.Throughout her career, she has provided support to families through educational interventions, workshops and parent support groups.She has extensive training in research based interventions including discrete trial training,TEACCH, behavior modification, music therapy, social skills training and functional academics.Ms. McFarland has advocated for many children and will continue to provide support to families and individuals who live with disabilities.For up to date news on topics related to autism, please visitwww.newsforautism.comYour Online Magazine for Autism Related Issues

Articles by this Author

Social Skills Music Groups

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 08/7/2008
TREATMENT
Rating: Unrated

WHAT IS A SOCIAL SKILLS MUSIC GROUP?
A Social Skills Music Group is an opportunity for children, families and friends to practice social skills in a fun, structured and relaxing environment. Social skills such as greetings, sharing and friendship are modeled and reinforced

Educational Evaluation of Special Education Student With Autism

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 12/2/2007
CASE STUDIES
Rating: Unrated

All students in special education are required by law to have a complete evaluation every three years to determine eligibility for special education services. The following case study is about a student named "Adam". Adam is seven years old and has autism. He is in a special day class setting in a public school. The case study includes details of Adam's 3-year educational evaluation

Autism and Education Options

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 12/1/2007
EDUCATION
Rating: Unrated

Education services and treatments for autism vary from district to district and also are available through private schools and therapists. Education services for autism include the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children (TEACCH) system allows students to follow an individual schedule while focusing on individualezed goals and learning activities. Children work with minimal prompting on a structured work system.

Education Services for Children with Autism

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 12/1/2007
EDUCATION
Rating: Unrated

As the prevalence of autism has increased astronomically in recent years, so has the number of available treatments and education options. Parents must sift through the many interventions and decide which is best for the education of their child. More and more parents are educating themselves; the treatment options are exciting and give hope to parents of children with autism. But the task of determining which treatments and education paths are best for each child is a great responsibility

AUTISM

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 11/17/2007
AUTISM
Rating: Unrated

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability. Autism is typically diagnosed around the age of three. Autism affects the development of the brain in the areas of communication and social interaction. Children and adults with autism normally have difficulties in non-verbal and verbal communication, play activities and social interactions. Autism makes it difficult for individuals to communicate with others and relate to the rest of the world.

Dietary and Nutritional Interventions for Autism

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 11/17/2007
NUTRITION
Rating: Unrated

Currently, the majority of the medical establishment considers dietary interventions for autism to be an alternative intervention. Many physicians are not familiar with current research regarding autism and dietary connection.

Dairy Free Diet and Autism

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 11/13/2007
TREATMENT
Rating: Unrated

Some parents of children with autism have seen positive results when dairy products are eliminated from the child's diet at a young age.

Celiac Disease

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 11/13/2007
NUTRITION
Rating: Unrated

A disease called celiac disease is under investigation to show a link between autism and behavior.

Blogs by this Author

New School Year

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 08/8/2008

The new school year has already begun for many districts. What can families do to prepare students with autism for the new school year? If the child is going to a new school it is important to visit...

Music and Movement Activities for Sensory Integration

By Theresa McFarland, M.A.
Published 07/22/2008

Music really is the universal language! Children with autism who are drawn to music can benefit greatly from music therapy including music and sensory activities. At home and in the classroom, s...

www.newsforautism.com

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