MaryLynne

autism

I have worked with children having autism for over twelve years. After meeting a student and parents, I modify learning tasks and materials to fit the needs of the student. This also includes having consistent routines and offering choices of learning tasks. My experiences in stress reduction are very helpful when working with a student having autism because of his or her levels of anxiety. Hence, I use deep breathing and tapping techniques to lower anxiety levels; students feeling anxious have a lowered capacity to learn. I have been trained to use the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) for teaching. RPM was developed by Soma Mukhopadhyay. It utilizes a letter board to help the student stay focused on learning tasks and to improve communication when given choices. Each lesson plan is developed to access the student's different learning channels: visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic. I also use YouTube videos to provide learning experiences. Play and sensory integration activities encourage social interactions while improving both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Physical movement and music provide another way to introduce academic, social and emotional tasks to the student.

Aspergers

I began my professional career working with children having developmental disabilities as well as autism and Asperger's for twelve years. My tutoring approach helps the student by adapting learning materials to fit the needs of this visually-oriented student. This includes using a consistent routine,offering choices of learning tasks and helping the student learn to transition from one activity to another more easily. Specific techniques include, but are not limited to: Graphic organizers Flow charts,web maps to improve focus Visual pictures/symbols to provide concrete examples to student Mnemonic devices; using music, words, outlines, etc., to help with memory Task analysis; breaking project down into smaller tasks. This shows how a large project is just a series of simple tasks; reduces anxiety. Applied behavioral analysis focuses on rewarding positive behaviors; using structure and repetition. Improves social and communication skills. Relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. Providing sensory activities to help improve focus.

ADD/ADHD

As a counselor and/or full-time nanny, I have over twelve years experience in working with children having ADHD, helping them improve their grades and study habits. Using fun, out-of-the-box ideas, we focus on study skills, organization, test anxiety, and social skills. Sessions are broken into 10-15 minute units followed by a quick, 2 minute fun-filled spontaneous break. Using meditation and behavioral management ideas, students can learn how to increase focus, improve communication and improve study habits. Social skills training are used in the tutoring format as many children having ADHD have not learned to identify non-verbal cues as well as effective ways to interact with others. I have extensive experience in working with IDEA, Section 504 accommodations and participating in the IEP process for parents.

special needs

ADHD

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

study skills

phonics

vocabulary

grammar

reading

writing

English

psychology

literature

proofreading

spelling

elementary (k-6th)

SAT reading

SAT writing