Welcome Special Needs/ESE parents to our first ever page just for us! This is a great place to check out what is going on at San Jose in the world of Autism, Aspergers, Sensory Integration, PDD/NOS, and other special needs students we have here. This is a place for teachers, parents, and their families to share their information and network for a better understanding of our kids. We have learned from each other since we had that first question: what's going on with my child? What can I do to help them? Where can I go to get the support I need? What is an IEP or 504 plan? Anything you need to know we will help you find the answers here. We are one huge family at San Jose Elementary and you will see the typical children of the school are just as much a part of the ESE family. Our school supports inclusion as well as contained classrooms, depending on the needs of the child and concern of the parents. You have come to the right school and we are glad you are here!

The graphic helps explain a little better what is labeled as Autism.

What is Autism?

While no one knows what causes Autism, there is a general agreement when it comes to defining what Autism is. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. The signs usually develop gradually, but some autistic children first develop more normally and then regress. Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help autistic children gain self-care, social, and communication skills.

The puzzle that is used as a universal symbol for Autism explains just how different each person with Autism is. It is a great puzzle of varied disabilities, each piece being unique and fitting only just so in order to explain the big picture of that person. The medical profession is quite new to discovering how to treat the disorder and parents have formed numerous support groups to just be able to function day-to-day. Even though teachers are the ones we have run to help the most, they are also learning from these children every day and developing new aids to guide them on the learning path. We are all learning together, to help make a better world for these children that now number 1 in 88.

Teacher Recommended Educational Apps

Great for Classroom and Home Apps recommended from Mrs. Lumm.
(There may be costs for the apps)

Kindergarten.com
Speech with Milo
Comparative Adjectives
Little Matchups
Grasshopper
Mobile Education Store
Duck Duck Moose
Toca Train
Robot Lab
ABC Food
Cookie Doodle
Thats Silly
AppMATes
Seuss Band
Rainbow Cars
Lego 4+
Story Bots
Meet Millie
Write My Name by Injini
The Electric Company
PBS Kids
Endless ABCs
Bitsboard
PBS Parents
Angitus
Kid Weather
Thermo
Better Weather

Parent Recommended Apps
Mind Snacks Spanish
Fit Brains
Bits Board
Going Places
Earthviewer
Fingerpaint

Parent Information Internet Links

Everything Pinellas County Schools has to offer for Exceptional Student Education
Visit Pinellas County Schools ESE Info

Florida events and places to visit that accommodate special needs
Visit family events and places that accommodate special needs children in Florida

Everything Autism
Visit Autism Speaks Organization

Center for Autism and Related Disease (CARD) (at USF)
Visit for USF CARD Center

Family Network on Disabilities
Visit Family Network on Disabilities

General help for parents
Visit 211 Connects website
 
Right Service can point to organziations which provide information and help with daily needs, family assistance, housing and healthcare. 
The Right Service at the Right Time

Project Child Safe: Enter your child into a database just for special needs ages 5-25 with communication disabilities.
Visit Project Child Safe

Project Lifesaver: A GPS monitoring device that is attached as a bracelet. Great for your little escape artists! There is a cost to families for this service. Visit Project Lifesaver

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System (look under 'workshops and conferences" for great upcoming events) View FDLRS Workshops and Conferences

Facebook Links:

Family Network on Disabilities
Helping families throughout the state of Florida! They are headquartered here in Dunedin. Get on their e-mailing list to stay in the know of great things to come for our kids.
View Facebook Family Network

Legal Disclaimer: San Jose Elementary maintains this ASD/ESE page as a service to our families. Every effort is made to ensure listings are up-to-date. The resources listed on this page are not intended as a recommendation, referral, or endorsement of any resource or professional. The site provides, among other things, information about autism and other disorders, as well as links to third party websites that also provide information about autism and other disorders. This information is being provided for your information only and shall NOT be construed or relied upon as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult an appropriate health care professional.