Looking for specialty items for a child with autism? These parents took up the challenge to come up with their own solutions. They've taken what worked for them and marketed it to help other parents. Could you follow in their footsteps?
ABA Educational Resources
Photo courtesy of ABA Educational Resources Inc.
Proprietor/Parent: Sharon Gabison
Business Description: The purpose of ABA Educational Resources is "providing educational materials to children and their families living with autism and using a behavioral approach to optimize their child's potential." On the site, you can purchase flash cards, books, videos, audiotraining tools, and laminating supplies; download tools like token economy boards, picture symbols, and data collection forms; and connect with other parents through message boards and listings of organizations. ... Read more
Business Description: The purpose of ABA Educational Resources is "providing educational materials to children and their families living with autism and using a behavioral approach to optimize their child's potential." On the site, you can purchase flash cards, books, videos, audiotraining tools, and laminating supplies; download tools like token economy boards, picture symbols, and data collection forms; and connect with other parents through message boards and listings of organizations. ... Read more
AutismEdu
Photo courtesy of AutismEdu
Proprietor/Parent: Sharon Sexton-Braun
Business Description: The mission of AutismEdu, according to its Web site at AutismEdu.com, is "to create revolutionary educational software for the benefit of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)." The company's first production is "Operation Communication," a CD-ROM that uses an engaging visual presentation to show parents "how to shape and increase a child’s communication using commonplace, everyday situations." AutismEdu also offers consulting services, workshops and seminars. ... Read more
Business Description: The mission of AutismEdu, according to its Web site at AutismEdu.com, is "to create revolutionary educational software for the benefit of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)." The company's first production is "Operation Communication," a CD-ROM that uses an engaging visual presentation to show parents "how to shape and increase a child’s communication using commonplace, everyday situations." AutismEdu also offers consulting services, workshops and seminars. ... Read more
Coulter Video
Photo courtesy of Coulter Video
Proprietor/Parent: Dan Coulter
Business Description: "We're a video publishing company specializing in programs about special needs," Coulter explains. "Most of our videos focus on Asperger syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders, but we also sell a manners video that's appropriate for all kids. We write and produce original videos, then market and distribute them. We have a growing international business, and routinely sell videos to customers in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia." ... Read more
Business Description: "We're a video publishing company specializing in programs about special needs," Coulter explains. "Most of our videos focus on Asperger syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders, but we also sell a manners video that's appropriate for all kids. We write and produce original videos, then market and distribute them. We have a growing international business, and routinely sell videos to customers in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia." ... Read more
Different Roads to Learning
Photo courtesy of Different Roads to Learning
Proprietor/Parent: Julie Azuma
Business Description: "Different Roads to Learning is an online and postal catalog specifically for children diagnosed with autism," according to Azuma. "We have educational materials that relate to the interventions of Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior. The materials include manuals, flash cards, manipulatives, software and other tools needed to educate children with developmental disabilities." ... Read more
Business Description: "Different Roads to Learning is an online and postal catalog specifically for children diagnosed with autism," according to Azuma. "We have educational materials that relate to the interventions of Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior. The materials include manuals, flash cards, manipulatives, software and other tools needed to educate children with developmental disabilities." ... Read more
Dreamcatcher Weighted Blankets
Photo courtesy of Dreamcatcher Weighted Blankets
Proprietor/Parent: Eileen Jackson
Business Description: DreamCatcher "specializes in custom weighted products for those individuals that benefit from them," according to Jackson. Among the items offered are lap pads, lap blankets, wrap blankets, crib blankets, and blankets for twin-, full-, queen-, and king-size beds. Most are custom-made with fabrics and weights specified by the customer. ...
Business Description: DreamCatcher "specializes in custom weighted products for those individuals that benefit from them," according to Jackson. Among the items offered are lap pads, lap blankets, wrap blankets, crib blankets, and blankets for twin-, full-, queen-, and king-size beds. Most are custom-made with fabrics and weights specified by the customer. ...
Giving Greetings
Image courtesy of Giving Greetings
Proprietor/Parent: Randi Sargent
Business Description: "Giving Greetings is a resource for parents and professionals who support children with communication disorders and autism who use visual and picture symbols to communicate," Sargent explains. "We publish awareness-building cards, gifts, and visual supports used by families, teachers, and therapists." ... Read more
Business Description: "Giving Greetings is a resource for parents and professionals who support children with communication disorders and autism who use visual and picture symbols to communicate," Sargent explains. "We publish awareness-building cards, gifts, and visual supports used by families, teachers, and therapists." ... Read more
HandHold Adaptive
Image courtesy of HandHold Adaptive
Proprietor/Parents: Dan and Carey Tedesco
Business Description: "HandHold Adaptive broadly aims to bridge the digital divide we believe exists between modern handheld technology and the special needs world," the Tedescos explain. "We adapt mass market portable devices, like iPhones, iPods, and Blackberry phones, to serve those with special needs and their caregivers. We have a suite of applications in our development pipeline, starting with iPrompts, which is a picture-based communication tool for the iPhone and iPod Touch." iPrompts allows parents to put customized picture schedules, social stories, timers, and choice prompts on those popular electronic devices. ... Read more
Business Description: "HandHold Adaptive broadly aims to bridge the digital divide we believe exists between modern handheld technology and the special needs world," the Tedescos explain. "We adapt mass market portable devices, like iPhones, iPods, and Blackberry phones, to serve those with special needs and their caregivers. We have a suite of applications in our development pipeline, starting with iPrompts, which is a picture-based communication tool for the iPhone and iPod Touch." iPrompts allows parents to put customized picture schedules, social stories, timers, and choice prompts on those popular electronic devices. ... Read more
Natural Learning Concepts
Photo courtesy of Jene Aviram
Proprietor/Parent: Jene Aviram
Business Description: "We manufacture special education materials which get printed abroad and imported into the United States," says Aviram. "Most of our business takes place in the United States, but we have a number of distributors in Australia, Singapore and Canada. What makes us unique is that we provide our customers with something else. We give them hope, inspiration and a new perspective on what it means to have autism. We have learned so much over the years from personal experience, parents and professionals, and we’re eager to share it." ... Read more
Business Description: "We manufacture special education materials which get printed abroad and imported into the United States," says Aviram. "Most of our business takes place in the United States, but we have a number of distributors in Australia, Singapore and Canada. What makes us unique is that we provide our customers with something else. We give them hope, inspiration and a new perspective on what it means to have autism. We have learned so much over the years from personal experience, parents and professionals, and we’re eager to share it." ... Read more
OZMO
Photo courtesy of Dee Carrick
Proprietor/Parent: Dee Carrick
Business Description: "OZMO is a website to provide fun stuff for people with autism and also cool stuff for special interests," says Carrick. "We wanted it to be easy to use, truthful, fun, without puzzle patterns, without therapy talk, and also to be appealing to older kids, teens, and adults. We carry books, sensory toys, puzzles, and even gross stuff! (My son's favorite.) The one rule is that it has to be fun." ... Read more
Business Description: "OZMO is a website to provide fun stuff for people with autism and also cool stuff for special interests," says Carrick. "We wanted it to be easy to use, truthful, fun, without puzzle patterns, without therapy talk, and also to be appealing to older kids, teens, and adults. We carry books, sensory toys, puzzles, and even gross stuff! (My son's favorite.) The one rule is that it has to be fun." ... Read more
QCHARM LLC
Photo courtesy of QCHARM LLC
Proprietor/Parent: Denise L. Meissner
Business Description: "QCHARM, LLC provides a Portable Visual Cueing System to people who have special needs and to those who care for people with special needs," says Meissner. "The system involves presentation of symbols/icons on a charm that attaches to a wristband. Initial examples of icons are used to improve skill development related to: task preparation/performance/transition; schedules; changes in schedule; receptive and expressive communication; sensory modulation; socially appropriate behavior; safety education/reminders; and emotion identification/empathy." ... Read more
Business Description: "QCHARM, LLC provides a Portable Visual Cueing System to people who have special needs and to those who care for people with special needs," says Meissner. "The system involves presentation of symbols/icons on a charm that attaches to a wristband. Initial examples of icons are used to improve skill development related to: task preparation/performance/transition; schedules; changes in schedule; receptive and expressive communication; sensory modulation; socially appropriate behavior; safety education/reminders; and emotion identification/empathy." ... Read more
