Awakening Minds^© : Autism, Special Education and Mental Illness

My name is Choo Kah Ying. I am a writer/educator and a homeschooler of Sebastien, my autistic son and my inspiration. I am also a recovered sufferer of manic-depression. Both of these conditions have shaped the trajectory of my life and sculpted the landscape of my character. Most significantly, they have influenced my perspectives in my work and inspired me to create Awakening Minds^©.

What's New!

- “Smiles for Sebastien, or A Special Kind of Kindness” – my article on social interactions between my 15-year-old autistic adolescent and others, inspired by our recent trip to Myanmar (Dec 2011) 

All Because of the Hummingbird... or the Horse (ebook version, 18 pages, US$6.99)

My heartwarming picture book that is inspired by the struggle of Sebastien (my son who was then eight years old) to come to terms with changes in life and the environment is available in an ebook format! This book is targeted at young readers (aged 7-12) to cultivate the compassion of future generations towards special needs individuals. You can now download this book and read it on your computer or your iPad for just US$6.99!

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WORDS, PICTURES, STORY! SERIES

Dog Saved the Day! Story Template (PDF, printable, 18 pages, US$6.99)

Dog Saved the Day! Story Workbook (PDF, printable, 15 pages, US$5.99)

Targeted at children with mild language difficulties (aged 6 and above), who have a basic knowledge of parts of speech, the story template and accompanying workbook can be a fun way for you to interest your child in writing. Filled with hangman prompts, pictures to colour, and clues, you and your child can have fun completing the story!

The accompanying workbook, comprising sections on comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and a creative activity, will build on your child’s understanding of the story.

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Photo Gallery of Sebastien's Paintings

Check out the budding collection of funky and hip photos of Sebastien's love affair with water and colours - his vibrant and dynamic watercolour paintings - at “Autistic Art”, where you can purchase the prints.

At the same time, also check out the beautiful photos of Jerome Poudevigne who has taken the photos of Sebastien's artistic works.

Special Education Workshops (Revampled and Reorganised under TWO themes)  

Teaching Special Needs/Autistic Learners (click here)

• The Magic of Scaffolding: How to Design and Implement a Differentiated Lesson (in class/at home)
• Making Customised Worksheets for Your Special Needs Child
• Designing and Implementing Engaging Learning Activities for Pre-School Special Needs Learners (4-6 years old)
• Brainstorming a Story: Let's Compose a Story Together

Relating to Special Needs/Autistic Learners  (click here)

• Raising an Autistic Adolescent
• Tough Love: Managing Your Special Needs Learner
• Building a Relationship with Your Autistic Child
• Open Your Mind, Open Your Heart: Caring for Yourself to Care for Your Special Child
• Smiles for Sebastien: Role of Society in Helping Special Needs Families

Coming Soon... in April and May

- Words, Pictures, Story! Series: Customisable (DIY) Literacy Templates & Ready-to-Use (RTU) Literacy Worksheets (Level 1 to Level 5) for young learners with mild learning difficulties (aged 5 to 8), or older learners with moderate and severe learning difficulties (depending on functioning level) (PDF, printable)

- Informative booklets on designing learning templates and worksheets (literacy and numeracy) for special needs learners, targeted at caregivers and professionals (PDF, ebook)

- Photo Gallery of Sebastien's Paintings – Ongoing updates and expansion of the collection.

 

Sebastien's unique celebration of colour

What is Awakening Minds^© ?

Awakening Minds^© is a social enterprise that strives to debunk stereotypical conceptions about autism, special needs and mental illness/mental wellness. Through affordable original books, articles, learning materials, talks, workshops and consultations, Awakening Minds aims to:

• Empower sufferers and caregivers to adopt a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach to supplement professional treatments;
• Inspire and motivate people to think outside the box about strategies and solutions for their conditions;
• Encourage the pursuit of a physically, mentally and emotionally healthy lifestyle; and
• Combat stigmatisation of people with special needs and mental illnesses.

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What does Awakening Minds^© offer ?

Awakening Minds^© offers the following products and services:

• Inspiring books with personal and practical perspectives on autism and manic depression.
• Innovative learning materials that provide fun scaffolding and hands-on learning for children with special needs.
• Informative talks and workshops on:
  1. various aspects of autism and special needs – learning strategies, curriculum design and implementation, social and communication approaches, sensory regulation, behavioural management, etc.
  2. mental illness/mental wellness – practical lifestyle strategies on treatment and recovery; addressing life issues; stigmatisation; creating a programme plan for recovery, etc..
• Individualised on-site/in-home consultations to provide targeted services – creating a programme plan for recovery and training individuals/caregivers to execute the programme.

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Who is Awakening Minds^© for ?

Awakening Minds^© seeks to reach out to:

• Individuals with autism, special needs and mental illnesses (particularly those with manic depression or depression)
• Caregivers
• Professionals
• Schools
• Helping Organisations and Community Agencies
• Members of the Public.

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