Autism Resources


RCA Sign Language Resources

Sign language is a useful communication tool for many of our children. Some are able to express their wants and needs with gestures. We work with the students to turn these gestures into the correct signs. While the Rochester Center for Children teaches Sign Language, we try to use American Sign Language. However, because the majority of our staff and clients are hearing, we are considered to use “Contact Signing” and is not always true American Sign Language. To clarify, we are teaching where the two cultures and languages (Hearing/Deaf & English/ASL) overlap which tends to result in the development of a form of communication called "contact signing." Contact signing by its very definition is not ASL, however it has many signs and terms that are ASL. We may alter the sign using an initial or a simplified version of the fine motor movement. There are also cases in which we create a sign specifically for a student to be able to communicate his/her wants and needs. To further bridge this possible communication gap, we are constantly in communication with the client’s family and support members so there is less of a communication break. Because RCC uses Contact Signing, there may be a few signs in the videos and descriptions that are unfamiliar to the Deaf Community.

For more information on the importance of sign language, click here.
http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/topics/autism02.htm

Sign List #1 Words
Sign List #1 Words with Descriptions

Sign List #2 Words
Sign List #2 Words with Descriptions

Sign List #3 Words
Sign List #3 Words with Descriptions

Sign List #4 Words
Sign List #4 Words with Descriptions

Sign List #5 Words
Sign List #5 Words with Descriptions

Learn More About Autism

The Rochester Center for Children wants to provide you with all the help and information you need when it comes to a diagnosis with Autism. Rochester and the surrounding Southeast Minnesota area have a wide variety of resources you need when it comes to your children.

Advocacy/Legal

RT Autism Awareness Foundation
Autism Advocacy and Law Center of Minnesota
Autism Society of Minnesota
Minnesota Autism Insurance Advocacy Blog
PACER Center
ARC of Minnesota
Southeastern Minnesota Autism Alliance

Case Management and Social Services

Developmental Disability Case Management of Olmsted County
Youth Behavioral Health of Olmsted County
Dodge County Social Services
Mower County Social Services
Fillmore County Social Services
Winona County Human Services
Goodhue County Social Services
Wabasha County Social Services

Diagnosis, Evaluation and Assessment

Mayo Clinic Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Bluestem Susan C. Jenkins, M.D.)
Associates in Psychiatry and Psychology (Marriage and Family Counseling)

Education and Childcare

Rochester Public Schools: Jefferson Elementary School
Zumbro Education District: K-12 
Learning Rx, Jennifer Beyst
Sylvan Learning Center
Rochester Community Education

Family/Parent Support & Counseling

Fernbrook Center (Rochester, Owatonna, Faribault, Kasson, Waseca & Red Wing)
Social Odyssey, Susan Powers
RCA Parent and Sibling Support Groups- Stephanie Johnson
Disability Hub MN
Associates in Psychiatry and Psychology (Marriage and Family Counseling)
Covered Bridge Family Resources (Goodhue and Wabasha Counties, Counseling and Psychotherapy)
Bluestem Center (Counseling and Psychotherapy)
Rochester Families Website
Family Service of Rochester

Recreation, Sports & Camps

J.E.T.S. Gymnastics (Adaptive Gymnastics)
Ironwood Springs Ranch
Rochester Adaptive Park and Recreation
Rideability
Special Olympics-Rochester Area
Possabilities Youth Rec Program

Specialized Therapy (Behavioral, Speech, Occupational, Physical)

Achievement Therapy Services

Personal and Respite Care

College Nannies and Tutors
Cardinal of Minnesota
SEMCIL
ARSYSS
Hiawatha Homes

Technology

Minnesota STAR Program

Transition, Employment and Adult Services

Bear Creek Services
SEMCIL
Possabilities, Linda Driessen
Hiawatha Homes
Cardinal of Minnesota
REM
Ability Options
Opportunity Services
Alpha Services

Transportation

ZIPs
Handi Van