Coulter Video Reviews

Intricate Minds: Understanding Classmates with Asperger Syndrome - "As I sat and watched student after student with Asperger Syndrome (AS) describe their feelings, it dawned on me that this is something that EVERY student who has a classmate with AS should see. The kids featured in the video were candid, open and honest. They really hit home."

Intricate Minds 2: Understanding Elementary School Classmates with Asperger Syndrome - Interviews with elementary school students and demonstrations designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce harassment, bullying and isolation.
 
Intricate Minds 3: Understanding Elementary School Classmates Who Think Differently - Interviews with elementary school students and demonstrations designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce harassment, bullying and isolation.

Asperger Syndrome Dad: Becoming An Even Better Father To Your Child With AS - "This program covers ten secrets dads can use to help a child with AS reach his full potential - and have fun along the way. The program features Drew Coulter (a young man with AS now in college) and his dad, Dan. Through interviews, videos and photos, the program uses Drew's experiences from early childhood through the present to offer practical advice on being the dad to your son or daughter with AS." [Coulter Video, $30]

Manners for the Real World: Basic Social Skills - "We produced this video to show students from upper elementary through high school how to act during some of the most common interactions between people. It features clear, straightforward demonstrations of appropriate and inappropriate behavior -- and we added a dash of fun to keep those adolescent attention spans engaged." [Coulter Video, $30]

Asperger Syndrome:  Transition to College and Work - Narrated by Drew Coulter, a student with Asperger's Syndrome. 57-minute VHS video describes how people with Asperger Syndrome can prepare for college and/or prepare to enter the workforce. [Coulter Video, $40]

Asperger Syndrome:  Success in the Mainstream Classroom - Because of the many similarities between Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, many of the strategies described in this program should also work well in teaching children who are diagnosed with HFA, PDD-NOS and NLD. [Coulter Video, $40]

Other Videos Available from Coulter Video

Running Time: 43 minutes
 

Availability: Visit Coulter Video Online (http://www.coultervideo.com/) for purchase information or visit ASPEN (http://www.aspennj.org/) for more information on Asperger Syndrome

Notes from Coulter Video: "We produced this video to show students from upper elementary through high school how to act during some of the most common interactions between people. It features clear, straightforward demonstrations of appropriate and inappropriate behavior -- and we added a dash of fun to keep those adolescent attention spans engaged."

 
Jackie's Review: This video is phenomenal. I found it easy to follow, interesting and helpful. I loved the humor that was added in order to to break though the more difficult social topics. Once again, Drew shines - I love this guy! Content is broken down into 9 main sections, each of which includes a helpful verbal and visual review. Manners for the Real World: Basic Social Skills contains useful information and tips for anyone who needs a primer on good manners. Sections are acted out so that there is no room for confusion; examples of both good manners and bad manners are given. While watching this video, I realized that we all probably need a good reminder on what is considered to be acceptable social behavior. This video does that perfectly. I plan to share this with all of my children. Of the three Coulter videos that I've watched, I must say that this is my favorite - hands down. Children ages 10 and up will benefit greatly from this video. Great job and keep them coming!
 
Video Outline/Contents:

Introduction
Self-questions
Being liked and respected vs. being ignored and avoided
Reasons for displaying good manners
Consequences of insults and bad manners

1. Personal Hygiene
Basics and why

2. Conversations
Gauging interest; making eye contact; proper distance; conversations appropriate to audience; listening - not dominating

3. Introductions
Basic rules of thumb

4. Telephone & Internet
Focus on what you're doing; avoid distractions; when it is safe to interrupt; taking and delivering messages; computer email etiquette

5. Table Manners
Portions; utensils; eating; ending a meal appropriately

6. Ladies & Gentleman
Courtesies and appropriateness of use, according to one's comfort zone

7. Public Manners
Holding doors; seating; noise level; distracting others; public ceremonies

8. Being a Host
Introductions and house rules; pets; extending courtesies

9. Being a Guest
Customs and traditions; personal hygiene; saying thank you

Conclusion
Purpose
Making others feel welcome and comfortable
Manners and courtesies overview
Manners in other countries

For more information or to order:
Contact Julie and Dan Coulter, Coulter Video
Email: coultervideo@att.net
Web: www.coultervideo.com
Phone: 336-794-0298

3. Book Recommendation for Interviews from Drew

4. College preparation checklist broken down by high school years (i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc.)

Notes to Coulter Video: Thank you for the opportunity to review this tape and to share your work with others. I am so happy to see Drew personally involved in this video. I am not only inspired but feel more confident about the possibilities for my own child with Autism.
 

Asperger Syndrome:  Success in the Mainstream Classroom

Running Time: 43 minutes, 32 seconds
 

Notes from Coulter Video: Because of the many similarities between Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delay-NOS and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, many of the strategies described in this program should also work well in teaching children who are diagnosed with these conditions.

Jackie's Review: This video is a well-rounded, informative session on the topics of Education and Asperger Syndrome. I found the information to be exceptionally presented and in an easy-to-follow format. The information provided is enlightening. This video is a definite "must see" for anyone, working or living with someone diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, who is interested in the educational, social and emotional aspects of the disorder.

Video Outline/Contents:

1. What is Asperger Syndrome?

• description

• behavioral characteristics

• emotional characteristics

• intellectual characteristics

• social characteristics

2. Introduction to Mainstreaming

• public school vs. private school placement

• personal instructional aides

3. Mainstreaming Tips for Teachers, Case Managers and Instructional Aides

• recognition of the need for flexibility and accommodations

• transitioning smoothly between classes

• clearly defined routines

• tantrums: your cue for a distraction

• opportunities for the student to shine

• combining visual and auditory teaching methods to maximize effectiveness

• teachers choosing activity partners vs. students singling out partners

• communicating acceptance to the class

4. Essential Social Skills Training

• interventions

• talking vs. conversing

• step-by-step skills training

a. Learning (learning the skill)

b. Playtime (practicing the skill)

c. Games (practicing the skill)

d. Snack (reward/practicing the skill)

• scripted conversation for practice

• academics are accentuated by good social skills

5. Parent Advocacy is an Art

• IEP is critical for success

• dressing appropriately

• read the book "Parent's Rights and Special Education"

• be a resource without overwhelming teachers

• volunteer and become a familiar face

• the "right" teachers and the "right" schedule

• become visible in the system (PTA or similar groups)

6. Preparing to Succeed

• educating educators about the disorder

a. internet
b. conferences
c. literature
d. parents
e. other professionals
f. student

7. The Bright Side of Asperger Syndrome

• added talent, interest and intellect to the classroom

• a different view

• finding the positives

• impact of the teacher on acceptance

8. Section Summaries and Resources

• outline of video segments

• additional resources (books, articles and web)

Running Time: 26 minutes
 

Availability: Visit Coulter Video Online (http://www.coultervideo.com/) for purchase information or visit ASPEN (http://www.aspennj.org/) for more information on Asperger Syndrome.

Notes from Coulter Video: "This program covers ten secrets dads can use to help a child with AS reach his full potential - and have fun along the way. The program features Drew Coulter (a young man with AS now in college) and his dad, Dan. Through interviews, videos and photos, the program uses Drew's experiences from early childhood through the present to offer practical advice on being the dad to your son or daughter with AS."

 
Jackie & Billy's Review: Are you struggling to find your place in your child's life?  This video is designed to teach viewers 10 secrets to becoming the father that your child with AS needs.  Dan, once again, uses his many years of experience, as the parent of a child with AS, to package his knowledge into an explosive little package. The broad, common sense approach makes it an asset to fathers - and even mothers - of any child on the Autism Spectrum.  Dan and Drew give you an exclusive glimpse inside their family. Watch Drew grow up before your eyes.  Share ups and downs and the family's outstanding ability to overcome and to move forward.  Dan's tips are both useful and easy to follow.  Drew is an amazing young man whose progress is nothing short of amazing.  When we think of our child's future and the possibilities, we always think of Drew.  Watch this video and step inside their world - you'll be glad you did.
 
Video Outline/Contents:

1. Take the Offensive
Commit to spend time and attention with your child; include them in every day activities.

2. Customize your approach
Experiment until you find something that works; conventional wisdom may not apply; practice to achieve success; make sure he sees/hears you; may need repeating; child may not be able to comprehend during emotional times; explain after child is calm.

3. Have a game plan
Plan trips keeping possible problems in mind; plan ahead to avoid melt downs; plan routes to exclude places that trigger a negative reaction from your child; bring fidget objects; talk through your plan with your child to prepare him.

4. Be Flexible
Have a Plan B to avoid messy melt downs.

5. Be patient
Strengths & weaknesses.

6. Become bullet proof

7. Be a team player
Don't blame or isolate; accept and deal with a diagnosis; work as a family team; job issues; showing up at events and doctor's appointments; schedule dates with your child.

8. Be your child's buffer and cheerleader
Demonstrate acceptance and patience; set a positive tone; sibling support and natural playmates; positive reinforcement vs. negative feedback.

9. Find the bright side of AS
Have fun as a family.

10. Aim high
Don't be over protective; teach independence; encourage your child to aim high and to expect more.
 
For more information or to order:
Contact Julie and Dan Coulter, Coulter Video
Email: coultervideo@att.net
Web: www.coultervideo.com
Phone: 336-794-0298

Running Time: 12 minutes
 

Availability: Visit Coulter Video Online (http://www.coultervideo.com/) for purchase information or visit ASPEN (http://www.aspennj.org/) for more information on Asperger Syndrome.

Notes from Coulter Video: Candid interviews with teenagers designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce harassment and bullying. Through interviews with students who have Asperger Syndrome (AS), this video offers an inside look at how teenagers with AS act, think and feel -- and how they're routinely treated. The students talk about their strengths as well as their challenges and describe how important is it to them to be treated with respect. The program's open includes speculation that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein had Asperger Syndrome. After viewing this video, classmates should be less likely to ignore or harass students with AS -- and be more willing to treat them as equals.
  
Jackie's Review: As I sat and watched student after student with Asperger Syndrome (AS) describe their feelings, it dawned on me that this is something that EVERY student who has a classmate with AS should see. The kids featured in the video were candid, open and honest. They really hit home. I felt so many emotions while listening to their accounts of personal taunts and triumphs. I felt myself going from sad to proud. This video shows the most basic of human emotions: the need for love, companionship and acceptance. In my opinion, there is no better way to share this emotion than to listen first-hand as the children who are directly affected by AS tell their stories. What these kids have to say applies to kids with all types of disabilities. People with disabilities just want to be accepted for who they are. They don't want special treatment. They want to be treated equally - and with respect - not judged or made fun of. After all, isn't that what we all deserve?

I've been watching Drew narrate videos now for over 5 years. And once again, I think that he did a superb job. I want to personally thank Dan and his family for producing another great work which is sure to help many children.
 

For more information or to order: At $30 each, this video would make a great addition to any high school or middle school library. Running just 12 minutes in length, it would fit into any classroom or professional development session. More information, including sample video clips, can be found at http://coultervideo.com/intminds.htm.

Contact Coulter Video
Email: coultervideo@att.net
Web: www.coultervideo.com
Phone: 336-794-0298

Running Time: 16 minutes
 

Reviewed by: Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Sebastian, age 12 and Melody, age 9

Review Date: November 16, 2005

Availability: Visit Coulter Video Online (http://www.coultervideo.com/) for purchase information or visit ASPEN (http://www.aspennj.org/) for more information on Asperger Syndrome.

Notes from Coulter Video: This video features interviews with elementary school students who have
Asperger Syndrome -- and "point of view" demonstrations. Designed to promote positive interactions between classmates, INTRICATE MINDS II can help classmates avoid the trap of ignoring or teasing kids who have trouble fitting in. Kids who understand the reasons for "different" students' actions are much more likely to accept them socially and include them in activities. For grades 3-6.
  
Jackie's Review: This video is the elementary school companion to the previously released video "Intricate Minds: Understanding Classmates With Asperger Syndrome", which was created to help kids at the high school level understand their classmates with Asperger Syndrome.  Once again, I am very impressed by the quality and presentation of this video.  The writing was creative and the narrator was pleasantly engaging.  As I viewed this latest release from Coulter Video, I kept an eye on the two children who were watching it along with me.  Questions and comparisons seemed to set the tone of the room.  The children couldn't help but notice how much the kids in the video were like them.  They noticed the similarities more than the differences.  Bingo!  One child even exclaimed that he should be tested because he has some of the same characteristics as one of the boys on tape.  This was the perfect opportunity to explain that we are all very similar, despite our differences.  Parents and teachers should take this opportunity to educate children about their peers with Asperger Syndrome.  Everyone is sure to leave the room having learned something very valuable.

Sebastian's Review: I think the video was great.  I did not know that Asperger Syndrome was like that.  Now I feel that I have a clear understanding of what it is like and I found that the kids in this video are a lot like me. 

Melody's Review: I thought that the video was good.  I think it is sad that people call these kids names and ignore them.  People don't understand them.  I think it's not nice when people treat other kids like that.  I think that people who watch this video will understand what it is like to be different and they might understand that the kids on the video are people just like them who just want to make friends. 

Contact Coulter Video
Email: coultervideo@att.net
Web: www.coultervideo.com
Phone: 336-794-0298

Running Time: 17 minutes
 

Reviewed by: Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o and Sebastian, age 12

Review Date: November 16, 2005

Availability: Visit Coulter Video Online (http://www.coultervideo.com/) for purchase information or visit ASPEN (http://www.aspennj.org/) for more information on Asperger Syndrome.

Notes from Coulter Video: This video features interviews with elementary school students who describe what it's like to have conditions that make them act differently from their peers in school. These interviews, along with "point of view" demonstrations, promote positive interactions between classmates and help them avoid the trap of ignoring or teasing kids who have trouble fitting in. The program concentrates on behaviors classmates might see that could be associated with conditions such as Asperger Syndrome, Higher Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delay, Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder and
others. Kids who understand the reasons for "different" students' actions are much more likely to accept them socially and include them in activities. For grades 3-6.
 
Jackie's Review: This video is the multi-disability companion to the recently released video "Intricate Minds 2: Understanding Elementary School Classmates With Asperger Syndrome", which was created to help kids at the elementary school level understand their classmates with Asperger Syndrome.  The video was adjusted to include subject matter relevant to those wishing to educate children about varying types of disabilities.  Once again, I am very impressed by the quality and presentation of this video.  The writing was creative and the narrator was pleasantly engaging.  As I viewed this latest release from Coulter Video, I kept an eye on the two children who were watching it along with me.  Questions and comparisons seemed to set the tone of the room.  The children couldn't help but notice how much the kids in the video were like them.  They noticed the similarities more than the differences.  Bingo!  This was the perfect opportunity to explain that we are all very similar, despite our differences.  Parents and teachers should take this opportunity to educate children about their peers with disabilities.  Everyone is sure to leave the room having learned something very valuable.

Sebastian's Review: I think the video was great.  I did not know that Asperger Syndrome was like that.  My brother has Autism and it was good to hear other kids like him tell about their feelings. Now I feel that I have a clear understanding of what the kids go through every day.  I found that the kids in this video are a lot like me. 

Melody's Review: I thought that the video was good.  I think it is sad that people call these kids names and ignore them.  People don't understand them.  I think it's not nice when people treat other kids like that.  I think that people who watch this video will understand what it is like to be different and they might understand that the kids on the video are people just like them who just want to make friends.
 

Contact Coulter Video
Email: coultervideo@att.net
Web: www.coultervideo.com
Phone: 336-794-0298

This video shows how to search for and apply to the right college, how to access special needs services in college and how to prepare in high school for success in college. It also contains all the information in our "Transition to Work" video to help students find and hold jobs after college. Produced by Dan and Julie Coulter, parents of a son with AS. $40.00 Available at: www.coultervideo.com

Contained in a 3-inch binder, this transition-planning tool helps students identify, collect and organize the documents colleges require during the application process. It's available in regular and special needs editions. $35.00/$40.00 Available at: www.coultervideo.com