The Bottom Line
Pros
- Package includes workbook plus video
- Based on tried and true mneumonic devices
- Reviewed and approved by renowned autistic adult
- Makes use of strengths of people with autism
- Sarris has written a special "autism addendum"
Cons
- Useful only to higher functioning autistics
- A bit pricey for a short, homemade package
- Not especially groundbreaking
Description
- Workbook and video or DVD
- Offers multi-sensory memory tricks
- Designed with visual learners in mind
- Tried and true techniques
- Slightly pricey, but not outrageous
- Great for high-functioning autistic with LDs
Guide Review - Product Review - Memory Skills Made Easy
Children with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome may find it tough to learn abstract concepts or ideas, but may find it easy to memorize using mnemonic devices. With the advent of standardized tests and increasingly intense expectations, a tool to take advantage of those abilities could be helpful.Jim Sarris, an experienced teacher, has put together a collection of multi-sensory memorization tools to help kids through the rigors of No Child Left Behind. Building on auditory, visual, and imaginative strengths, it purports to increase any child's memory, confidence and grades. Since most of his techniques are tried and true, it's likely to be helpful. And, since many of his techniques are highly visual, they may be especially useful to kids on the autism spectrum.
Some of Sarris's suggestions (presented in video and in workbook form) include creating acronyms from lists (think Roy G. Biv to help you remember the order of the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet); building visual images to remind you of associations, and so forth. These are just as useful and appropriate for adults as for children, and he's created packages for both kids and adults.
Sarris's package of workbook plus DVD is not cheap ($47), especially considering that it's a small, homemade set of materials that offer nothing new. You can also find many of the same techniques described online -- and free. On the other hand, as I'm aware, it's the only collection of memory skill builders that have been designed with autism at least partially in mind. As a result, "Memory Skills Made Easy" may be ideal for you or your child.
