New to Adapted PE (APE)

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am a Elementary Physical Education teacher. I am currently teaching in AZ, but had previously taught for 14 years in IL. I have always had regular ed PE with some students with disabilities mainstreamed into my classes. I have worked with a wide range of disabilities (e.g. Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Aspergers, to name a few) I recently got my Masters degree in APE and am not certified (had to pass the APENS...very tough test). However I have been given two APE classes this year in my teaching schedule...... and all though I welcome them with open arms, OH is the world of APE much different then the mainstreamed world when it comes to PE.
One of my classes is a MOMR and the other class is a LEP with ages ranging from K-6. There are quite a few that are very high functioning and will be mainstreamed into regualr PE.

I have been researching info on physical activity and children with Autism. I decided to start this blog in hopes that there are some others out there that either are in the same boat as me, or have experience in working with children with Autism in the PE setting and have ideas that they could share on what works for them.

Although I have been teaching PE for 14 years....in alot of ways I feel a little lost in teaching APE. For those of us that are teachers, remember the great benefit (or not) you got from your student teaching experience....well my Masters program did not end with a student teaching experience, and although all of my instructors were wonderful and I gained a wealth of knowledge in the subject, I just feel I do not have enough hands on experience in dealing with a complete APE class. I am sure I am underestimating myself and I know I have it in me to reach my students....but.......sure could use some moral support from my peers :-)....any great ideas on activities that work for you and your students?? any great websites??? books for resource??? books with activity ideas???

Unfortunately I only see each of my classes 1 time a week or less, depending on our schedule, we are on a 6 day rotation so there will be some weeks I won't see either of them. :-(

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and I am open to any comments or suggestions that you may have. Hope to hear from you soon. :-) Thanks for your time.