What are the Health Problems that Co-Occur with Autism?

House passes changes to Americans With Disabilities Act over activists' objections

Help Your Autistic Child Expand Their Interests

Decoding the overlap between autism and ADHD

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Developmental Parent Support Group in North County, San Diego

Therapeutic Approach to Growth

iCan Bike San Diego 2018 - Registration is open!

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

My Special Needs Connection February Newsletter

Helping People with Autism Reach Their Potential

Join UCSD Autism Center of Excellence on either SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, APRIL 7-8 for our first SPARKforAutism live-registration event!

Safer than Prescription Medication for Anxiety

Spring 2018 Therapeutic Recreation Services Calendar

It's Tax Time!

An Improv Program Designed for Teens on the Autism Spectrum

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center: Residential and Respite Care Services Survey

Free Download: Building Blocks Handout

Staying Connected with Xcite Steps

Being a Kid is Tough - OT Helps!!!

The wide range of symptoms and behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are complicated enough to deal with on their own, but add in the vast array of other issues that often accompany it and it becomes a minefield to navigate.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism you already face special behavioral challenges. What makes ASD even more difficult are the many other medical health issues that often arise in conjunction with it. Sometimes these symptoms even mask ASD or vice versa.

Many of the issues outlined here can overlap each other. This makes it even more difficult for researchers to clearly determine how and why children with ASD are more likely to experience one or more of them. It is important that as a parent you keep very detailed notes on any areas of concern. This can aid in diagnosis and treatment options, giving you the best shot possible at reducing or eliminating these issues. Read on...

The House on Thursday passed legislation that would amend the Americans With Disabilities Act over objections from disability rights advocates and Democratic leaders, who warned that the bill would remove incentives for businesses to comply with the law.

The ADA Education and Reform Act passed on a 225-to-192 vote, with 12 Democrats joining all but 19 Republicans to approve a bill that proponents say is aimed at curbing unscrupulous lawyers who seek profit by threatening businesses with litigation without actually seeking to improve access for the disabled. Read on...

When my son was three years old, he loved Sesame Street. He is now 19. He still loves Sesame Street, "The Little Mermaid," picture books, and Thomas the Tank Engine. He can watch the same Disney movies over and over again, and knows the name of every vehicle on the fictional "Island of Sodor." He loves creating models and "worlds" with legos, listening to Disney music, and finding interesting images from the natural world (snails, for example) on his computer.

These fascinations hurt no one. And while they are not "age appropriate" for a young man, they are certainly safer and more positive than, say, video games and movies about murder and theft or fast driving or keg parties or casual sex - all of which would be considered "normal" male interests in our culture.

So why do people feel so uncomfortable around people whose interests are "age inappropriate?"​ Read on...

Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder often coincide, but the search for common biological roots has turned up conflicting evidence.

Every morning, Avigael Wodinsky sets a timer to keep her 12-year-old son, Naftali, on track while he gets dressed for school. "Otherwise," she says, "he'll find 57 other things to do on the way to the bathroom."

Wodinsky says she knew something was different about Naftali from the time he was born, long before his autism diagnosis at 15 months. He lagged behind his twin sister in hitting developmental milestones, and he seemed distant. "When he was an infant and he was feeding, he wouldn't cry if you took the bottle away from him," she says. He often sat facing the corner, turning the pages of a picture book over and over again. Although he has above-average intelligence, he did not speak much until he was 4, and even then his speech was often 'scripted:' He would repeat phrases and sentences he had heard on television. Read on...

My name is Sara and I'm wondering if anyone has success with Vital Links headphones? Do you have a used pair you'd like to sell? Contact me: [email protected]

My son has autism and I would like to work on his focus and auditory processing. Does anyone have any good therapies that have helped address these two areas? I'd also be interested in any positive experiences with acupuncture. Thanks.
Best, Kathy ([email protected])

Can you ask the group if anyone has set up an Able account for their son or daughter. I know a law pass to allow up to $100,000 to be set aside in an account.

However California does not have this in place yet. Other states do have this in place and will allow person out of state to open an account. So I was just wondering if anyone had yet and what their experience has been.
Thanks Laura S. [email protected]

Does anyone have a great referral for multiple overnight respite or IHSL care in Encinitas area? My son is 18, high functioning ASD, healthy, happy and easy to be with but needs supervision and direction. Not untypical of this age, he no longer wants to travel with his parents,​​ which we do for business and pleasure We are wanting to hire someone who has the flexibility and availability to stay with him 3-7 days/nights occasionally. When he is in school no care is needed from 8am-3pm. Regional Center nor our Respite Care providers have given us any good options.​ Looking for referrals or ideas. Thank you, Kalli​ [email protected]

Can anyone share their experience with San Diego Center for Children residential program, good or bad. Thank you! [email protected]

Hi there, I'm wondering if you might have any resources for schools in North County SD that have a reputation for being good for kids with Autism? Public, Private, Charter, any...? Thank you!!! [email protected]

We are moving within SDUSD boundaries (Carson) is the school within our boundary. It is too big for my son who is in 2nd grade with an IEP for ADHD, SPD and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder).
He thrives right now in our current school with no Aide/One to one and he has been in Gen Ed since the start of school 76% of his day 24% of his day spent in SPED classroom. He is doing amazing! The only complaint is he 'is bored' He is ahead academically and required quite a bit of redirection to stay on task during his day. He requires a smaller environment and a very Structured, Patient, Positive Teacher.
Has anyone heard of any Elementary schools within SDUSD boundaries (closer to Mission Valley, Pt. Loma, Linda Vista, Bay Park, OB, Hillcrest, Mission Hills etc. ) that have strong 2nd grade Teachers and the children have been challenged academically and happy at? Thank you for any suggestions! [email protected]

I am looking for a summer camp for my 6-year-old son who has autism in Southern California since we are moving to the area this coming May. Please let me know what camps are good!
Best,
Razan [email protected]

Looking for a daytime assistance for a 13 year old with autism. Someone to help with homeschooling and occasional appointments. Please email resume [email protected]

I am looking for some resources for my son. He has high functioning autism, adhd and sensory integration disorder. He also has behaviors that can be pretty aggressive at school. I am trying to find a school in San Diego north county that maybe able to assist. I would appreciate any suggestions. [email protected]

Hello, I am a of mom of beautiful boy with autism and also a graduate student of clinical counseling program from University of Phoenix. I am couple weeks away from finishing my theoretical classes and looking for the agency, center or private practice that might be able to host me for my practicum and 2 internships, 700 hours, towards my Master Degree in Clinical Counseling. I have an extensive experience in autism field and I am open to any sites that can be autism and family therapy oriented. Please let me know if you might have some ideas or if you would be to provide those hours for me.
Thank you much !
Yulia
858/342-3118 [email protected]

I'm a mom of a 17 year old student with high functioning autism who will be applying to college this fall. I wondered if anyone has worked with a professional college coach/planner who has some knowledge of best colleges for students with high functioning autism. Would love to talk to other parents for advice on making the transition from high school to college. Please email me at [email protected]

Hi! I am wondering if anyone has a name of a Medical marijuana doctor in San Diego(north county preferred) not a recommendation doctor- but a real doctor who can give advice for strains and doses. Also any info for trials would be appreciated. Please email me at: [email protected]
Thank you!

If you have a question or request for this newsletter group, please send your email request to [email protected]. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses.

Date: Wednesday February 21th, 2018
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Place: 415 North Highway 101
Solana Beach, Ca 92075
Contact: Mara Goverman, LCSW

Please RSVP to Mara at 619-840-0015 by February 20, 2018

We are looking to build a monthly developmental reflective parent community in North County, San Diego for parents with children on the Autism Spectrum. D.I. R. is a Developmental, Relationship Based, Individualized approach that builds relationships through mutually shared interests to help children become flexible, resilient thinkers. It is our belief that having a support group to think things through and learn together is vital to the well- being of the child and the entire family. It is important for parents to have a safe space in a supportive environment to problem solve, stay connected with others and deepen the parent-child relationship. Meet Floortime parents and professionals and learn about Dr. Greenspan's effective approach to Autism. Bring challenging behaviors and issues to talk about and we can discuss solutions from a DIR perspective. Discover the Floortime/DIR resources available to you in our community. Parents and caregivers are invited to share experiences, show video clips, ask questions, and get information. Come join us- everyone is welcome- childcare is not provided.
http://realconnectionsinstitute.com/blog1/services/

Therapeutic Approach to Growth believes that every individual is unique and has the potential for significant growth. We assume and foster competence while honoring family values and priorities. Our holistic approach is built upon trusting, supportive relationships and collaboration between disciplines and families.

TAG, Inc. supports individuals of all ages and functioning levels. The following is a list of potential diagnoses we serve; however, this is not an exhaustive list: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without Hyperactivity, Brain Injury, Bipolar Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorders, Down Syndrome, Dysgraphia, Learning Disabilities, Non Verbal Learning Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome.

Here are the programs we offer:

• Adult Program
• Art Therapy
• Handle
• Home Programs
• Life Balance Yoga Therapy
• Long Distance Services
• Occupational Therapy
• Professional Training
• RDI
• Sage Learning Center
• Speech Therapy
• Summer Programs

Click here for all the info and to register!!!

Experience a unique and effective approach to autism therapy.

Our aim is to bring to families everywhere the most effective therapies for the treatment of autism. Our integrated care model is based on the scientific research and clinical practice of our founder, Dr. Suzanne Goh. We seek to set a new global standard for autism care by achieving superior developmental outcomes for the children and families we serve.

At Cortica, we believe the world needs a higher standard of care for all those living with autism, or a potential diagnosis of autism. Families like yours deserve effective, collaborative, caring therapies that are accessible and reasonably priced, no matter who you are or where you live.

Meet our extraordinary team of autism specialists.
Our multi-disciplinary team includes specialists from many different fields. All of our team members have specialized training and expertise in autism care.

• Pediatric Neurologists
• Electroencephalography & Neuromodulation Specialists
• Neurology Nurse Practitioners
• Nutrition and Holistic Health Practitioners
• Speech-Language Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Music Therapists
• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
• Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT)
• Social Workers and Marriage-Family Therapists
• Special Education Teachers

Click here to read their latest edition for all the info!!!

Gateway Learning Group is California's Premier provider of ABA therapy. We are excited to announce a recent expansion of our services to Riverside County.

At Gateway, we help individuals develop and strengthen their learning, language, behavior and social skills with proven-effective therapy treatment to support not only them, but your whole family as well. Gateway works with most health insurance plans and also provides services through school districts.

Click here to learn more about our team and services, call us at 877-264-6747, or email us at [email protected].

San Diego Office
2525 Camino Del Rio South
Suite 335
San Diego, CA 92108

Join UCSD Autism Center of Excellence on either SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, APRIL 7-8 for our first SPARKforAutism live-registration event! There will be free parking, drinks, child care, games, and giveaways. Come out, join the fun, and enroll in the largest, genetics study of autism with over 9,000 families already participating nationwide! Staff will help guide families through the online registration process and assist with saliva collection. Child care will be provided while parents complete registration. Families who complete the study will receive up to a $50 Amazon e-gift card. Help us understand the genetic causes of ASD and develop better, more effective treatments so that each child can reach their full potential!

Time: 9 AM- 5 PM
Where: UCSD Autism Center of Excellence- 8110 La Jolla Shores Drive, Suite 201/202, La Jolla, CA 92037

To reserve a registration spot, please RSVP by March 29th by calling 858-534-6906 or emailing Hannah Kaplan at [email protected].
RSVP is required for attendance and gift card giveaways. BOTH biological parents and the individual/child with ASD are encouraged to attend this event as this is a genetics study. Families must be able to consent and complete registration in English. We can't wait to see you there!

Safer than prescription medication for anxiety.

Offering your child hope for a better future.

Call 858-367-9108 to schedule your FREE consulation.

Microcurrent 4 Kids is San Diego's premiere pediatric microcurrent therapy program for children with special needs. Our program is the BEST therapy for Autism & ADHD, as you will see by the rapid improvement in your child's skills and abilities, because of how well it promotes developmental growth and couples with ALL other therapies. Proudly serving all of San Diego and conveniently located in Kearny Mesa, just off the 163 freeway and Balboa Avenue.

Click here for our new Spring 2018 calendar. Please note the following important dates:

>>First day of registration for Spring activities
Saturday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m.

>>First day of registration for Summer Camps
Saturday, March 3rd at 10:00 a.m.

You may sign up online at SDRecconnect.com or at our office 3325 Zoo Drive, 92101.

Need help navigating the tax ramifications of receiving public benefits such as IHSS? Have questions about which expenses are deductible (special diets, therapies, etc...)?

As a mother of twins diagnosed with Autism, I am able to provide a personal level of service due to first-hand experience.

Individual & Business tax returns welcome.

Serving the special needs community since 2008

Yvette M. Soto Accounting & Income Tax
3633 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 205
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 977-6586
www.yvettesoto.com

Connections
A Program of Unscripted Learning
www.unscriptedlearning.org
619-500-4628

The survey will take less than 30 minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous and voluntary and the responses are confidential. The responses will be helpful in determining issues and supports related to residential and respite care services. We will raffle ten $25 gift cards at the close of the survey for participants who complete the survey.

Click here to take the survey and help with research to improve lives!!!

Parents, teachers, clinicians, and many others have requested this handout to better understand the development of young children with social learning challenges compared to their neurotypical peers. We encourage its use in IEP meetings, treatment planning, and staff discussions to guide a deeper understanding of the social learning process and pinpoint treatment focus areas.

The handout attractively displays 15 foundational social learning concepts incorporated into the We Thinkers! early learner series, an extensive product collection for helping children engage in social emotional learning and improve their social competencies. The Building Blocks of Social Development interrelate to reinforce improved social learning. Each level leads to the next, and as a young learner progresses along the social learning building blocks, the social competencies they gain support reading comprehension, written language, working in a group, listening, and speaking-each of which are tied to greater academic and career success.

Download the Building Blocks Handout free for your classroom, clinic, or home! Click here!!

Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info about programs and upcoming events!!!

www.tagforgrowth.com
T 858.689.2027