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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. January 25, 2018

In This Issue

Freedom of Choice: Why Special Education Programs Should be Transparent About their Approaches

Modified Alzheimer's drug may treat some forms of autism

Children with autism may benefit from being bilingual

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Night to Shine in Poway

Cara Lucier & Associates

Generalization Program

It's Tax Time!

FREE! OT Consultation at TAG for Growth in Carlsbad!

The Movement Method

Bobcat Buddies! in Carlsbad

TAG Meet and Greet in Temecula!

Conference: Teaching Social Competencies-More Than Social Skills

EFMP - IEP Blueprint Series

Autism Care and Treatment for Military Familes Run/Walk and Family Festival

AYSO VIP Soccer Spring Season

Arms Wide Open

15th Annual Guacamole Bowl - Benfitting Sports 4 Exceptional Athletes

Teen Generalization Program


 






  • Freedom of Choice: Why Special Education Programs Should be Transparent About their Approaches
  • When parents enroll their children with special needs in a school, they often don't realize they're choosing not only a program, but a whole approach.

    I was reminded of this when I was asked to observe a little girl at a state-sponsored preschool for children with developmental differences. "Ana", 3, was happily playing when she noticed that a child across the classroom had a toy she liked. Rushing to get it, Ana slipped and fell, bursting into tears. A staff member came to comfort her, but Ana cried even louder.

    Clearly, the girl was suffering, but a therapist who had been working with Ana motioned the staffer away. Instead of comforting the girl, the therapist tried to distract her with another toy. Ana just kept bawling, but the therapist stepped away, assuring the girl she was fine. When Ana again looked toward the staffer who had initially consoled her, clearly asking for more comfort, the therapist intervened, quietly addressing the staffer. Read on...

  • Modified Alzheimer's drug may treat some forms of autism

  • A fusion of two existing drugs alleviates autism-like features in a mouse model of the condition, according to a new study1.

    The fusion drug, called NitroSynapsin, boosts social interest and alleviates some repetitive behaviors in mice missing one copy of the autism candidate gene MEF2C.

    The drug appears to work by tamping down overactive brain signaling; a signaling imbalance that leads to excess neuronal activity may be a unifying feature of autism.

    "We have a decent chance of treating many different forms of autism," says lead researcher Stuart Lipton, co-director of the Neuroscience Translational Center at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. Read on...

  • Children with autism may benefit from being bilingual

  • In the first study of its kind, scientists show that bilingual children with autism spectrum disorders can switch mental gears more easily than those who can only speak one language.

    Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing concern in the United States, affecting an estimated 1 in 68 children.

    Despite the prevalence and years of research, there are still several unanswered questions about how and why ASD develops, and how best to manage it. Researchers are looking at these queries from all angles.

    A new study gains fresh insight by approaching from an interesting direction; the researchers set out to understand whether or not being bilingual might provide improved cognitive flexibility in children with ASD. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • Our 19-year-old autistic son and daughter need to have their wisdom teeth removed along with dental fillings. Can anyone recommend a dentist/oral surgeon who have experience working with autistic adults so we can do BOTH procedures in one setting? Please contact me directly [email protected] or 619-253-8826. Thank you.



    My son has autism and his first insurance is anthem blue cross and secondary insurance is medi-cal. Alexa's playc is the service we are trying to get covered. First insurance will only cover 60% and Medi-cal phone representative I talked with said they will not cover the remaining 40% because Alexa's playc is not registered with them. Neither will they reimburse me if Alexa's playc bill me directly. I am wondering whether any parents had the similar situation and had a way to work around it.
    Also, can you recommend some special needs attorney? [email protected]



    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]



    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.

  • Night to Shine in Poway
  • Our church has been chosen by the Tim Tebow Foundation as a site for Night to Shine. This is a prom for people 14 years of age and up with special needs. This prom is in all 50 states, 15 countries and over 100,000 honored guest. We are one of 2 churches in all of San Diego County that are hosting this event. It happens on February 9th.

    To RSVP and for more info [email protected].
    https://www.trinitysandiego.org

  • Cara Lucier & Associates
  • At Cara Lucier & Associates we believe in the ability of every person to reach their potential. We believe that education is the key to opportunity. We advocate for the rights of individuals and their families:

    • IEP team meetings
    • Mediation
    • Due Process Hearings and Appeals
    • 504 Meetings and Appeals
    • Regional Center Meetings and Appeals
    • IHSS Appeals
    • Civil Rights Litigation
    For a free 60-minute initial consultation, please contact us at (760)505-2498.

    Law Offices of Cara Lucier
    Civil Rights and Education Law
    701 Palomar Airport Road, Suite #300
    Carlsbad, CA 92011
    [email protected]
    Phone: (760) 717-3451
    http://www.caralucier.com

  • Generalization Program
  • It's that time again - signups have just opened for our next round of Social Clubs, and we'd LOVE to see you there! Sign up at [email protected]. Signup deadline is Feb 23, 2018.
    www.excitesteps.com

  • It's Tax Time!
  • 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

  • FREE! OT Consultation at TAG for Growth in Carlsbad!
  • Please RSVP by emailing [email protected]

    Therapeutic Approach to Growth
    5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
    Phone: (760) 448-5837
    http://tagforgrowth.com

  • The Movement Method
  • Movement Method
    An evidence-based, kinetic learning theory, for children with neurocognitive difference such as autism. Through specific movement and interactive interventions, the child will experience increased curiosity and engagement with family members and their environment. Movement Method's focused interventions improve intrinsic motivation, attention, communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.

    February 10th 2018
    9am-12pm
    Liberty Station Conference Center
    Room 204A & 204B
    Point Loma


    Live workshop that will teach you the Movement Method and will give you practical advice you can start using immediately! Click here to register!!!

    www.familyguidanceandtherapy.com
    619-600-0683
    [email protected]

  • Bobcat Buddies! in Carlsbad
  • [email protected]

    Bobcat Buddies at the Boys and Girls Club of Bressi Ranch
    Hosted by Bobcat Buddies Club of Sage Creek High school!


    Middle school through high school children welcome! Play basketball with the local high schoolers of Sage Creek High school. This activity will only be for one hour from 2-3pm on February 11th. Sign up Fast! Only the first 15 will be accepted. This activity is FREE and this is our first activity of many more to come! Parents are required to stay. For more information and to sign up visit http://scbobcatbuddies.weebly.com

  • TAG Meet and Greet in Temecula!
  • Therapeutic Approach to Growth Inc.
    43537 Ridgepark Dr.
    Temecula, CA 92590
    www.tagforgrowth.com
    [email protected]
    858.689.2027

  • Conference: Teaching Social Competencies-More Than Social Skills
  • Our mission is to help people develop social competencies to better connect with others and live happier, more meaningful lives. We do this by creating concepts, curricula, and materials that help professionals and parents teach social competencies and help individuals as young as four and across the lifespan meet their personal, academic, and professional goals.

    Join us in San Diego! March 12-15, 2018
    EARLY BIRD - 20% OFF!!!


    Learn practical strategies for self-regulation, executive functioning, perspective taking, and more at the four-day conference. Learn More & Register!

  • EFMP - IEP Blueprint Series
  • Pre-registration is encouraged but not necessary. Please call 619-524-8031 or email [email protected]

  • Autism Care and Treatment for Military Familes Run/Walk and Family Festival
  • 1 IN 68 MILITARY CHILDREN HAVE AUTISM 10k * 5k * 1 Mile Benefiting military families impacted by autism

    Join us on Saturday, April 21, 2018 for our 8th Annual ONEHOPE ACT Today for Military Families 5k/10k Run/Walk and Family Festival. Since the inaugural event in 2011, this event has raised nearly $700,000 to benefit military families impacted by autism. Our event is a unique opportunity for the San Diego community to come together with our military service members in support of a worthy cause...building autism awareness and helping make a real difference in the life of a military child.

    Saturday, April 21, 2018
    TECOLOTE SHORES PARK | MISSION BAY
    1300 E. MISSION BAY DRIVE | SAN DIEGO


    Register today at acttodayformilitaryfamilies.org/run

  • AYSO VIP Soccer Spring Season
  • Registration now open! San Elijo AYSO VIP Soccer Spring Season runs March 4th through April 29th. The VIP league is a program designed for the specific needs of individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. Each player will have a Buddy to assist them while they learn soccer, meet new friends, and have fun!

    There will be 8 games, Sundays from 1-2pm at the San Elijo Softball Fields. Cost is $40 and registration is open at https://inleague.sanelijoayso.org/

    Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

  • Arms Wide Open
  • Arms Wide Open is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with special needs by fostering caring social environments and creating opportunities for recreation and participation in the arts.

    In 2008, the owners of Arts in Motion began offering a free class for children and adults with special needs to give them the opportunity to participate in dance and the performing arts. The popularity of the class has been overwhelming and in the Fall of 2010, Arms Wide Open became a non-profit organization with a mission to provide educational and recreational programs in the performing arts for individuals with special needs. Each year, members of Arms Wide Open have the opportunity to perform all around San Diego at events such as the Del Mar Fair, the Mother Goose Parade and the Chargers Blood Drive. In addition to adding new classes in music and fitness, Arms Wide Open has introduced a very successful theater program.

    Arms Wide Open
    237 East Main Street
    El Cajon, CA 92020
    PH: (619) 579-6197
    E: [email protected]
    http://www.awosd.org

  • 15th Annual Guacamole Bowl - Benfitting Sports 4 Exceptional Athletes
  • SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes (S4EA) is hosting the 15th Annual Law Enforcement Challenge "Guacamole Bowl" on Saturday, February 17th from 10:00am until 2:00pm at the Balboa Park Club. The "Guacamole Bowl" is a premier competition designed to determine, "Who makes the best guacamole?" Start working on your recipe now and enter a team, click here for the Registration Brochure.

    The Guacamole Bowl is open to the Public who are invited to come out and sample all the great guacamole. A $8 admission fee will get you a bag of Mission Tortilla chips and all the guacamole you can eat. You will also have the opportunity to vote for your favorite recipe and select the finalists in each division. Click here for Guacamole Bowl Flyer.

    The Guacamole Bowl is one of S4EA's major fundraisers and an established community event attracting over 1,000 visitors who sample guacamole by 20+ teams. For more Guacamole Bowl information visit our website- www.guacamolebowl.com or call 858-565-7432 or email [email protected].

  • Teen Generalization Program
  • It's that time again - signups have just opened for our next round of Social Clubs, and we'd LOVE to see you there! Sign up at [email protected]. Signup deadline is Feb 23, 2018.
    www.excitesteps.com

  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!

  • The third Saturday of every month, Fleet invites the Autism Spectrum Community to enjoy our museum through this special opportunity. Adults and families with children with autism can enjoy the Fleet's exhibit galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before regular open hours to the general public and with access to a special cool-off space. Visitors are welcome to stay and enjoy the museum all day. Admission includes a special IMAX film screening at 10 a.m. with the house lights on and a lower soundtrack volume.

    Upcoming dates:
    • January 20, 2018
    • February 17, 2018
    • March 17, 2018
    For more information, visit www.fleetscience.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings.

  • San Diego Sibshop


  • October 2017 - August 2018

    WANTED: Siblings who have a brother/sister with special needs

    AGES: 7 - 12 years old
    Older siblings are welcome to attend as "Junior Leaders"

    WHAT: A fun-filled opportunity geared to the specific needs of siblings with brothers/sisters with special needs. Join us for games, crafts, hikes, cooking, and art. Meet other sibs - lunch provided

    TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    DATES:
    Feb. 25: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
    March 25: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
    May 20: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
    August 19: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071**

    DONATION: $5.00 - $10.00 per meeting per family for craft materials, supplies and lunch for the kids

    REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested by email (if possible) the Thursday before the event.

    CONTACT: Email [email protected] for a Sibshop registration form and / or additional information.

    Sibshop Leaders:
    Jody BonDurant-Strong, Administrator
    Ndoto BonDurant-Strong - adult sibling & CSUSM student
    Gina Clifton, ECSE Medically-Fragile Teacher, Special Education
    Pat Moulton, Retired

    Directions for Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor's Center (MTRP):
    1 Father Juniper Serra Trail (92119). Interstate 8 to 15 North / East on Friars Road.
    Stay to left - turns into Mission Gorge Road / Turn left on 1 Father Juniper Serra.

    https://www.facebook.com/sandiegosibshop/

  • Therapeutic Recreation Services, Winter 2017-2018 Calendar

  • The City of San Diego Park & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Services program provides sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

    Services include therapeutic recreation programs and adaptive sports opportunities. These address the special needs of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing and participating in recreation opportunities offered to the general public.

    Under the direction of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, activities and services are designed to maintain or improve the physical, cognitive and social functioning of those who have limitations. The target population is children and adults, ages 3 and up, with any type of disability.

    Click here to view the Winter Calendar!!

    Click here to register!!

  • Parents and Caregivers Needed for Online Survey

  • I am Arek Yetenekian, and as part of my doctoral research at Alliant International University I require the participation of parents or primary caregivers of non-communicative children with autism. Participants are requested to complete the survey packet via the provided URL, within a web browser. The study consists of several measures of mostly multiple-choice responses related to a child's quality of life, as well as related areas of interest such as familial quality of life and parenting stress. Demographic information will also be collected. Participants with at least a fifth grade reading level, residing in the US, with at least one minor child with autism who is unable to communicate through oral and written means, are required. Thank you very much for your consideration.

    Survey URL: https://newqtrial2015az1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bq1Ye1UEEfFAuz3

    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at: 818-406-5199 [email protected]

    IRB #1607037250

  • Participate in Research: Attention Differences in Persons with ASD and their Family Members

  • Verbally fluent children with ASD between the ages of 8 and 16 and both of their biological parents are invited to participate in a new study examining attention skills. This study will follow recently published work that showed ­both the male sibling of a child with ASD and the child with ASD demonstrated similar attention abnormalities. This provides an important clue to the development of a better understanding of the genetic basis of ASD. This new study will examine trios, the child with ASD, and the mother and father. If one or both parents shows evidence of the attention difference we observed in children with ASD, we will have one of the first clear examples of a non-ASD core deficit that is experienced in first degree family members. Following with genetic analyses could potentially lead to a better understanding about the basic etiology of ASD. Families of a child with ASD are invited to participate in this research taking place at the Neuroscience Center of Alliant International University under the supervision of Alan Lincoln, Ph.D., MSCP, BCBA-D and Shamayne Brown, M.A.

    Study Requirements
    To participate in this study, both biological parents and your son must participate. Your family must be able to come to the Neuroscience Center at Alliant International University in San Diego, California. Participation for you and your son's other parent involves:
    • Completing questionnaires about yourself. This should take about 25 minutes.
    • Completing a brief standard cognitive measure. This should take about 30 minutes.
    • Completing a computer task. This should take about 30 minutes.
    Participation for your son:
    • Will require your child to complete the brief standard intelligence measure. This should take your child about 30 minutes.
    • You will be asked some background questions about your child and will be asked to complete forms related to your child's skills, abilities, and behaviors. This should take you about 25 minutes.
    • Your child will then be shown how to play the same computer games you will be shown and asked to play them as best he can. This should take about 30 minutes.
    We will try to accommodate your schedule as much as possible. Family members may come to the lab on different days if necessary. Some individuals may be excluded from participation in the study on-site. If your child is excluded, he will receive a $5.00 cash gift for his participation in the preliminary assessment. Upon the completion of participation in this study, each child will receive a $20.00 cash gift. Parents will each receive a $10 gift card upon completion of their participation. If a parent is excluded, he or she will be given a $5 gift card for participation in the preliminary assessment. You may also receive, upon request, results of your performance and/or your child's performance.

    If you are interested in participating, please contact us at our confidential e-mail: 858-635-4068, or by email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. I look forward working with you and your family soon.

  • UCSD Autism Center of Excellence- SPARK

  • UCSD Autism Center of Excellence is working with the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) as part of an exciting research partnership called SPARK, and we would like to invite you and your family to take part. SPARK is an online, national genetics research partnership that seeks to improve the lives of people with autism. Through DNA analyses of saliva samples, the ultimate goal of SPARK is to gain a better understanding of causes and best treatments for autism. To get started, sign up and a saliva collection kit will be mailed to your home. A gift card totaling up to $50 will be sent to you once saliva samples from both parents and individual with ASD are received. We already have 1,991 participants registered on the website, help us reach our goal of 3,000 today!!!

    To register for SPARK: go to www.sparkforautism.org/ucsd.sarrc

    For additional information contact Hannah Kaplan at the UCSD ACE: [email protected] or 858- 534- 6906

  • Children with Autism and Their Mothers are Needed for Student Reseach

  • Ariane Myers-Turnbull, MA
    Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
    California School of Professional Psychology

    If interested please contact [email protected] or call 858-414-1076!

  • BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IMAGING LABS - Recruiting Participants

  • If you are interested in participating in any of these studies, please call 619-594- 0176 or email [email protected].

  • Join Our Study! Video Games to Train Attention and Eye Movement

  • Join our study at UCSD's Research on Autism and Development Lab ( http://radlab.ucsd.edu). We are currently recruiting participants for a study to measure the effects of training visual attention using video games. Click here to view the brochure!!!

  • Parents and Children Needed for Student Research

  • My name is Shamayne Brown and I am a doctoral student at Alliant International University. This study is examining the attention abilities of kids with ASD and their parents. I am recruiting families with a child with ASD as well as families with typically developing children.

    We are looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who have a diagnosis of ASD and their biological parents - both mother and father need to participate. We are also looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who are typically developing and both of their biological parents to serve as a control group.

    If you and your family are eligible for participation, you will be asked to come to a lab at the Neuroscience Institute at Alliant International University. You and your child's other parent will be asked to complete consent forms and questionnaires about your own behaviors; this should take you each about 25 minutes. You will also be given questionnaires about your child's behaviors. Only one parent needs to fill out these questionnaires and should take about 25 minutes complete. You, your child, and your child's other parent will complete a cognitive test, which will take about 30 minutes. Each of you will then play some games on a computer. This will take each person about 30 minutes. Your child's participation will take approximately one hour. Your participation and that of your child's other parent will take approximately one and a half to two hours.

    After your child completes his tasks, he will receive a $20 cash gift as an appreciation for his participation. Once you and your child's other parent have completed all tasks, you will each receive a $10 gift card as a token of appreciation for your participation. For further information, please contact Shamayne Brown at [email protected] or 619-416-1799. Thank you for your time.

    *Approved by Alliant IRB
    IRB #1604025150

     
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    Disclaimer

    I never endorse anyone or anything. Opinions expressed in what I send out, may not be shared by me. Everything is for informational purposes only.
    People who "advertise" through this newsletter have never been checked out by me. Same goes for the "Sponsors". This includes professionals and even people who are interested in babysitting, etc. So, please take the time to thoroughly check out anyone and everyone who will be working with or caring for your child/adult. We are all sadly aware, through news stories and word of mouth, of people who prey upon special needs children and adults because of their extra vulnerability.

    Valerie Dodd-Saraf
    President, Foggy Coast Ventures, Inc.
    Owner/Editor ValeriesList.com

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