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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. March 02, 2017

In This Issue

Autism risk genes linked to evolving brain

Do Children With Autism Reach Developmental Milestones on Time?

Delayed pupil response to light may be early sign of autism

How Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation?

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Join us in Making a Difference, Race for Autism! 10% Discount Now Through March 10!!!

Social Skills Groups and Language Enrichment in Encinitas

Dr. Rienzi Haytasingh to Speak at Parents Advocating Together, March 8th!

Friendship Circle of San Diego's Purim Party!

Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together

Start RDI Today!!!

Help Us Get Insurance Funding For ALL Autism Treatments!

Essential Oils to Support Neurological Health, March 4th!

Self-Advocacy Conference - Save the Date

Conference: The DIR® Approach to Pediatric Feeding

S4EA March Newsletter

Life Skills Classes!!!

Occupational Therapy Monthly Information Nights, March 1st!


 


VALERIESLIST SPONSORS

On Saturday, March 25, 2017 we are celebrating the 13th annual San Diego Race for Autism in Balboa Park, and it's going to be "Super!"

This family friendly event gathers together more than 6,000 families, educators, and autism professionals from across Southern California to help raise awareness and funding for one of our country's largest concerns- autism. Once considered rare, autism now affects as many as 1 in 68 children in the US, and more than 19,000 families right here in our community.

100% of the Race funds stay right here in San Diego and provide funding for early identification efforts, technical training in software testing for young adults, parent programs, educational workshops and has funded more than 600 community programs and classrooms, benefiting thousands of local children and families.




Want to learn more about Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for your child on the spectrum?

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) is a unique treatment approach that empowers parents to guide their child to succeed in a truly dynamic world. Children who learn to actively engage with the support of their parents in safe but challenging learning opportunities (problems and situations that are just beyond their level of competence), develop a strong motivation to explore and expand their world, as well as develop competence and trust in themselves and their Guides. The program has no defined length. It is designed to accommodate parents and children with a wide range of obstacles and handicapping conditions. Therefore participation may range anywhere from one to several years. Have specific questions? See the RDI FAQs for answers!





  • Autism risk genes linked to evolving brain
  • Genetic variants linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have been positively selected during human evolution because they also contribute to enhanced cognition, a new Yale study suggests.

    A genome-wide association study of ASD of more than 5,000 cases and an analysis of evolutionary gene selection showed that inherited variants linked to ASD were found under positive selection in larger numbers than would have been expected by chance. Read on...

  • Do Children With Autism Reach Developmental Milestones on Time?
  • Kids with Autism May Miss Important Developmental Milestones

    A developmental milestone is a sign of typical child development. Children reach dozens of developmental milestones between birth and adulthood. Early milestones include social smiles, rolling over, and sitting up. Later milestones involve the acquisition of language, social, physical, and emotional skills, and intellectual abilities.

    Children with autism tend not to reach all of their developmental milestones at the appropriate times. Read on...

  • Delayed pupil response to light may be early sign of autism
  • The pupils of preschool-age children with autism are slow to constrict in response to light, according to results from two unpublished studies presented today at the 2016 International Meeting for Autism Research in Baltimore. The findings suggest that the pupillary reflex could serve as an early indicator of autism risk.

    Researchers have seen a similarly lethargic response in children with autism older than 6 years. Both of the new studies extend this observation to younger affected children. Read on...

  • How Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation?
  • Some kids need help learning to control their emotions, and resist impulsive behavior

    If you're a parent, chances are you've witnessed a tantrum or two in your day. We expect them in two-year-olds. But if your child reaches school age and meltdowns and outbursts are still frequent, it may be a sign that he or she has difficulty with emotional self-regulation.

    Simply put, self-regulation is the difference between a two-year-old and a five-year-old, who is more able to control his emotions. Helping kids who haven't developed self-regulation skills at the typical age is the goal of parent training programs. And many older children, even if they're beyond tantrums, continue to struggle with impulsive and inappropriate behavior. Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • We are a same sex couple with 11year old twins. Seeking an affordable lawyer knowledgeable in LGBTQ laws and special needs' laws. With the new administration it's critical that my partner completes second parent adoption for the boys, that our wills are updated, and that my severely autistic son is protected. Thank you. Laurena [email protected]



    We are relocating to the San Diego area from WA in the Summer 2017. I have a 5 year old autistic son (mild-mod) who is in Developmental kindergarten (Special Ed), with pull out to general education Kinder during Math , OT 1X/week & ST 2x/week at school, and he gets outside ABA , OT, Social skills. I wanted to get parent feedback on experiences with the teachers, therapist & Special Education with Del Mar, Solana Beach, La Jolla, Poway or San Diego School District? I want to choose the best elementary school/ school district/special education with teachers, para's, OT, SLP who have experience interacting/teaching kiddos on the spectrum. I would also like to know which School District are open to ABA in the school setting. As well as, other resources in the community, coffee/talk, special needs PTA, support groups, swim classes, hairstylist, Dentist, Doctors, Social skills groups, ABA, SLP, OT's etc in the San Diego area that parent's can recommend.
    Any and all help is greatly appreciated...
    Kindest Regards,
    Diana Garzilazo
    [email protected]



    I have a son that would like to meet some other kids...Do u know of any others that live in the Encinitas Area that we can possibly meet? Or possibly other social clubs? My email is [email protected]



    I have a sister with special needs. She is now 20 years old and for about one year now, she has decompensated. She had been on depakote for many years which helped managed her aggression and impulsivity but somehow her body is now "allergic" to this medication. Psychiatrists have tried different cocktails of medication to hopefully help her return to her previous lifestyle. She would participate in sports for exceptional athletes and would participate in other community activities. She does not participate in activities that she once enjoyed due to her severe aggression. She is diagnosed with Autism and intellectual disability. She has recently returned to school (she is slowly progressing). My parents care for her full time and it is a tough tough job as you might understand.

    They are working with the regional center to hopefully find some respite for my parents. But honestly, we ran in to a wall with availability of services. My family is looking for a home for my sister to spend several days per week so she can learn some independent skills and detach some from my parents. I was wondering if you had any ideas of programs or homes we could look in to. Preferably in San Diego. She would be considered what they call a "level 14". Thank you! Norma [email protected]



    My almost 17 year old son has high functioning autism and I'm trying to figure out what services I might be able to find for him. I'm getting nervous as he had more emotional troubles and gets closer to adulthood. Thanks. Linda [email protected]



    We are new to San Diego and I am in search of a primary care pediatrician who is knowledgeable in ASD, autoimmune disorders, and chronic illnesses. My son has autoimmune thyroiditis and PANS.
    Thank you!
    Amber [email protected]



    I am looking for a psychiatrist for my non-verbal autistic son who is 21 years old and has self-injurious behaviors. Does anyone have experience with Dr. Joshua Feder or recommend anyone else?
    Thanks.
    Sarah
    [email protected]



    Family with Bi-polar and ADHD and other mental illness 12 /15 year olds seeking childcare worker with appropriate experience - especially residential/group home experience to help after school and weekend help. Carmel Valley/Del Mar area. [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.

  • Join us in Making a Difference, Race for Autism! 10% Discount Now Through March 10!!!
  • On Saturday, March 25, 2017 we are celebrating the 13th annual San Diego Race for Autism in Balboa Park, and it's going to be "Super!"

    This family friendly event gathers together more than 6,000 families, educators, and autism professionals from across Southern California to help raise awareness and funding for one of our country's largest concerns- autism. Once considered rare, autism now affects as many as 1 in 68 children in the US, and more than 19,000 families right here in our community.

    100% of the Race funds stay right here in San Diego and provide funding for early identification efforts, technical training in software testing for young adults, parent programs, educational workshops and has funded more than 600 community programs and classrooms, benefiting thousands of local children and families.

    Please join us in making a difference on March 25th. Because everyone can be a SUPERHERO! 10% Discount Code HERO10

  • Social Skills Groups and Language Enrichment in Encinitas
  • Crimson by the Sea provides comprehensive speech and language evaluations, individual therapy and group therapy. We believe in creating a warm and friendly environment that works closely with the family in providing a tailored treatment plan for each child. You can find out more at www.crimsonbythesea.com. Make sure to check out "Making Waves" section and subscribe to our blogs!

  • Dr. Rienzi Haytasingh to Speak at Parents Advocating Together, March 8th!
  • The next Parents Advocating Together meeting is just around the corner on Wednesday, March 8th! We are so excited to be hosting Doctor Rienzi Haytasingh Owner of www.BrainLearning.com

    His presentation will focus on Meaningful Psychoeducational Assessments.

    RSVP using the Facebook Event Link: www.facebook.com/events/1824916674458157 or email [email protected]

  • Friendship Circle of San Diego's Purim Party!
  • RSVP Required:
    [email protected]
    858.487.4879
    https://friendshipcirclesd.com/upcomingevents/

  • Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together
  • aefct

    AEFCT provides high quality services that are structured, comprehensive, and individualized. Our mission is to provide intervention to children with autism, putting the needs of each child first so that they are met fairly and appropriately. We use developmentally sound strategies supported by empirical evidence, combined with a team approach that involves family participation. Autism affects the entire family unit, and we recognize that parent education and participation are essential to achieve success.

    Our Services
    Developmental Approach:


    AEFCT is dedicated to providing developmentally appropriate services that utilize teaching strategies supported by empirical evidence.

    Team Approach:

    Direct family participation is a central component of the AEFCT program. Parent participation both during direct instruction and after behavior consultants leave is imperative to each child's success because autism affects the entire family unit. The most important teachers in a child's life are their parents. As such, parent education and participation are essential in order to attain and maintain success.

    Multicultural Approach:

    Sensitivity to the diverse population that exists in San Diego is addressed through the individualization of curriculum, parent and staff training, and education.

    AEFCT
    3954 Murphy Canyon Rd.
    Suite D105, San Diego, CA 92123
    858.569.0056
    http://aefct.com

  • Start RDI Today!!!
  • Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®)

    Our primary approach for treatment of autism spectrum is a developmental program called Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®). RDI® is a unique treatment approach that empowers parents to guide their child to succeed in our dynamic world. Children who learn to actively engage with the support of their parents in safe but challenging learning opportunities develop a strong motivation to explore and expand their world, as well as develop competence and trust in themselves and their guides.

    Why RDI®?

    Foundations of the adult mind are developed in the first years of life through the "Guiding Relationship". From the middle of the first year of life, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, in every culture on earth, children interact with parents and other important adults in deceptively simple encounters, with a very serious underlying agenda; constructing the architecture of the child's mind and brain. Click here for all the info!!!

    The Family Guidance and Therapy Center of Southern California
    3575 Kenyon Street, Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92110
    10731 Treena Street, Suite 105 San Diego, CA 92131
    619-600-0683
    http://familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • Help Us Get Insurance Funding For ALL Autism Treatments!
  • The DIR/Floortime Coalition has a new bill--Senator Anthony Portantino's SB 399 will require insurance funding for the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient with autism!

    We need you to add your name to our sample letter. We must show that parents, professionals, and organizations are behind this bill.

    **Please click here to ADD YOUR NAME!**

    Forward this email to all organizations and professionals who may influence the outcome by putting the support letter on their letterhead, adding their name/address, and emailing to [email protected].

    THANK YOU!!

  • Essential Oils to Support Neurological Health, March 4th!
  • This meeting will be held at We Rock the Spectrum. Check out their website: http://www.werockthespectrumsandiegocmr.com

    This presentation will be done by Amada Dahl. Check out her website here: https://dahlholistichealth.com

  • Self-Advocacy Conference - Save the Date
  • 858-278-5420, ext. 32 or [email protected]

  • Conference: The DIR® Approach to Pediatric Feeding
  • June 8-9, 2017
    Portland, OR

    Eating is a complex process, with emotional significance for child and parent(s). This course illustrates how DIR® ( Developmental, Individual differences & Relationships) principles are used in feeding intervention for children 6 months-12 years with a range of feeding challenges.

    Participants will learn from the team of presenters about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, including medicine, nutrition, occupational therapy, speech therapy and mental health, and will explore relationship-based intervention to guide their practice in the home, clinic and school-based setting. Click here for all the info and to register!!

  • S4EA March Newsletter
  • s4ea

    Click here to view their latest newsletter!!!

  • Life Skills Classes!!!
  • ABA Behavior Therapies & Testing (The ABA Group)
    www.abagroup.org
    (760) 349-4200

  • Occupational Therapy Monthly Information Nights, March 1st!
  • Our presentations take place each month from 6:00-7:30 PM in our office. RSVP is required for all attendees. Please contact Silvia Arballo at [email protected] or call (858) 689-2027. www.tagforgrowth.com

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT


  • Please visit http://www.sdnhm.org/visit/accessibility/asd-mornings/ for more information.

  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!


  • In February we began our, Autism Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet (http://rhfleet.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings), program. This morning is dedicated to the ASD community to come and enjoy the Fleet in a quieter setting and catch an IMAX film! Our film showings are presented with raised house lights and a lowered soundtrack volume, to provide a more comforting environment. Our goal is to provide an enriching experience for the ASD community

  • SIBSHOP 2016-2017 Schedule


  • October 2016 - August 2017

    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. 26: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

    March 19: Family / Community (Amtrak Train Ride) **

    April 30: Mission Trails Regional Park

    May 21: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

    July 9: Day at Mission Bay, family picnic **

    August 13: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071**

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

    REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested (if possible) the Thursday before the event.
    CONTACT: Email [email protected] for a registration form and / or additional information.

    Sibshop Leaders: Jody BonDurant-Strong, Administrator Gina Clifton, ECSE Medically-Fragile Teacher, Special Education
    Pat Moulton, Retired

    **Information for family / community locations will be emailed.

  • Children with autism and their mothers need for student research!


  • My name is Ariane Myers-Turnbull and I am a doctoral student at Alliant International University. I am currently recruiting participants for a project that is examining why children with autism are injured more often than children without autism. To participate you must be a mother of a child who is between the ages of 3 and 7 years old and who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (i.e. autism, Asperger's, pervasive developmental disorder).

    If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to come into a lab at Alliant International University to complete consent forms and questionnaires about you and your child. You will then be asked to observe your child in a room with simulated common household hazards from a live video. Your child will also be asked to complete simple tasks such as working with blocks. Overall, your participation in this study should take about 90 minutes.

    After you and your child complete these tasks you will receive $20, be entered into a drawing for $400, and your child will receive a prize in appreciation for your participation. You will also receive a video of your child in the room and safety proofing materials. For further information please contact Ariane Myers-Turnbull at [email protected] or (858) 414-1076. Thank you for your time.

  • Know someone who may have autism, age 40-65 years?
  • Participate in a Study!!!


  • We are currently recruiting for the Parenting on the Spectrum Study, a brief study with mothers of children between the ages of 3 and 7 who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study is completed online, with the option (for participants living in the Greater Los Angeles Area) of conducting additional sessions in the home. We will ask parents about their experiences of parenthood.

    https://pomona.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3mxyR3CkuXFV6ip

  • Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Driving Anxiety - FREE 10 week program for teens and adults with ASD in San Diego!


  • This is a FREE group-format intervention for teens and adults with autism spectrum disorders who are interested in driving, but are dealing with driving fear/anxiety.

    Please share this flyer with anyone in the community that may qualify. We are only asking that our participants are minimum 15-16 years of age (i.e. of potential driving age) and have a formal diagnosis of ASD. There is no upper limit for age. The groups will be held in the Kearny Mesa area (zip code 92123).

    858-966-7703 x3682
    [email protected]

  • Do you know someone with Autism??


  • Call (619)594-0176 or email [email protected]

  • Participate in Research!!!


  • Contact 619-594-2500 or email [email protected]

  • Research Study Recruitment


  • My name is Sarah Hacker and I'm the staff research associate for 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. I was wondering if it were possible to put an ad on your website or in your newsletter for the purposes of reaching out to members of the autism community who might be interested in participating. I've attached a flyer for the study which outlines what happens, inclusion criteria, and compensation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

    Thank you,
    Sarah D. Hacker
    Staff Research Associate - RADLab
    [email protected]
    [email protected] 858-246-1932

  • Autism Effects on Attentional Blink
  • For more information, please contact Sofia Schugar at the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab: 858-353-4929 (feel free to leave voicemail) or via email at [email protected]

  • UCSD TEAM-UP Weight Loss Program for Children with ASD


  • TEAM UP (Transforming Eating, Activity, and Motivation Utilizing Parents) is a 16-week, parent-only group program focused on weight-loss, increasing physical activity, and promoting fruits and vegetables, designed specifically for parents of children with ASD. This research study is free of charge, and families will be compensated for participating. Interested families should call 855-UCSD-4W8 to get started.

     
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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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