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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. May 13, 2017

In This Issue

San Diego Friendship Walk, May 21st!

To The Moms Who Raise Little Ones with Autism This Mother's Day

What Does OCD Look Like in the Classroom?

Top Five Secrets About Extended School Year (ESY)

12 Great Articles with Advice for Parents from Speech-Language Pathologists

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

2017 Summer Programs at TAG

AEFCT Expeditions! Now Enrolling!!!

Start an RDI Program Today at TAG!

Vocal T.R.A.C.K. Speech & Language Therapy Center

AAC from A to Z: A Workshop to Get You Started with Augmentative and Alternative Communication

NFAR: San Diego Mom's Group

NFAR: North County Mom's Group

Slot Cars and Hot Rods Fundraiser!

FREE! Speech and Language Screenings for the month of May!

ARI Enewsletter for May 2017


 

San Diego Friendship Walk, May 21st!

On Sunday, May 21st join nearly 1,000 people from across San Diego and Walk With Your Heart! The Friendship Walk is an awesome community event that raises crucial funds for Friendship Circle and awareness for children, teens and young adults with special needs. Please join us in walking, donating and fundraising to help us reach our goal of $100,000. Register online at www.FriendshipWalkSD.org or call the office at (858) 487-4879.




VALERIESLIST SPONSORS





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

Relationship Development Intervention (RDIĀ®) 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!





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  • To The Moms Who Raise Little Ones with Autism This Mother's Day
  • You wake up so early every morning and your body is still exhausted from the previous day... week... month... year. You give yourself a pep talk, take a deep breath, and swing your legs over the side of the bed. If you're super lucky, like me, your husband will have already brought up a hot cup of coffee and set it on the nightstand.

    You head down stairs and mentally prepare yourself for the battles and potential triggers that lay ahead. You keep your voice light and even as you greet your child. Some mornings you get a big excited bear hug, and other mornings you are met with silent indifference or an, "I'm busy." You've learned not to take it personally. Read on...

  • What Does OCD Look Like in the Classroom?
  • How to recognize the signs a child is struggling, even if he is hiding his anxiety

    For children who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, functioning in school can be complicated and very difficult. And for a teacher, it can be easy to misread the symptoms of OCD as oppositional behavior on the child's part, or as ADHD.

    But if teachers can recognize the behaviors associated with OCD, especially when a child is embarrassed and trying to hide his anxiety, they can help save him to receive treatment or make adjustments to from unnecessary struggle, and clear the way for him to learn successfully. Read on...

  • Top Five Secrets About Extended School Year (ESY)
  • Extended School Year (ESY) may be in your child's IEP program, or it may never have come up. But for all parents of children with learning differences or other special needs, ESY should be on your radar-now that summer is near, but also year round so that your can plan.

    When parents or schools refer to ESY, they usually mean public school programs that run for a certain number of weeks during July and August, for certain children with IEPs. What should every parent know in order to obtain ESY when it's called for? For starters, these five secrets that I often find myself letting parents know about. Read on...

  • 12 Great Articles with Advice for Parents from Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Speech-language pathologists are an important part of the team for many children with disabilities, and learning what they do and how they do it can enable parents to strengthen and expand those same skills at home. Many speech-language pathologists have contributed to the Friendship Circle blog, on topics ranging from feeding to thumb-sucking to all aspects of language and communication. In honor of Better Hearing and Speech Month. we've gathered a dozen of those posts from our archives.

    1. Ten Ways a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help Your Child Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • Parent of child with Dyscalculia (math disability) seeking to find other parents having this experience. It is very commonly undiagnosed yet has a serious impact on a child's learning and life. As with many things it can be very difficult to receive an appropriate response from the school district tasked to make the necessary accommodations.
    Please email me if you share this or a similar experience. [email protected]. Thanks so much.



    Seeking parent experiences in the Poway Unified School District IEP process.
    As a parent of two special needs adopted children I have had some seriously difficult experiences with Poway Unified School District. Having been inexperienced in raising children, much less special needs children, I was very naive in the process. I am hoping to learn more through hearing about other special needs parent experiences, good and bad. I will not share any personal stories.
    Please email me at [email protected]. Thanks so much.



    Hi! We have two energetic boys. I'm looking for a reliable respite worker who is fun loving and understands Aspie kids. Boys are 11 and 13.
    Legoland, parks, bike riding, basketball, Yugio, board games, and Minecraft are in your future.
    Please contact me for more info. Ideally, after school 2-3x a week with younger kiddo and a weekend afternoon/early evening 2x a month. Summer schedule will shift a bit.
    Please Contact me if you are interested - [email protected] Carmel Valley area-thank you!



    I am looking for a half day kindergarten program in San Diego county. Currently my daughter is in preschool in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. CVESD does not have any half day programs or EAK programs for the 2017-2018 school year. My daughter turns five in July, is autistic and epileptic, and has an IEP. We feel she would be better served in a half day program for one additional year. If anyone has any information they can share with me I can be reached at [email protected]. Thank you!



    Our son is 12, about to turn 13. He was diagnosed with high functioning autism, apraxia, and academic disabilities (cannot read or write independently). However, he is very artistic, loves to draw, loves movies of all kinds (comedies: Lego Batman, Boss Baby, anything by Pixar/Dreamworks and adventure movies: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc). He also loves nerf guns, zombies, video games, building legos (so so soooo many legos), watching Youtube about building Legos, and also likes to create Lego brick films. Most recently he has been talking about wanting to create his own movies with friends.

    The problem is, we have struggled with finding friends similar to our son's abilities. His one best friend moved away and the other few friends he does have don't share the same interests. We thought by posting here we might be able to reach a few families with children who are either typical developing or with special needs that have similar interests. I know other parents have to struggle with the same problem for their kids!?

    Are there any families with kids out there looking to find a friend with similar interests like our son? If so, we would love to meet you!

    We have also started looking into group therapy sessions through ABA companies and also speech to see if we can make new friendships. Does anyone have any recommendations for groups they participate in?
    Jennifer & Derek Thomas
    [email protected]



    We need some serious Psychiatry help for our son. He is 18 and mild/moderate autistic. But now we believe he is dealing with a secondary mental health issue. Where can we get help?
    Thanks Laura [email protected]



    I am seeking in-home and field-based social therapy for my 7 year old with high-functioning ASD, ADHD and significant behavior/attitude challenges. We are struggling with the social behavior and emotional relationship blockades and need real-time help. Any suggestions in the Del Mar and Carmel Valley area would be very much appreciated!
    Many thanks,
    Annie Brown
    773-320-9605



    Residential supportive living opportunity in families home in Encinitas. Room and board in exchange for part time (after school and some weekends shifts) support and companion for our healthy, 17 yr old, high functioning ASD son who attends LCC High school. Support with meal prep, self-help skills, independence building, home work, IEP goals social outings and companionship. Son will have a newly remodeled 2nd floor studio space in our home. Private bedroom/bath suite provided with balcony for IHSL person in our beautiful, spacious home.

    References and autism experience required as well as back ground check. Ideal candidate between 20-30 years, single and on a special education career path, with positive, outgoing nature and flexibility to possibly travel with family or be companion for son 24/7 for paid income when parents travel occasionally for business. Legal drivers license, proof of current insurance, good driving record, and must own reliable car. Available to begin in June or July, 2017. Contact Kalli for more info and send resume to: [email protected]



    Job Coach
    Life Works has a career opportunity for you! We are looking for an outgoing, dependable full-time job coach working with a young, Autistic male who lives in the SDSU area. The job coach primary role is to assist the individual in performing his work duties at 3 different places of employment. Other tasks include: administering medication, assistance with morning routine, daily note documentation, and behavioral support. Experience working with people with Autism is required. Behavioral support experience is preferred. The hours are Monday thru Friday 8-3p.m. To review more about our agency, please visit us at www.lifeworks-sls.com. For all serious inquiries, please submit a cover page, resume, and three professional references.



    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.

  • 2017 Summer Programs at TAG
  • http://tagforgrowth.com

  • AEFCT Expeditions! Now Enrolling!!!
  • Our mission is to provide young adults on the autism spectrum the opportunity to travel and experience recreational activities with peers and friends. Our goal is to build memorable lifetime experiences while enriching the lives of the participants.

    AEFCT
    3954 Murphy Canyon Rd., Suite D105
    San Diego, CA 92123
    858-569-0056

  • Start an RDI Program Today at TAG!
  • www.tagforgrowth.com
    T 858.689.2027

  • Vocal T.R.A.C.K. Speech & Language Therapy Center
  • Our center provides Mono and Bilingual Speech, Language, and Multi-Disciplinary Therapy to individuals of all ages with Special Needs. Other services include Evaluations, ABA, Occupational Therapy, Reading Circles, Seminars and more.

    A unique feature of Vocal T.R.A.C.K. is that it's the only therapy center, worldwide, with an adapted Slot Car Race Track (a/k/a V.T. Raceway) used as an optional therapy tool to reinforce Activities of Daily Living, Behavior Management, Functional Life Skills, Receptive and Expressive Language and Social Skills.

    V.T. Raceway is also available to San Diego County for Camps, Field Trips, Fundraisers, Parties, Playdates, etc.

    For detailed information about Vocal T.R.A.C.K. (including V.T. Raceway) and a Google 360 Virtual Tour, please go to:

    Vocal T.R.A.C.K. Speech & Language Therapy Center, Inc.
    16466 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 116
    San Diego, CA 92128
    (858) 521-8446

  • AAC from A to Z: A Workshop to Get You Started with Augmentative and Alternative Communication
  • Registration Preregistration is required to attend this workshop. Space is limited.
    Call: (858) 278-5420 x 120 or Email: [email protected]

    Please note: This workshop is intended for adults only. No child care is available.

  • NFAR: San Diego Mom's Group
  • Wednesday, May 17, 2017
    6:30 - 8:30 pm
    Giovanni's Italian Restaurant
    9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
    San Diego, CA 92123


    Dinner: Pizza, Salad, Soda
    Dinner is provided
    May Topic: The IEP: Classroom Placements, IEP Accommodations and Setting Goals

    Jenna and Heather will discuss and answer questions regarding the IEP. Please email me your questions - so that we can address these.

    Guest Speaker: Jenna Sleichter BCBA and Heather Green

    Jenna Sleichter is a board certified Behavior Analyst, an Autism Specialist for Poway Unified School District , and supervises students getting their master' s degree in special education and BCBA certification. Prior to this, Jenna was a Special Education Teacher for seven years. She also specializes in private consultation in the U S. and the Philippines. Jenna has presented at numerous autism conferences on tools and strategies for managing behaviors and helping children with autism to learn. She is the mother of twins girls.

    Heather Green has been an Integrated ASD Preschool Classroom Teacher in Poway Unified for 4 years. Prior to teaching she worked in college administration. She presents workshops for both parents and teachers on self-regulation interventions, social thinking, and behavior intervention techniques.

    To RSVP

  • NFAR: North County Mom's Group
  • Thursday, May 18, 2017
    6:30 - 8:30 pm
    Tio Leo Mexican Restaurant
    3510 Valley Centre Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92130


    Dinner: Mexican Food, Gluten Free options available.

    May Topic: "Facilitating Engagement through Activities"

    Learn how to help facilitate engagement at home, school, and during social activities. Topics of discussion include:

    - Understanding the importance of motivation and how to promote it.

    - Redefining regulation

    - Understanding the relationship between sensory processing difficulties and behavior, learning and motivation.

    - Understanding how success can lead to growth in all areas.

    Guest Speaker: Chris Vinceneux, OTR/L, Therapeutic Approach to Growth

    Chris uses a holistic approach and strives to think outside the box to design interventions that can minimize or eliminate the impact of sensory processing challenges to help his clients achieve the best possible quality of life.

    To RSVP

  • Slot Cars and Hot Rods Fundraiser!
  • Click here for all the info!!!

  • FREE! Speech and Language Screenings for the month of May!
  • speech tree

    Speech Tree Therapy Center
    2820 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 308
    San Diego, CA 92108
    Phone: 619-546-0039
    Click here to view the flyer!

  • ARI Enewsletter for May 2017
  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the great info!!!

  • 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:
    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.

  • Participate in Research: Survey About Access to Services
  • HTTPS://WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.COM/R/ACCESS_TO_SERVICES_AUTISM

    FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: JENNIFER BRESLIN - [email protected]

  • Developmental Factors Survey
  • business_finance_research.jpg


    Do you live in the USA and have a biological child between 3 and 12 years old? If so, we would be grateful if you would take a short research survey.

    The goal of this research is to examine whether certain factors are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. If none of your children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, we still would be very grateful if you participate as it is important to have results for all groups.

    Participants may also choose to be entered into a raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card.

    http://www.devsurvey.org

    After completing the survey, if you want to help us more, and if you have previously shared the developmental status of your children with your friends, please share this link with your friends and consider asking a friend or friends whose children do not appear to have Autism Spectrum Disorders to take this survey as well as we anticipate needing more participants from this group.

    If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact Seth Bittker, the principal consultant, at [email protected] or 212-203-6550. Thank you.

  • 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]

  • Seeking Research Participants for Autistic Sibling Study
  • business_finance_research.jpg

    Seeking individuals over the age of 18 who grew up with an autistic sibling to participate in a study exploring the experiences of growing up in a family with an autistic brother or sister.

    Participation will involve an in-depth interview, lasting between 1 to 1.5 hours about your autistic sibling experiences and a brief follow-up meeting about six weeks later.

    The purpose of the study is to provide an in-depth retrospective exploration of the experiences of adults who grew up with an autistic sibling.

    Eligibility requirements for participation in the study include:
    • Must have lived with autistic sibling for at least 8 years
    • Sibling must have been diagnosed with autism during childhood
    • Interested participant must be at least 18 years of age
    Participants will be provided a $100 Amazon gift card following the interview.

    Interested participants can email Barbara Tierney at: [email protected]

  • 2017 Edition of Flourishing Families


  • The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego is excited to present the 2017 edition of Flourishing Families, San Diego's resource guide for parents of children with special needs.

    This year's issue contains more than 950 resources including service providers, research institutes, specialized doctors, resource providers, camps, therapists, advocates, associations and so much more.

    Visit https://issuu.com/sandiegofamilymagazine/docs/flourishing_families_2017-digital_i to see the digital issue now!

  • San Diego Regional Center's Recreation Resource Page
  • sdrc


    Recreation is important in promoting inclusion and quality of life. Studies have shown that it increases self-esteem and confidence, leads to improved communication, social interaction, and friendship skills.

    The San Diego Regional Center supports clients having time to recreate and believes it is essential to a healthy and well-balanced life. Below are links to some popular recreation activities in the San Diego and Imperial Counties. However, SDRC does not endorse, nor provide funding for any recreation activity. SDRC is not liable for anything occurring while participating in any of the recreational activities. Click here for all the info!!!

  • Special Needs Law Center: Insights 2017 Directory


  • The San Diego Special Needs Law Center has put together a great magazine for the special needs community here in San Diego. Great articles and a resource guide. Available in a print edition and also on their website. Click here to view the magazine!!!

     
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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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