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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. May 11, 2017

In This Issue

San Diego Friendship Walk, May 21st!

Short sleep is unhappy bedfellow for autism features

Enzyme pill could help overcome gluten intolerance and allow sufferers to eat small amounts of wheat without uncomfortable symptoms

Encinitas author discusses her road trip novel about a boy and his fears

How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

2017 Summer Programs at TAG

Friendship Walk Benefitting Friendship Circle, San Diego

Presentation: Essential Oils for Kids

Development DIR Autism Therapy in Your Home!!!

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

San Diego has a New Comprehensive Center Dedicated to the Treatment of Autism

A Social Event for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Monthly Membership Program at MicroCurrent 4 Kids!

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

7 COSTLY MISTAKES

Summer Film Exploration in Costa Mesa

The Art of Autism Newsletter!

Parents Night Out! May 12th


 

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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  • Short sleep is unhappy bedfellow for autism features
  • The fewer hours of sleep children with autism get, the more severe their features, according to a study of more than 2,700 children with the condition1.

    Insufficient sleep appears to take the biggest toll on a child's ability to make friends: Every four-minute decrease in sleep duration is associated with a one-point increase in a score that reflects a child's difficulty in forming peer relationships.

    The findings, published 16 March in Autism Research, add to mounting evidence that sleep problems can exacerbate core features of autism. Read on...

  • Enzyme pill could help overcome gluten intolerance and allow sufferers to eat small amounts of wheat without uncomfortable symptoms
  • -Discovery could be a 'game-changer' for gluten-intolerant people, say experts
    -Could allow consumption of some gluten without bloating and abdominal pain
    -In study, enzyme lowered gluten levels by up to 87% once in digestive system

    Gluten intolerance can partly be overcome by swallowing an enzyme pill with food, research has shown.

    The simple measure can allow people sensitive to the wheat protein to consume small quantities of gluten without experiencing bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Read on...

  • Encinitas author discusses her road trip novel about a boy and his fears
  • Encinitas writer Sally Pla's debut novel, "The Someday Birds," is a coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old boy named Charlie who is forced out of his comfort zone on a cross-country RV journey to see his brain-injured father.

    It's aimed at middle-grade readers, but it has messages for all ages, like the fact that even though Charlie has autism, that word never appears in the book. Read on...

    Click here to view the book on Amazon!

  • How Sensory Processing Issues Affect Kids in School
  • And what parents and teachers can do to help children in the classroom

    Your son's second grade teacher calls to say she's concerned about some of his behaviors in school:

    • He can't sit still through a half-hour lesson and disrupts the class.
    • He often seems distracted and doesn't pay attention to what she's saying
    • He bumps into kids in the lunch line, making them angry.
    • He can't hold a pencil correctly, so he struggles with handwriting.
    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

  • Friendship Walk Benefitting Friendship Circle, San Diego
  • "Friendship Walk 2017 and the Israel Fest will be held at San Diego Jewish Academy on Sunday May 21st. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon at with hundreds of old and new friends. Walk, skip, or roll on the wheelchair and stroller friendly 1 mile walk route. Join in the celebration at Israel Fest, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of San Diego. Early registration is FREE until May 7th, which includes a commemorative t-shirt, fruit & a bottle of water, and fun family activities. Standard and on-site registration will be available for $20, (t-shirt quantities will be limited). Visit www.FriendshipWalkSD.org and help the Friendship Circle make a difference in the lives of children, teens and adults with special needs. Show your support for inclusion by joining our friends and walking with them on May 21st!"

    Friendship Circle: "The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide programs and support to the families of individuals with special needs. In addition to offering fun social outings and events for families to enjoy, the Friendship Circle provides friendship to individuals with special needs through a network of teen volunteers who want to make a difference. In this way, volunteers discover the impact of selfless giving that will last them a lifetime."

  • Presentation: Essential Oils for Kids
  • We Rock the Spectrum
    10175 Rancho Carmel Drive A128
    San Diego, CA 92128

    https://dahlholistichealth.com

  • Development DIR Autism Therapy in Your Home!!!
  • REAL CONNECTIONS CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

    Supporting and Partnering with Families of Children with Special Needs; Through Understanding, Engagement, and Relationships.

    Real Connections Institute - San Diego
    415 North Highway 101 Suite C
    Solana Beach, CA 92075
    [email protected]
    858-354-2006
    http://realconnectionsinstitute.com

  • 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.

  • San Diego has a New Comprehensive Center Dedicated to the Treatment of Autism
  • A state-of-the-art clinic featuring advanced biomedical, behavioral, & sensory-motor therapies for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

    This Clinic is headed up by Dr. Suzanne Goh. Dr. Suzanne Goh is a board-certified pediatric neurologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of children with neurological conditions that impact brain development, cognition, and behavior.

    Dr. Goh received her Bachelors of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in History and Science from Harvard University (1993-1997). She went on to attend Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar (1997-1999). In 2004, she graduated from Harvard Medical School, cum laude. Dr. Goh completed her Pediatrics internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and her Pediatric Neurology residency at University of California San Francisco.

    Pediatric Neurology Therapeutics
    7090 Miratech Drive
    San Diego, CA 92121
    858-304-6440
    http://www.gohmd.com

    Dr. Suzanne Goh with the ultimate medical breakthrough that changes lives.

  • A Social Event for Parents of Children with Special Needs
  • Please R.S.V.P. with your host Bene' Raphael no later than May 12th at [email protected] or for any questions please call (760) 845-4551

  • Monthly Membership Program at MicroCurrent 4 Kids!
  • Here at Microcurrent Healing, we hope you keep gratitude in your heart this Thanksgiving season. We also wanted to express our gratitude for such wonderful clients by offering you the easiest and most cost-effective way to come in for regular and follow-up therapy sessions. Announcing our New Monthly Membership Plan!

    Monthly Membership $89
    With the ease of a monthly auto-payment you will earn 1 session each month, plus any additional sessions you wish to buy will all be billed at our member rate of only $80 each! Membership provides the lowest cost-per-session option (36% off single session rate) and relives the burden of paying a large lump sum up front. Best of all the effects of microcurrent therapy are cumulative! So the more you come in, the better results you will see in your child's mental and physical health!
    *6-month contract required

    Membership Benefits Include:

    • One 30-min Microcurrent Therapy session; a full-body detox (systemic), or an anti-aging facial* for Mom (*Now offering facials, call for more details)
    • Unlimited additional sessions at our lowest member rate
    • Discounts for adding family members to your membership
    • Unused sessions roll over from month to month and can be shared with others
    • Earn free sessions by referring friends
    If you are looking for autism treatment like cranial sacral, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), transcranial magnetic stim, FSM (frequency specific microcurrent), hyperbaric oxygenation, MRT (magnetic resonance therapy), chelation, or other alternative treatment options -give us a call to learn about how Microcurrent 4 Kids may be the better choice for you and your family!

    Microcurrent 4 Kids
    4540 Kearny Villa Rd, Ste 211
    San Diego, CA 92123
    [email protected]
    858 257-1404
    http://www.microcurrent4kids.com

  • 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!

  • 7 COSTLY MISTAKES
  • The common denominator in all of these issues is this question: "How can I get the right legal advice regarding special needs matters?" The fact is, any attorney in California can call themselves a "special needs attorney," or "elder law attorney" regardless of their experience. Forms are available to any attorney or paralegal for "special needs trusts." The skill is not in the tool, it's in the person using it. You need to be able to trust the skill level of your attorney. At a minimum, they should have an excellent understanding of Public Benefits Law to adequately advise you on the type of Special Needs Trust and clauses to use in your individual situation. In California, there are two types of certified specializations that are relevant in this area: 1) Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs), who have Public Benefits Law as the core of their specialization, and 2) Certified Legal Specialists, Estate Planning Trusts and Probate (CLS-EP). While anyone can hold themselves out as a "special needs attorney" or as doing "special needs trusts," only those who have undergone rigorous evaluation and testing can call themselves either of these. Regardless of whether or not your "special needs attorney" has either of these specializations, you should ask them direct questions about the length of their experience in this area, and what percentage of their practice is devoted to special needs planning.

    MISTAKE 1: Disinheriting The Child Click here for all the info!!!

  • Summer Film Exploration in Costa Mesa
  • Costa Mesa, CA
    JULY 9-22, 2017 | Residential Camp

    Film Exploration is a two-week immersion into the world of film production. Students will work alongside their peers and industry professionals gaining insight into cinematic arts while also experiencing a taste of independent living in a supported environment. Click here for all the info!

  • The Art of Autism Newsletter!
  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info and upcoming events!!!

  • Parents Night Out! May 12th
  • www.werockthespectrumsandiegocmr.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:
    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.

  • 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]

  • 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]

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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