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| Many children with autism get significantly smarter over time |
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Between the ages of 2 and 8, intelligence increases in half of children with autism. In some of these children, intellectual disability gives way to average intelligence.
The findings suggest that intelligence quotient (IQ) is not stable in young children with autism. It tends to stabilize in typical children by around age 5.
"This tells us that you can't be too hasty in diagnosing intellectual disability, because you just don't know what's going to happen," says Marjorie Solomon, professor at the University of California, Davis, MIND Institute. Solomon presented the unpublished results today at the 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, California. Read on... |
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| Certain immune reactions to viruses cause learning problems |
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Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which the body's immune reaction to viruses like influenza and HIV may cause learning and memory problems. This is the finding of a study led by researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center and published online May 15 in Nature Medicine.
Evidence in mice suggests that the entry of a virus anywhere in the bloodstream turns on "first responder" immune cells called CX3CR1highLY6Clow monocytes, which then release the inflammatory signaling protein TNFα. According to the authors of the study, TNFα then travels to the brain where it blocks the formation of nerve cell connections needed to turn sensory information into memories.
Although immune system activation by viruses has long been linked to cognitive problems, the underlying mechanisms have been poorly understood. In the new report, researchers found that virus-associated immune activation causes a loss of connections between nerve cells within brain circuits in the cortex, the brain region responsible for learning. Such mice then do worse on established tests of learning ability. Read on... |
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| Adolescence unmasks autism traits in girls |
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Autism traits become more apparent as girls reach adolescence but stay stable in boys, suggests unpublished work presented today at the 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, California.
The findings may explain why girls with autism tend to be diagnosed later in life than boys are1.
Girls with autism are known to be good at learning to mask their autism traits. Based on this theory, the researchers expected to see that girls got better and better at hiding these traits over time. Instead, they found the opposite. "We were genuinely surprised," says lead researcher William Mandy, senior lecturer in clinical psychology at University College London. Read on... |
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| 8 Helpful Articles on Mental Health Issues for Children with Special Needs |
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May is Mental Health Month. Since children with special needs often face mental health issues, we've gathered eight posts from our archives to inform and enlighten parents and provide strategies for help and prevention. Read on... |
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| Parents and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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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. |
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| AEFCT Expeditions! Now Enrolling!!! |
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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 |
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| The Circus Is Coming! |
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Step Right up to the Greatest Gala on Earth!
Meet us under the big top for the 43rd Annual HGH Fundraising Gala at the historic US Grant Hotel on June 24! Astonishing auction items, magical entertainment, dazzling three course plated dinner and much, much more! All proceeds benefit more than 1,900 infants, adolescent and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Click here to purchase your tickets! |
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| N. Jennifer Oke, PhD., Specializing in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with ASDs |
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N. Jennifer Oke, Ph.D.
5677 Oberlin Drive, Suite 214
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 452-9596
http://drjenniferoke.com |
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| Participate in a Survey! |
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We are still looking for participants!
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 and Orange County) of conducting additional sessions in the home. We will ask parents about their experiences of parenthood. You will be entered into a raffle for your time.
Please use this link to participate: https://goo.gl/Jg8MsF
If you have questions, please email Gerin Gaskin at [email protected] Thank you for your time and consideration!! |
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| No Wait for RDI!!! |
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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 |
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| Please push out *immediately* to all ECSE case managers, paraprofessionals, & parents |
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Attention all prospective and current San Diego Unified School District families & employees:
Please save the date for the final CAC meeting of this school year!
Thursday, June 8, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Ballard Parent Center
2375 Congress St. in Old Town
Please join us for a "town hall" focused on improving Early Childhood education programs for students with disabilities.
We want to hear your preferences, suggestions, opinions, and input.
Childcare and Spanish translation will be provided at no cost.
Questions? Please email [email protected] or call Special Education Division at 619-725-7650.
If you cannot attend but wish to be heard, please send written input to the CAC email above and it will be read aloud at the meeting. |
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| Face Your Fears! For Children 9-12 with ASD |
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The "Face Your Fears" program provides your child the skills to more effectively manage their behavior in anxious situations and enhances your child's ability to cope with anxiety that negatively affect their daily lives. Face Your Fears is provided to kids in a small safe group and at the same time, parents participate in a separate group, so they can support what their child learns. Face Your Fears is a cognitive-behavioral evidence-based intervention with over a decade of funded research support.
Center for Thoughtful Lasting Change, Inc.
9606 Tierra Grande St, Suite 203
San Diego, CA 92126
619-807-7410
[email protected]
http://www.drsherrycasper.com |
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| Executive Director Job Posting |
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Exceptional Family Resource Center Program Director
Job Announcement -2017-5500 - View Flyer
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) for SDSU, the EFRC Program Director is responsible for the overall operations for the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) including the development, implementation and oversight of all agency-wide policies; development and achievement of long range goals; direction of programs and services and implementation; budget and fiscal oversight and monitoring and ensuring compliance of all legal requirements. Responsible for the supervisor of all EFRC staff to include: Program Managers, Education and Health Program Managers, Family Support Liaisons, Administrative and Clerical staff and Student Assistants.
Benefits Eligibility: Yes
Time Base: Full-Time, 40-hours/week
Advertised Salary: $58,000 to $60,000 annualized, DOE |
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| Special Education Legal Advocacy and Representation |
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As special education attorneys we're here to help answer questions and find solutions to the difficult issues facing children with special needs. From legal advocacy to representation in court, the Law Offices of Schwartz & Storey works to secure the best possible outcome in the shortest amount of time. Please feel free to reach out if you're looking for information or would like to stop by and discuss a particular concern.
Law Offices of Schwartz & Storey
2247 San Diego Ave. Suite #237
San Diego, CA 92110
858-430-8166
http://www.dorightlaw.com |
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| 11 Tips for a Great Vacation With Your Special Needs Child |
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It Takes a Little Extra Work, But It's Worth It!
Summer vacations are a great change of pace. You can sleep in, eat different foods, see new places, visit people you haven't seen in ages (or spend quality time with people while sharing living quarters). Unfortunately, while change is refreshing for most people, it can be overwhelming for kids with special needs. The result: Time that should be fun and relaxing can become stressful and even emotionally exhausting.
Fortunately, however, it really is possible to plan a terrific vacation with your special needs child. You'll need to put in a little extra work (especially ahead of time), but in the long run, both you and your child will benefit. Not just this year, but for years to come! Read on... |
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| 7 Tips to Help Kids with Autism Build Flexibility and Resilience |
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One of the hallmarks of autism is a preference for a predictable routine. Many people on the spectrum have unusually consistent lives. They eat the same foods at the same time each day... go to bed at the same time each night... wear the same clothes summer or winter... and take part in the same activities, in the same order, over and over again. Routines lessen anxiety, which can be a serious problem for many people on the spectrum.
While there's nothing wrong with an orderly and predictable lifestyle, it can become difficult to maintain when even the smallest thing goes awry. What happens if the refrigerator breaks down? The bus is late? Your shoelace snaps? While these relatively small "catastrophes" may be mere road bumps to a neurotypical person, they can feel overwhelming to a person with autism. Read on... |
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| Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet! |
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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
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| SIBSHOP 2016-2017 Schedule |
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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.
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| Participate in Research: Survey About Access to Services |
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| Developmental Factors Survey |
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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.
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| Autism Effects on Attentional Blink |
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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]
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| Seeking Research Participants for Autistic Sibling Study |
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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]
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| 2017 Edition of Flourishing Families |
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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!
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| San Diego Regional Center's Recreation Resource Page |
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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!!!
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| Special Needs Law Center: Insights 2017 Directory |
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