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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. May 18, 2017

In This Issue

San Diego Friendship Walk, May 21st!

Sex and other foreign words

7 Ways to Help Your Child with Special Needs Cope with Transitions

The Link Between Autism and Violence Isn't Autism

Treat autism even before symptoms show?

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Summer Reading Intervention

AEFCT Expeditions! Now Enrolling!!!

Alexa's PLAYC Now Enrolling!!!

The Circus Is Coming!

ABA Therapy: What is it? Why does it work? How do you get it?

N. Jennifer Oke, PhD., Specializing in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with ASDs

Registration is now open for the Fall season of VIP Soccer!

No Wait for RDI!!!

2017 Neighborhood Law School (NLS) - FREE Legal Seminars

Face Your Fears! For Children 9-12 with ASD

15 questions to identify good teaching

Special Education Legal Advocacy and Representation

IAN News: Stress and the Autism Parent

Save the Date!!! Love and Autism Conference!

8 Favorite Special Education Websites for Teachers and Parents


 

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 (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!





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  • Sex and other foreign words

  • People with autism fall in love. They marry. They even (gasp) have sex. Yet these deeply human needs have mostly gone ignored by scientists.

    uch of what Stephen Shore knows about romance he learned in the self-help aisle of a bookstore near the Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts.

    In college, Shore, who has autism, began to wonder if women spoke a language he didn't understand. Maybe that would explain the perplexing behavior of a former massage student with whom he traded shiatsu sessions, who eventually told him she had been hoping for more than a back rub. Or the woman he met in class one summer, who had assumed she was his girlfriend because they spent most nights cooking, and often shared a bed. Looking back, other people's signs of romantic interest seemed to almost always get lost in translation. Read on...

  • 7 Ways to Help Your Child with Special Needs Cope with Transitions
  • Change is inevitable. And for most people, it can present an unwelcome challenge, even a difficulty. But it is particularly hard to handle for children with special needs and their families. Transitioning from school to vacation and back again, from class to class, from school to home, from home to school, or from bedtime to daytime can trigger an outburst, meltdown, or a lot of frustration.

    A child who craves stability and routine can take a while to readjust to a new or different situation. A new teacher, new camp, or new clothes are not always welcomed by those who crave sameness. So how do we encourage change in a healthy way and provide a meaningful experience, one that can help promote growth and independence? It takes patience and determination. Read on...

  • The Link Between Autism and Violence Isn't Autism
  • After some very disturbing shootings involving individuals who reportedly had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, there has been increased attention to the possible link between autism and violence. As much as many people wanted to push back on this possible association immediately, there were some aspects of autism that at least made such a link theoretically feasible. After all, many individuals with autism do find it difficult to empathize emotionally with other people and some also suffer with aggressive outbursts. Missing in these discussions, however, has been good solid data on the issue, which is why this recent study published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, offers some much needed information.

    The Stockholm Youth Cohort study examined medical and legal records on all children born in Stockholm county. This enabled them to analyze the official registries of nearly 300,000 individuals between the ages of 15 and 27. These registries record psychiatric diagnoses that are made of residents while convictions of violent crimes are listed on a different database, the Swedish National Crime Registry. Many other variables were also taken into account for this study including sex, age, the presence of other psychiatric disorders, crime history of parents, and family income, among others. Read on...

  • Treat autism even before symptoms show?
  • Treating emerging signs of autism in young babies who are at high risk for the disorder helped improve their attention, language, communication and social skills, preliminary research shows.

    In the first study of its kind, British researchers used months of video feedback to help the parents of 28 infants-at high risk of autism because a sibling has the disorder-understand and respond to their baby's individual communication cues.

    The children were tracked until they were 3 years old, an age at which autism symptoms often surface. 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. Pdmsea@gmail.com. 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 pdmsea@gmail.com. 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 - suzans@yahoo.com 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 jenrichardson05@yahoo.com. 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
    jenderekandryland@att.net



    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 jrschley@att.net



    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: kallihs@gmail.com



    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 ValeriesList@aol.com. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses.

  • Summer Reading Intervention
  • All sessions will be held at:

    K.I.D.S. Therapy Assoc.
    11838 Bernardo Plaza Ct., Suite 110
    San Diego, CA 92128
    For more information email: autismeds@gmail.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

  • Alexa's PLAYC Now Enrolling!!!
  • For more information, contact Fara at 858.966.8555
    https://www.rchsd.org/programs-services/alexas-playc/

  • The Circus Is Coming!
  • 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!

  • ABA Therapy: What is it? Why does it work? How do you get it?
  • Research shows that Applied Behavior Analysis is a highly effective treatment for people with developmental disabilities. In this presentation, caregivers will learn to define and describe ABA therapy, learn how to obtain ABA and understand how insurance companies fund ABA.

    The seminar will cover:

    • How to Identify a High Quality ABA Program
    • Approaches to ABA
    • How to Obtain ABA Services that Best Fit Your Child and Family's Needs
    • How ABA is Funded Through Insurance
    About Gateway Learning Group: Gateway is a leading provider of autism and behavior intervention services in Northern and Southern California. Gateway Learning Group's direct therapy programs are organized on behalf of children and their families, often in collaboration with school districts, regional centers, and health insurance providers.

    Wednesday, May 31, 2017 from 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

    San Diego Office
    6540 Lusk Blvd., Suite C 256
    San Diego CA 92121

    COST: Parking is FREE! Childcare is not available.

    RSVP: Please email kellym@gatewaylg.com to reserve your space.
    (Our event space is limited, so please RSVP soon)

    Speakers:
    Liberty O'Mahony, M.A., BCBA
    Gateway Learning Group

  • N. Jennifer Oke, PhD., Specializing in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with ASDs
  • N. Jennifer Oke, Ph.D.
    5677 Oberlin Drive, Suite 214
    San Diego, CA 92121
    (858) 452-9596
    http://drjenniferoke.com

  • Registration is now open for the Fall season of VIP Soccer!
  • There will be 8 games played on Sundays from 1-2 at the San Elijo Softball Fields beginning September 10 and ending October 29. Cost is $85. Register at http://www.sanelijoayso.org/.

  • No Wait for RDI!!!
  • 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

  • 2017 Neighborhood Law School (NLS) - FREE Legal Seminars
  • It's that time of year for the 2017 Neighborhood Law School (NLS) - FREE Legal Seminars, sponsored by Earl B Gilliam Bar Association in partnership with Legal Aid Society of San Diego, Inc.

    The NLS will held EVERY Wednesday from May 24, 2017 to June 28, 2017, at the Malcolm X Library (Market Creek, San Diego, CA), from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm.
    Please plan to register and plan to attend. The attached Flyer will provide you with detailed information on the interesting topics being offered this year.
    We are so pleased you chose to take advantage of this great opportunity offered to the community last year, and hope you will join us again this year.

    Register Via Eventbrite:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-neighborhood-law-school-tickets-34150744797

  • Face Your Fears! For Children 9-12 with ASD
  • 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
    kristinazctlc@gmail.com
    http://www.drsherrycasper.com

  • 15 questions to identify good teaching
  • social thinking

    Click here to read their May newsletter for all the info and upcoming events!!!

  • 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

  • IAN News: Stress and the Autism Parent
  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info!!!

  • Save the Date!!! Love and Autism Conference!
  • September 30-October 1, 2017 Click here for all the info!!!

  • 8 Favorite Special Education Websites for Teachers and Parents
  • Today is National Teacher Day, and you may be sending kids to school with gifts for their favorite teachers. But another way to better appreciate teachers and what they do is to read some of the resources they use to help them do their jobs better. The following websites about educating students with special needs are of interest to both teachers and parents. They give information about special education law and interventions; classroom tips and strategies for teaching students in special education; and adapting and modifying material for learners in special education.

    These are all current sites with up-to-date teaching methods. Check them out to get a better appreciation of what special education teachers deal with and do, and maybe pick up some ideas that you can use too. Read on...

  • 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 patmoulton@cox.net 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
  • 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 devsurvey@yahoo.com 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 sofiaschugar@gmail.com

  • 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: autisticsiblingstudy@gmail.com

  • 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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