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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. May 20, 2017

In This Issue

Autism experts hedge bets on hormone as treatment target

Having smart father raises child's risk of autism

Doctors twice as likely to miss girls as boys on autism screen

Brain-wave patterns may flag babies with autism

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Summer Camps at San Diego Center for Children!

AEFCT Expeditions! Now Enrolling!!!

Alexa's PLAYC Now Enrolling!!!

The Circus Is Coming!

News You Can Use From Banyon Tree

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!!!

Please push out *immediately* to all ECSE case managers, paraprofessionals, & parents

Face Your Fears! For Children 9-12 with ASD

Executive Director Job Posting

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


 


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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  • Autism experts hedge bets on hormone as treatment target

  • Drugs that alter the activity of vasopressin, a hormone involved in social behavior, may improve social abilities in people with autism. Researchers presented these promising results from two clinical trials today at the 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, California.

    "I think this research has high potential, with continued investigation, to lead to the development of the first effective and personalized medication to treat the social features of autism," says Karen Parker, assistant professor at Stanford University and lead investigator on one of the trials.

    In Parker's study, children with autism inhaled a nasal spray containing vasopressin, which boosts levels of the hormone in the body. In the other trial, men with autism took a drug that dampens the hormone's activity in the brain. Read on...

  • Having smart father raises child's risk of autism

  • Children whose fathers are highly intelligent are at a 31 percent higher risk of autism than those whose fathers are of average intelligence, according to unpublished results presented today at the 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, California.

    The work supports observations that date back to the 1940s, when Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger noted in separate reports that the fathers of children with autism tended to be highly intelligent and in several cases worked in technical fields. A 2012 study also showed that children from regions in the Netherlands where high-tech jobs are prevalent are more likely to have autism than those who live in other regions.

    In the new study, lead investigator Renee Gardner, assistant professor at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, set out to investigate whether the historical lore has validity. She and her colleagues matched medical records for 309,803 children whose fathers were conscripted into the Swedish military with their father's scores on the technical portion of the Swedish intelligence quotient (IQ) test. Read on...

  • Doctors twice as likely to miss girls as boys on autism screen

  • Pediatricians are failing to identify 80 percent of toddlers who need an evaluation for autism, and are missing nearly twice as many girls as boys. The unpublished results were presented Friday at the 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, California.

    The results are based on the screening of 3,171 toddlers, about half of them girls, using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) screening tool.

    Parents filled out the M-CHAT in 2014 and 2015 after bringing their toddlers to Children's Mercy Kansas City hospital for well-child visits. Using the completed questionnaires, doctors deemed only 92 of the children as needing an evaluation for autism. But after rescoring these forms, the researchers found that 467 children met the criteria. Read on...

  • Brain-wave patterns may flag babies with autism

  • Infants who are later diagnosed with autism show inconsistent patterns of brain waves in response to the same sound. The unpublished results, presented yesterday at the 2017 International Meeting for Autism Research in San Francisco, California, suggest that this inconsistency could serve as an early biological marker for autism.

    "When we think about variability, we usually cringe, because we see variability as a problem or a nuisance, something that gets in the way of what we're actually trying to measure," says April Levin, instructor of neurology at Boston Children's Hospital, who presented the findings. In this case, variability distinguishes children with the condition from those without.

    Levin and her colleagues used electroencephalography (EEG) to record brain activity in 3-month-old babies. The study includes 25 'baby sibs' - children who have an older sibling with autism and are thus at increased risk of the condition themselves - as well as 16 babies who have no family history of autism. Of the baby sibs, 11 were diagnosed with autism by age 3. 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.

  • Summer Camps at San Diego Center for Children!
  • Family Wellness Center
    (858) 634-8300
    [email protected]
    www.centerforchildren.org

  • 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!

  • News You Can Use From Banyon Tree
  • banyon tree

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

  • 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

  • Please push out *immediately* to all ECSE case managers, paraprofessionals, & parents
  • 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.

  • 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
    [email protected]
    http://www.drsherrycasper.com

  • Executive Director Job Posting
  • 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

  • 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 [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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