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| Study shows active video games could improve kids' development |
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Video games might not be as bad for kids as we think, with new research showing interactive games like the Nintendo Wii can help non-typically developing children improve critical motor skills.
The research paper, published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, reviewed 19 studies that investigated whether the use of active video games could help children's development.
Project supervisor Dr Lisa Barnett, from Deakin's School of Health and Social Development, said the analysis showed active video games could have a positive effect for helping non-typically developing children improve their balance, a critical gross motor skill - as long as they were supervised. Read on... |
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| Top 10 Reasons to Stop Feeling Guilty About Your Child's Autism |
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No matter how much you do for and with your child with autism, you're probably feeling guilty. In part, that's because no one knows what causes or cures the disorder -- so anything you did could be at fault, and anything you do could help. But guilt can be crippling -- and can even get between you and your ability to be your best parent. These tips may help you to take a deep breath and set guilt aside, at least for a little while!
1 I somehow caused this problem!
We know that autism can't be caused by a lack of love. But was it that tuna you ate when you were pregnant? The vaccines you allowed your pediatrician to give your child? Since we don't know what causes autism, it can be easy to decide it was your fault. Chances are, though, that genetics -- something you can't control -- plays a significant role! Read on... |
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| Controversial trial of cord blood therapy for autism forges ahead |
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A trial of umbilical cord blood as a treatment for autism has passed a critical safety test, but many researchers remain skeptical of the approach. Questions about the premise have dogged the trial since the start because there is little evidence to support the use of cord blood for autism.
So far, 25 children with autism have received the treatment and have experienced only minor side effects. Parents and clinicians reported behavioral improvements in the children. But the trial was not designed to assess efficacy, as it was small and lacked a control group. The results were published 5 April in Stem Cells Translational Medicine1.
Researchers at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, launched the trial in 2014 with $26 million in funding from the Marcus Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The researchers plan to enroll 170 young children with autism over the next year in a trial with treatment and placebo arms. In that trial, neither the researchers nor the parents or participants will know whether a participant receives the treatment or placebo; this is considered the best way to conduct such trials. Read on... |
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| In autism, social difficulties may set the stage for anxiety |
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Poor social skills are a risk factor for social anxiety, but the reverse - anxiety foreshadowing social problems - is not necessarily true, according to a large new analysis of typical children1.
The study has implications for understanding social anxiety, which is common in people with autism. It suggests that treatments for social anxiety must include building social skills. Poor social skills are a core feature of autism.
Social anxiety is a defined as an intense fear of either specific social situations, such as public speaking, or of social interactions in general. Apart from individuals with autism, typical individuals who score high on measures of autism traits also tend to feel anxious about social situations. Read on... |
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| Parents and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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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.
We're looking to teach our 6 year old boy to swim. He has receptive and expressive delays, as well as sensory and motor delays. We're looking for someone who could teach him in his swimming pool, as our community's one is very small and usually overcrowded. If you can help, please contact us at [email protected]
I have 6 different GeoTrax train sets that we would like to sell. We know many kiddos on the spectrum enjoy trains very much.
Please give our email to have people contact us if interested in buying them. They are in very good condition. We have had them stored in plastic containers inside. They are the older style, but they all fit together. Laura [email protected]
Looking for SIERRA ACADEMY & SPRINGALL ACADEMY families!
My son attends Sierra Academy/Springall Academy and we recently started a Facebook group to better connect with other families from the school. We are new to the school and want to meet/talk to others. Their students come from all over San Diego County so I thought it would be nice to have a way to connect.
If you have a child at either school and would like to be a part of this Facebook group please email me. I will send you a friend request, once you accept, I will invite you to the group. Please feel free to reach out to other families you may know at the school too.
Looking forward to meeting other families, [email protected]
My son is a high functioning middle schooler with significant behavioral challenges including explosive aggressive outbursts. We are looking for any insights/experience into the San Diego Children's Center or Rileys? Also, any other non-public school options that can provide academic support in a safe environment with expert staff to address explosive outbursts? If so, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks so much!
Looking for credentialed teacher, graduate student in education, or ABA trained individual to assist with supervising school work for 4-8 hours per week during 2017/2018 school year. Location in North County San Diego. Student is HFA boy in 8th grade and mostly independent in completing all school work. No learning disabilities but needs some help with focus and organization. All curriculum and assignments are provided - he just need some supervision and guidance while he completes his work. Pay is completive based upon experience. Please contact [email protected] if interested. Thank you!
Hello! I will be moving to the San Diego (South Bay/Chula Vista) area and I'm looking for the best private school for my 3 year old son who is on the spectrum. His therapist recommended that he attend general education classes with typical peers assisted by a therapist. Helen [email protected]
Seeking IHSS caregiver for my female teen in SDSU neighborhood for weekday mornings. Please call Lisa 619-890-2652 or email [email protected].
I have a very gently used Kaufman Praxis Treatment Kit 2 (Advanced Level) for sale as my son is no longer in need of them. New they cost $199 but would like to see them for $90 plus cost of shipping. Kaufman Kit 2 refines intelligibility for children who have mastered sounds in Kaufman Kit 1 (p, b, m, t, d, n, h, w). Advanced level Kit 2 then works to refine articulation and build higher motor-speech coordination. Kit 2 uses familiar two and three-syllable words to target more complicated motor-speech movements and synthesis into initial and final word positions. Kit 2 targets synthesis of /f, g, k, l, s, sh/ and blends /s, r, l/ plus ber and ter.Kit 2 includes 285 visual referent cards and employs the same successive "word shell" approximation approach as found in Kaufman Kit 1. Email me at [email protected] if you are interested.
I am an adoptive parent on an extremely limited budget. I'm hoping to find free activities for my two children 9 and 12 years old.
My children are both special needs and I'm looking for places that give reduced or free entrance.
Please email [email protected]. Thanks so much!
I have recently removed my daughter from the San Diego Center for Children. As a parent in a crisis the treatment I received from both staff and management was unbearable.
I am looking for other parents who have had experience with the Center either positive or negative.
I greatly appreciate it. Please email: [email protected]
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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| LEGO Robotics Workshop for Teens |
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July 15th & 22nd!
NFAR is offering students a unique programming and robotics experience for ages 12 - 18 years old.
This Workshop is from 10:00 am - noon over two Saturdays: July 15th and July 22nd. Registration is free and the computers and robotics kits will be provided.
Students will be creating a game using the Scratch programming language and a LEGO WeDo robotics kit. For more information, or to register, click HERE. |
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| SUMMER FAMILY ACTIVITY! |
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SAT. JULY 15th at 9-11 AM
Join us at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park for a morning of Fun!
Register in advance at NFAR for $10 per person (Regular admission is $20 adult and $17 child).
Autism Assessibility Mornings at the Fleet allow families and their children with autism time to enjoy the exhibits in a quieter setting before regular hours and with access to a special cool-off space. Participants are welcome to enjoy the museum all day. Admission includes a special IMAX film screening at 10 a.m. with the house lights on and a lower soundtrack volume. Register HERE. |
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| 9 Board Games to Get Kids Thinking, Moving, and Working Together |
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Could your family use a few new games? If you've had it with standard-issue board games like Candyland and Monopoly, consider these games that are favorites of the kids I work with as a pediatric occupational therapist. They're not only lots of fun, they also sneakily address developmental issues your child may need to work on.
1. Zingo Read on... |
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| Meet a Neuroscientist Day at the New Children's Museum San Diego |
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JOIN US for this fun and interactive day at the museum! The museum will be open to ATPF families to explore 7 interactive exhibits throughout the museum and meet the Neuroscience lab of Dr. Alysson Muotri from Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine. This event is FREE to attend and open for kids ages 3-13. All siblings welcome to attend!
You must RSVP to attend with [email protected] or 619-222-4465. This event has limited space available. |
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| Get To Know Dr. Lisa Loegering-An Integrative Pediatric Approach |
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Tuesday, June 27
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
RBCPC
17010 Pomerado Rd, San Diego, California 92128
Del Mar Integrative Pediatrician Dr. Loegering will be discussing her approach to the treatment of patients with autism or asperger's syndrome. She will talk about how she will first test for nutrient deficiencies and genetic weaknesses and then design an individualized nutrient plan based on the results. In addition, she will let us know how she looks at the gastrointestinal tract through blood, urine, and stool testing to make sure that nutrients are being absorbed and that infections are not present. We will learn about how she moves all of her patients to a more nutrient dense diet while working on other health problems such as allergies, asthma, eczema, frequent infections, sleep problems, and constipation. She will discuss how she wants parents to be well informed and to be partners in the treatment plan. Dr. Loegering will discuss how her training with the Institute for Functional Medicine, the Walsh Research Institute and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health have helped shape her treatment approach.
Dr. Loegering is a board certified pediatrician with a specialty in child development and behavior. She also has additional training through the Institute for Functional Medicine and the Walsh Research Institute. She received her medical degree from UCLA School of Medicine and she also completed her residency in pediatrics and fellowship in child development at UCLA.
Dr. Loegering was previously in practice at Scripps Clinic where she ran a clinic for children with Attention Deficit Disorder and learning disabilities. She also had a general pediatric practice and was involved in quality of care activities. More recently she has been active in giving medical care to orphans in Tijuana, raising her two daughters, and caring for her elderly parents. https://www.lisaloegeringmd.com/ |
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| SNAPOLOGY starts Jun 26! |
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Whether your child is already enrolled for Summer at Banyan Tree, or you're just looking for a short afternoon camp, check out Snapology of San Diego!
Join a fun and challenging program that helps build critical thinking, collaborative skills, creativity, social skills and problem solving skills. Offered for the first time at Banyan Tree in two locations. Call for the details!
Did we mention it is FUN?
Enroll for only $200 per week from 1pm - 4pm Monday through Friday with a different theme each week. Check out this schedule!
CALL TODAY (858)-367-5428
www.banyantlc.org |
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| Spotlight: 10 Colleges with Programs for ASD Students |
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10 Colleges with Programs for ASD Students You've probably heard of schools like the University of Michigan, NYU, and UCLA. They are some of the largest in the country in terms of enrollment. However, individuals with special needs may require additional assistance in and/or out of the classroom, which these schools cannot always provide due to the sheer size of the student body. Here are ten schools that provide programs for students with ASD that may fly under the radar for parents.
1. Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) Read on... |
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| Autism Kids Night Out!!! |
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FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017
5:30PM 8:30PM
From $35
Kids Night Out! This date night is dedicated to children with special needs. Parents, drop off your children for a fun night of sensory art, crafting and dinner at Mint Studio. Kids will love the Mint Studio team members who are trained and experienced in working with kids with special needs. Suggested age range is 5-10 years but we are flexible. Sibling discount available. Includes all crafting and dinner!
MINT STUDIO
5965 VILLAGE WAY UNIT 105
SAN DIEGO, CA, 92130 858.348.1778 |
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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:
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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| 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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| 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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| Special Needs Law Center: Insights 2017 Directory |
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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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