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

In This Issue

Many Adults With Autism Struggling Even With Services

For Children With Autism, No More Being Hushed

Fever in pregnancy tied to higher risk of autism

Should My Child Have A Service Dog?

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

The Summer Is A Wonderful Time to Include!  Check Out What's New at IA!

San Diego Special Needs Law Center

Summer Kickoff with CARD!!

Summer Workshops Start July 8th! at Positive Action Community Theatre

Join us for our June Family Beach Day on Sunday, June 25th at Moonlight Beach!

Face Your Fears! For Children 9-12 with ASD

North County Summer Park Playdates!

Looking for a Holistic Approach to Therapy?

ARI Enewsletter for June 2017

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

Five Goals to Work on This Summer with Your Child with Special Needs

Autistic Pride Day, Museum exhibits, opportunities and more

Andrew Bundy - "Surviving the Cure" Book Signing at Warwick's in La Jolla

CONGRATULATIONS NFAR TECH GRADS!

A Taste for Sports!, June 29th


 


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!


  • Many Adults With Autism Struggling Even With Services
  • State-provided disability services often fail to meet the needs of adults with autism, according to a new report finding many with access to supports don't have any regular daytime activities.

    Only 14 percent of adults with autism who receive state supports have a paying job in the community. Meanwhile, 1 in 4 people in this population have no structured activities during the day.

    The findings come from a new National Autism Indicators Report produced by Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. The annual publication offers a look at the experiences of those on the spectrum as they transition to adulthood. This year's report is focused on the estimated 111,000 people across the country who receive developmental disability services from their state. Read on...

  • For Children With Autism, No More Being Hushed
  • For autistic children, Dorothy Siegel does not believe in paraprofessionals, the teaching assistants sometimes assigned to shadow students in class.

    To show you why, Ms. Siegel, 70, a longtime special education advocate, grabs your arm, pokes you and forcibly turns your head toward the teacher, the way an aide might.

    "The para is not someone who's there to help a child understand how to interpret the environment so he doesn't get upset," she said recently. "The para is there to keep him out of trouble, so they'll allow him to continue in that classroom." Read on...

  • Fever in pregnancy tied to higher risk of autism
  • A study of a large group of children found a link between raised risk of autism spectrum disorder and their mothers reporting fever during pregnancy. The link was strongest with fevers reported during the second trimester.

    The study - led by the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York City, NY - also found that the risk of autism increased in line with the number of fevers reported after 12 weeks of gestation - rising to 300 percent higher risk with reports of three or more fevers.

    In the journal Molecular Psychiatry, the researchers say that their findings support the idea that infection in pregnancy - and the way in which the immune system responds to it - may play a role in the development of some cases of autism. Read on...

  • Should My Child Have A Service Dog?
  • Last fall, my youngest son was in the hospital for more than a week.

    It was one of the longest weeks of both of our lives.

    Despite the pain and anxiety, he did well. The nurses loved him. The doctors laughed at his sweet jokes. At some point, they all said essentially the same thing to me - He really misses his dog. Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • 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]



    Hi, I have a 10 year old son on the spectrum who has always been in a regular school. We moved almost a year ago from Tijuana to Chula Vista. He has a good therapist in Tijuana but he needs a social skills group in San Diego or Chula Vista. If you have any information, please email me at [email protected].



    We are parents to a 13 year old boy who has aspergers and ADHD. We are looking for a program and/or tutor that can help him with his writing. He is really having a hard time getting his thoughts and ideas on paper. Thank you. [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.

  • The Summer Is A Wonderful Time to Include!  Check Out What's New at IA!

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

  • San Diego Special Needs Law Center
  • If you have a family member with a disability, you want to assure they have the best possible care and quality of life, both now and later when you are no longer able to be the advocate you are today. If you are a person with a disability, you want to be able to qualify for the benefits and programs you need to achieve as much independence as possible. At San Diego Special Needs Law Center, it is our mission to make sure you have all the support and tools in place to achieve these goals.

    We have over 30 years experience in Special Needs Law and our community, working in the following practice areas:

    • Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning for Families Developmental Disablilities
    • Conservatorships and Limited Conservatorships for those with Developmental Disablilities
    • Public Benefits Planning
    • Care Advocacy
    • Preservation of Benefits Eligibility in Litigation Settlement or Inheritance Scenarios
    • Life Care Planning
    We also enjoy our relationships with various advocacy groups and the disability community. It is through the interaction with our clients and these groups that we continue to learn and grow, and better serve our client's needs.

    Our Senior attorney, Phil Lindsley, is both a Certified Special Needs Law Attorney and a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate (State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization). He has been serving families and individuals with disabilities for over 30 years.

    To learn more about us, click HERE

  • Summer Kickoff with CARD!!
  • CARD San Marcos
    334 Via Vera Cruz, Suite 107
    San Marcos, CA 92078
    (760) 304-5010 x1420

    CARD Carlsbad
    5140 Avenida Encinas
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
    760-795-9898 x2629

    www.centerforautism.com

  • Summer Workshops Start July 8th! at Positive Action Community Theatre
  • Since 2008 our Saturday theatre, dance, and group singing workshops in Encinitas have been a port of entry for teens and young adults who have been isolated by autism. In our relaxed and fun atmosphere they can enjoy the arts with their peers and develop some friendships. Our goal is to teach them life skills that will enable them to reach their goals in all areas of their lives. New people join us, and many stay with us for years. We have developed a supportive community that is very important to its members. I continue to be inspired by the quality and potential of these individuals, and by the love their parents have for them.

    Although our workshops are inclusive and include neuro-typical teens and adults, some of our long-term participants with autism have developed into our best peer mentors. We have all watched them grow as actors and as leaders, and PACT has hired several of them as employees of our organization. For the past year and a half some of them have met under the leadership of PACT's artistic director to develop a 'Beyond Bullying' theatre event, which they are now performing for young teens in our community. We have received great feedback from their audiences, who say that the event has inspired them to respect their peers.

    Our newest project is an on-the-job training program at our local Boys and Girls Club, where we are mentoring young adults with autism as theatre workshop directors. The long range goal of this and all our programs is to empower those with autism to lead self-determined lives and maintain meaningful employment.

    If you would like to bring your teen/young adults to visit our Saturday workshops in Encinitas to see if it is a good fit for them, or if you'd like more information about scheduling a 'Beyond Bullying' theatre event for your young teens, contact PACT at [email protected], or 760-815-8512. www.pacthouse.org

  • Join us for our June Family Beach Day on Sunday, June 25th at Moonlight Beach!
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    We will meet one Sunday per month from 10 AM - 1 PM at various beaches around the county, starting in April and running through September. This is a great chance to meet other families and have an enjoyable day out in an understanding and supportive atmosphere. Click here for all the info!!!

  • 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

  • North County Summer Park Playdates!
  • We will be having North County Summer Park Playdates every Wednesday in July & August from 9:00-11:00am at Sunset Park in San Marcos. For families who need an extra helping hand, ARCC Center can provide a respite worker! Just email [email protected] in advance to request FREE assistance from a respite worker & Spanish-speaking families can email [email protected]

    We recommend bringing a blanket & sunscreen. Picnic tables are limited. The Splash Pad usually starts at 10:00am! All are welcome, we hope you can join us! More information can be found online at: www.facebook.com/events/1331416216936810

  • Looking for a Holistic Approach to Therapy?
  • www.tagforgrowth.com [email protected]
    858.689.2027

  • ARI Enewsletter for June 2017
  • Click here to read their latest newsletter!!!

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

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

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

    Services Offered:

    • Medical Services
    • Nutrition and Holistic Health Services
    • Family Services
    • Sensory and Motor Therapies
    • Language and Cognitive Therapies
    • Behavior Therapies
    Pediatric Neurology Therapeutics
    7090 Miratech Drive
    San Diego, CA 92121
    858-304-6440
    http://www.gohmd.com

  • Five Goals to Work on This Summer with Your Child with Special Needs
  • "Hi, Greer! Any ideas? What do you guys do in the summer?"

    That's the text a friend sent me. And I understand her concern. Summer is precious, the days are scarce, and we want them to matter. Some of our kids are in Extended School Year programs. But whether or not my own kids have ESY, I like to look at the summer as a time to work on some other goals I have for my them. Here are a few examples, and what I plan to do to get the most out of summertime.

    1. Work on life skills.
    There may not be time during the school year, but summertime offers a great chance to learn some skills that will help kids become independent. I like teaching my kids to make a simple meal-with my help, of course. It's amazing how proud a child feels when she sees she's made her own dinner. Start small: my daughter loves frying eggs in the microwave. There's a real sense of autonomy kids can get from knowing they can make their own burger and contribute by helping to make a meal for the family. Read on...

  • Autistic Pride Day, Museum exhibits, opportunities and more
  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info and upcoming events!!!

  • Andrew Bundy - "Surviving the Cure" Book Signing at Warwick's in La Jolla
  • Warwick's is hosting author Andrew Bundy on Wednesday, June 21st at 7:30pm to discuss and sign his new book Surviving the Cure: Cancer Was Easy, * Living Is Hard. Andrew Bundy is a debut author and survivorship advocate from Southern California. He also writes fiction, looking at the world through the lens of his Asperger's Syndrome for inspiration. As a teenager, he survived both cancer and the cure, but the side effects of the treatment changed his life forever. Andrew shares his story to raise awareness about the complications that come with surviving cancer. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for all the info!!!

  • CONGRATULATIONS NFAR TECH GRADS!
  • Congratulations to our recent graduating class of the 7-month NFAR Tech training program! Our graduates are completing their training for ISTQB certification and are looking forward to their internships. Hats off to our graduates for all their hard work!

    Do you know someone in the Tech industry? We'd love to start a conversation with them. Industry internships allow our participants to gain valuable experience while providing the tech company with qualified software testers. Contact us at 858-679-8800.

  • A Taste for Sports!, June 29th
  • "A Taste 4 SPORTS" is a unique event that features food from some of San Diego's best local restaurants.

    Balboa Park Club
    2144 Pan American Road West
    San Diego, 92101

    Thursday
    June 29, 2017
    6 - 9pm

    Benefits S4EA!

    The proceeds from 'A Taste 4 SPORTS' benefits SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes, a community based sports program serving over 1.400 athletes with developmental disabilites ages 5 through adult in San Diego County in 24 sports. Click here for all the info!!!

  • 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:
    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.

  • 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!!!

  • 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!

  • 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!!!

  • 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]

     
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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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