Bittersweet Birthdays: An Annual Reminder to Be My Son's Best Friend

Heart rate may foretell autism features in infants

Using Highlights Magazine as a Therapy Activity for AAC Users

How an autism gene mutation alters brain development

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

LEGO ROBOTICS WORKSHOP FOR TEENS - 2nd WORKSHOP ADDED!

Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together

Five Imaginative Ways to Make Indoor Play Exciting

The Alternative, Safe and Effective Therapy Option!!!

NFAR Men's Group - July 13, 2017

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

Summer Specials from We Rock the Spectrum San Diego

Sensory Sunday Family Time

Central San Diego Family Pool and Pizza Party

S4EA July Newsletter

Jeremiah's Ranch July Newsletter

Parents and Children Needed for Student Research

New Leaf Supportive Services, Inc.

Conference: Love and Autism - Registration Now Open!!!

My heart both rejoices and breaks every year when we celebrate my firstborn's birthday. I rejoice when I think back to my son's birthdays when he was 4 or 5 years old. Each year he picked a new theme for his party, reflecting his current passions. One year he loved Blue's Clues. Another year, trains. The next, magic.

Weeks prior to my son's birthday, I'd plan fun activities, crafts, games and goodie bags to go with the chosen theme. Yes, I was that mom. Even before Pinterest, I loved collecting ideas of how to make DIY birthdays feel special.

No matter the theme, each birthday party shared one thing in common: a group of friends from school helping my son celebrate his big day. They played silly games in our living room, ate cake on our porch and chased one another in our backyard. Laughter filled the air against the noisy backdrop of the slightly uncontrolled chaos of a kids party. To see my son's face light up, to know he felt valued and accepted by his friends, to hear the shared laughter-that was a birthday gift in itself. Read on...

Babies with a family history of autism have heart rates that are unusually low and that respond aberrantly to speech sounds, according to a new study1.

If the findings are confirmed in larger studies, a low heart rate might indicate heightened risk of autism, says lead investigator Katherine Perdue, research associate at Boston Children's Hospital. The results suggest that these babies also have impairments in attention to social cues such as speech.

Studies over the past two decades have shown that heart rate tracks with attention: An infant's pulse slows briefly when she turns toward a compelling sight or sound and returns to baseline as she loses interest. Read on...

Highlights Magazine is an iconic children's magazine that has been in publication since 1946! As a child, I remember reading this magazine in the waiting room before going into an appointment with my doctor or dentist. As a parent, getting a subscription to Highlights was an opportunity to find new activities, stories, and craft ideas every month.

Highlights knows how to provide a variety of activities for children who have different interests and abilities. It spans many ages, with four different magazines ranging from babies up to children in early middle school. In this article, I am going to give ideas on how to use and modify activities in the Highlights (ages 6-12) for AAC users. These activities can be done in the classroom, therapy room, or at home. As a note, these suggestions align well with a core vocabulary page set. Read on...

By analyzing the brains of mice, researchers have discovered how mutations in a gene called CHD8 may alter brain development and cognitive functioning to cause autism.

Researchers from the United States and Canada found that CHD8 gene mutations altered gene expression in mice, impairing their cognitive functioning and increasing brain volume.

Both of these characteristics are present in humans with autism who have CHD8 gene mutations. Read on...

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 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.
To anyone who responded to this post, the email address was incorrect. Would you please resend your email to [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].

Do you know of any private home agencies willing to take a very high functioning 23 year old female with ASD and supply them with room and board for a year. My niece who is in the LA area will be moving to San Diego in September to attend a special school during the day. I am aware of the California Mentor program which is funded through the Regional Center of which my niece is a member of. Can you give me the names of any FHA agencies? [email protected]

I have a 10 year old who was diagnosed by the San Diego Regional Center with autism in April. He doesn't have a US health insurance so he can't get any services. When the social worker gave us the diagnosis she gave us a document where she mentioned that the SDRC could provide him with ABA through one of their agencys and now our newly designated social worker and his supervisor told me that the SDRC doesn't provide that service anymore. My question is: Should my son get any services from the SDRC? [email protected]

Hello! I am looking to connect with someone who has their child in an out of state residential educational setting. Please email me at [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.

July 15th & 22nd!

NFAR is offering students a unique programming and robotics experience for ages 12-18 years old. The morning workshop filled quickly, so an afternoon workshop has been added.

The afternoon workshop is from 1:00 - 3:00 pm over two Saturdays: July 15th and July 22nd.

Registration is free.
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.

AEFCT provides high quality services that are structured, comprehensive, and individualized. Our mission is to provide intervention to children with autism, putting the needs of each child first so that they are met fairly and appropriately. We use developmentally sound strategies supported by empirical evidence, combined with a team approach that involves family participation. Autism affects the entire family unit, and we recognize that parent education and participation are essential to achieve success.

Our Services:

• Assessment
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Supervision / Consultation
• Parent/Caregiver Training
• Funding Sources

Summer is here and being outdoors is on everybody's mind, but what if you cannot get outside? Some summer days have dangerous heat indexes, and many kids with disabilities are especially at risk in high temperatures. Thunderstorms may be particularly unsettling to kids with sensory issues, and unbearable humidity is no fun for anyone. You may wind up inside for a rainy day, or your child may be feeling a little under the weather (no pun intended).

On days like these, you'll have to get creative to make indoor play as exciting as outdoor. Fortunately, the possibilities are endless when you and your child use your imagination to create a world of your very own, right inside your home. Read on...

MicroCurrent4Kids is San Diego's premiere microcurrent therapy program for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our program is the BEST therapy for Autism and ADHD, as you will see by the rapid improvement in your child's skills and abilities, because of how well it promotes developmental growth and couples with ALL other therapies. (Inquire about other therapies also available!)

We are offering everyone the easiest and most cost-effective way to come in for regular and follow-up therapy sessions. Announcing our New Monthly Membership Plan!

Monthly Membership $89
With the ease of a monthly auto-payment you will earn 1 session each month, plus any additional sessions you wish to buy will all be billed at our member rate of only $80 each! Membership provides the lowest cost-per-session option (36% off single session rate) and relives the burden of paying a large lump sum up front. Best of all the effects of microcurrent therapy are cumulative! So the more you come in, the better results you will see in your child's mental and physical health!
*6-month contract required

Membership Benefits Include:

• One 30-min Microcurrent Therapy session; a full-body detox (systemic), or an anti-aging facial* for Mom (*Now offering facials, call for more details)
• Unlimited additional sessions at our lowest member rate
• Discounts for adding family members to your membership
• Unused sessions roll over from month to month and can be shared with others
• Earn free sessions by referring friends

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Men's Group is for dads, step dads, and granddads helping to raise a child with autism. We offer dinner, guest speakers and a chance to network with other men in a relaxed setting.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Giovanni's Italian Restaurant
9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123

Dinner: Pizza, Salad, Soda.
Dinner is provided

Please join us for this informal group discussion where you can get to know other Dads and what they are doing to help their child with autism.

July Topic: Service Dogs

Discussion will include:

- Who is a good candidate for a service dog?

- How are service dogs different from other dogs?

- What is the process for getting a Service Dog for my child?

- What if you have other animals or dogs in the home?

- Is there any type of insurance or financing available?

- How do we align training with the needs of my child?

As well as any other questions you might have.

Guest Speakers: Laura Sylvester, Executive Director and Founder
Laura is the Mother of a 16 year-old boy with autism and, along with her family, the owner of an autism companion dog named Orbit. Along with day-to-day operations of Good Dog! Laura teaches autism service dog courses at Bergin University of Canine Studies and lectures to parents and communities about the laws and benefits pertaining to autism service dog companionship. A UCLA graduate in Design she loves using her design talents to share the magical stories of connection between dog and child with the Good Dog! community.

TO RSVP

Dr. Oke has been in private practice in the San Diego area for over 16 years specializing in the area of autism, Asperger's, and Pervasive Developmental. She is dedicated to providing a warm, supportive environment for children and families while collaborating with parents on treatment goals.

N. Jennifer Oke, Ph.D.
5677 Oberlin Drive, Suite 214
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 452-9596
http://drjenniferoke.com

We Rock the Spectrum San Diego provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. Our activities, programs and retail location "The Rock Shop" make it possible for us to provide social and physical opportunities through state funded programs. As a result WRTS is an amazing example of how we can help all children grow and develop by providing an all inclusive environment.

We Rock the Spectrum San Diego provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. Our activities, programs and retail location "The Rock Shop" make it possible for us to provide social and physical opportunities through state funded programs. As a result WRTS is an amazing example of how we can help all children grow and develop by providing an all inclusive environment.
http://www.werockthespectrumsandiegocmr.com

Sunday, July 30 at 11 AM - 12 PM
Mission Valley Library
2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, California 92108

In collaboration with Autism Society San Diego, Mission Valley Library will open its doors to children on the spectrum, siblings, parents, and friends. Come at 11:00 AM for a sensory-friendly program featuring Sparkles the Clown. This 45 minute interactive show is recommended for preschool and elementary ages. After the performance, families can explore the library, check out items, or enjoy the sunny patio. Regular Sunday hours for the general public start at 12:30 PM. Contact Marika at Mission Valley Library at 858-573-5007 if you have any questions or need any further information. Click here for all the info!

Friday, July 14 at 6 PM - 8 PM
Aqua Pros Swim School
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, California 92117

Bring the entire family to enjoy a swim in an indoor, heated pool with free pizza and drinks. Lifeguards are provided. For safety purposes, no flotation devices or "floaties" are permitted. A special thank you to Aqua Pros for making this event possible. RSVPs are greatly appreciated!

** Admission is free but a $5 donation per family is appreciated to help cover the cost of the food and venue.

** For the safety of your children, we ask that you do not enter the pool area until 6:00 pm.
Click here for all the info!!!

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

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

My name is Shamayne Brown and I am a doctoral student at Alliant International University. This study is examining the attention abilities of kids with ASD and their parents. I am recruiting families with a child with ASD as well as families with typically developing children.

We are looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who have a diagnosis of ASD and their biological parents - both mother and father need to participate. We are also looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who are typically developing and both of their biological parents to serve as a control group.

If you and your family are eligible for participation, you will be asked to come to a lab at the Neuroscience Institute at Alliant International University. You and your child's other parent will be asked to complete consent forms and questionnaires about your own behaviors; this should take you each about 25 minutes. You will also be given questionnaires about your child's behaviors. Only one parent needs to fill out these questionnaires and should take about 25 minutes complete. You, your child, and your child's other parent will complete a cognitive test, which will take about 30 minutes. Each of you will then play some games on a computer. This will take each person about 30 minutes. Your child's participation will take approximately one hour. Your participation and that of your child's other parent will take approximately one and a half to two hours.

After your child completes his tasks, he will receive a $20 cash gift as an appreciation for his participation. Once you and your child's other parent have completed all tasks, you will each receive a $10 gift card as a token of appreciation for your participation. For further information, please contact Shamayne Brown at [email protected] or 619-416-1799. Thank you for your time.

*Approved by Alliant IRB
IRB #1604025150

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities San Diego-Imperial Office
presents
New Leaf Supportive Services, Inc.

Join us for an informative training about:

• Social Security and & SSI:  The Basics
• Working While on Benefits: SGA, IRWEs, Subsidies
• Medi-Cal: The Basics
• Resource limits & options:  ABLE & Pre-need Burial (Special Guest: Allison Grove, Special Considerations)

Click here for all the info and to register!!!