How treating sleep may ease all forms of autism

20-Year-Old With Autism And His Mother Open Bakery To Employ Others On Spectrum

Applying the DIR/Floortime Model in a Public School

Mosaic mutations in sperm point to increased autism risk

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

As a friend of ValeriesList you are invited to a special performance of America's favorite holiday fable returning for its 20th joyous year!

Parenting with Positive Disapline

Fall Social Groups Enrolling Now!

Family Activity at theNAT! FREE!

FAMILY FUN AT KID VENTURES! Friday, Dec. 1st

Join the Special Needs Resource Foundation on December 15 - OPENING NIGHT for the next blockbuster Star Wars film, The Last Jedi at UltraStar Cinemas Hazard Center in Mission Valley!

2nd Annual Walk 'N' Rock for Autism

TRIO Consultants

S4EA November Newsletter

The Special Education Advocacy & Law Firm of Thomas S. Nelson

AUTISM MEN'S GROUP November Meeting

Central San Diego Family Pool and Pizza Party

Support & Information for Adults: Housing

4th Annual Leading The Charge - Collaborating for Effective Services

New book explores drinking, drug abuse, and addiction in the autism community

In a clinic I run at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I see children who have various genetic syndromes associated with autism. These children have a wide range of features, including intellectual disability, language problems and seizures. But they have one thing in common: poor sleep.

The inability to fall or stay asleep, called insomnia, can have far-reaching consequences. Sleep helps us to consolidate memories, learn and grow. Insomnia can aggravate cognitive and social and communication problems, behavioral challenges and anxiety; it can also exacerbate seizures.

Behavioral interventions and medications can help children with autism-related syndromes sleep better, but the treatments must be tailored to the cause of each child's sleep disturbance. Read on...

Six weeks ago, Jacob Wittman's mother, Shelly Henley, had to bribe her autistic son to make it down the stairs by 10:30 am. The other morning, she found him in the kitchen at 7:10 am making a shopping list, upset that Costco did not open until 10. The difference? Thanks to co-founding No Label at the Table Food Company, a bakery that employs people on the autism spectrum, Wittman now wakes with a purpose.

Wittman is working to finish high school through an online school powered by K12. Two years ago, at age 18, he told his mother he wanted to be a chef at a restaurant. So, Henley and a support team got to work to make that happen, starting a bakery that employs people with autism. Being enrolled in a K12-powered school gives Jacob the flexibility to run this business while completing high school, and the process has allowed both Henley and her son to discover their purpose and passion. Read on...

Our back-to-school series continues with a podcast featuring Jackie Bartell, a retired Special Educator in the public school system in Rochester, New York, and DIR Expert Training Leader with the Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). We discuss applying the Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model in a public school setting.

Jackie Bartell takes the perspective of DIR as a philosophy. In whatever way you work with children, you can apply the DIR model. But DIR is a way not only to interact with children; it is also a way to with the staff by thinking about regulation, interaction, and relationships. Doing DIR in a public school means supporting the students and the staff. Read on...

More than 5 percent of mutations thought to have arisen spontaneously in a child with autism are, in fact, inherited, a new study suggests.

The mutations are present in a significant subset of the father's sperm cells, according to an analysis of data from just four families.

The findings suggest that testing for harmful mutations in sperm may help estimate a man's risk of passing them on to his children, says Martin Breuss, a postdoctoral fellow in Joseph Gleeson's lab at the University of California, San Diego. Breuss presented the unpublished results Friday at the 2017 American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. Read on...

My family is a dual income family and we need additional help caring for our 15 y/o daughter who is high functioning Asperger. Specifically, we would like to find someone who can be at the house after school while we commute back from our jobs. It would be 3-5 days a week in the afternoons from 3-6pm. A certified professional behavioral coach would be preferred, but not mandatory.

Our schedules are moderately flexible and we work with the candidate to create a schedule that works for the both of us.
Thanks! please contact Dustin at [email protected]

My son is 5 and he will be in Kindergarten the next school year. He is currently in TK, and he is doing fine. He has an IEP, and he he is on general education with some support fron school staff. We would like to apply by choice to the following schools:

Holmes Elementary, Curie PTA Elementary, Spreckels Elementary

Do you have any experience with any of these schools in relation with the support and awareness for kids on the spectrum. Are these good options ? I will really appreciate your help and comments. Please write to [email protected]

My son is almost 19 and next year he will finish his certificate. He is done with typical academia. He is not interested in formal college. Are there different choices besides adult day programs or college. Employment is an option, however that seems limiting.
Are there any other ideas or options out there?
Laura [email protected]

I have a number of parents with whom I work who restrain their children with autism in times of escalation (e.g. physically harming others or self). None of them have been trained (e.g. PART training) on how to do so appropriately like the training we receive in special schools and inpatient units. Does anyone have a resource for parents to be properly trained? Thank you.
Kristina L Franey, Psy.D.
Child Psychologist
[email protected]

Dear Friends and Family of We Rock the Spectrum - San Diego,

Today our Corporate team was alerted that the owners of this location have had to make an emergency move out of the state of California due to family health issues. Our location will be temporarily closed until we can find a new owner.

In the mean time, if you have any outstanding memberships or events booked with the gym, please reach out to [email protected] and these will either be transferred to another location or refunded.

If you or any other leaders in the community are interested in helping with this transition or to become a franchisee with We Rock the Spectrum, please reach out to our Franchise Development Director, John Canaday, at [email protected].

Thank you to everyone for your unwavering support of this gym over the past two years. Hopefully we can continue to provide this amazing community with the sensory gym you deserve. We are committed to serving the San Diego area either in this gym or with a future location.

We will update you all when we have better news.

Sincerely, Dina Kimmel
Founder, CEO
We Rock the Spectrum

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.

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 20th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs "This Time of Year," "Santa for a Day," and "Fah Who Doraze," the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as The Old Globe is once again transformed into a snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

Space is limited, get your tickets now!
For ticket to our sensory-friendly performance, please call the Box Office at (619) 234-5623, and say ValeriesList
OR
Follow this link: https://www.theoldglobe.org/reserve/index.aspx?performancenumber=14761&promo=6999 to save $10 off adult and children's tickets!

More about Sensory-Friendly Performances
For its sixth year, The Old Globe will offer a sensory-friendly performance of the holiday classic Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. Following in the footsteps of successful sensory-friendly performances of The Grinch and Into the Woods in seasons past, The Grinch will be performed for children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as other families with special needs that may appreciate the welcoming and supportive environment this performance provides.

What is a Sensory-Friendly Performance?
In order to help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for theatregoers with autism and other sensitivity issues, slight adjustments are made to the production including:

• Fewer loud noises and flashing lights that may be challenging for some audience member.
• The lobby of the theatre will serve as a quiet area for children who need to leave their seat during the show.
• On-site volunteer specialists will be on hand to assist families as they arrive at the Old Globe Theatre and throughout the performance.

Parenting with Positive Discipline Training--A Free Pop-Up Event By The Family Guidance & Therapy Center of Southern California!

Monday, November 13, 2017, 6-8 pm
Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in the Family Life Center
2128 Chatsworth Blvd
San Diego CA 92107

Questions? Call 619-600-0683 or email us: [email protected]

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

Our groups explore the social cognition and communication skills that support successful and rewarding peer relationships, family interactions and academic achievement. We work to develop better social cognition, including social problem solving, social interpretation, and social expression.

We have options for all ages from preschool to college age students. Below are descriptions of our programs and information on enrolling. Email Janet Dudley at [email protected] or call 858-558-9552 to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.

SOCIAL LEARNING GROUPS
All lessons are driven by the needs of our students. We look at social strengths and challenges along with age and developmental level and develop lessons tailored for each student. Below is a sample of what students might learn.

Ages 4-7
Social communication skills are taught via play-based groups with stories, play and structured activities and lessons. Some concepts taught include learning how to follow the group plan, improving flexible thinking (in order to handle those moments when things don't go their way!), participating in cooperative play and improving social use of language.

Ages 8-18

• Reading nonverbal cues (facial expression, body language)
• Developing perspective taking and the ability to identify what others might be thinking and feeling
• How to be part of a group
• Understanding how social expectations change with age
• Recognize impulses and develop self-control
• Observe and interpret social expectations
• Social problem solving
• Dealing with anxiety and frustration/regulating emotions
• Conversational skills - being an effective communicator
• Understand how they impact those around them
• Figuring out what's expected and unexpected and how those behaviors make others feel
• Executive functioning skills - planning, organization and time management.

Join us at the San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) on Sunday, Nov. 12th from 9 - 11 am for a morning of discovery and fun!

TheNAT has planned some great activities, including animal encounters and a sensory friendly 2D film at 9:50 AM.

Please register at NFAR.
Admission is FREE, but you must arrive before 9:45am. (After that it is regular admission at $19 adult and $12 child).

Register HERE

NFAR is hosting a family play session at
Kid's Ventures in 4-S Ranch on
Friday, December 1 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Families of children with autism and their siblings (ages 2 - 8 years old) are invited to join us for a fun filled time of structured activities, crafts, and creative play.

Kid's Ventures creative indoor play facility is designed to help nurture your child's imagination and creativity in a healthy and fun environment.

Registration is $5 per child. For more information, contact NFAR or register HERE.

This event is more than simply seeing a movie. It's an EXPERIENCE!

A very special event will be taking place December 15, 7pm at the UltraStar Cinemas Hazard Center in Mission Valley OPENING NIGHT for the much anticipated Star Wars The Last Jedi! The festivities begin at 5:30 pm; theater seating begins at 6:30 pm.

Throughout the evening, we will have visits and photo opportunities from Star Wars characters, Star Wars themed crafts, prizes, movie snacks, swag bags and more, all leading up to the opening night viewing of the much anticipated sequel Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Be a FORCE in our community! * Limited seating - buy your tickets today, before they sell out.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego.

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3099328

Saturday, November 11 at 8 AM - 12 PM
California State University San Marcos
333 South Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
San Marcos, California 92096

Join us for the second annual Walk 'N' Rock for Autism, on Saturday, November 11th, from 8 AM - 12 PM, at Cal State San Marcos. Choose from a 5K walk/run or a 1K fun run! Visit our resource fair, take part in some great family activities, get some delicious treats, and enjoy live music, all while raising money to support recreational programs for autistic people in San Diego County!

Our resource fair will feature a variety of providers from around the county. Our family area will include inflatables and a quiet area with a sensory tent. Choose from a variety of snacks and treats while you browse through our fabulous silent auction, and enjoy live rock music! San Marcos deputies will be on hand to greet families and help everyone learn about law enforcement. Dress up like a rock star to be entered in our costume contest. Prizes will also be awarded to our top Team and Individual Fundraisers.

Click here to register!!!

What's The TRIO?

The Expert: Cynthia LaBrie Norall, PhD, BCBA-D
The Individual: Evan Wooton, Social Coach & Facilitator
The Family: Julie Marie Miller, Mother. Writer. Ally.

We are advocates, counselors and coaches for those with hidden disabilities such as ASD, ADD/ADHD and dyslexia in schools, in communities and in the workplace. With our TRIO of perspectives, we are able to offer an innovative approach unique to our field.

Services Offered:

• Autism Coaching
• Educational Diagnosis
• Expert Family Law Testimony
• Parent Coaching and Support
• Friends' Club
• Job Transition Facilation
• Job Coaching
• Hidden Disability Educational Support
• Educator Disability Coaching
• Employer Disability Training
• IEP Review and Advocacy
• New Diagnosis Counseling

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

Your child's education comes first.
Your child is entitled to a "free and appropriate public education" or FAPE, whereby the school addresses all of your child's unique needs. A school district must provide your child with an appropriate education regardless of budget cuts, what's convenient, or what's available. Too often the school district offers a "one size fits all" program that fits within their needs, but not within the unique needs of your child. Ensuring that your child's education comes first means having the right team on your side. An effective team works cooperatively and collaboratively with the school district, using their knowledge, expertise and experience to foster quick and yet effective resolutions.

Practice Areas:

• Special Education Advocacy, including appearances at IEPs, obtaining/reviewing educational records, evaluation of current program
• Special Education Law, including representation in due process disputes regarding eligibility, assessments, IEP programming, private placement, manifestation determination meetings, and discipline
• General Education Discipline, including representation at expulsion hearings and appeals
• 504 Plans, including advocacy and legal representation at 504 Plan meetings and due process
• Civil Rights Claims, including representation in federal and state court proceedings regarding civil rights violations
• Regional Center Claims, including advocacy and legal representation at IPP meetings, obtaining/reviewing educational records, evaluation of current program, due process hearings, and appeals
• Appeals, including legal representation at federal and state court regarding appeals of IDEA, 504, expulsion, and civil rights matters

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.

Please Join Us Thursday, November 9, 2017
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

November Topic: Neuropsychological Evaluations and Autism

Discussion will include:

- What are neuropsychological assessments?

- What do they measure?

- When is a good time to do an assessment? How often?

- How does it help?

- What should you look for when you need an assessment?

Guest Speaker: Robert Gray, PhD, ABPP-CN-PSY20705 / Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology Services, Advanced Neurobehavioral Health of Southern California

Dr Gray is the clinical director of pediatric neuropsychology services and training director of the postdoctoral residency program in pediatric neuropsychology at Advanced Neurobehavioral Health of Southern California. Dr. Gray also provides neuropsychological evaluation and consultation services to the Rady Children's Hospital departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neurology. He serves on the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County.

Dr. Robert Gray received his Ph.D. in school psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He went on to specialize in pediatric neuropsychology and Dr. Gray has held positions as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and staff pediatric neuropsychologist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Dr. Gray has been awarded diplomate/board certification status in clinical neuropsychology and pediatric sub specialization status through the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) and American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)

To RSVP

Friday, November 10, 2017
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Aqua Pros Swim School/Boys and Girls Club
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA

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! Contact [email protected] or 858-715-0678.

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

** Unfortunately, we will no longer be serving GFCF pizza. If you have specific dietary restrictions, feel free to bring your own food ** For the safety of your children, we ask that you do not enter the pool area until 6:00 pm

https://www.autismsocietysandiego.org

Tuesday, November 14, 2017
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Autism Society of San Diego
4699 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

This month will focus on the critical need for quality, fair housing. We will have 3 dynamic speakers who are working to address this need for our community.

About 71.5% of people with developmental disabilities are currently receiving residential care from family caregivers. As these caregivers age (at present, 25% of caregivers are over age 60), the question of "what is going to happen to this child when I die?" is inevitable. While there are various types of supportive living communities in California addressing this issue, there is just not enough to meet the growing demand.

Villa de Vida is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enable adults with special needs to live as independently as possible by building residential communities with support programs that meet the needs of each resident. Hunter Christian, Executive Director and mother of an adult on the spectrum, will present.

On June 2nd, 2015, Villa de Vida entered into an exclusive negotiating rights agreement with the City of Poway in San Diego County to build a 54-unit apartment complex. The agreement seeks to pursue further discussions and negotiations with the City of Poway to evaluate the possibility of developing a 3.18 acre site in Paguay Redevelopment Project Area, consistent with the city's plan to revitalize the area, provide affordable housing, and bring economic and employment benefits to the city.The development, subject to further due diligence, approval and permitting, would target completion in 2020.

LiveAble Communities, LLC Lifelong Housing and Care Solutions for Families with Special Needs. David Moore is the Development Director for LiveAble Communities, a new company formed for the purpose of developing housing communities in California for developmentally disabled adults. The current project under development is a new independent apartment community on a 10 acre site in Lake Elsinore, CA. A 36,000 square foot building exists on the property and will be renovated as a part of the project. The community will provide housing and support services for 200 adults with I/DD.

Branden G. Butler, Senior Attorney, Fair Housing Center of the Legal Aid Society (2009-present). Prior to law school, Branden worked as a Housing Advocate at Communities Actively Living Independent and Free (CALIF), a disability rights organization in the skid row section of downtown Los Angeles. Branden's passion for housing issues continued when he was instrumental in creating a new fair housing program at LASSD that specifically addresses housing discrimination. Branden has litigated fair housing cases in federal court on a broad range of issues and regularly conducts fair housing trainings for organizations. Branden is currently the President of the San Diego Regional Alliance for Fair Housing.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the presentations. Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you!

https://www.autismsocietysandiego.org

Event host by DDPN with lead sponsorship by San Diego Regional Center.

Wednesday, November 29th
8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Doubletree By Hilton Mission Valley
7450 Hazard Center Dr.
San Diego, CA 92108

Registration will close November 17th so register NOW by clicking on this link to reserve your seat: https://LeadingTheCharge2017.eventbrite.com

This One-Day Educational Event's keynote speaker this year is: Thomas Pomeranz, Ed.D. - Changing Expectations: Leading the Charge for Change

Change is always difficult, if not a bit scary. Families may fear that their family members will be more vulnerable and taken advantage of in inclusive settings. The irony is they will be far more visible than ever-to their neighbors, the Starbucks they like to frequent, their co-workers, their friends. Providers are in the midst of addressing significant clinical, resource, social and environmental challenges in meeting these new expectations. Tom will discuss the nature of these challenges and approaches to achieve this transition for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition he will give participants a sense of vision, excitement and enthusiasm for the work ahead. The spirit of change is to open hearts, minds, and arms to enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have meaningful lives of value, dignity and respect.

Who Should Attend? Individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, families, service providers, agency directors and support staff, Transition Programs, regional center and DOR staff.

What is the connection between autism and addiction? Why are individuals with autism more likely to develop a substance use disorder than the general population?

Until recently, substance use disorder (SUD) was considered rare among those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but recent research on this topic suggests that individuals with autism are nearly twice as likely to develop SUD A new book by Elizabeth Kunreuther, clinical instructor at the University of North Carolina's Addiction Detox Unit at WakeBrook in Raleigh, and Ann Palmer, a faculty member at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at UNC, brings together current research and personal accounts from individuals with autism and their support networks to start a conversation about the relationship between ASD and SUD. Read on...

Click here to purchase the book from Amazon.