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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. November 02, 2018

In This Issue

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In autism brains, neurons take up more space than usual

Siblings of children with autism may have trouble with motor tasks

Texas businesses successfully employ adults with autism

Study links gene mutation to neurodevelopmental disorders

Serving it Up On the Court to Raise Money and Awareness For Autism

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Opening Night Tickets! JK Rowling's The Crimes of Grindelwald

NFAR Men's Group - Thu. Nov 8

No Wait for RDI at Family Guidance

Engage & Connect Program -- Next session starts soon!

Cara Lucier & Associates

Beacons Marketplace Gift Fair in Carlsbad!

Autism Speaks NEW North County Walk in OCEANSIDE!!!

Adult Group for individuals with Asperger-Like Thinking

Learning Comet

The Old Globe Sensory Friendly Grinch!

Sari Kuperstein, Behavior Specialist/Consultant

La Jolla Love - Tennis for Autism

Jeremiah's Ranch November Newsletter

Little Big Steps, New Program at Include Autism!


 

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ValeriesList is a FREE resource newsletter and Facebook Page for San Diego County and has been for over 18 years. No fees or membership are required to receive this info. An informed public makes better decisions for its' persons with Special Needs. Please share with friends, family, fellow professionals and clients!!! Click here to check out my FB page! Thank YOU!





  • In autism brains, neurons take up more space than usual

  • People with autism have more gray matter - or neuronal matter - in their brains overall than their typical peers do. The unpublished findings are based on brain scans from 211 people with autism, a large sample size for a study of this kind.

    Researchers presented the work today at the 2018 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in San Diego, California.

    Researchers typically use a technique called voxel-based morphometry to assess brain structures. The method combines two properties of brain tissue - density and volume - into a single metric. Density refers to the number of neurons in a given area of the brain, whereas volume refers to the space taken up by neurons. Read on...

  • Siblings of children with autism may have trouble with motor tasks

  • Autistic people often have motor difficulties, such as unstable posture or an uncoordinated gait. New findings suggest that their siblings also display these traits, but to a lesser degree. Researchers presented the unpublished work today at the 2018 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in San Diego, California.

    This pattern mirrors other findings indicating that siblings of children with autism have subtle versions of autism features, such as social problems and depression.

    "The objective of our study was to take a global picture of the neuromotor status of [children with autism] and compare this picture with that of [typically] developing children and with the siblings," says Arturo Nuara, a neurologist in Giacomo Rizzolatti's lab at the University of Parma in Italy, who presented the findings. Read on...

  • Texas businesses successfully employ adults with autism
  • When Olivia Shanks landed in the hospital, it changed her life.

    The Houston Chronicle reports she didn't arrive as a patient, though - she came to work. The 21-year-old, who has high-functioning autism, has struggled to get places on time. Some basic workplace tasks stressed her out. Dependence on others dinged her self-confidence.

    Her work in Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital's food-services department came via one of Houston's nonprofit groups providing job training and support for a population that's exploding but finds few opportunities to live as fully as possible. Read on...

  • Study links gene mutation to neurodevelopmental disorders
  • A new model created by UCLA scientists reveals how the alteration of a specific gene increases the risk for neurodevelopmental problems in mice. When the researchers mutated the gene, it produced symptoms at specific ages in the animal's life.

    Previous studies have linked a GLUT3 mutation in mice to miscarriage and restriction of the fetus' growth in the last trimester of pregnancy.

    "Our findings could lead to new insights for preventing and treating pediatric neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, anxiety disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder," said lead author Dr. Sherin Devaskar, physician-in-chief of UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital and executive director of the UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institutes. Read on...

  • Serving it Up On the Court to Raise Money and Awareness For Autism
  • "Individuals with autism are wonderful human beings that sometimes just need a little bit of awareness from other individuals to open up their world so you can see what's going on in their world," said Joelle Burke, Matt Anderson's Sister and Spiking for Autism Committee Member. That's been the goal of the Anderson family, to raise more awareness and money, through the Matt Anderson Spiking for Autism Volleyball tournament. Matt Anderson is a USA Olympic Volleyball player and together his family and friends started the tournament on behalf of his 12-year-old nephew Tristen, who has autism. "Once he started playing professional volleyball and he was on TV, he decided to get a tattoo right on his serving hand that has the autism puzzle piece and he actually had my son write his name, so every time he goes to serve, a lot of times the camera zooms in and there's a lot of media that asks about that so he talks about it quite often," said Burke. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • I have a three-year old son with ASD. We toured a preschool today that's part of SD Unified that is not a good option for him. Does anyone have any recommendations for the best preschool programs for children with ASD? We are more than willing to relocate to a different school district, including Del Mar, Solana Beach, etc. All referrals are greatly appreciated! Thank you!! [email protected]



    My family & I are relocating to San Diego in November for my husband's new job in Sorrento Valley. We have two boys aged 8(2nd grade) & 10(5th grade) who have high functioning autism. Academically they are on par, but have the behavioral/social issues. We are trying to figure out what the best school district would be for our boys in terms of in-school programs. We currently live in North LA county (the Santa Clarita area). They are in a SDC for high functioning autism & they have programs that go all the way through high school. Some of the places we are looking to buy in are Rancho Bernardo (Westwood), South Carlsbad, Rancho Peñasquitos, Scripps Ranch. I know that is all over the place but we'd like to stay in north county and are open to any other suggestions. Schooling for the boys is most important in our move. I would love any input. Not just for elementary schools but beyond. We are open to charter schools as well if you know of any that would suit their criteria.

    I hear so many opposing opinions as to which are the best and the worst districts. So hard to navigate and I am feeling lost:( I would really appreciate any guidance.
    Thank you in advance,
    Sharon [email protected]



    I am writing this ad for the amazing family of caregivers who have worked for us for the past six years, caring for my father until his death, and then my severely autistic, non-verbal sister and our mother, both, until they both recently passed away. The caretaker is a licensed CNA, super responsible, kind and personable. He is young and strong, and has experience working with the elderly, those with autism, the physically disabled, and those in a hospice type situation. He has an outstanding work ethic, and cared for our family members regularly during the night as well as the day. He is completely reliable in ordering and dispensing meds. He did extensive "diaper duty" and showering / bathing for incontinent family members with never any complaints. He has a wife who is as sweet as he is, and two young children, and they all lived in with first my father and then my mother (divorced). This would be optional, though it was a great thing, as his wife was the relief caretaker. I would be happy to talk on the phone or in person further about our experiences with this family, their compensation, or anything else. The caretaker has a car and valid driver's license, speaks good English, and is a recently naturalized US citizen. They are willing to relocate. Daria [email protected] or 619-788-2042



    Does your child or young adult have IHSS hours? I have an amazing person who is working with my 22 year old daughter and is looking to take on new clients. She's been great at teaching life skills, cooking, hygiene and can also help with things like organizing schoolwork, mentoring etc. She is also available for work private pay as well. Please spread the word if you know anyone who needs this type of service for teens/young adults 😊Contact me for details Debra Berl 619 672-8893



    My 16 year old son( with autism/intellectual disability/pica/anxiety/chronic constipation) has been having intermittent aggression since we relocated to Carlsbad 2 months ago came home from CAPS yesterday...can you recommend a person who we can hire to stay in our home for an extra layer of support in the early evening (5-8pm) during the "sundowner" time? This is the time that aggression may come from out of nowhere. I would need help getting him to his room without being assaulted, where he can be safe, getting him PRN medication, and allowing him to calm down there (without calling the PERT team or the police). Once we are certain that he is stabilized with the right dosage of medication, we will not need the same level of extra support. We can pay up to $20/hr. We are also in the process of getting IHSS for him, so in time we will have more resources available...

    Please reply directly to my email address: [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.

  • Opening Night Tickets! JK Rowling's The Crimes of Grindelwald
  • Attend the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego's movie fundraiser Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on Nov. 16 and have a chance to win fabulous prizes! Tickets at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3582251

    Prize list includes:

    • A Fantastic Beasts Holiday Tree - Ornaments for the tree have been donated by local artists of all abilities
    • Harry Potter 20 Years of Magic Artwork Signed byJim Kay, Brian Selznick, Mary Grand Pre and Kazu Kibuishi
    • Tickets to Disneyland California
    • A Dream Dinner Gift Basket
    • 90-Day Car Wash Memberships from Soapy Joe's Car Wash
    • The Marauder's Map Guide to Hogwarts & World of Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit
    • Hogwarts Wall Banners & Mirror of Erised
    • and more!
    November 16, 7pm
    UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas
    7510 Hazard Center Drive #100
    San Diego, CA 92108


    Proceeds from this event will benefit the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego. The mission of SNRFSD is to help parents and advocates in the special needs community to overcome challenges of the family's journey by bringing together people, information and resources in the resource guide called Flourishing Families. Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). All donations are 100% tax exempt for federal income tax purposes. Tax ID #46-4543603

  • NFAR Men's Group - Thu. Nov 8
  • Thursday, Nov 8, 2018
    6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Filippi's Pizza Grotto
    5353 Kearny Villa Rd
    San Diego, CA 92123


    Dinner: Pizza, Salad.
    Dinner is provided

    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.

    November Topic: My Life With Autism, the Realities

    Guest Speaker: Ethan Hirschberg, Professional Blogger and Motivational Speaker

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

  • No Wait for RDI at Family Guidance
  • 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
    Locations in Point Loma and Mira Mesa
    619-600-0683
    https://familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • Engage & Connect Program -- Next session starts soon!
  • Families of young children with autism, ages 2 - 8, and their siblings are invited to join us for our next session of the "Engage & Connect".

    The program is designed to bring parents, siblings, and children with ASD together, learn strategies from our professional team, and most of all - have fun!

    Play activities have been designed to encourage communication and social skills development.

    The Engage & Connect Program is held once a week for 4-weeks at Kid Ventures indoor recreational play center in 4S Ranch on Thursdays from 5:15 - 6:30 pm starting November 29th.

    To learn more or to register, please contact NFAR at 858-679-8800. Spots fill quickly-sign up for the next session today!

  • Cara Lucier & Associates
  • At Cara Lucier & Associates we believe in the ability of every person to reach their potential. We believe that education is the key to opportunity. We advocate for the rights of individuals and their families:

    • IEP team meetings
    • Mediation
    • Due Process Hearings and Appeals
    • 504 Meetings and Appeals
    • Regional Center Meetings and Appeals
    • IHSS Appeals
    • Civil Rights Litigation
    For a free 60-minute initial consultation, please contact us at (760)505-2498.

    Law Offices of Cara Lucier
    Civil Rights and Education Law
    701 Palomar Airport Road, Suite #300
    Carlsbad, CA 92011
    [email protected]
    Phone: (760) 717-3451
    http://www.caralucier.com

  • Beacons Marketplace Gift Fair in Carlsbad!
  • https://www.beaconsnorthcounty.com

    BEACONS, Inc. is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation [501(c)(3) application pending] dedicated to providing instructional, recreational, and social activities as well as services to adults with disabilities. Beacons is the brainchild of a group of parents (see below) who through their participation on a variety of special ed related organization, boards and groups, realized that meaningful solutions were going to have to be provided by those who have actually lived "the journey" and who love those persons in need of better support. While some of us may have given up on school districts and community colleges, we will never give up on our children.

  • Autism Speaks NEW North County Walk in OCEANSIDE!!!
  • Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 8 AM - 1 PM
    Mance Buchanon Park
    425 College Blvd, Oceanside, California

    Register FREE for the NEW North County Walk 11/11/18
    http://act.autismspeaks.org/northcounty


    Event includes local service provider resources, sponsor booths, Kids Zone, live entertainment and a beautiful 5k walk around the park. Little Tommy Sablan will be our official emcee for the walk.

    Gates opens at 8:00am (onsite registration)
    Opening Ceremonies 9:00am
    Walk start time 9:30am
    Event activities are open until 12pm.
    #AutismSpeaks Walk Powered By Love

    Register as an individual walker or start a team!
    Teams will get to compete in friendly team competions and challenges leading up to the event. Teams who raise $1500 or more are eligible for Team Village. Individuals can qualify for a varity of gifts based on achieving fundraising milestones. Raise $150 earn the official 2018 Autism Speaks Walk shirt, exclusively designed by Tommy Hilfiger

    Event is FREE to register but fundraising is encouraged! Our walks are the major fundraising vehicle for Autism Speaks. Funds raised are critical to continue providing support to thousands of individuals locally, nationally and around the world. Thank you to our major sponors Butterfly Effects, Mission Federal Credit Union and Prava Construction Services, Inc.

    NEEDED Sponsors, volunteers and those interested in joining our walk committee, please email: [email protected]

  • Adult Group for individuals with Asperger-Like Thinking
  • Run by SDCC Family Wellness Center- El Cajon

    San Diego Center for Children
    680 Fletcher Parkway, Ste 202
    El Cajon, CA 92020
    (858) 634-8300
    https://www.centerforchildren.org/family-wellness-center/autism-services/

  • Learning Comet
  • Learning Comet's Mission is to build foundations for the student's Cognitive, Social and Emotional development, and self confidence. Help students be FUNCTIONAL and help them contribute PRODUCTIVELY in school and community as well.

    Services Offered:
    --Educational Therapy
    --Inclusive Workplace Technology Training (see below)
    --Advocacy
    --STEM Learning
    --STEAM Learning
    --Computer Training for Kids
    --Programming for Kids

    Click here for all the info about our Incluzen Program - Inclusive Workplace Technology Training.

    Click here to view their brochure for info about all of their services.

    Learning Comet
    10620 Treena Street, Suite #230
    San Diego, CA 92131
    (858) 345-2828
    http://www.learningcomet.com

  • The Old Globe Sensory Friendly Grinch!
  • As a friend of ValeriesList you are invited to a special performance of America's favorite holiday fable, returning for its 21st joyous year!

    Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 21st 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 tickets to our sensory-friendly performance, please call the Ticket Office at (619) 234-5623 and say FRIENDLY

    Or CLICK HERE to save $10 off adult and children's tickets!

  • Sari Kuperstein, Behavior Specialist/Consultant
  • Email: [email protected]
    Phone: 754-215-2219

  • La Jolla Love - Tennis for Autism
  • tennis_icon.jpg

    Learn to play tennis and form a team for kids with developmental disabilities 7-13 .

    Saturday 130-230 La Jolla tennis courts

    Cost : FREE
    Learn to have fun, social skills and independence with a tennis team !!!

    Please contact with any interest at [email protected] Or text 858-699-2300

  • Jeremiah's Ranch November Newsletter
  • Click here to read their November edition!!!

  • Little Big Steps, New Program at Include Autism!

  • We are so very excited to announce the opening of a new center-based, community readiness ABA program for young children ages 2.5 to 6 years who are experiencing challenges in social skill development and language and behavioral challenges. This new program, Little Big Steps, is a program of Community Transition Academy and located in Poway in the mornings. LB Steps participants attend onsite in a structured setting where they receive 1:1 ABA instruction as well as group interaction with peers.

    Our staff of highly trained ABA therapists led utilize the principles of ABA to develop and promote skills to generalize in both school and community settings. Our site-based setting offers the structure needed to target pre-requisite skills needed for success in school-based settings as well offer access peers to work on social and play skills.

    Our goal at Little Big Steps is to create individualized programs in both structured and natural environments that will produce lasting changes prepare children for the next steps in their lives.

    For more information, please call Community Transition Academy/Little Big Steps at: (858) 603-6628. (website still under construction)

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT
  • Social stories (in English and Spanish) for 7 museums in Balboa Park (The Nat, The Fleet, Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Man, San Diego History Center, and Japanese Friendship Garden) are available online. These were created by young adults with autsim as part of the SPECTRUM Social Stories Project here at The Nat.

  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!

  • The third Saturday of every month, Fleet invites the Autism Spectrum Community to enjoy our museum through this special opportunity. Adults and families with children with autism can enjoy the Fleet's exhibit galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before regular open hours to the general public and with access to a special cool-off space. Visitors are welcome to stay and 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.

    For more information, visit www.fleetscience.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings.

  • "Autism Through the Lifespan" Monthly Parent Support and Information Meetings

  • October 2018 - May 2019
    PLNU Graduate Education
    4007 Camino Del Rio South - Fourth Floor
    San Diego, CA 92108


    Please join other parents, caregivers and professionals at the following monthly informational and support group meetings in Mission Valley. These meetings will discuss the various aspects of autism through the lifespan. Each meeting will feature an expert speaker and an ASA parent mentor. This is a time for you to meet other parents, ask questions and network.
    The meetings are free and open to all. See the flyer for all the info!!!

  • Participate in Research!!! Can a Safe 'Fever' Help Autism Syptoms? Spanish Speakers Welcome!!!
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    Can a Safe 'Fever' Help AUTISM Symptoms?

    Una 'Fiebre' Para Disminuir los Sintomas de AUTISMO? 

    Pilot Study Enrollment


    This pilot study will enroll 12 families with ASD children ages 2-17 years old in a controlled study, in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. We are testing a dry heat therapy from an FDA-cleared medical device with simulates the effect of a low-grade fever by non-invasively infusing heat into the circulatory system. The Fielding Graduate University IRB approved study is entitiled: "The Fever Effect: Do kids with autism do better when they use a device to warm their blood? Effects of six-week AVACEN Treatment Method on Autism Spectrum Disorder".

    If you are interested in participating in this pilot study please contact Frances Poteet at [email protected] and provide your phone number, email address, zip code and best time to reach you so that we can contact you. If you are not selected as part of this pilot study, you may be offered an opportunity to participate in a larger study of the device at a later date.

    Participants who complete the entire study will receive a $200 Amazon gift card. Enrolling now! Limited openings available!

    We can offer services in English and Spanish (all the way from the Orientation throughout the course of the study.)

  • Participate in Research: Caregiver/Family Member Survey
  • business_finance_research.jpg

    My name is Richie Sapp. My twin brother, Mikey, has been attending the TERI day program for several years now. I am a third-year medical student (MS3) at Stanford School of Medicine where I am currently taking a research year to focus my efforts in medical education, specifically to improve patient care for individuals with disabilities. I am creating an elective course for medical students/PA students for Winter Quarter 2018/19 and I could use your help.

    Please consider completing this first survey and if your son/daughter would like to complete the second survey on their own, I would welcome that too.

    1) This survey is for parents/caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Caregiver/Family Member Survey, which will help me with what content to put together for the course. Please feel free to share the survey with anyone who might be interested in sharing their experiences. Here is the link: https://goo.gl/forms/FC0pVxymGi92OBq73

    2) Additionally, if you know anyone with a disability who would like to speak about their own experiences, there is a separate survey for individuals with disabilities. The link is below:

    https://goo.gl/forms/S2aJ7DuFOqhqgxl73

    Thank you so much for all your support!

    Please email me if you have any questions.

    Thank you,
    Richie Sapp
    ( [email protected])

  • Brain Imaging Studies for all Ages with or without Autism

  • The Brain Development Imaging Labs at San Diego State University are looking for individuals with diagnosed or suspected autism to participate in a brain imaging study. Participants would receive around $150 plus free cognitive testing and an MRI scan. Child participants would receive a free assessment summary and image of their brain as a bonus! We are looking to recruit from all ages, but we especially need adults, ages 40-65 years, to participate. If you know someone who might be a good fit for our study, please share this information with them. Thank you.

    At SDSU!!! To find out more, please call 619-594-0176 or email [email protected].
    http://bdil.sdsu.edu/

     
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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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