THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS
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| MiraCosta's administration continues to hide complaints by the public |
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Oceanside, CA - Since November 2017, members of the public, students and faculty have publicly raised concerns about MiraCosta's leadership and policies, but sadly the Board's minutes, which its President Sunny Cooke controls, continue to sanitize the public's comment to the point where the summaries in the minutes fail to reflect the actual nature of what is being said. Minutes are supposed to reflect what happens at a Board meeting to help the Board be transparent and accountable to the public. However, a review of the minutes from July's Board meeting submitted by Cooke for approval at this Thursday's Board meeting not only failed to correctly identify how many speakers spoke at the last meeting about certain actions taken by Dean Kate Alder, but also failed to reflect the nature of their comments.
In July, the Board twice elected to extend the time for public comments to allow at least ten speakers to share their concerns about Alder's unannounced appearance in campus classrooms of students in MiraCosta's Adults with Disabilities program and her sudden ousting of instructional aides and their students in the middle of the summer term, causing students to miss class and their transportation schedules to be disrupted. The aides kicked out are support staff provided at no cost to MiraCosta to enable students with intellectual disabilities and/or developmental delays access and participate in the classes offered through MiraCosta's Adults with Disabilities program. Read on... |
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| Pesticide may increase autism risk |
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A landmark study published this week in the American Journal of Psychiatry describes a correlation between pesticide levels in a mother's blood and autism risk in their infants.
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States.
Though the condition varies between people, symptoms commonly include repetitive behavior, difficulties adapting to change, and trouble in social situations.
Exactly what causes autism and how it develops is still up for debate, but it is widely recognised that there is likely to be interplay between environmental and genetic factors.
Much headway has been made in autism research - but, to date, there are few definitive answers, and there is no cure. Read on... |
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| Career-prep program fosters strengths of teens with autism |
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One Thursday afternoon in November, about a dozen students around age 13 huddle at tables in a cluttered science classroom. Some chat while they work, using copper tape and a watch battery to build a circuit that will power an LED bulb. Others are silent, engrossed in their project.
The students, mostly eighth graders at Public School 219 in Queens, New York, are part of a program for students with autism and their non-autistic peers. Launched in 2016 in three schools in New York City, its goal is to prepare students for their eventual career search.
Many adults with autism are underprepared for the workforce, so it's critical to give students skills to make them competitive candidates later on, says Kristie Koenig, co-leader of the project and associate professor of occupational therapy at New York University. Read on... |
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| How Sesame Street Teaches Kids Empathy |
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"The whole idea of the show, is that, if we can give kids these skills... then we feel like we're helping to create the next generation of empathetic adults."
Walking onto the set of Sesame Street in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York is like entering a portal that takes you straight back to childhood. The earliest memories for multiple generations of children include watching beloved characters like Big Bird, Elmo and Grover with rapt attention.
But in addition to the standard early childhood learning skills - ABCs, 123s and the like - the most important lesson Sesame Street is teaching youngsters is so subtle that even their parents might not pick up on it: empathy for those who look, sound and behave differently than them. Read on... |
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| Family and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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I wanted to put the word out about Sari Kuperstein, a really fantastic ABA therapist / behavior specialist. She is extremely energetic, loving but firm, patient, has tons of great ideas. She used to work for a school district and has many years of experience.
She is not presently a vendor for the regional center. We have been employing her several days per week for my severely autistic adult sister, who is now in a day program, so Sari has most days available. Her fees are quite reasonable.
She can be reached at (754) 215-2219 (texting is best) or [email protected]
We have several families (North County Inland) in our parent support group who are looking for day programs, or other providers, for young adults on the spectrum with challenging behaviors. The adults are around age 22 and have been classified as ASD with IDD as a secondary condition. We hope to find providers who are willing to take them out into the community fairly regularly and have ABA or similar background experience--or at least have the needed attitude and people skills! All suggestions considered! --- Thank you! [email protected]
Looking for a female caregiver for my adult daughter with high functioning autism. 14.5 hours per week. $10.72/hr (county min. Wage). Payment is through the county IHSS program. Light housekeeping, laundry, assist with food shopping, meal prep and medication refills/adherence. Must have reliable transportation, good DMV record, proof of insurance and background check. No drinking or other substance abuse. SDSU area.
Thank you so much!
Debra Berl [email protected]
My son has Marge Blanc as a speech therapist guiding his gestalt language development. We are looking for an undergrad SLP or OT major preferably. But experience is not needed. Anyone with desire to learn from the best and play with my son would be great. Again, No experience needed, flexible hours with loads of fun. Marge would train you directly. Must be okay to act like a kid. Must be okay with going to swim, Go hiking. Playing out movie roles. My son is sweet, kind and super smart, no behaviors. We are working on social skills and reciprocal language! Please contact me for an interview. [email protected]. Thank you!
Seeking Educational Aid for First Grader at Private Catholic School
Hours: 8:30-11:30, Monday thru Friday
Location: Sacred Heart Parish School in Coronado
Pay: $14 an hour
We are seeking an educational aid for a spirited, loving first grader with ADHD to assist in maintaining attention and focus while completing school assignments. The ideal person would be very firm but kind. The child is currently medicated but still struggles with attention and focus to stay on task. Child also struggles with handwriting so assistance and help with that also required.The person would need to have good people skills and respect the classroom environment, working well with first grade teacher and her assistant with minimal guidance. Aid may be asked to assist with test-taking. The ideal candidate would be available August 22 start date (there is flexibility on this) Experience with spirited kids with ADHD or children with attention/focus and sensory integration issues would be very helpful! (There is some flexibility with hours.)
Please text Christine at 858-405-7264 to set up a time to speak or email [email protected]
Thanks for your consideration!
If you have a question or request for this newsletter group, please send your email request to [email protected]. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses. |
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| Lights! Camera! Autism! A Special Night of Art, Film and Music |
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Hosted by Autism Society San Diego
Saturday, September 15 at 5 PM - 9 PM
Irwin M Jacobs Hall @ Qualcomm Inc.
5775 Morehouse Dr, San Diego, California 92121
Tickets are $20
The Autism Society San Diego is proud to present the 2nd Annual Lights! Camera! Autism! A Film and Art Event. This is a celebration of the talents of many autistic and developmentally disabled adults in our San Diego community who have valuable skills in the art, music and film industry.
Click here for all the info about the event and to purchase your tickets!!! |
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| PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION!!! |
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Please keep SB 399 alive and sign this bill! Californians with autism deserve insurance funding for whichever evidence-based treatment method their doctors prescribe for THEM.
Families seeking help for autism are regularly denied insurance coverage for physician-prescribed, treatment. The myth that ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is the only scientific approach is simply not true. Families deserve to receive ANY of the evidence-based treatments their doctors believe would be helpful. A "one size fits all" method doesn't work for every patient... SB 399 ensures that families will have choices!
Click here to view the petition and sign!!! |
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| A Day at the Races with Autism Speaks |
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Hosted by Autism Speaks San Diego
Monday, September 3 at 12 PM - 6:30 PM
Del Mar Racing
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, California 92014
Day at the Races is back for the 2nd year! Autism Speaks invites local walk families and supporters to join us for Closing Day (summer meet) at the races in the Seaside Cabana. This is the DMTC's largest private party venue. This is an "Open House" style event, so come for a little or stay all day!
*Special accommodations for our families: Families are allowed to bring in personal food and snacks. Personal coolers will be allowed in the private venue only. No glass or outside alcohol will be permitted.
This is a FREE event. Click "Going" to put your name on an early reservation list. If you need tickets for more than yourself, please also email us with the number of guests (adults only) in your party.
Email:[email protected]
Tickets will be given on a first come, first serve basis.
Priority will be given to registered walkers, sponsors and volunteers for any 2018 Autism Speaks Walk including Los Angeles, San Diego 10/21, North County 11/11 and Orange County 12/9. Not registered? Register for free: www.autismspeakswalk.org
Click here for all the info!!!! |
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| Encinitas Dance/ Karaoke Party for special needs teens/adults |
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Saturday, August 18th at 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Performing Arts Workshop
1465 Encinitas Blvd, A102, Encinitas, California 92024
Please join us for our monthly fun! The first half of our event is dancing and second half is karaoke. If you would like to sing, please come with a song in mind, $5 to $10 donation, healthy snack to share if you wish, and your happy selves. Be with old friends and make new ones! . Chaperones are requested for dance party attendees who may have behavioral or physical challenges. Let's have some fun! Click here for all the info!!! |
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| S4EA Softball, Cycling and Tennis Tournament |
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Hosted by SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes
Sunday, September 9 at 9 AM - 5 PM
Morley Field Sports Complex
2221 Morley Field Dr, San Diego, California 92104
Softball and Tennis will take place at Morley Field in Balboa Park 2221 Morley Field Dr., San Diego 92104. Cycling will take place at the Velodrome at Morley Field in Balboa Park (near Texas & Upas St.) 2221 Morley Field Dr., San Diego 92104.
Registration Forms can be found on the bottom of the Sports page of the S4EA website located at www.s4ea.org. For more information or to obtain a Registration Form, call SPORTS for Exceptional Athletes at (858)565-S4EA (7432). |
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| Include Autism's Casino Night! |
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Join us for an exclusive night out in Downtown San Diego for a Casino Night benefiting Include Autism. This exciting event will be held at Meze Greek Fusion on Thursday, September 13th at 8PM, bringing together leaders in the hospitality and nightlife industries as well as community members from all over San Diego as they raise money for Include Autism and its programs. The evening will consist of casino games, the world's only Magician and Certified Sommelier Ben Silver, drinks, food, raffle prizes, and more! It's an event you won't want to miss!
Sponsorships and tickets now available!
Tickets: casinonightsd.com
Sponsorships: Contact - [email protected] or call (858) 603-7344 |
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| North Park Pub Crawl Benefiting Home of Guiding Hands |
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Hosted by Home of Guiding Hands
Crawl with us - Saturday, September 15th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm in North Park. Start at North Park Beer Co with food and drinks, next try your chance at trivia at Mike Hess Brewing, crawl around the corner to Waypoint Public and finish the afternoon with darts and pool at True North.
Tickets: $50 per person
- Price includes 1 FREE drink at each location
- Appetizers at select locations
- Pub Crawl t-shirt
- Pub Crawl pint glass
- Ticket to enter the raffle drawing Locations
Your participation supports more than 3,200 infants, children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Contact Jessica Brandon, Special Events Manager, at [email protected] or 619-938-2854 for more information |
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| Autism Speaks San Diego Walk October 2018 |
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Sunday, October 21 at 8 AM - 1 PM
Liberty Station NTC Park
2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego, California 92106
Register FREE for the San Diego Walk 10/21/18 http://act.autismspeaks.org/sandiego
Event includes local service provider resources, sponsor booths, Kids Zone, live entertainment and a beautiful 5k walk along NTC park waterfront. More details will be announced as the date approaches.
Gates opens at 8:00am (early registration)
General registration at 9:00am
Opening Ceremonies 10:00am
Walk start time 10:30am
Event activities are open until 1pm.
#AutismSpeaks Walk Powered By Love |
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| Autism Speaks North County Walk November 2018 |
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Sunday, November 11 at 8 AM - 1 PM
Mance Buchanon Park
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. More details will be announced as the day approaches.
Gates opens at 8:00am (early registration)
General registration at 9:00am
Opening Ceremonies 10:00am
Walk start time 10:30am
Event activities are open until 1pm.
#AutismSpeaks Walk Powered By Love |
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| Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet! |
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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.
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| Accepting Applications for NFAR's Teachers Grants Program |
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Autism affects one in every 59 children in the United States and a growing number of students each year in classrooms across San Diego County.
To help, NFAR established a program in 2005 that awards funding to educators to support the specialized academic needs of their students with autism.
The 2018/2019 NFAR Teachers' Applications are due September 30th.
Sample grant applications, Guidelines and Restrictions are on the website.
Apply or learn more!
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| Accepting Applications for NFAR Tech's October Program |
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Are you ready to work but not finding that opportunity? Are you sitting at home despite a college degree? Then NFAR's vocational technical training program might be the right choice for you!
NFAR Tech will be starting a new class in October.
NFAR Tech is a comprehensive hands-on training program that teaches technical and employment skills. It prepares young adults with autism for entry level jobs in today's workplace as software testers and other vocations.
If you are interested in learning more, visit our website, and/or contact us at 858-679-8800 if you have any questions.
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| Best Buddies Friendship Walk, November 3rd |
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| NFAR Community Projects 2019 |
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Autism affects one in every 59 children in the United States, and a growing number of families and their loved ones across San Diego County.
To help, NFAR hosts the Race for Autism each year to raise funds to help support initiatives that are making a difference and creating unique opportunities for those with autism. Funding will be distributed based on the following criteria; Impact; Reach; Immediacy; and Relevance.
APPLICATION DETAILS AND TIMELINE:
- Applications are due by September 30, 2018
- Awards will be announced on February 1, 2019
- Awards range between $2,500 and $10,000
- Proposed project should be a 3 - 12 month effort and start in 2019. (Certain types of projects may extend up to 18 months.)
Guidelines and Restrictions are on the website. To apply or learn more.
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| The National TACA Autism Conference |
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October 19-21, 2018
Hilton Orange County Hotel
Costa Mesa, CA
Join hundreds of parents and professionals to learn the latest in research, treatment, and therapy options for individuals with autism. The National TACA Autism Conference will feature 3 days with 3 tracks of presentations to cover all aspects and levels of the autism journey. Topics will include special diets, therapies, beginner and advanced biomedical treatments, IEP, inspiration, and much more. Whether your child is recently diagnosed or you have years of experience, you will walk away from the conference with a plan for the next steps for your autism journey.
For more information, to check out the schedule, and to register, click here:
https://tacanow.org/conference/
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| Brain Imaging Studies for all Ages with or without Autism |
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