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THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS
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| How to Help Families of Kids With Disabilities Feel Welcome at Holiday Gatherings |
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Holidays are a time for family and gratitude. For family members who we see only a few times a year, it can be hard for them to understand our unique experiences as parents of children with disabilities - and it can be easy for them to make judgments about us, our relationships with our children, and our parenting decisions. Here are some tips for family members to encourage more empathy, less stress and more togetherness.
1. Assume I look tired because I am tired. Read on... |
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| How My Boss Helps Me Succeed as Someone on the Autism Spectrum |
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Not many people on the autism spectrum are employed; I'm one of the lucky few.
I say lucky, but it isn't luck; it's a lot of perseverance, blood, sweat and tears. I can't even say it's all because of my hard work. Without the support of my co-workers (save for the ignorant few) and bosses, I wouldn't be where I am today.
There is one boss I owe the most to, Linda. Linda was originally in charge of another department, but was always friendly and kind to me. About a year and a half ago, she became my direct supervisor/boss. At that time I was struggling a lot with anxiety and depression, and I couldn't mask my autistic traits. Read on... |
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| Rethinking repetitive behaviors in autism |
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Autistic people have long maintained that repetitive behaviors are beneficial. Emerging evidence in support of this idea is shaping new therapies.
As Raya Shields goes about her day, she sometimes rocks back and forth, flutters her hands and presses down on her eyelids with her fingers to create a kaleidoscope of visual patterns.
Shields has 'stimmed' like this for as long as she can remember. She can be seen fidgeting with a piece of fabric in some of her baby photos. In other pictures, she is folding herself into a human pretzel of arms and legs. Now 28, Shields cannot imagine going even an hour without stimming. In loud, busy environments, such as on the subway train she takes to get to work, she calms herself by rocking or folding herself up. And when she visits a favorite place, such as her neighborhood laundromat, she jumps up and down with excitement, flapping her hands.
"[Stimming] helps me feel grounded when I'm anxious or overwhelmed, but it's also a way that I express my joy, fascination or excitement," she says. Shields is autistic, and she also has Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Read on... |
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| Art And My Animal Friends Are My Best Therapy |
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Living with Asperger's syndrome and epilepsy is like two neighbors that live next door to each other, but do not get along! They both aggravate each other (it makes me chuckle to think of it this way) however, they will call a truce when I'm interacting with my fur and feather friends or when I'm doing my Tinked Art (because my name is Tinamarie and I use fine ink pens, thus the name Tinked Art).
My art much like myself has gone through changes, however my subject matter is the same...ANIMALS.... you won't find people in my art. If you do, it will be an animal version of them. How I go about creating my whimsical art, is by finding inspiration in nature and what I can identify with. Then I decide what type of animal I will draw as well as colors to use to make my own version of what I see in my mind. I like to use a lot of different colors and lines going in all different directions because it adds texture and dimension to each piece. Read on... |
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| 5 Tips for Preparing Your Child for Thanksgiving |
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Thanksgiving is a yearly holiday that families and friends all over the country come together to celebrate. It can be an overwhelming holiday for someone with autism, especially if they don't understand what is happening. Here are some great tips to help you prepare to have the best holiday possible!
1.Explaining What Thanksgiving Is
Do it in a way that your child will understand. Explain to your child that it is a national holiday celebrated every November. Focus your lesson on what your child is most responsive to. If your child likes history, talk to them about the history. If your child likes videos, find a video on YouTube that explains how the holiday is celebrated. Read on... |
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| Family and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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Do you receive SSI? Don't miss out on food benefits!
Beginning June 2019, many Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will become eligible for CalFresh Food Benefits.
There is NO CHANGE or reduction to SSI/SSP amounts. For more information Click, Call or Come in to your county office to apply and find out more.
Click GetCalFresh.org to apply online
Call 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD)
Come in/find an office at CalFreshFood.org
San Diego Futures - I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of this organization because it can be a helpful resource to families in need of computers and other technology who may not have the resources they need to secure technology for their homes. If anyone needs a laptop or desktop and cannot afford one, please consider reaching out to this group. Desktops and laptops are available at VERY low prices for eligible families. https://sdfutures.org/for-individuals/
I am looking for a baby sitter for our 10 year old non verbal son who has autism. He is a very outdoorsy person who loves to swim. Bike ride, hike and go to the park.
Please let me know if you have any resources.
Thanks
Priti [email protected]
I am looking for a reliable and professional babysitter for my son who was just diagnosed with mild ASD.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you,
Natalie von Herrath [email protected]
My 21-year-old autistic daughter has OCD-like behaviors such as slamming doors, stealing, obsessive eating/drinking, twitching, yelling, etc. We have tried different medications and supplements but nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks.
Maya Hu-Chan [email protected]
Looking for a peer support/tutor/communication partner in the classroom three days a week for a high school freshman. Must be able to be employed in the US. English must be your first language. Experience with AAC/AT a must. Salary is based on experience. For more information email [email protected]
Has anyone had experience with Microcurrent Therapy to treat Autism-related behaviors such as OCD, anxiety, sensory processing, or hyper-activity? How effective is it? What changes have you seen? I am considering it for my 21-year-old autistic daughter. I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your experiences with me. Thank you. [email protected]
Our son recently got diagnosed with Autism and we are currently trying to setup RESPITE services for him.
We were approved for 8hrs of RESPITE per month. We selected "24HourHomeCare" as our RESPITE agency. The agency mentioned that they don't have care givers available at this point and we were asked if we knew anyone that can join 24HourHomeCare.
Can you please help us find caregivers specialized in Autism and someone that can provide us RESPITE services.
Thanks, Kalyani. [email protected]
I'm looking for recommendations of a psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in working with adults with autism. My 32 yr. old son has recently developed anxiety and signs of hypochondriasis. Has anyone had experience with someone they would recommend or not recommend? Any help is greatly appreciated. Sharon [email protected]
I would love to find a theatre, dance or improv teacher to volunteer teach at my son's school in Poway. They're 18 -22 years old. Can you help? 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. |
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| Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker - Special Needs Resource Foundation Annual Fundraiser!! |
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Friday, December 20, 2019, 7pm
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas
7510 Hazard Center Drive #100
San Diego, CA 92108
Tickets start at $40
A very special event will be taking place December 20, 7pm at the UltraStar Cinemas Hazard Center in Mission Valley OPENING NIGHT weekend for the much anticipated Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker!
The festivities begin at 5:30 pm; theater seating begins at 6:30 pm. Your ticket includes the pre-show fun! Create a TIE fighter galaxy canvas at our craft tables, take your family photo with a FULL FORCE of Star Wars characters, win Star Wars character sketch by DC Artist Alex Sinclair and so much more!
Then sit back and enjoy the opening weekend viewing of the much-anticipated sequel, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
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. The 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.
Click here for all the info and to purchase your tickets!!!
Click here to view the final trailer for the movie!!! |
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| Sensory-Friendly "Nutcracker" One Hour Performance |
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City Ballet offers this one-hour presentation of the holiday classic featuring lowered light and sound cues as well as relaxed theater rules. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 pm at Spreckels Theater in downtown San Diego. Click here for tickets. |
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| Groups for children, teens and young adults enrolling now! |
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Wondering if your child might benefit from joining a group? Give us a call at 858-558-9552 to schedule a free consultation.
Social Communication Specialists
5703 Oberlin Dr., Ste 207
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 558-9552
[email protected]
https://socialcommunicationspecialists.com |
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| Help Your Child Develop Stronger Social & Communication Skills |
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This program is designed for parents of children with social communication delays and/or difficulties (including autism spectrum disorder). You will learn and practice research-supported strategies to improve social communication development in your child, through play and everyday routines.
TERI Crimson Center for Speech & Language
9606 Tierra Grande, Suite 107
San Diego, CA 92126
January 14 - March 24, 2020
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
TO REGISTER: Please contact Jessica Rush, M.S., CCC-SLP at [email protected] or call Office: 858-695-9415 or Cell: 760-712-8432. |
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| RDI and MORE at Therapeutic Approach to Growth |
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Therapeutic Approach to Growth believes that every individual is unique and has the potential for significant growth. We assume and foster competence while honoring family values and priorities. Our holistic approach is built upon trusting, supportive relationships and collaboration between disciplines and families.
We specializing in the development and implementation of individualized comprehensive programs utilizing Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration, Sensory Processing, Applied Behavior Analysis, Art Therapy, and Life Balance Yoga Therapy.
Offering support in the San Diego, Carlsbad, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
In addition to supporting our clients directly, we offer guidance to parents, grandparents, therapists, teachers, siblings, school staff, babysitters etc.
Therapeutic Approach to Growth
http://tagforgrowth.com
[email protected]
(858) 689-2027 |
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| International Day of Persons with Disabilities Proclamation |
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Mon, December 2, 2019
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
San Diego County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway
Meet together on the steps facing Harbor Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. Today, 1 out of 5 people in the US live with some form of disability. This year we will launch a campaign to Make San Diego the Most Accessible City in America.
Join accessibility business leaders, disability community leaders, city representatives, and community members on the steps of the San Diego County Administration Building for a press event to announce our collective commitment to "Make San Diego the Most Accessible City in America". Click here for all the info and to register for this free event!!! |
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| Cygnet Theatre's Sensory-Friendly Performance of "A Christmas Carol." |
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Experience this family-friendly musical that has become a local holiday favorite! The sensory-friendly performance is especially designed for children and adults with sensory processing disorders, autism and other developmental or cognitive disabilities. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10:30 am. $10; group reservations only. For details and reservations, click here. |
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| Parent Training: Communication Workshop: Learn Effective Ways to Communicate with the School to Gather Information and Document Your Concerns! |
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Saturday, December 7th
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Schwartz & Storey
Old Town, San Diego
2247 San Diego Ave. #237
San Diego, CA 92110
Effective communication is important to a successful special education experience!
Communicating with the schools staff and administration can feel tricky. Many parents only communicate when tensions are running high. In this workshop we will discuss how you can address your concerns in a positive way while getting the information you need to actively participate in the special education process and document your concerns. We'll discuss why communication is so important and how to articulate your concerns with clarity while creating a record of what is happening at school.
RSVP Required! Email: [email protected] or call 858-430-8166.
http://www.dorightlaw.com |
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| Jungle Poppins Debuts Second Album for Christmas at Helia Brewing Co. |
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Bandmates With and Without Autism Showcase Radical Inclusion
Jungle Poppins, a local band with three musicians on the autism spectrum, will release their Christmas CD from 6 to 8 p.m. on December 5 at Helia Brewing Co. in Vista.
Anything but average, Jungle Poppins lets music upstage autism. The band is a shining example of radical inclusion-- members with and without autism playing music they love. Three band members Brendan Kerr, Ethan Marr and Reid Moriarty are on the autism spectrum. Guitarist Steven Crowle, who is not on the autism spectrum, plays for several other bands including Young Guns, Wish and the Well, and Shane Shipley.
Opening for Jungle Poppins at the event will be special guest and friend of the band, Boaz Roberts known for his surf-jazz guitar stylings.
Jungle Poppins' Christmas album features rock renditions of "Jingle Bell Rock," "Rudolph," and "Feliz Navidad" as well as a novel version of "Christmas Time is Here" featuring spoken word by Ethan Marr.
Lead singer, Reid Moriarty, co-wrote two new originals for the release. "No Snow in San Diego" is a collaboration with famed children's artist Steve Denyes of Hullabaloo. "When Moriarty approached me about co-writing a song, I was thrilled," said Denyes. "Reid and I wrote 'No Snow in San Diego' in about an hour, to reflect our shared love for the beach any time of year."
Moriarty also co-wrote "Santa Joined Jungle Poppins" with music therapist, Esther Hood who plays trumpet on several of the tracks. The original describes a spontaneous and irresistible idea Reid had, in which Santa picks up a horn and joins the band. Illustrious saxophonist Christopher Hollyday brought this to life on the recording.
Admission to Helia Brewing is free and there is no cover. Food trucks will be on site. Additionally, CDs will be available for $10 each, as well as band t-shirts. Jungle Poppins music is available on Spotify, iTunes, CDBaby and wherever you listen to music.
For more information or to book the band, contact [email protected] or visit Instagram or Facebook @JunglePoppins. |
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| ASD Mornings at the NAT |
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The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is pleased to offer a program for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community: a once-a-month ASD Morning in which the Museum opens early for adults and children on the autism spectrum and their families, friends, and caregivers. This innovative program encourages individuals to explore, play, and discover the treasures The Nat has to offer in an environment that is comfortable for them.
ASD Mornings take place the second Sunday of every month. The Museum will open at 9 AM*, one hour earlier than its standard 10 AM opening time, providing a quiet and less-crowded environment for visitors to explore the Museum's galleries at their own pace. In addition, on ASD Mornings the Museum will offer a "quiet room" from 9 AM to noon if visitors need a quiet space to decompress or desensitize. General admission rates apply during ASD Mornings.
www.sdnhm.org
877.946.7797
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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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| Everyone Deserves a Loving Home |
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| Autism Through the Lifespan |
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Please RSVP for Spanish Translation support
For further information, please contact:
Carolyn Carterette, M.A. (619) 725-8080 email: [email protected]
Grace Fantaroni, Ed.D. (619) 563-2839 email [email protected]
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| Therapeutic Recreation Services - Winter Calendar 2019 |
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Here is the TRS Newsletter for Winter of 2019.
First day of registration is Saturday, November 16th at 10:00 a.m.
You may register online or at our office at the War Memorial Building (3325 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101). If you plan on paying at the office, please remember we no longer take cash as a payment.
If you have any questions, please contact the office at (619) 525-8247.
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| Learn About RDI in San Diego! |
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| Learn About RDI in Carlsbad! |
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| TAG Temecula Info Session Online Webinar Every Month |
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| Toddler MRI Study at SDSU |
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Our Center's research arm, the Brain Development Imaging Labs, is conducting a fascinating study looking at how young children's brains change as they get older. We are looking for kids (15 months to 5 years old) who are on the spectrum or who are suspected to have autism. Participants get a free assessment (plus assessment summary), free MRI scan, $150, AND a free picture of their brain!
For more info or to sign up, please call us at 619-594-2500 or email us at [email protected]. Thank you! http://autism.sdsu.edu
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| Participate in SPARK at UCSD |
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UC San Diego's Autism Center of Excellence is seeking individuals diagnosed with ASD and their biological family members to participate in SPARK, the largest national genetics research project in US history! The SPARK study aims to gain a better understanding of the causes and potential treatments of autism by building a cohort of 50,000 diagnosed individuals to facilitate research on an unprecedented scale. There is NO cost to participate in the study and it can even be completed without leaving the house!
What we do
SPARK researchers extract genetic data through a saliva sample and analyze information collected from thousands of people with autism and their biological parents. UCSD and over 20 of the nation's leading medical schools are part of this effort.
How to join*
1. Sign up online at
www.sparkforautism.org/ucsd.sarrc -- registration typically takes about 20 minutes. Using this link connects you to our site, which enables us to better follow up with you if you encounter any issues or have specific questions.
2. Complete a few questionnaires online.
3. Provide a saliva sample. A saliva collection kit will be sent directly to your home after registration. When you are done, simply mail it back in the prepaid mailer.
Benefits of joining
1. Individuals with autism will receive gift cards valued at up to a total of $50 for participation.
2. SPARK hosts monthly webinars, featuring psychologists, researchers, or speakers from the autism community, that provide useful information for families and individuals with autism.
3. If a genetic finding is discovered related to the cause of autism, results will be shared back with families.
4. The information you provide may help others with ASD for generations to come!
*Our site also offers the option for home appointments where a member of our SPARK team can come to your home and assist you in the registration process, collect the saliva samples, and mail them in for you! This is typically the preferred method for families as everything gets completed at once. Please note that we ask that both biological parents and individual diagnosed with ASD be present for these appointments. We can accommodate a variety of dates and times outside normal business hours on the weekdays or weekends -- whichever is most convenient for you and your family! Alternatively, we can also schedule in-clinic appointments at our office if that is preferred.
You can visit our SPARK FAQ page for additional details. Please contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone at 858-534-6906 if you would like to set up an appointment or if you have any questions!
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| Older Adults with Autism (40-75 yrs old) Needed for Study |
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We are looking for older adults with autism (40-75 yrs old) to be in our brain imaging study! Anyone with a diagnosis or suspects that she or he has autism is invited to reach out to us. Participants receive a free assessment, free MRI brain scan, and around $150! If you know anyone who might be interested in this, please have them email
[email protected] or call us at 619-594-0176. Thank you!
http://autism.sdsu.edu
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| SDSU Center for Autism Brain Study Needs Volunteers! |
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The SDSU Center for Autism is conducting a behavioral and brain imaging study with youth (7-21 years old) on the spectrum. We are trying to understand how the brain changes as children become young adults.
Participants get a free assessment, a free MRI scan, about $150, and a free picture of their brain! If you are interested, call us at 619-594-0176, or email us at
[email protected]. Thank you!
http://autism.sdsu.edu
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