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Preparing for the Social Transition to Adulthood With Special Needs

Hospital Apologizes For 'Wall Of Shame'

Analysis pins down prevalence of mental health conditions in autism

The Autism City: Disability Services Arrive at the Crossroads

Simon Baron-Cohen: 'Neurodiversity is the next frontier. But we're failing autistic people'

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

NFAR Family Activity at theNAT! - October 13th

Call Gov. Newsome to Sign AB 911

Microcurrent: FDA Approved Therapy for Anxiety

FREE!! - Autism Begins in Fetal Development and is Largely Caused by Genetic Factors

Social Skills Groups at Ascent Psychological Services

Friendship Circle - Adult Circle Sukkot & Family Sukkot

NFAR Men's Group October Meeting

Hearts & Hooves Therapy Workshop for ATPF Families

NFAR Mom's Group - October

2nd Annual Aces for Autism Charity Golf Tournament

Dan's Place, The Friendship Restaurant

NFAR WORKS Vocational Training Program!

All Ages Halloween Dance Party

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Perhaps the single greatest, and most frightening moment of a parent's life is the birth of a child. As you stare in the innocent and precious eyes of your newborn, the gravity of the task of being a parent falls squarely upon your shoulders.

No book is given to you that has all the answers of parenting; no guidelines are provided as to what you must do to raise this untainted little soul to become a functioning member of the next generation of our society. The task of being a parent, the responsibilities, and the duties of doing so in an ever-changing dynamic and fluid world become yours alone.

Yet, with all the knowledge of these monumental tasks that are ahead of you as a parent, the inevitable stopwatch towards adulthood generally begins before you are ready. You have only 18 years that starts from the time you set eyes on that little life to give them the guidance on the bumpy road of life towards adulthood. Read on...

The parent companies of a Lewiston hospital where employees created a "wall of shame" of patients with disabilities apologized publicly Thursday to the former employee who took the matter to the Maine Human Rights Commission.

"We deeply regret that this situation occurred," Stephen Grubbs, president and CEO of Covenant Health, and Steven Jorgenson, president of St. Mary's Health System, said in a written statement emailed to the Bangor Daily News. "(W)e sincerely apologize for the impact this situation has had on Ms. McCann."

MyKayla McCann, who lived in Turner, discovered the wall of shame on the inside of a cabinet door on her first day of work as a laboratory technician assistant at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in June 2015. Read on...

Eight mental health conditions occur unusually often in autistic people, a new analysis of 96 studies suggests1.

Certain mental health conditions are known to accompany autism, but estimates of their prevalence in autistic people vary widely2.

The new study establishes prevalence by pooling data from the studies and conducting a separate statistical analysis for each set of conditions: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse-control and conduct disorders and sleep-wake conditions. The prevalence of these conditions was consistently elevated in autistic people.

"It gives us a more holistic picture of the increased rates across the board in terms of major and common mental health conditions," says lead investigator Stephanie Ameis, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto in Canada. It also shows that the prevalence of three of the conditions - depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia - increases with age. Read on...

In California, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) oversees a vast network of community-based services for over 333,000 youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Other states have similar sprawling networks-nearly all rooted in disability inclusion theories of the reformers of the 1960s and early 1970s.

Today, these networks are being buffeted on all sides: soaring caseload numbers and budgets; frustration by service providers with high client-to-staff rations and rapid turnover of personnel; and on going fear of clients and family members that options will be reduced at any time. "The disability services system is at a crossroads", explains Rick Rollens, a representative of service providers, and expert in disability services and costs. Indeed, this fall task forces are being launched in several states, including California, to identify how disability services might be delivered differently in the future.

The closing of the large state institutions for adults with developmental differences was envisioned to usher in a new era of inclusion and community services, and one that would be financially sustainable. What happened and where does the system go from here? Read on...

All different types of brains are normal, but greater understanding has not led to more money for autism, says world-leading expert

As a graduate in the 1980s, Simon Baron-Cohen taught autistic children at a special school in London. Little was known about autism then, and people often misheard him, assuming he taught "artistic children".

"People would be ashamed if they had an autistic child, or ashamed of saying, 'I am autistic', whereas now it's treated as more ordinary and there's less judgment," he says. "In the 1980s, autism was seen as categorical, so 'you either have it or you don't' ... nowadays, we talk about a spectrum."

Today, Baron-Cohen, 61, is a world expert on autism, a Cambridge professor and director of the university's influential Autism Research Centre. There is also greater awareness of autism, a lifelong condition affecting how people interact or process information. Read on...

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

Do you type to communicate? Do you use AAC, RPM, FC, supportive typing? Are you looking to meet up with like minded individuals who use a keyboard to tell jokes and give speeches?

We are forming a social group, that meets monthly in Point Loma, of typers and their communication partners, just for fun, imagine that. No copays and our only goal is having a good time.

If you are interested please email me [email protected]
See you soon,
Otto Lana

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 have a very experienced and amazing therapist that wants to start a social group with at least 3 autistic children. We would want the kids between the ages of 10-12 years old, have language, minimal behaviors but struggle with social interactions at school. This will be a fun group that will go to places and do age-appropriate activities. The cost will be $40 for 2-hours per person and the plan so far is to do it once a week, but I need to have at least two other kiddos to make it happen.

Please contact me via email at [email protected] if you are interested

One of my son's caregivers (who I highly recommend) is looking for additional part-time hours, ideally 3-4 days per week, and is available now. She has a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Child Development and loves working with kids of all abilities. Her career path includes working in Special Education classrooms as an assistant teacher. She is experienced in working with individuals with Autism, developmental delays, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and speech impairments.

She owns a vehicle, has a clean driving record, and is both CPR and First Aid certified. Additional positive attributes include:

Fluency in Spanish
A patient, kind demeanor
Ability to adapt easily and highly organized

The days and times she is available are:
Monday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 6:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thursday 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Her rate is $20/hr. Please call or text her at (507) 217-0583 for more information.
Thanks,
Tracey Franks

Hi - My daughter just had her SSI benefits cut and I would like to discuss this with someone versed in the subject as soon as possible. Thanks! [email protected]

I am looking for a psycho-therapist for a young woman on the spectrum, diagnosed with aspergers. The woman is 21 years old and has behavioral problems including tantrums, meltdowns and yelling which make it challenging for her family to live with her, so we are seeking help. If anyone has any info about excellent therapists who work with such individuals I would be grateful for any leads or referrals. Amy Gerstler [email protected]

I'm looking for someone or someplace that has a physical fitness program for special needs. I have an autistic 22 year old son.
Any suggestions would be appreciated
Thank you Georgie [email protected]

I'm looking for a life coach/mentor for my 29 yr. old daughter recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. This is a private pay position, insurance is not involved, salary is negotiable.

The coach/mentor MUST be female with extensive experience working with young adults with AS. In addition, she would Ideally be somewhat close in age, have a reliable car and be available to work in the afternoons and or evenings, days & hours are flexible as my daughter does not work.

The following are some of the areas she needs help with:
1) Setting Goals, building confidence
2) Shopping & Preparing healthy meals
3) Fitness/Exercise
4) Organization, prioritizing
5) Keeping house clean, organized, scheduling misc. maintenance, personal appointments....
6) Socialization, making connections/friends, getting out & living life...

Please reply to Corey at 949-422-1198 or [email protected]

We're looking for a good psychiatrist who's ASD-friendly, not too far from the San Diego/Mission Valley/LaMesa general area. If someone knows a wonderful psychiatrist in another part of the county, we'd like to hear about that person. The patients in need are young men in their early and middle 20's. One is a first-timer; the other has moved and needs to find a doctor closer to his new home.
Thank you very much!
Julie [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.

You're invited! Join us at the San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) on Sunday, Oct. 13th for a morning of discovery and fun! theNAT has some special activities planned for our families - including a sensory-friendly 2D film.

Enjoy the museum exhibits, & activities with other autism families in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

theNAT is generously offering NFAR families FREE admission before 9:45AM but please register so that we can plan accordingly. (Regular admission is $12 per child, $19 per adult.)
REGISTER HERE>>> http://bit.ly/2yPxaKC

Our bill, AB 911, known as the Manny Alert Act is on Gov. Newsom's desk waiting for his signature. This bill will put us on a path to develop a statewide system that would allow families to voluntarily provide first responders with helpful information - such as calming techniques - in advance of an emergency.

I care for an adult son with autism and for years have been leading our union in seeking solutions for safer interactions between law enforcement and people with disabilities.

I worry that a police officer won't see what I see when I look at my son. They won't know how much he loves music-especially Nora Jones and Beethoven. Or about his favorite things to watch on his tablet: Dora Explorer, Blues Clues, and Disney movies. Instead they'll see a strong and aggressive young man, one who doesn't respond to their commands to stop or calm down.

AB 911 is personal to me, and I know it's personal to so many of you. That's why I am asking that you join in me in calling Gov. Newsom and asking him to sign AB 911 and bring us one step closer to saving the lives of people with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Call 1-844-817-6807 today and ask Gov. Newsom to sign AB 911.

Thank you for calling and thank you to everyone who helped make this bill a reality.

Astrid Zuniga
UDW Statewide Vice President

Click here to see info about AB 911.

Safer Than Prescription Medication for Anxiety and ADHD/ADD and the Effects are Permanent!

Microcurrent 4 Kids is San Diego's premiere pediatric microcurrent therapy program for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our program is the BEST therapy for Autism & ADHD, as you will see by the rapid improvement in your child's skills and abilities, because of how well it promotes developmental growth and couples with ALL other therapies.

Some of the neuro-developmental issues we commonly see include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Anxiety
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Depression
• ADD/ADHD
• And many more!

Wed, October 23, 2019
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
SDSU Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders
6363 Alvarado Court, #250
San Diego, CA 92120

The SDSU Center for Autism is committed to providing the latest info on autism and combatting misinformation and stigma. We are proud to be hosting a talk looking at what we know about what "causes" autism.

Once considered a very rare disorder of uncertain cause and studied by few, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is now recognized to be startlingly common. Combining greater general interest in autism research with new biological and computational technologies have revolutionized our understanding of autism.

This revolution has clarified what autism is and is not. Eric Courchesne will review recent key findings that now challenge long-held views of autism. It is now clear that ASD is not due to vaccines, is not caused by parents or any of a myriad of unfounded speculations, is not due to just a small handful of genes, does not start in early childhood or involve late regression, is not due to a single stage of deviate development in the majority. Instead, new findings show it is largely a genetic disorder with heritability at 80% or more and with significant percentage due to non-inherited genetic mutations. Click here for all the info and to register!!!

An 8 week program that takes an innovative approach to create natural, exciting social opportunities through discovery and exploration in interaction with peers.

Ascent Psychological Services
11665 Avena Place, Suite 204
San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 200-8480
[email protected]
https://ascentpsychologicalservices.com

Please call to join our waitlist for group availability at our south location and upcoming group for Ages 3-7!

Adult Sukkot
Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 5 PM - 7 PM
Location Given Upon RSVP
Tickets: friendshipcirclesd.com

Adult Circle members and their families are invited to celebrate Sukkot with dinner, music, games! Free with RSVP! Address given upon RSVP.

Prior to registering for any Friendship Circle event, if you are not a member of Friendship Circle, please fill out the new family or new volunteer form:
https://friendshipcirclesd.com/get-involved/families/ _____________________________________

Family Sukkot
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Friendship Circle of San Diego
16934 Chabad Way, Poway, California 92064

Come join your Friendship Circle Family and Friends on Sunday, October 20th at the Chabad of Poway to celebrate Sukkot! https://friendshipcirclesd.com/events

For any question about these events or more please contact Tanya at (858)-487-4879 or [email protected]

Thursday, Oct 10, 2019
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.

October Topic: "Understanding how to navigate and advocate for IEP goals."

Learn about IEP goals and how they relate to present levels and areas of need. Goals are how we track a student's progress from year to year and should be measurable and meet all areas of need. We'll look at some of the common concerns and discuss ways to advocate for solutions. Goals also relate directly to the services you are seeking for your child. We'll discuss this relationship and how to know when more, or a different type, of a service is appropriate.

Guest Speaker: Seth Schwartz, Esq., Special Education & Equality Attorney, Law Offices of Schwartz & Storey

Seth Schwartz is a managing partner at the Law Office of Schwartz & Storey. The firm focuses on helping children with special needs and their families navigate special education and related areas. Mr. Schwartz received his Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from Thomas Jefferson School of Law and undergraduate Bachelors of Arts in History from California State University of Northridge. Both of his degrees focused on social interaction and are a driving force behind my desire to find a meaningful way to contribute in the legal field.

Practicing special education law was a very personal decision for Mr. Schwartz, whose sister has autism and he experienced the direct impact of the disability on her education and the family. Mr. Schwartz noted that "growing up I watched my parents struggle when making the choices that affected my sister's emotional, social, and academic growth. When I think about my job as an attorney and legal advocate I always keep that perspective in the forefront."

The Schwartz & Storey philosophy is "do right law." Do right law means placing a focus on issues that have a positive, transformative, effect on the lives of others. As attorneys, we get to help people. Sometimes it is preventative, reviewing concerns and planning ahead. Other times I provide information, advise on a course of action, and, or, speak for those having trouble being heard. By helping find clarity and, or, closure, our clients can focus on the future.
http://www.dorightlaw.com

https://www.nfar.org/mens-group-latest-news.html

Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Heart and Hooves Therapy
1500 Ashley Rd, Ramona, California 92065

Special thank you to our 1 FUR 1 Foundation for generously sponsoring this event, making it free of charge!

Calling all ATPF Families! We are so excited to partner with Heart and Hooves Therapy for a fun outdoors workshop! Come on out to the ranch and enjoy 2 hours of learning outdoors about mini horse safety, knowledge and interacting with them. Each kid will be paired up with a mini horse and handler for the duration of the session. Together they will learn to correctly approach, handle and groom their mini horse, as well as lead them through the obstacle course while playing educational games. We will have a group game working on patience, listening, focus, taking turns and respect. Then we will have horseshoes game, roping cow head to learn on and a snack!

Max 20 participants of all ages - first come, first served! RSVP today: [email protected] or call 619-222-4465.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2590880907589192/

October 16, 2019
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Filippi's Pizza Grotto
5353 Kearny Villa Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
Dinner: Pizza, Salad.
Dinner is provided

These meetings are for Moms to come together in a fun and relaxed setting. The group will meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month for dinner and guest speakers. It's an opportunity to share resources, experiences and enjoy being with other moms of individuals with autism.

October Topic: "Effective Communication - Changing Your Trajectory One Keystroke at a Time"

How finding the right "type" of communication can change your world.

Guest Speaker: Otto Lana

Otto Lana is now fifteen years old. He lost his ability to speak at age two and was diagnosed with Autism at two and a half. By age six intellectual disability was added to the list. At seven he was no longer on a diploma bound academic track and landed in a life skills program. No one wanted to teach him the alphabet or numbers. No one wanted to discuss world events beyond the weather and the days of the week in circle time. History was confined to a "first this / then that" choice board and a visual schedule of daily events. This was his life because an IEP team in 2011 decided he did not have the capacity to learn. They decided he had no receptive language therefore anything other than a laminated card with a drawing, an icon representing an action or item, was beyond his reach, beyond his intellectual capacity. The list of diagnoses continued to grow and by the time he was twelve included Anxiety, Apraxia, and Seizure Disorder. But this list no longer defines his future, it simply assigns codes for medical billing purposes. In 2014 Otto met Darlene Hanson SLP and his life changed. He, for the first time, had access to a mode of effective communication. Darlene taught Otto how to type. Now Otto is a freshman in high school. He can tell you the rest on October 16th!

https://www.nfar.org/moms-group-latest-news.html

Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 1 PM - 10 PM
St. Mark Golf Club
1750 San Pablo Dr, San Marcos, California 92078

ATPF is so grateful for our community partner, EVOL!

Join us for Aces for Autism: a golf tournament,celebration dinner and silent auction hosted by iam-love.org to benefit kids with autism. All proceeds will be donated to Autism Tree!

1PM - Golf Tournament begins
6-10 PM - Dinner, Auction and Awards begin

To purchase tickets or learn more: https://iam-love.org/pages/aces-for-autism-golf-tournament

Reservations are now open for Dan's Place October Pop Up - Persian!
https://friendshipcirclesd.com/dans-place/
Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 5 PM - 7 PM
Dan's Place Kosher Restaurant
16934 Chabad Way, Poway, California 92064

Dan's Place was created to give the adult and young adult community with special needs the chance to learn vocational skills in the hospitality industry. Each participant commits to learning a position within the restaurant such as chef, server, host and more! Volunteers assist alongside each participant as they practice from setup to cleanup and everything in between. (858)-487-4879

NFAR Works is an 11-month, comprehensive vocational training program for young adults with autism and related disabilities designed to provide participants with skill sets needed for entry level positions in office environments and light manufacturing.

The program has four main components:

Technical and Basic Office Skills Training: Students receive training in common skills expected in the workplace, followed by specific skills needed in the job function.

Soft Skills Training: Students also receive training in the soft skills needed to be successful in the work place. The core of the soft skills training is through the SUCCESS (Supported Employment, Comprehensive Cognitive Enhancement, & Social Skills training) program, which is delivered in a small group setting by trained facilitators.

Work Experience and Vocational Training: Training is conducted in a simulated work environment and participants are taught tasks typical of an entry level position in that job function.

The program is designed to prepare students to be successful in the following common job categories found in mid-sized companies:

• Shipping & Receiving
• Production Assembly
• Copy/ Mail Centers
• Data Entry/Reporting
• Records Management/Processing
• Stock Management & Material Handling

Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, California 92117

Join us for our annual ALL AGES Special Needs Halloween Dance Party! Come dance and have fun as we celebrate the season. Costumes are welcome but not required - please no weapons or sharp props.

Tickets are only $5 per person and can be purchased at https://autismsocietysandiego.rallybound.org/halloweenparty/Donate/Tickets