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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. March 21, 2017

In This Issue

Special Education Classes for Some Students To Be Consolidated

Five Ways to Help Your Child with Autism to Fit In Socially

Autism experts see benefits to tweaking drug approval process

New method taps family trees for clues about conditions

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Special Needs Resource Foundation's Flourishing Families!!!

Encinitas Dance/Karaoke Party Every Month!

San Diego has a New Comprehensive Center Dedicated to the Treatment of Autism

iCan Bike is Filling Up Fast!!!

Face Your Fears! For Children 9-12 with ASD!

We Need Your Story: Why Medicaid Matters to Me

Monthly Membership Program at MicroCurrent 4 Kids!

5 Reasons Why Parents of Special Needs Children Must Have a Will

Estate Planning for Families with Disabilities

Spring Update from Include Autism!

Start RDI Today!!!

Developmental DIR Autism Therapy In Your Home!!!

Webinar on Learning How Life Turns Out for People with ASD

ABA Group Summer Camp!!!

Participate in Reseach: Screen Time Use in Toddlers


 


VALERIESLIST SPONSORS

On Saturday, March 25, 2017 we are celebrating the 13th annual San Diego Race for Autism in Balboa Park, and it's going to be "Super!"

This family friendly event gathers together more than 6,000 families, educators, and autism professionals from across Southern California to help raise awareness and funding for one of our country's largest concerns- autism. Once considered rare, autism now affects as many as 1 in 68 children in the US, and more than 19,000 families right here in our community.

100% of the Race funds stay right here in San Diego and provide funding for early identification efforts, technical training in software testing for young adults, parent programs, educational workshops and has funded more than 600 community programs and classrooms, benefiting thousands of local children and families.




Want to learn more about Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for your child on the spectrum?

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) is a unique treatment approach that empowers parents to guide their child to succeed in a truly dynamic world. Children who learn to actively engage with the support of their parents in safe but challenging learning opportunities (problems and situations that are just beyond their level of competence), develop a strong motivation to explore and expand their world, as well as develop competence and trust in themselves and their Guides. The program has no defined length. It is designed to accommodate parents and children with a wide range of obstacles and handicapping conditions. Therefore participation may range anywhere from one to several years. Have specific questions? See the RDI FAQs for answers!





  • Special Education Classes for Some Students To Be Consolidated
  • Thirty SDUSD special education teachers have received pink slips

    Like most parents, Maria Tenery worries about the day her 5-year-old daughter Shiloh starts asking her tough questions.

    "Why do I look different? Why can't I do all the things my friends can do?"

    These are among those future difficult questions Tenery is already practicing for as a mother of three.

    Now, Maria says she worries about a new question: "Why can't I go to the same school as my brothers and sisters?" Read on...

  • Five Ways to Help Your Child with Autism to Fit In Socially
  • Autistic kids sometimes need lessons in "kid culture"

    Most children with autism have a tough time fitting in with their peers. In fact, because autism's core symptoms include difficulty with social communication, social problems are almost inevitable. But while your child with autism may not ever become the homecoming king or queen (though nothing is impossible!), there are some concrete steps you can take as a parent to help your child make sense of the expectations of people around them.

    Teach Your Child to Speak Like a Child
    Speech and social therapists mean well, and often they do well. But most therapists are grown women. And most children with autism are little boys. As a result, it is not uncommon to hear little boys with autism speaking uncannily like grown women. "How are you today?" "It's a pleasure to meet you!" "How was your weekend?" Read on...

  • Autism experts see benefits to tweaking drug approval process
  • President Donald Trump has yet to name a new leader for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - the agency that vets and approves prescription drugs. But it's clear that he aims to speed up the drug approval process by eliminating some of the current regulations.

    In a January meeting with pharmaceutical executives, Trump said he would cut FDA regulations by 75 to 80 percent. He reiterated his plan in an address to Congress last week, saying a move to "slash the restraints" would lead to more medical breakthroughs. Read on...

  • New method taps family trees for clues about conditions
  • Asking participants in genetic databases about their family's medical history can help researchers uncover genetic variants tied to uncommon conditions such as autism1.

    The standard approach for unearthing genetic variants linked to a particular condition is a genome-wide association study (GWAS). For this type of study, scientists often must recruit tens of thousands of people with a condition to uncover statistically significant connections.

    Amassing these numbers is much easier for common conditions, such as heart disease, than it is for ones such as autism. Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • I have a sister with special needs. She is now 20 years old and for about one year now, she has decompensated. She had been on depakote for many years which helped managed her aggression and impulsivity but somehow her body is now "allergic" to this medication. Psychiatrists have tried different cocktails of medication to hopefully help her return to her previous lifestyle. She would participate in sports for exceptional athletes and would participate in other community activities. She does not participate in activities that she once enjoyed due to her severe aggression. She is diagnosed with Autism and intellectual disability. She has recently returned to school (she is slowly progressing). My parents care for her full time and it is a tough tough job as you might understand.

    They are working with the regional center to hopefully find some respite for my parents. But honestly, we ran in to a wall with availability of services. My family is looking for a home for my sister to spend several days per week so she can learn some independent skills and detach some from my parents. I was wondering if you had any ideas of programs or homes we could look in to. Preferably in San Diego. She would be considered what they call a "level 14". Thank you! Norma [email protected]



    My almost 17 year old son has high functioning autism and I'm trying to figure out what services I might be able to find for him. I'm getting nervous as he had more emotional troubles and gets closer to adulthood. Thanks. Linda [email protected]



    We are new to San Diego and I am in search of a primary care pediatrician who is knowledgeable in ASD, autoimmune disorders, and chronic illnesses. My son has autoimmune thyroiditis and PANS.
    Thank you!
    Amber [email protected]



    I am looking for a psychiatrist for my non-verbal autistic son who is 21 years old and has self-injurious behaviors. Does anyone have experience with Dr. Joshua Feder or recommend anyone else?
    Thanks.
    Sarah
    [email protected]



    Family with Bi-polar and ADHD and other mental illness 12 /15 year olds seeking childcare worker with appropriate experience - especially residential/group home experience to help after school and weekend help. Carmel Valley/Del Mar area. [email protected]



    Our soon-to-be 15 year-old son has Aspergers and ADHD. We would like to find him an occupation (camp, job...) this Summer that would help him progress with his life skills and social skills, and have him experience something different. We have him registered for the LIT camp at the Y (he did it last year), but he doesn't care for it much. He doesn't like sports but loves Science and wants to become a physicist. Would someone have some advice?
    Thank you!
    Sandrine [email protected]



    We are moving to San Diego area and are wondering if anyone can offer recommendations about elementary schools in Poway area that may be suitable for our child who is 6 yr old with high functioning autism/aspergers and ADHD.

    No behavioral issues but needs speech/OT/Executive functioning skills at school which are in his current IEP.

    Any advice on elementary schools in poway area would be greatly appreciated.
    Rishi [email protected]



    We are looking for a reliable respite care provider. We are located in Oceanside.
    Please email highly recommended provider info to [email protected]



    My 21 year old daughter with high functioning autism is looking for a female roommate starting in the fall of 2017. Apartment is located in the 5025 Collwood Blvd student oriented community near SDSU. She is hoping to find a like minded girl who likes anime, cosplay, gaming and who does not smoke/drink/drugs. The apartment complex is student oriented but you are not required to be a student. The apartment is a 2 bedroom/2 bath and the roommate must be willing to share a bedroom and bath. There will 4 residents (2 in each bedroom). Each tenant has an individual lease and all utilities are included. Rent is approx. $660 each. There is a pool, gym and free shuttle to SDSU, Grossmont and Mesa. Please contact Debra at (619) 672-8893 or [email protected] and leave a message.



    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.

  • Special Needs Resource Foundation's Flourishing Families!!!
  • The new issue of Flourishing Families will be available soon! This year's issue will have more than 950 resources for families with special needs. Click here for all the info!!!

  • Encinitas Dance/Karaoke Party Every Month!
  • Please contact Lisa at [email protected] for all the info!!!

  • San Diego has a New Comprehensive Center Dedicated to the Treatment of Autism
  • A state-of-the-art clinic featuring advanced biomedical, behavioral, & sensory-motor therapies for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

    This Clinic is headed up by Dr. Suzanne Goh. Dr. Suzanne Goh is a board-certified pediatric neurologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of children with neurological conditions that impact brain development, cognition, and behavior.

    Dr. Goh received her Bachelors of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in History and Science from Harvard University (1993-1997). She went on to attend Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar (1997-1999). In 2004, she graduated from Harvard Medical School, cum laude. Dr. Goh completed her Pediatrics internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and her Pediatric Neurology residency at University of California San Francisco. Click here for more info about Dr. Goh.

    Pediatric Neurology Therapeutics
    7090 Miratech Drive
    San Diego, CA 92121
    858-304-6440

    http://www.gohmd.com

    Dr. Suzanne Goh with the ultimate medical breakthrough that changes lives.

  • iCan Bike is Filling Up Fast!!!
  • Email [email protected]!!!

  • Face Your Fears! For Children 9-12 with ASD!
  • The "Face Your Fears" program provides your child the skills to more effectively manage their behavior in anxious situations and enhances your child's ability to cope with anxiety that negatively affect their daily lives. Face Your Fears is provided to kids in a small safe group and at the same time, parents participate in a separate group, so they can support what their child learns. Face Your Fears is a cognitive-behavioral evidence-based intervention with over a decade of funded research support.

    Center for Thoughtful Lasting Change, Inc.
    9606 Tierra Grande St, Suite 203
    San Diego, CA 92126
    619-807-7410
    [email protected]
    http://www.drsherrycasper.com

  • We Need Your Story: Why Medicaid Matters to Me
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA) & Medicaid
    Tell Your Story: Why Medicaid Matters to Me


    Last week, Congress introduced a plan to change the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California). According to the national Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, "The level of cuts over time would decimate the Medicaid program."

    Why should we in California care?

    • For many adults with developmental disabilities, Medicaid is their health insurance. It pays for care from doctors, specialists, and hospitals, as well as prescriptions.
    • California, like all states, receives Medicaid funding to help pay for the cost of long-term supports that people with developmental disabilities receive. If you or someone you know receives services paid for by a Regional Center, Medicaid most likely helps pay for it. Medicaid currently pays approximately half the cost of many community services through Regional Centers.
    Thousands of Californians with developmental disabilities depend on Medicaid - or will need it in the future - to remain healthy, live in the community, and stay out of costly institutions. Many other groups of people will also be affected.

    If this current approach passes, Medicaid in California would be significantly impacted.

    It is important to share your story of Why Medicaid Matters to You. What you can do: TELL YOUR STORY

    Your Congressional Representatives and Senators need to know the impact Medicaid has on people's lives - and they need to know now. They know that Medicaid provides health coverage but may not realize all the other things Medicaid does, like funding In-Home Support Services (IHSS).

    If you or someone you know relies on Medicaid-paid services as described above -- or will in the future -- take these three easy steps:
    1. Think about "Why Medicaid Matters to Me."
    2. Send an email to [email protected] -- briefly tell us the positive impact healthcare services and community supports have had on your life or the life of someone you care about. For example, how have Regional Center services helped you stay healthy, get or keep a job, live on your own, or do the things you want.
    3. Include your name, city and county.
    We will hand deliver your messages to Congress on March 21st.

    What else can you do?
    Call your Senators and Representatives today at (202) 224-3121.

    Check out the AUCD Joint Policy Statement explaining the impact of the proposed changes to Medicaid.

  • Monthly Membership Program at MicroCurrent 4 Kids!
  • Here at Microcurrent Healing, we hope you keep gratitude in your heart this Thanksgiving season. We also wanted to express our gratitude for such wonderful clients by offering you the easiest and most cost-effective way to come in for regular and follow-up therapy sessions. Announcing our New Monthly Membership Plan!

    Monthly Membership $89
    With the ease of a monthly auto-payment you will earn 1 session each month, plus any additional sessions you wish to buy will all be billed at our member rate of only $80 each! Membership provides the lowest cost-per-session option (36% off single session rate) and relives the burden of paying a large lump sum up front. Best of all the effects of microcurrent therapy are cumulative! So the more you come in, the better results you will see in your child's mental and physical health!
    *6-month contract required

    Membership Benefits Include:

    • One 30-min Microcurrent Therapy session; a full-body detox (systemic), or an anti-aging facial* for Mom (*Now offering facials, call for more details)
    • Unlimited additional sessions at our lowest member rate
    • Discounts for adding family members to your membership
    • Unused sessions roll over from month to month and can be shared with others
    • Earn free sessions by referring friends
    If you are looking for autism treatment like cranial sacral, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), transcranial magnetic stim, FSM (frequency specific microcurrent), hyperbaric oxygenation, MRT (magnetic resonance therapy), chelation, or other alternative treatment options -give us a call to learn about how Microcurrent 4 Kids may be the better choice for you and your family!

    Microcurrent 4 Kids
    4540 Kearny Villa Rd, Ste 211
    San Diego, CA 92123
    [email protected]
    858 257-1404
    http://www.microcurrent4kids.com

  • 5 Reasons Why Parents of Special Needs Children Must Have a Will
  • Even though we never want to face it, there will come a time when we will no longer be here. This is especially difficult to face when you have a child with special needs. The thought of our special needs child being in this world without us is too much to bear. However, the lack of proper planning for the future will only hurt the child we want to protect.

    In order to have a proper plan in place, it is recommended that parents of special needs children have the following: Read on...

  • Estate Planning for Families with Disabilities
  • Leaving assets, whether through gift, will, or a trust, to a beneficiary receiving means-tested public benefits will in most cases simply cause them to forfeit their eligibility and lose their benefits!!!

    In some cases, if the bequest or gift is of sufficient size to more than compensate for a lifetime of benefits, this may be acceptable. In most cases, however, such a bequest will simply cause a few years of ineligibility until the gifted funds are exhausted. Since there are excellent special needs planning alternatives, such a result is inevitably the result of poor or no planning, and a sad waste of family resources. Thoughtful estate planning can preserve public benefits and supplement care to assure your family member will be provided for the way you want, even after your death. A properly drafted special needs trust can provide for a child or adult with a disability, and assure that there is funding for care beyond what is provided by public benefit programs like SSI, Medi-Cal, IHSS and the Regional Center. Assets in a properly drafted special needs trust will not cause someone to be disqualified from any of these programs. Click here for all the info!!!

  • Spring Update from Include Autism!
  • Click here to read their latest newsletters about their events and programs!!!

  • Start RDI Today!!!
  • 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 of Southern California
    3575 Kenyon Street, Suite 102 San Diego, CA 92110
    10731 Treena Street, Suite 105 San Diego, CA 92131
    619-600-0683
    http://familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • Developmental DIR Autism Therapy In Your Home!!!
  • Real Connections San Diego accepts many insurances! call Ilene 858-354-2006 or email [email protected]
    www.realconnectionsinstitute.com

  • Webinar on Learning How Life Turns Out for People with ASD
  • Please join us Wednesday, March 29, for a webinar with Paul Shattuck, PhD, on "Learning How Life Turns Out for People on the Autism Spectrum." He is a national expert on services and systems of care for people with autism spectrum disorder. Click here for all the info!!!

  • ABA Group Summer Camp!!!
  • Click here for all the info!!!

    www.abagroup.org
    760-349-4200

  • Participate in Reseach: Screen Time Use in Toddlers
  • Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/screens_1-3_years
    [email protected]
    [email protected]

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT


  • Please visit http://www.sdnhm.org/visit/accessibility/asd-mornings/ for more information.

  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!


  • In February we began our, Autism Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet (http://rhfleet.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings), program. This morning is dedicated to the ASD community to come and enjoy the Fleet in a quieter setting and catch an IMAX film! Our film showings are presented with raised house lights and a lowered soundtrack volume, to provide a more comforting environment. Our goal is to provide an enriching experience for the ASD community

  • SIBSHOP 2016-2017 Schedule


  • October 2016 - August 2017

    WANTED: Siblings who have a brother/sister with special needs
    AGES: 7 - 12 years old
    Older siblings are welcome to attend as "Junior Leaders"

    WHAT: A fun-filled opportunity geared to the specific needs of siblings with brothers/sisters with special needs. Join us for games, crafts, hikes, cooking, and art. Meet other sibs - lunch provided

    TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    DATES:
    March 19: Family / Community (Amtrak Train Ride) **

    April 30: Mission Trails Regional Park

    May 21: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

    July 9: Day at Mission Bay, family picnic **

    August 13: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071**

    DONATION: $5.00 - $10.00 per meeting per family for craft materials, supplies & lunch for the kids

    REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested (if possible) the Thursday before the event.
    CONTACT: Email [email protected] for a registration form and / or additional information.

    Sibshop Leaders: Jody BonDurant-Strong, Administrator Gina Clifton, ECSE Medically-Fragile Teacher, Special Education
    Pat Moulton, Retired

    **Information for family / community locations will be emailed.

  • Children with autism and their mothers need for student research!


  • My name is Ariane Myers-Turnbull and I am a doctoral student at Alliant International University. I am currently recruiting participants for a project that is examining why children with autism are injured more often than children without autism. To participate you must be a mother of a child who is between the ages of 3 and 7 years old and who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (i.e. autism, Asperger's, pervasive developmental disorder).

    If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to come into a lab at Alliant International University to complete consent forms and questionnaires about you and your child. You will then be asked to observe your child in a room with simulated common household hazards from a live video. Your child will also be asked to complete simple tasks such as working with blocks. Overall, your participation in this study should take about 90 minutes.

    After you and your child complete these tasks you will receive $20, be entered into a drawing for $400, and your child will receive a prize in appreciation for your participation. You will also receive a video of your child in the room and safety proofing materials. For further information please contact Ariane Myers-Turnbull at [email protected] or (858) 414-1076. Thank you for your time.

  • Know someone who may have autism, age 40-65 years?
  • Participate in a Study!!!


  • We are currently recruiting for the Parenting on the Spectrum Study, a brief study with mothers of children between the ages of 3 and 7 who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study is completed online, with the option (for participants living in the Greater Los Angeles Area) of conducting additional sessions in the home. We will ask parents about their experiences of parenthood.

    https://pomona.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3mxyR3CkuXFV6ip

  • Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Driving Anxiety - FREE 10 week program for teens and adults with ASD in San Diego!


  • This is a FREE group-format intervention for teens and adults with autism spectrum disorders who are interested in driving, but are dealing with driving fear/anxiety.

    Please share this flyer with anyone in the community that may qualify. We are only asking that our participants are minimum 15-16 years of age (i.e. of potential driving age) and have a formal diagnosis of ASD. There is no upper limit for age. The groups will be held in the Kearny Mesa area (zip code 92123).

    858-966-7703 x3682
    [email protected]

  • Do you know someone with Autism??


  • Call (619)594-0176 or email [email protected]

  • Participate in Research!!!


  • Contact 619-594-2500 or email [email protected]

  • Research Study Recruitment


  • My name is Sarah Hacker and I'm the staff research associate for UCSD's Research on Autism and Development Lab ( http://radlab.ucsd.edu). We are currently recruiting participants for a study to measure the effects of training visual attention using video games. I was wondering if it were possible to put an ad on your website or in your newsletter for the purposes of reaching out to members of the autism community who might be interested in participating. I've attached a flyer for the study which outlines what happens, inclusion criteria, and compensation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

    Thank you,
    Sarah D. Hacker
    Staff Research Associate - RADLab
    [email protected]
    [email protected] 858-246-1932

  • Autism Effects on Attentional Blink
  • For more information, please contact Sofia Schugar at the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab: 858-353-4929 (feel free to leave voicemail) or via email at [email protected]

  • UCSD TEAM-UP Weight Loss Program for Children with ASD


  • TEAM UP (Transforming Eating, Activity, and Motivation Utilizing Parents) is a 16-week, parent-only group program focused on weight-loss, increasing physical activity, and promoting fruits and vegetables, designed specifically for parents of children with ASD. This research study is free of charge, and families will be compensated for participating. Interested families should call 855-UCSD-4W8 to get started.

  • Seeking Research Participants for Autistic Sibling Study
  • business_finance_research.jpg

    Seeking individuals over the age of 18 who grew up with an autistic sibling to participate in a study exploring the experiences of growing up in a family with an autistic brother or sister.

    Participation will involve an in-depth interview, lasting between 1 to 1.5 hours about your autistic sibling experiences and a brief follow-up meeting about six weeks later.

    The purpose of the study is to provide an in-depth retrospective exploration of the experiences of adults who grew up with an autistic sibling.

    Eligibility requirements for participation in the study include:
    • Must have lived with autistic sibling for at least 8 years
    • Sibling must have been diagnosed with autism during childhood
    • Interested participant must be at least 18 years of age
    Participants will be provided a $100 Amazon gift card following the interview.

    Interested participants can email Barbara Tierney at: [email protected]

     
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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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