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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. January 18, 2018

In This Issue

Bay Area boy diagnosed with autism has extraordinary skills in math

Autistic Traits Can Be a Plus for Many Careers

The Sexual Assault Epidemic No One Talks About

Why too many children with autism end up in foster care

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

2018 Race for Autism **JUSTICE LEAGUE TEAM PACKAGE**

Cara Lucier & Associates

ATPF Natural Solutions Parent Workshop

It's Tax Time!

North County Autism Mom's Group in Carmel Valley

No Wait for RDI at Family Guidance!

53 Educators Awarded for the 2017/2018 School Year

Speech and OT at TAG

Monthly Autism Parent Support Group

Golden Steps Pediatric Therapy

Kendra Gives Back Party benefitting Autism Society San Diego

Book: The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

SpecialFit Certification Program


 






  • Bay Area boy diagnosed with autism has extraordinary skills in math
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every 68 children has been identified with autism. It is believed 10 percent of children with autism are savants; children with extraordinary skills in math memory, art and music.

    Meet an exceptional young man from the East Bay named Conrad.

    The 6-year-old loves to play a game he calls "how many zeros?" KTVU's Claudine Wong told him a number and he would tell her how many zeros the number had in it. We're talking big numbers. Read on...

  • Autistic Traits Can Be a Plus for Many Careers
  • Perhaps not surprisingly, many autistic traits that are perceived as challenges-lack of interest in social small talk and extreme focus on details, for example-turn out to be real advantages in the workplace. Not everyone can see how challenges can become strengths, but in fact, many autistic traits can be assets in the workplace. In recent years, more and more employers have started hiring autistic people because of these traits.

    Here's why.

    1. He Just Can't See the Forest for the Trees Read on...

  • The Sexual Assault Epidemic No One Talks About
  • Editor's note: This report includes graphic and disturbing descriptions of assault.

    Pauline wants to tell her story - about that night in the basement, about the boys and about the abuse she wanted to stop.

    But she's nervous. "Take a deep breath," she says out loud to herself. She takes a deep and audible breath. And then she tells the story of what happened on the night that turned her life upside down.

    "The two boys took advantage of me," she begins. "I didn't like it at all."

    Pauline is a woman with an intellectual disability. At a time when more women are speaking up about sexual assault - and naming the men who assault or harass them - Pauline, too, wants her story told. Read on...

  • Why too many children with autism end up in foster care

  • Foster care is intended as a temporary solution for children whose parents cannot care for them. At any one time, about half a million children in the United States are in foster homes.

    The foster care system has a reputation as a place for children who are victims of abuse or neglect; this reputation is only partially deserved. About half of children in foster homes have a chronic disability that can make caring for them difficult. In fact, many of these children enter foster care because they have complex medical needs that their families cannot manage, often because of limited resources.

    When children enter the foster care system, they are automatically enrolled in Medicaid, and their foster parents receive funds for their care. As a result, this system is becoming a critical component of caring for children with disabilities. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • Our daughter is 17 (she turns 18 in June) and is in an out of state residential program. She needs to a different program soon, as she can't stay where she is beyond 18. We are planning to apply for conservatorship/guardianship. Do we apply in California since we live here? Do we apply in Florida where she is now? Should we apply in the state where she goes next (which we don't know yet)? Any help you can give or advice (if you have gone through the process of conservatorship) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mo Ruchhoeft (moru@san.rr.com)



    Our 19-year-old autistic son and daughter need to have their wisdom teeth removed along with dental fillings. Can anyone recommend a dentist/oral surgeon who have experience working with autistic adults so we can do BOTH procedures in one setting? Please contact me directly mayahuchan@gmail.com or 619-253-8826. Thank you.



    My son has autism and his first insurance is anthem blue cross and secondary insurance is medi-cal. Alexa's playc is the service we are trying to get covered. First insurance will only cover 60% and Medi-cal phone representative I talked with said they will not cover the remaining 40% because Alexa's playc is not registered with them. Neither will they reimburse me if Alexa's playc bill me directly. I am wondering whether any parents had the similar situation and had a way to work around it.
    Also, can you recommend some special needs attorney? liyingee@gmail.com



    My name is Sara and I'm wondering if anyone has success with Vital Links headphones? Do you have a used pair you'd like to sell? Contact me: sjinsd@yahoo.com



    My son has autism and I would like to work on his focus and auditory processing. Does anyone have any good therapies that have helped address these two areas? I'd also be interested in any positive experiences with acupuncture. Thanks.
    Best, Kathy (kathyng.tskn@gmail.com)



    Can you ask the group if anyone has set up an Able account for their son or daughter. I know a law pass to allow up to $100,000 to be set aside in an account.

    However California does not have this in place yet. Other states do have this in place and will allow person out of state to open an account. So I was just wondering if anyone had yet and what their experience has been.
    Thanks Laura S. jrschley@att.net



    Does anyone have a great referral for multiple overnight respite or IHSL care in Encinitas area? My son is 18, high functioning ASD, healthy, happy and easy to be with but needs supervision and direction. Not untypical of this age, he no longer wants to travel with his parents,​​ which we do for business and pleasure We are wanting to hire someone who has the flexibility and availability to stay with him 3-7 days/nights occasionally. When he is in school no care is needed from 8am-3pm. Regional Center nor our Respite Care providers have given us any good options.​ Looking for referrals or ideas. Thank you, Kalli​ kallihs@gmail.com



    If you have a question or request for this newsletter group, please send your email request to ValeriesList@aol.com. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses.

  • 2018 Race for Autism **JUSTICE LEAGUE TEAM PACKAGE**
  • >>>> Flat rate of $28 per person before February 15th <<<<

    This is a great way to build your company or family team of superheroes!

    Designed for groups of 20+ persons, the Justice League includes:
    -Flat rate of $28 per person (children, youth, adults) with chip-timing for runners
    -Upon receipt of payment of $560 or more, your group will be set up with a special code for team members to register.

    To purchase a Justice League Package, please contact NFAR at info@nfar.org or 858-679-8800. www.raceforautism.org

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

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

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

  • ATPF Natural Solutions Parent Workshop
  • Hosted by Autism Tree Project Foundation
    Wednesday, January 31 at 7 PM - 9 PM
    Autism Tree Project Foundation Office
    2845 Nimitz Blvd, San Diego, California 92106


    Learn how to create a toxic free environment inside your home on a budget! Environmental toxins are the leading cause of respiratory illnesses, asthma and eczema. Additionally learn how to use essential oils to reduce stress and promote natural solutions.

    Welness expert Stephanie Antin and Essenital oils expert Ann Leslie will talk to us about making healthy changes for our families.

    To RSVP call 619.222.4465 or email rebeccab@autismtreeproject.org

  • It's Tax Time!
  • Need help navigating the tax ramifications of receiving public benefits such as IHSS? Have questions about which expenses are deductible (special diets, therapies, etc...)?

    As a mother of twins diagnosed with Autism, I am able to provide a personal level of service due to first-hand experience.

    Individual & Business tax returns welcome.

    Serving the special needs community since 2008

    Yvette M. Soto Accounting & Income Tax
    3633 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 205
    San Diego, CA 92108
    (619) 977-6586
    www.yvettesoto.com

  • North County Autism Mom's Group in Carmel Valley
  • Thursday Jan. 25, 2018 - NEW DATE
    6:30 - 8:30 pm
    Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant
    3510 Valley Centre Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92130


    Dinner: Mexican Food (GF available)
    Dinner is provided

    January Topic: Moms Helping Moms
    Join us for this unique opportunity to learn from a panel of Moms of young adults on the autism spectrum. Come learn:

    -What are their young adults doing now,
    -What has been important to their development,
    -What has been important during the transition to adulthood,
    -What are some of the important lessons learned,
    -and other things to share

    Guest Speakers: Our guest speakers have each helped their young adults find their interests and develop meaningful lives for themselves.

    Click here for all the info and to RSVP!

  • No Wait for RDI at Family Guidance!
  • Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Our primary approach for treatment of autism spectrum is a developmental program called Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). RDI is a unique treatment approach that empowers parents to guide their child to succeed in our dynamic world. Children who learn to actively engage with the support of their parents in safe but challenging learning opportunities develop a strong motivation to explore and expand their world, as well as develope competence and trust in themselves and their guides. Click here for all the info!!!

    The Family Guidance and Therapy Center of Southern California
    3575 Kenyon St, Ste 102
    San Diego, California, CA 92110
    and
    10731 Treena St., Ste 105
    San Diego, CA 92131
    (619) 600-0683
    www.familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • 53 Educators Awarded for the 2017/2018 School Year
  • NFAR is pleased to have awarded 53 educators from across 12 public school districts and 5 non-public schools with funding for tools, materials, and curriculum that will assist their students with autism. Sixty percent of the awards went to first time applicants.

    Funds averaged $500 for multiple items and up to $1,000 for special initiatives. These grants are made possible by the Race for Autism.

    We would also like to thank our Independent Review Committee members for their time and expertise with the Teacher's Grant Review process!

    Learn more HERE

  • Speech and OT at TAG
  • 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.

    San Diego Office
    9466 Black Mountain Road, Suite 100
    San Diego, CA 92126
    Phone: (858) 689-2027
    Email: admin@tagforgrowth.com

    Carlsbad Office
    5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
    Phone: (760) 448-5837
    Email: cbadmin@tagforgrowth.com

    Temecula Office
    43537 RidgePark Dr.
    Temecula, CA 92590
    Phone: (858) 689-2027
    Email: admin@tagforgrowth.com
    http://tagforgrowth.com

  • Monthly Autism Parent Support Group
  • Start your year off right! Join us for our Autism Parent Power Lab. Come with questions, leave empowered!

    Sat, January 20, 2018
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Sanford Autism Consulting
    4823 Alfred Ave.
    San Diego, CA 92120
    Cost: $20


    Click here for all the info and to purchase tickets!!!

  • Golden Steps Pediatric Therapy
  • golden steps

    Exceptional Care for Your Children

    At Golden Steps Pediatric Therapy our mission is to bring out your child's best!

    We specialize in helping children challenged by autism, Aspergers, sensory processing disorders, regulatory disorders, food aversions, dyspraxia, learning and neurological disorders.

    We embrace the DIR®/Floortime Model, which challenges the child to improve their capacity to relate, communicate and learn. Therapy is Child's Play! We use child directed play to empower parents and caregivers to further the child's social and emotional growth.

    Offering Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Assessments, Consultations and direct intervention for Autism and Aspergers Syndrome, Home and School Programs, DIR®/Floortime, Interactive Metronome, The Alert and Zones Programs for Self-regulation, Yoga for kids, Social Groups, Camps and more.

    Golden Steps Pediatric Therapy
    4065 Oceanside Blvd. Suite J
    Oceanside, CA 92056
    760-602-7986
    http://www.goldensteps.org

  • Kendra Gives Back Party benefitting Autism Society San Diego
  • Hosted by Autism Society San Diego

    Saturday at 2 PM - 5 PM
    Kendra Scott
    Fashion Valley Mall
    7007 Friars Rd. Ste. 542
    San Diego, CA 92108

    Join us at Kendra Scott at the Fashion Valley Mall for Kendra Gives Back, an event benefiting Autism Society San Diego! Browse their beautiful jewelry while enjoying wine and sweets. Pick out a Valentine's Day present with 20% of all purchases going back to our organization - it's the perfect excuse to shop!

    Click here for all the info!!!

  • Book: The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
  • When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!

    The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself! Click here for all the info and to purchase the book!

  • SpecialFit Certification Program
  • https://www.special-fit.com/seminars

  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!

  • The third Saturday of every month, Fleet invites the Autism Spectrum Community to enjoy our museum through this special opportunity. Adults and families with children with autism can enjoy the Fleet's exhibit galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before regular open hours to the general public and with access to a special cool-off space. Visitors are welcome to stay and enjoy the museum all day. Admission includes a special IMAX film screening at 10 a.m. with the house lights on and a lower soundtrack volume.

    Upcoming dates:
    • January 20, 2018
    • February 17, 2018
    • March 17, 2018
    For more information, visit www.fleetscience.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings.

  • San Diego Sibshop


  • October 2017 - August 2018

    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:
    Feb. 25: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
    March 25: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
    May 20: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
    August 19: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071**

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

    REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested by email (if possible) the Thursday before the event.

    CONTACT: Email patmoulton@cox.net for a Sibshop registration form and / or additional information.

    Sibshop Leaders:
    Jody BonDurant-Strong, Administrator
    Ndoto BonDurant-Strong - adult sibling & CSUSM student
    Gina Clifton, ECSE Medically-Fragile Teacher, Special Education
    Pat Moulton, Retired

    Directions for Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor's Center (MTRP):
    1 Father Juniper Serra Trail (92119). Interstate 8 to 15 North / East on Friars Road.
    Stay to left - turns into Mission Gorge Road / Turn left on 1 Father Juniper Serra.

    https://www.facebook.com/sandiegosibshop/

  • Therapeutic Recreation Services, Winter 2017-2018 Calendar

  • The City of San Diego Park & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Services program provides sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

    Services include therapeutic recreation programs and adaptive sports opportunities. These address the special needs of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing and participating in recreation opportunities offered to the general public.

    Under the direction of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, activities and services are designed to maintain or improve the physical, cognitive and social functioning of those who have limitations. The target population is children and adults, ages 3 and up, with any type of disability.

    Click here to view the Winter Calendar!!

    Click here to register!!

  • Parents and Caregivers Needed for Online Survey

  • I am Arek Yetenekian, and as part of my doctoral research at Alliant International University I require the participation of parents or primary caregivers of non-communicative children with autism. Participants are requested to complete the survey packet via the provided URL, within a web browser. The study consists of several measures of mostly multiple-choice responses related to a child's quality of life, as well as related areas of interest such as familial quality of life and parenting stress. Demographic information will also be collected. Participants with at least a fifth grade reading level, residing in the US, with at least one minor child with autism who is unable to communicate through oral and written means, are required. Thank you very much for your consideration.

    Survey URL: https://newqtrial2015az1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bq1Ye1UEEfFAuz3

    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at: 818-406-5199 ayetenekian@alliant.edu

    IRB #1607037250

  • Participate in Research: Attention Differences in Persons with ASD and their Family Members

  • Verbally fluent children with ASD between the ages of 8 and 16 and both of their biological parents are invited to participate in a new study examining attention skills. This study will follow recently published work that showed ­both the male sibling of a child with ASD and the child with ASD demonstrated similar attention abnormalities. This provides an important clue to the development of a better understanding of the genetic basis of ASD. This new study will examine trios, the child with ASD, and the mother and father. If one or both parents shows evidence of the attention difference we observed in children with ASD, we will have one of the first clear examples of a non-ASD core deficit that is experienced in first degree family members. Following with genetic analyses could potentially lead to a better understanding about the basic etiology of ASD. Families of a child with ASD are invited to participate in this research taking place at the Neuroscience Center of Alliant International University under the supervision of Alan Lincoln, Ph.D., MSCP, BCBA-D and Shamayne Brown, M.A.

    Study Requirements
    To participate in this study, both biological parents and your son must participate. Your family must be able to come to the Neuroscience Center at Alliant International University in San Diego, California. Participation for you and your son's other parent involves:
    • Completing questionnaires about yourself. This should take about 25 minutes.
    • Completing a brief standard cognitive measure. This should take about 30 minutes.
    • Completing a computer task. This should take about 30 minutes.
    Participation for your son:
    • Will require your child to complete the brief standard intelligence measure. This should take your child about 30 minutes.
    • You will be asked some background questions about your child and will be asked to complete forms related to your child's skills, abilities, and behaviors. This should take you about 25 minutes.
    • Your child will then be shown how to play the same computer games you will be shown and asked to play them as best he can. This should take about 30 minutes.
    We will try to accommodate your schedule as much as possible. Family members may come to the lab on different days if necessary. Some individuals may be excluded from participation in the study on-site. If your child is excluded, he will receive a $5.00 cash gift for his participation in the preliminary assessment. Upon the completion of participation in this study, each child will receive a $20.00 cash gift. Parents will each receive a $10 gift card upon completion of their participation. If a parent is excluded, he or she will be given a $5 gift card for participation in the preliminary assessment. You may also receive, upon request, results of your performance and/or your child's performance.

    If you are interested in participating, please contact us at our confidential e-mail: 858-635-4068, or by email: sbrown7@alliant.edu or alincoln@alliant.edu. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. I look forward working with you and your family soon.

  • Participate in a Research Survey!
  • business_finance_research.jpg


    I am a graduate student of Communication Disorders at Eastern New Mexico University. The reason I'm reaching out is to see if ValeriesList can assist me with my graduate research. My focus is how applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques are viewed by parents of children with autism. To collect information for my research I have an online questionnaire with a 12 minute video on survey monkey. Would it be possible for you to put the survey link in a newsletter or email to reach your followers? This research is very exciting to me, as it will illuminate perceptions of an important strategy in improving the lives of children with autism.

    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VNYK8H6

    Principal Investigator: Erin Bishop
    Email: erin.weaver@enmu.edu
    This project has been reviewed by the IRB of Eastern New Mexico University and approved as protocol # 1718006. Records pertaining to proposal review and approval are available upon request.

  • UCSD Autism Center of Excellence- SPARK

  • UCSD Autism Center of Excellence is working with the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) as part of an exciting research partnership called SPARK, and we would like to invite you and your family to take part. SPARK is an online, national genetics research partnership that seeks to improve the lives of people with autism. Through DNA analyses of saliva samples, the ultimate goal of SPARK is to gain a better understanding of causes and best treatments for autism. To get started, sign up and a saliva collection kit will be mailed to your home. A gift card totaling up to $50 will be sent to you once saliva samples from both parents and individual with ASD are received. We already have 1,991 participants registered on the website, help us reach our goal of 3,000 today!!!

    To register for SPARK: go to www.sparkforautism.org/ucsd.sarrc

    For additional information contact Hannah Kaplan at the UCSD ACE: h1kaplan@ucsd.edu or 858- 534- 6906

  • Children with Autism and Their Mothers are Needed for Student Reseach

  • Ariane Myers-Turnbull, MA
    Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
    California School of Professional Psychology

    If interested please contact amyers-turnbull@alliant.edu or call 858-414-1076!

  • BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IMAGING LABS - Recruiting Participants

  • If you are interested in participating in any of these studies, please call 619-594- 0176 or email BDIL@sdsu.edu.

  • Join Our Study! Video Games to Train Attention and Eye Movement

  • Join our study at 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. Click here to view the brochure!!!

  • Parents and Children Needed for Student Research

  • My name is Shamayne Brown and I am a doctoral student at Alliant International University. This study is examining the attention abilities of kids with ASD and their parents. I am recruiting families with a child with ASD as well as families with typically developing children.

    We are looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who have a diagnosis of ASD and their biological parents - both mother and father need to participate. We are also looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who are typically developing and both of their biological parents to serve as a control group.

    If you and your family are eligible for participation, you will be asked to come to a lab at the Neuroscience Institute at Alliant International University. You and your child's other parent will be asked to complete consent forms and questionnaires about your own behaviors; this should take you each about 25 minutes. You will also be given questionnaires about your child's behaviors. Only one parent needs to fill out these questionnaires and should take about 25 minutes complete. You, your child, and your child's other parent will complete a cognitive test, which will take about 30 minutes. Each of you will then play some games on a computer. This will take each person about 30 minutes. Your child's participation will take approximately one hour. Your participation and that of your child's other parent will take approximately one and a half to two hours.

    After your child completes his tasks, he will receive a $20 cash gift as an appreciation for his participation. Once you and your child's other parent have completed all tasks, you will each receive a $10 gift card as a token of appreciation for your participation. For further information, please contact Shamayne Brown at sbrown7@alliant.edu or 619-416-1799. Thank you for your time.

    *Approved by Alliant IRB
    IRB #1604025150

     
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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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