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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. January 27, 2018

In This Issue

How to Bully Proof Our Schools

Trump Signs Family Caregivers Act

Early changes in brain immunity may underlie sex bias in autism

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Night to Shine in Poway

FAMILY FUN AT KID VENTURES!

Generalization Program

Start planning your accessible vacation today!

Sensory Friendly Museum Mornings

The Movement Method

Bobcat Buddies! in Carlsbad

TAG Meet and Greet in Temecula!

Conference: Teaching Social Competencies-More Than Social Skills

Cute Snaps Wanted!

Autism Care and Treatment for Military Familes Run/Walk and Family Festival

Using Prompts Effectively to Support Your Child in Learning New Skills

21st Century Education Symposium

ABA Education Foundation

Teen Generalization Program


 






  • How to Bully Proof Our Schools
  • How many of us still remember bullying incidents that occurred when we were in school? These incidents probably only happened once or twice in our lives, but the pain and those incidents are still etched in our minds as though they happened yesterday. We put the bullying behind us, and may be stronger as a result. But what if the bullying occurred on a weekly basis or even daily? Would it be as easy to overcome?

    Bullying can happen at any school. But middle school is often the worst time for our children with autism. Those years are awful for many kids, but for children who are socially and behaviorally different, it can unbearable and physically dangerous. My son was painfully aware that he was different from the other kids and not accepted. Ryan became an easy target for bullies. And since he was lacking in the social skills area, he didn't have many friends to protect him.

    Ryan still carries the scars of what happened during those painful middle school years. I never realized the magnitude of the bullying problem, because Ryan never shared what happened during his day. When he came home, I gave him a hug and asked how school went. The answer was always the same, "School was fine." Read on...

  • Trump Signs Family Caregivers Act
  • A new law will require the federal government to develop a national strategy to address the needs of family caregivers, including those supporting people with developmental disabilities.

    President Donald Trump signed legislation this week known as the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage, or RAISE Family Caregivers Act.

    The law calls for the secretary of health and human services to establish a national plan to "recognize and support family caregivers" within 18 months. The plan is supposed to include recommendations for federal, state and local governments as well as health care and long-term services and supports providers. The strategy is to be updated every other year. Read on...

  • Early changes in brain immunity may underlie sex bias in autism

  • How the brain's immune cells, or microglia, develop in 'germ-free' mice depends on the sex of the mice, according to a new study1. If the findings hold up in people, this sex difference may help to explain why four times as many boys as girls are diagnosed with autism.

    The mice are raised in sterile conditions, and they - as well as their mothers - lack a microbiome, the body's natural community of microbes. As such, the mice represent an extreme version of a scenario in which there is some environmental perturbation during gestation, such as a maternal infection.

    The study reveals that the microglia increase in density and show significant changes in gene expression only in male fetal mice; in adulthood, only females display large-scale changes in density and gene expression in their microglia. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • 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



    Can anyone share their experience with San Diego Center for Children residential program, good or bad. Thank you! melanielanders@att.net



    Hi there, I'm wondering if you might have any resources for schools in North County SD that have a reputation for being good for kids with Autism? Public, Private, Charter, any...? Thank you!!! kathrynwdaly@gmail.com



    We are moving within SDUSD boundaries (Carson) is the school within our boundary. It is too big for my son who is in 2nd grade with an IEP for ADHD, SPD and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder).
    He thrives right now in our current school with no Aide/One to one and he has been in Gen Ed since the start of school 76% of his day 24% of his day spent in SPED classroom. He is doing amazing! The only complaint is he 'is bored' He is ahead academically and required quite a bit of redirection to stay on task during his day. He requires a smaller environment and a very Structured, Patient, Positive Teacher.
    Has anyone heard of any Elementary schools within SDUSD boundaries (closer to Mission Valley, Pt. Loma, Linda Vista, Bay Park, OB, Hillcrest, Mission Hills etc. ) that have strong 2nd grade Teachers and the children have been challenged academically and happy at? Thank you for any suggestions! 1badkitty03@gmail.com



    I am looking for a summer camp for my 6-year-old son who has autism in Southern California since we are moving to the area this coming May. Please let me know what camps are good!
    Best,
    Razan razan.kattoa@gmail.com



    Looking for a daytime assistance for a 13 year old with autism. Someone to help with homeschooling and occasional appointments. Please email resume zghorishi@hotmail.com



    I am looking for some resources for my son. He has high functioning autism, adhd and sensory integration disorder. He also has behaviors that can be pretty aggressive at school. I am trying to find a school in San Diego north county that maybe able to assist. I would appreciate any suggestions. mdhiggins48@gmail.com



    Hello, I am a of mom of beautiful boy with autism and also a graduate student of clinical counseling program from University of Phoenix. I am couple weeks away from finishing my theoretical classes and looking for the agency, center or private practice that might be able to host me for my practicum and 2 internships, 700 hours, towards my Master Degree in Clinical Counseling. I have an extensive experience in autism field and I am open to any sites that can be autism and family therapy oriented. Please let me know if you might have some ideas or if you would be to provide those hours for me.
    Thank you much !
    Yulia
    858/342-3118 YuliaSV@hotmail.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.

  • Night to Shine in Poway
  • Our church has been chosen by the Tim Tebow Foundation as a site for Night to Shine. This is a prom for people 14 years of age and up with special needs. This prom is in all 50 states, 15 countries and over 100,000 honored guest. We are one of 2 churches in all of San Diego County that are hosting this event. It happens on February 9th.

    To RSVP and for more info info@trinitysandiego.org.
    https://www.trinitysandiego.org

  • FAMILY FUN AT KID VENTURES!
  • Point Loma Location
    Monday, Feb 19th 4:00 - 5:30 PM

    NFAR is hosting a family play session at Kid's Ventures in Point Loma on Monday, February 19th from 4 - 5:30 PM.

    Parents, children with autism and their siblings (ages 2 - 8 years old) are invited to join us for a fun filled afternoon of structured activities, and creative play.

    Kid's Ventures creative indoor play facility is designed to help nurture your child's imagination and creativity in a healthy and fun environment.

    Registration is FREE but pre-registration is required.
    Waiver will be sent to you in advance so that you can fill it out and bring it with you.

    For more information, contact NFAR at 858-679-8800!

  • Generalization Program
  • It's that time again - signups have just opened for our next round of Social Clubs, and we'd LOVE to see you there! Sign up at socialclub@excitesteps.com. Signup deadline is Feb 23, 2018.
    www.excitesteps.com

  • Start planning your accessible vacation today!
  • Do you travel with a loved one who has special needs? Planning a wonderful family vacation should be fun, not stressful. Here are some destinations that go above and beyond to accommodate every member of your family.

    Morgan's Wonderland, San Antonio, TX
    This San Antonio theme park was designed with exceptional accessibility in mind. Experience more than 25 attractions for all ages and abilities to enjoy together. Play make-believe in The Sensory Village, buckle up for the Off-Road Adventure Ride, or hop aboard Wonderland Express, a wheelchair-friendly train. Inspiration Island, a fully accessible waterpark, is open during summer months. Families love the boat ride and multiple splash pads, including one with warm water for guests with muscular conditions. Waterproof wheelchairs are available to borrow for free. Morgan's Wonderland is closed in January and February. Admission is free for guests with special needs. See website for details: www.morganswonderland.com.

    Click here for more locations and info!!

  • Sensory Friendly Museum Mornings
  • First Sunday of each month from 9:00 - 10:00am
    320 North Broadway
    Escondido, CA 92025


    An early morning geared for families with children on the spectrum or with sensory sensitivities. This early morning event is a welcoming, comfortable environment for your child and family to enjoy the Museum in a quiet and accepting setting. We encourage families to make connections and share resources.

    2018 Sensory Friendly Mornings: Click here for all the dates!!!

  • The Movement Method
  • Movement Method
    An evidence-based, kinetic learning theory, for children with neurocognitive difference such as autism. Through specific movement and interactive interventions, the child will experience increased curiosity and engagement with family members and their environment. Movement Method's focused interventions improve intrinsic motivation, attention, communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.

    February 10th 2018
    9am-12pm
    Liberty Station Conference Center
    Room 204A & 204B
    Point Loma


    Live workshop that will teach you the Movement Method and will give you practical advice you can start using immediately! Click here to register!!!

    www.familyguidanceandtherapy.com
    619-600-0683
    info@familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • Bobcat Buddies! in Carlsbad
  • wehavehope02@gmail.com

    Bobcat Buddies at the Boys and Girls Club of Bressi Ranch
    Hosted by Bobcat Buddies Club of Sage Creek High school!


    Middle school through high school children welcome! Play basketball with the local high schoolers of Sage Creek High school. This activity will only be for one hour from 2-3pm on February 11th. Sign up Fast! Only the first 15 will be accepted. This activity is FREE and this is our first activity of many more to come! Parents are required to stay. For more information and to sign up visit http://scbobcatbuddies.weebly.com

  • TAG Meet and Greet in Temecula!
  • Therapeutic Approach to Growth Inc.
    43537 Ridgepark Dr.
    Temecula, CA 92590
    www.tagforgrowth.com
    admin@tagforgrowth.com
    858.689.2027

  • Conference: Teaching Social Competencies-More Than Social Skills
  • Our mission is to help people develop social competencies to better connect with others and live happier, more meaningful lives. We do this by creating concepts, curricula, and materials that help professionals and parents teach social competencies and help individuals as young as four and across the lifespan meet their personal, academic, and professional goals.

    Join us in San Diego! March 12-15, 2018
    EARLY BIRD - 20% OFF!!!


    Learn practical strategies for self-regulation, executive functioning, perspective taking, and more at the four-day conference. Learn More & Register!

  • Cute Snaps Wanted!
  • We're looking for good quality photos of San Diego children with special needs to be featured in our annual publication, Flourishing Families. Please email hi-res photo(s) to editor@sandiegofamily.com for possible inclusion. Be sure to provide first and last name of the person who took the photo (so we can give photo credit) and location the photo was taken. Including the name of the child(ren) in the photo is optional. Please put Flourishing Families 2018 in the subject line. Deadline: Feb. 9.

  • Autism Care and Treatment for Military Familes Run/Walk and Family Festival
  • 1 IN 68 MILITARY CHILDREN HAVE AUTISM 10k * 5k * 1 Mile Benefiting military families impacted by autism

    Join us on Saturday, April 21, 2018 for our 8th Annual ONEHOPE ACT Today for Military Families 5k/10k Run/Walk and Family Festival. Since the inaugural event in 2011, this event has raised nearly $700,000 to benefit military families impacted by autism. Our event is a unique opportunity for the San Diego community to come together with our military service members in support of a worthy cause...building autism awareness and helping make a real difference in the life of a military child.

    Saturday, April 21, 2018
    TECOLOTE SHORES PARK | MISSION BAY
    1300 E. MISSION BAY DRIVE | SAN DIEGO


    Register today at acttodayformilitaryfamilies.org/run

  • Using Prompts Effectively to Support Your Child in Learning New Skills
  • Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - 9 am - 11 am
    North County Regional Education Center
    255 Pico Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069


    All parents and caregivers prompt their children many times every day. How we prompt and when we prompt makes a big difference in how quickly and how well our children learn skills and how independent they are in using those skills. Come learn how and when to use prompts most effectively.

    Read more

    Click here to register online

  • 21st Century Education Symposium
  • February 24, 2018
    21st Century Education Symposium:
    Quality Education & Promising Practices: "A Bright Future for All Students"


    Keynote Presenter: Kristin Wright, Special Education Division Director, California Department of Education

    Click here for online registration

  • ABA Education Foundation
  • It is these core values that direct our daily business decisions. Our commitment is to serve our clients, support our employees, and educate our community with integrity and professionalism, always aware that they are the focus that drives our organization.

    Services We Offer

    • Infant Development Program: Early Intervention
    • Intensive Behavior Intervention Program
    • Advocacy Services & Education Consultants
    • ABA Education Foundation Behavior Management Consultation
    • Consultation Services
    • School District Consultation Services
    • Private Pay Services
    • TRICARE Services
    ABA Education Foundation
    7860 Mission Center Ct, Suite 100
    San Diego, CA 92108
    (619) 272-0090
    http://www.bridgesaba.com/index.html

  • Teen Generalization Program
  • It's that time again - signups have just opened for our next round of Social Clubs, and we'd LOVE to see you there! Sign up at socialclub@excitesteps.com. Signup deadline is Feb 23, 2018.
    www.excitesteps.com

  • 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.

  • 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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