THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS
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| Falling Off the Cliff, Part 3 - Finding Work |
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"You can't talk about community integration without talking about employment," says an advocate for adults with disabilities.
Three years ago, Lisa and Dan Heppard were stunned to learn that the IQ of their son, Eric, who has autism, was higher than they'd known.
"We always thought it was in the 70s," says Lisa. "But it was 81."
"We were really surprised," says Dan.
The unexpected score, however, derailed the Heppards' postgraduation plans for Eric, now 24, costing him a livelihood that had seemed perfect. He had been offered a job at a packaging business that offers supervised work for adult employees with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). But his IQ exceeded the cutoff set by federal labor laws permitting companies to pay less than the minimum wage to disabled employees. Read on... |
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| New tool may speed up drugs to ease need for sameness in autism |
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Sheldon Cooper, a character in the long-running television show "The Big Bang Theory," becomes flustered at the smallest change in his routine - if someone sits in what he considers to be his spot on the couch, for example, or if something disrupts his morning routine of eating cereal while watching "Dr. Who."
Some fans of the show have suggested that Cooper has autism, in part because of his intense need for sameness. On TV, this may seem like a harmless quirk, but the need for sameness can cause profound distress for many people on the spectrum.
Everyone can relate to the discomfort that comes from facing the unexpected. But for some people with autism, even an apparently trivial change can trigger extreme emotions. Years ago, when one of us was working as a behavioral therapist at a school in New Jersey, a student became increasingly anxious. Read on... |
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| What to Know About Getting Emergency Prescriptions During Disasters |
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There are many variables involved in obtaining prescription medications during times of disaster, including the overall state of the emergency, type of medication, federal regulations, insurance authorization, corporate pharmacy policies, transportation issues, electronic access, phone communications and more. The best way to prepare is to talk (in advance) to your doctor, pharmacy and insurance company about your specific situation. Ask about emergency policies and consider the following: Read on... |
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| 14 Words To Consider When You Befriend My Son With Autism |
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Damn social media. I have such a love-hate relationship with it. I love that we can meet in this little community huddled in our very safe, comfortable corner in the Internet universe and share our common concerns, triumphs and general bitch sessions. But I hate that social media is a regular reminder of how alone my son is, both in the real world and the social media one. And I hate that I am reminded of that while on the elliptical machine at the gym because that stupid machine is so boring I have to check Facebook.
I know that sometimes my son makes a conscious decision to be alone. Alone, after all, is easier. However, sometimes I believe he is alone because people, especially teenage people, don't know what to do with "different." And rather than do the "wrong" thing, they choose not to do anything at all. Read on... |
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| Family and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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Can you recommend someone in San Diego to establish a special needs trust for my 2 children on the Autism Spectrum. We live in Carmel Valley area.
[email protected]
Hi im from chula vista my son is autistic and im having so much problems with his school theres any way you can give information about an advocate on this area please.
[email protected]
Hello! I am a mom of an 12 yr old in an out of state residential placement. I am trying to find moms in a similar situation for support and questions. Please contact me at [email protected]
Our pediatrician/family doctor is an ok doctor and is pretty good with my son with ASD. However, he did not understand the impact of ASD on our family well enough to adequately complete the health form for IHSS. Can anyone recommend a Sharp pediatrician for my son with autism (or another one who takes Health Net HMO insurance)? Please email me at [email protected] with your recommendation. I would greatly appreciate it.
Hello! I am a graduate student studying speech-language pathology and am planning to one day work with adults who are on the autism spectrum. I am currently seeking a summer practicum placement with the adult population that would last for 6 weeks and consist of 10 hours per week. If you are or know of someone who is a certified speech-language pathologist and would be open to supervising me, please contact me at [email protected]. Many thanks!
Kathleen Winger
Looking for someone to mentor and support my high functioning adult on the spectrum. Need someone at least over 25 and available weekends and possibly open to overnight stays. We are in east county, La Mesa area. [email protected]
Looking for a primary care physician for my 18 year-old severely autistic son -- non verbal with intense self-injuries behaviors and aggression. Prefer internal medicine specialty. Must have patience and compassion; must understand that autistic individuals manifest illnesses and pain with "behaviors"; must respect the parental point of view and expertise in developing treatment plan. Anthem Blue Cross PPO. Please send suggestions to: [email protected]. Thank you.
Seeking Roommate for Autistic Older Adult
I am seeking a roommate for my sister, who is almost 60, severely autistic and non-verbal. My sister is not aggressive toward others - she is affectionate and enjoys the company of other people, and is intelligent - but she is not verbally communicative and is very low-functioning.
Roommate would need to also be a Regional Center client, non-aggressive and be in or entering the Supported Living program.
Please contact Daria at [email protected] Thank you!
Hello! I am looking to get any information, experiences and guidance regarding SSI applications. My daughter is 17 1/2 and we never applied before. George [email protected]
If you have a question or request for this newsletter group, please send your email request to [email protected]. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses. |
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| MiraCosta College in Oceanside welcomes Chantal and Jeremy Sicile-Kira in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day |
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Monday, April 2, 2018
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
MiraCosta College
Little Theater - Room 3601
One Barnard Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056
In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, nationally known author, speaker, and expert on autism, San Diego resident Chantal Sicile-Kira will speak at MiraCosta about the evolution of special education and her family's story.
Jeremy Sicile-Kira, a former MiraCosta student and a non-verbal adult with autism will share his story and how he's come to live a full and independent life with autism. Jeremy is an abstract painter who makes portraits using synesthesia, the ability that allows him to see people's emotions as colors.
https://library.miracosta.edu/weareinclusive
Map of Oceanside campus: https://www.miracosta.edu/officeofthepresident/pio/downloads/map_oc.pdf
Free and open to the public
Free parking in the following lots:
4C, 3A, 3B and 3C
Questions: Contact Michelle Ohnstad [email protected] |
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| Join Include Autism for The Gatsby Gala! |
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An exclusive night out benefiting Include Autism, being held at the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa on Saturday, May 19th, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
To get involved please call 858.603.7344 or email [email protected].
We are currently seeking sponsorships, partners, and in-kind donations!
We warmly invite you to join us at Include Autism's annual fundraising gala. This year's event is the Gatsby Gala, and this lively and meaningful benefit honors and brings together community members from San Diego and beyond in support of autism inclusion.
This amazing event will feature the following:
Delectable hors d'ouerves and fare
Hosted bar, tray passed champagne, and hosted table wine
Live entertainment, DJs, and dancing
Extensive live and silent auctions
Presentation featuring our very own kiddos
Exclusive gifts and giveaways
Photo booth and event photography
Special guests
Raffles
& much more!
Please note: This is a 21 and up cocktail style event.
Click here for all the info and to purchase tickets!!! Include Autism is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization (Tax ID: 20-0948809) dedicated to providing services that instill community-wide autism inclusion. Our focal program, Community Coaching (CC) program provides natural, hands-on opportunities for our program participants to develop adaptive, functional skills needed to become included in their community. Include Autism also has Autism Inclusion Training for businesses and community organizations, Volunteer, Peer Pal and Inclusion Baseball League programs.
Include Autism now has two sites, our Central location in Hillcrest and our North site in RB/Poway. |
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| Camp Paivika |
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Located in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest, AbilityFirst Camp Paivika offers overnight summer programs for children and adults with disabilities. These programs provide a traditional camp experience with nurturing support and an emphasis on fun. It is one of the first fully accessible camps in the United States. Camp Paivika has helped thousands of children and adults with disabilities make friends, try new activities, and become more confident and independent. As campers enjoy their Camp Paivika experience, families and caregivers can take a break from the rigors and challenges of providing 24/7 care, knowing that their loved ones are safe - cared for and having fun. Click here for all the info!!! |
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| It's Tax Time! |
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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 |
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| The IEP Guy |
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Developing an appropriate IEP should not feel like trying to unravel a Rubik's cube.
The IEP Guy is an experienced non-attorney special education advocate working side by side with families to obtain appropriate placement, services, and outcomes for students.
The IEP is the heart and soul of special education. Think of it as the heliocentric model of our solar system. Just as the planets orbit around the sun, so do placement, services, and outcomes revolve around the IEP.
Therefore, it is imperative that parents develop an appropriate IEP for their child given the major impact it has on the student's academic and functional performance.
Services:
Say goodbye to hourly rates! All services are provided on a flat fee basis. No surprises!
- IEP Services
- Discipline
- Academic Disputes
- Parent Coaching
Leo Marchena
The IEP Guy
4275 Executive Square, Suite 200
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-345-6536
www.theiepguy.com |
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| Community Transition Academy now accepting students for the 2018-19 school year |
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Community Transition Academy (CTA) of Include Autism, our Transition NPS is accepting a limited amount of students, 11th grade through transition age, with moderate to severe disabilities, ages 17-22. CTA is a community-based program located in the heart of the centrally located Hillcrest neighborhood.
The school day at CTA will balance classroom learning, with hands-on community experiences led by highly skilled staff trained in ABA techniques and supports. Our academic focus is enhanced with vocational, life-science, social skill, and inclusive post-school community opportunities that tie into the classroom lesson plans. Enrollment is very limited to keep the class size very small affording our staff the opportunity to personalize each student's educational transition program. The CTA Team upholds the philosophy that every student at CTA is entitled to the support necessary to maximize his/her potential as an active adult in the greater community with the least possible restrictions and most possible chosen opportunities. With roots in the community, our students flourish!
We wish to invite you to call us at (858) 360-0282 for more information or to schedule a site visit. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Click here for all the info!!! |
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| Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment |
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Experience a unique and effective approach to autism therapy.
Our aim is to bring to families everywhere the most effective therapies for the treatment of autism. Our integrated care model is based on the scientific research and clinical practice of our founder, Dr. Suzanne Goh. We seek to set a new global standard for autism care by achieving superior developmental outcomes for the children and families we serve.
At Cortica, we believe the world needs a higher standard of care for all those living with autism, or a potential diagnosis of autism. Families like yours deserve effective, collaborative, caring therapies that are accessible and reasonably priced, no matter who you are or where you live.
The Cortica Care Model
- Neurophysiology
- Family and Home
- Biochemistry
- Cognition and Behavior
- Sensorimotor
- Communication
Integrated
Therapists with specialized expertise collaborate to understand and treat the whole child.
Personalized
Your customized program will focus on what your child's developing brain needs most to gain new abilities.
Proven
The Cortica Care Model is based on a proven methodology that gives you confidence you're doing the right thing.
Together, we clarify the complex, celebrate extraordinary efforts, and witness moments of brilliance as our children grow new skills and abilities. Many of our services are covered by medical insurance plans. Contact us for all the info!!!
Cortica Care
7090 Miratech Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
858-304-6440
http://www.corticacare.com |
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| Friendship Walk San Diego, April 29th!!! -- Discount for ValsList! |
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Walk With Your Heart!!!
Sunday, April 29th
Liberty Station, NTC Park, Preble Field
2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
Join us for the 5k Friendship Walk San Diego to raise funds and community involvement for children and adults with special needs. The Friendship Circle provides inclusion programming, fun community outings and friendship for children, teens and adults with disabilities throughout San Diego County. Click here for all the info and to register!!! For our upcoming Friendship Walk on April, 29th we want to offer ValsList members a promo code to sign up and get 25% off entry fees ($20 pp becomes $15 per person) with code VALSLIST valid now through March 30th!! https://www.friendshipwalksd.com/Account/Register |
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| Author of the Month: Saturday, April 7, 1:00 - 2:30 pm at the San Diego Central Library |
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Join a wide-ranging, inspiring conversation about stories, families, and compassion with award-winning children's author, Sally J. Pla, and therapist/founder of the Love & Autism Conference, Dr. JennyPalmiotto, Saturday, April 7, at 1:00. - 2:30 at the Central Library. Their talk is entitled "Kids & Books & Love & Autism."
Humans make sense of the world through story-telling. We all love good stories, but they may be especially meaningful for those whose brains operate just a bit differently - and for those of us who know and love them.
Award-winning San Diego author Sally J. Pla has written two highly acclaimed books that touch upon what life is like with a slightly different neurology: The Someday Birds, and Stanley Will Probably Be Fine. She is eager to share why she felt compelled to write them, and what her ongoing literary mission may be.
Dr. Jenny Palmiotto's nationally renowned Love & Autism Conference is held annually in San Diego. Its theme this year is "Stories." We'll hear from Jenny about why this theme is important to her conference, her practice, and her clients.
Perhaps someone you love, someone you teach, someone you work with, or live with is somewhere on the spectrum. Or perhaps you care about compassion, acceptance, and the celebration of differences in our world. Or perhaps you just love good books and good stories from a unique perspective. In any case, we hope you join us for what's sure to be an enlightening talk.
Refreshments will be served during a meet-and-greet after the talk. Sally's books will be available for sale.
Resource information on autism also will be available.
THE SOMEDAY BIRDS -- Winner of the 2018 Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award. Junior Library Guild Selection. "Nerdies" Book Award Winner. A New York Public Library Best Kids Book of 2017.
"Offering a mixture of suspense, mystery, tragedy and humor, Pla's story captures both the literal and figurative meanings of journey." -Publishers Weekly Starred Review
"Pla gives us a memorable hero in this lyrical and funny book." -Shelf Awareness Starred Review
The Someday Birds is a debut middle grade novel perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and Fish in a Tree, filled with humor, heart, and chicken nuggets. Charlie's perfectly ordinary life has been unraveling ever since his war journalist father was injured in Afghanistan.
When his father heads from California to Virginia for medical treatment, Charlie reluctantly travels crosscountry with his boy-crazy sister, unruly brothers, and a mysterious new family friend. He decides that if he can spot all the birds that he and his father were hoping to see someday along the way, then everything might just turn out okay.
Author Sally J. Pla has written a tale that is equal parts madcap road trip, coming-of-age story for an autistic boy who feels he doesn't understand the world, and an uplifting portrait of a family overcoming a crisis.
This is a free event and all the info is here. |
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| New Adaptive Dance |
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Adaptive Dance introduces the basics of dance through creative movement to children with special needs in a fun and inviting atmosphere where all dancers will feel accepted and comfortable learning the art of dance. The goal of this program is to build body awareness, muscle memory, strength, balance, focus, and above all to have fun!
All classes are taught by Stephanie Morgan, a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and dance professional. Her training includes working with those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries. Stephanie is the founder of the Adaptive Dance program at the Pennsylvania Academy of Dance located in Pittsburgh, PA and is excited to have the opportunity to create an Adaptive Dance program at Cadence Dance Projet. Besides teaching dance classes, Stephanie also works at TERI Campus of Life as a Lead Instructor at the Center for Arts and Adult Education.
Cadence Dance Project
222 Wisconsin Ave
Oceanside, CA 92054
Cadence Dance Project can be contacted by phone at 760-277-3883 or email at [email protected] or you may email me directly at [email protected]. |
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| Autism Care and Treatment for Military Familes Run/Walk and Family Festival |
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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 |
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| Registration for Camp I CAN began on Monday, March 19th! |
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Visit the link below to verify if your Autism Society San Diego membership is current, and to request registration forms. Then take your forms to the location you wish to register (Toby Wells YMCA or Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA) starting on Monday (the 19th) morning at 8 AM. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, and you can find more information about that as well at the link below.
Click here for all the info and to register! |
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| ABC's The Good Doctor and NETFLIX's Atypical to be Honored at the 2nd Annual Autfest Film Festival Dedicated to Autism Awareness on April 28-29 |
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Presented by the Autism Society, AutFest Celebrates "From Spectrum to Screen" April 28-29
ABC'S THE GOOD DOCTOR and NETFLIX'S ATYPICAL will be receiving special honors at the 2nd Annual AUTFEST International Film Festival presented by The Autism Society on April 28-29, 2018 at the Writers Guild Theater, 135 South Doheny Drive in Beverly Hills. The announcement was made by Matthew Asner, VP of Development for The Autism Society. AUTFEST is sponsored by Hyundai Motor America and SAG/AFTRA.
Said Scott Badesch, President of Autism Society of America: "The 2nd Annual AutFest International Film Festival is a wonderful platform to celebrate the roles that television and films are now playing in autism awareness. We are proud to honor this year's outstanding film and television programs for their visionary portrayals of the complexity of autistic emotions, as we can see with our two spotlighted shows THE GOOD DOCTOR and ATYPICAL."
Past AUTFEST honorees include BEN AFFLECK (The Accountant) and Pixar's PETE DOCTER and JONAS RIVERA (Inside Out). Celebrating autism awareness "from spectrum to screen," AutFest, now in its second year, is the only film festival solely dedicated to an autistic audience and filmmakers. Its mission is to further advance the well-being of all with an autism diagnosis, as well as to educate the nation about autism and the important need to fully respect and value each person with autism. AutFest wishes to celebrate films that promote autism awareness and support autistic filmmakers and artists that have chosen film as their profession.
A number of special awards will be handed out at a special ceremony at the conclusion of AutFest on Sunday, April 29, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Documentary, Best Actor, Best Actress as well as an Audience Award. A Best Autistic Filmmaker Award will be presented to an autistic filmmaker.
AutFest is also inviting student graphic designers to create a festival poster that depicts the festival's theme "from spectrum to screen." Winning posters will be used as the festival's official poster as well as for official materials such as t-shirts and postcards. The contest is hosted by "We Are Lions, a marketplace for products created and designed by individuals with disabilities. More details about the poster contest can be found at http://www.autfestasa.com/poster-art-contest/.
AutFest Honorary Committee Members include seven-time Emmy® winner and autism advocate Ed Asner, actress Kristen Bell (House of Lies), actor Dax Shepard (CHIPS), Emmy-winning actress comedian Sarah Silverman, Golden Globe®-nominated actor Matthew Modine (Stranger Things), Emmy-nominated actor Gary Cole (Veep), Autism Speaks co-founder Bob Wright, The Suzanne Wright Foundation president Liz Feld, Warner Bros. president and CCO Peter Roth and Autism Society's VP of Development Matt Asner. |
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| Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet! |
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The third Saturday of every month, Fleet invites the Autism Spectrum Community to enjoy our museum through this special opportunity. Adults and families with children with autism can enjoy the Fleet's exhibit galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before regular open hours to the general public and with access to a special cool-off space. Visitors are welcome to stay and enjoy the museum all day. Admission includes a special IMAX film screening at 10 a.m. with the house lights on and a lower soundtrack volume.
For more information, visit www.fleetscience.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings.
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| San Diego Sibshop |
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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:
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 [email protected] 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/
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| Join UCSD Autism Center of Excellence on either SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, APRIL 7-8 for our first SPARKforAutism live-registration event! |
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Join UCSD Autism Center of Excellence on either SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, APRIL 7-8 for our first SPARKforAutism live-registration event! There will be free parking, drinks, child care, games, and giveaways. Come out, join the fun, and enroll in the largest, genetics study of autism with over 9,000 families already participating nationwide! Staff will help guide families through the online registration process and assist with saliva collection. Child care will be provided while parents complete registration. Families who complete the study will receive up to a $50 Amazon e-gift card. Help us understand the genetic causes of ASD and develop better, more effective treatments so that each child can reach their full potential!
Time: 9 AM- 5 PM
Where: UCSD Autism Center of Excellence- 8110 La Jolla Shores Drive, Suite 201/202, La Jolla, CA 92037
To reserve a registration spot, please RSVP by March 29th by calling 858-534-6906 or emailing Hannah Kaplan at [email protected].
RSVP is required for attendance and gift card giveaways. BOTH biological parents and the individual/child with ASD are encouraged to attend this event as this is a genetics study. Families must be able to consent and complete registration in English. We can't wait to see you there!
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| Spring 2018 Therapeutic Recreation Services Calendar |
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Click here for our new Spring 2018 calendar. Please note the following important dates:
>>First day of registration for Spring activities
Saturday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m.
>>First day of registration for Summer Camps
Saturday, March 3rd at 10:00 a.m.
You may sign up online at
SDRecconnect.com or at our office 3325 Zoo Drive, 92101.
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| Vanderbilt Kennedy Center: Residential and Respite Care Services Survey |
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The survey will take less than 30 minutes to complete. The survey is anonymous and voluntary and the responses are confidential. The responses will be helpful in determining issues and supports related to residential and respite care services. We will raffle ten $25 gift cards at the close of the survey for participants who complete the survey.
Click here to take the survey and help with research to improve lives!!!
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| Parents Who have a Child with Autism Wanted for an Online Survey |
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