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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. April 19, 2018

In This Issue

"A Look Inside an Autism-Friendly Workplace and Culture"

What are the early signs of ADHD?

Trying tasks, meager wages: Caregivers lobby for better pay

11 Photos That Show What Autism Looks Like

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

An Evening of Drumming...

Social Communication Specialists: Executive Functioning Skills

Love Letters: A Fundraiser for TERI Crimson and IDA

No Wait for RDI!!!

ATPF Soccer Player Mentor Program Activity Day & Pizza Party

Include Autism's Gatsby Gala

Free Sport Clinic with Peers Event!

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

Sensory Storytime at North Clairemont Library

Cara Lucier & Associates

Now Enrolling: Central San Diego Social Clubs! Sign up by April 27

Private JCPenney Autism Friendly Shopping Event

Compass Academy Open House and Information Session

Now Enrolling: North County Social Clubs! Sign up by April 27

NFAR's 2018 Summer Camp Guide is HERE!


 



THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS






  • "A Look Inside an Autism-Friendly Workplace and Culture"
  • Last week, I was in New York and had the opportunity morning to tour a true "autism-friendly workplace"-one that differs not only from most workplaces today but also from most workplaces that describe themselves as autism-friendly. I think you'll be interested, whether you have a connection to autism or not.

    A little background. The previous afternoon, I had joined 12 autism employment practitioners from throughout the New York area at the Duane Morris LLP offices on Broadway near 46th. In attendance were representatives of Integrate, Job Path, Goodwill NY, Spectrum Designs, Best Buddies, and Extraordinary Ventures NY. David Kearon of Autism Speaks, the person most at the center of autism initiatives nationwide, brought us together. Read on...

  • What are the early signs of ADHD?
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects behavior. It causes people to be hyperactive and impulsive. They may also be easily distracted and have difficulty concentrating or sitting still.

    Known as ADHD, the condition is a mental health disorder that affects both adults and children and is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

    Signs of ADHD are different in adults and children. This article explains what to look for and how to source help and treatment. Read on...

  • Trying tasks, meager wages: Caregivers lobby for better pay
  • Hans can be sweet. The wiry 21-year-old will spontaneously ask his caregivers for a hug or what they want for their birthdays. But his spot on the severe end of the autism spectrum also makes him loud and prone to repeating the same question over and over again, especially when he's excited or agitated.

    On a recent morning, encountering some new visitors, the question was direct: "What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name? What's your name?" Read on...

  • 11 Photos That Show What Autism Looks Like
  • Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder can be filled with chaos and anxiety but also with joy and love.

    In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we asked members of the HuffPost Parents Facebook community to share what autism looks like in their families. Though no two stories are the same, these parents want what all parents want ― for their children to experience happiness and acceptance. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • We are wondering what parents experiences has been with some organizations for young adults.
    Our son is a client of the Department of Rehabilitation. We need to select a program for job training. We hope to get some feedback about The Arc, Goodwill and Toward Maximum Independence.
    Thanks Laura S. [email protected]



    I am trying to find a social group for my 17 year old daughter.She has a mild learning disability and although she does not actually have a diagnosis of autism I definitely think she is on the spectrum with certain behaviors(obsession with time,picky eating, watching shows over and over) My greatest concern is her lack of social skills or awareness and I would love to get her together with some similar teenage boys and girls for fun, friendship ,outings. We live in zip code 92129. Thank you if anyone can help point us in the right direction. Kim [email protected]



    Our family is looking to find an occasional (possibly weeknight event,etc./day date/date night) babysitter for our 3.5 year old son with moderate ASD (and nut allergies). He is very verbal but with pragmatic language delays, has some transition sensitivities causing some protesting, but overall he is a fun loving little guy who just likes to be on a schedule. We want someone we can rely on with great references and EXPERIENCE with children on the spectrum (which we haven't been too lucky through care.com). We live in the Carmel Valley/Torrey Highlands area and we also have a 1 year old Bernese Mountain Dog. If you have had an amazing sitter or are a sitter with ASD experience, please email me, Brittany, [email protected]



    I'm wondering if you know where I could refer a 16-year-old who is low income but does have insurance to be tested for ASD/Asperger's? They live in Encinitas. [email protected]



    We are moving to San Diego this June. We have a 10 year old son with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is very intelligent and strong academically but struggles with stimming, restricted interests, anxiety, and finding close friends. Can you refer us to a good psychologist? We are moving to Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley, and would prefer someone close if possible. Thanks!! [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.

  • An Evening of Drumming...
  • "You are never too young or too old to enjoy this wonderful, relaxing, energizing and unique way to express yourself in the moment, release stress, and enjoy intimately with others," Clark Edmond, HeartBeats Drumming www.heartbeatsdrumming.com

    Saturday, April 21, 2018
    5:00 - 8:00 PM
    CAE Headquarters
    911 E. Elder, Fallbrook

    Please RSVP to Debra Muzikar [email protected]

  • Social Communication Specialists: Executive Functioning Skills
  • At Social Communication Specialists, we help socially quirky kids, teens and young adults connect.

    We understand the social challenges kids face today. In order to have healthy friendships, kids need to understand not just the "how", but the "why" of social interactions.

    Among the Services We Offer:

    Executive Functioning
    Even the brightest students can struggle to keep track of assignments, plan out and manage their time and prioritize and initiate tasks needed to meet their goals.

    Executive functioning skills help us with everything from getting dressed and out the door on time to managing distractions so we can complete the task at hand. While these skills develop naturally for most of us, some children need direct teaching and therapeutic treatment to help develop these skills and put them into practice.

    At SCS, we don't just set up a color coded folder system that your child will never use, We use advanced techniques to directly teach executive functioning skills. The concepts and strategies we teach kids helps them become more independent so you can stop constantly reminding them of what they need to do.

    We teach students to develop a "memory for the future" that allows them to create and implement plans to achieve their goal. We help kids develop self talk so they can monitor how their plan is working and make any necessary changes in their behavior.

    At SCS our techniques are modeled after the work of Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC-SLP and Kristen Jacobsen, M.S., CCC-SLP. Sarah and Kristen are nationally renowned for developing cutting edge, research based therapeutic interventions for those with executive functioning challenges. After working with us, kids develop the language and skills for understanding, analyzing and applying efficient strategies that help them to become more successful, independent learners.

    If you're nodding your head because you know what I'm talking about, give us a call at 858-558-9552 or email [email protected] to find out if our services might benefit your child.

    Social Communication Specialists
    5703 Oberlin Dr, Ste 207
    San Diego, CA 92121
    www.socialcommunicationspecialists.com

    Social communication groups enrolling now! For more information about our program and registration information, please call us at 858-558-9552 or email us at [email protected]

  • Love Letters: A Fundraiser for TERI Crimson and IDA
  • Join Us! April 28, 2018
    TERI INC.
    251 Airport Rd
    Oceanside, CA 92058


    Opportunity drawing opens at 6:30 PM
    Performances starting at 7:30 PM
    $25.00 Advance Tickets, $30.00 At the Door

    Click here for tickets or call (760) 721-1706

    All proceeds support TERI Crimson & San Diego-Imperial Valley Infant Development Association

  • No Wait for RDI!!!
  • 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. Click here for all the info!!!

    Two Offices to Serve You
    3555 Kenyon Street, Suite 101
    San Diego, CA 92110
    and
    10731 Treena Street, #105
    San Diego, CA 92131
    619-600-0683 ext. 1
    https://familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • ATPF Soccer Player Mentor Program Activity Day & Pizza Party
  • Hosted by Autism Tree Project Foundation
    Saturday at 4:30 PM - 6 PM
    Point Loma Nazarene University
    3900 Lomaland Dr, San Diego, California 92106


    Calling all soccer fans! Come out and join us for our fun mentor program with the Point Loma Nazarene Sea Lions Men's Soccer Team! Kids will be able to have fun on the soccer field with the players, followed by a pizza party on the field. Kids of ALL ages and siblings welcome! This event is FREE to attend but you MUST RSVP with [email protected] or call 619-222-4465!

    Click here for all the info!!!

  • Include Autism's Gatsby Gala
  • Special Pricing During Autism Awareness Month!
    Get your tickets for as low as $68!

    Saturday, May 19th, 2018
    6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    This year, we will be having our 11th Annual Gala, The Gatsby Gala, at the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa on Mission Bay.

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

    Click here for info about Include Autism and all of its' programs!

  • Free Sport Clinic with Peers Event!
  • Our event is free! To sign up visit www.scbobcatbuddies.weebly.com

  • Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment
  • 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

  • Sensory Storytime at North Clairemont Library
  • Registration Required: 858-581-9931
    North Clairemont Library
    4616 Clairemont Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92117

  • 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
    [email protected]
    Phone: (760) 717-3451
    http://www.caralucier.com

  • Now Enrolling: Central San Diego Social Clubs! Sign up by April 27
  • To sign up email [email protected] or call 858-428-0222.
    http://www.xcitesteps.com

  • Private JCPenney Autism Friendly Shopping Event
  • Sunday, April 22nd at 9 AM - 11 AM
    290 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025-8005


    JCPenney at Westfield North County in Escondido has teamed up with Autism Speaks San Diego to bring you a private autism friendly shopping experience. This event will launch the first of a series of events for our community. This private event is free but registration for a gift bag will be required, limited gift bags available. Must be present to pick it up.

    Click here for all the info and to RSVP!!!!

  • Compass Academy Open House and Information Session
  • banyon tree

    Need Help Navigating
    Your Child's Education?
    Tuesday, April 17, 7 - 8 PM
    Wednesday, April 18, 9 - 10 AM
    Thursday, April 19, 12 - 1 PM


    If your child does not fit the traditional school environment and you are looking for a better option, please attend our Open House and Information Meeting.

    Learn about the newly designed programs we have developed to meet the individual needs of each student in grades 1-8.
    Enrollment fees are waived for attending one of these sessions!

    RSVP Here - Please indicate which date you will attend

  • Now Enrolling: North County Social Clubs! Sign up by April 27
  • To sign up email [email protected] or call 858-428-0222.
    http://www.xcitesteps.com

  • NFAR's 2018 Summer Camp Guide is HERE!
  • Looking for summer activities that will keep your child with autism engaged and learning new skills, all while still having fun?

    San Diego is home to many summer camps, sports activities, art classes and other programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In an effort to make this process easier for parents, NFAR's lists many of the camp options available in our community.

    Check out the Camp Guide here!!!

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT
  • 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.

    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:
    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/

  • Vanderbilt Kennedy Center: Residential and Respite Care Services Survey

  • 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!!!

  • Parents Who have a Child with Autism Wanted for an Online Survey
  • Participate in Research: Attention Differences in Boys with ASD and their Family Member

  • Boys with ASD between the ages of 8 and 16 and both of their biological parents are invited to participate in a study examining attention skills and genetics.

    Boys who are typical developing and their biological parents are also invited to serve as a control group.

    This research is 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. You must be able to travel to the lab to participate.

    Study Requirements
    -Both biological parents and the son must participate.
    -Each parent will complete questionnaires about him or herself.
    -This should take about 30 minutes.
    -Each parent will complete a brief standard cognitive measure. This should take about 30 minutes.
    -Each parent will complete a computer task. This should take about 30 minutes.
    -One parent will complete questionnaires about your son. This should take about 25 minutes.
    -Your will complete the brief standard intelligence measure. This should take your child about 30 minutes.
    -Your son will compete the computer task. This should take about 30 minutes.

    Upon completion of participation, your son will receive $20 and each parent will receive a $10 gift card. You may also receive, upon request, results of your performance and/or your child's performance.

    Refer another family to the study and be entered in a drawing for a $200 Visa gift card.

    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. If a parent is excluded, he or she will be given a $5 gift card for participation in the preliminary assessment.

    If you are interested in participating, please call 858-635-4068 or by email: [email protected] or [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

    Approved by Alliant IRB (#1604025150R001)

     
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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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