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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. April 24, 2018

In This Issue

Choosing Camps for Children with Special Needs

Why no one needs a diagnosis of 'social communication disorder'

Members of the public continue to shed light on the mishandling of state adult education funding by the MiraCosta-based consortium

Supreme Court Ruling Alters IEP Landscape

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Pack Your Bags!  Vacations for People with Special Needs

Social Communication Specialists: Executive Functioning Skills

No Wait for RDI!!!

IEP's and 504's Seminar

Include Autism's Gatsby Gala

Presentation: Taking the Struggles out of Power Struggles

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

Charity Ride for Autism Awareness - Glow Ride - Benefits NFAR!

Cara Lucier & Associates

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

MCRD: Guardianship & Conservatorship Workshop

SAVE THE DATE: Autism Speaks San Diego Walk 2018

Now Enrolling: "XciTeens" Social Club! Sign up by April 27


 



THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS






  • Choosing Camps for Children with Special Needs
  • As the school year comes to an end, we are looking for camps that serve both of our boys, one with 22q11.2 Deletion. In years past, we've learned a lot by trial and error. Here are key factors to ease summertime stress and help find the right camps for children with special needs.

    Consider groups that are already serving your child.
    Groups that serve your child at school and in therapy will be the most successful at finding ways to keep him interested and engaged, so start with them. Our child's therapy group offers a summertime program that allows us to include therapy sessions with camp. This is an added benefit because we have fewer trips to the therapist and more family fun time. Other things to consider: Read on...

  • Why no one needs a diagnosis of 'social communication disorder'
  • Five years ago, a new diagnostic category, 'social communication (pragmatic) disorder,' made its debut in the DSM-5, the latest version of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders." I was a skeptic: I argued, along with many others, that there simply was not enough evidence for the existence of this condition.

    I was also concerned that the category would renew the practice of assigning vague diagnoses, such as pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified, in place of autism, just when the DSM-5 seemed to have put an end to it.

    That worry never materialized. And I'm still not sure it's a useful diagnostic category. Read on...

  • Members of the public continue to shed light on the mishandling of state adult education funding by the MiraCosta-based consortium
  • MiraCosta Community College: Are students with disabilities being left out in the cold?

    Oceanside, CA - At the April 19, 2018 board meeting, members of the public again appeared before the board urging it to review the funding tables contained in the consortium's 3-year implementation AB 86 plan to better understand the scope and seriousness of the public's concerns about possible mishandling of the approximately $3.3 million funding allocated to date. Per documents the consortium filed with the state, the MiraCosta Community College District board and President Sunny Cooke are at the top of the governance chart for the consortium. MiraCosta is also the sole fiscal agent, sole recipient of the funding, and sole provider of the adult education programs funded by the public funds in question. Only MiraCosta and the San Dieguito Union High School District were listed as members of the consortium per the consortium's current bylaws available on the consortium website (see, Bylaws section II(b)).

    Since November 2017, members of the public and students have been asking how the consortium was allowed to meet without the public meetings required by the Ed Code and the Brown Act during the period between April 2016 and December 2017, and without detection or correction by MiraCosta's administration. Funding allocations and decisions must be done publicly via publicly noticed meetings in order to be valid under both the Education Code and the Brown Act. Read on...

  • Supreme Court Ruling Alters IEP Landscape
  • As parents begin discussing individualized education programs for their children this spring, disability legal experts say a U.S. Supreme Court ruling will set the stage for stronger goals and higher expectations.

    But even with the backing of the highest court in the land, parents should still educate themselves and come prepared for a successful meeting, attorneys said. 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. jrschley@att.net



    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 kim_t92129@yahoo.com



    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. dr.courtney.higgins@gmail.com



    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!! syoungmd@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.

  • Pack Your Bags!  Vacations for People with Special Needs
  • Click here to view there latest newsletter for all the info about their trips!!!

  • 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 info@socialcommunicationspecialists.com 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 janet@socialcommunicationspecialists.com

  • 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

  • IEP's and 504's Seminar
  • Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 7:00-9:00 pm
    Park Village Elementary School
    7930 Park Village Road
    San Diego, CA 92129

    RSVP Required: 858-945-6621 or appropriateeducation@gmail.com
    http://www.specialedlaw.us

  • 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!

  • Presentation: Taking the Struggles out of Power Struggles
  • Tue, May 1, 2018
    6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Crimson by the Sea for Speech and Language Therapy
    2210 Encinitas Boulevard, Suite J-2
    Encinitas, CA 92024
    Cost: $50 per person or $75 per couple


    Click here for all the info and to register!

  • 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

  • Charity Ride for Autism Awareness - Glow Ride - Benefits NFAR!
  • Join us as we light up the room blue with a SUPER fun 45 minute glow spin class!

    CycleBar Carmel Valley
    12720 Carmel Country Rd.
    San Diego, CA 92130
    Sunday April 29th, 2018 @ 11:30AM

    Goal: To raise funds and awareness, 100% proceeds are provided to the NFAR Foundation.

    Registration $25

  • 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

  • Now Enrolling: South County Social Clubs! Sign up by April 27
  • Click here for more info about these clubs!!!

    Sign Up: socialclub@excitesteps.com or call 858-428-0222
    www.excitesteps.com

  • MCRD: Guardianship & Conservatorship Workshop
  • RSVP with Camille at Camille.Favor@usmc-mccs.org
    http://www.mccsmcrd.com/exceptional-family-member-program/
    facebook.com/mccsmcrdsd.efmp
    619-524-0916

  • SAVE THE DATE: Autism Speaks San Diego Walk 2018
  • Sunday, October 21 at 9 AM - 1 PM
    Liberty Station NTC Park
    2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego, California 92106

    Register FREE for the San Diego Walk: http://act.autismspeaks.org/sandiego


    Event includes local service provider resources, sponsor booths, Kids Zone, live entertainment and a beautiful 5k walk along NTC park waterfront. More details will be announced as the date approaches.

  • Now Enrolling: "XciTeens" Social Club! Sign up by April 27
  • Click here for more info about these clubs!!!

    Sign Up: socialclub@excitesteps.com or call 858-428-0222
    www.excitesteps.com

  • 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 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/

  • 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: asdfamilystudy@gmail.com or sbrown7@alliant.edu. 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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