vallistnewbanner
Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. April 29, 2017

In This Issue

Autism and Health: A Special Report by Autism Speaks

Trio of studies cast doubt on link between autism, antidepressants

Marijuana may be a miracle treatment for children with autism

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Developmental DIR Autism Therapy in Your Home!!!

FREE! Review of Your Child's IEP, Saturday May 6th!

Frequently Asked Questions about Autism

Save the Date!: Love and Autism!!!

Treating Autism with Dignity

Encinitas Learning Center

Camp Let Loose!

Under The Big Top

Autism Speaks, San Diego Walk 9/30/17

13th Annual Community Legislative Forum

Friendship DOJO: May 8th!!

Meeting: Regional Center Rights!!!


 




Want to learn more about Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) for your child on the spectrum?

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®) is a unique treatment approach that empowers parents to guide their child to succeed in a truly dynamic world. Children who learn to actively engage with the support of their parents in safe but challenging learning opportunities (problems and situations that are just beyond their level of competence), develop a strong motivation to explore and expand their world, as well as develop competence and trust in themselves and their Guides. The program has no defined length. It is designed to accommodate parents and children with a wide range of obstacles and handicapping conditions. Therefore participation may range anywhere from one to several years. Have specific questions? See the RDI FAQs for answers!





thomas nelson


  • Autism and Health: A Special Report by Autism Speaks
  • Advances in understanding and treating the physical and mental health conditions that frequently accompany autism

    This week, Autism Speaks issued the first in a series of annual, in-depth reports on special topics in autism - Autism and Health: Advances in Understanding and Treating the Health Conditions that Frequently Accompany Autism.

    The last decade has brought tremendous advances in understanding and addressing the many physical and mental health conditions that frequently accompany autism. We now know that autism is a whole-body disorder for many people on the spectrum. Its common co-morbidities include epilepsy, gastrointestinal distress, sleep disturbances, eating and feeding challenges, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Read on...

  • Trio of studies cast doubt on link between autism, antidepressants


  • Increased autism risk among children exposed to antidepressants in utero may be related less to the medications than to the mothers' depression1,2.

    The findings, from two papers published today, provide the most convincing evidence to date that antidepressants do not raise autism risk.

    "We will never be able to say that antidepressants taken during pregnancy have zero risk, because we can never conduct a study with that level of certainty," says lead investigator Simone Vigod, assistant professor of psychiatry at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, Canada. "But these studies together give a pretty reassuring message to women who have depression and require these medications that the risk of taking the medication is really relatively low." Read on...

  • Marijuana may be a miracle treatment for children with autism
  • MODI'IN, ISRAEL - When Noa Shulman came home from school, her mother, Yael, sat her down to eat, then spoon-fed her mashed sweet potatoes - mixed with cannabis oil.

    Noa, who has a severe form of autism, started to bite her own arm. "No sweetie," Yael gently told her 17-year-old daughter. "Here, have another bite of this."

    Noa is part of the first clinical trial in the world to test the benefits of medicinal marijuana for young people with autism, a potential breakthrough that would offer relief for millions of afflicted children - and their anguished parents. Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • We are moving to San Diego area and are wondering if anyone can offer recommendations about elementary schools in Poway area that may be suitable for our child who is 6 yr old with high functioning autism/aspergers and ADHD.

    No behavioral issues but needs speech/OT/Executive functioning skills at school which are in his current IEP.

    Any advice on elementary schools in poway area would be greatly appreciated.
    Rishi rkst38@yahoo.com



    We are looking for a reliable respite care provider. We are located in Oceanside.
    Please email highly recommended provider info to vargas768@yahoo.com



    My 21 year old daughter with high functioning autism is looking for a female roommate starting in the fall of 2017. Apartment is located in the 5025 Collwood Blvd student oriented community near SDSU. She is hoping to find a like minded girl who likes anime, cosplay, gaming and who does not smoke/drink/drugs. The apartment complex is student oriented but you are not required to be a student. The apartment is a 2 bedroom/2 bath and the roommate must be willing to share a bedroom and bath. There will 4 residents (2 in each bedroom). Each tenant has an individual lease and all utilities are included. Rent is approx. $660 each. There is a pool, gym and free shuttle to SDSU, Grossmont and Mesa. Please contact Debra at (619) 672-8893 or debraberl@gmail.com and leave a message.



    Parent of child with Dyscalculia (math disability) seeking to find other parents having this experience. It is very commonly undiagnosed yet has a serious impact on a child's learning and life. As with many things it can be very difficult to receive an appropriate response from the school district tasked to make the necessary accommodations.
    Please email me if you share this or a similar experience. Pdmsea@gmail.com. Thanks so much.



    Seeking parent experiences in the Poway Unified School District IEP process.
    As a parent of two special needs adopted children I have had some seriously difficult experiences with Poway Unified School District. Having been inexperienced in raising children, much less special needs children, I was very naive in the process. I am hoping to learn more through hearing about other special needs parent experiences, good and bad. I will not share any personal stories.
    Please email me at pdmsea@gmail.com. Thanks so much.



    Hi! We have two energetic boys. I'm looking for a reliable respite worker who is fun loving and understands Aspie kids. Boys are 11 and 13.
    Legoland, parks, bike riding, basketball, Yugio, board games, and Minecraft are in your future.
    Please contact me for more info. Ideally, after school 2-3x a week with younger kiddo and a weekend afternoon/early evening 2x a month. Summer schedule will shift a bit.
    Please Contact me if you are interested - suzans@yahoo.com Carmel Valley area-thank you!



    I am looking for a half day kindergarten program in San Diego county. Currently my daughter is in preschool in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. CVESD does not have any half day programs or EAK programs for the 2017-2018 school year. My daughter turns five in July, is autistic and epileptic, and has an IEP. We feel she would be better served in a half day program for one additional year. If anyone has any information they can share with me I can be reached at jenrichardson05@yahoo.com. Thank you!



    Our son is 12, about to turn 13. He was diagnosed with high functioning autism, apraxia, and academic disabilities (cannot read or write independently). However, he is very artistic, loves to draw, loves movies of all kinds (comedies: Lego Batman, Boss Baby, anything by Pixar/Dreamworks and adventure movies: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc). He also loves nerf guns, zombies, video games, building legos (so so soooo many legos), watching Youtube about building Legos, and also likes to create Lego brick films. Most recently he has been talking about wanting to create his own movies with friends.

    The problem is, we have struggled with finding friends similar to our son's abilities. His one best friend moved away and the other few friends he does have don't share the same interests. We thought by posting here we might be able to reach a few families with children who are either typical developing or with special needs that have similar interests. I know other parents have to struggle with the same problem for their kids!?

    Are there any families with kids out there looking to find a friend with similar interests like our son? If so, we would love to meet you!

    We have also started looking into group therapy sessions through ABA companies and also speech to see if we can make new friendships. Does anyone have any recommendations for groups they participate in?
    Jennifer & Derek Thomas
    jenderekandryland@att.net



    We need some serious Psychiatry help for our son. He is 18 and mild/moderate autistic. But now we believe he is dealing with a secondary mental health issue. Where can we get help?
    Thanks Laura jrschley@att.net



    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.

  • Developmental DIR Autism Therapy in Your Home!!!
  • Why choose us? In a program such as ours the child learns to think reflectively and base behaviors on their own desires and feeling rather then on repetitiously learned non-reflective patterns of behavior. We work from a multi-disaplinary perspective considering functional language use, visual-spatial processing, auditory processing and motor function.

    www.realconnectionsinstitute.com 415 North Highway 101 Suite C
    Solana Beach, CA 92075

  • FREE! Review of Your Child's IEP, Saturday May 6th!
  • RSVP Required: 858-945-6621 or appropriateeducation@gmail.com

    The Special Education Advocacy & Law Firm of Thomas S. Nelson
    16466 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 106
    San Diego, California 92128
    Tel: (858) 945-6621
    www.specialedlaw.us

  • Frequently Asked Questions about Autism
  • What are Autism Spectrum Disorders?
    Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a range of brain disorders that are characterized by restricted patterns of behavior and impairments in social communication and interactions. These disorders share common origins and features, but are classified as spectrum disorders because symptoms and severity vary among individuals.

    What are the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
    Symptoms/behaviors of ASDs can range from mild to severe, and may seem to appear gradually or suddenly. Atypical development may be observed from birth, or more commonly, become noticeable during the 12- to 36-month period. Symptoms include: Read on...

  • Save the Date!: Love and Autism!!!
  • http://www.loveandautism.com

  • Treating Autism with Dignity
  • At the Family Guidance and Therapy Center we believe that people with autism are first and foremost PEOPLE. Each person deserves treatment that is respectful, dignified and understands the values and uniqueness of the individual. We understand that every person has value and is worthy of love. Our treatments are designed to make each person feel happier and more confident than they did when they started.

    Founder of FGTC, Jenny Palmiotto, PhD.

    Click here for all the info!!!

  • Encinitas Learning Center
  • WHERE A CHILD CAN LEARN TO LEARN

    The Encinitas Learning Center uses a variety of different learning programs to reach and teach its students and tailors the programs to support each student's individual needs.

    • FAST FORWORD®
    • INTERACTIVE METRONOME®
    • P.A.C.E® (BY LEARNINGRX)
    • THE LISTENING PROGRAM®
    OFFERING ACADEMIC TUTORING AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES TO HELP STUDENTS BUILD SELF ESTEEM THROUGH THE BUILDING OF SKILLS.

    Individualized programs, proactive innovation and the most advanced technologies help our students learn important academic strategies and improve their processing so that lessons are mastered more quickly and solidly retained.

    Encinitas Learning Center
    543 Encinitas Blvd. Suite 100
    Encinitas, 92024
    encinitaslearningcenter@yahoo.com
    (760) 634-6886

  • Camp Let Loose!
  • Our week-long day camp program that is open for registration: www.FriendshipCircleSD.org/Camp for those who are interested. It will be Monday Aug 7th through Friday Aug 11th (10AM-2PM) and includes a field trip and a one-on-one counselor pairing for each camper.

    Counselors (teen & young adult) are also welcome to apply and can email Maxime directly! Maxime@FriendshipCircleSD.org

  • Under The Big Top
  • Step Right Up To The Greatest Gala On Earth!

    Meet us under the big top for the 43rd Annual HGH Fundraising Gala at the historic US Grant Hotel on June 24, 2017. Astonishing auction items, magical entertainment, dazzling three-course plated dinner, and much, much more. All proceeds benefit more than 1,900 infants, adolescents, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

    The US Grant Luxury Hotel is offering discounted rates of $249 for the evening of the event. Rooms are limited so be sure to book your room soon at www.usgrant.net.

    To purchase your tickets for "Under The Big Top," click here. If you'd like more information, please contact Jessica Brandon at 619-938-2854 or jessica@guidinghands.org.

    The event is sure to spectacular! We hope to see you there.

  • Autism Speaks, San Diego Walk 9/30/17
  • Our strength as a community is powered by love and built on the commitment of individuals like you. Start a team, join a team or come on your own. Walk and fundraise together to enhance the lives of people living with autism.

    9/30/17
    Liberty Station at Point Loma
    Registration Opens at 8:00 am
    Contact
    Larissa Kerstetter
    619-318-7424
    Email us
    Click here for all the info!!!

  • 13th Annual Community Legislative Forum
  • "Making Your Dreams a Reality"

    Presentations and Discussions around the topics of:
    -Competitive Employment / Education
    -Housing/Transportation
    -Health Care
    Click here for all the info!!!

  • Friendship DOJO: May 8th!!
  • Maxime@FriendshipCircleSD.org
    858.487.4879
    www.FriendshipCircleSD.org

  • Meeting: Regional Center Rights!!!
  • IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR... Get ready for your child's next Regional Center IPP meeting. Our speaker May 10th will be Erin Minelli www.dorightlaw.com/about/erinminelli.php Erin will be discussing Regional Center Rights and Responsibilities and tips for the IPP Process (Individual Program Plan). Join us Parents Advocating Together, PAT San Diego to prepare for the best year ever... together.

    RSVP on our Facebook Event Page www.facebook.com/events/1824916674458157
    Or email April@PATsd.org

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT


  • Please visit http://www.sdnhm.org/visit/accessibility/asd-mornings/ for more information.

  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!


  • In February we began our, Autism Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet (http://rhfleet.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings), program. This morning is dedicated to the ASD community to come and enjoy the Fleet in a quieter setting and catch an IMAX film! Our film showings are presented with raised house lights and a lowered soundtrack volume, to provide a more comforting environment. Our goal is to provide an enriching experience for the ASD community

  • SIBSHOP 2016-2017 Schedule


  • October 2016 - August 2017

    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:
    April 30: Mission Trails Regional Park

    May 21: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

    July 9: Day at Mission Bay, family picnic **

    August 13: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071**

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

    REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested (if possible) the Thursday before the event.
    CONTACT: Email patmoulton@cox.net for a registration form and / or additional information.

    Sibshop Leaders: Jody BonDurant-Strong, Administrator Gina Clifton, ECSE Medically-Fragile Teacher, Special Education
    Pat Moulton, Retired

    **Information for family / community locations will be emailed.

  • Participate in Research: Survey About Access to Services
  • Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Driving Anxiety - FREE 10 week program for teens and adults with ASD in San Diego!


  • This is a FREE group-format intervention for teens and adults with autism spectrum disorders who are interested in driving, but are dealing with driving fear/anxiety.

    Please share this flyer with anyone in the community that may qualify. We are only asking that our participants are minimum 15-16 years of age (i.e. of potential driving age) and have a formal diagnosis of ASD. There is no upper limit for age. The groups will be held in the Kearny Mesa area (zip code 92123).

    858-966-7703 x3682
    rtrefas@rchsd.org

  • Developmental Factors Survey
  • business_finance_research.jpg


    Do you live in the USA and have a biological child between 3 and 12 years old? If so, we would be grateful if you would take a short research survey.

    The goal of this research is to examine whether certain factors are associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. If none of your children have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, we still would be very grateful if you participate as it is important to have results for all groups.

    Participants may also choose to be entered into a raffle for a $50 Amazon gift card.

    http://www.devsurvey.org

    After completing the survey, if you want to help us more, and if you have previously shared the developmental status of your children with your friends, please share this link with your friends and consider asking a friend or friends whose children do not appear to have Autism Spectrum Disorders to take this survey as well as we anticipate needing more participants from this group.

    If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact Seth Bittker, the principal consultant, at devsurvey@yahoo.com or 212-203-6550. Thank you.

  • Research Study Recruitment


  • My name is Sarah Hacker and I'm the staff research associate for 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. I was wondering if it were possible to put an ad on your website or in your newsletter for the purposes of reaching out to members of the autism community who might be interested in participating. I've attached a flyer for the study which outlines what happens, inclusion criteria, and compensation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

    Thank you,
    Sarah D. Hacker
    Staff Research Associate - RADLab
    shacker@ucsd.edu
    radlab@ucsd.edu 858-246-1932

  • Autism Effects on Attentional Blink
  • For more information, please contact Sofia Schugar at the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab: 858-353-4929 (feel free to leave voicemail) or via email at sofiaschugar@gmail.com

  • UCSD TEAM-UP Weight Loss Program for Children with ASD


  • TEAM UP (Transforming Eating, Activity, and Motivation Utilizing Parents) is a 16-week, parent-only group program focused on weight-loss, increasing physical activity, and promoting fruits and vegetables, designed specifically for parents of children with ASD. This research study is free of charge, and families will be compensated for participating. Interested families should call 855-UCSD-4W8 to get started.

  • Seeking Research Participants for Autistic Sibling Study
  • business_finance_research.jpg

    Seeking individuals over the age of 18 who grew up with an autistic sibling to participate in a study exploring the experiences of growing up in a family with an autistic brother or sister.

    Participation will involve an in-depth interview, lasting between 1 to 1.5 hours about your autistic sibling experiences and a brief follow-up meeting about six weeks later.

    The purpose of the study is to provide an in-depth retrospective exploration of the experiences of adults who grew up with an autistic sibling.

    Eligibility requirements for participation in the study include:
    • Must have lived with autistic sibling for at least 8 years
    • Sibling must have been diagnosed with autism during childhood
    • Interested participant must be at least 18 years of age
    Participants will be provided a $100 Amazon gift card following the interview.

    Interested participants can email Barbara Tierney at: autisticsiblingstudy@gmail.com

  • 2017 Edition of Flourishing Families


  • The Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego is excited to present the 2017 edition of Flourishing Families, San Diego's resource guide for parents of children with special needs.

    This year's issue contains more than 950 resources including service providers, research institutes, specialized doctors, resource providers, camps, therapists, advocates, associations and so much more.

    Visit https://issuu.com/sandiegofamilymagazine/docs/flourishing_families_2017-digital_i to see the digital issue now!

  • San Diego Regional Center's Recreation Resource Page
  • sdrc


    Recreation is important in promoting inclusion and quality of life. Studies have shown that it increases self-esteem and confidence, leads to improved communication, social interaction, and friendship skills.

    The San Diego Regional Center supports clients having time to recreate and believes it is essential to a healthy and well-balanced life. Below are links to some popular recreation activities in the San Diego and Imperial Counties. However, SDRC does not endorse, nor provide funding for any recreation activity. SDRC is not liable for anything occurring while participating in any of the recreational activities. Click here for all the info!!!

  • Special Needs Law Center: Insights 2017 Directory


  • The San Diego Special Needs Law Center has put together a great magazine for the special needs community here in San Diego. Great articles and a resource guide. Available in a print edition and also on their website. Click here to view the magazine!!!

     
    -
    -
    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

    -
    -