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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. May 02, 2017

In This Issue

San Diego Friendship Walk, May 21st!

For kids with autism, imitation is key on road to speech

If your grandmother smoked, you may be more likely to develop autism

Things I wish I'd known about having a child with autism

Assistive Technology in the Classroom: What Parents Need to Know

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Friendship Walk Benefitting Friendship Circle, San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions about Autism

Development DIR Autism Therapy in Your Home!!!

13th Annual Community Legislative Forum

San Diego has a New Comprehensive Center Dedicated to the Treatment of Autism

Camp Let Loose!

Monthly Membership Program at MicroCurrent 4 Kids!

7 COSTLY MISTAKES

Friendship DOJO: May 8th!!

Meeting: Regional Center Rights!!!

AutismOne conference in Colorado Springs, May 24-28


 

San Diego Friendship Walk, May 21st!

On Sunday, May 21st join nearly 1,000 people from across San Diego and Walk With Your Heart! The Friendship Walk is an awesome community event that raises crucial funds for Friendship Circle and awareness for children, teens and young adults with special needs. Please join us in walking, donating and fundraising to help us reach our goal of $100,000. Register online at www.FriendshipWalkSD.org or call the office at (858) 487-4879.




VALERIESLIST SPONSORS





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

Relationship Development Intervention (RDIĀ®) 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!





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  • For kids with autism, imitation is key on road to speech
  • Nearly 30 percent of children with autism will not have learned to flexibly speak by the end of elementary school. For researchers looking for ways to help, learning when to intervene in the children's speech development is paramount. New research from The University of Texas at Austin points to children with autism's imitation behavior as the most important predictor of a key stage in their development toward flexible speech, which gives researchers more clarity about the timing of intervention.

    Just before babies' first words emerge, they begin to communicate with their caregivers by combining gestures and sounds. For example, a baby might look at her parent, point to a toy and make a sound to indicate that she wants it. Researchers refer to this behavior as "intentional communication." Intentional communication predicts later language ability in children with autism spectrum disorder. But until now, the most important predictors of intentional communication were not known. Read on...

  • If your grandmother smoked, you may be more likely to develop autism
  • A recent study, published in Scientific Reports, concludes that if a girl's maternal grandmother smoked tobacco during her pregnancy, she is significantly more likely to develop autistic traits.

    Autism, characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulty interacting socially, appears to be on the rise.

    Much of this increase is thought to be due to better detection rates and greater awareness. However, many scientists believe that environmental or lifestyle factors might also play a role. Read on...

  • Things I wish I'd known about having a child with autism
  • There's a saying that's often repeated because it's true: If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism. That's because children (and adults) on the autism spectrum are very different from one another. There is no one correct road map to follow when raising, teaching and loving them.

    April is Autism Awareness Month, and TODAY spoke to numerous parents and loved ones about what they have learned - and would like to tell others - on their particular autism journeys.

    1. Don't worry about what other people are thinking Read on...

  • Assistive Technology in the Classroom: What Parents Need to Know
  • The term assistive technology (AT) refers to any device that helps a person with a disability complete an everyday task, whether in the classroom or in life. For someone unable to hear, a telephone with amplification is AT. For someone with poor eyesight, a magnifier is AT. Anything that provides access to those things an individual otherwise would be unable to do is AT.

    Such technology can be critical for the person using it. If you wear glasses, imagine how hard it would be to get through the day without them. In the classroom, AT can be an equalizer, allowing children to demonstrate their knowledge in a way they couldn't before. Think of a keyboard for a child who is unable to write but can type, an electronic voice for a child with complex communication skills, or an alternative mouse for a child with fine motor challenges. 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



    I am seeking in-home and field-based social therapy for my 7 year old with high-functioning ASD, ADHD and significant behavior/attitude challenges. We are struggling with the social behavior and emotional relationship blockades and need real-time help. Any suggestions in the Del Mar and Carmel Valley area would be very much appreciated!
    Many thanks,
    Annie Brown
    773-320-9605



    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.

  • Friendship Walk Benefitting Friendship Circle, San Diego
  • "Friendship Walk 2017 and the Israel Fest will be held at San Diego Jewish Academy on Sunday May 21st. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon at with hundreds of old and new friends. Walk, skip, or roll on the wheelchair and stroller friendly 1 mile walk route. Join in the celebration at Israel Fest, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of San Diego. Early registration is FREE until May 7th, which includes a commemorative t-shirt, fruit & a bottle of water, and fun family activities. Standard and on-site registration will be available for $20, (t-shirt quantities will be limited). Visit www.FriendshipWalkSD.org and help the Friendship Circle make a difference in the lives of children, teens and adults with special needs. Show your support for inclusion by joining our friends and walking with them on May 21st!"

    Friendship Circle: "The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide programs and support to the families of individuals with special needs. In addition to offering fun social outings and events for families to enjoy, the Friendship Circle provides friendship to individuals with special needs through a network of teen volunteers who want to make a difference. In this way, volunteers discover the impact of selfless giving that will last them a lifetime."

  • 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...

  • Development DIR Autism Therapy in Your Home!!!
  • REAL CONNECTIONS CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

    Supporting and Partnering with Families of Children with Special Needs; Through Understanding, Engagement, and Relationships.

    Real Connections Institute - San Diego
    415 North Highway 101 Suite C
    Solana Beach, CA 92075
    ilene@realconnectionsinstitute.com
    858-354-2006
    http://realconnectionsinstitute.com

  • 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!!!

  • San Diego has a New Comprehensive Center Dedicated to the Treatment of Autism
  • A state-of-the-art clinic featuring advanced biomedical, behavioral, & sensory-motor therapies for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

    This Clinic is headed up by Dr. Suzanne Goh. Dr. Suzanne Goh is a board-certified pediatric neurologist with expertise in the evaluation and treatment of children with neurological conditions that impact brain development, cognition, and behavior.

    Dr. Goh received her Bachelors of Arts degree, summa cum laude, in History and Science from Harvard University (1993-1997). She went on to attend Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar (1997-1999). In 2004, she graduated from Harvard Medical School, cum laude. Dr. Goh completed her Pediatrics internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and her Pediatric Neurology residency at University of California San Francisco.

    Pediatric Neurology Therapeutics
    7090 Miratech Drive
    San Diego, CA 92121
    858-304-6440
    http://www.gohmd.com

    Dr. Suzanne Goh with the ultimate medical breakthrough that changes lives.

  • 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

  • Monthly Membership Program at MicroCurrent 4 Kids!
  • Here at Microcurrent Healing, we hope you keep gratitude in your heart this Thanksgiving season. We also wanted to express our gratitude for such wonderful clients by offering you the easiest and most cost-effective way to come in for regular and follow-up therapy sessions. Announcing our New Monthly Membership Plan!

    Monthly Membership $89
    With the ease of a monthly auto-payment you will earn 1 session each month, plus any additional sessions you wish to buy will all be billed at our member rate of only $80 each! Membership provides the lowest cost-per-session option (36% off single session rate) and relives the burden of paying a large lump sum up front. Best of all the effects of microcurrent therapy are cumulative! So the more you come in, the better results you will see in your child's mental and physical health!
    *6-month contract required

    Membership Benefits Include:

    • One 30-min Microcurrent Therapy session; a full-body detox (systemic), or an anti-aging facial* for Mom (*Now offering facials, call for more details)
    • Unlimited additional sessions at our lowest member rate
    • Discounts for adding family members to your membership
    • Unused sessions roll over from month to month and can be shared with others
    • Earn free sessions by referring friends
    If you are looking for autism treatment like cranial sacral, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field), transcranial magnetic stim, FSM (frequency specific microcurrent), hyperbaric oxygenation, MRT (magnetic resonance therapy), chelation, or other alternative treatment options -give us a call to learn about how Microcurrent 4 Kids may be the better choice for you and your family!

    Microcurrent 4 Kids
    4540 Kearny Villa Rd, Ste 211
    San Diego, CA 92123
    info@microcurrent4kids.com
    858 257-1404
    http://www.microcurrent4kids.com

  • 7 COSTLY MISTAKES
  • The common denominator in all of these issues is this question: "How can I get the right legal advice regarding special needs matters?" The fact is, any attorney in California can call themselves a "special needs attorney," or "elder law attorney" regardless of their experience. Forms are available to any attorney or paralegal for "special needs trusts." The skill is not in the tool, it's in the person using it. You need to be able to trust the skill level of your attorney. At a minimum, they should have an excellent understanding of Public Benefits Law to adequately advise you on the type of Special Needs Trust and clauses to use in your individual situation. In California, there are two types of certified specializations that are relevant in this area: 1) Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs), who have Public Benefits Law as the core of their specialization, and 2) Certified Legal Specialists, Estate Planning Trusts and Probate (CLS-EP). While anyone can hold themselves out as a "special needs attorney" or as doing "special needs trusts," only those who have undergone rigorous evaluation and testing can call themselves either of these. Regardless of whether or not your "special needs attorney" has either of these specializations, you should ask them direct questions about the length of their experience in this area, and what percentage of their practice is devoted to special needs planning.

    MISTAKE 1: Disinheriting The Child 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

  • AutismOne conference in Colorado Springs, May 24-28
  • Children are recovering from autism and yet, most doctors and the general public are not aware this is possible. At AutismOne you will learn the latest medical treatments and how to best help your children reach their full potential. Please join the over 100 physicians, RFK Jr., and the entire VAXXED team at the AutismOne conference in Colorado Springs from May 24 -28th Go to www.autismone.org for details.

    My name is Marcia Hinds and I'm Ryan and Megan's mom. Please check out the Public Service Announcement I did about AutismOne at http://bit.ly/2ozuwnO My son is now an aerospace engineer, because we were able to help him medically. I will be speaking on May 25th the same day as RFK Jr. And you can preview my book I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE on Amazon or at http://a.co/hJ8Dpjw I wrote it to save you time and to keep you from making the same mistakes I did.

    Autism may not come with a manual, but when it comes with a warrior parent who never gives up... remarkable things can happen.
    ALONE there is little we can do about autism...TOGETHER we will be unstoppable!

  • 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!!!

     
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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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