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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. May 29, 2018

In This Issue

To Tell or not to Tell: Disclosing a Disability in the Workplace

Motor difficulties forecast language troubles in autism

Children with Autism and ADHD at Higher Risk for Anxiety and Mood Disorders, IAN Study Says

Why does mental illness arise? Clues found in the visual brain

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Sensory Friendly Concert, June 9th!

Summer Programs Enrolling Now!

Early Start Denver Model Program Insurance Funded ABA Treatment

Cara Lucier & Associates

Improving Travel Outcomes for Children with ASD

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

East County Autism Support Group

No Wait for RDI!!!

Central San Diego Family Pool and Pizza Party

KNOW THEIR CHARACTER STRENGTHS


 



THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS






  • To Tell or not to Tell: Disclosing a Disability in the Workplace
  • Young adults entering the workforce today grew up in a time of greater openness about disability. Students with autism often attended class alongside those without disabilities. Special Education plans, called IEPs, made sure that teachers knew a student had a disability and needed certain help to succeed. For students who entered college, registering at the campus disability services office ensured they could continue to get at least some "accommodations" to their autism, such as copies of lecture notes.

    So should someone who is used to disclosing his autism in school continue to do so when he enters the world of work? Some says yes: disclosure enables a worker to get an accommodation that can help him get and keep a job. But others say disclosing could lead to subtle or obvious forms of prejudice. Read on...

  • Motor difficulties forecast language troubles in autism
  • Children with autism who speak few words and have trouble manipulating objects tend to remain minimally verbal as they reach adulthood. Researchers presented the unpublished results today at the 2018 International Society for Autism Research annual meeting in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

    About half of children with autism are slow to learn and understand speech, and roughly one in three adults is minimally verbal.

    The new findings may help clinicians predict which language-delayed children with autism will continue to have those problems later in life. Read on...

  • Children with Autism and ADHD at Higher Risk for Anxiety and Mood Disorders, IAN Study Says
  • Children with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for being diagnosed with or treated for anxiety and mood disorders, according to a study published in Pediatrics April 1. The study, completed by the Interactive Autism Network (IAN), is one of the largest to compare co-occurring disorders in individuals with ASD alone to individuals with ASD and ADHD, according to a news release from Kennedy Krieger Institute, where IAN is based.

    For the study's findings, researchers from Kennedy Krieger Institute examined the data of a cross-sectional, network-based survey of children ages 6 to 17 years with ASD who were enrolled in the Interactive Autism Network, between 2006 and 2013. Of the 3,319 children in the study, 1,503 (45.3%) had ADHD. The survey data were analyzed for parent-reported diagnosis and/or treatment of ADHD, anxiety disorder, and mood disorders. Children with ASD and ADHD had more than twice (or 2.2 times) the risk of anxiety disorder and 2.7 times the risk of other mood disorders. Researchers also found that these psychiatric conditions were more prevalent in older children. Read on...

  • Why does mental illness arise? Clues found in the visual brain
  • The quality of communication between the parts the brain that process and make sense of vision could be vital for mental health.

    So concluded a brain imaging study - led by researchers at Duke University in Durham, NC - that is now published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

    They discovered that the risk of mental illness rises when the brain's visual cortex does not communicate properly with "higher order" networks that help us to plan and focus on tasks and think about ourselves.

    The visual cortex is the part of the brain that receives and processes the visual information coming in from the eyes. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • We are looking for an effective swim instructor for my son with autism. He hasn't progressed much with the current swim school he goes to.
    Does anyone know of someone who teaches private swim lessons to kids with autism at their own pool?
    If so, please contact me at gosheetal@hotmail.com . Thank you! Anita



    I am the parent of a 12 year old 7th grader who struggles severely with autism-like behaviors and a host of disabilities. I am unable to find a way to have her diagnosed. My two special needs children are adopted. I am a single stay at home mom and I do not have the resources for a private evaluation. We have a 12 year history of services with Rady Children's Hospital including one year in residential treatment. I'm interested to find any new information about what a parent is to do when both the medical and school communities neglects such severe needs. Thank you. Pdmsea@gmail.com



    My 12 year old daughter suffers from Dyscalculia. I am searching for other parents who have dealt with obtaining academic supports from the school districts. Most specifically what is placed in an IEP in the area of: goals, accommodations and supports. My experience has been the refusal to acknowledge the condition or to provide the research based teaching needed. Thank you. Pdmsea@gmail.com



    High functioning autistic adult male looking for a roommate in the North County Inland area. The individual does not need to be on the autism spectrum and if they are should be fairly high functioning, be able to do basic care for themselves, and have no behavioral issues. Open to both male and female roommates. Please contact pamela@reset-fitness.com.



    I'm looking for someone who knows about phonics and reading programs to help my autistic 11-year-old son learn how to read.
    Please contact me at na_carolyn@yahoo.com



    Anyone interested in a social group for teen boys and girls in 92129 area?
    My 17 year old daughter is probably on the spectrum and her main difficulty is social skills and making friends. Please e mail if interested in getting some of these teens together for fun,outings and lasting friendships. Thanks Kim kim_t92129@yahoo.com



    Hello, our son, a 5th grader, is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD. He is very smart. His problems are mainly behavioral. He has had a hard time following directions and doing schoolwork and has been suspended several times. He has been in gen ed, but lately has spent his mornings in special ed due to some episodes. Today the school announced they want to send him to another middle school than the one he was supposed to go to with a BASE program, where he would be 100% of the time in that program instead of gen ed. Has anyone experienced the BASE program? We are very worried as we have very little time to make a decision on this, and it came as quite a shock to us. We don't understand why they won't let him just try the home middle school and see how it goes there. We already had the transition meeting with them. Should I consult with an advocate or would you know of somewhere I can get honest advice/opinion? Thank you!
    sween2503@hotmail.com



    Hi! I was wondering if anyone here knows a BI or BCBA who lives or is willing to provide in home therapy in Tijuana? Currently we drive everyday to the ACES clinic in Chula Vista, but ideally I would like a BI coming to our house. If you know of anyone please share my email: helenfaeg@gmail.com. TIA!



    We are the parents of a 10 year-old boy with autism. He really loves music and we want to use this interest to help him develop a hobby/skill (playing an instrument) that could add some joy to his life. We're looking for a recommendation on a drum, piano,and/ or guitar instructor who works with kids with special needs and/or has experience with working with individuals with autism. It's our hope to find someone upbeat and fun so lessons feel more like spending time with a fun, new friend rather than a 'therapy' session (he already has enough of those). We're open to individual and group lessons. Any recommendations are appreciated! Thank you!
    Email: Michelcedony@yahoo.com



    My autistic daughter (20) started to show OCD symptoms and behaviors at 17. It has gotten more intense and disruptive over time. The psychiatrist has prescribed a couple of different medications for her but none of them worked. Does anyone have recommendations for effective treatment? mayahuchan@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.

  • Sensory Friendly Concert, June 9th!
  • Don't miss this fun sensory friendly concert for all ages which includes the chance to meet Julia from Sesame Street!

    PURCHASE TICKETS FOR SENSORY-FRIENDLY CONCERT HERE
    Only $10 for entire family! $5 for Individuals

    PURCHASE TICKETS FOR ANY/ALL Mainly Mozart Events here

    ALL DAY PASS FOR SATURDAY EVENTS ONLY $25!

  • Summer Programs Enrolling Now!
  • Lots of fun options - Lego groups, Executive Functioning bootcamp, "Me to We" preschool/kinder groups and Team Builders groups.

    Click here for program and registration information or email us at janet@socialcommunicationspecialists.com

    Social Communication Specialists
    5703 Oberlin Dr, Ste 207
    San Diego, CA 92121
    (858) 558-9552
    http://socialcommunicationspecialists.com

  • Early Start Denver Model Program Insurance Funded ABA Treatment
  • In-Home Service Provided for San Diego County!! Click here for all the info!!! For more info please contact us at 858-888-9062 or Lelder@ascentesdm.com

  • 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

  • Improving Travel Outcomes for Children with ASD
  • This workshop will provide helpful tips on traveling with a child with Autism by knowing how to prepare for transportation, accommodations, activities, and packing. You are invited to come learn about a variety of strategies and supports that can make travel plans more seamless.

    The seminar will cover:

    • Preparing for the trip
    • Preparing your child
    • Tips to make travel easier
    • Question and Answer
    • Personal Planning
    Speaker:
    Jeness Keddy, M.S.
    Gateway Learning Group


    Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 5:30-6:30 pm
    Gateway Learning Group
    2525 Camino del Rio S., Suite 335
    San Diego, CA 92108

    This event and parking are FREE! Apologies, no childcare. RSVP: Email kellym@gatewaylg.com to reserve your seat. Space is limited.

  • 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.

    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

  • East County Autism Support Group
  • Monday, June 11 at 6:30 PM - 8 PM
    Office of Dr. Rienzi Haytasingh
    5550 Baltimore Drive, Suite 150, La Mesa, CA

    Support, information, resources and referral for families of persons on the autism spectrum. Join us to learn the experiences of others and share your own. Light refreshments. Click here!

  • 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

  • Central San Diego Family Pool and Pizza Party
  • Hosted by Autism Society San Diego
    Friday, June 8 at 6 PM - 8 PM
    Aqua Pros Swim School
    4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, California 92117


    Bring the entire family to enjoy a swim in an indoor, heated pool with free pizza and drinks. Lifeguards are provided. For safety purposes, no flotation devices or "floaties" are permitted. A special thank you to Aqua Pros for making this event possible. RSVPs are greatly appreciated!

    ** Admission is free but a $5 donation per family is appreciated to help cover the cost of the food and venue.

    ** For the safety of your children, we ask that you do not enter the pool area until 6:00 pm.

    For more information, please visit our website at www.autismsocietysandiego.org

  • KNOW THEIR CHARACTER STRENGTHS
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    We are at our best when we use the character strengths that come naturally to us. Becoming more aware of your son's/daughter's character strengths and encouraging their use can help you see them and connect with them in a deeper way. You can do this by answering the 4 questions at csdisability.com.

    You can also help your son/daughter build on their character strengths, and what you learn can be included in any goal-setting/planning process that considers all their strengths and the potential contributions they can make using them.

    The information gained from your responses will help develop new understandings of character strengths use by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how parents can encourage that use.

  • 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:
    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

    https://www.facebook.com/sandiegosibshop/

  • Summer Camps 2018


  • 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 guide lists many of the camp options available in our community.

    Click here to view the list!!!

  • Therapeutic Recreation Services Summer 2018 Calendar


  • Click here to view the calendar!!!
    Registration for Summer activities happening now!!!

     
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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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