Autism and the workplace: Adults with autism are the fastest growing group among the neurodiverse workforces

The interplay of common, rare variation in autism

How Much ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is Enough?

Floortime Therapy Boosts Physical, Intellectual Skills

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

LEGO ROBOTICS WORKSHOP FOR TEENS - 2nd WORKSHOP ADDED!

Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together

Conference: Love and Autism - Registration Now Open!!!

The Alternative, Safe and Effective Therapy Option!!!

NFAR Men's Group - July 13, 2017

N. Jennifer Oke, PhD., Specializing in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with ASDs

New Organization Launches to Unite Disability Community on Critical National and State Issues

Sensory Sunday Family Time

Central San Diego Family Pool and Pizza Party

S4EA July Newsletter

Xcite Steps: South Bay Adventure ABA Social Club - July 2017

DynamiX CeramiX

Xcite Steps: North County Discovery ABA Social Club - July 2017

Little Trees Pediatric Therapy

Many of the employment challenges faced by adults with autism reflect the challenges most workers will face

Excerpted with permission from "The Autism Job Club" by Michael S. Bernick and Richard Holden. Copyright 2015, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. Available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and IndieBound.

This book is about building a better structure of employment for adults with autism.

It addresses how adults with autism and their families and advocates can best approach their own employment searches. More broadly, it addresses how collectively we can build a more effective autism employment system.

At the start, we should say that while we hope this book finds an audience in the autism community, we believe it also speaks to a wider community of workers. Our focus is on autism employment. But autism is a proxy for other neurodiverse workforces. Further, as we argue throughout the book, many of the employment challenges faced by adults with autism reflect the employment challenges most workers will face in our highly competitive and rapidly evolving job world. Read on...

Two seemingly different genetic influences contribute to autism: inherited factors and spontaneous mutations. We are racing to discover more about each of these paths, and yet this should not be viewed as a race. Indeed, an 'either-or' framing may well shortchange what we can learn about how these two influences may interact to govern an individual's risk of developing autism spectrum disorder.

Genetic variation, like autism itself, occurs along a spectrum.

First, the basics: Autism is common in the population, affecting at least 1 in 100 people. And it runs in families, which suggests that most risk factors for the condition are inherited. But people with autism have fewer children on average than their neurotypical peers. Read on...

You've weighed the pros and cons and decided that Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the right therapy for your autistic child. Now -- you get down to brass tacks to figure out when, where, and how much therapy your child really needs.

The literature recommends 40 hours a week . But so much therapy is very expensive and hard to find. Is it really necessary for a child to have 40 hours of ABA each week to be successful?

Both the Lovaas Institute (which launched the use of ABA for autism) and the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (which trains ABA therapists) say "yes." According to the folks at Lovaas: The best outcomes have been attained when a child receives 40 hours per week of behavioral treatment. Intervention should always be individualized, and some factors, such as a child's age and current skill level, will influence the number of hours recommended. But, 40 hours per week remains the standard from which to deviate. Read on...

Floortime builds emotional connections but can lead to other skills

Can Floortime Therapy Build Intellectual and Physical Skills in Children with Autism?

Floortime is a type of child-led therapeutic play. It's part of a larger therapeutic approach called DIR (Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based). Floortime and DIR are best-known as techniques for building a child's emotional reciprocity and engagement. But can Floortime and DIR be used to build specific intellectual and physical skills?

I interviewed Dr. Stanley Greenspan, one of the primary developers of this approach, for this article. Read on...

Looking for credentialed teacher, graduate student in education, or ABA trained individual to assist with supervising school work for 4-8 hours per week during 2017/2018 school year. Location in North County San Diego. Student is HFA boy in 8th grade and mostly independent in completing all school work. No learning disabilities but needs some help with focus and organization. All curriculum and assignments are provided - he just need some supervision and guidance while he completes his work. Pay is completive based upon experience. Please contact [email protected] if interested. Thank you!

Hello! I will be moving to the San Diego (South Bay/Chula Vista) area and I'm looking for the best private school for my 3 year old son who is on the spectrum. His therapist recommended that he attend general education classes with typical peers assisted by a therapist. Helen [email protected]

Seeking IHSS caregiver for my female teen in SDSU neighborhood for weekday mornings. Please call Lisa 619-890-2652 or email [email protected].

I am an adoptive parent on an extremely limited budget. I'm hoping to find free activities for my two children 9 and 12 years old.
My children are both special needs and I'm looking for places that give reduced or free entrance.
To anyone who responded to this post, the email address was incorrect. Would you please resend your email to [email protected]. Thanks so much!

I have recently removed my daughter from the San Diego Center for Children. As a parent in a crisis the treatment I received from both staff and management was unbearable.
I am looking for other parents who have had experience with the Center either positive or negative.
I greatly appreciate it. Please email: [email protected]

Hi, I have a 10 year old son on the spectrum who has always been in a regular school. We moved almost a year ago from Tijuana to Chula Vista. He has a good therapist in Tijuana but he needs a social skills group in San Diego or Chula Vista. If you have any information, please email me at [email protected].

We are parents to a 13 year old boy who has aspergers and ADHD. We are looking for a program and/or tutor that can help him with his writing. He is really having a hard time getting his thoughts and ideas on paper. Thank you. [email protected].

Do you know of any private home agencies willing to take a very high functioning 23 year old female with ASD and supply them with room and board for a year. My niece who is in the LA area will be moving to San Diego in September to attend a special school during the day. I am aware of the California Mentor program which is funded through the Regional Center of which my niece is a member of. Can you give me the names of any FHA agencies? [email protected]

I have a 10 year old who was diagnosed by the San Diego Regional Center with autism in April. He doesn't have a US health insurance so he can't get any services. When the social worker gave us the diagnosis she gave us a document where she mentioned that the SDRC could provide him with ABA through one of their agencys and now our newly designated social worker and his supervisor told me that the SDRC doesn't provide that service anymore. My question is: Should my son get any services from the SDRC? [email protected]

Kids Medical Items For Sale:
Used Convaid EZ Rider medical stroller

We also have a new in box AmTryke Pro Series red foot tricycle

Please Contact:
[email protected]

Hello! I am looking to connect with someone who has their child in an out of state residential educational setting. Please email me at [email protected]

If you have a question or request for this newsletter group, please send your email request to [email protected]. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses.

July 15th & 22nd!

NFAR is offering students a unique programming and robotics experience for ages 12-18 years old. The morning workshop filled quickly, so an afternoon workshop has been added.

The afternoon workshop is from 1:00 - 3:00 pm over two Saturdays: July 15th and July 22nd.

Registration is free.
Computers and robotics kits will be provided. Students will be creating a game using the Scratch programming language and a LEGO WeDo robotics kit. For more information, or to register, click HERE.

AEFCT provides high quality services that are structured, comprehensive, and individualized. Our mission is to provide intervention to children with autism, putting the needs of each child first so that they are met fairly and appropriately. We use developmentally sound strategies supported by empirical evidence, combined with a team approach that involves family participation. Autism affects the entire family unit, and we recognize that parent education and participation are essential to achieve success.

Our Services:

• Assessment
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Supervision / Consultation
• Parent/Caregiver Training
• Funding Sources

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

MicroCurrent4Kids is San Diego's premiere microcurrent therapy program for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our program is the BEST therapy for Autism and ADHD, as you will see by the rapid improvement in your child's skills and abilities, because of how well it promotes developmental growth and couples with ALL other therapies. (Inquire about other therapies also available!)

We are offering everyone 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

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Men's Group is for dads, step dads, and granddads helping to raise a child with autism. We offer dinner, guest speakers and a chance to network with other men in a relaxed setting.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Giovanni's Italian Restaurant
9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123

Dinner: Pizza, Salad, Soda.
Dinner is provided

Please join us for this informal group discussion where you can get to know other Dads and what they are doing to help their child with autism.

July Topic: Service Dogs

Discussion will include:

- Who is a good candidate for a service dog?

- How are service dogs different from other dogs?

- What is the process for getting a Service Dog for my child?

- What if you have other animals or dogs in the home?

- Is there any type of insurance or financing available?

- How do we align training with the needs of my child?

As well as any other questions you might have.

Guest Speakers: Laura Sylvester, Executive Director and Founder
Laura is the Mother of a 16 year-old boy with autism and, along with her family, the owner of an autism companion dog named Orbit. Along with day-to-day operations of Good Dog! Laura teaches autism service dog courses at Bergin University of Canine Studies and lectures to parents and communities about the laws and benefits pertaining to autism service dog companionship. A UCLA graduate in Design she loves using her design talents to share the magical stories of connection between dog and child with the Good Dog! community.

TO RSVP

Dr. Oke has been in private practice in the San Diego area for over 16 years specializing in the area of autism, Asperger's, and Pervasive Developmental. She is dedicated to providing a warm, supportive environment for children and families while collaborating with parents on treatment goals.

N. Jennifer Oke, Ph.D.
5677 Oberlin Drive, Suite 214
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 452-9596
http://drjenniferoke.com

Founded by Self-Advocates and Families, Group Will Fight Federal Medicaid Cuts and Promote Choice, Equity, and Accountability in California

A new disability rights organization launched today to focus on fighting potential Congressional cuts to Medicaid and improving the policies for individuals with developmental disabilities here in California. Disability Voices United is a unique statewide advocacy organization directed exclusively by the people most impacted - self-advocates (individuals with developmental disabilities) and their families.

Founded by long-time self-advocate and parent disability rights activists in California who led the successful effort to pass the state's self-determination law, the organization will advocate for systemic changes that ensure choice and control, meaningful outcomes, equality, opportunity, adequate funding, and respect.

"Our goal is to have thousands of members statewide that we will educate, empower, and mobilize to advance our community's advocacy efforts," said Judy Mark, President of Disability Voices United.

One of the organization's first priorities will be to push back against Congressional attempts to drastically cut federal Medicaid funding, which individuals with developmental disabilities rely upon for their support services to stay out of institutions. Disability Voices United will sponsor town hall educational meetings in the districts of Members of Congress who are supporting these cuts.

"We depend upon Medicaid-funded services to keep us working and living in the community. These proposed changes could be devastating for millions of people with developmental disabilities," said Tim Jin, a self-advocate with cerebral palsy from Orange County who serves on the organization's board of directors.

In addition, Disability Voices United will focus on improving the life outcomes of many individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and epilepsy.

"Despite billions of dollars spent on the system each year, most people with developmental disabilities spend their days in segregated classrooms or programs, are unemployed, suffer from poor health, and live in poverty. The situation is much worse if you are Latino or African-American, or live in certain geographic areas where there are huge disparities in the education and services received," Mark said. http://www.disabilityvoicesunited.org

Sunday, July 30 at 11 AM - 12 PM
Mission Valley Library
2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, California 92108

In collaboration with Autism Society San Diego, Mission Valley Library will open its doors to children on the spectrum, siblings, parents, and friends. Come at 11:00 AM for a sensory-friendly program featuring Sparkles the Clown. This 45 minute interactive show is recommended for preschool and elementary ages. After the performance, families can explore the library, check out items, or enjoy the sunny patio. Regular Sunday hours for the general public start at 12:30 PM. Contact Marika at Mission Valley Library at 858-573-5007 if you have any questions or need any further information. Click here for all the info!

Friday, July 14 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.
Click here for all the info!!!

Click here to read their latest edition for all the news and upcoming events!!!

Click here for all the info!!!

DynamiX CeramiX is a non-profit organization that caters to children and young adults with special needs. The program that is offered focuses on pottery making which encourages participants to develop creative abilities that do not require writing, reading, and advanced communication skills. Children and young adults with special needs can definitely benefit from the therapeutic attributes of pottery making in addition to learning a new skill that will enhance their self esteem, improve social, functional and vocational abilities. The group is under the supervision of Bob Driver, Master Potter and Special Ed Teacher. The groups meet on weekdays in the afternoon for 2-hr sessions. There is a $10 material fee per child per session. Visit www.dynamixceramix.org for more details.

Click here for all the info!!!

Little Trees Pediatric Therapy began out of a desire to provide high quality occupational therapy services to the families of Southern California.

We offer holistic, family-centered therapy that emphasizes empowering families with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to support the growth of their child.

We support the child at all levels! The roots that provide strong support, growth that facilitates development, and a playful and joyful approach that helps a child BLOOM!

Little Trees Pediatric Therapy serves North County San Diego and Riverside County.
27537 Commerce Center Drive, Suite 106
Temecula, CA 92590
(760) 207-7934[email protected] http://www.littletreestherapy.com