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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. July 11, 2017

In This Issue

Twin tots reveal autism traits arise mostly from genes

Children with autism should be checked for DCD, study recommends

Regional autism rates point to impact of awareness, training

7 Tips for Including Kids with Autism in Family Events

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Camp Let Loose Registration Now Open!!!

Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together

Five Imaginative Ways to Make Indoor Play Exciting

The Alternative, Safe and Effective Therapy Option!!!

Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese!

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

Summer Specials from We Rock the Spectrum San Diego

NFAR Mom's Group - July 19, 2017

No. County Mom's Group - July 20, 2017

Inclusion Baseball League Sign-Ups Now Registering! Space is limited!

Jeremiah's Ranch July Newsletter

Parents and Children Needed for Student Research

New Leaf Supportive Services, Inc.

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


 


VALERIESLIST SPONSORS





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!


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  • Twin tots reveal autism traits arise mostly from genes

  • Genes are bigger contributors to autism features than are environmental factors, according to a study of nearly 39,000 twins1.

    Autism traits such as repetitive behaviors or resistance to change are about 80 percent heritable, the study found. Previous twin studies estimated that genes account for up to 95 percent of autism risk.

    "This study tends to confirm that development of autistic traits is indeed due to heritability, and not so much due to whatever parents do or don't do," says lead researcher Dorret Boomsma, professor of biological psychology at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

  • Children with autism should be checked for DCD, study recommends

  • Researchers are recommending in a new study that children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder should be checked for developmental coordination disorder since the two maladies are linked.

    In an article published this month in the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Priscila Caçola, an assistant professor of kinesiology; UTA librarian Peace Ossom Williamson and Haylie Miller, an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, recommend that individuals with autism be evaluated thoroughly for the possibility of DCD.

    DCD, a neurodevelopmental condition, affects between 2 and 7 percent of school-age children. It is considered one of the major problems afflicting school-age children around the world. Symptoms include poor balance and coordination and underdeveloped handwriting skills. They struggle with basic childhood activities such as riding bicycles. Children with DCD tend to have limited or no athletic ability, are more sedentary and therefore more prone to obesity. They also are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem. Read on...

  • Regional autism rates point to impact of awareness, training

  • Children's odds of getting an autism diagnosis depend on where they live in the United States, according to a new study1. The variation persists after controlling for a family's socioeconomic status and certain environmental factors, suggesting that it reflects differences in access to medical care.

    "It is perhaps more likely that aspects of getting diagnoses and care may be stronger drivers of the patterns we saw," says Marc Weisskopf, professor of epidemiology at Harvard University.

    Children born in New England and Indiana have relatively high odds of receiving an autism diagnosis, whereas those living in the southeastern U.S. have low odds. Read on...

  • 7 Tips for Including Kids with Autism in Family Events
  • There are parents and in-laws who knock themselves out to understand autism and make life easier and pleasanter for their children and grandchildren on the spectrum. There are sisters and brothers who fully understand that life with autism can be complex and difficult -- and who cheerfully offer babysitting, respite care, and genuine support.

    Then, there are those extended families who are ... not "all that."

    It's not hard to understand why extended family might have a difficult time with autism, especially if they've never experienced it before. For example -- Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • 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 helenfaeg@gmail.com



    Seeking IHSS caregiver for my female teen in SDSU neighborhood for weekday mornings. Please call Lisa 619-890-2652 or email lwsandiego@hotmail.com.



    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 PDMSEA@gmail.com. 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: PDMSEA@gmail.com



    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 c_valladolid@hotmail.com.



    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. Pcwizardsd@yahoo.com.



    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? cynthiaquince@sbcglobal.net



    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? c_valladolid@hotmail.com



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

  • Camp Let Loose Registration Now Open!!!
  • Our week-long day camp program that is open for registration: www.FriendshipCircleSD.org/Camp. 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 me directly. Maxime@FriendshipCircleSD.org

  • Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together
  • aefct

    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

    AEFCT
    3954 Murphy Canyon Rd., Suite D105
    San Diego, CA 92123
    858-569-0056
    http://aefct.com

  • Five Imaginative Ways to Make Indoor Play Exciting
  • Summer is here and being outdoors is on everybody's mind, but what if you cannot get outside? Some summer days have dangerous heat indexes, and many kids with disabilities are especially at risk in high temperatures. Thunderstorms may be particularly unsettling to kids with sensory issues, and unbearable humidity is no fun for anyone. You may wind up inside for a rainy day, or your child may be feeling a little under the weather (no pun intended).

    On days like these, you'll have to get creative to make indoor play as exciting as outdoor. Fortunately, the possibilities are endless when you and your child use your imagination to create a world of your very own, right inside your home. Read on...

  • The Alternative, Safe and Effective Therapy Option!!!
  • 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

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

  • Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese!
  • San Diego County Chuck E. Cheese's are offering Sensory Sensitive Sunday's on the first Sunday of each month from 9-11 AM:

    Oceanside- 2481 Vista Way, 92054
    San Diego - 3146 Sports Arena Blvd., 92110
    San Diego - 9840 Hibert Street, 92131

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

  • Summer Specials from We Rock the Spectrum San Diego
  • We Rock the Spectrum San Diego provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. Our activities, programs and retail location "The Rock Shop" make it possible for us to provide social and physical opportunities through state funded programs. As a result WRTS is an amazing example of how we can help all children grow and develop by providing an all inclusive environment.

    We Rock the Spectrum San Diego provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Our unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development. Our activities, programs and retail location "The Rock Shop" make it possible for us to provide social and physical opportunities through state funded programs. As a result WRTS is an amazing example of how we can help all children grow and develop by providing an all inclusive environment.
    http://www.werockthespectrumsandiegocmr.com

  • NFAR Mom's Group - July 19, 2017
  • Wednesday, July 19, 2017
    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! These meetings are for Moms to come together in a fun and relaxed setting. The group will meet the 3rd Thursday of the month for dinner and guest speakers. It's an opportunity to share resources, experiences and enjoy being with other moms of individuals with autism.

    July Topic: Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT)
    What happens when your teen or young adult with autism is out in the community and there's a concern? If the police are contacted, that's when PERT steps in. Come find out more!

    The Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT) consist of specially trained officers and deputies who are paired with licensed mental health professionals. Together, they respond on-scene to situations involving people who are experiencing a mental health related crisis and have come to the attention of law enforcement. The goal is to provide the most appropriate resolution to the crisis and least restrictive level of care. For more information PERT.

    Guest Speaker: Lt. Carole Beason and Marla Kingkade
    Marla Kingkade is a Law Enforcement and Community Liaison for PERT and the Community Research Foundation. She has been with PERT since 1996. PERT currently provides forty-one clinicians to eleven law enforcement jurisdictions. In July 2017, PERT will receive an additional ten clinicians.

    Lieutenant Carole Beason has been a member of SDPD for over 21 years. She is currently assigned to the Homeless Outreach Team, and serves as the mental health liaison for the police department.

    To RSVP

  • No. County Mom's Group - July 20, 2017
  • Thursday, July 20, 2017
    6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant
    3510 Valley Centre Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92130


    Dinner: Mexican Food (GF available)
    Dinner is provided

    Join us for the NFAR Mom's Group! It's an evening for Moms to come together in a fun and relaxed setting. The group will meet the 3rd Thursday of the month for dinner and guest speakers. It's an opportunity to share resources, experiences and enjoy being with other moms of individuals with autism.

    July Topic: Increasing your child's independence using TEACCH strategies
    Jan will discuss how to use visual strategies to increase a child's everyday independence in areas such as with academics (homework), social, and leisure skills, as well as functional activities of daily living.

    Guest Speaker: Jan Dalby, OTR/L and Co-Director of K.I.D.S. Therapy Associates Inc.
    Jan's specialty area is treating children and adolescents with Autism and sensory integrative disorders in the clinic, home, and school setting. She received her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California in 1977, and received her SCSIT Certification in 1980. Jan is a Certified TEACCH Practitioner, and has extensive experience in how to assist teachers and families with using visual structures to increase functional and academic independence in the school and home environments. For more information about KIDS Therapy Associates.

    To RSVP

  • Inclusion Baseball League Sign-Ups Now Registering! Space is limited!
  • Include Autism's Inclusion Baseball League provides a fun and exciting baseball experience to youth who are diagnosed with autism, offering teams matched with peer pal volunteers from all over San Diego county. The goal of this sports inclusion program is to serve as a social bridge between kids and teens with a developmental disability and their typically developing peers. On the second Saturday of the month, September through June, teams of kids and teens with a developmental disability are paired up with local youth baseball players to promote a fun athletic experience for both the kids with autism, ages 8 - 22 (players do not have to be Community Coaching program participants) and young athletes in the community. Registration is $75 for the season.

    Also currently seeking sponsors. To register or sponsor, please contact Coach Johnny at 858.603.7344 or email JohnnyG@IncludeAutism.org.
    https://includeautism.org/inclusion-baseball-league/

  • Jeremiah's Ranch July Newsletter
  • jr

    Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info!!!

  • Parents and Children Needed for Student Research
  • My name is Shamayne Brown and I am a doctoral student at Alliant International University. This study is examining the attention abilities of kids with ASD and their parents. I am recruiting families with a child with ASD as well as families with typically developing children.

    We are looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who have a diagnosis of ASD and their biological parents - both mother and father need to participate. We are also looking for boys, ages 8 to 16 years old, who are typically developing and both of their biological parents to serve as a control group.

    If you and your family are eligible for participation, you will be asked to come to a lab at the Neuroscience Institute at Alliant International University. You and your child's other parent will be asked to complete consent forms and questionnaires about your own behaviors; this should take you each about 25 minutes. You will also be given questionnaires about your child's behaviors. Only one parent needs to fill out these questionnaires and should take about 25 minutes complete. You, your child, and your child's other parent will complete a cognitive test, which will take about 30 minutes. Each of you will then play some games on a computer. This will take each person about 30 minutes. Your child's participation will take approximately one hour. Your participation and that of your child's other parent will take approximately one and a half to two hours.

    After your child completes his tasks, he will receive a $20 cash gift as an appreciation for his participation. Once you and your child's other parent have completed all tasks, you will each receive a $10 gift card as a token of appreciation for your participation. For further information, please contact Shamayne Brown at sbrown7@alliant.edu or 619-416-1799. Thank you for your time.

    *Approved by Alliant IRB
    IRB #1604025150

  • New Leaf Supportive Services, Inc.
  • The State Council on Developmental Disabilities San Diego-Imperial Office
    presents
    New Leaf Supportive Services, Inc.

    Join us for an informative training about:

    • Social Security and & SSI:  The Basics
    • Working While on Benefits: SGA, IRWEs, Subsidies
    • Medi-Cal: The Basics
    • Resource limits & options:  ABLE & Pre-need Burial (Special Guest: Allison Grove, Special Considerations)
    Target audience - anyone receiving Social Security or SSI benefits, families, care providers, job coaches, independent living support professionals, representative payees, and anyone else in the disability community.

    Where: SCDD Office - 8880 Rio San Diego Dr. Suite 325
    When: July 28, 2017
    Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    RSVP: 619.688-3323

  • Conference: Love and Autism - Registration Now Open!!!
  • Click here for all the info and to register!!!

  • 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:
    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.

  • 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!!!

  • Jeremy's Vision


  • Jeremy's Vision: Local San Diego resident, Jeremy Sicile-Kira, is an intuitive artist and paints colorful abstract portraits of people. Jeremy has synesthesia: he sees people's emotions in color. In August 2012, he began to paint in real life the portraits he was painting in his dreams. Now, Jeremy meets people in person or online, 'reads' their colors and then paints their portrait. Jeremy has his own art studio in downtown San Diego at Space4Art and recently had his first curated solo art show. For more information, visit http://www.jeremysvision.com.

    Jeremy also is the coauthor of A Full Life with Autism ( https://www.amazon.com/Full-Life-Autism-Relationships-Independence/dp/0230112463) about preparing for the transition to adult life.

  • Reset Fitness with Pam Bundy


  • I started off my career as a legal secretary then moved on to be a legal assistant, with the ultimate goal of becoming an attorney. After two of my boys were diagnosed on the autism spectrum 23 years ago, I came to the realization that I needed to be in a less negative environment. What I really wanted to do was to help people which puts me where I am today.

    I am a certified Stott Pilates Full Level One Instructor and ACE Certified Personal Trainer with 20 years of experience working with very large facets of the population. I also hold certifications as a Nutrition Coach, Parkinson's Wellness Recovery trainer, and Bosu Master Trainer. I am currently working on my ACE Behavior Specialist and Group Fitness Instructor certifications. My specialties include back rehabilitation, weight loss and toning, menopause management, Parkinson's clients, and bodybuilding. I have had several life experiences that has helped shape me to become a fitness coach who understands life's challenges, and I excel in helping people overcome obstacles to reach their health and fitness goals. Click here to visit my FB page and please contact me for more info!!!

  • Lisa Hawley-Jennings, Massage Therapist/Holistic Health Practitioner


  • Lisa Hawley-Jennings, Massage Therapist/Holistic Health Practitioner of 28 years, offers compassionate, experienced massage in her home office in Encinitas or in your home (within reasonable distance). As a mother of a 28 year old autistic son, Lisa carries a special place in her heart for working with caregivers and parents of special needs children. Please call or text Lisa at 760-212-2109.

  • Discounted Photo Services For Special Needs Families


  • As the parent of a child with ASD, I know how challenging a photo session can be. In an effort to pay it forward for the hardest working people I know, I am offering discounted rates for special needs families all year long. You will receive a 33% discount on all photo services, and a promise to be as creative and patient as possible, in order to get you the beautiful family photos or child portraits you deserve! Photo samples and standard rates are on my new Facebook page www.facebook.com/StefGPhotography. Openings fill up fast, so if you are interested in a photo session or event any time in the next 6 months, please email now to be added to the calendar Stefwinter19@gmail.com.

     
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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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