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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. July 22, 2017

In This Issue

Study: Diet not connected to GI problems in children with autism

Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD

Autism: Which children respond to oxytocin treatment?

Standard scale identifies anxiety in children with autism

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Birdies and Barrels, Inclusion Baseball League, CC Social Club, and more!

Cortica: Advanced Neurological Therapies for Autism

Summer Therapeutic Art Camp

Looking for a Holistic Approach to Therapy?

How to Organize Your Child's IEP Binder

No Wait for RDI!!!

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

San Diego Special Needs Law Center & Info on the ABLE Act

3rd Annual Padres Fundraiser

Your July Updates from MySpecialNeedsConnection!

Xcite Steps is now offering The Autism Connection

"..you're the greatest singer in the world."

Parents' Night out Saturday, July 29th 6pm-9pm


 


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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  • Study: Diet not connected to GI problems in children with autism

  • Stress - not nutrition - likely cause of increased GI issues.

    Many children with autism spectrum disorder experience significant gastrointestinal issues, but the cause of these symptoms is unknown. Professionals in the medical community have suggested a potential link between diet and gastrointestinal issues related to autism. Now, researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have found that diet is not a contributing factor in these individuals. The researchers hope the findings could help lead to improved treatment options.

    "Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for those with autism to experience constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal issues," said Brad Ferguson, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Radiology at the MU School of Medicine and the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. "We sought to find out whether nutritional intake in their individual diets was associated with gastrointestinal issues. Based on our findings, dietary intake does not appear to be the culprit for these issues, and other factors are likely at play." Read on...

  • Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD
  • It's a common assumption, but there are other causes that are easily overlooked

    Problems with attention are often first identified by a teacher who notices that a student seems more easily distracted than most other kids his age.

    Maybe the child takes an unusually long time to finish schoolwork in class. Maybe when the teacher calls on him, he doesn't seem to have been following the lesson. Maybe he seems to tune out when instructions are given, or forget what he's supposed to be doing. Maybe homework assignments often go missing.

    While all children, especially those who are very young, tend to have shorter attention spans and be more distractible than adults, some have much more trouble focusing and staying on task than others. Read on...

  • Autism: Which children respond to oxytocin treatment?

  • Oxytocin treatment has been proven efficient in improving the social behavior of some children with autism, studies have found. A new clinical trial investigates which children will respond best to this treatment and why.

    Autism is a developmental disability that often leads to struggles in communication, reduced empathy, and social inadaptability to a greater or lesser degree.

    Specialists can diagnose the disorder before a child turns 2 years old, but autism can sometimes go undetected for much longer; the symptoms are very diverse. Different children show varying combinations of symptoms, and these can include anything from communication impairments and tics to fixations.

    There is no cure for this disorder, but there are treatments aimed at improving its symptoms in time, and these depend on the needs of each diagnosed individual. Specialists have conducted clinical trials to test for the efficiency of new drugs and prevention methods. Read on...

  • Standard scale identifies anxiety in children with autism

  • A widely used questionnaire designed to measure anxiety flags the condition in children with autism, two studies suggest1,2.

    The test, called the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, is established for use in typical children. Its 38 questions assess six types of anxiety: generalized anxiety; panic and a fear of open spaces; fear of physical injury and specific phobias; social anxiety; obsessive-compulsive disorder; and separation anxiety.

    Roughly 40 percent of children with autism have anxiety, compared with about 25 percent of typical children3. Yet anxiety is notoriously challenging to diagnose in children with autism, as it can manifest differently than in typical children. Certain autism features, such as social difficulties, can also masquerade as anxiety. Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • 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



    I am a mother to an 11 yr old boy diagnose with Moderate Autism, ADHD and severe speech delay. I was able to move him from Chula Vista School district where he was not receiving the best of services in anyway, to a Charter School close to the exit at Market st coming out of FWY 15. I was wondering if anyone could give me information of a young, responsable adult who could baby sit and transport my child from his new school to home at eastlake. And some days stay with him for a few hrs until I got back from work around 5pm. I will pay for miles and obviously for the care at home. Preferably a person with knowledge of ASD behaviors and techniques to work with them. Claudia peralta_claudia@hotmail.com



    We are looking to find friends for our 12-year old son Robbie, who is high functioning ASD.
    He is quite isolated and would love to develop relationships with other kids. Among other things, Robbie loves reading; computer games; shooting hoops and soccer.
    We live in Tierra Santa with 2 dogs.
    Kate heathkate44@yahoo.com



    Hi! My name is Rosalyn. I am a highly experienced and exceptional house cleaner with a genuine personal touch. I am looking to find a monthly or bi-monthly house cleaning job for a family in need of these services in the North County Area. If you are interested please email me at mullinsroz@gmail.com or call me anytime 209 241 9489.



    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.

  • Birdies and Barrels, Inclusion Baseball League, CC Social Club, and more!

  • Get involved with Birdies and Barrels, the CC Social Club, and our Inclusion Baseball League!

  • Cortica: Advanced Neurological Therapies for Autism
  • Founded in neuroscience.
    Driven by compassion.


    Cortica's aim is to bring to families everywhere the most effective therapies for the treatment of autism. Harnessing insights and technologies from emerging neuroscience, Cortica brings together clinical specialists from a range of disciplines to design and deliver comprehensive care to children with autism and their families.

    Cortica's treatment model coordinates a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians with the common goals of fostering the child's holistic development and empowering family members. An "inside out" component focuses on improving the health of the body through medical diagnosis and treatment, nutrition, supplements, neurofeedback, and other strategies. Simultaneously, an "outside in" component optimizes the environment, learning opportunities, and overall experiences of the child through speech and language therapy, neurological music therapy, occupational therapy, a progressive model of Applied Behavioral Analysis, and parent education.

    More than simply bringing these services under one roof, specialists at Cortica collaborate to achieve a common understanding of each patient, develop individually tailored treatment plans, and coordinate care that evolves to match the child's progress. At our flagship center in San Diego, we have partnered with hundreds of families to achieve lasting, transformative results for their children.

    While this site is under construction, learn more by visiting our legacy website at gohmd.com

    Seek our care
    Those seeking care for their families are welcome to call our office at 858-304-6440.

    Join our team
    Those interested in joining our team should contact Walt Cooper, Cortica's talent scout, at wcooper@gohmd.com.

    Practice Location
    SORRENTO VALLEY
    7090 Miratech Drive
    San Diego, CA 92121

  • Summer Therapeutic Art Camp
  • Summer Camp Theme: Passport to Europe

    Color, Construct, Create Studios is once again offering a Summer Therapeutic Art Camp -- perfect for those children who love art but would benefit from fine and gross motor skill development. This class will incorporate a "whole body" approach to handwriting, drawing, and art projects galore. Following each day's theme, each participant will start with gross motor warm ups (to promote postural control and core strengthening), arm/hand activities (to prepare for writing and drawing), and thematic activities that will include handwriting, fine art, crafts, and more.

    As in our weekly classes, Therapeutic Art Camp is a fun, therapeutic, and skill-enhancing group art class designed for school-age children with and without special needs. It is specifically designed for children enrolling in Pre-K through 5th grade. There will be a 6:1 student to teacher ratio.

    If you have questions whether your child would be a good fit for this class, please don't hesitate to contact Kristin Cockrell or Kelly Marshall at info@colorconstructcreate.com.

    Space is limited and Pre-Registration is REQUIRED!

  • Looking for a Holistic Approach to Therapy?
  • - Therapeutic Approach to Growth (TAG) believes that every individual is unique and has the potential for significant growth.

    - TAG offers the development and implementation of individualized comprehensive programs.

    - Our programs are influenced by a developmental model called Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®), which foster competency and trust as well as social, emotional, cognitive, and academic growth, and is based on a guided participation model.

    - Therapies offered: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, RDI®, Art Therapy, and Academic Support.

    Therapeutic Approach to Growth
    9466 Black Mountain Road, Suite 100
    San Diego, CA 92126
    and
    5411 Avenida Encinas, Suite 110
    Carlsbad, CA 92008

    www.tagforgrowth.com
    admin@tagforgrowth.com
    858.689.2027

  • How to Organize Your Child's IEP Binder
  • Making an IEP binder is a great way to keep information organized and at the ready when you need it. An IEP binder can help you prepare for IEP meetings and stay up to date on your child's progress. This powerful tool can also help you communicate and collaborate with teachers and your child's IEP team. Here's what you need to get started:

    --A three-ring binder
    --Six tabbed section dividers
    --A three-hole punch

    Organizing an IEP binder with your child's evaluation reports, IEP, report cards and other paperwork may sound like a lot of work. But this guide walks you through what to gather and where to put it. Click here for all the info!!!

  • No Wait for RDI!!!
  • 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!

    The Family Guidance and Therapy Center of Southern California
    3575 Kenyon St, Ste 102
    San Diego, California, CA 92110
    (619) 600-0683

  • Conference: Love and Autism - Registration Now Open!!!
  • Love & Autism: A Conference with Heart held annually in San Diego, focuses on relationships - bridges lived experience, clinical practice & research.
    Click here for all the info and to register!!!

  • San Diego Special Needs Law Center & Info on the ABLE Act
  • If you have a family member with a disability, you want to assure they have the best possible care and quality of life, both now and later when you are no longer able to be the advocate you are today. If you are a person with a disability, you want to be able to qualify for the benefits and programs you need to achieve as much independence as possible. At San Diego Special Needs Law Center, it is our mission to make sure you have all the support and tools in place to achieve these goals.

    We have over 30 years experience in Special Needs Law and our community, working in the following practice areas:

    • Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning for Families Developmental Disablilities
    • Special Needs Trusts and Estate Planning for Families Developmental Disablilities
    • Public Benefits Planning
    • Care Advocacy
    • Preservation of Benefits Eligibility in Litigation Settlement or Inheritance Scenarios
    • Life Care Planning
    We also enjoy our relationships with various advocacy groups and the disability community. It is through the interaction with our clients and these groups that we continue to learn and grow, and better serve our client's needs.

    Our Senior attorney, Phil Lindsley, is both a Certified Special Needs Law Attorney and a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate (State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization). He has been serving families and individuals with disabilities for over 30 years.

    To learn more about us, click HERE

    Click here to learn all about the ABLE Act!!!

  • 3rd Annual Padres Fundraiser
  • We wanted to invite everyone to our 3rd Annual Padres Fundraiser. All proceeds benefit Therapeutic Recreation Services and help fund recreational programs for people with disabilities. The price includes 1 ticket for the game and all you can eat and drink! If you are unable to attend please help us by spreading the word. Thank you and we hope to see you soon. www.sdrecconnect.com Code: 39650

  • Your July Updates from MySpecialNeedsConnection!
  • In this month's newsletter learn about upcoming events in your area, and new featured resources!

  • Xcite Steps is now offering The Autism Connection
  • Xcite Steps is now offering The Autism Connection, a group therapy program for young adults on the Autism Spectrum!

    The Autism Connection combines the mindfulness practice of Yoga and empirically-based group therapy models to engage individuals to start making positive changes in their life.

    The Autism Connection meets on Monday from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Mission Bay Park, for a therapeutic evening of yoga and group therapy at the beach!

    Registration is required prior to attending. For more information or to register, contact Xcite Steps at 858-428-0222. http://www.xcitesteps.com

  • "..you're the greatest singer in the world."
  • Tune in to Reid's latest Talk Time interview with stage star Paul Eddy who is playing Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story this summer on the Horton Grand stage downtown and New Village Arts in Carlsbad. Reid's creative arts program connects him with the San Diego theater community in some unique ways. His mentors and support staff are singers, actors, and creatives talented in their own right. Paul Eddy and Reid composed a riff of Buddy Holly's Everyday to perform at the New Village Arts Theater fundraising gala. Their instant chemistry (and Paul's innate talent as a teacher) made for a fast friendship.

    To hear all the Talk Time with Reid Moriarty podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRDSxH44GLRtXSBP71u3gAg For more information: http://bit.ly/2tNfKwA

  • Parents' Night out Saturday, July 29th 6pm-9pm
  • Enjoy a date night or some alone time on a Saturday evening. Must reserve in advance. Call us to register at 858-798-5353. http://www.werockthespectrumsandiegocmr.com

  • 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:
    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


  • I have a paintbrush, a keyboard and autism. Jeremy's Vision is my view of the world expressed through my painting, writing, and advocacy.

    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.

  • Join Our Study! Video Games to Train Attention and Eye Movement

  • Join our study at 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. Click here to view the brochure!!!

  • 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

     
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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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