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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. July 24, 2018

In This Issue

Autism Life Skills: What Do We Need to Teach?

Few Low-Income Children Get Mental Health Care in California, Despite Need

Spectrum presents 'Flying University: Women on the autism spectrum'

National Coalition, United For Communication Choice Oppose ASHA's Attempts to Restrict Communication Choice

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

FDA Approved Therapy for Anxiety!

Sensory Friendly Movies for our Military Families

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

Compass Academy Open House and Information Session

No Wait for RDI!!!

Rosh Hashanah Picnic

FB Live: Adventures in Autism 2

Gear Up for the New School Year - Preparation is Key!

Jungle Poppins' Album Release Party w/ Corey Leal & Ryan Hiller

Community Transition Academy now accepting students for the 2018-19 school year

All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair

Autism Family Morning at Aquarium of the Pacific

Conference: Love & Autism - Early Bird Pricing Ends August 15th!

Accepting Applications for NFAR Tech's October Program


 




  • Autism Life Skills: What Do We Need to Teach?
  • Adults with autism have advice to offer on what children need to learn.

    When our daughter Rebecca was young, she became more and more independent as the years flew by. Now a young adult, she is living in Seattle, has a job, is in love and is surrounded by good friends. This is the same kind of life our autistic son, Jeremy, dreams of. We have done our best to prepare both our children to live fulfilling and productive lives to the best of their abilities.

    Those who have seen Jeremy's high school graduation commencement speech video, will remember how grateful he was for all he learned at school. They will also remember his wish that he had made more friends. Sadly, creating and sustaining friendships are probably one of the hardest aspects of autism for Jeremy. Read on...

  • Few Low-Income Children Get Mental Health Care in California, Despite Need
  • Adela Carranco was just 11 years old when her mother discovered she was planning to kill herself.

    Her suicidal intentions were tapped out in cold detail on her cell phone, from options for ending her life-take pills, get run over, or slit her wrists-to notes saying goodbye to loved ones.

    For years, Adela's mom, Olga Maldonado, had wondered if her daughter was in some kind of distress. Starting when she was a baby, she'd panic anytime she was left alone. And once she hit puberty, Adela became routinely aggressive and withdrawn. But each time Maldonado voiced her concerns to a doctor, they were dismissed, she said.

    Then Maldonado started noticing deep gashes on Adela's wrists. She searched her daughter's phone and found the suicide plans. A visit to a crisis center and later a therapist produced a diagnosis: depression and psychosis. Read on...

  • Spectrum presents 'Flying University: Women on the autism spectrum'
  • Most autism research - and, by extension, most stories about autism - focuses on men and their experiences. To shine a spotlight on women with autism, on 28 March, Spectrum teamed up with the science-storytelling venue Caveat in New York City. Three autistic women talked about their experiences dating, looking for jobs and the particular challenges that racial minorities with the condition can face.

    Lindsey Nebeker spoke about negotiating love and romance on the spectrum. Sara Luterman told heart-rending stories about the problems she and other autistic adults face when trying to find - and keep - a job. She also weighed the pros and cons of disclosing an autism diagnosis during a job interview. Finally, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu explored the complications race and ethnicity can layer on top of an autism diagnosis. Read on...

  • National Coalition, United For Communication Choice Oppose ASHA's Attempts to Restrict Communication Choice
  • 23 organizations call on ASHA to withdraw misguided recommendations on RPM and FC

    A diverse coalition of 23 civil and disability rights organizations has called on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to withdraw two proposed position statements that recommend against the further use of methodologies known as Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) and Facilitated Communication (FC). These innovative methods teach individuals with speech-related disabilities how to communicate independently by typing and pointing to letters on letterboards.

    In a letter to the ASHA Board of Directors, the coalition argued, "If ASHA decides to finalize and place its imprimatur on the position statements, the consequences will almost certainly lead to civil rights violations. ASHA's reputation as a credible and mainstream credentialing organization that supports the rights of individuals with disabilities would be threatened." Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • I'm looking for an ophthalmologist who has experience with young adults with autism. [email protected]



    My son is 13 and has a horrible time getting his hair cut. I do my best at home, but it's a struggle. I'm hoping to find someone with experience in cutting hair for autistic teens. Thank you. Laurena [email protected]



    I wanted to put the word out about Sari Kuperstein, a really fantastic ABA therapist / behavior specialist. She is extremely energetic, loving but firm, patient, has tons of great ideas. She used to work for a school district and has many years of experience.

    She is not presently a vendor for the regional center. We have been employing her several days per week for my severely autistic adult sister, who is now in a day program, so Sari has most days available. Her fees are quite reasonable.

    She can be reached at (754) 215-2219 (texting is best) or [email protected]



    We have several families (North County Inland) in our parent support group who are looking for day programs, or other providers, for young adults on the spectrum with challenging behaviors. The adults are around age 22 and have been classified as ASD with IDD as a secondary condition. We hope to find providers who are willing to take them out into the community fairly regularly and have ABA or similar background experience--or at least have the needed attitude and people skills! All suggestions considered! --- Thank you! [email protected]



    Looking for a female caregiver for my adult daughter with high functioning autism. 14.5 hours per week. $10.72/hr (county min. Wage). Payment is through the county IHSS program. Light housekeeping, laundry, assist with food shopping, meal prep and medication refills/adherence. Must have reliable transportation, good DMV record, proof of insurance and background check. No drinking or other substance abuse. SDSU area.
    Thank you so much!
    Debra Berl [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.

  • FDA Approved Therapy for Anxiety!
  • Safer Than Prescription Medication for Anxiety and ADHD/ADD and the Effects are Permanent!!!

    Microcurrent 4 Kids is San Diego's premiere pediatric microcurrent therapy program for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our program is the BEST therapy for Autism & 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.

    Microcurrent 4 Kids
    4540 Kearny Villa Road, Ste. 211
    San Diego, CA 92123
    (858) 367-9108
    [email protected]
    http://www.microcurrent4kids.com

  • Sensory Friendly Movies for our Military Families
  • For more info please contact Camille Favor, MPH at [email protected]
    http://www.mccsmcrd.com/exceptional-family-member-program/

  • 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. The Cortica Care Model

    • Neurophysiology
    • Family and Home
    • Biochemistry
    • Cognition and Behavior
    • Sensorimotor
    • Communication
    Integrated Therapists with specialized expertise collaborate to understand and treat the whole child.

    Personalized Your customized program will focus on what your child's developing brain needs most to gain new abilities.

    Proven The Cortica Care Model is based on a proven methodology that gives you confidence you're doing the right thing.

    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
    also
    16800 Aston, Suite 175
    Irvine, CA 92606
    949-748-8571
    http://www.corticacare.com

  • Compass Academy Open House and Information Session
  • banyon tree

    Need Help Navigating
    Your Child's Education?
    Thursday, July 26, 6 - 8 PM
    Saturday, July 28, 11 AM - 1 PM


    If your child does not fit a traditional school environment and you are looking for a better option, please join us for our

    Back to School Open House and Information Meeting!
    at 2820 Roosevelt Rd. Suite 104
    San Diego, CA 92106

    Learn about the specially designed programs we have developed to meet the individual needs of each student, grades 2-8, who attends Compass Academy.

    Enrollment fees are waived for attending one of these sessions! RSVP here for this event!!!

    https://banyantlc.org/compass-academy/

  • 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!!!

    The Family Guidance and Therapy Center
    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

  • Rosh Hashanah Picnic
  • Hosted by Friendship Circle of San Diego
    Sunday, August 26 at 4 PM - 6 PM
    Torrey Hills Park
    4260 Calle Mejillones, San Diego, California 92130


    You're invited!
    Join FC at our annual welcome back Rosh Hashanah Picnic! Enjoy all you can eat BBQ and meet new friends! Entertainment provided. $5 per person or $18 per family (4+) online. Price doubles at the door.

    RSVP: www.FriendshipCircleSD.org/events
    All ages and backgrounds welcome!

  • FB Live: Adventures in Autism 2
  • Hosted by Sanford Autism Consulting
    Thursday, July 26 at 11:30 AM - 12 PM


    Are you a fellow parent of a child with Autism? Do you have unanswered questions? Not sure what to expect as your child gets older? Join us live as we discuss some of your biggest questions.

    This will be an interactive and lively discussion about the strengths and challenges for individuals and families impacted by Autism. Feel free to view and comment live or via the replay. Come with questions, leave empowered!

    Our guests are experts who live the Autism experience every day. Crystal Sanford is a Speech Pathologist, Autism consultant and mom to an amazing 7-year old with Autism. Kanika McDougall is a successful business woman and mom to two thriving teens with Autism. Kanika also has experience navigating the parenting journey as a single parent and has many tips to share.

    Let's chat and learn together through this amazing show! Click here for all the info!!!

  • Gear Up for the New School Year - Preparation is Key!
  • Thursday, August 2 at 7 PM - 9 PM
    Hera Hub Mission Valley
    8885 Rio San Diego Drive #237, San Diego, California 92108


    The new school year is just around the corner! Join us for information on how to be organized, prepared & become your child's best advocate during the IEP process! This event is free, however, seats are limited to the first 75 parents or guardians who register on Eventbrite: www.sdIEPprep.eventbrite.com

    http://www.northcountyadvocacy.com

  • Jungle Poppins' Album Release Party w/ Corey Leal & Ryan Hiller
  • Tuesday, July 31 at 8 PM - 11 PM
    Belly Up
    143 S Cedros Ave Ste T, Solana Beach, California 92075

    Tickets
    bellyupsolanabeach.frontgatetickets.com


    Ages: 21+

    Jungle Poppins: Jungle Poppins is an animated troupe performing your favorite movie soundtracks and quirky originals. Anything but average, they prove music upstages autism as they move your head, heart, hands and feet.

    Corey Leal Duo: Catching the spirit of pioneering roots artists like the Byrds, Gram Parsons and the Band, Southern California revivalists Wish and the Well released their award-winning debut, Darling, Darling, in January, 2017. Guitarist and principal songwriter Corey Leal, draws deeply from a wide spectrum of influences, ranging from Son House to Sam Cooke to Hank Williams, synthesizing these timeless styles into a sound that pays homage to the past while bringing it squarely into the here and now. Corey will be joined by his fellow band mate and Wish and the Well's lead guitar player, Steven Crowle on mandolin. The duo create a back home feel with kin like harmonies while convening the sparse, elegant song structures of Americana.

  • Community Transition Academy now accepting students for the 2018-19 school year
  • Community Transition Academy (CTA) of Include Autism, our Transition NPS is accepting a limited amount of students, 11th grade through transition age, with moderate to severe disabilities. CTA is a community-based program located in the heart of the centrally located Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego.

    The school day at CTA will balance classroom learning, with hands-on community experiences led by highly skilled staff trained in ABA techniques and supports. Our academic focus is enhanced with vocational, life-science, social skill, and inclusive post-school community opportunities that tie into the classroom lesson plans. Enrollment is very limited to keep the class size very small affording our staff the opportunity to personalize each student's educational transition program. The CTA Team upholds the philosophy that every student at CTA is entitled to the support necessary to maximize his/her potential as an active adult in the greater community with the least possible restrictions and most possible chosen opportunities. With roots in the community, our students flourish!

    We wish to invite you to call us at (858) 360-0282 for more information or to schedule a site visit. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
    http://www.communitytransitionacademy.org

  • All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair
  • Hosted by Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
    Tuesday, August 7 at 10 AM - 1 PM
    North Clairemont Recreation Center
    4421 Bannock Ave, San Diego, California 92117


    Free Event!
    Join us for an All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair on Aug. 7th from 10am-1pm at the North Clairemont Recreation Center 4421 Bannock Ave. 92117.

    Celebrate the last days of summer with friends and gather informative resources for your children.

    Kids will enjoy a variety of activity stations like the Flying Super Hero Photo Booth and the Wheelchair Awareness Course, play games, win prizes and more. Parents can stop by the resource booths to gather information and ask questions from local program and service providers. Click here for all the info!!!

  • Autism Family Morning at Aquarium of the Pacific
  • Saturday, August 18, 2018 | 7:00 AM-9:00 AM
    Aquarium of the Pacific
    100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802


    Join us for a special morning exclusively for families with children or adults with autism.

    The entire Aquarium, except Lorikeet Forest, will open at 7:00 a.m. This will be a morning when guests can enjoy the tranquility of our exhibits and meet 11,000 animals from the world's largest ocean. Admission is just $7 per person. Members and children under 3 are free. Autism Family Morning guests may continue to enjoy the Aquarium after we open to the public at 9:00 a.m.

    Tickets are $7 per person and you can purchase them here!!!

  • Conference: Love & Autism - Early Bird Pricing Ends August 15th!
  • October 13-14th, 2018
    9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Liberty Station Conference Center, San Diego, CA


    We value neurodivergent leaders and reject the pathology paradigm because the development of healthy autistic identities matters. Allowing love to lead us, we create powerful change in the world. Don't settle for the status quo, trust your heart. This is Love & Autism

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

  • Accepting Applications for NFAR Tech's October Program
  • Are you ready to work but not finding that opportunity? Are you sitting at home despite a college degree? Then NFAR's vocational technical training program might be the right choice for you!

    NFAR Tech will be starting a new class in October.

    NFAR Tech is a comprehensive hands-on training programs that teaches technical and employment skills. It prepares young adults with autism for entry level jobs in today's workplace as software testers and other vocations.

    If you are interested in learning more, visit our website, and/ or contact us at 858-679-8800 if you have any questions.

  • 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 [email protected] 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!!!

     
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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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