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| What baby siblings can teach us about autism |
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Studies of infants at risk for autism have not yielded a test to predict who will eventually be diagnosed. But they have transformed our understanding of the condition.
n October 2010, Lisa and Eugene Jeffers learned that their daughter Jade, then nearly 2 and a half years old, has autism. The diagnosis felt like a double whammy. The parents were soon engulfed by stress from juggling Jade's new therapy appointments and wrangling with their health insurance provider, but they now had an infant son to worry about, too. Autism runs in families. Would Bradley follow in his big sister's footsteps?
"We were on high alert," Lisa Jeffers says. "There were times I would call his name, and he wouldn't look." She says she couldn't help but think: Is it because he's busy playing or because he has autism?
In search of guidance, the parents signed Bradley up for a three-year study at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) MIND Institute, a half-hour drive from their home near Sacramento. Researchers there wanted answers to some of the same questions the couple had: What are the odds that infants like Bradley - younger brothers or sisters of a child with autism - will be on the spectrum too? Could experts detect autism in these babies early on, so that they might benefit from early intervention? Read on... |
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| How is the Female Autsim Brain Different? |
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Males are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than females, but the reason why is unclear. A few years ago, a genetics study showed that females with ASD have a higher number of genetic mutations than males.1 This finding led to the "female protective effect" hypothesis, which says that girls must have a higher number of genetic mutations in order to be diagnosed with autism. This hypothesis led investigators to compare the brains of males and females for evidence of the protective effect.
Most genetic studies look at DNA or RNA from saliva or blood. Because fewer females than males are diagnosed, fewer samples of female brain tissue are studied, and scientists understand less about females with autism. Through the resources of Autism BrainNet, Dr. Cyndi Schumann and colleagues were able to compare the brains of males and females.2 Schumann's project found a higher number of potentially harmful genetic mutations in females in a newly discovered form of genetic material called microRNA. Surprisingly, the mutations were not found in genes known to be involved in autism. Rather, they were found in genes related to immune system function.
These findings are consistent with other studies of the brains of males and females with ASD. For example, Donna Werling and Daniel Geschwind discovered that gene expression changes between males and females were not in identified autism risk genes.3 They were in genes that trim and shape neurons and control how they connect. The genes carry out these functions by regulating microglia--the major cell of the immune system in the brain. Read on... |
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| Schizophrenia in children: What you need to know |
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Childhood schizophrenia is a severe but rare mental illness that causes a child to interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia affects behaviors, emotions, and thinking.
The illness may result in the child hallucinating, becoming delusional, and having disordered thinking. All of these symptoms may significantly impair the child's ability to function.
There is no cure for schizophrenia. It requires lifelong treatment that may be difficult to administer at times, as individuals with schizophrenia often do not see themselves as being "ill."
Similarly to other illnesses, the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better the overall outlook is. Read on... |
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| Weak 'wiring' in infant brains augurs severe autism features |
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Babies who are later diagnosed with autism show aberrant connections between brain regions in their first year of life, according to a new study1. In particular, researchers found that nerve bundles in brain regions that process sound, vision and language seem to transfer information inefficiently.
The more inefficient these connections, the more severe the child's autism features are likely to be at age 2.
The results, published 1 August in Biological Psychiatry, add to a body of recent reports of signs of autism in the brains of infants. For example, in June scientists reported an unusual pattern of brain activity in 6-month-old babies later diagnosed with autism. Read on... |
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| Parents and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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I am looking for a 2-3 bedroom house (if possible), apartment or mobile home in North County for my sister, who is severely autistic and non-verbal, and will be in a supported living program (24-hour caretakers plus hopefully another similar roommate).
The ideal house would be:
--Anywhere in North County
--Somewhat isolated so neighbors are not disturbed by her occasional screaming
--Rustic or "fixer-upper" so we could fix up to our specifications and there would be less concern over possible damage
--One of the bedrooms large enough for 2 beds
--No carpet
--Not depressing - possessing some sort of charm
--Affordable (a relative term)
Thank you everyone! Just putting it out there in case anyone knows of such a house!
Daria 619-294-6577 (home), 619-788-2042 (cell) or [email protected]
My son is aging out of his school program (TERI - The Learning Academy) in May 2018, he will be 22, and I'd like to begin the search for an adult day program for him. Is there a list or directory that contains the programs available in north county ?
Thanks,
Maureen [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. |
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| Early Bird Registration Extended to August 24th!!! |
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Love & Autism: A Conference with Heart held annually in San Diego, focuses on relationships - bridges lived experience, clinical practice & research.
September 30 - October 1, 2017
Liberty Station Conference Center
2600 Laning Road
San Diego, CA 92106
https://www.loveandautism.com
SDRC Vendor Number PQ9571
Questions? Call 619-600-0683 or email [email protected] |
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| Family Fun at Kid Ventures! |
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NFAR is hosting a family play session at Kid Ventures in 4-S Ranch on Friday, Sept. 22 from 5-7pm.
Families of children with autism and their siblings (ages 2-8) are invited to join us for a fun filled early evening of structured activities, food and creative play. Kid Ventures' creative indoor play facility is designed to help nurture your child's imagination in a healthy & fun environment.
Registration is FREE, but pre-registration is REQUIRED. To register, please click here!!! |
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| Back to School Special Pricing at MicroCurrent 4 Kids!!! |
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SEND YOUR KID BACK TO SCHOOL READY TO LEARN!!!
10% Discount for New Clients -- Available to the first 10 clients to mention this ad!!!
Two Locations to Serve you!!! In Kearny Mesa and Encinitas!! Call for all the info!!!!
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!)
858 367-9108
[email protected]
http://www.microcurrent4kids.com |
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| Announcing the CC Social Club! |
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Include Autism's CC Social Club is a community-based, Saturday social skill and friendship development program for teens and young adults ages 13 - 17 and 18-29 that have challenges in the areas of social communication and relationship building as part of their developmental disability. The CC Social Club meets morning or afternoon on either two or four Saturdays a month in peer groups including typically developing peers. Our goal is to build the skills to maximize functional independence, enhance social inclusion opportunities, and build natural networks of support to live, work, and socialize as independently as one chooses.
To learn more please visit: https://includeautism.org/community-coaching-social-skills/ |
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| FREE Consultation: Back to School Changes |
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If you're interested in speaking with a therapist individually about back to school changes and challenges, you can register for a free 45 minute consultation with one of ABS's licensed clinicians (Dr. Nicole Young, PsyD, PSY25364; Christine Kukui Sutcliffe, MA, LMFT #93364).
RSVP: Call (909)689-4157 and speak with Anna
Alternative Behavior Strategies is conveniently located right off the freeway in Rancho Bernardo
11650 Iberia Place Ste. #130
San Diego, CA 92128
https://www.facebook.com/AlternativeBehaviorStrategiesSanDiego |
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| The NFAR Community Projects application period is now OPEN! |
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Each year, funds raised by the Race for Autism help to support autism programs and new initiatives in our community. Together, we have supported over 85 major initiatives, increasing the learning, social, training and employment opportunities for those with autism in San Diego.
Applications are due by September 30, 2017
Click here for all the info!!!! |
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| NFAR Teacher's Grants for Educators of Students with Autism |
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Autism affects one in every 68 children in the United States, and a growing number of students each year the classrooms across San Diego County. Autism often affects the way the individual receives and processes information. A person with autism may also have sensory issues that interfere with learning.
To help, NFAR awards funding to educators to support the specialized academic needs of their students with autism. These grants give educators a vehicle for piloting new teaching tools, as well as funding of technology and programs that address key areas of concern for students with autism, such as social skills training, reading comprehension, developing effective communication skills for verbal and non-verbal students, as well as reducing sensory and behavioral issues that interfere with learning. We are accepting applications through September 30, 2017.
To learn more, please click here!!! |
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| 3rd Annual CAPTAIN Conference |
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Learn about the research and practical guidelines for using evidence-based practices to promote independence.
Keynote Speaker: Jillian Paramore, Disability Advocate
Breakout Sessions include:
- Prompting and Reinforcement
- Peer Mediated Intervention
- Self-Management
- Video Modeling
- Social Skills for the Workplace
- Teaching Communication and Self Advocacy
- And More....
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Point Loma Nazarene University - Liberty Conference Center
2600 Laning Road
San Diego, CA 92106
Cost is $20 per person and you can find all the info here!!! |
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| Special Needs Dance Class in El Cajon! |
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AWO
237 East Main Street Suite A
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 579-6197
http://www.awosd.org |
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| Community Voices Series at P.A.T. |
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Parents Advocating Together would like to invite you to attend our "Community Voices Series" on August 28th, 2017, beginning at 6pm at the Crimson Center with Erin Minelli, Esq. A Special Education Attorney from the Law Offices of Schwartz & Storey.
Erin had so much fun speaking and getting to know our PAT parents at her last presentation that she volunteered to join us monthly if her schedule allows.
Our vision with this series is to provide parents and informal place to meet, where our community can shine and support each other on our journey to get the supports and services that our children need to be successful in life.
Our meeting will be held at 9606 Tierra Grande Street Suite 107, San Diego, CA 92126.
Please RSVP to Dayon Higgins at [email protected], or leave a message at 858-213-8620.
https://www.facebook.com/ParentsAdvocatingTogether |
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| Science-Based Social Skills Group (ages 8-12) |
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Aug 31-Oct 19; Thursdays 4-5pm Registration deadline Aug 28
REDUCED FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE
Please click to see our calendar:
https://www.centerforchildren.org/family-wellness-center/event-calendar/
*an intake is required for new clients prior to registration to determine eligibility and appropriate fit. Groups are located at Family Wellness Center in La Mesa
To schedule or get more information
(858) 634-8300
[email protected]
San Diego Center for Children
7339 El Cajon Blvd, Suite J
La Mesa, CA 91942
www.centerforchildren.org |
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| Teen Social Skills Group (middle and high school ages) |
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Aug 31-Oct 19; Thursdays 5-6pm
Registration deadline Aug 28
REDUCED FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE
Please click to see our calendar: https://www.centerforchildren.org/family-wellness-center/event-calendar/
*an intake is required for new clients prior to registration to determine eligibility and appropriate fit. Groups are located at Family Wellness Center in La Mesa
To schedule or get more information (858) 634-8300
[email protected]
San Diego Center for Children
7339 El Cajon Blvd, Suite J * La Mesa, CA 91942
www.centerforchildren.org |
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| Autism Speaks, San Diego Walk, September 30th |
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Autism Speaks Walk is the world's largest autism fundraising event dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism. Powered by the love of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, relatives, and supporters, the funds raised help ensure people of all abilities have access to the tools needed to lead 'their best lives'.
The commitment of individuals like you plays a critical role in raising the funding needed to fuel innovative research and lifelong supports and services. Working together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
September 30, 2017 Liberty Station at Point Loma Event Starts at 8:00 am
Click here for all the info about registering and about having a booth at the Resource Fair!!! |
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| Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet! |
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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
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| Fall 2017 Therapeutic Recreation Services Calendar |
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| San Diego Regional Center's Recreation Resource Page |
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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!!!
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| Join Our Study! Video Games to Train Attention and Eye Movement |
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| Parents and Children Needed for Student Research |
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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
[email protected] or 619-416-1799. Thank you for your time.
*Approved by Alliant IRB
IRB #1604025150
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