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| Screening tool misidentifies autism in many toddlers |
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A widely used screening test for autism is more accurate in children at 24 months of age than at 18 months, according to three new studies1,2,3. The results suggest that clinicians need a more finely tuned screen for children younger than 20 months.
Parents in the United States typically complete the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) at their child's 18-month and 24-month visits to the pediatrician. They answer 'yes' or 'no' to 23 questions probing social, motor and language skills.
Clinicians are supposed to give a follow-up interview to families whose children score above a certain threshold. They refer children for diagnostic testing if that second test indicates the child may have autism. Read on... |
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| Folic acid may mitigate autism risk from pesticides |
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Researchers at UC Davis and other institutions have shown that mothers who take recommended amounts of folic acid around conception might reduce their children's pesticide-related autism risk.
In the study, children whose mothers took 800 or more micrograms of folic acid (the amount in most prenatal vitamins) had a significantly lower risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - even when their mothers were exposed to household or agricultural pesticides associated with increased risk. The study appears in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
"We found that if the mom was taking folic acid during the window around conception, the risk associated with pesticides seemed to be attenuated," said Rebecca J. Schmidt, assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and first author on the paper. "Mothers should try to avoid pesticides. But if they live near agriculture, where pesticides can blow in, this might be a way to counter those effects." Read on... |
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| What I Wish People Would Stop Saying To My Child |
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My son was in a gymnastics class last year.
He loved moving his body. He loved the other kids. He loved feeling accomplished at the end.
Although he loved all of these things, he still struggled to get out the door every Saturday morning. Crippling anxiety would grip him, about five minutes before we needed to leave, every single week.
After deep breathing, talking through ways to cope, getting him into the car, getting him to sit down and seat belt in, and driving to the gym, we were usually about five minutes late to class.
I considered that a win.
The coach however (and I use the term "coach" loosely here - this was a beginning tumbling class and the teacher looked like a teenager himself) did not. Read on... |
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| What Makes Severe Autism So Challenging? |
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Severe Autism Isn't an Official Diagnosis, But Has Unique Challenges
There is no such diagnosis as "severe autism." When the term is used, therefore, it's really just a way of describing a person's level of functioning and need. Severe autism is sometimes called low-functioning autism, classic autism, "Kanner's" autism (after the person who first described autism as a unique disorder), or profound autism. Simply put, it describes those autistic people with the most significant symptoms.
Challenges of Severe or "Level 3" Autism
Another way to describe severe autism is to talk about the level of support required for a person with the diagnosis to function safely. The current diagnostic manual (DSM-5) provides three levels of autism, with more support required at each level. People with severe autism would usually be diagnosed as having "Level 3" Autism Spectrum Disorder, meaning they need a great deal of support. It is not unusual for a person with severe autism to require 24/7 support and supervision.
Severe autism can be much more debilitating and challenging than other types of autism. That's because (1) people with severe autism have many of the same issues as anyone else on the spectrum, but to a much greater degree; and (2) people with severe autism often have major symptoms that are relatively rare in higher functioning autism. These two sets of issues can make it virtually impossible for a person with severe autism (or his family) to function well in typical settings ranging from school to the grocery store to the doctor's office. Read on... |
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| Parents and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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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]
I am a single mom of 8 years old boy with autism who is looking for part time job to help me to get through my graduate program for Clinical Counseling. I worked as ABA behavior therapist for about a year, have extensive experience as a care provider for children with special needs, trained in RDI as well. In addition, I worked as art instructor for 12 years teaching children, typical and with special needs. I am wondering if anyone may need part-time help with their children. I have my son 50 % of the time and My availability is every Monday, Tuesday and every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday at any time. I live in Carmel Valley/Del Mar and planning to stay here.
My phone number is 858/342-3118
Thank you so much,
Yulia Serebryakova
Looking for 1-2 roommates to share cute 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Encinitas with my sister, who is autistic and non-verbal, and her caretaker. My sister will be starting Supported Living in 6 months or more, so roommates(s) could move in now or later. Please email or call me for more information - Daria at 619-294-6577 or [email protected].
I am looking for an instructional aide to help my 6-year-old ADHD daughter in a private, Catholic school setting Monday-Friday 8am-12noon in Coronado. I would prefer someone with ABA knowledge. My daughter is a bright, spirited kid who needs lots of help staying on task and guidance and instruction on non-preferred actives (handwriting.) She is currently medicated but it is only taking us so far. She has behavioral issues we are working out. She needs someone who is strong and seasoned who will provide guidance and direction across all areas of the school setting; she is bossing around her current aide! Please contact me for info [email protected], or text 858-405-7264. Thank you for reading!
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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| The Foundation of Every IEP is a Proper Assessment: What Parents Need to Know |
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Tuesday, September 26
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
RBCPC
17010 Pomerado Rd
San Diego, California 92128
RIENZI HAYTASINGH, PSY.D., ABSNP- of Brain Learning Assessment and Treatment Center will be speaking
You can't truly help the child without recognizing the needs in all environments. A proper assessment can offer a great deal of understanding for everyone in your child's life.
Click here for all the info!!!
FREE! Click here for tickets! |
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| Social Communication Specialists! |
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At Social Communication Specialists, we help socially quirky kids, teens and young adults connect.
We understand the social challenges kids face today. In order to have healthy friendships, kids need to understand not just the "how", but the "why" of social interactions.
Social Thinking
Our program is for bright kids, teens and young adults with good language skills. Many of our students have a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD or Social Anxiety while others have no formal diagnosis. Our students are intelligent, creative and want to have friends but often struggle with social interactions.
SCS's cutting-edge Social Thinking® groups are based on the work of world renowned expert Michelle Garcia Winner. Social Thinking teaches the thinking that we do when we interact with others. This helps students use their social skills in a variety of settings. Our program teaches a wide variety of concepts with the lessons targeted to the needs of the students in each group. Click here for more info about our Social Thinking program!!
Executive Functioning
Even the brightest students can struggle to keep track of assignments, plan out and manage their time and prioritize and initiate tasks needed to meet their goals.
Executive functioning skills help us with everything from getting dressed and out the door on time to managing distractions so we can complete the task at hand. While these skills develop naturally for most of us, some children need direct teaching and therapeutic treatment to help develop these skills and put them into practice. Click here for more info about our Executive Functioning program!!
Social Communication Specialists
5703 Oberlin Dr, Ste 207
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 558-9552
http://socialcommunicationspecialists.com Information on fall groups coming soon! |
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| Sea World Reinstates Escort Pass |
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Three years ago Sea World eliminated their escort pass for people with disabilities. A complaint was filed with the Department of Justice against Sea World for discrimination on the basis of disability. Sea World has now reinstated the escort pass as a separate Complimentary Transferable Companion Membership. To get the companion pass, go to Customer Relations and ask for the application for the complimentary transferable pass. It is relatively new so you may have to insist the person check with their supervisor. It is a simple form and at this time there is a two week turn around. The pass is good for the term of the regular membership of the person with disabilities.
619-222-4SEA
[email protected] I received this info from a parent here in San Diego, but I haven't had the time to check it out. Please contact Sea World Customer Relations about this to clarify, before you go there. Thanks, Valerie Dodd-Saraf |
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| The 35th Annual Pro-Am Golf Classic Benefiting Home of Guiding Hands |
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Join us on the greens for a spectacular day of golf on Friday, October 27th at one of the top ranked courses in San Diego, Maderas Golf Club.
The day begins with the pairing of your team with a San Diego PGA Pro. Shotgun starts begin at 10 am. As you head out to the course you'll be greeted by HGH clients who line up to wish you luck. Players will enjoy lunch, on-course games and craft beers, a hole in one competition, dinner, awards and much more. The top three teams will be invited to play in the Randy Jones Golf Invitational for a chance at $10,000 for the charity of their choice.
Register now. Last year's tournament was completely sold out!
The Pro-Am Golf Classic raises money for the HGH programs that support more than 2,500 infants, children, adolescents, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. |
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| Parenting the Love and Logic Way: A six session series |
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First of six sessions begins on Monday, September 25, 2017 - 10 am - 12 noon
Back by popular demand! Designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately.
Read more
Click here to register online |
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| Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment |
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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.
Meet our extraordinary team of autism specialists.
Our multi-disciplinary team includes specialists from many different fields. All of our team members have specialized training and expertise in autism care.
- Pediatric Neurologists
- Electroencephalography & Neuromodulation Specialists
- Neurology Nurse Practitioners
- Nutrition and Holistic Health Practitioners
- Speech-Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- Music Therapists
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
- Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT)
- Social Workers and Marriage-Family Therapists
- Special Education Teachers
We provide every child at Cortica with an individualized program to accelerate learning and development. An essential ingredient for success is collaboration among physicians, therapists, parents, children, and our extended communities.
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
[email protected]
http://www.corticacare.com |
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| Nourishing Snacks for Kids On the Go |
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You're in luck!
I wrote this book for you. I totally get it. My son has autism and I homeschool him. I KNOW how it feels when you cook 3 meals a day from scratch and they have the audacity to want SNACKS in between or the MOMENT we get in the car. :)
In the book, you'll find my son's absolute favorite snacks. They're all gluten-free and dairy-free, but no one can tell! Once or twice a week, we make them ahead (he helps) and we keep them in the fridge or cupboard so we can grab them and go! It's such a relief to know they're there when he's hungry!
I've also included a list of approved "buyable" snacks that fit the bill for us - pastured, organic, pure ingredients, from reputable companies with solid values. We know homemade is best, but sometimes these are great to have on hand.
And at the end of the book, there's a clickable list of where I buy ingredients I use in the recipes in the book.
This is the book for you! Click here to download the book for $17.89!!
http://www.sarahnissen.com
https://www.facebook.com/RealFoodMentor |
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| The ABLE Act |
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ARE YOU REALLY ABLE TO SAVE?
Most people in the disability community have heard about the "Achieving Better Life Experiences" (ABLE) Act over the last few years. Finally, after nearly six years of revisions, testimony and lobbying, ABLE won final congressional approval and was signed by President Obama on December 21, 2014. While adoption by states is voluntary, California will almost certainly adopt the ABLE Act. Now more than ever is the time for special needs families and advocates to become keenly aware of what it will...and won't...do for them.
WHAT IS AN ABLE ACCOUNT?
The ABLE account was meant to be a version of the "529" (College Savings Plan), but with the tax-free withdrawals to be used for "qualified disability expenses." Advocates had hoped that these accounts would be a viable alternative to special needs trusts: exempt from being counted against the eligibility limits for SSI, Medi-Cal/Medicaid, or other means-tested programs, while having the added bonus of tax-free growth. Unfortunately, the ABLE act that came out of Congress was neither the ABLE Act that went in...nor the Act that most advocates expected. Read on...
San Diego Special Needs Law Center
110 W. C Street #1300
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 235-4357
https://www.specialneedsplanninglaw.com |
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| FREE! Unraveling Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Disorders |
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Wed, October 25, 2017
6:30 PM - 8:00
Center for Health and Human Potential
6342 Riverdale St
San Diego, CA 92120
Childhood neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders are rising at an alarming rate.
--Find out what is behind this rise.
--Understand the common threads of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, OCD, ODD, and Tourette's.
--Leave with a strategy to improve their health and quality of life.
Join Dr. Steve Tullius as he discusses his own son's journey and a plan of action to help your child. Call (619) 363-5073 for more information or with any questions.
Click here for all the info!!! |
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| Special Education Law |
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Children with special needs face unique challenges in obtaining a free and "appropriate" public education. The law recognizes these challenges and provides special protections to accommodate your child's special needs, individualize the educational program, ensure parent participation, and protect against discrimination. This article broadly discusses the three main sources of education law (the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA). Read on...
Law Offices of Schwartz & Storey
2247 San Diego Ave. Suite #237
San Diego, CA 92110
858-430-8166
http://www.dorightlaw.com |
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| In Del Mar: Jodie K. Schuller & Associates Speech Language Pathology, Orofacial Myology, Educational Therapy/Tutoring |
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Jodie K. Schuller & Associates, located in Del Mar, California, provides the highest quality, most comprehensive services for children and adults with speech, language and educational needs. We also provide academic support with our specialized program, Fast Track to School Success, which helps students achieve their full potential by overcoming reading, written language, math and general learning disabilities.
Our Services:
- Asperger Syndrome
- Communications Skills
- Early Intervention
- Language/Auditory Processing Challenges & Study Skills
- Pre-School Reading Enrichment Program
- Phonology
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Thinking / Pragmatic Language
- And, much, much more!!!
Our Promise: Give us 4 months & we will give you a different child!
Jodie Schuller & Associates
2002 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Ste 304
Del Mar, CA, 92014
(858) 509-1131
http://www.speak4success.com |
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| Individual and Family Therapy for Children and Adults |
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Xcite Steps is now offering individual and family therapy for children and adults, providing a personalized and therapeutic approach to assist each client with their unique path to personal and emotional development.
Our aim is to enhance skills for overcoming common emotional health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, and relationship conflicts. Our approach is genuine and comforting, allowing the individual, couple, and family to explore emotional and systemic patterns in a safe setting.
Individual and family therapy services are offered on an appointment only basis. We currently accept TRICARE and Molina Healthcare insurance for therapy services, and also offer sliding scale, low-fee therapy services for applicable individuals.
For more information or to register for our Clinical Therapy Services, contact Xcite Steps at: (858) 428-0222.
Xcite Steps
3978 Sorrento Valley Blvd, Ste 100
San Diego, California, CA 92121
(858) 428-0222
http://www.xcitesteps.com |
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| Jeremiah's Ranch Village Block Party |
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Jeremiah's Ranch, a nonprofit that offers Special Olympics, college-like classes, a support group, and fun activities is having a fundraiser Nov. 4 at Z Cafe in Bonsall for purchase of land for a community center and housing.
We are seeking silent auction items!!! Email [email protected].
http://jeremiahsranch.org |
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| Therapeutic Approach to Growth (TAG) is Hiring!!! |
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Contact TAG for all the info!!!
www.tagforgrowth.com
858.689.2027 |
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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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| Book: One Track Mind |
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Driven by her intense journey parenting a child with special needs, Andrea Moriarty relays life-changing inspiration and practical ways to help parents maximize the potential of their unique learner. One-Track Mind is at once an uplifting memoir, a practical parenting guide, and a collection of music metaphors to help you leverage your child's special interest into a purposeful niche-promoting confidence and life-affirming joy.
www.andreamoriarty.com
http://amzn.to/1PWMwN4
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| Book: I Know You're In There |
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I Know You're In There shows what is possible when a child's medical issues are treated in conjunction with intensive behavioral and educational rehabilitation. This story chronicles the long and difficult road traveled to help Ryan become the successful young man he is today. Our family couldn't give up on him, because sometimes we caught a glimpse of the kid we knew was in there.
http://www.autism-and-treatment.com
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| Book: The Someday Birds |
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The Someday Birds is a debut middle grade novel perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and Fish in a Tree, filled with humor, heart, and chicken nuggets.
Charlie's perfectly ordinary life has been unraveling ever since his war journalist father was injured in Afghanistan.
When his father heads from California to Virginia for medical treatment, Charlie reluctantly travels cross-country with his boy-crazy sister, unruly brothers, and a mysterious new family friend. He decides that if he can spot all the birds that he and his father were hoping to see someday along the way, then everything might just turn out okay.
Debut author
Sally J. Pla has written a tale that is equal parts madcap road trip, coming-of-age story for an autistic boy who feels he doesn't understand the world, and an uplifting portrait of a family overcoming a crisis.
Buy the book here!
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| Book: Eikona Bridgge |
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Eikona means "image" in Greek. Eikona Bridge takes you on a journey to a world that you have never been to before: the inner world of people with autism. This bridge helps parents, educators and the public in general understand today's children with autism. You will learn to discover these children's talents and ways to communicate with them. You will come to see autism as a communication problem, and that once the communication problem is solved, everything else falls in place.
www.eikonabridge.com
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| Book: Surviving the Cure |
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Surviving the Cure: Cancer was Easy,* Living is Hard is the humorously frank story of life after cancer and the challenges that face nearly every survivor, all rolled into one battered individual. I thought I knew cancer. After all, I'd lived it. And when I went into remission, I thought I was in the clear. It wouldn't be long before I could get back to a normal life and rejoin my friends. However, I soon learned cancer was only the beginning. Not long after I returned home, my lungs started failing. The cure was killing me. Extreme treatments prevented an all-but-certain death, but at great cost: 100 pounds of weight gain, emotional and mental trauma, and a bone disease for which joint replacements were the only fix. Though I was in physical and mental agony after my release from the hospital, I decided to try to piece together a life worth living. One where I could be happy, could joke about my condition, could have the best parking spots. Maybe even one day hold the supremely enviable world record for most joints replaced. But none of that could happen until I picked myself up. The only question was: could I?
Click here to buy the book!
About Andrew Bundy
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| Book: Improve Your Health and Cooking Skills with Breakfast |
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This isn't any ordinary cookbook. This book was specifically written for people who learn best through pictures. Our book contains typical breakfast recipes and is organized from simple to more difficult. Our goal was to put together recipes that are not only tasty but also healthy. All of our recipes are balanced and include a calorie count. Our focus is on fiber and protein to promote colon and heart health.
Buy on Kindle!
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| Book: Healthy Relationships |
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Healthy Relationships (Blue)
My special education students share that they are going to complete high school, go to college, and then get married. The challenge is providing students and adults with the skill set necessary for them to be safe, independent, and build the relationships that they long for. Be it a friendship or dating relationship the many hidden rules and nuances that are part of relationships are difficult to understand. Healthy Relationships is a workbook for teens and adults with Williams Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities and other human conditions that may present challenges in building relationships. Through activities, cartoons, and many scenarios the workbook teaches how to investigate and build friendships and relationships safely over periods of time. The workbook provides the reader with the skills for thoughtful and proactive steps necessary for healthy relationships. This workbook comes with an interactive multimedia CD ROM.
Click here to purchase!
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| Book: A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence |
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A guide for helping our children lead meaningful and independent lives as they reach adulthood
In the next five years, hundreds of thousands of children with autism spectrum disorder will reach adulthood. And while diagnosis and treatment for children has improved in recent years, parents want to know: What happens to my child when I am no longer able to care for or assist him? Autism expert Chantal Sicile-Kira and her son Jeremy offer real solutions to a host of difficult questions, including how young adults of different abilities and their parents can:
*navigate this new economy where adult service resources are scarce
*cope with the difficulties of living apart from the nuclear family
*find, and keep a job that provides meaning, stability and an income
*create and sustain fulfilling relationships
Click here to buy the book
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| Book: Autism Spectrum Disorder (revised): The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism |
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Newly revised and updated, this award-winning guide covers every aspect of understanding and living with autism today.
Comprehensive and authoritative, Autism Spectrum Disorders explains all aspects of the condition, and is written for parents, educators, caregivers, and others looking for accurate information and expert insight. Newly updated to reflect the latest research, treatment methods, and DSM-V criteria, this invaluable book covers:
* The causes of autism spectrum disorders
* Getting an accurate diagnosis
* Treatments based on behavioral, psychological, and biomedical interventions
* Coping strategies for families and education needs and programs
* Living and working conditions for adults with ASD
* Community interaction and teaching strategies and resources for educators and other professionals
**Best Book on Autism for 2017 --Healthline
Click here to buy the book
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| Children with Autism and Their Mothers are Needed for Student Reseach |
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Ariane Myers-Turnbull, MA
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
California School of Professional Psychology
If interested please contact
[email protected] or call 858-414-1076!
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| BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IMAGING LABS - Recruiting Participants |
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If you are interested in participating in any of these studies, please call 619-594- 0176 or email
[email protected].
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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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