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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. September 30, 2017

In This Issue

Why Autistic Children Play Differently

The Easiest Way To Get Back On Track

OCD: Cognitive behavioral therapy improves brain connectivity

Suicidal tendencies hard to spot in some people with autism

Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!

Offering Relationship Driven Therapy to Families in San Diego & Carlsbad since 2004

Less Than 2 Weeks Away! - NFARs Charity Golf Tournament

MCRD - Financial Planning for a Child with Special Needs

Autism Adult Social Support Group

Sports 4 Exceptional Athletes October Newsletter

FREE! NCL Girls Mentor Program Annual Spa Day!

The Art of Autism seeking new Logo - other opportunities inside

Using Prompts Effectively to Support Your Child in Learning New Skills

Birdies and Barrels Golf Tournament & Beer Garden event is quickly approaching!

The Autism Society of San Diego

Reiki for Autism

SAVE THE DATE!!! FAMILY ACTIVITY at theNAT!

Recreation Resources from SDRC


 




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  • Why Autistic Children Play Differently
  • Kids with autism play differently from other kids. Even at a very young age, autistic kids are more likely than their typical peers to line objects up, play by themselves, and repeat the same actions over and over again. They're also less likely to engage in games that require "make believe," collaboration, or social communication.

    Of course, many children withOUT autism line up objects, play alone, or choose board games or sports over make-believe.

    But typical children ALSO imitate their peers to learn new play skills, collaborate with others, and ask questions when they're confused. If your child seems unaware of other children or appears to be unable to learn new play skills through observation, social engagement, or verbal communication, you might be looking at a red flag for autism. Read on...

  • The Easiest Way To Get Back On Track
  • We were doing so well.

    After weeks of meltdowns and summer heat...

    After a loss of any real routine or structure...

    After barely making it through the transition to back to school...

    We were doing so well.

    It was amazing. Then both of my boys came down with back to back viruses that strongly resembled the flu.

    And just like that, we were a mess again. Read on...

  • OCD: Cognitive behavioral therapy improves brain connectivity

  • Researchers have used brain scans to measure changes in the cerebral activity of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder after undergoing a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. They found that the connectivity of key brain networks is improved, suggesting new targets for therapy.

    Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition marked by inescapable, intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety (hence "obsessive"), and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors aimed at reducing that feeling (hence "compulsive").

    Treatments for OCD include the administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy that aims to improve damaging mind associations. Read on...

  • Suicidal tendencies hard to spot in some people with autism

  • Last year, I met a young man with autism who participated in a study at my lab. He did not meet the criteria for depression, and no one in my team would have guessed, based on our interactions with him, that he thought about ending his life. ­­But as part of our research protocol, we asked him directly whether he had thoughts of suicide. Only then did we learn that he had taken action on plans to end his life on two previous occasions.

    Later in the interview he told us that if he did not meet a certain highly unrealistic career goal within a specific amount of time, he planned to kill himself. He repeated this often, sometimes matter-of-factly and other times almost defensively, as if challenging us to dissuade him.

    After spending a day with him in the lab, I would characterize this man as angry, frustrated and dejected. But none of this was apparent during his first few hours with us, and I doubt that it would have been obvious during a brief or routine screen for suicidality. Read on...

  • Parents and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • 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 doeringsx5@gmail.com.



    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 christinevantuyl@hotmail.com, 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 ValeriesList@aol.com. People who can help you will email you directly with their responses.

  • Offering Relationship Driven Therapy to Families in San Diego & Carlsbad since 2004

  • Therapeutic Approach to Growth believes that every individual is unique and has the potential for significant growth. We assume and foster competence while honoring family values and priorities. Our holistic approach is built upon trusting, supportive relationships and collaboration between disciplines and families.

    San Diego Office:
    9466 Black Mountain Road
    Suite 100
    San Diego, CA 92126

    Carlsbad Office:
    5411 Avenida Encinas
    Suite 110
    Carlsbad, CA 92008

    Phone: (858) 689-2027
    Email: admin@tagforgrowth.com
    http://tagforgrowth.com

  • Less Than 2 Weeks Away! - NFARs Charity Golf Tournament
  • JOIN US ON OCTOBER 9th!

    NFAR's Charity Golf Tournament is less than two weeks away! Golfers - sign up today for this fun event on Monday, Oct 9, 2017 at the The Crossings in Carlsbad.


    The Crossings, with its scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, an award winning golf course, and great food is a memorable place to play. Plus, we've included some really fun contests and prizes, making it interesting for players of every level.

    So please join us, (sponsorships still available) - your participation helps those with autism in our community!

    Invite your friends to join you for golf or for dinner with great views of the sunset.

    Tournament participation is $600 for a Foursome or $175 per individual golfer and includes lunch and dinner and lots of contests and prizes.

    Sign Up Today!

  • MCRD - Financial Planning for a Child with Special Needs
  • For more information and to register please contact Christy Howland at 619-524-0916 or christy.howland@usmc-mccs.org

    Visit us online at www.facebook.com/mccsmcrdsd.efmp

  • Autism Adult Social Support Group
  • Friday, October 6, 2017
    7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

    United Way Building
    4699 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA

    Join us for our new Autistic Adult Social Support Group! This group is a place for autistic adults to come together for support and understanding. Make new friends, share questions and concerns, and get support from your peers, in a non judgmental and accepting atmosphere. This group is a open to all adults with autism as well as any support people that you require to participate successfully. We look forward to seeing you! Click here for all the info!!

  • Sports 4 Exceptional Athletes October Newsletter
  • s4ea

    Click here for all the info about their activities and upcoming events!!!

  • FREE! NCL Girls Mentor Program Annual Spa Day!
  • October 7th, 2017
    2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Center for Healthy Lifestyle
    533 Lomas Santa Fe Drive
    Solana Beach, California


    HELLO ASD MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS! JOIN US for our Annual NCL Girls Mentor Program SPA Day! Girls of all ages are welcome to attend.

    For more info and to RSVP: breena.hayman@yahoo.com

    Click here for all the info!!!

  • The Art of Autism seeking new Logo - other opportunities inside
  • Click here for all the latest info from Art of Autism!!!

  • Using Prompts Effectively to Support Your Child in Learning New Skills

  • Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - 10 am - 12 noon
    North County Regional Education Center
    255 Pico Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069


    All parents and caregivers prompt their children many times every day. Prompting helps children learn and use new skills. Come learn how and when to use prompts most effectively.

    Read more

    Click here to register online

  • Birdies and Barrels Golf Tournament & Beer Garden event is quickly approaching!
  • The Birdies and Barrels Golf Tournament and Beer Garden will be taking place on Saturday, October 21st, 2017, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course and is looking to be bigger and better than ever!

    All proceeds from the Birdies and Barrels Golf Tournament and Beer Garden go toward supporting Include Autism's programs.

    Click here for all the info!!!

  • The Autism Society of San Diego
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    The Autism Society San Diego County is a non-profit organization which originated in 1966 as the National Society of Autistic Children. It served to unite and inform parents on new revelations concerning intervention therapy.

    Today, the Autism Society San Diego serves as the voice and resource of the local autism community. The Society members include autistic individuals and their parents, relatives, friends, advocates, medical professionals and educators throughout San Diego County and beyond. Our Board of Directors has, throughout its extensive history, been comprised of a diverse mix of both autistic individuals and their family members as well as professional experts in the field of autism. Every Board Member regardless of background or position serve the Society on a volunteer basis.

    As an affiliate of the national organization, the Autism Society of America, we share in their mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism by promoting meaningful participation and self-determination for autistic individuals and their families. We work diligently to ensure we support and amplify the voices of autistic individuals within our organization and throughout our community. For autistic individuals in need we offer extensive financial support for our programs and membership.

    Our programs and outreach include:

    • Support Groups
    • Community Resources
    • Camp I CAN
    • Aquatic Programs
    • Special Events
    • Newsletters
    • Grants
    Together we have a voice; we hope you'll share your voice by joining the Autism Society San Diego community!

    Click here to sign up for their FREE! newsletter to stay informed about all of their upcoming activities!!!

  • Reiki for Autism
  • We are an Autism family, and one of the things that has helped our son with relaxation is Reiki.

    I will be holding a special day for you to bring in your loved one with Autism and give them an opportunity to experience Reiki and see if it is something that they would enjoy.

    I offer a free 15 minute phone call so you can see if we are a good fit to work together, and I can answer any questions you may have. Your comfort is very important to me! Click the link to schedule this.

    30 minutes, $40, by appointment only ~ look for "Reiki for Autism" when booking.

  • SAVE THE DATE!!! FAMILY ACTIVITY at theNAT!
  • Join us at the San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) on Sunday, Nov. 12th for a morning of discovery and fun!

    ASD Mornings is a once-a-month program where theNAT opens an hour earlier for adults and children on the autism spectrum and their families. This innovative program encourages individuals to explore, play, and discover the treasures theNAT has to offer in an environment that is comfortable for them.

    Register with NFAR for $10 per person (flat fee). (Regular admission is $19 adult and $12 child).
    Register HERE.

  • Recreation Resources from SDRC
  • 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!!

  • 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

  • Fall 2017 Therapeutic Recreation Services Calendar


  • Click here for all the info!!! Registration online or in our office.

  • Book: One Track Mind

  • 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

  • Book: I Know You're In There

  • 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

  • Book: The Someday Birds

  • 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!

  • Book: Eikona Bridgge

  • 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

  • Book: Surviving the Cure

  • 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

  • Book: Improve Your Health and Cooking Skills with Breakfast

  • 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!

  • Book: Healthy Relationships

  • 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!

  • Book: A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence

  • 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

  • Book: Autism Spectrum Disorder (revised): The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism

  • 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

  • Children with Autism and Their Mothers are Needed for Student Reseach

  • Ariane Myers-Turnbull, MA
    Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student
    California School of Professional Psychology

    If interested please contact amyers-turnbull@alliant.edu or call 858-414-1076!

  • BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IMAGING LABS - Recruiting Participants

  • If you are interested in participating in any of these studies, please call 619-594- 0176 or email BDIL@sdsu.edu.

  • 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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