THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS
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| U.S. authorizes rapid blood test for fragile X syndrome |
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A new blood test can identify within seven hours whether a person carries the genetic mutation underlying fragile X syndrome.
It is the first commercial diagnostic test for fragile X syndrome, one of the most common genetic causes of autism; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized marketing of the test in February.
Other genetic tests for the condition take days or weeks to yield a result and require large amounts of DNA. Read on... |
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| College Scholarships for Students With Autism |
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Students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may be eligible for these scholarships.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR college are often very competitive and reliant on metrics like SAT scores and GPAs to select winners. This can be a barrier to students with autism seeking scholarships to support their higher education aspirations, but awards designed specifically to support members of the autism community can help.
To improve options for students and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Kerry Magro created the Making a Difference for Autism Scholarship, which has awarded nearly 70 scholarships in the eight years since its inception.
"When I was trying to get into college, there were really no scholarships for students with autism," Magro says. Since creating the scholarship, he says, "We've received hundreds of applications over the years, and to hear about the stories of individuals who remind me so much of myself growing up with autism, it makes me realize I'm not alone and that there are many, many bright and talented individuals out there who are not letting their autism define who they are." Read on... |
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| Local students with Autism make sure friendship stays alive despite isolation |
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) - It was simple. Pick a night and hang out.
'We'd go to the movies, golf world, any fun thing that we wanted to do," said Patrick Gauncher-O'Neil, one of the creators of the group 'Next Step.'
It became routine: a group of young men with Autism always found a way to meet up, and through the Hope Center for Autism, that group expanded, and created Next Step - which helps cultivate relationships. Read on... |
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| The Coronavirus And Staying Hopeful |
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By Jeremy Sicile-Kira
Truly I want to write about Hope. Hearing my mom talk over the years about having hope for realizing my dreams, has helped me to realize that hope is a necessary attribute for overcoming life's challenges. I am hopeful that I will paint with my right hand again soon, and I hope that we will all find new ways of connecting because of the coronavirus.
There is a lot of uncertainty on how dangerous the coronavirus can be. One of those things we can do to help the most, is to dearly stay indoors. Personally it is a challenge to shelter in place. As someone with autism, my routine is important to me and it was greatly impacted by this pandemic. I dearly miss my art studio and going to my workout class at SDSU. It is difficult to be confined for long moments, but it helps to focus on the things I can do, not what I can't do. Read on... |
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| Family and Others Looking for Help!!! |
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Do you receive SSI? Don't miss out on food benefits!
Beginning June 2019, many Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will become eligible for CalFresh Food Benefits.
There is NO CHANGE or reduction to SSI/SSP amounts. For more information Click, Call or Come in to your county office to apply and find out more.
Click GetCalFresh.org to apply online
Call 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD)
Come in/find an office at CalFreshFood.org
San Diego Futures - I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of this organization because it can be a helpful resource to families in need of computers and other technology who may not have the resources they need to secure technology for their homes. If anyone needs a laptop or desktop and cannot afford one, please consider reaching out to this group. Desktops and laptops are available at VERY low prices for eligible families. https://sdfutures.org/for-individuals/
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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| We believe that everyone should be able to be lifelong learners to develop their skills and interests! |
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BEACONS, Inc. is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation founded in 2018 to provide vocational, recreational, and social activities as well as services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Beacons, Inc. offers postsecondary workforce workshops that are progress monitored, structured, low ratio and accessible to those in need of smaller settings, more individualized pacing, and assistive technology. We create pathways and outcomes that improve social connections, community engagement and access to employment.
Beacons North County
6150 Yarrow Drive, Suite E
Carlsbad, CA 92011
General: [email protected]
Club Beacons: [email protected]
Pathfinder Workshops: [email protected]
Tailored Day: [email protected]
760-448-6230
https://www.beaconsnorthcounty.com |
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| Home of Guiding Hands: Even One Mask Will Help! |
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Dear friends and family,
Our team needs your help! To protect the vulnerable population of men, women, and children we serve, and the nurses and staff who are caring for them, we need more face masks. We would welcome hand-sewn or store bought.
If you can help, please contact Kaye Kelley at 619-938-2856 or [email protected]
Thank you, and may you and your families stay healthy!
http://www.guidinghands.org |
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| MicroCurrent 4 Kids is Now a Nonprofit!! |
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Microcurrent 4 Kids is now recognized by the IRS as a non-profit (501(c)(3)) corporation! This means that our innovative therapy program for Autism and other neuro-developmental conditions is now accessible to everyone -- regardless of their financial situation!
Previously our full 3-month program cost upwards of $3,000. Understandably, this was unaffordable for many families. Our mission has always been to make a meaningful impact in the lives of kids and families affected by Autism, and so we made the decision to change our structure so that money is not a barrier for families in need to participate in our program.
Safer than Prescription Medication for Anxiety and ADHD/ADD and the Effects are Permanent!
FDA Approved Therapy for Anxiety!!!
MicroCurrent 4 Kids 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/ADD, 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 Rd. Ste. 211
San Diego, CA 92123
858-367-9108
[email protected]
http://www.microcurrent4kids.com |
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| Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together |
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AEFCT provides high quality services that are structured, comprehensive, and individualized. Our mission is to provide intervention to children with autism, putting the needs of each child first so that they are met fairly and appropriately. We use developmentally sound strategies supported by empirical evidence, combined with a team approach that involves family participation. Autism affects the entire family unit, and we recognize that parent education and participation are essential to achieve success.
AEFCT
4669 Murphy Canyon Rd.
Suite 212, San Diego, CA 92123
858.569.0056
http://aefct.com |
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| GYMGUYZ Now Offers Online Personal Training for a Positive Mindset and Better Health from Your Home |
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Launches Online Fitness Programs and a free virtual series of at home workout and mindset classes for the community
SAN DIEGO - Like many businesses, the Coastal San Diego GYMGUYZ franchise - which typically offers in home personal training - has had to pivot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, to do its part to help stop the spread of the virus, the company is offering online personal training for clients, an unprecedented Workout Migration Program, and a free series of virtual fitness classes.
"We understand everyone is being affected by this virus, and many people are going stir-crazy at home," said Joey Paglinawan, owner of GYMGUYZ's first franchise in San Diego. "While it's not appropriate to provide in-home training at this time, we've been arranging virtual fitness training sessions to help our clients stay fit. After all, exercise is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and cope with stress."
Existing GYMGUYZ customers who convert their in-home training sessions to virtual personal training sessions will have them delivered through platforms such as FaceTime and Zoom. Remote personal training sessions are designed to recreate the in-home personal training experience, with dedicated one-on-one instruction for a full hour - and clients earn one free in-person session for every four hours of remote training completed.
"This is certainly not an ideal situation," Paglinawan said, "but these sessions have been extremely well received by clients."
GYMGUYZ is also offering an unprecedented Workout Migration Program to those who have gym and fitness program memberships they're no longer able to use due to business closures and other COVID-19-related restrictions. GYMGUYZ will provide a full credit in the amount of any committed funds to these memberships, to be used for in-home and virtual personal training services.
In addition, to support the community at large - something Paglinawan does on a regular basis - GYMGUYZ San Diego has started a series of virtual fitness, mindset/wellness, and nutrition classes, and is offering free live online training sessions every Monday through Friday. The intent is to help the community stay healthy - body and mind - throughout this crisis. Their calendar of free classes is updated regularly. Starting April 1st, GYMGUYZ will be offering a 30-Day Virtual Fitness Challenge and will reward the person who makes the most dramatic change during that period a $100 Visa Gift Card.
There's no reason to shelve your fitness goals during the pandemic. GYMGUYZ can help; we can still design an exercise program that keeps you motivated and helps you reduce stress. Ready to go? Call us at 619-641-9740 or visit our website to get started.
ABOUT GYMGUYZ
GYMGUYZ is #1 in home personal training, providing convenient, customized and creative workouts wherever clients are. Headquartered in Plainview, N.Y., the mobile brand uses a fleet of vehicles that bring more than 365 pieces of state-of-the-art fitness equipment and expert coaches to their clients' doors to drive accountability and provide tailored workouts. Due to the uniquely personalized approach the company takes, GYMGUYZ prioritizes cultivating a high level of trust and respect between trainers and clients. They cater to men, women and children of all ages and abilities.
Contact info:
Name: Joey Paglinawan
Email: [email protected]
Organization: GYMGUYZ Coastal San Diego
Phone: 619-641-9740
Website: https://www.gymguyz.com/coastal-san-diego/ |
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| Behavior Specialist Consultant - Sari Kuperstein |
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Contact me at [email protected]
FB sdkbehaviors
Instagram @sdkbehaviors
Hashtag #behaviorsinautism |
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| CAUTION: POSSIBLE COVID-19 CASE |
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Patient Summary for Person with Developmental Disability
Emergency Contacts, Abridged Medical History, Medication Regimen, Allergy Information, Assistance Needs
I have a developmental disability. My parent/guardian or support professional believes I am showing signs of COVID-19 infection. If they cannot come with me into the hospital, please refer to the information provided here and call my guardian, service provider, and the county board of DD for any clarifications. Click here to download the form. |
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| ABA to the Rescue!!! |
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Our ABA to the Rescue workshop series continues today with "The Magic of Using Visuals!" at 9:30am and 1:30pm PT. We hope you'll join us! Our schedule for next week has changed and we are now offering a 5:30pm PT workshop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check our Events page for up-to-date listings and click the link to "Register on Zoom" next to any workshop you'd like to attend: https://www.gatewaylg.com/events/ |
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| A 6-hour Course for Professionals Live Online: DIR in Schools |
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A 6-hour Course for Professionals Live Online
DIR 320: DIR in Schools is a live online course focused on creative ways to implement Floortime in the school setting. This course will be led by two of our DIRFloortime Experts from the Rebecca School in New York City. Now more than ever, the principles of DIR will be useful to teachers and school personnel to help children be able to learn. Learning can only happen if we support a child's functional emotional developmental capacities. The current stressors of COVID-19 are going to challenge this core foundation in a very unique way. The course will take place on Tuesdays from April 14 - 28.
Click here for more information and to register. |
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| COVID-19 (coronavirus) information and resources |
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The situation around the current spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is changing rapidly, so make sure you stay informed by visiting the CDC's information page regularly.
As Autism Speaks continues to monitor the evolving situation, our sincere hope is that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy.
We understand that many people with autism and their families are being directly impacted, seeing disruptions in services and coping with the uncertainty of what comes next. We want to share some resources and information that may help you at this time. These pages will be updated regularly as new content is developed.
Explore more... |
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| Call to Action: DUE BY FRIDAY APRIL 10th! |
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Advocates, Attorneys, Parents, Teachers, and Service Providers are banding together to try to protect IDEA and 504 rights during the pandemic. Some districts are asking for waivers that could significantly impact the acquisition of services. Secretary DeVos is required to submit a report with recommendations. Please go to www.SaveIDEA.org to read the letter and add your name to the signatures. There is also an option to share your story (comment allows up to 280 characters) regarding how the issues noted in the letter impact you/your child. |
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| ASD Mornings at the NAT |
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The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is pleased to offer a program for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community: a once-a-month ASD Morning in which the Museum opens early for adults and children on the autism spectrum and their families, friends, and caregivers. This innovative program encourages individuals to explore, play, and discover the treasures The Nat has to offer in an environment that is comfortable for them.
ASD Mornings take place the second Sunday of every month. The Museum will open at 9 AM*, one hour earlier than its standard 10 AM opening time, providing a quiet and less-crowded environment for visitors to explore the Museum's galleries at their own pace. In addition, on ASD Mornings the Museum will offer a "quiet room" from 9 AM to noon if visitors need a quiet space to decompress or desensitize. General admission rates apply during ASD Mornings.
www.sdnhm.org
877.946.7797
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| Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet! |
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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.
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| Everyone Deserves a Loving Home |
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| Autism Through the Lifespan |
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Please RSVP for Spanish Translation support
For further information, please contact:
Carolyn Carterette, M.A. (619) 725-8080 email: [email protected]
Grace Fantaroni, Ed.D. (619) 563-2839 email [email protected]
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| Webinar: Learn About RDI with Kiki Haddad! |
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| Webinar: Learn About RDI with Brooke Wagner |
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| Toddler MRI Study at SDSU |
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Our Center's research arm, the Brain Development Imaging Labs, is conducting a fascinating study looking at how young children's brains change as they get older. We are looking for kids (15 months to 5 years old) who are on the spectrum or who are suspected to have autism. Participants get a free assessment (plus assessment summary), free MRI scan, $150, AND a free picture of their brain!
For more info or to sign up, please call us at 619-594-2500 or email us at [email protected]. Thank you! http://autism.sdsu.edu
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| Participate in SPARK at UCSD |
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UC San Diego's Autism Center of Excellence is seeking individuals diagnosed with ASD and their biological family members to participate in SPARK, the largest national genetics research project in US history! The SPARK study aims to gain a better understanding of the causes and potential treatments of autism by building a cohort of 50,000 diagnosed individuals to facilitate research on an unprecedented scale. There is NO cost to participate in the study and it can even be completed without leaving the house!
What we do
SPARK researchers extract genetic data through a saliva sample and analyze information collected from thousands of people with autism and their biological parents. UCSD and over 20 of the nation's leading medical schools are part of this effort.
How to join*
1. Sign up online at
www.sparkforautism.org/ucsd.sarrc -- registration typically takes about 20 minutes. Using this link connects you to our site, which enables us to better follow up with you if you encounter any issues or have specific questions.
2. Complete a few questionnaires online.
3. Provide a saliva sample. A saliva collection kit will be sent directly to your home after registration. When you are done, simply mail it back in the prepaid mailer.
Benefits of joining
1. Individuals with autism will receive gift cards valued at up to a total of $50 for participation.
2. SPARK hosts monthly webinars, featuring psychologists, researchers, or speakers from the autism community, that provide useful information for families and individuals with autism.
3. If a genetic finding is discovered related to the cause of autism, results will be shared back with families.
4. The information you provide may help others with ASD for generations to come!
*Our site also offers the option for home appointments where a member of our SPARK team can come to your home and assist you in the registration process, collect the saliva samples, and mail them in for you! This is typically the preferred method for families as everything gets completed at once. Please note that we ask that both biological parents and individual diagnosed with ASD be present for these appointments. We can accommodate a variety of dates and times outside normal business hours on the weekdays or weekends -- whichever is most convenient for you and your family! Alternatively, we can also schedule in-clinic appointments at our office if that is preferred.
You can visit our SPARK FAQ page for additional details. Please contact us via email at [email protected] or via phone at 858-534-6906 if you would like to set up an appointment or if you have any questions!
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| Older Adults with Autism (40-75 yrs old) Needed for Study |
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We are looking for older adults with autism (40-75 yrs old) to be in our brain imaging study! Anyone with a diagnosis or suspects that she or he has autism is invited to reach out to us. Participants receive a free assessment, free MRI brain scan, and around $150! If you know anyone who might be interested in this, please have them email
[email protected] or call us at 619-594-0176. Thank you!
http://autism.sdsu.edu
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| Participate in a Study at Research on Autism and Development Laboratory at UCSD |
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| SJSU Research Study Participants Needed |
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My research team and I are writing to let you know of an exciting opportunity for your online community to participate in a research study. The research study is looking at friendship quality, social participation, and social networks in young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We would like to understand the causes and impacts of social deficits in order to contribute to the development of social skills training programs for use with adolescents and young adults. This is our capstone project to partially fulfil our Master's degree, and the Principal Investigator (PI) of the study is Dr. Megan Chang at San Jose State University.
We are recruiting individuals diagnosed with ASD between the ages of 18-35 who have adequate conversational skills. If you believe that your community may be interested in participating in this study or if you would like additional information, please contact myself at
[email protected]. By volunteering, participants may benefit through reflection and may develop increased self-awareness.
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| SDSU Center for Autism Brain Study Needs Volunteers! |
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The SDSU Center for Autism is conducting a behavioral and brain imaging study with youth (7-21 years old) on the spectrum. We are trying to understand how the brain changes as children become young adults.
Participants get a free assessment, a free MRI scan, about $150, and a free picture of their brain! If you are interested, call us at 619-594-0176, or email us at
[email protected]. Thank you!
http://autism.sdsu.edu
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| Volunteers Needed for Study!!! |
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My name is Thanh Nguyen and I am an occupational therapy student at San Jose State University. My group is conducting a cross-cultural (U.S. vs Taiwan) study, examining the differences in occupational participation of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at home, school and in the community. We are inviting participants who are parents or legal guardians of children with ASD, 9-12 years of age, in the United States to answer an anonymous online survey that takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. I would greatly appreciate if you can share this attached flyer in your newsletter so that anyone who is interested in participating in the study can help us fill out the survey.
Here is the link to the survey:
https://sjsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1LBak1TToSe1RTn
Potential participants can also access the survey by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
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| Autism Resources Research |
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