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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. May 17, 2018

In This Issue

The Silent Faces of Homelessness are People with Severe Disabilities

Is vasopressin what's lacking in the brains of those with autism?

UCLA law students to publish first disability law journal in the nation

Temple Grandin Explains Why It's Necessary to Pull ASD Children Out of Their Comfort Zone

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

San Diego Regional Center Spring Newsletter

Summer Programs Enrolling Now!

DanceABILITY Class for Adult Students in Point Loma

Cara Lucier & Associates

Encinitas Dance/ Karaoke Party for special needs teens/adults

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

"My Time for Dinner" A Social Event for Parents of Children with Special Needs

No Wait for RDI!!!

Self Determination Update

Conference: Love and Autism

Mainly Mozart Festival Genius Weekend Events

IEP FREE Evaluation Day in Rancho Bernardo!

Adaptive Yoga in Carmel Valley

BCBA Job Opportunity at CARES

TAG Art Exhibit! in Carlsbad, May 23rd


 



THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS






  • The Silent Faces of Homelessness are People with Severe Disabilities
  • Californians are well aware of the shortage of affordable housing. Communities have proposed everything from raising minimum wage to micro housing.

    People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are among those who need affordable housing-and they're much less likely to find it.

    Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the nation. The latest count, completed last in December, shows the population of people with autism in California has surpassed the 100,000 mark. Read on...

  • Is vasopressin what's lacking in the brains of those with autism?
  • Researchers have found that male rhesus monkeys who tend to shun group play, mutual grooming and other social activities have a subtle thing in common with boys who have an autism spectrum disorder. In both cases, they have unusually low levels of a hormone called vasopressin.

    Outside the brain, vasopressin helps regulate blood pressure and fluid retention. But in the brain, it has long been thought to play a role in social, sexual and nurturing behavior. And because it interacts with male hormones such as testosterone, some scientists suspect it could be implicated in autism, which affects boys at about four times the rate that it does girls. Read on...

  • UCLA law students to publish first disability law journal in the nation
  • UCLA law students are starting a new journal that showcases scholarship on disability law.

    The Disability Law Journal at UCLA will be the only disability law journal in the country after it publishes its first issue in spring 2019. Law students who created the journal said they hope to inform more people about disability law in the United States and issues that disproportionately affect people with disabilities, such as employment discrimination, police violence and sexual abuse.

    The journal is one of several specialized law journals at UCLA, including the Criminal Justice Law Review and Entertainment Law Review.

    Sunney Poyner, the editor-in-chief of the journal and a UCLA law student, said the lack of legal and academic publications about disability law inspired her to start the journal. Read on...

  • Temple Grandin Explains Why It's Necessary to Pull ASD Children Out of Their Comfort Zone
  • temple time 100

    A new autism book, The Loving Push, encourages parents to gently and lovingly nudge children on the spectrum to perform activities outside their comfort zone.

    This book is written by Dr. Temple Grandin, a leading spokesperson on autism, as well as psychologist Debra Moore. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • We are moving to San Diego this June. We have a 10 year old son with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is very intelligent and strong academically but struggles with stimming, restricted interests, anxiety, and finding close friends. Can you refer us to a good psychologist? We are moving to Pacific Highlands Ranch in Carmel Valley, and would prefer someone close if possible. Thanks!! [email protected]



    We are looking for an effective swim instructor for my son with autism. He hasn't progressed much with the current swim school he goes to. Does anyone know of someone who teaches private swim lessons to kids with autism at their own pool? If so, please contact me at [email protected] . Thank you! Anita



    I am the parent of a 12 year old 7th grader who struggles severely with autism-like behaviors and a host of disabilities. I am unable to find a way to have her diagnosed. My two special needs children are adopted. I am a single stay at home mom and I do not have the resources for a private evaluation. We have a 12 year history of services with Rady Children's Hospital including one year in residential treatment. I'm interested to find any new information about what a parent is to do when both the medical and school communities neglects such severe needs. Thank you. [email protected]



    My 12 year old daughter suffers from Dyscalculia. I am searching for other parents who have dealt with obtaining academic supports from the school districts. Most specifically what is placed in an IEP in the area of: goals, accommodations and supports. My experience has been the refusal to acknowledge the condition or to provide the research based teaching needed. Thank you. [email protected]



    High functioning autistic adult male looking for a roommate in the North County Inland area. The individual does not need to be on the autism spectrum and if they are should be fairly high functioning, be able to do basic care for themselves, and have no behavioral issues. Open to both male and female roommates. Please contact [email protected].



    I'm looking for someone who knows about phonics and reading programs to help my autistic 11-year-old son learn how to read.
    Please contact me at [email protected]



    Anyone interested in a social group for teen boys and girls in 92129 area?
    My 17 year old daughter is probably on the spectrum and her main difficulty is social skills and making friends. Please e mail if interested in getting some of these teens together for fun,outings and lasting friendships. Thanks Kim [email protected]



    "Hello, our son, a 5th grader, is on the autism spectrum and has ADHD. He is very smart. His problems are mainly behavioral. He has had a hard time following directions and doing schoolwork and has been suspended several times. He has been in gen ed, but lately has spent his mornings in special ed due to some episodes. Today the school announced they want to send him to another middle school than the one he was supposed to go to with a BASE program, where he would be 100% of the time in that program instead of gen ed. Has anyone experienced the BASE program? We are very worried as we have very little time to make a decision on this, and it came as quite a shock to us. We don't understand why they won't let him just try the home middle school and see how it goes there. We already had the transition meeting with them. Should I consult with an advocate or would you know of somewhere I can get honest advice/opinion? Thank you!"
    Sandrine Sweeney
    (760) 539-7639
    [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.

  • San Diego Regional Center Spring Newsletter
  • Feature Article - On the Road Again
    Self-Determination Information Sessions
    Taking Charge of Your Life
    Client Profiles/Celebrating Our Success
    Celebrating Our Diversity
    Click here to read this newsletter!!!

  • Summer Programs Enrolling Now!
  • Lots of fun options - Lego groups, Executive Functioning bootcamp, "Me to We" preschool/kinder groups and Team Builders groups.

    Click here for program and registration information or email us at [email protected]

    Social Communication Specialists
    5703 Oberlin Dr, Ste 207
    San Diego, CA 92121
    (858) 558-9552
    http://socialcommunicationspecialists.com

  • DanceABILITY Class for Adult Students in Point Loma
  • Malashock Dance in San Diego is offering a DanceABILITY class for adult students with intellectual differences at 4:30 pm on Fridays starting May 25th. The hour-long class is one that the dance company offered for a long time and we are excited to bring it back! www.MalashockDance.org

  • Cara Lucier & Associates
  • At Cara Lucier & Associates we believe in the ability of every person to reach their potential. We believe that education is the key to opportunity. We advocate for the rights of individuals and their families:

    • IEP team meetings
    • Mediation
    • Due Process Hearings and Appeals
    • 504 Meetings and Appeals
    • Regional Center Meetings and Appeals
    • IHSS Appeals
    • Civil Rights Litigation
    For a free 60-minute initial consultation, please contact us at (760)505-2498.

    Law Offices of Cara Lucier
    Civil Rights and Education Law
    701 Palomar Airport Road, Suite #300
    Carlsbad, CA 92011
    [email protected]
    Phone: (760) 717-3451
    http://www.caralucier.com

  • Encinitas Dance/ Karaoke Party for special needs teens/adults
  • Saturday, May 19th at 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    Performing Arts Workshop
    1465 Encinitas Blvd, A102, Encinitas, California 92024


    Happy May! Come boogie, sing, hang with old and new friends. Time for out monthly fun! As always , chaperones requested for individuals who might have behavioral or physical challenges. So excited to be with you all again! Please share this post! https://www.facebook.com/events/315402048992887/

  • Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment
  • Experience a unique and effective approach to autism therapy.

    Our aim is to bring to families everywhere the most effective therapies for the treatment of autism. Our integrated care model is based on the scientific research and clinical practice of our founder, Dr. Suzanne Goh. We seek to set a new global standard for autism care by achieving superior developmental outcomes for the children and families we serve.

    At Cortica, we believe the world needs a higher standard of care for all those living with autism, or a potential diagnosis of autism. Families like yours deserve effective, collaborative, caring therapies that are accessible and reasonably priced, no matter who you are or where you live.

    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
    http://www.corticacare.com

  • "My Time for Dinner" A Social Event for Parents of Children with Special Needs
  • Please R.S.V.P. with your host Bene Raphael no later than May 18th at [email protected] or for any questions please call (760) 845-4551

  • No Wait for RDI!!!
  • Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®)
    Our primary approach for treatment of autism spectrum is a developmental program called Relationship Development Intervention (RDI®). RDI® is a unique treatment approach that empowers parents to guide their child to succeed in our dynamic world. Children who learn to actively engage with the support of their parents in safe but challenging learning opportunities develop a strong motivation to explore and expand their world, as well as develop competence and trust in themselves and their guides. Click here for all the info!!!

    Two Offices to Serve You
    3555 Kenyon Street, Suite 101
    San Diego, CA 92110
    and
    10731 Treena Street, #105
    San Diego, CA 92131
    619-600-0683 ext. 1
    https://familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • Self Determination Update
  • In October of 2013, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed into law the Self-Determination Program, which will provide consumers and their families with more freedom, control, and responsibility in choosing services and supports to help them meet objectives in their Individual Program Plan. Learn more about Self Determination.

    The Department is pleased to announce that on March 13, 2018, the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver application seeking federal funding for the Self-Determination Program was formally re-submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

    A copy of the Waiver application is available below. CMS has 90 days to either approve the application, deny the application or request additional information. Because of all the work that's been done with CMS to prepare for this formal re-submission, we are very hopeful the application will be approved. We will post updates regarding communications with CMS about the status of the application. Updates will be posted as we progress toward implementation. Self-Determination Program Waiver Application.

    You may also wish to get involved in your Local Advisory Committee. The next meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2018, 10:00 am at the San Diego Regional Center and attend an information session. Click here for more information!

  • Conference: Love and Autism
  • October 13th-14th, 2018
    Liberty Station Conference Center
    2600 Laning Rd.
    San Diego, CA, 92106


    We will be holding our annual conference at the Liberty Station Conference Center located just 2 miles from the airport, 3 miles from downtown, in the expanding community of Liberty Station. There are numerous restaurants just a short walk away or take a stroll through NTC Park.

    Registration to the 2018 Conference will be Opening Soon! Please Check Back for More Details.

    Click here to see the list of speakers for this years conference!!!

  • Mainly Mozart Festival Genius Weekend Events
  • PURCHASE TICKETS FOR SENSORY-FRIENDLY CONCERT HERE
    Only $10 for entire family!


    PURCHASE TICKETS FOR ANY/ALL Mainly Mozart Events here

  • IEP FREE Evaluation Day in Rancho Bernardo!
  • RSVP Required: 858-945-6621 or [email protected]

    The Special Education Advocacy & Law Firm of Thomas S. Nelson
    16466 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 106
    San Diego, California 92128
    Tel: (858) 945-6621
    www.specialedlaw.us

  • Adaptive Yoga in Carmel Valley
  • Come try this FREE CLASS designed for adult students with cognitive limitations at the Carmel Valley Recreation Center. This class is being sponsored by the council for Carmel Valley Recreation Council.

    Participants needing assistance please call Therapeutic Services at 619-525-8247.

    THURSDAY 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm June 28 - August 23 Room 1 (No class week of July 5th)

    Carmel Valley Recreation Center
    3777 Townsgate Drive
    San Diego, CA 92130

    For more information, Call Janice at 858-735-6166 or email her at [email protected]

  • BCBA Job Opportunity at CARES
  • https://www.fredfinch.org/opportunities/

  • TAG Art Exhibit! in Carlsbad, May 23rd
  • We are excited to invite you and your family to our first ever TAG Art Exhibit! This month, our Carlsbad students are working hard to plan an afternoon filled with art, snacks, and activities. This exhibit will be from 3:00-5:30 pm on Wednesday May 23rd in our Carlsbad office at 5411 Avenida Encinas Suite 110. We would love for you to come out and enjoy the fun and support our students. If you are interested in attending, or would like more information please contact [email protected] We hope to see you there! http://tagforgrowth.com

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT
  • Autism Accessibility Morning at the Fleet!

  • The third Saturday of every month, Fleet invites the Autism Spectrum Community to enjoy our museum through this special opportunity. Adults and families with children with autism can enjoy the Fleet's exhibit galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before regular open hours to the general public and with access to a special cool-off space. Visitors are welcome to stay and enjoy the museum all day. Admission includes a special IMAX film screening at 10 a.m. with the house lights on and a lower soundtrack volume.

    For more information, visit www.fleetscience.org/events/autism-accessibility-mornings.

  • San Diego Sibshop


  • October 2017 - August 2018

    WANTED: Siblings who have a brother/sister with special needs

    AGES: 7 - 12 years old
    Older siblings are welcome to attend as "Junior Leaders"

    WHAT: A fun-filled opportunity geared to the specific needs of siblings with brothers/sisters with special needs. Join us for games, crafts, hikes, cooking, and art. Meet other sibs - lunch provided

    TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    DATES:
    May 20: Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
    August 19: Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071**

    DONATION: $5.00 - $10.00 per meeting per family for craft materials, supplies and lunch for the kids

    REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested by email (if possible) the Thursday before the event.

    CONTACT: Email [email protected] for a Sibshop registration form and / or additional information.

    Sibshop Leaders:
    Jody BonDurant-Strong, Administrator
    Ndoto BonDurant-Strong - adult sibling & CSUSM student
    Gina Clifton, ECSE Medically-Fragile Teacher, Special Education
    Pat Moulton, Retired

    https://www.facebook.com/sandiegosibshop/

  • Summer Camps 2018


  • Looking for summer activities that will keep your child with autism engaged and learning new skills, all while still having fun?

    San Diego is home to many summer camps, sports activities, art classes and other programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In an effort to make this process easier for parents, NFAR's guide lists many of the camp options available in our community.

    Click here to view the list!!!

  • Therapeutic Recreation Services Summer 2018 Calendar


  • Click here to view the calendar!!!
    Registration for Summer activities happening now!!!

     
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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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