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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. July 10, 2018

In This Issue

Optimism greets investors' sudden interest in autism therapy

Brains of children with autism show unusual folding patterns

Autistic New Yorkers Share Their Stim-Toy Stories With 'Aftereffect'

Enhancing Fine and Gross Motor Skills with Creative Activities

How Dennis Wall became the 'bad boy' of autism research

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Therapeutic Approach to Growth

NFAR Men's Group - Jul 12

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

North County Summer Park Playdates

AIT for YOU, a division of T, Silverman, Training and Consultation, will conduct a 10-day Berard AIT session in the San Diego area

Come Golf With Us and help Change Lives! - Special Pricing Now through August 8th!

Family Beach Day at Moonlight Beach

Join Us For The All About Art Exhibit! - July 19th

Start Your Training this Summer!

Jeremiah's Ranch July Newsletter

Help Belt - Safety Alert Seat Belt Cover

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

Private JCPenney Autism Friendly Shopping Event, July 22nd

Craft Workshop for Adults this Saturday in Fallbrook


 




  • Optimism greets investors' sudden interest in autism therapy
  • The Maryland-based autism therapy company Learn It Systems was a small operation with big ambitions when it caught the eye of a major private equity firm called LLR Partners.

    At the time, in 2016, hundreds of small providers across the United States offered applied behavioral analysis (ABA), the most widely used autism treatment. But no big players had yet entered the fledgling market. Philadelphia-based LLR Partners bid to purchase Learn It Systems for an undisclosed amount.

    Since then, Learn It Systems, now called Learn Behavioral, has increased the number of states in which it offers ABA services from 11 to 18 and more than quadrupled its workforce to 3,400 employees.

    "There's been a tremendous amount of expansion," says Michael Maloney, the company's president and chief executive officer. Read on...

  • Brains of children with autism show unusual folding patterns
  • The brains of children with autism fold differently than those of their typical peers, two new studies suggest1,2. But whether they are unusually smooth or convoluted depends on location and age.

    Certain regions of the brain's outer layer, the cerebral cortex, are more intricately folded in school-age children and adolescents with autism than they are in controls, according to one of the studies.

    In young people, this folding difference may be the most obvious structural feature of the autism brain, says Ralph-Axel Müller, professor of psychology at San Diego State University, who led the study. Their brains don't tend to show overall differences in brain volume or surface area, for example. Read on...

  • Autistic New Yorkers Share Their Stim-Toy Stories With 'Aftereffect'
  • In Arnaldo Rios Soto's North Miami neighborhood, neighbors knew the now-28-year-old as the man with the toy trucks.

    His favorite was a shiny silver tanker that he named based on its logo, "Celulares Telefónica," for the Puerto Rican phone company. He took it everywhere with him, on walks to the park and to the corner store.

    He'd twist it around and around in his fingers, sometimes rubbing its smooth surface against his cheek. But on July 18, 2016, North Miami police officers mistook Arnaldo's toy for a gun. The consequences of that misinterpretation play out over eight episodes in the new WNYC Studios podcast Aftereffect.

    Through this reporting I also talked to autistic adults about how they've felt misjudged for carrying stim toys, like Arnaldo's truck. Read on...

  • Enhancing Fine and Gross Motor Skills with Creative Activities
  • The sun rises and sets every day. It is a proven occurrence and can be documented by most human beings who live on this planet. Now if you tell a 70-year-old today he/she should have seen 25,550 sunsets and sunrises each during a lifetime, he/she will immediately tell you he/she should have but missed many of them.

    Why? When the most breathtaking gift to our eyes can be seen every day, for free, how do we miss it?

    When a child is diagnosed with autism, parents are bombarded with a boatload of things they need to do to fit their child in this pretty little box called 'normalcy.' As the child grows, parents are constantly told where the child should be, what he/she isn't doing, and most of the time, it feels like even when you think your child is doing great, there is always something he/she hasn't measured up to. It's a race. Autism feels like a race, a race against nothing. No one really tells us to slow down, and that it is not a race, they just let us run. If one day you decide to pick your head up from the drowning of "not good enoughs," "we need to stop that," and "we need to work on this," you will realize that you have missed many sunsets and sunrises while you were gone...and your life...is not an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Read on...

  • How Dennis Wall became the 'bad boy' of autism research
  • It was a sunny California afternoon in January 2015 when Dennis Wall received an unexpected gift: 'smart glasses' made by Google that had failed to live up to their hype in the press.

    An employee from the company pulled up to Wall's lab at Stanford University in a sleek gray Tesla, popped open the sedan's trunk and unloaded a brown cardboard box with long, dangling cords.

    It was a scene straight out of the television comedy "Silicon Valley," which satirizes the absurdity of the tech world. Wall's ambition for the Google Glass, however, is dead earnest: He aims to help people with autism interpret others' emotions. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • I am looking to connect with a parent of a young adult with autism and behavior issues. I have twin 20 year old girls with a mod/severe intellectual disability and autism. Both girls have behavior issues. One daughter's behaviors are worse than the other daughter's. The daughter with the more severe behavior difficulties has self injurious behaviors (bangs her head on the carpet, hits herself in the face and picks her fingers and they bleed) and aggressive behaviors ( pulls mother and sisters hair, throws objects and tears books.) In addition, she has broken two large screen T V's, lamps and numerous pictures. She also screams. Except for picking her fingers, she only exhibits these behaviors at home. She does not exhibit these behaviors at school or in the Saturday TERI respite program. I would like to connect with another parent with a child with similar behaviors to exchange ideas on what has helped reduce these behaviors. My e-mail is [email protected] Thank-you



    Hi I'm in Carlsbad, I have a 14 yr old daughter who needs blood drawn for critical tests but has a major phobia re: needles. Her wonderful/understanding special Needs physician retired. Took her to 3 Dr.'s (including children's hospital SD) who pretty much told her to "suck it up" and were very punishing/not understanding. I need physician and/or lab that understands. Last time we took her to get blood drawn was five years ago it took 4 nurses to hold her down and one was kicked in the head. She was little then, now she's over 5'9". Please help! Thank you! [email protected]



    I'm looking for an ophthalmologist who has experience with young adults with autism. [email protected]



    My son is 13 and has a horrible time getting his hair cut. I do my best at home, but it's a struggle. I'm hoping to find someone with experience in cutting hair for autistic teens. Thank you. Laurena [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.

  • Therapeutic Approach to Growth
  • 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.

    We specializing in the development and implementation of individualized comprehensive programs utilizing Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration, Sensory Processing, Applied Behavior Analysis, Art Therapy, and Life Balance Yoga Therapy.

    Offering support in the San Diego, Carlsbad, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.

    In addition to supporting our clients directly, we offer guidance to parents, grandparents, therapists, teachers, siblings, school staff, babysitters etc.

    Therapeutic Approach to Growth
    [email protected]
    (858) 689-2027

  • NFAR Men's Group - Jul 12
  • The Men's Group is for dads, step dads, and granddads helping to raise a child with autism. We offer dinner, guest speakers and a chance to network with other men in a relaxed setting.

    Thursday, July 12, 2018
    6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
    **As of April** Filippi's Pizza Grotto
    5353 Kearny Villa Rd
    San Diego, CA 92123


    Dinner: Pizza, Salad.
    Dinner is provided

    July Topic: Understanding your Child's Legal Rights under IDEA

    Guest Speaker: Margaret A. Dalton, Esq. Associate Dean and Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law

    Click here for all the info!!!

  • 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. The Cortica Care Model

    • Neurophysiology
    • Family and Home
    • Biochemistry
    • Cognition and Behavior
    • Sensorimotor
    • Communication
    Integrated Therapists with specialized expertise collaborate to understand and treat the whole child.

    Personalized Your customized program will focus on what your child's developing brain needs most to gain new abilities.

    Proven The Cortica Care Model is based on a proven methodology that gives you confidence you're doing the right thing.

    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
    also
    16800 Aston, Suite 175
    Irvine, CA 92606
    949-748-8571
    http://www.corticacare.com

  • North County Summer Park Playdates
  • 4 Dates · Jul 13 - Aug 17
    Sunset Park, 909 Puesta Del Sol, San Marcos, CA 92078


    Join our Summer Park Playdates! Fridays: July 13th & 27th and August 3rd & 17th from 9:00-11:00am at Sunset Park in San Marcos. Our group meets next to the FREE Splash Pad & playground. We recommend bringing a blanket, sunscreen & towel to dry off from the Splash Pad. Picnic tables are limited. All are welcome, we hope you can join us, please RSVP by selecting "going" on this Facebook event page.

    Click here for all the info and to RSVP!!!

  • AIT for YOU, a division of T, Silverman, Training and Consultation, will conduct a 10-day Berard AIT session in the San Diego area
  • BERARD Auditory Integration Training (AIT) is a non-invasive, sensory based treatment which enhances aspects of hearing perception, as well as auditory integration and processing. Individuals over the age of 3 can participate in the training program. Teenagers and adults benefit also. Individuals with ASD, ADD, LD, PDD, CAPD, and hypersensitivity have benefited from this innovative therapeutic program. AIT for YOU has treated over 3, 500 individuals in CA, NV, NJ, PA, WI, IL, IA, MD and DE. Results from BERARD AIT practitioners around the world document that when the Berard protocol is used, in conjunction with BERARD equipment, statistically significant positive results are achieved.

    Dates: November 16 through November 23 , 2018 (10 consecutive days, only one day is a school day) Location: Greater San Diego area (location determined by location of the families participating)

    Cost:
    >>7 participants registered - $1650 per participant
    >>6 participants registered - $1850 per participant
    >>5 participants registered- $2250 per participant
    >>Fee reduction for second participant in the same family
    >>Fee reduction for repeating participant

    Early registration received by September 1, 2018 save $150 or by October 1, save $100

    For more info and to reserve your spot please contact Terrie Silverman at 414-405-7820 or [email protected]
    http://aitforyou.com

  • Come Golf With Us and help Change Lives! - Special Pricing Now through August 8th!
  • TEE UP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

    Special Pricing Now through August 8th!

    Join us at Morgan Run's beautiful golf club and resort for a fun filled day of golf, contests, great prizes, and more! Registration includes a box lunch and buffet dinner. Best of all - your support helps those with autism in San Diego!

    To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Maggie Katz at 858-679-8800.

    EVENT DETAILS
    MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2018
    10:30 AM: Check-In
    12 NOON: Shotgun Start


    SINGLE PLAYERS: $150
    FOURSOME: $495
    DINNER: $50
    Includes: Golf Cart, Lunch, Dinner, Beer, Games & Prizes!

    Click here for all the info and to register!!!

    MORGAN RUN CLUB & RESORT
    5690 CANCHA DE GOLF
    RANCHO SANTA FE, CA 92091

  • Family Beach Day at Moonlight Beach
  • Saturday, July 14 at 10 AM - 12 PM
    Moonlight Beach
    Encinitas, California


    Join us for the July Family Beach Day on Saturday, July 14th! We will host one beach Day a month during June, July, and August. We will meet at beautiful Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, which has great facilities including full bathrooms, a large playground, and food and drinks for sale! Join for a day of family fun in a supportive, nonjudgmental atmosphere.

    Click here for all the info!!!

  • Join Us For The All About Art Exhibit! - July 19th
  • Thursday, July 19th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    The Home of Guiding Hands Verbeck Resource Center at 1908 Friendship Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020


    Come meet the talented artists from Home of Guiding Hands and see their inspiring works of art. You'll have the opportunity to purchase original art and special note cards using the artist's creations. Light reception hosted by HGH.

    For more information please contact Lynn Scott at [email protected]

    We hope to see you there!

  • Start Your Training this Summer!
  • Professional DIR-FCD Model Certificate Level 1 in Emotional, Social and Cognitive Development (CL1)

    Courses Starting in July!

    For more information click on the link below or contact [email protected]

    Certificate Level 1 Course with Jehan Shehata-Aboubakr, BA, CCC
    Begins JULY 26 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST

    Certificate Level 1 Course with Georgina Ahrens, OT
    Begins JULY 26 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM EST

    LEARN MORE
    REGISTER TODAY
    https://profectum.org

  • Jeremiah's Ranch July Newsletter
  • Click here to read their July issue for all the upcoming activities and news!!!

  • Help Belt - Safety Alert Seat Belt Cover
  • Help Belts speak for your loved one when no one else can. Inspired by her own son's needs, Mom Susan Byczko makes Help Belts using super-soft fabric and smooth snaps. This design was made exclusively for NAA. An inside pocket contains a medical information sheet to be filled out with your child's emergency medical and contact information. Only $8!!! Click here for all the info and to purchase!!!

  • "My Time For Dinner" A Social Event for Parents of Children with Special Needs
  • Please join us for Dinner at Little Italy Bar and Grill In Scripps Ranch
    (Approx. $15 per person)
    Monday, July 16, 2018
    7:00 PM


    Please R.S.V.P. with your host Bene Raphael no later than July 13th at [email protected] or for any questions please call (760) 845-4551

  • Private JCPenney Autism Friendly Shopping Event, July 22nd
  • Hosted by Autism Speaks San Diego and Autism Speaks Southern California

    Sunday, July 22 at 9 AM - 11 AM
    290 E Via Rancho Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025


    JCPenney at Westfield North County in Escondido has teamed up with Autism Speaks San Diego to bring you a private autism friendly shopping experience. This private event is free and open to the public.

    This event will take place before official store hours and will provide a safe and sensory friendly shopping experience. Event will have light refreshments, exclusive discounts and many more surprises. Autism Speaks will have an informational table with local resources and news. Keep checking back every day. We will be announcing more details and specials! Click here for all the info!!!

  • Craft Workshop for Adults this Saturday in Fallbrook
  • Saturday, July 12, Jeremiah's Ranch College of Adaptive Education will be hosting another Craft Workshop at CAE headquarters, 911 E Elder (behind the church). Please RSVP to [email protected]. Please note that students will leave their creations behind for resale later in the year. This is for those 18 and over. This is a free event! http://www.jeremiahsranch.org

  • 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:
    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!!!

     
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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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