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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. August 03, 2018

In This Issue

This store employee's simple gesture meant the world to a teen with autism

New consortium may create projects, funding for autism research

Trump Signs Law Delaying Caregiver Check-In Mandate

Skepticism surrounds autism drug given 'fast track' for approval

Autistic children prone to food, skin and respiratory allergies

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

Conference: Love & Autism - Early Bird Pricing Ends August 15th!

Volunteers Needed for Love & Autism Conference!!!

Beacons North County -- Please take survey!!!

Accepting Applications for NFAR's Teachers Grants Program

Therapeutic Approach to Growth

YOU'RE INVITED: NFAR's Charity Golf - Sign Up Now and Save!

Summer Camp for Teens & Adults with Special Needs

Trumpet Behavioral Health Now Serving the San Diego Metro Area

Special Education Law and Advocacy Series (SELAS)

Back to School Free Webinar - SD August Flyer - and Lots of News!

Jeremiahs Ranch August Newsletter

Fall VIP Soccer Registration Open

ALL AGES Sensory Friendly Night at Playwerx!

Accepting Applications for NFAR Tech's October Program


 



THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS






  • This store employee's simple gesture meant the world to a teen with autism
  • A grocery store employee is being lauded for helping a teen with autism stock shelves in a fridge.

    Sid Edwards and his son Jack Ryan Edwards, 17, visited their local Rouses Market in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Sunday. Jack Ryan, who is on the autism spectrum, took notice of what one of the employees was working on: stocking shelves in a fridge.

    Edwards said Jack Ryan was mesmerized by what the store employee was doing. At first, Edwards thought his son wanted orange juice. Read on...

  • New consortium may create projects, funding for autism research
  • A newly formed group of leaders from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) is poised to generate funding opportunities for child health research, including autism science.

    The so-called Trans-NIH Pediatric Research Consortium brings together leaders from the NIH's 27 institutes and centers. Launched in June, the group plans to meet every other month to identify research areas in the NIH's portfolio that fall under the purview of more than one institute.

    The conversations are designed to identify gaps in the portfolio and to flag areas of overlap, says Diana Bianchi, the consortium's leader and director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Read on...

  • Trump Signs Law Delaying Caregiver Check-In Mandate
  • President Donald Trump has signed into law bipartisan legislation that will delay until 2020 the start of a Medicaid requirement that personal care attendants electronically check in when they assist people with disabilities.

    The one-year delay of what's known as electronic visit verification, or EVV, was sought by a number of disability rights groups largely because of concerns about privacy and the timeline for states to comply with the mandate which was originally slated to take effect in January 2019. While praising the new law, some advocates said they want to see more legislation passed to narrow the reach of EVV.

    "We were grateful to see that the EVV delay legislation became law," said Nicole Jorwic, director of rights policy for The Arc. "It's a good first step of fixing the underlying issues that we have seen around implementation at the state level around the country." Read on...

  • Skepticism surrounds autism drug given 'fast track' for approval
  • For more than a decade, pediatrician Peter Halas has overseen the treatment of a young autistic woman, Mary Anne, who consistently resisted his attempts to examine her. Mary Anne's parents have brought her to his New Jersey clinic at least once a year since she was 10, but at each visit, she would push him away and say just one word: "No." (Halas did not disclose Mary Anne's last name, to protect her privacy.)

    Halas prescribed Mary Anne anxiety medication, he says, but her mood and behaviors did not improve.

    So, when Yamo Pharmaceuticals, a small biotechnology company based in New York City, asked Halas to lead a study on its candidate autism drug, he jumped at the opportunity. "This patient, who had been my patient for a long time and was severely autistic, immediately came to mind," Halas says. Read on...

  • Autistic children prone to food, skin and respiratory allergies
  • Food allergies are more than twice as common among autistic children as they are among their typical peers, according to a new study1. Boys with autism are also more likely than typical boys to have respiratory or skin allergies, the study suggests.

    The findings jibe with a large body of research linking autism to an abnormal immune response. For example, women with autoimmune and immune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are more likely than women without these conditions to have an autistic child.

    But few studies have directly probed the connection between autism and allergies. The new work, based on survey responses from the parents of nearly 200,000 children, is the first large study to find an association. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • I wanted to put the word out about Sari Kuperstein, a really fantastic ABA therapist / behavior specialist. She is extremely energetic, loving but firm, patient, has tons of great ideas. She used to work for a school district and has many years of experience.

    She is not presently a vendor for the regional center. We have been employing her several days per week for my severely autistic adult sister, who is now in a day program, so Sari has most days available. Her fees are quite reasonable.

    She can be reached at (754) 215-2219 (texting is best) or [email protected]



    We have several families (North County Inland) in our parent support group who are looking for day programs, or other providers, for young adults on the spectrum with challenging behaviors. The adults are around age 22 and have been classified as ASD with IDD as a secondary condition. We hope to find providers who are willing to take them out into the community fairly regularly and have ABA or similar background experience--or at least have the needed attitude and people skills! All suggestions considered! --- Thank you! [email protected]



    Looking for a female caregiver for my adult daughter with high functioning autism. 14.5 hours per week. $10.72/hr (county min. Wage). Payment is through the county IHSS program. Light housekeeping, laundry, assist with food shopping, meal prep and medication refills/adherence. Must have reliable transportation, good DMV record, proof of insurance and background check. No drinking or other substance abuse. SDSU area.
    Thank you so much!
    Debra Berl [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.

  • Conference: Love & Autism - Early Bird Pricing Ends August 15th!
  • October 13-14th, 2018
    9:00AM - 4:30PM
    Liberty Station Conference Center, San Diego, CA


    We value neurodivergent leaders and reject the pathology paradigm because the development of healthy autistic identities matters. Allowing love to lead us, we create powerful change in the world. Don't settle for the status quo, trust your heart. This is Love & Autism

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

  • Volunteers Needed for Love & Autism Conference!!!
  • If you would like to volunteer your time and services please contact [email protected] or call 619-600-0683 x1.
    https://loveandautism.com

  • Beacons North County -- Please take survey!!!
  • We are proud to announce Beacons, Inc., a new North County-based nonprofit created to provide postsecondary options for adults with disabilities! Our founders and Board know first-hand what transitioning from high school/ATP to adult life means and thought it was time to create something to provide lifelong learning opportunities in a supported environment! And now, we are ready to share news about a pilot program forming for mild/moderate young adults (ages 18 - 26), in North County San Diego!

    To launch, we need your help!
    Please take our exploratory survey to help us gauge your interest and postsecondary needs!
    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BEACONS-Launch-Survey1

    For more information about our upcoming Pilot Program, please visit:
    http://www.BeaconsNorthCounty.com

    Questions? Please email us at:
    [email protected]

  • Accepting Applications for NFAR's Teachers Grants Program
  • Autism affects one in every 59 children in the United States and a growing number of students each year in classrooms across San Diego County.

    To help, NFAR established a program in 2005 that awards funding to educators to support the specialized academic needs of their students with autism.

    The 2018/2019 NFAR Teachers' Applications are due September 30th.

    Sample grant applications, Guidelines and Restrictions are on the website.

    Apply or learn more!

  • 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

  • YOU'RE INVITED: NFAR's Charity Golf - Sign Up Now and Save!
  • Calling All Golfers!

    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 golf cart, fun contests, box lunch, dinner, fun prizes and more.

    Why We Golf
    NFAR's Charity Golf Tournament is to help raise funds for autism programs, including our Technical Training Vocational Program for young adults. Unemployment for those with autism is 85% - higher than for any other disability. NFAR is working to change this with a comprehensive program that provides technical and soft skills instruction, certification, and work internship.

    Sponsorship
    Showcase your Company by becoming a Sponsor! For more information on Sponsorship opportunities, 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
    • Includes: Range Balls, Golf Cart, Lunch, Dinner, Beer, Games, Fun Prizes and more!
    MORGAN RUN CLUB & RESORT
    5690 CANCHA DE GOLF
    RANCHO SANTA FE, CA 92091

    Click here to register!!!

  • Summer Camp for Teens & Adults with Special Needs
  • Join us for our Dance, Music and Art Summer Camp for Teens & Adults with Special Needs

    Monday through Friday August 20-24 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
    (Including a performance on Friday August 24 for family and friends)

    • Where: Rancho Bernardo Recreation Center - 18448 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego
    • What: An Art, Dance & Music Summer Camp for Teens & Adult with Special Needs
    • Cost: $85.00 per person - includes supplies
    • Questions: Call Caroline 602-502-2743
    Registration is limited to 20 Campers
    Please register in advance
    Call 602-502-2743
    Email: [email protected]

  • Trumpet Behavioral Health Now Serving the San Diego Metro Area
  • Lauren Cox M.Ed. BCBA, Clinician, San Diego
    Trumpet Behavioral Health
    Mobile: (408) 499-0700 | [email protected] | www.tbh.com

  • Special Education Law and Advocacy Series (SELAS)
  • Saturday, September 8, 2018 - Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Warren Hall, Room 2a, University of San Diego Campus
    $125 per session / $600 series


    Building on past and current efforts to educate the community on special education law, the University of San Diego School of Law has developed a new Special Education Law and Advocacy Series (SELAS). This new program builds on the previous Special Education Advocacy Certificate program, with new curriculum meant not only to educate but also offer practical, hands-on experience in special education law and advocacy. Click here for all the info and to register!!!

  • Back to School Free Webinar - SD August Flyer - and Lots of News!

  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info about news, resources and upcoming events!!!

  • Jeremiahs Ranch August Newsletter
  • Click here to read their latest newsletter for all the info about their upcoming events!!!

  • Fall VIP Soccer Registration Open
  • Registration now open! San Elijo AYSO VIP Soccer Fall Season starts September 9th. The VIP league is a program designed for the specific needs of individuals whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult for them to successfully participate on mainstream soccer teams. Each player will have a Buddy to assist them while they learn soccer, meet new friends, and have fun!

    There will be 8 games, Sundays from 1-2pm at the San Elijo Softball Fields. Cost is $50 and registration is open at https://inleague.sanelijoayso.org/

    Please contact [email protected] or (760) 500-9735 with any questions.

    We hope to see you there!

  • ALL AGES Sensory Friendly Night at Playwerx!
  • Hosted by Autism Society San Diego
    Thursday, August 9 at 5 PM - 7 PM
    PlayWerx
    6060 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, California 92011


    Join us for an ALL AGES WELCOME Sensory Friendly Family Night at PlayWerx with Autism Society San Diego! PlayWerx will be closed to the general public for this special night for autism families. This event is open to families and participants of ALL ages. Play in the climbing structure, enjoy meeting other families, and enjoy an evening of judgement free relaxing family fun. $8 per participant covers entrance to the event. Food is available for purchase separately. We hope you can join us!
    Click here for all the info!!!

  • Accepting Applications for NFAR Tech's October Program
  • Are you ready to work but not finding that opportunity? Are you sitting at home despite a college degree? Then NFAR's vocational technical training program might be the right choice for you!

    NFAR Tech will be starting a new class in October.

    NFAR Tech is a comprehensive hands-on training programs that teaches technical and employment skills. It prepares young adults with autism for entry level jobs in today's workplace as software testers and other vocations.

    If you are interested in learning more, visit our website, and/ or contact us at 858-679-8800 if you have any questions.

  • 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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