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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Love. Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. November 16, 2018

In This Issue

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Large Danish study finds autism prevalence rises with age

Largest ever study of psychological sex differences and autistic traits

Language differences underlie distinct subgroups in autism

Major depression: Existing drug reduces symptoms by 45 percent

With Insurance Change, Access To ABA Therapy Expected To Grow

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

In Carlsbad: Therapeutic Approach to Growth (TAG) Speech Therapy

The Old Globe Sensory Friendly Grinch - December 1st!

15th Anniversary Race for Autism at Balboa Park, April 6, 2019!

NFAR Race for Autism, Justice League Special!

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

Target is Now Selling Affordable Weighted Blankets

Options Program at Cathedral Catholic High School

Foster Homes Needed for Adults with Special Needs!

Farmers Insurance Open Tickets only $35! - Proceeds Benefit NFAR!

Early Childhood Conversations

Radically Inclusive Holiday Gift Fair

Engage & Connect Program -- Next session starts November 29th!

ATPF LEGO Therapy Workshop

Get Your Car Washed and Help Raise Funds for Include Autism!


 

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  • Large Danish study finds autism prevalence rises with age

  • The rising prevalence of autism shows no sign of leveling off, according to a new study that accounts for every diagnosis made in Denmark over 32 years.

    That may be in part because more adolescents and adults are being diagnosed with the condition than before, the researchers report. The results were published today in JAMA.

    "We don't see any evidence that the prevalence increase is plateauing or stabilizing," says Diana Schendel, professor of psychiatric epidemiology at Aarhus University in Denmark, who led the work. The findings highlight the need to expand support and services for adults with the condition, she says. Read on...

  • Largest ever study of psychological sex differences and autistic traits
  • Scientists at the University of Cambridge have completed the world's largest ever study of typical sex differences and autistic traits. They tested and confirmed two long-standing psychological theories: the Empathizing-Systemizing theory of sex differences and the Extreme Male Brain theory of autism.

    Working with the television production company Channel 4, they tested over half a million people, including over 36,000 autistic people. The results are published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

    The Empathizing-Systemizing theory predicts that women, on average, will score higher than men on tests of empathy, the ability to recognize what another person is thinking or feeling, and to respond to their state of mind with an appropriate emotion. Similarly, it predicts that men, on average, will score higher on tests of systemizing, the drive to analyse or build rule-based systems. Read on...

  • Language differences underlie distinct subgroups in autism
  • Brain activity governing language can distinguish children with autism into distinct subgroups.

    Most autistic people have some language impairment, but the severity varies widely. As such, rooting out the neural underpinnings of the language difficulties has proven difficult.

    "When we look at all of this variability and consider everyone as one group, we lose so many intricacies," says Feifei Gao, a graduate student in Ralph-Axel Müller's lab at San Diego State University. Gao presented the unpublished findings yesterday at the 2018 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting in San Diego, California.

    Gao and her colleagues scanned the brains of 51 autistic children and 50 controls, all aged 8 to 17 years, while the children rested in a scanner. 'Resting-state' scans can show the synchronization between brain regions in the absence of any particular task. Read on...

  • Major depression: Existing drug reduces symptoms by 45 percent

  • For the first time in decades, researchers have identified a new medication that can successfully treat major depression.

    Depression affects about 300 million people across the globe, making the condition the "leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide," according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

    In 2016 in the United States, over 10 million adults had at least one major depressive episode. Approximately 64 percent of these people had their lives severely impaired as a result.

    Despite the prevalence and severity of this condition, the current treatments are limited and often ineffective. Up to 30 percent of people with major depression are resistant to treatment. Read on...

  • With Insurance Change, Access To ABA Therapy Expected To Grow
  • A change to medical billing codes for the most common behavior therapy for autism will mean better insurance coverage for families and less hassle for providers, advocates say.

    Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, codes are used by medical providers to bill insurance companies for services. The codes are maintained by the American Medical Association, with labels of temporary (more experimental, but still effective treatments) or permanent (proven effective under more rigorous standards).

    The CPT codes for applied behavior analysis - widely considered the gold standard of autism therapy - will move from temporary to permanent starting Jan. 1, 2019, generally requiring insurance companies to reimburse for the therapy and conferring legitimacy to its effectiveness, advocates say. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • I am writing this ad for the amazing family of caregivers who have worked for us for the past six years, caring for my father until his death, and then my severely autistic, non-verbal sister and our mother, both, until they both recently passed away. The caretaker is a licensed CNA, super responsible, kind and personable. He is young and strong, and has experience working with the elderly, those with autism, the physically disabled, and those in a hospice type situation. He has an outstanding work ethic, and cared for our family members regularly during the night as well as the day. He is completely reliable in ordering and dispensing meds. He did extensive "diaper duty" and showering / bathing for incontinent family members with never any complaints. He has a wife who is as sweet as he is, and two young children, and they all lived in with first my father and then my mother (divorced). This would be optional, though it was a great thing, as his wife was the relief caretaker. I would be happy to talk on the phone or in person further about our experiences with this family, their compensation, or anything else. The caretaker has a car and valid driver's license, speaks good English, and is a recently naturalized US citizen. They are willing to relocate. Daria [email protected] or 619-788-2042



    Does your child or young adult have IHSS hours? I have an amazing person who is working with my 22 year old daughter and is looking to take on new clients. She's been great at teaching life skills, cooking, hygiene and can also help with things like organizing schoolwork, mentoring etc. She is also available for work private pay as well. Please spread the word if you know anyone who needs this type of service for teens/young adults 😊Contact me for details Debra Berl 619 672-8893



    My 16 year old son( with autism/intellectual disability/pica/anxiety/chronic constipation) has been having intermittent aggression since we relocated to Carlsbad 2 months ago came home from CAPS yesterday...can you recommend a person who we can hire to stay in our home for an extra layer of support in the early evening (5-8pm) during the "sundowner" time? This is the time that aggression may come from out of nowhere. I would need help getting him to his room without being assaulted, where he can be safe, getting him PRN medication, and allowing him to calm down there (without calling the PERT team or the police). Once we are certain that he is stabilized with the right dosage of medication, we will not need the same level of extra support. We can pay up to $20/hr. We are also in the process of getting IHSS for him, so in time we will have more resources available...

    Please reply directly to my email address: [email protected]



    We hired an advocate this summer for our middle schooler, but feel that it is a lot of money for what we are getting. We just would like someone who would answer questions we can have once in a while, but in an immediate way because sometimes it's urgent...does anyone know of someone/somewhere we can get those kind of services? Thank you!! [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.

  • In Carlsbad: Therapeutic Approach to Growth (TAG) Speech Therapy
  • Are you looking for speech therapy services and haven't found the right fit? Therapeutic Approach to Growth (TAG) in Carlsbad has an excellent new SLPA who we'd love for you to meet!

    Currently Jordan still has some openings in her schedule but she is filling up fast! Reach out to us to schedule with Jordan if you need speech therapy services and you are available to come in on:

    Mondays between 10:00AM and 1:00PM
    Tuesdays between 10:00AM and 2:00PM
    Thursdays between 9:00AM and 2:00PM
    Fridays before 2:00PM


    Send us an email at [email protected] to inquire about our speech therapy services and get to know Jordan! We hope to hear from you soon!

    Therapeutic Approach to Growth (TAG)
    5411 Avenida Encinas
    Suite 110
    Carlsbad, CA 92008
    (760) 448-5837
    http://tagforgrowth.com

  • The Old Globe Sensory Friendly Grinch - December 1st!
  • The Old Globe Theatre
    December 1, 2018 at 10:30am


    As a friend of ValeriesList you are invited to a special performance of America's favorite holiday fable, returning for its 21st joyous year!

    Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 21st incredible year, the family favorite features the songs "This Time of Year," "Santa for a Day," and "Fah Who Doraze," the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as The Old Globe is once again transformed into a snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

    Space is limited-get your tickets now!

    For tickets to our sensory-friendly performance, please call the Ticket Office at (619) 234-5623 and say FRIENDLY Or CLICK HERE to save $10 off adult and children's tickets!

  • 15th Anniversary Race for Autism at Balboa Park, April 6, 2019!
  • Saturday, April 6, 2019
    Balboa Park, San Diego

    Join over 7,000 San Diegans at the Race for Autism as we come together to celebrate 15 years of making a difference for those with autism in San Diego. It's going to be SUPER!

    Please note: This year's Race is the first weekend in April during Autism Awareness Month!

    PLUS: Don't miss out on our Family Friendly Pricing available through December 31st.

    Learn more or contact NFAR at 858-679-8800

  • NFAR Race for Autism, Justice League Special!
  • Special Pricing Good Thru 12/31/18

    Attention Team Captains - here's a great way to form a team for the Race for Autism! Take advantage of our Justice League pricing package for the 15th anniversary!

    Justice League Special - $25 flat rate for 15 persons! This includes timing fees and larger T-shirt sizes.

    To apply or learn more, please contact us at 858-679-8800.
    https://www.raceforautism.org

  • 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
    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

  • Target is Now Selling Affordable Weighted Blankets
  • The weighted blanket you've been wanting to try is finally available at an affordable price. Target is selling 12-pound weighted blankets this holiday season for only $70-most well-rated blankets sell for over $100. These quilted throws come in cream and gray. Click here for all the info!!!

  • Options Program at Cathedral Catholic High School
  • The Options Program at Cathedral Catholic High School provides students with intellectual disabilities and/or delays an opportunity to become a part of the CCHS community. Students enrolled in the Options Program will become fully integrated as possible into the total life of the school community through participation in general education classes and campus activities with the support of peer mentors. Students will earn a Certificate of Completion upon their four years at CCHS. There is also support from a special education case manager who designs individualized curriculum for each student. Incoming Freshmen may apply.
    https://www.cathedralcatholic.org/academics/special-education/options-program

    Cathedral Catholic High School
    5555 Del Mar Heights Road
    San Diego, CA 92130

  • Foster Homes Needed for Adults with Special Needs!
  • Foster Homes Needed for Adults with Special Needs! If you or someone you know are interested, contact me today.

    Lynn Scott
    Adult Foster Home Program Manager
    (619) 954-7847
    [email protected]

    Click here for more information!!!

  • Farmers Insurance Open Tickets only $35! - Proceeds Benefit NFAR!
  • Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to purchase Farmer's Insurance Open, January 23 - 27! Last year, we sold out of tickets, so don't wait.

    Tickets for the 2019 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines can be purchased through NFAR for $35 each and mailed to you.

    ADVANTAGES: These tickets provide the same access to the Tournament as the $50 tickets! NFAR tickets are good for any one day during the tournament, January 23 - 27. And, every ticket purchased through NFAR supports autism! ($25 goes back to NFAR).

    To learn more, or to purchase tickets, please contact NFAR at (858) 679-8800.

  • Early Childhood Conversations
  • Trumpet Behavioral Health has partnered with the Marine Corp Recruiting Depot to offer a series of workshops for DoD families in November, December, and January. workshops will be presented by Lauren Cox, M.Ed. BCBA with Trumpet. Please see the flyer for RSVP information. As well, reach out to Lauren at [email protected] or (408) 499-0700 with any additional questions.

    To RSVP or for more info please call: 619-524-0916 or email: [email protected].

  • Radically Inclusive Holiday Gift Fair
  • Saturday, November 18 from 9am to 12pm
    The Church at Rancho Bernardo
    11740 Bernardo Plaza Court
    San Diego, CA 92128
    Cost: Free


    Personalize your holiday gift shopping this November by supporting local businesses owned by adults with special needs and abilities. This event celebrates the concept of radical inclusion from Andrea Moriarty's book "Radical Inclusion: What I Learned About Risk, Humility, and Kindness from My Son with Autism."

    Live music will be provided by Jungle Poppins. Kevin the Baker and Smoothie Princess will providing refreshments. A dozen vendors include Bella Nova ceramics and succulents, Nichols Freestyle Weavings, Jasmine's Bunting, Sydney's Soaps and Inclusion Art by Katie.

    For more information, view the invitation HERE or contact 858-518-1418.

  • Engage & Connect Program -- Next session starts November 29th!
  • Families of young children with autism, ages 2 - 8, and their siblings are invited to join us for our next session of the "Engage & Connect".

    The program is designed to bring parents, siblings, and children with ASD together, learn strategies from our professional team, and most of all - have fun!

    Play activities have been designed to encourage communication and social skills development.

    The Engage & Connect Program is held once a week for 4-weeks at Kid Ventures indoor recreational play center in 4S Ranch on Thursdays from 5:15 - 6:30 pm starting November 29th.

    To learn more or to register, please contact NFAR at 858-679-8800. Spots fill quickly-sign up for the next session today!

  • ATPF LEGO Therapy Workshop
  • Saturday, November 17th at 10 AM - 11 AM
    Autism Tree Project Foundation
    2845 Nimitz Blvd, San Diego, California 92106


    All ATPF families and kiddos are welcome to come out to our LEGO Workshop on Saturday, November 17th from 10 AM to 11AM. We will build LEGOs and practice social communication skills with Dr. Jennifer Oke!

  • Get Your Car Washed and Help Raise Funds for Include Autism!
  • THIS SATURDAY IN KEARNY MESA!!!

    November 17th!!! Prestige Auto's 50th Anniversary Fundraiser! All car washes will be 50% off and proceeds from the day will go towards Include Autism's programs! https://includeautism.org

    Prestige Autowash
    7860 Othello Ave.
    San Diego, CA 92110
    8am to 5pm
    http://prestigesd.com

  • ASD Mornings at theNAT
  • Social stories (in English and Spanish) for 7 museums in Balboa Park (The Nat, The Fleet, Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Man, San Diego History Center, and Japanese Friendship Garden) are available online. These were created by young adults with autsim as part of the SPECTRUM Social Stories Project here at The Nat.

  • 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.

  • "Autism Through the Lifespan" Monthly Parent Support and Information Meetings

  • October 2018 - May 2019
    PLNU Graduate Education
    4007 Camino Del Rio South - Fourth Floor
    San Diego, CA 92108


    Please join other parents, caregivers and professionals at the following monthly informational and support group meetings in Mission Valley. These meetings will discuss the various aspects of autism through the lifespan. Each meeting will feature an expert speaker and an ASA parent mentor. This is a time for you to meet other parents, ask questions and network.
    The meetings are free and open to all. See the flyer for all the info!!!

  • Participate in Research!!! Can a Safe 'Fever' Help Autism Syptoms? Spanish Speakers Welcome!!!
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    Can a Safe 'Fever' Help AUTISM Symptoms?

    Una 'Fiebre' Para Disminuir los Sintomas de AUTISMO? 

    Pilot Study Enrollment


    This pilot study will enroll 12 families with ASD children ages 2-17 years old in a controlled study, in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. We are testing a dry heat therapy from an FDA-cleared medical device with simulates the effect of a low-grade fever by non-invasively infusing heat into the circulatory system. The Fielding Graduate University IRB approved study is entitiled: "The Fever Effect: Do kids with autism do better when they use a device to warm their blood? Effects of six-week AVACEN Treatment Method on Autism Spectrum Disorder".

    If you are interested in participating in this pilot study please contact Frances Poteet at [email protected] and provide your phone number, email address, zip code and best time to reach you so that we can contact you. If you are not selected as part of this pilot study, you may be offered an opportunity to participate in a larger study of the device at a later date.

    Participants who complete the entire study will receive a $200 Amazon gift card. Enrolling now! Limited openings available!

    We can offer services in English and Spanish (all the way from the Orientation throughout the course of the study.)

  • Participate in Research: Caregiver/Family Member Survey
  • business_finance_research.jpg

    My name is Richie Sapp. My twin brother, Mikey, has been attending the TERI day program for several years now. I am a third-year medical student (MS3) at Stanford School of Medicine where I am currently taking a research year to focus my efforts in medical education, specifically to improve patient care for individuals with disabilities. I am creating an elective course for medical students/PA students for Winter Quarter 2018/19 and I could use your help.

    Please consider completing this first survey and if your son/daughter would like to complete the second survey on their own, I would welcome that too.

    1) This survey is for parents/caregivers of individuals with disabilities. Caregiver/Family Member Survey, which will help me with what content to put together for the course. Please feel free to share the survey with anyone who might be interested in sharing their experiences. Here is the link: https://goo.gl/forms/FC0pVxymGi92OBq73

    2) Additionally, if you know anyone with a disability who would like to speak about their own experiences, there is a separate survey for individuals with disabilities. The link is below:

    https://goo.gl/forms/S2aJ7DuFOqhqgxl73

    Thank you so much for all your support!

    Please email me if you have any questions.

    Thank you,
    Richie Sapp
    ( [email protected])

  • Brain Imaging Studies for all Ages with or without Autism

  • The Brain Development Imaging Labs at San Diego State University are looking for individuals with diagnosed or suspected autism to participate in a brain imaging study. Participants would receive around $150 plus free cognitive testing and an MRI scan. Child participants would receive a free assessment summary and image of their brain as a bonus! We are looking to recruit from all ages, but we especially need adults, ages 40-65 years, to participate. If you know someone who might be a good fit for our study, please share this information with them. Thank you.

    At SDSU!!! To find out more, please call 619-594-0176 or email [email protected].
    http://bdil.sdsu.edu/

     
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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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