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Empowering Through Information and the Fostering of Connections
Love. Acceptance. Intervention. Civil Rights. December 14, 2018

In This Issue

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Saint Joseph's University becomes first major college to add autism break room at basketball games

Innovative model helps kids on autism spectrum avoid behavioral drugs in ER

Slow onset may explain late autism diagnosis in some children

Kid-tested, parent-approved toys for kids of all abilities!

Autistic children may have to mute own perspective to grasp others'

Family and Others Looking for Help!!!

No Wait for RDI at Family Guidance

TONIGHT!!! Club Beacons in Carlsbad for 16 to 29 yr. olds

Positive Action Community Theatre (PACT) presents Children's Theatre Workshops!

Sensory Sunday Family Time at Mission Valley Library

Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment

Dan's Place: A Special Needs Restaurant by Friendship Circle San Diego

Therapeutic Approach to Growth Offering Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) & More!

Little Big Steps is Accepting New Clients!!!

Social Thinking Conference in Orange County, CA | Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2019

Be a HERO for 2019! Family Friendly Pricing Good thru 12/31/18

Central San Diego Coffee Talk


 

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THIS MONTH'S SPONSORS






  • Saint Joseph's University becomes first major college to add autism break room at basketball games
  • All the things that make going to a major indoor sporting event fun for most people - the cheering crowds, the loud buzzers and whistles, the lights flashing on and off - for some people, they can raise issues.

    Now, St. Joseph's University has become the first school in Division I NCAA to add a space for fans to address the issue.

    At a recent women's basketball game against Villanova, the school, located on both the Lower Merion and Philadelphia sides of City Avenue, unveiled its new Autism Break Room for families with a member with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the hopes of being able to make attending games a positive and inclusive experience for all families.

    Joseph McCleery, executive director of academic programs at the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at St. Joseph's, said the university has had programs for families, but this was a good next step. Read on...

  • Innovative model helps kids on autism spectrum avoid behavioral drugs in ER
  • An innovative care model developed by Nemours Children's Hospital for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the emergency department (ED) reduces the use of medication administered to kids who are prone to stress and sensory overload in this care setting. Information about this care model was presented today at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's National Forum.

    "Our program was designed to help prevent escalation of anxiety and agitation in children with ASD, therefore leading to the reduced use of sedatives and restraints," said Cara Harwell, ARNP, CPNP, PMHS, lead researcher and a Nurse Practitioner at Nemours Children's Hospital. "Sedative medications do have side effects, and if we can manage kids' stress in other ways, we create a better experience for them and their families."

    In their evaluation of the program, Harwell and her colleagues reviewed two years of electronic health records and identified 860 pediatric emergency department visits in which this model, known as the REACH (Respecting Each Awesome Child Here) Program, was used for patients with ASD or similar conditions. With this approach, fewer than six percent of these patients needed an anxiolytic (anxiety medication). None needed an antipsychotic (for aggressive behavior) or an alpha-agonist (for hyperactivity and anxiety). Fewer than one percent needed physical restraints. Read on...

  • Slow onset may explain late autism diagnosis in some children
  • Some autistic children don't show traits of the condition until age 5 or later, new research suggests1. Others show a few mild features at age 3 but only later meet the criteria for diagnosis.

    The findings suggest that autism traits are not always apparent by 24 months, the typical age for screening. As a result, efforts to bring down the average age of diagnosis, now at 4 years, can only go so far.

    "There are some children who do get evaluated, sometimes multiple times, only to get diagnosed later," says lead researcher Sally Ozonoff, endowed professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, Davis. "This research is explanatory for those children." Read on...

  • Kid-tested, parent-approved toys for kids of all abilities!
  • Click here for all the info!!!

  • Autistic children may have to mute own perspective to grasp others'
  • To understand another person's point of view, children with autism need to actively suppress their own, a new study suggests.

    People with autism struggle with theory of mind - the ability to guess others' thoughts and feelings. This may contribute to their social difficulties. The new work hints at the brain processes that underlie their difficulty.

    The researchers used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to monitor brain activity in autistic and typical children, aged 8 to 12 years, as they performed a version of a classic theory-of-mind test. This test involves inferring someone else's knowledge about the location of an object. Read on...

  • Family and Others Looking for Help!!!


  • 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]



    My 26 yo son is looking for a room to rent near Miramar or Mesa Junior College.
    He is high functioning ASD, quiet, no drinking or drugs. Does not drive so needs to be near public transportation. Ideal living situation would be with 1 or 2 similar young adults. Thank you! [email protected] 858-837-2355



    Hi any advice on adaptive pe.....there trying to take away the rooms at my son's middle school to give to the drama club. What can I do as a parent? [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.

  • No Wait for RDI at Family Guidance
  • 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.

    Why RDI®?
    Foundations of the adult mind are developed in the first years of life through the "Guiding Relationship". From the middle of the first year of life, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, in every culture on earth, children interact with parents and other important adults in deceptively simple encounters, with a very serious underlying agenda; constructing the architecture of the child's mind and brain. Click here for all the info about RDI®!!!

    The Family Guidance and Therapy Center
    Locations in Point Loma and Mira Mesa
    619-600-0683
    https://familyguidanceandtherapy.com

  • TONIGHT!!! Club Beacons in Carlsbad for 16 to 29 yr. olds
  • Visit this page to register or learn more! https://www.beaconsnorthcounty.com/club-beacons

  • Positive Action Community Theatre (PACT) presents Children's Theatre Workshops!
  • Register now for PACT's children's theatre workshop series, offered for elementary aged children of all abilities on Saturday afternoons from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. This 8-week series begins January 26 and concludes March 23. Located at Dance North County in Encinitas, workshops will include improvisational theatre activities designed to improve confidence, cooperation, and creativity. It will be led by PACT Artistic Director Sandy Redmon, and by Jacob Redmon and Jovyn Anderson.

    Tuition is $100 for the 8-week series, with scholarships available. Contact Kathryn Campion at PACT for more information or to register: 760-815-8512, [email protected], www.pacthouse.org. PACT is a non-profit organization established in 2008. Its mission is to empower individuals with unique needs and create community through the performing arts. Join us!

  • Sensory Sunday Family Time at Mission Valley Library
  • Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 11 AM - 12:30 PM
    Mission Valley Library
    2123 Fenton Pkwy, San Diego, California 92108


    In collaboration with Autism Society San Diego, Mission Valley Library welcomes families with children on the spectrum to a sensory-friendly program featuring interactive music and movement. Recommended for children ages 3-9, this program will feature fun songs and games with simple choreography and props such as scarves and egg shakers. After the program, families can explore the library, check out items, or enjoy the sunny patio. Regular Sunday hours for the general public start at 12:30. No registration is required. You can prepare your child for this program by using the Social Story, available as a PDF download here: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/sensory-sunday-family-time-featuring-music-and-movement.

  • Cortica Care: Comprehensive Autism Treatment
  • Comprehensive autism treatment. Built on neuroscience. Delivered with compassion.

    The Cortica Care Model is the culmination of Dr. Suzanne Goh's research experience and clinical practice. This innovative approach combines optimal biomedical treatment with the most effective strategies for advancing cognition, communication, and behavior. Through the program, children achieve more meaningful social interaction, greater capacity for self-regulation, enhanced cognitive function, and improved overall health across all body systems. Over months and years, the treatment program evolves to match a child's new skills and abilities, making possible meaningful progress toward independent living, social relationships, occupation, and recreation.

    The Cortica Care Model:

    • Neurophysiology
    • Family and Home
    • Biochemistry
    • Cognition and Behavior
    • Sensorimotor Integration
    • 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
    http://www.corticacare.com

  • Dan's Place: A Special Needs Restaurant by Friendship Circle San Diego
  • This Sunday in Poway!!!
    RSVP REQUIRED TO: [email protected] or call 858-487-4879!!!
    https://friendshipcirclesd.com

  • Therapeutic Approach to Growth Offering Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) & More!
  • 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
    http://tagforgrowth.com
    [email protected]
    (858) 689-2027

  • Little Big Steps is Accepting New Clients!!!
  • Include Autism is very excited to announce the opening of Little Big Steps - a new site-based, community readiness ABA program for children ages 2.5 to 6 years who are experiencing challenges in behavioral, social, and language development. Our young participants attend onsite in a structured setting where they receive 1:1 ABA instruction as well as small group interaction with peers.

    Our staff of highly trained ABA therapists utilizes the principles of ABA to develop and promote skills to generalize into school and community settings. Our site-based setting offers the structure necessary to target the pivotal and pre-requisite skills needed for success in school-based settings, while our group settings offer access to peers in order to address social and play skills.

    Little Big Steps is a program CTA program. Sessions take place at the Poway location in the mornings until 1:00 PM. Please contact Lauren Enriquez, BCBA at (858) 603-6628 or [email protected] for inquiries. https://www.cta-communityconnext.org

  • Social Thinking Conference in Orange County, CA | Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2019
  • Get kids motivated with Social Thinking Vocabulary

    Learn user-friendly vocabulary and concepts that expose the social code, foster social awareness, and lay the foundation for developing social competencies. Kids love our vocabulary because it motivates them to socially problem solve in a pro-active, positive way. Educators, clinicians, and parents love using Social Thinking Vocabulary as an easy way to reinforce teaching throughout the day-including while teaching Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and other social-emotional learning programs.

    Join us for Implementing Social Thinking Concepts and Vocabulary: A Day to Develop Team Creativity on Jan. 31, in Orange County, to learn 20+ vocabulary terms and strategies to make these concepts come alive!

    Click here for all the info about this conference and to register!!!

  • Be a HERO for 2019! Family Friendly Pricing Good thru 12/31/18
  • On Saturday, April 6, 2019, we are celebrating the 15th annual San Diego Race for Autism Superhero 5K in Balboa Park.

    This family friendly event attracts thousands of local SUPERHEROES, big and small, to Balboa Park each year and directly supports children with autism and their families in San Diego. To date, the Race has funded more than 900 community programs and classrooms.

    Family friendly pricing is good thru Dec 31st.

    Sign Up Today and be a HERO for those with autism, Race for Autism 2019! https://www.raceforautism.org

  • Central San Diego Coffee Talk
  • Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 10 AM - 12 PM
    Denny's
    10430 Friars Rd.
    San Diego, CA 92108

    https://www.facebook.com/events/213402952928189/

  • 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.

  • City of San Diego Park & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Services Program

  • The City of San Diego Park & Recreation Therapeutic Recreation Services program provides sports, recreation, leisure and outreach services to people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.

    Services include therapeutic recreation programs and adaptive sports opportunities. These address the special needs of individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing and participating in recreation opportunities offered to the general public.

    Under the direction of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists, activities and services are designed to maintain or improve the physical, cognitive and social functioning of those who have limitations. The target population is children and adults, ages 3 and up, with any type of disability.

    For additional questions about Therapeutic Recreation Services, please call 619-525-8247.

    Click here to view their 2018-2019 newsletter and calendar of events!!!

  • "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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