The Reason For It All

Free Autism Training Scholarships for SDASA Members

AIT for You will be conducting Berard Auditory Integration Training in San Diego this summer, will you be there?

Exclusive: Top White House Aide Talks Disability Policy

Providing IT Training

The 2009 California Autism Survey Results Are In!

Testing of Children

Xcite Steps Tennis Clinic

Last call for A Day in the Country!

Possibilities, Disabilities and the Arts with Keri Bowers

Your feedback is needed!

Thank you luncheon for USD Football Team

A night of music, fashion, and glamour!

Magellan Autism Connections Launches to Support Health Care Insurers, Employers and Families

AMC and SDASA to Host Two Sensory Friendly Films this April

"ARTS" Film Premier in Hollywood - Autism Awareness Month with Keri Bowers and ASA Los Angeles

Autism linked with stress hormone levels

SDASA EAST COUNTY GROUP MEETING

Financial Challenges Among Autism's Costs

SDASA NORTH COUNTY GROUP MEETINGS

New CARES program in Temecula

This is my son, Tony Saraf. Tony was diagnosed at age 2 with Autism, bipolar and ADHD. For the last 25 years, he has been my guiding light and the love of my life...and the biggest, toughest challenge I have ever had.

Helping Tony to be the best Tony he can be, is my goal. Where that goal will lead the two of us, is yet to be seen. Tony continues to improve and I know there is more to come. Currently, Tony lives at home with me and attends an adult day program at St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, in El Cajon.

Doing this newsletter and learning all that I can for you and for Tony, started out as a small project 10 years ago with 40 people and has turned into an elephant with over 1,500 readers. And just like Tony, there is no end in sight!

Thanks for joining me on this fascinating ride!
Valerie Dodd-Saraf

Empowering Through Information
and the Fostering of Connections

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. This includes professionals and even people who are interested in babysitting, etc.

Please take the time to thoroughly check out anyone and everyone that will be working with or caring for your child. We are all sadly aware, through news stories and word of mouth, of people who pray upon special needs children because of their extra vulnerability.

Thank you,
Valerie Dodd-Saraf
My enewsletters are archived on my website: www.ValeriesList.com However, my webmaster has been on vacation and out of the country for about 2 months, so no updates have been done. My apologies.

Treat Yourself to somethin that won't cost a penny this year: Autism Training! You heard right - FREE autism specific training is available to help you better understand autism and be a more educated parent, caregiver or teacher!

One of the many uniques benefits of the San Diego County Chapter of the Autism Society of America's annual membership is the availability of a scholarship for autism specific training up to $250 per person per year.

Want to go to a conference but don't have the funds to pay for it? Now you have no excuse! The application for the Stauffer Foundation Scholarship can be found on the website: www.sd-autsim.org. Training must be autism specific such as ABA, RDI<, PECS, any conferences, DAN!, Biomedical Treatment Conferences, etc. The scholarship only pays for the conference or training fee. It does not cover any travel expenses, books, mileage, gas or accomodations.

Another great way to utilize this annual scholarship available to our members is to coordinate an autism specific training at your child's school (full inclusion, mainstreaming, teaching ASD children, etc.) Just ask your teacher, resource specialist or prinicipal if they would be interested in hosting a training session for the teachers after school one day. Then complete the application together and bring autism training to your school where you will be helping many children and teachers who work to teach them. It is really that easy!

If you have any questions, call the chapter line at 858- 715-0678 or e-mail us at info@sd-autism.org.

This wonderful program is provided to members of the San Diego County Chapter of the Autism Society of America through the generosity of the Stauffer Family Foundation.

Berard Auditory Integration Training
Did you know that the Berard method is one of the few sound-based interventions that has been researched and its effectiveness is well-documented by many studies? Studies have been done with a variety of populations, including autism, PDD-NOS, CAPD, and ADHD, with significantly positive results. The diagnostic label is of less importance than the presenting concerns and areas of difficulty. These studies have evaluated physiological, behavioral and cognitive changes in the subjects demonstrate the efficacy of AIT. (from www.berardaitwebsite.com)

June 19-28, 2009
Kearny Mesa location

Flexible payment plans offered
Financial assistance available (partial scholarships)

Fee for 10 day program is $1600 -
Early registration discount if registration received by May 8th - $1500.

Contact: Terrie Silverman terries@execpc.com
Phone: 262.569.7828 Website: http://aitforyou.com/

In February Vice President Joe Biden announced the selection of Kareem Dale as the first ever special assistant to the president for disability policy.

Now, in an exclusive interview with Disability Scoop, Dale defends the president following his misstep on The Tonight Show last week and talks about what's next in the administration's plans for people with disabilities. Read on...

Able-Disabled Advocacy is pleased to announce we have received a grant to provide IT training. We have 80 scholarships for individuals with all types of disabilities who wish to work in these occupations: IT Technician, Desktop Support Technician, Network Technician, Server Technician, JAVA Programmer, and Microsoft Office Specialist. I have attached a brochure. We will be selecting our first group of 20 recipients for our first class within the next month. More classes to follow.

Applicants must be serious about completing the 10- month program, very self-directed and motivated, and able to learn through reading content online. The program is very structured with assignment due dates, tests, etc. Some of the tracks required experience working in the field. Please help us get the word out about this opportunity. More information is available on our website through the Programs and Technology-Based Learning links.

Cindy Lennon
Special Projects Coordinator
Able-Disabled Advocacy
4283 El Cajon Blvd. Ste. 110
San Diego, CA 92105
619-23-5990 x 315

Autism Society of California, ASA
The 2009 California Autism Survey Results Are In!

In February 2009, the Autism Society of California sent out a survey to individuals and parents on the autism spectrum. It was our goal to obtain a snapshot of the current services being provided and determine what are the largest needs in the autism community. We reached our goal and the results are in!

This information will be shared with autism organizations throughout California, local ASA chapters, and will be made available on our website for reference. Our hope is that government agenices, private and non-profit organizations can use this information to improve services and fill in some of the gaps that exist.

For the Key Findings (2 pages), visit:
http://www.autismsocietyca.org/KeyFindingsASCSurve y.pdf.

For the full report (32 pages), visit: http://www.autismsocietyca.org/2009_ASC_Survey_Pr esentation.pdf

We appreciate your participation.

Valerie - you may already know about this but I just learned about this form of academic testing. I really like it because it is computer based and not teacher based, which for my guy may allow a more accurate test.

Anyway, passing this form of testing on as parents may be interested to try this to possibly get a better picture of their child's academic skill levels. Many school districts are starting to use this.

http://www.scantron.com/performanceseries/howitwor ks.aspx
Lucile

TENNIS CLINIC
Sports clubs for youth experiencing disabilities
Date: April ©\ June
Time: 4:30 to 6:30

Xcite Sports is pleased to offer a tennis clinic specifically structured for children of all ages experiencing a disability. We are thrilled to open our hearts to the potential tennis players of San Diego. Our purpose and mission for this tennis clinic is to provide a sense of pride and fulfillment through athletic movement and team play.

The tennis clinic will be run by head tennis professional Darrin Bassett at the Fairbanks tennis courts in Rancho Santa Fe. Darrin will be assisted by our experienced mentors keeping our ratio 2 to 1. Darrin will make sure each participant receives personalized tennis instruction, ensuring success at their own level of play.

At the end of the 8 week session every child will have felt a sense of achievement in learning a new sport, built confidence in themselves and their abilities, made new friends, and have had a great tennis clinic experience.

SPACE IS LIMITED. TO SIGN UP CONTACT:
Director:
Matt Winkley (858) 722¨C 1948
mwinkley@excitesteps.com

Dear Friends,
Next week, Saturday, April 11th, the quiet town of Jamul will for the 5th year in a row, witness the greatest country hoedown of all time! There will be fun for people of all ages, including the Bayou Brothers band, zydeco dancing, a bar, delicious food by Country Inn Catering, an Easter egg hunt, farm animals galore, and great people! Please join us and invite your friends as well! All proceeds go to San Diego People First, an empowerment organization for adults who have developmental disabilities. Even if you can't attend, please help us spread the word to your friends and family! RSVPs due this Friday, April 3rd.
Donation: Adults - $25; 12 & Under - $10
diana@hetzelhomes.com

Vaccinations, Celebrities, and The Cure... I Say "What Now"?

I am positive that vaccinations did not cause my son, Taylor, to have autism. He showed signs of developmental and other delays within the first 4 months of his life - before his course of vaccinations were started and completed. Though I don't doubt that vaccinations may indeed trigger autism, I do not believe vaccinations in and of themselves cause autism. But what do I know - or does anybody for that matter?

What I do believe is that Taylor and others have a pre- disposition - viral and/or genetic - which environmental toxins and pollutants "trigger." For me, and hundreds of other women I've spoken to over the years, the environmental toxin I can point to is Pitosin. How's that for left field? Nobody talks about Pitosin, but in my case I am convinced this was Taylor's trigger. There are many women who agree and can easily point to this particular toxin as well...

To read the entire article, click here: Article by Keri Bowers

Hi Valerie,
I'm the mother of a moderately autistic 7 year old boy and I work at a University in San Diego. The head of the nursing department mentioned that I might have the opportunity to speak with nursing students about interacting with autistic patients and their families. I know of several key things that we try to share or request, to help us when my son has medical appointments. I would love to have feedback from other families, though, to share as well, so that the nursing students can hear a broader range of voices. Could you post a request to families, asking them what the top three things they would like nursing students to know or do as they treat autistic children in their careers? Or, to describe an interaction with a nurse that was helpful and supportive, and why, or the reverse--an example of when things did not go well and why. All feedback is welcome.
Thank you,
JMR

April 18, 2009 at 11:30 AM at the USD Football Field

ATPF will hold a thank you luncheon for the USD football team & kick off of player mentor program for ATPF kids for the 2009 USD football season. Special guest & speaker Joel Anderson will speak to the players on the topic of "Do You Have Courage?" Joel will also be exhibiting his Art for the players.

If you would like to have your child mentored by a USD football player, please fill out the form here and return to daynahoff@cox.net.

Planning Committee Meeting for November Gala
April 30, 2009

On April 30th, ATPF will hold a VIP event for those of you who really want to commit to being a part of the ATPF committee involved in the planning of November's Gala. This cocktail event is a first chance to start planning and throwing around ideas, and we welcome everyone to come, but only if you are prepared to be involved in the planning of the November event for the rest of this year. We are looking for passionate and creative people who want to help ATPF make a difference through the upcoming Gala and beyond. For more information, please read the invitation, and if you are not sure if you qualify to attend this event, please call Dayna Hoff to talk about it with her directly at 619-980-8614.

Please RSVP to Dayna Hoff at daynahoff@cox.net or 619-980-8614

AVON, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) growing steadily over the past two decades and cost of care exceeding $35 billion a year, Magellan Health Services, an industry leader in behavioral health care management, has launched Magellan Autism ConnectionsSM, a program to ensure that individuals and families living with these disorders receive effective and appropriate care. Read on...

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, there will be two Sensory Friendly Films this April: Monsters vs. Aliens on April 4, and Hannah Montana: The Movie on April 18, both at 10 a.m. local time.

AMC Mission Valley 20
1640 Camino Del Rio North
San Diego, CA 92108
-and-
AMC Palm Promenade 24
770 Dennery Rd
San Diego, CA 92154
Admission: $6

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other developmental differences a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe, accepting environment on a monthly basis. With sensory friendly films, the auditorium will have its lights brought up and the sound turned down. Additionally, audience members are welcome to bring in their own casien and gluten free snacks, get up and dance, walk, shout, or sing. We'll see you at the show!

"ARTS" a film about possibilities, disabilities & the arts by keri bowers
creator of "normal people scare me" and "the sandwich kid"

Friday April 17th 2009 at 6:30pm
At the beautiful
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre
4800 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90027
$20 per person

In support of APRIL'S AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Includes (pre-show), hors d'oeuvres & drinks ART exhibition and silent auction, Screening of ARTS, animated shorts by kids with autism, live music, dance, a panel discussion with artists from the film, and the presentation of
Hearts and Arts Awards
to honor heroes in autism awareness.

Tickets available at www.BGTtix.com and at the box office. For more information call (562) 884-6706

Some of the symptoms of the autistic condition Asperger Syndrome, such as a need for routine and resistance to change, could be linked to levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggests new research led by the University of Bath.

Normally, people have a surge of this hormone shortly after waking, with levels gradually decreasing throughout the day. It is thought this surge makes the brain alert, preparing the body for the day and helping the person to be aware of changes happening around them.

However, a study led by Dr Mark Brosnan and Dr Julie Turner-Cobb from the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, and Dr David Jessop from the University of Bristol, has found that children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) do not experience this surge.

The researchers believe these findings may help to explain why individuals with this condition have difficulties with minor changes to their routine or changes in their environment. Read on...

Aspegers/HFA Parent Support Group
Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Java Mama Cafe
8250 La Mesa Blvd (in the back of the building)
La Mesa, CA 91941

Jennifer Ruiz of TASK will be speaking about the services and workshops TASK offers to parents.

TASK is a family-centered non-profit organization offering support to families of children with disabilities of all ages

When Santa Reyes' son, Yoleheri, was diagnosed with autism at age 3, the Lawrence, Mass., woman, who speaks little English, had no idea where to turn for help for her autistic son.

"I was very worried, because I could see that my child was not like the rest of the children," said Reyes, who also has a 22-month-old son who is not autistic.

When she began to pursue answers, she discovered her son was not receiving appropriate services, such as speech therapy. Read on...

Aspergers/HFA Support Group
Monday, April 6, 7:00 TO 8:30 PM
Carlsbad Senior Center
799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008

Registered dietician, Helen Jacobsen, will discuss "Feeding the Picky Eater."

Ms. Jacobsen has been a nutritional consultant with the San Diego Regional Center since 1992 and has a great deal of experience working with parents on the feeding challenges of children with autism spectrum disorders


COFFEE TALK
Sit...Relax...Chat
Thursday, April 9, 9:00 am
Panera Bread
575 Grand Ave.
San Marcos

Calling all parents who would like to sit and chat with other parents of children with ASD. Meet and join others over a relaxing cup of coffee