The Reason For It All

THOUGHTS ON EDUCATING ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM

Vote No on Props. 1D & 1E!

Splash for Cash 2009!

Genes Show Limited Value in Predicting Diseases

Open Studio At Sophie's Gallery: Art Classes!

"Practical Advice for Optimizing Your Child's Health"

A Family RDI® Inspired Camp!

Family needs outings therapist

Camp Rise Above!

Piano Lessons

Angels Among Us CD release party

Autism defenses, rare but gaining notoriety

You're Invited to COMPASS' Open House!

Efficacy of Programs -- Revisit

Dr. Feder Comments on ASD Teens and the Selective Service?

A Parent needs a good pediatrician

Family therapist or Behavioral specialist who can help parents with Asperger teen boy

Need TERI Art Walk volunteers

Parent looking for Occupational Therapist

TACA Meeting: Law Enforcement & Autism

This is my son, Tony Saraf. Tony was diagnosed at age 2 with Autism, and later with 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
www.ValeriesList.com

The Community School, a private high school for teens with autism was featured in the New York Times and on ABC Good Morning America in October 2008. The school embraces an approach that promotes students social-emotional development as key to success in learning and in life, based on Drs. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder's DIR® Model. (www.icdl.com) Dave shares his ideas on what teens with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) need in order to learn...Read more.

Please help us to defeat two deceptive and harmful propositions on the May 19 ballot - Propositions 1D & 1E.

Prop. 1D cuts $268 million per year from children's services like child abuse prevention, immunization and early childhood development, all created by Proposition 10 (November 1998).

Prop. 1E cuts mental health care programs demanded by the voters through Proposition 63 (November 2004) by almost a half billion dollars.

Both Props. 1D & 1E take money out of specific programs required by the voters and put it in the state general fund, where the Legislature and the Governor can spend it with no accountability.

That's bad, but what's worse is that both measures are like wolves in sheep's clothing. The Legislature wrote Props. 1D & 1E to make them sound like they protect and expand services, even though they really cut programs. (To see videos of ordinary voters reacting to this misleading ballot language, click here.)

Even in this difficult time, neither Prop. 1D nor 1E is necessary to balance the state budget. Together they would provide just one-half of one percent of state spending. But both Props. 1D & 1E would slash services for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Now is no time to try to balance the budget in ways that harm children and the mentally ill. That's why people and groups from many different backgrounds have banded together to form one campaign united to defeat Props. 1D & 1E.

Please get the facts about Props. 1D & 1E, and help us get the word out so we can defeat these measures. And vote NO on Props. 1D & 1E!

Thanks for your help. Together we can prevent these unnecessary, short-sighted cuts in early childhood programs and mental health treatment for Californians.

Muffy Walker MSN., MBA; President
California Bipolar Foundation
Post Office Box 345
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
p: 858-342-0327
f: 858-756-6791
www.californiabipolarfoundation.org
contact@californiabipolarfoundation.org
Tax ID #: 26-3889828

The mission of the California Bipolar Foundation is to eliminate Bipolar Disorder through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support services for all affected; and to erase associated stigma through public education.

5/17/2009 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Clairemont Boys and Girls Club
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92117

Come on...get in the pool & swim! This is a one-of-a- kind FUNdraiser, and an easy way to help a great cause. Proceeds of Splash-for-Cash benefit the San Diego Autism Society's Pool PALS (People with Autism Learning to Swim) and Scuba Pals. This program, in partnership with Aqua Pros Swim School, includes free monthly Family pizza & pool parties, Summer Surf Camp, scholarships for individualizes and one-on-one swimming instructions for persons with autism. Besides all the fun & excitement there are goodies for every participant, "Swimmer in the Pool" prizes as well as a delicious breakfast & lunch prepared & served by San Diego Firefighters!
More info here...

The era of personal genomic medicine may have to wait. The genetic analysis of common disease is turning out to be a lot more complex than expected.

Since the human genome was decoded in 2003, researchers have been developing a powerful method for comparing the genomes of patients and healthy people, with the hope of pinpointing the DNA changes responsible for common diseases. Read on...

Sophie's Art Gallery
Open Studio Public Art Classes
Friday May 1st (5pm to 9pm)
Beaded Jewelry
Make a beautiful necklace using semiprecious gems. Participants will learn to design, string, and finish a necklace with clasps and findings. Take your finished project home or give as the perfect Mother's Day gift! Snack provided. $40 per person or RSVP by April 24th and receive a $10 discount / CALL: 619-593-2205.

Saturday May 2nd (10am to 3pm)
Designer Silk Scarves
Decorate a silk scarf by drawing designs and patterns directly on the scarf, and then dye your scarf to make a piece of wearable art. Take your finished project home or give as the perfect Mother¡¯s Day gift! Snack provided. $35 per person or RSVP by April 24th and receive a $10 discount / CALL: 619-593-2205.

Wednesday May 6 (5pm to 9pm)
Hand Printed Tee Shirts
Make a hand printed tee shirt using Softkut rubber stamps. We have stamps on hand or carve one of your own to print a designer tee shirt in this one-night class. Snack provided. $25 per person or RSVP by April 24th and receive a $10 discount / CALL: 619-5932205.

Wednesday May 13th, 20th and 27th (5pm to 9pm)
Designer Blue Jean Jackets
Make a fashion statement with a hand printed blue jean jacket that you design yourself in this class. Participants will learn to make their own rubber stamp and how to print with oil©\based ink. Enhance your jacket with patches, appliqu¨¦ and lace for a one-of-a-kind look! Bring your own jacket and save $10 or chose from our stock. Snack provided. $60 per person or RSVP by April 24th and receive a $10 discount / CALL: 619-593-2205

Sophie's Art Gallery
109 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Located in Historic Downtown El Cajon
Sophie's Gallery & Gift Shop

ADHD & AUTISM SEMINAR
Saturday, June 6, 2009
9:30am-11:30am

"Practical Advice for Optimizing Your Child's Health"

Nicola McFadzean, ND
Defeat Autism Now! Doctor & Naturopathic Physician

Country Inn & Suites San Diego
5975 Lusk Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121

ADHD and autistic-spectrum disorders are reaching epidemic proportions, yet awareness surrounding effective treatments is still limited. Dr McFadzean will show you how you can help your child reach his or her full potential. This seminar will give you the understanding of how genetics, biochemistry, immune system issues, and toxic loads are affecting our children and what you can do to help.

Seminar Registration Fee: $25
(Special thanks to Dr. McFadzean for donating her time)

Register online at:
www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/outreach.a sp Questions:
Contact Chasity Robinson or Bryan Olson at 913-341- 8949

When: Monday, June 22, 2009 Thursday, June 25, 2009
OR
Monday, August 3, 2009 - Thursday, August 6, 2009
Time: 9 am1 pm, daily
Where: Specific location to be determined
Who: Registration is open to all children and family members currently involved in an RDI® program as well as those who are interested in the program (brand new families will be required to participate in two hours of parent training prior to attending at an additional cost).
Cost: $400.00 for one parent and one child (includes a camp memory project and daily snacks and drinks.) Each additional family member is $50.00.
If you have two children on the spectrum, please complete a registration form for each child. Two adults must attend (one for each child). The cost is $400 per parent/child pair. What: Families will participate in various projects and games with their children and other participants while implementing RDI® principles and strategies.

To Register and for more info: Contact tagcamp2009@gmail.com

www.theautismgroup.com

Del Mar family seeking experienced outings therapist to work Every other Saturdays 10-3 (must have patience and experience with children with autism). $25/hr Send your interest and qualifications to tlcfosterfamily@gmail.com.

Camp Rise Above is a specialized summer camp for children with Bi- Polar disorder. This camp is a small group environment where every child gets personalized attention and his or her needs and interests are met. The focus of our camp is for kids to have a successful camp experience through fun and exciting activities and field trips. With enthusiasm and energy our counselors are able to complete our mission of having children naturally build friendships with one another. Our counselors have many years of mentoring, teaching and school experience working with kids and their individual needs. Our staff has also gone through training with Mary Ann McDonnell, APRN, BC, CEO and Cofounder of Step up for Kids, Inc and owner of South Shore Psychiatric Services, Inc. focusing on children with bi-polar disorder, and Kathy Regan, RN, nurse manager of the inpatient child psychiatry unit at Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, MA and author of "Opening Our Arms: Helping Troubled Kids".

Dates: July 20th‐ 24th
Aug 17th - 21st
Time: 10:45am - 3:45pm

Highlights
· Boys and Girls ages 8 -12
· Camp hours: 10:45am - 3:45pm
· 2 Kids to 1 Staff Ratio
· Small Group environment. Max 10 kids
· Specifically trained and energetic counselors / mentors
· Achievement plans
· Performance tracking

Pricing (All inclusive) $625 per week. (Scholarships are available)

For more info, please contact
Phone: 858 779 9674 E‐mail: stefan@exciteway.com

I am having a great time teaching piano to children on the autism spectrum in the North Coastal area of San Diego County. Uncovering and developing musical talent in these children is very fun. I am also teaching siblings (and dads!).

As co-founder/executive director of PACT (Positive Action Community Theatre) www.pacthouse.org, I learn more every day about the brilliance and sensitivity of these kids.

Kathryn Campion
760-274-3867

Hello Friends,
I wanted you to know about a musical event THIS FRIDAY (4/24 at 7pm) at North Coast Church in Vista!

Many local musicians (Karyn Imel, Jason Gray, Jackie McNally, Richie McDonald, Jerry Presley, Todd Bingham, Terence Cooper and Lynn Tsunekawa) have contributed to this CD of songs related to special needs.

Would love to see you there at 7:00 to hear some of them live and celebrate the project.

All the best, Andrea

For more information, contact Logan's Friends, 760- 207-4880, or email jody@logansfriends.org

Milagro Cunningham's lawyer described him as autistic and argued before a jury last week that he was insane at the time he beat and raped an 8-year-old girl, then left her to die buried under concrete blocks in a Lake Worth trash bin.

The case may be among the first in Florida in which autism was termed a mental illness that formed the basis of an insanity defense. Read on...

We've moved and would like to invite you to an Open House at our new offices in Mission Valley!

April 23, 2009, 6pm to 8pm
Come out and enjoy wine, appetizers and the chance to see our new location.

New address:
444 Camino del Rio South
Suite 106
San Diego, CA 92108

Please to RSVP to Sharna Langlais by April 20th, 2009
(619) 446-6926
sharna@compassfc.org

Hi Val -
As annual IEPs pop up this time of year, parents are often faced with the issue of whether the programs provided to their child were sufficient supports. I always suggest that parents discuss at the IEP which programs are being used, how often, and for how long each session. This way the team can learn whether a program is effective or whether the program has been implemented per the program's protocol so that the team can determine its future use (or abandonment) in a child's educational program.

An interesting source to consult is the website for the Institute of Educational Studies which is the research arm for the Dept. of Ed. Parents can go to this site and type in the program the school is recommending or using for their child to see if the Dept. of Ed has found the program to be effective.

http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp? pubid=WWCirbrrn07

For example: Read Naturally, a program often used as part of after school intervention and special ed progams, was actually not found to be effective in a July 2007 study.

http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/WWC_Read_Naturally_ 071607.pdf

While every child is different and may respond to some programs when others do not, and studies themselves can often be criticized, the lack of progress may be due to the use of a program that has not been proven effective.

So, don't forget parents! Ask ahead of the IEP which programs are being used so that you can prepare ahead of time!
Good luck everyone!
Lucile Lynch
(Parent of two children with special needs & Ed Advocate)

Hi Val -
As a former Navy psychiatrist, I am confident that even if there was a draft, anyone with a clear record of a developmental disability would be excused from active duty military service. The military recognizes that it serves no one by keeping someone in whose difficulties woul pose a risk to himself or others in a dangerous 'industrial' environment (ships, airbases, battlefields..). 

That said, the Israeli Defense Forces has been known for their inclusion programs, finding a place where everyone can contribute.  I know people with autism who really want the opportubity to join the service and serve the USA, and we look for ways that are safe for them to contribute.
J Feder (Read article here.)

Hi,
I heard about your list from Dr. Sandy Shaw's presentation at my son's school tonight. I would like to be added to your list.

I also am hoping to find a pediatrician who's specialized in autism in the North County San Diego region. I find my pediatrician has limited advice for me on autism and the psychologist I saw for my son is very slow in responding to my questions.
Thanks for your help,
Sherry

Hi Valerie,
Any information on how to look for family therapist who can work with our teen son (just turn 17 )? someone who takes an insurance around the area of Encinitas or San Diego,California, preferably one with RDI training?
Thanks ,
Star Harrison

Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for your interest in our Art Walk event. TERI will have a booth in the KidsWalk Section. We need assistance on Saturday and Sunday (4/25 & 4/26) between the hours of noon and 6pm. Please let me know wich days and what time you are available. The Art Walk takes place in Little Italy, in downtown San Diego this weekend.

More info please call:
Greg Snare 760-801-4992
Gail Holmes 760-484-4637 or 760-721-1706

I am looking for an new Occupational Therapist. My son is almost 3, has symptoms of Autism and specifically needs sensory needs addressed in O/T therapy. We have someone we love at Childrens but have some scheduling issues with her. Please e-mail me if you know of anyone who is good at working with toddlers with sensory issues. We live in East County but have no problem traveling for someone good! Thank you so much for your help.
nmshea1@hotmail.com