Juice Plus+®

Teenager Sib needs help

First Ever Autism Town Meeting

Kids Vaccine Linked to Fever, Seizures

San Diego Advocate

News from San Diego County Chapter, ASA

Organization for Autism Research ENewsletter

Kids' Social Skills, Supported Living conference & more

Social Skills Programs for youth and teens

National ASA ENewsletter

CDC Vaccine Committee Recommends More Shots for Children

"Eat more fruits and vegetables."

It's the one recommendation in almost every diet plan, every guide to nutrition, every fitness book. Even organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the World Health Organization, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion agree. But as much as it's preached, most people still don't eat enough fruits and vegetables every day.
That's why there's Juice Plus+®.

If you can't afford prevention, then how will you afford disease?

Get Kids Involved
Give your kids some hands-on experience in the kitchen, and let the Fruit & Veggie Color Champions teach them about the importance of eating a colorful variety of fruits and veggies. These colorful friends guide children on fruit and vegetable exploring adventures that make learning fun. Join the Champions as their escapades take them through games, coloring, puzzles, and rhymes.

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 throughly 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

Check out my new website!

Hi Valerie, I emailed you a few weeks ago about my typical teen who has an ASD brother. I wanted you to post a request to see if there were any other teen girls her age that she could get some emotional support from in the area. I don't know what happened, but I never saw it posted. Could we try again? My daughter is feeling very lonely and thinks there is no one else out there like her. I have tried to find a support group, but have been unsuccessful. Here's my request: Are there any teens out there who could offer friendship/support to my 13 year old typical teen who has an autistic brother? We live in San Diego, but even an email or phone call friendship would be great. Does anyone know of a support group for typical teens? I would really appreciate any input, thank you, Pamela Stephens, pamelas@san.rr.com

The First Ever Autism Town Meeting
Saturday, March 8, 2008 -- 10am to 5pm
FREE Admission

Santee Educational Complex
Los Angeles Unified School District
1921 South Maple Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90011

This event is being presented by The Foundation in association with Autism411. To register and for more info, please contact: info@autism411.net or 818-889-8001

ATLANTA (AP) — Children suffered higher rates of fever-related convulsions when they got a Merck & Co. combination vaccine instead of two separate shots, according to a new study presented Wednesday.

The results prompted a federal advisory panel on vaccines to water down their preference for the combo vaccine ProQuad, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella as well as chickenpox.

Val,
I am SOOO excited and happy to be advocating full time again!! I have already made contact with some families in need and I am looking forward to meeting more. I have my webpage ready and I would be thrilled if you could post it on your site.
www.merrynaffleck.com

Thanks again for all your help, not only to me personally but to the whole community.
Merryn

San Diego Monthly Support & Info Meeting
Join us on March 18, 2008
6:30-8:30pm | United Way Building
4699 Murphy Canyon Road | San Diego, CA
Our groups provide an opportunity for people to meet in one of two smaller groups after the speakers to either a) seek/provide more personal support or b) to get more detailed info from the speakers.

Open Forum: "Dreams and Nightmares in the World of Autism.
Will we survive? Can we thrive?"
Presented by Dr. Josh Feder

Dr Joshua Feder is a San Diego-based clinical psychiatrist specializing in neurobehavioral medicine and the treatment of developmental disorders with an emphasis on the application of D.I.R. principles and methods with families and in the schools. He has worked with the Hope Infant family Support Program, a zero to three intervention program, for the past 11 years, consulting and starting support groups for all local practitioners and families. Dr Feder helps vet grant requests for the Organization for Autism Research and the National Foundation for Autism Research. He also participates on Autism access to care and research committees through Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, and he was recently nominated to the rank of Distinguished Fellow in the American Psychiatric Association.

NORTH COUNTY GROUPS
Asperger | HFA Parent's Group
March 3rd | 7:00-8:30pm
Carlsbad Senior Center | dining room
799 Pine Ave | Carlsbad, CA | 92008

Special event for this month's group:
Teacher/Caregiver Appreciation Night
Awards will be given to dedicated teachers, aides and professionals who have made a difference in the lives of individuals with autism. Live music will be provided by Fakebook. A light dinner will be served.

Coffee Talk | March 13th | 9am
Panera Bread | 667 San Rodolfo Dr | Solana Beach

Calling all parents who would like to sit and chat with other parent s of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. These events are hosted by Shelly Hirschberg. No need to RSVP! Coffee Talk takes place on the 2nd Thursday of each month.

EAST COUNTY GROUP
La Mesa East County
Asperger/HFA Parent Support Group
March 4th | 6:30-8:00pm
Java Mama Cafe
8250 La Mesa Blvd (behind Wireless Toyz)
La Mesa, CA | 91941

The meetings will be held in a private room generously offered to us by Java Mama Coffee shop. Sorry, no day care is provided.

Topic: Improving Learning & Behavior
Presented by: ChrisVinceneux, OTR/L
Clinical Director of School Options

Mr. Chris Vinceneux is a registered and licensed occupational therapist and has been practicing since 1985. He originally received his training in Paris, France, and has since established himself in San Diego, California. He has specialized in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing disorders among children. As an occupational therapist and educational consultant, Mr. Vinceneux works through his private practice School Options, and specializes in providing consultation for children with learning and behavior difficulties. Mr. Vinceneux is an advocate at heart and always has the child's best interests in mind when designing services.

Spanish Support Group
Grupo de Apoyo en Español
Marzo 10 | 6:00-8:00pm
Scripps Mercy Well Being Center
311 Del Mar Ave | Chula Vista, CA | 91910

Un foro para información, liderazgo, recursos en la comunidad, abogacía, y compañerismo. Para información llamar al 1.800.281.8252. Lo sentimos, no contamoas con cuidado de niños.

Monthly Family Pizza & Pool Party
March 14th | 6:00-8:00pm
Boys & Girls Club
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA | 92117

Bring the whole family to enjoy a swim in an indoor heated pool. Lifeguards are provided. For safety purposes, no flotation devices or arm "floaties" are permitted. Please bring old cell phones and print cartridges which will be recycled, with the proceeds going to the SDASA. A special thanks to Aqua Pros for making this event possible! Please RSVP to info@sd-autism.org or 858.715.0678.

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You may be interested in Self-Control for Kids, a Social Skills Program for Kids with ADHD and Learning Challenges held on Thursday, March 6th. In Part I they learn to identify & monitor physical & mental activity. These workshops are for children ages 7 to 11. The size of the workshop is limited and the fee is $40. To register, please call 858.581.5050. Learning Development Services, 3754 Clairemont Mesa Drive, San Diego, CA 92117. For more information, visit http://www.LearningDevelopmentServices.com In Part II, on March 13th, they learn strategies for adjusting physical & mental activities.

The California Supported Living Network 8th Annual Supported Living Leadership Conference will be held Thursday & Friday April 24th & 25th at the Catamaran Resort Hotel in San Diego. Fees range from $150 for member self-advocates and family members to $260 non member professionals. The registration deadline will be March 14th. Visit www.supportedliving.com for details. Topics and speakers will include: Supported Routines - Best Practice Strategies for a Fulfilling Life by Tom Pomeranz; Coaching Universal Enhancement: in Place Just in Time by Tom Pomeranz; Micro Enterprise by Sherry Beamer and Associates; Supported Living Services Circle of Influence by Tony Anderson Arc Ca and Ellen Goldblatt PAI; and Self Directed Services by Margaret Anderson, DDS.

We are just passing this on to you: There is a new social group, called Journeys, forming for high- functioning adults (over 21) with disabilities. Adult consumers, parents, family members and other interested people are invited to a planning meeting to restart this group. High functioning means that the consumer can arrange their own transportation or take public transportation alone, and can participate in events and outings without any support staff. The group ran for 12 years in the past and then dissolved. Now there has been a renewed interest in reviving this group. Journeys will meet on Thursday, February 28th at 7:00pm. For more information, contact Virginia Franco at (619) 287-5535 or vfranco2@earthlink.net or Carol Larkin at (858) 270-8454 or BOGGERCOD@aol.com.

View Flyer Here!!!

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