Juice Plus+®

Free Tickets to TACA Picnic for Families in Need

Does Gluten affect speech/and lack of speech in children with Autism?

Mom looking for recreational activities

Mom's Night Out Fundraiser for TACA

FREE Health Education Dinner Lecture

Sophie's Gallery in El Cajon Art Class

Social Clubs for Kids, Teens, & Adults

CAMP STEPS

Gene for brain connections linked with autism

Characterizing the hoarding phenotype in individuals with OCD: Associations with comorbidity, severity and gender

Change the Future of Autism, Start a Relationship

AUTISM SELF-ADVOCATE E-STORE LAUNCHED!

Mitochondrial Disease and Autism

Five SSRIs Endorsed as Effective for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Juice Plus+...The Next Best Thing

Juice Plus+ is the simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fruits and vegetables to your diet, every day.

Studies Prove: Taking Juice Plus+ is the next best thing to eating fruits and vegetables.

Juice Plus+ provides nutrition from 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains. Each ingredient is specially selected to provide you with a wide range of nutritional benefits.

Juice Plus+ contains not only a much wider variety of naturally occurring vitamins than vitamin supplements, but it also contains other phytonutrients, antioxidants, and nutrients -- even some of the fiber -- found in the fruits and vegetables it's made from. These nutrients work together in combination to provide you more of the nutritional benefits of eating healthful whole foods.

Give Kids a Fighting Chance! Enhance Their Immune System with JUICEPLUS+; the Nutrition from 17 Colorful, Raw, Vine-Ripened, Fruits, Vegetables and Grains (Certified G/Free & C/Free) in a Convenient Capsule, Chewable or Gummie form.
Good Health is not Good Luck; it's Science!

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!

On June 1st, TACA will hold its 5th Annual Family Picnic at Camp James in Irvine, CA. The TACA picnic is by far one of the best run and most fun events all year for families as well as the sponsors! For the second year, I would like to help families attend who could not otherwise attend due to the cost of the tickets. This year, I donated over one thousand dollars to pay for seventy people (35 parents and 35 children) to attend the TACA picnic.

If you live in Southern CA and would like to request 2008 TACA Family Picnic tickets based on need, please contact Moira Giamatteo at TACA at moira@netzero.net.

Either way, I hope you can make it, and please stop by my table on June 1st for a free beach ball for your child, and a travel coffee mug for you!

Elizabeth C. McCoy
Attorney at Law
www.ca-specialneedstrusts.com

Hi Valerie, please post: thank you.
Hi, we are contemplating whether to try the gluten free diet for our son with autism. We have gone back and forth about it, and we don't want to put him on something that has NOT been consistently helping children with Autism,with their speech.

Please let us know if you have any information/stories/of your children etc, whose speech "started" after implementing the diet. We want to hear what other parents have to share about their children who appeared non- verbal at one time, and that all changed with the diet.

After years of researching the diet, hearing different stories, and trying just about everything else, we just need more information and proof, so thank you in advance for any insight you may have for us.

Becky and family at cranemail@cox.net

Hi Valerie! I am looking for recreational activities for my 8 yr old son and we live in the Encinitas area. Because of the AS, I am particularly interested in groups/activities that would support his social needs while fostering his physical abilities. If there is anyone who knows of a particular Karate instructor, PE group, or have any ideas or suggestions, they may email me marcie@interwestpacific.com
As always thanks for your help!

Mom's Night Out Fundraiser
Food and Fashion!
Thursday March 27th
Dinner Studio
1850 Hacienda Drive Suite 12
Vista, CA 92081
760-726-7834

Kathy Christensen is opening her dinner studio for a mom's night out fundraiser. Janice O'Sullivan will also be there representing Weekenders and Joy fashions. A cumulative donation will be made to TACA. Kathy always offers GF/CF options so you can cook for the whole family! Bring your girlfriends and your moms! www.dinnerstudio.com and www.weekendersusa.com

Please join Valerie Saraf for a FREE Dinner Lecture
Thursday, April 10th
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Holiday Inn Mission Valley - Stadium Room
3805 Murphy Canyon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123

"BE YOUR OWN CAUSE"
Put yourself back on your priority list and build lifelong health for you and your family!
Presented by: Janet McGinn, RN
Janet has over 20 years of experience in Critical Care Medicine, Health Education and Health Care Administration.

Discover how to:

• Increase your vitality and "health span"
• Begin the "prevention" process vs the disease process
• Use basic good nutrition to build a strong immune system
• Identify harmful ingredients in the food we eat
• Protect you and your family from degenerative diseases
• Incorporate more fruits and begetables in your family's diet

First Friday April 4th Blind Art - Open Heart Portraits

Have YOU always wanted to make art?
Time to stop looking and wishing and time to start making! Facilitated by Tish McAllise Sjoberg

April 4th / 5 - 9 PM / $25

Tap into your creativity in this fun and easy class, through a series of blind art exercises. That's right, eyes closed, so there is no way to fail! Perfect for anyone who feels too judgmental or critical about their creative abilities, or has fears about getting started.

Sophie's Gallery
109 Rea Ave / El Cajon, CA 92020
619.593.2205
sophiesgallery@stmsc.org
Art classes open to all!

Dear Parents & Community,
Xcite Steps is thrilled to announce our new social club sessions beginning March 29th. Which will run through June 1st. If you haven't been part of an Xcite Steps social club event, this is your time. We provide a wonderful opportunity for kids, teens, and adults with a variety cognitive disabilities to be part of a cool, hip, and fun social club. We are known to do some amazing activities such as going to sporting events, Dave & Busters, snow boarding in Park City Utah, Karaoke Night, and much more. Please read below for the club that best fits your child's needs.

The Kids Adventure Club:
Is an opportunity for kids who experience high functioning cognitive disabilities such as aspergers, PDD-NOS, MDD, CDD, social anxieties or minor disabilities.

Events of this session include:
March 29th: Gaming Center
April 5th: USS Ship tour
April 12th: Kite Flying
April 19th: Sailing
April 26th: Dave & Busters
May 3rd: "Stranger Matters" Exhibit Science Museum
May 10th: Miniature Golf
May 17th: Xcite Steps Spring Fling Event
May 24th: Wave Water Park
May 31st: Boomers

· Age Group: 8-12 can vary
· Event duration: 3-4 hours
· Personalized attention: 2 to 1 Ratio
· Small Group environment
· Experienced and energetic Counselors
· Home pick up and drop off available
· Flexibility of attending 5 out of 8 activities


The Steps Up Club:
Is an opportunity for teens who experience high functioning cognitive disabilities such as aspergers, PDD-NOS, MDD, CDD, social anxieties or minor disabilities.

March 29th: K1 Speed Racing
April 5th: Gaming Center
April 12th: Laser Tag
April 19th: Sailing
April 26th: Padres vs Diamondbacks
May 3rd: Gaming Tournament
May 10th: Dave & Busters
May 17th: Xcite Steps Spring Fling Event
May 24th: Wave Water Park
May 31st: Boomers


· Age Group: 14 - 19
· Event duration: 3-4 hours
· Personalized attention: 3 to 1 Ratio
· Small Group environment
· Experienced and energetic counselors
· Home pick up and drop off available
· Flexibility of attending 5 out of 8 activities


The Youth Social Club:

Is an opportunity for teens who experience a disability such as autism, down syndrome, developmental delays, CP, fragile X, or any other cognitive disability.

March 30th: Gaming Center
April 6th: USS Ship Tour
April 13th: San Diego Bus tour & Lunch
April 20th: Sailing
April 27th: Padres vs Diamondbacks
May 4th: Stranger Matters Exhibit at Science Museum
May 11th: Dave & Busters
May 18th: Xcite Steps Spring Fling Event
May 25th: Wave Water Park
June 1st: Boomers


· Age Group: 13 - 19
· Event duration: 3-4 hours
· Personalized attention: 2 to 1 Ratio
· Small Group environment
· Experienced and energetic counselors
· Home pick up and drop off available
· Flexibility of attending 5 of 8 activities

Adult Social Club:
Is designed to support adults who experience cognitive disabilities through fun filled community and social events.
Events of the Adult Social Club include: Gaslamp extravaganza )
Karaoke Night
Belmont Park
Sport Games
Casino night
Concerts
A Day in Hollywood
Catalina Island
Vegas Trip
Also preferred events chosen by group members

Please feel free to contact me at 858 722-1948 or email mwinkley@excitesteps.com with any questions or to register your child for one of our social clubs. To visit our website go to www.excitesteps.com

Dear Parents & Community,
Xcite Steps is thrilled to introduce CAMP STEPS for the upcoming summer of 2008. Camp Steps is a fun beach & community activity camp available to kids teens and adults who experience disabilities. Our camp is every week of the summer, M-F starting June 16th and concluding on August 29th.

For registration forms & information please contact Matt Winkley at 858 722-1948 or mwinkley@exciteway.com

Registration Deadline is May 17th. We anticipate each week of our camp to fill up quickly so please register early to ensure a placement for your child.

Camp Steps works hard to build and maintain an environment in which campers feel like they can be themselves, open up, make friends and most importantly have fun! We have selected fun sports, recreational activities and games coupled with exciting community outings to help inspire and develop friendships. Our qualified counselors have many years of mentoring, teaching and counseling experience coaching individuals who experience disabilities. The abilities of each camper are promoted to ensure they have the best summer camp experience ever!

KIDS Camp
· Ages 7 - 12 with exceptions
· Camp hours: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
· Optional morning pre-camp: 10am - 12:30

TEEN and Adult Camp
· Ages 13 + up
· Camp hours: 1pm - 4:00pm
· Optional morning pre-camp: 10:30am - 1:00

Camp Structure:
Each week starts with a beach day where campers can get to know our mentors. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are our field trip days and Friday we end the week with a beach party.

Field Trips for Kids and Teens+ include:
Water Parks, Boomers, Bowling, K1 Speedracing, Game Universe, Nickel City, Dave & Busters, Frisbee Golf @ Balboa Park, Birch Aquarium, Sailing, Karate Group Class, Paintballing

Beach days include:
Water Sports Instruction: Surfing, Boogie-boarding and Body-surfing Water safety training from our Lifeguard friends Music and sand therapy group activities and games Sport and fitness recreational therapy activities and games Guest appearances and our Xpression sessions.

Camp Location:
Fletcher Cove is in Solana Beach. Drop off spots located throughout San Diego.

To register contact: Matt Winkley: 858 722 1948 or mwinkley@excitesteps.com

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A gene that helps the brain make connections may underlie a significant number of autism cases, researchers in the United States reported on Tuesday.

Disruptions in the gene, called contactin 4, stop the gene from working properly and appear to stop the brain from making proper networks, the researchers reported in the Journal of Medical Genetics.

Hoarding frequently occurs in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and some evidence suggests that it constitutes a distinct OCD subtype, with genetic contributions.

For many parents, educators and clinicians Autism is a disability that is defined by not relating closeness and connection. In essence, the reasons we form relationships is to fall-in-love and enjoy interacting at work, school and home. For children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum, this "missing piece" is a defining part of life.

By filling in the gaps between theory and practice, the Relationship Development Intervention® Program addresses the early foundations that are essential for future success in our world of ever changing real-life situations and relationships. A systematic clinical program, RDI® teaches sophisticated tools that empower parents to take control of the remediation of their child and make a real difference every day.

Founder, Dr. Steve Gutstein will present his 2-Day "Going to the Heart of Autism" workshop in Sacramento April 4-5, 2008 as an introduction to the RDI® Program for parents and professionals.

In its continuing endeavor to highlight the gifts and talents of self-advocates on the autism spectrum, Youth Advocate Programs Inc. is pleased to debut its online store. The store is a partnership with members of the self-advocacy community, and features exclusive products and original works created by individuals with autism. Items included are books and other publications, jewelry, photography, and artwork. All transactions may be completed online (including PayPal payments), and fulfillment of orders will also be handled by self-advocates.

"Youth Advocate Programs' online store is yet another example of a collaborative effort that values what those with autism have to offer," says William Stillman, autism consultant to YAP. "Where other organizations have not considered the possibilities, Youth Advocate Programs holds as its vision opportunities to exceed the possibilities by ensuring such collaborations occur at every level."

For information on contributing to the store (self- advocates only, please), contact William Stillman at Bill@williamstillman.com. Check out the e-store at this link: Click here: YAP Inc - eStore

NEW ONLINE ARTICLES
I have added several new articles to the "Bill's Archived Articles" section of www.williamstillman.com, including a piece titled "Identifying Areas of Passion in Very Young Children and Those Without Speech." This article, in particular, may prove resourceful in recognizing and valuing the special interests of persons who appear to have none. As many of you are already aware, passions---not obsessions---are building blocks that can lead to enhanced or restored relationships, educational awareness, and potential vocational opportunities. Also added is "Presuming Intellect" en Espanol courtesy my friends at Fiesta Educativa in Los Angeles.

AUTISM AND THE GOD CONNECTION SEQUEL IN PRINT
The Soul of Autism, the follow-up book to Autism and the God Connection, is now in print from New Page Books and, as of today, is available on Amazon.com for $10.19 (discounted from its $14.99 retail price); it will arrive in bookstores by month's end at the latest. To learn more about it and to read the advance praise it's garnered, kindly visit the "Bill's Books" section of www.williamstillman.com.

May the forthcoming springtime be a time of renewal and optimism for all!

William Stillman
Autism Spectrum Self-Advocate, Author, and Consultant
www.williamstillman.com

Mitochondrial disease is rare. But according to at least one Portuguese study, it may also be the case that mitochondrial disease is more prevalent among people with autism than it is in the general population. In fact, if this small study is replicated, researchers may find that as much as 5% of the autistic population also has mitochondrial disease. A study by the father of the child who received the Vaccine Court settlement supports the possibility that a significant percentage people with autism may have mitochondria-related metabolic problems.