Juice Plus+®

Organization for Autism Research "Run for Autism"

"A Community Effort to Treat Childhood Diseases"

TACA 2008 Autism & Medical Breakthroughs Conference - May 3

Lawmakers Unveil Legislative Effort on Autism

News from The Gray Center

2nd Annual Mental Health Fair

7th Annual RECREATION & RESOURCE ROUNDUP

20% off Camp Steps or 1 Week FREE

2008 ASA National Conference

Autism Speaks ENewsletter

Oprah's Big Give - San Diego

25th Annual IEP Day - Involved Exceptional Parents' Day

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

I am in the process of changing webmasters for my website, so there may be "interuptions in service". www.ValeriesList.com

WHO: RUN FOR AUTISM
WHAT: Marine Corps Marathon or 10K
Where: Washington, DC
When: October 26, 2008
Why: Running feels better when you run for a cause.

Join the RUN FOR AUTISM and help the 1.7 million Americans living with autism.

SIGN UP NOW! Go to run@researchautism.org or call 866-366-9710

You are invited to an informative panel discussion.
World renowned doctors and researchers such as Drs. Evan Snyder and Fred Levine, amongst others, and along with help of Channel 10News Anchor, Carol LeBeau will present the latest cutting edge research in their respective fields. Guests are encouraged to stay for a dessert reception following the discussion where they will be able to pick up literature on various diseases.

The Fishman Fund at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research joins the Samuel and Rebecca Astor Judiaca Library at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center of San Diego to present:

"A Community Effort to Treat Childhood Diseases"

Thursday May 22, 2008
7:00 p.m. - Program
8:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Reception

Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center
4126 Executive Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037

World renowned doctors and researchers such as Drs. Evan Snyder and Fred Levine, amongst others, and along with help of Channel 10News Anchor, Carol LeBeau will present the latest cutting edge research in their respective fields. Guests are encouraged to stay for a dessert reception following the discussion where they will be able to pick up literature on various diseases.

Some of the country's leading experts on treatments for childhood diseases will be on our esteemed panel to discuss the following:

• Autism
• Obesity
• Neurological Disease
• Genetic Disease
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Tay Sachs

TACA is pleased to welcome:
Jerry Kartzinel, MD and Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP for the 2008 Autism & Medical Breakthroughs Conference on Saturday May 3, 2008 from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Additional speakers may be announced.

Dr. Kartzinel's practice is solely devoted to the research and treatment of autism and other neurodegenerative disorders. His approach includes a comprehensive history and physical exam, and laboratory investigations that seek to find what is biologically different in a child. Once found, he implements therapeutic interventions and monitors closely how they affect restoration of health and behaviors. Dr. Kartzinel is now working with Dr. Julie Buckley at Pediatric Partners. Dr. Kartzinel will present "Common Medical Problems and Treatment Options for Children with Autism" with important new findings.

Dr. Rossignol received his Doctorate of Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia and completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Virginia (UVa). He is a former clinical assistant professor of family medicine at UVa and is currently a staff physician at the International Child Development Resource Center in Melbourne, FL. One of his clinical interests is the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in neurodevelopment disorders, including autism. He has authored several papers on the use of HBOT in autism and other conditions. He has spoken many times on the use of HBOT in individuals with autism, and is actively involved in research on HBOT, metal toxicity, and nutritional treatments for autism and other neurological conditions.

More Info Register Online Sponsor/Exhibitor Opportunities

Package of bills crafted based on California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism report

SACRAMENTO - Lawmakers today unveiled a comprehensive legislative package of eight bills to combat the rise in diagnoses of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in California. The bills were inspired by a report issued by the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism.

"This Commission was charged with providing real solutions and recommendations to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families," said Senate pro Tempore Don Perata (D-Oakland), who authored the resolution that created the commission (SCR 51, 2005).

The Commission consists of health experts, family members, business leaders, educators and researchers and is chaired by Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento).

"The rise of child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder affects families, schools and communities all over California," Steinberg said. "Today this Legislature is responding strongly to the challenges this disorder poses to the state."

After conducting extensive public hearings and town- hall meetings throughout California, the Commission submitted its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature in its report: An Opportunity to Achieve Real Change for Californians with Autism Spectrum Disorders; September 2007. You can read the report at: http://senweb03.senate.ca.gov/autism/index.html

"With the broad participation of parents, families, consumers, educators, clinicians, researchers and advocates the Commission's report provides a momentous step in forging new directions for real change," said Dr. Barbara Firestone, Commission Vice-Chair and President & CEO of The Help Group.

The Autism legislative package includes the following bills:

• SB 1563 (Sen. Perata) to provide appropriate and equitable coverage for ASD by private health plans and insurers
• SB 527 (Sen. Steinberg) to improve the early identification and intervention for young children with ASD
• SB 1175 (Sen. Steinberg) to expand the housing and independent living opportunities for adults with ASD
• SB 1475 (Sen. Tom Torlakson) to improve the coordination of ASD services and programs between regional centers and school districts for children from birth to five years of age
• SB 1364 (Sen. Gil Cedillo) to improve community awareness and outreach efforts on ASD by the California Department of Public Health
• SB 1531 (Sen. Lou Correa) to improve the training and knowledge of ASD among law enforcement officers
• AB 2303 (Assembly Speaker-Elect Karen Bass) to expand the credentials that would qualify teachers to educate students with ASD
• AB 1872 (Asm. Joe Coto) to establish a state clearinghouse for the education of students with ASD.

Two people who speak and write very articulately about their experiences as a person on the autism spectrum are Nick Dubin and Sondra Williams. The Gray Center is providing some of their resources at a significant discount this week to enable you to purchase copies for yourself or to pass along to your local library, school district, or nonprofit organization serving your community. You can find those books and DVDs at www.thegraycenter.org. If you're interested in having Nick or Sondra speak for your group or conference, you can write to christy@thegraycenter.org for more information.

One way to reflect on the positive attributes of Asperger's Syndrome is to read "The Discovery of Aspie Criteria" on our web site at http://www.thegraycenter.org/store/index.cfm? fuseaction=page.display&page_id=58. This article by Tony Attwood and Carol Gray takes an appreciative look at the diagnosis as a "discovery" of the many gifts and abilities often associated with Asperger's Syndrome. Beverly Bishop's book, "My Friend with Autism," helps children understand a peer or sibling with ASD. Our web site contains numerous resources for increasing the understanding of parents and professionals, as well as the self-understanding of those with ASD.

I hope you'll take a moment to reach out to someone with ASD this month! You can also use our SUN News blog at http://graycenter.wordpress.com to post a comment praising someone in your life who has been diagnosed with ASD.

Saturday, May 3, 10:00 - 2:00
Magdalena Ecke YMCA, 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas
FREE to the Public - FREE Parking

Gather information from a wide variety of Organizations/Service Providers including:
NAMI * DBSA * Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention * La Casa Center for Autism * Bridges Services Center of Vista Hill * Sam's Cause * Nordic Naturals (Omega 3's) * San Diego Autism Society * Ryan's Cause * Team Chiropractic * Rescu Academy * San Diego Psychiatric Hospital Auxiliary * Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) San Diego * Mental Health America * CARES * Del Mar Psychiatric Group - Biofeedback * Optimal Performance Psychiatry * California Bipolar Foundation * Autism Experts Empowering Families and Children Together * Cognitive Therapy Institute * Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation * And many more!

Speakers:
10:30-11:05 Special Needs Trusts and Conservatorships - Miranda C. Franks, Attorney
Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention - Carol Skiljan, Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention

11:15-11:50 Co-Occurring Disorders (Mental Illness and Addiction) - John E. Milner, MD
Depresion Contra la Salud Mental - En Espanol - Laura Andrews, Mental Health America

12:00-12:35 Bipolar Disorder and the Medical Aspects of Treatment - Tom Jensen, MD
Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System - Anthony J. Solare, Attorney

12:45-1:20 Bipolar Disorder - Beyond the Medication - Chris P. Gorman, MD
Housing Options for Persons with Mental Illness - Jane Fyer, President, NAMI - SIT

1:30-2:05 Autism Spectrum Disorders - Alan Lincoln, PhD
Mental Health Crisis and Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT) -Jim Fix, Psy.D.

Sponsored by the California Bipolar Foundation
www.californiabipolarfoundation.org
For more information, call (858)679-9859
Email: contact@californiabipolarfoundation.org

East County CHILDREN'S DISABILITY COUNCIL
Sponsored by Center for Social Advocacy presents their:
7th Annual RECREATION & RESOURCE ROUNDUP

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008
El Cajon Community Center
195 East Douglas Avenue (by the El Cajon Library)
FROM 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Families, caregivers and community partners are invited to learn about recreation opportunities, sports and arts programs, and camps, for children/adults with all types of disabilities. Many programs, recreation departments, and camps will have people on hand to give you personalized information. Some programs and camps fill fast, so you will be able to apply early.

***A $ 3.00 admission donation will be appreciated by our volunteer organization. Lunch provided.

Free Recreational Resources Guide!
DOOR PRIZES
*Recreational Scholarships are available. Get your application form at Round-Up !!!

For more information call Janet Light 619-465-2288 or e-mail Janet at: Asecsess@cox.net

Dear Families & Community,
Xcite Steps wants to let you know about our April promotion for Camp Steps. Camp Steps is a 10 week summer camp experience where families have the option of registering their child for the weeks that best fit into there schedules. If you register your child in the month of April for 5 or more weeks of camp we will give you % 20 off for each week or 1 week of camp FREE. To receive this offer you have to register your child within the month of April. To learn more about the promotion, Camp Steps or to register your child for Camp Steps please contact Matt Winkley at 858 722-1948 or mwinkley@ excitesteps.com. Thank You

Kind Regards,
Matt Winkley
Director
Xcite Steps, LLC
858 722-1948
www.xcitesteps.com

2008 ASA National Conference
July 9-12, 2008
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Orlando, Florida

2008 Keynoters:
Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Bob Hendren, D.O., & James Ball, Ph.D., BCBA

The Autism Society of America recognizes that families and individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder have a range of issues and needs. The National Conference of the Autism Society of America is the only conference that addresses the range of issues, including early intervention, education, employment, behavior, communication, social skills, biomedical interventions and others, across the entire lifespan. Bringing together the expertise and experiences of family members, professionals and individuals on the spectrum, attendees are able to learn how to more effectively advocate and obtain supports for the individual with ASD. The ultimate goal is to empower family members, individuals on the spectrum and professionals to make informed decisions.

Registration & Conference Schedule:
Go to www.autism-society.org/conference for the detailed 2008 ASA National Conference schedule. All session descriptions and speakers are now listed online, with over 200 speakers and 150 sessions. Be sure to register for the conference online by May 1, 2008, to take advantage of Early Bird Registration prices (Individuals on the Spectrum: $150 & Full Conference Attendees: $220).

Exhibitors
Don't miss your opportunity to exhibit at the largest autism conference in the U.S. this year. Network with professionals, families, service providers and more. For more information, contact Meg Ellacott, 2008 ASA National Conference Exhibit Director, at ellacott@autism-society.org or 302.260.9487. Be sure to secure your spot now.

Respite Child Care
Bring your entire family. Orlando is a great family vacation location. ASA is partnering with Quest, Inc., to provide respite care onsite. For more information, contact ASA at conference@autism-society.org.

Continuing Education Credits
BCBA, ASHA and CME credits are available. For session information, contact Autism Society of America at conference@autism-society.org. The Autism Research Institute presents the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Clinician Seminar for professionals on Wednesday, July 9, 2008.

For information about the conference, contact Autism Society America Conference Department at conference@autism-society.org or call 301.657.0881, ext. 10.

click below

Hello Everyone,
I am very please to report to you that St. Madeleine Sophie's Center has already raised the needed $10,000 to qualify for Ophrah's Big Give - San Diego.

I want to personally thank all of you for making a donation towards this awesome opportunity!!!

The next phase of this this "contest" will be voting online for the charity of your choice. As soon as I have more information on this, I will share it.

Thanks again and God Bless, Valerie Saraf
St. Madeleine Sophie's Center
Oprah's Big Give - San Diego