Juice Plus+®

Autistic Kids More Likely to Have Parents With Mental Illness

Heart of Sailing Schedule for May and June

San Andreas Regional Center Autism Conference This Weekend

Looking for an ABA therapist

Max and his mom say thanks!!!!

In Harmony Program On Sale

PALS: San Diego Social Skills Summer Camp

Mom needs info about Carmel Valley School District

Community Coaching Center (CCC) has openings

1st annual Spring Fling

CAMP STEPS 2008!

Vaccine Safety Requests For Our Next Commander In Chief

Prevention Plus+ Seminars, Hosted by Valerie Saraf

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

Tony and I have been taking Juice Plus+ daily for almost 5 years and we feel fabulous, and are more healthy.

Juice Plus+ will not interfere with any biomedical treatment that you may be doing with your child, but will actually enhance it.

If you would like more info about Juice Plus+, please email me.

If you would like to order Juice Plus+, click here.

A Case Study: Juice Plus

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

Washington Post
By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter
Monday, May 5, 2008; 12:00 AM

MONDAY, May 5 (HealthDay News) -- Parents of children with autism have double the odds of having been hospitalized for a psychiatric condition than parents of children without autism, according to a comprehensive review of Swedish medical registries.

Eventually, the information may provide a way for experts to start untangling the complex genetic and environmental interactions involved in different psychiatric conditions, including autism.

"The study suggests there is no evidence of specific transmission of specific psychiatric disorders -- i.e. schizophrenia, depression and personality disorders - - across generations, but that there is more a complex genetic diathesis, a genetic vulnerability, which increases the risk for autism and perhaps other psychiatric illness mediated by unknown developmental and psychosocial variables that are associated with the 'turning on and off' of certain genes," explained one expert, Dr. Jon Shaw, director of child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

"This study might help us pinpoint some more genetic ties to more cases [of autism]," added study lead author Julie Daniels, assistant professor of epidemiology and maternal and child health at the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill.

She and her colleagues published their research in the May issue ofPediatrics.

The study was most notable for its size, incorporating data on 1,237 children born in Sweden between 1977 and 2003 who had been diagnosed with autism before the age of 10, as well as about 31,000 controls.

Both mothers and fathers with schizophrenia were roughly twice as likely to have a child with autism, the study found.

Only mothers with depression and neurotic and personality disorders (as opposed to fathers) had an increased risk of having a child diagnosed with autism.

The study confirms previous, smaller studies that found that psychiatric disorders were more common among blood relations of people with autism. A strong genetic component is suspected for autism, a developmental disorder.

"The study . . . will stimulate further research by its suggestion that mental disorders are more complex than our simple-minded categorical approach to diagnosis," Shaw said. "Boundaries between diagnoses are less clear, and we need to take a more developmental approach to our understanding of psychiatric illness if we want to understand their complexities."

"I do think it will help us redefine the case definitions [of autism]," Daniels added.

A second study in the same issue of the journal found that children whose mothers had certain infections during pregnancy (bladder infection, diarrhea, cough or vaginal yeast infection) were more likely to develop epilepsy.

The exact reasons for the association are unclear, said a group of researchers based in Denmark, but there is some evidence to suggest that infections occurring during pregnancy may interfere with fetal brain development.

More information:
Visit the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for more on autism.

SOURCES: Jon Shaw, M.D., director and professor, division of child and adolescent psychiatry, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Julie L. Daniels, Ph.D., assistant professor, epidemiology and maternal and child health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; May 2008Pediatrics

Heart of Sailing is conducting more Daysails in California out of:

*Dana Point on a regular basis all summer.
*San Diego on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June.
*San Francisco on a regular basis all summer.
*Ventura the 9th, 10th and 11th of May, and the 3rd, 4th and 5th of June

Please check our schedule and register at http://heartofsailing.org/Sailwithus.asp

We are looking for more volunteer sailboat owners to help us conduct more Daysails in all sites, as well as other volunteers to help administer and raise funds, and more families to sail with us. Please spread the word around!!!

Fair Wind, I hope you can join us soon,
George

George Saidah
Founder/Executive Director
Heart of Sailing
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Dana Point Chapter, PO Box 4073, Dana Point, CA, 92629
Cell (812) 327-7742
Fax (866) 609-0807
gsaidah@heartofsailing.org
www.heartofsailing.org

To understand better what a daysail experience is, please click here to see a video of the chapter in Houston, TX.

Click on link below to see info on speakers, etc.

Hi, i hope this will get posted because i am in dire need of someone, not just anyone but someone really good! My name is Diana and i have a daughter, Sarah who is 7 yrs. old, Sarah has Apraxia of Speech and is also ASD. She needs an ABA therapist who would be able to come to the house in Carlsbad and do therapy 2 1/2 to 3 hrs 4-5 times per week. She is very lovable but can also be quite the hand full. We are looking for someone who has had at least 3 yrs experience in dealing with Autistic children and doing ABA therapy.
For more information please call me at 760-603-8806. -- Diana Ecker

Dear Friends,
Thank you all so very much for supporting my son Max (13) in his first ever 4S Ranch Autism Walk. He worked very hard organizing the event. He made over $800 - $400 for the Heart of Sailing and $400 for his sports and crafts program. Anyone wishing to join in the crafts and sports, please email Max at harrypotter5898@hotmail.com. He will have his own website soon also!
Thanks again,
Amy Utter

Now through this Friday the In Harmony program is on sale for $40 plus tax (a savings of $20)! This is a great resource for parents, teachers & therapists. Call 760- 632-0622 to purchase a copy at the sale price!

In Harmony - Integrated Learning Program includes: 60 page book, enhanced CD, set of 120 flashcards The In Harmony program is a dynamic, structured learning approach that combines the specialties of speech and music therapy. It includes a full-color program manual, an enhanced audio CD and color- coded photo flashcards. The CD contains creative and catchy songs recorded by award-winning musicians. Printable chord charts and instrumental music trax, allow this program to be customized for individual needs and preferences.

In Harmony is based on the research principles of music and speech therapy. It is an integrated approach for acquiring essential skills in the areas of activities of daily living, community living, pragmatics/ social skills, motor imitation and academics. Sample goals and benchmarks can be easily utilized by a variety of educators and professionals.

Seeking Campers Who Are Ready to Hit the Trail For an Adventure!

PALS: The San Diego Social Skills Camp is pleased to announce our summer camp program for school- aged children with ASD and other language deficits. This 5-week camp was created by Kara Dodds and Associates, Inc. and The Music Therapy Center, Inc. Children will have the opportunity to enhance their language by engaging in cooperative play, crafts, storytelling, drama, music and cooking activities. Using integrated speech and music therapy techniques, campers will practice turn-taking, role- play social situation, conversational skills and best of all, make new friends. Following each weekly camp day, staff will provide on-site consultation and generalization activities for parents.

Session 1 Dates: June 18-July 17
Session 2 Dates: July 23-August 21
Times: Wednesdays from 9:00-10:15 am, Thursdays 9:00-10:15 am, Thursdays 3:00- 4:15 pm
Location: Encinitas
Cost: 5-week camp session is $350.00

How Do I Sign Up?
Call Kara Dodds and Associates, Inc. at 619-692- 0622 for more information.

Hi Valerie,
I am moving to Carmel Valley/Del Mar area this summer and my 2 HFA children may be attending Solana Highlands Elementary School. Any feedback from parents with kids at that school will be helpful as well as any specifics about particularly good or not so good teachers. Please email me directly at Question4ssss@aol.com.
thanks,
cathy

Community Coaching Center (CCC) is expanding our Saturday, CCC Friends Group and we have three more spots newly opened!!

The CCC Friends Group is two groups of teens, between the ages of 13-18 affected by HFA/AS, that meet every other Saturday (two Sat.s a month) from 10 AM - 3 PM . The Friends practice social appropriateness and awareness, friendship building, and citizenship skills by participating in a variety of activities in the community, facilitated by our CCC Team Group Leaders and often accompanied by Peer Pals or an adult Mentor affected by HFA.

For more information on the CCC Friends Group, or on how to become a CCC Peer Pal or Volunteer, please visit our website: www.communitycoachingcenter.org

Dear Parents,
Xcite Steps would like to invite you to our 1st annual Spring Fling event on May 17th at Fletcher Cove in Solona Beach from 11a-1p. This is a FREE event open to your entire family. We will have music, fun activities, and food for everyone. This is a great way to see what Xcite Steps is all about and meet our families and staff. Parents MUST be present with their child. Xcite Staff will be there running the games and activities. This is also our Camp Steps DEADLINE for summer camp sign ups. If you are interested in having your child be part of Camp Steps you will have the opportunity to register your child at this event. Please know in advance which weeks you would like your child to attend camp if applicable and payments for camp deposit. If you want to come and just enjoy the event you are welcome to do so. Please RSVP ( mwinkley@excitesteps.com or 858 722-1948) if you will be attending Spring Fling. Also include how many people you will be bringing to the event. Feel free to contact me with any questions (858 722-1948) concerning Camp Steps or Spring Fling. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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

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.

Registration DEADLINE is May 17th. Each week of our camp is filling up quickly, so please get your applications in before the deadline.

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 possible!

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, Paintballing, Frisbee Golf @ Balboa Park, Birch Aquarium, Sailing, Karate Group Class

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.

HOW TO SIGN UP:
Contact Matt Winkley at 858 722-1948 or email mwinkley@exciteway.com to reserve your spot. Registration Deadline is May 17th with a "Get to know us" party at Fletchers Cove. Bring your child, drop off your deposit, and meet the staff and the other campers.

Dear Parent Advocate:
On May 3rd, 2008, I released a videotaped request that I sent to all three 2008 Presidential Candidates asking them if they would issue two Executive Orders should they be elected to office to begin to improve the safety of vaccines that are currently on the market. My name is Becky Estepp and I am both the mother of a child with autism and the wife of an actively deployed US Marine. You can view the video on YouTube on the links below.

I have asked all three of the campaigns to rsvp by Mother's Day to let me know if they will provide a videotaped response by Memorial Day this year. My husband won't be home for Mother's Day but will by Memorial Day and I can't tell you how much this would mean to him to have responses to these questions when he sets foot back on American soil!

My husband and I strongly believe that children should be both protected from diseases that could hurt them AND receive products that are as safe as possible that don't contain harmful ingredients and have been thoroughly tested before they are marketed. They are very simple, no-nonsense, fiscally responsible requests.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP ME GET THESE ANSWERS?

1. FORWARD THIS EMAIL with these 3 links your ENTIRE address book.

FOR MOTHER'S DAY: START LISTENING TO MOMS.STOP BLAMING THEM.
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/05/for-mothers- day.html

VACCINE SAFETY REQUESTS FOR THE NEXT COMMANDER IN CHIEF
YouTube: 2 minute edited version of video sent to each of the Presidential Candidates
http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=EGC_U_4nJHc&feature=related

YouTube: Full 6 minute video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNqMLsrCUoo

2. ASK YOUR FRIENDS TO HELP by emailing these links to each campaign, once per day. Please ALWAYS contact the campaigns POLITELY. These are requests. I want to maintain a constructive relationship with the campaigns. To help them out, please keep the subject line uniform.

Subject: "Vaccine Safety Requests for Our Next Commander in Chief"

CAMPAIGN GENERAL EMAIL BOXES: info@votehillary.org, info@mccain08hq.com, info@barackobama.com

Please cc: me at milmom2008@gmail.com so I can see how this is working and be able to send you a thank you note and update!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Estepp