Juice Plus+®

St. Madeleine Sophie's 31st Annual "Haute with Heart"

Adults and Asperger Syndrome

Mitochondrial Disease, Could you please post?

Gregory Page's CD to Help Support Autism Treatment

Social Skills Group Needed

Introduction to Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

I CAN PLAY Summer Social Program

Xcite Steps' Summer Camp vendored through RC!!!!

SICK MONKEYS: RESEARCH LINKS VACCINE LOAD, AUTISM SIGNS

SDASA: A TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS - MAY 20TH MEETING

2008 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle

North County Social Skills Group: "Friendship Club"

Circle Stretch Blog: D.I.R. Updates

Gluten Free Travel Site

Autism Tree Project 5 Year Anniv. Party Video

What Autism Does to a Mother

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.

More and more men and women realize that "an ounce of prevention" really is worth more than "a pound of cure."

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

St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, 31st Annual Fashion Show, "Haute with Heart" will be held at the San Diego Sheraton Harbor Island on Saturday, August 23, 2008 (10am - 2pm). This is a fun, festive and heartwarming fashion show/luncheon. All proceeds will support the programs of St. Madeleine's on-site Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Program is just one of many day training programs that SMSC offers its 265 adults with developmental disabilities, to fulfill their individual potential.

Tickets for this event are $60 regular seating and $100 VIP seating. Tables of 10 are $600 for regular seating and $1,000 for VIP seating.

"Haute for Heart" will heat up the runway with haute couture that only Leonard Simpson of Fashion Forward Productions could present. This year's Honorary Committee Chair is Mrs. Phyllis Parrish, Honorary Chair is Mrs. Gloria Rimland and our "mistress of ceremonies" is none other than Carol LeBeau, 10NEWS Anchor.

There will also be a huge Raffle Prize Drawing and Silent and Live Auctions!!!

Purchase Tickets Here!

Do I Have Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder at the highest end of the autism spectrum. People with AS develop language normally, but often have difficulty with social interactions, fine and gross motor coordination, and eye contact. They may be extremely passionate about just one or two topics, with little patience for small talk. They also may struggle to handle normal daily activities, such as organizing time, managing conflict, or even facing the sensory overload presented by malls and grocery stores.

Hi Val!
Recently you had an article on Mitochondrial disease and Autism. I did read it and it made me think of my son who is 4 1/2.

He has really low muscle tone and Autism. I briefly researched it not long ago because we are trying to find out what is causing his low tone. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 6 months (Autism at 2) but there has been debate between doctors now that he doesn't have CP. I just found out last night from the doctor that his muscle biopsy results showed he has Mitochondrial disease. More tests need to be done but I want to know if there are any other parents out there who have some experience or knowledge about this. I am really needing some help and support if it is out there. Thank you so much!
littlegenie@sbcglobal.net

A portion of the proceeds from All Make Believe will go to ARI

Gregory Page is a wonderful singer/songwriter who has just released his 16th CD, entitled All Make Believe.

Gregory resides in the Kensington area of San Diego, (home of ARI ) and befriended Mark Rimland, as well as adopting autism, and ARI specifically, as a cause that he wishes to support. Gregory featured one of Mark's paintings on the cover of Daydreaming at Night in 2006. In addition, the title song of the current CD "All Make Believe" was inspired by Mark (the lyrics even include a reference to the Secret Night World of Cats, a book that Mark illustrated).

Last year, Gregory performed the song as part of a set performed at a Defeat Autism Now! fundraiser in Anaheim.

The CD contains 13 tracks of soft, gentle, delightful songs, which will appeal to both adults and children. (Special Note: The writer of the hit movie Enchanted is a Gregory Page fan, and listened to his music while working on the script ).

A portion of the proceeds from the CD will be donated to ARI to support research to validate and discover new treatments for autism.

Listen to the track - 'All Make Believe' (mp3) Buy the album

Does anyone know of a social skills group for teens close to OB, Pt. Loma, Mission Beach, PB area? (I have a 15 y/o son w/autism, full speech, no social skills). Travel is challenged. Thx for any help you can offer.
havefaith523@gmail.com

When: Thursday, June 19
Meet and Greet: 6:00-6:30
Presentation: 6:30-7:30
Question and Answer: 7:30-8:00

Where: 9606 Tierra Grande, Suite 101
San Diego, CA 92126

The Autism Group Inc.
Please join us as we present an overview of the RDI® program including video footage of one family's journey. Some areas that we will consider are:

• The goals of the program
• Communication
• Guided participation
• Effective implementation
• A structural outline of a typical program
• How RDI differs from other interventions

We are in the process of organizing our Summer Social program for children 3.5-5 years of age. We still have some dates available to families. We are running the groups with a maximum of 6 children. Here is a link to view the flyer:
http://icanplaysd.com/FlyerSummersocial.html You can also visit www.ICanPlaySD.com to find more information about our services.
Thank you,
Cari Miller
619.218.8744
11559-1 Compass Point Drive North
San Diego, CA 92126

I wanted to share with you that Xcite Steps' summer camp Camp Steps has just been vendored through regional center. We were hoping you could help us share the great news with the families that you are associated with.

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

The first research project to examine effects of the total vaccine load received by children in the 1990s has found autism-like signs and symptoms in infant monkeys vaccinated the same way. The study's principal investigator, Laura Hewitson from the University of Pittsburgh, reports developmental delays, behavior problems and brain changes in macaque monkeys that mimic "certain neurological abnormalities of autism."

The findings are being reported Friday and Saturday at a major international autism conference in London.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY CHAPTER AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA MAY 20TH MEETING
4699 MURPHY CANYON ROAD
SAN DIEGO, CA 92123

A Tribute to Mothers and Grandmothers
We are excited to invite moms, grandmas and everyone who appreciates them to share their stories. If you are a mom with an amusing, touching or inspirational anecdote related to life with a child with autism, or if you would like to recognize a special mother or grandmother of a person with autism, this is your chance. Anyone who wishes to speak will be welcomed, followed by informal networking, as time allows.

There will be a gift for all the mothers and grandmothers, and each will be entered to win one of several lovely door prizes. Dessert with coffee and tea will be served.

Don't miss this opportunity to share some inspiration and frustrations, and to get to know each other better. This is a place where you know there will be someone who really understands what it means to be a mother of an ASD child!

TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008
6:30 TO 9:00 P.M.

Imagine cycling down the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway to the majestic Hearst Castle with a group of your friends alongside Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Carl Lewis, Cindy Crawford, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, First Lady Maria Shriver, and professional cyclists. As you arrive at the finish line you are welcomed with refreshments, hot showers and professional massages. Following this relaxing finish you are whisked to the 83,000 acre private Hearst Castle ranch for a gourmet barbeque and private concert by the Black Eyed Peas. Welcome to the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, the adventure vacation of a lifetime!

The Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle is a five-star cycling experience that takes place on Saturday, September 6 in support of people with intellectual disabilities. Riders begin at the beautiful Chateau Julien Winery in Carmel and rider 100, 62 or 15 miles down a stunning stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway to the Hearst Castle. For those who do not ride, this year there will also be a five kilometer walk and ten kilometer run at the finish area in San Simeon.

This will be the Fifth Annual Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle. Open to all ages and abilities the event, with a 100, 62 or 15-mile bike ride, participation of celebrities and professional athletes, festive barbeque and concert by the Black Eyed Peas, has something for everyone.

Whether this will be your first organized ride or your hundredth, you haven't done anything like the Audi Best Buddies Challenge. More than a ride, it's an experience. It's truly "the only five-star ride". Cap your summer off with a bang by joining TEAM CALIFORNIA on the road to Hearst Castle.

Sign up now for the Adventure of a Lifetime!

For more information please call Best Buddies California:

Ben Goodman
PHONE: 888-68-BUDDY
EMAIL: BenGoodman@bestbuddies.org

Hi Valerie,
Would you post this for me, please.
North County Social Skills Group " Friendship Club" Aspergers/HFA ages 12 -16

We meet every Friday 5:00 to 8:30. One hour of direct social skills curriculum is taught. Remainder of the evening generalizing skills with games,dinner, swimming,cooking, and community outings. I volunteer my time. Cost is $25.00 to cover dinner, materials, outings,etc.
760.271.3252
Vivian Harrison

Hi Val, we've just posted some excellent DIR articles, charts and checklists available for reading & printing on our local DIR related blog: www.circlestretch.blogspot.com. It's a good way to get an idea of what this relationship based intervention, currently being validated by cutting edge research, is all about.

South Riding woman makes gluten-free travel a breeze

When her 4-year-old son, Ryan, was diagnosed with celiac disease three years ago, Karen Broussard wondered if her family would still be able to eat out and travel as much as they used to.

People with celiac are intolerant to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley - ingredients in many foods.

Ryan has to avoid most flour-based foods like pasta, bread, cookies, crackers and even many sauces, glazes and marinades.

"The biggest challenge is avoiding things you wouldn't think of, like soy sauce and some corn-based cereals that contain malt flavoring," said Broussard, who lives in South Riding. "We went through three years of trial and error."

The Broussards have learned to accommodate Ryan's special diet, but eating out still can be a challenge depending on the chef or restaurant.

Last year during a vacation to the Caribbean, Broussard came up with the idea for a Web site to help others with the same concerns about traveling on a gluten-free diet.

And so, GlutenFreeTravelSite.com was born.