LAPARENT.COM
2014
Club 21:
Life With An Extra Chromosome
PLAYING SOCCER
in Power Wheelchairs
NG PARENTI TION IA ASSOC MEDIA
ver 2014 Sil ner in Award W ce Excellen l Genera mpetition Co Awards
&
AUTISM IMPROVISATION Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete have learned a lot from their kids
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Child with Special Needs 2014 | LAParent.com 1 Building Friendships • Inclusive Toys please • Getting forYour Camp • Resource Guide For reprints contact Ready the Publisher.
explore. experience. expand. ®
Pathway
For Students with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Our Post-Secondary 2-Year Program Offers: • A college experience with expertly trained staff • Growth in academics, career exploration & transition to independent living • A supportive environment • Federal Financial Aid & Scholarships Available
Learn more. Visit uclaextension.edu/LAParent or call (310) 794-1235.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
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Contents
Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Features 18 Improvising Through Parenting
Couples who have children with special needs have to be flexible in their dreams, and care for their relationships, too
22 Atypical Kids Need Atypical Parenting
If your child has special needs, a little hovering might be appropriate
25 A Club That Welcomes An Extra Chromosome
34
Pasadena’s Club 21 opens its arms, and reaches out a lifeline, for families of children with Down syndrome
30 More Fun Together
Toys can build connections between kids with special needs and their peers
34 7 Keys to a Positive Summer Camp Experience
Choosing the right summer camp for children with special needs is easier with these tips
38 Fostering Friendships
Local programs bring together children with – and without – special needs
25
Departments 6 Editor’s Note
An Exciting Year, and More To Come
8 In the Know
People who matter, news you can use
42 Resources 50 Chat Room
Steve Everett: Power[ful] Soccer Role Model
30
On the Cover On the Cover:
Rodney Peete, wife Holly Robinson Peete and son RJ were photographed by Rena Durham (www.renadurham.com). Styling was provided by Ali Levine (www.alilevinedesign.com), make up by Élan Bongiorno for Enjoue Beaute and hair styling by Valerie Abron Harrell. Holly’s dress is by Charles Henry, with necklaces by Nicole Meng and Jeni. Rodney’s shirt and sweater are by Calvin Klein and RJ’s shirt is by Ralph Lauren. Ryan’s dress in the inside photo is by Single. 4
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
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Editor’s Note
An Exciting Year, and More To Come
W
elcome to the second edition of Your Child With Special Needs. A lot has happened these past 12 months.
Shortly after we got the 2013 edition back from the printer, we headed out to Walk Now For Autism Speaks at the Rose Bowl (which, as of this writing, we’re looking forward to doing again). Everyone we met there seemed to love our new publication and snapped up every copy we brought to hand out. The excitement continued at event after event, and a few parents even called and emailed to tell us how happy they were. We knew we had a hit and immediately got started planning this sequel – but we just couldn’t wait a whole year! We met so many families in the special-needs community, learned about so many organizations and rounded up so much news that we decided to launch an email newsletter: Your Child With Special Needs Monthly. Each month, the free newsletter includes articles – on topics that range from building friendships to improving handwriting, gluten-free recipes and adaptive sports programs – plus upcoming events for children with special needs and their families. You can check out the latest edition, and subscribe, at LAParent.com. The newsletter also includes a link to the special-needs section of our online calendar. We have expanded our outreach to include workshops, classes, benefits, fundraisers, sports leagues, play dates and other happenings in the special-needs community, and we’re adding new events daily. And in February, we got some fabulous news! Your Child With Special Needs received recognition from the Parenting Media Association, taking home a bronze award for our 2013 cover and a silver award for general excellence at the association’s annual convention. Meanwhile, we continue to have a great time as reporters for Your Child With Special Needs. Director of Content Elena Epstein talked with actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, about the impact raising a child with autism can have on a marriage (page 18). I got to learn about the lifeline the folks at Club 21 provide for families coping with Down syndrome (page 25), and chat with the captain of the SoCal Vaqueros power soccer team (page 50). They play from wheelchairs!
5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 150 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Tel: 818-264-2222 Fax: 818-264-2220 Visit us online at LAParent.com PUBLISHER Ron Epstein, ext. 221 DIRECTOR OF CONTENT & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Elena Epstein, ext. 222 EDITORIAL Editor: Christina Elston, ext. 226 Calendar Editor: Michael Berick ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives: Sharon Beauregard, ext. 223 Ly French, ext. 225 Cheryl Wolfe, ext. 224 Lisa Giuntoli, ext. 227 Classifieds: Sheri McCrone OFFICE MANAGER Cindy Hadash, ext. 227
NATIONAL SALES National Sales/Family Marketing Network Cate Sanderson PRODUCTION Art and Production Director: Jennifer Gentile NAPPA General Manager: Julie Kertes, ext. 228 NAPPA Coordinator: Annette Covarrubias, ext. 229
Our fabulous team of writers also came through with stories on inclusive toys (page 30), fostering friendships (page 38), preparing children with special needs for camp (page 34), and becoming an “umbrella” parent (page 22). We hope you enjoy reading, and we have a favor to ask (OK, three). 1 If you have a story idea – whether about an issue you’ve struggled with, a problem you’ve solved or some great news from our community – email it to Christina.Elston@LAParent.com. 2 Contribute to our calendar! You can email events to Calendar@LAParent.com. 3 Share this magazine and links to our e-newsletter and online calendar with other families. The bigger the community we build, the more we can accomplish.
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L.A. Parent
L.A. Parent (ISSN 0740 3437) is published monthly by Epstein Custom Media. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Additional copies may be purchased for $4 per issue. Call 818-264-2222 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the Publisher. Editorial submissions are welcome. L.A. Parent copyright 2014 by Epstein Custom Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
– Christina Elston Christina.Elston@LAParent.com @LAParentMag Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. | Your Child with Special Needs 2014 For reprints please contact the Publisher.
THE HELP GROUP’S
E DUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL, AND SOCIAL
SUM M E R PROGRAMS 2014
TH E HE LP GR OU P’S
SU M M ER CA M PS
Sc
2014
ie nc e Te ch no lo En g gi ne y er A rt in g M at h
June 16th - August 22nd
S
CHOOL AFTER-S OGRAM R P R SUMME
2014 MPS CA EL AV TR
T E A M
GRADES 1-12 PRESCHOOL THRO UGH YOUNG ADULTS
ills, f new sk rnoon o n An afte and fu friends,
come explore
Village Glen School
ATTLE SAN DIEGO & SE
Summer Academic Programs
Designed to challenge, excite, and support children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs ages 3-21. www.thehelpgroup.org | Contact: summerinfo@thehelpgroup.org
Leading the Way for Young People with
SPECIAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT
SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
PARENT EDUCATION
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS
AFTER-SCHOOL ENRICHMENT
18+ PROGRAMS
DAY CAMPS
COACHING
›
Parkhill School
›
Bridgeport School
›
North Hills Prep
›
Sunrise School
›
Coldwater Canyon Prep
›
Village Glen School
›
Summit View School
›
Young Learners Preschool
›
Bridgeport Vocational Education Center
CULVER CITY | SHERMAN OAKS EAST | VALLEY GLEN | VAN NUYS | WEST HILLS
Known for its high standards of excellence and cutting-edge programs, The Help Group serves young people ages 3 to 22 with autism, learning disabilities, and other special needs. 877. 943. 5747 | www.t hehelpgroup.or g
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IN THE KNOW
from PLAYABILITY Who doesn’t love playtime? Playability Toys (www.playabilitytoys.com) is a special-needs toy company that focuses on products that specifically cater to children with a wide variety of challenges. Enter at LAParent.com by May 30 for a chance to win one of these great products.
18-INCH RIB IT BALL: The unique ribs on this light weight ball make it easy to grab for even the smallest and weakest hands. They also help the ball stay within reach, meaning more play time and less “chase time” for kids. The ball’s visual, tactile and auditory features make it wonderful for a variety of special needs and physical challenges. Retail value: $29.95.
BUDDY DOG: Buddy’s oversized eyes and friendly smile will easily capture and hold a child’s attention, while his high-contrast colors are appealing even to children with low vision. His cool cotton, soft velour, rubbery and raised dots, fluffy tuft of hair, and even the secret patch of Velcro on his backside encourage tactile exploration! Curiosity and learning are encouraged through his gentle array of sounds, whether it be the soothing vibration that comes when you pull his tail, the squeak from squeezing his right paw, his gentle rattle, or the crinkle in his vest! Retail value: $29.95.
ECHO THE ELEPHANT: Like Buddy Dog, Echo has warm, oversized engaging eyes and a friendly smile, high-contrast colors, cool cotton, soft velour, rubbery and raised dots, fluffy tuft of hair, and a secret patch of Velcro on her backside. Most distinguishing are her large floppy ears. All of this makes her an appealing friend for kids with a variety of challenges. Retail value: $29.95.
BUDDY & ECHO PUPPETS: These fun friends are appropriate for all children, but the multisensory features are especially important for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, children who are visually impaired, or children with significant cognitive or physical challenges. This adorable duo can also encourage interactivity and communication. Retail value: $34 for the two puppets. 8
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Vista Del Mar now accepting Anthem and Aetna for the following services: • Comprehensive Assessments Services
Autism diagnostics (ADOS-2, ADI-R), evaluations for speech, language and functional communication, occupational therapy, functional behavior analysis and multidisciplinary infant/toddler assessments.
• Speech & Language Therapy Services
Our licensed and certified speech-language pathologists work in a variety of modalities, including alternative-augmentative communication, to meet the client’s communication needs.
• Occupational Therapy Services
The occupational therapists (OTR/L) at VAC focus on developing, improving, or restoring functional daily living skills while maximizing the client’s strengths and abilities.
Committed to serving the autism community through specialized assessment, intervention and programming.
Contact: Brian Roper, Ph.D., M.S., CCC-SLP, Director of Autism Services 310-836-1223 ext 216 • www.vistadelmar.org Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. Your Child with Special Needs 2014 | LAParent.com 9 For reprints please contact the Publisher.
The Little
S
ometimes a frustrating problem is really simple to solve. That is the case in “Max Pays Attention,” by Woodland Hills-based family therapist Barbara Gibson-Paul. Max, the lead character, struggles to pay attention, stay in his seat and get his work done in school so that he can earn the coveted gold stars handed out by his teacher. The solution to Max’s problem is as simple as setting a goal. His mother tells him that if he earns 10 gold stars, he can join the Rockets little league baseball team in the spring. His friends pitch in with some advice for following class rules, and soon Max is on his way. Gibson-Paul, mother of three teen-aged sons, says the simple story was inspired by the children’s folk tale, “The Little Engine That Could,” where a small engine pulls a long train over a mountain, motivating herself with the phrase, “I think I can.” “This inspiring story is a message that leaves the reader with how important it is to be determined, persevere, and never stop trying,” says Gibson-Paul. “I wanted to write a motivational, self-help book for children. The main character, Max, is very similar to my twins when they were younger. I’ve had a lot of clients like Max.” Gibson-Paul has employed the book’s goal-setting strategy as both a therapist and a mom, and suggests that parents incorporate “Max Pays Attention” into bedtime reading routines and teachers use it at story time. The book is available on Amazon.com, but is also being carried at Barnes & Noble – a rare thing for a self-published book. And on April 14, Gibson-Paul will do a story time and book signing at the Zimmer Children’s Museum’s Open Door Days, when the museum is closed to the general public and children with special needs and their families are admitted free. For more about Open Door Days, visit www.zimmermuseum.org. To learn more about Gibson-Paul and her book, visit www.creativekidspublications.com. ‘ – Christina Elston
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L.A. Parent
Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. | Your Child with Special Needs 2014 For reprints please contact the Publisher.
IN THE KNOW
A Super Kid, A Heroic Mom, A Story Worth Reading
M
ichael Hulings’ story is a remarkable one, right from the beginning. In a small Israeli town more than 20 years ago, a mother gave up her newborn baby when she discovered he had Down syndrome. She told family and friends that the baby had died, but her misfortune became another family’s blessing. The baby, whose name today is Michael, found a family in Ft. Collins, Colorado who truly loved him. And the woman who became his mother, Kathryn U. Hulings, tells his story in “Life with a Superhero: Raising Michael Who Has Down Syndrome” (UNT Press, $29.95). Chock full of heartfelt and hilarious anecdotes about the dayto-day antics in the Hulings household – which also includes Hulings’ husband Jim and four biological children – the book follows Hulings’ journey of raising a son with Down syndrome from infancy through young adulthood. This includes Michael’s escapades on foot and the many times he went missing – as a toddler escaping the synagogue grounds and making a mad dash toward the busy street, through his teen years when he would just get up and go anywhere in the wee hours of the morning. Hulings is funny, irreverent and drops an occasional four-letter word, but she writes with honesty and bravery. And each memory or milestone she recounts, whether about Michael on the loose or Michael in love, leaves the reader nervous and anxious, breathing a sigh of relief or cheering out loud. She describes her family’s compassion and love for each other, how they tackled school policies and community embarrassment, puberty and heartache. She also shares a few out-of-the-box parenting techniques that will motivate readers to grab a pen and take notes. Whether or not you have a child with special needs, you will find “Life with a Superhero” engaging, inspiring and uplifting. Michael’s an extraordinary kid with an extraordinary story – and a family to match. – Julie Kertes
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Visit ahead of time. Taking a tour without your child may give you insight into logistics and allow you to focus on playing with your family during your visit. Scheduling an appointment is best. Or call ahead. Let’s be honest, setting up a tour by yourself may not be feasible, but calling ahead can offer a lot of insight.
Things to ask: • Do you offer special programs or discounts for families with special needs? At the Zimmer, our Open Door Days are always free. • What days and times are quietest/least busy? Museum staff have
a general understanding of visitor rhythms and can help you avoid very crowded times or large groups that can feel overwhelming.
• Do you have a quiet space available should we need it? At the Zimmer, we will happily open an empty classroom or office if a child and parent need a break.
If there are other simple adjustments, ideas or items that might help your child be more successful, ask or suggest. We once had a parent mention that her child who was in a wheelchair would love the art studio if we only had table-top easels – which we do! They are now available every day for children who may need them.
Set expectations. For children on the autism spectrum, create
a social story with an online map (or have the museum mail you a map ahead of time). Draw or write a list together of things you’d like to do on your visit.
At the museum: Pack well. Bring ample snacks, water and comfort items for everyone – including yourself. As flight attendants like to remind us, we are all better equipped to
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Inclusive classroom environments often include peer models, typically developing friends who can help model new experiences for children with special needs. The same principle applies to a museum visit. Plus, everything is more fun with friends!
Let your child be your guide. Whether your child spends the visit flitting around from exhibit to exhibit or seems to take in only a few square feet, don’t worry that they aren’t making the most of the time. Try to let go of expectations and enjoy! Consider a membership. It’s a great value, and being a
museum member can keep you from feeling like you aren’t getting your money’s worth from daily admission, because you can come back any time! You also will have flexibility to drop in at a variety of times for programs to find the best fit for your child.
Ask for help. Need to have a private conversation with your older child, but your toddler refuses to leave the water table? Borrow a staff member!
Speak up! We all get better through feedback, suggestions and (constructive) criticism. Next month’s visitors will thank you.
Leaving: Plan an exit strategy. To help avoid a meltdown, when you
see signs your child is wearing down, encourage your child to play at an exhibit near the exit. When you say it’s time to go, you won’t have to weave through exciting areas on your way out.
Opt for family valet. The trek back to the car can often be
where a tired child melts down. If possible, a few minutes before you’re ready to go, send an adult in your party to grab the car and pick everyone up at the exit.
Make the car inviting. Have a treat or favorite toy waiting for your child in the car for the trip home. Having something to look forward to can ease the pain of leaving.
For families of children with special needs, the Zimmer Children’s Museum offers an inclusive environment where every child is enthusiastically welcomed every day, and special programs such as Open Door Days where families may visit the museum for free with only the special-needs community. – Julee Brooks Julee Brooks is Museum Director of Zimmer Children’s Museum. Learn more about the museum at www.zimmermuseum.org.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
ER CHILDR
EN’S MUS EUM
Before you go:
Take a friend.
COURTE SY ZIMM
For families of children with special needs, the thought of visiting a busy public space such as a museum might seem daunting. There are things, however, that families can do before, during and even after a visit to make it more joyful for everyone.
care for our children when we care for ourselves first.
PHOTOS
Museums of all kinds can be great experiences for kids with special needs. A little planning and a few extra steps can make your visit great.
S MUSEU
M
IN THE KNOW
for Special Kids
Stephanie Blank, Tisha Ma rine to right) are among the mom lla and Mary Brown (left s who’ve helped expand opportunities at the Sum mer Opportunities Fair.
A
va Megna was a new parent at Westridge School in Pasadena when she became volunteer chair for the school’s annual Summer Opportunities Fair, which brings together a wide range of local, national and international camps. Having a son with learning disabilities, she noticed that the fair she was helping organize didn’t seem to include any programs for kids with special needs. “I was so concerned for his social life,” recalls Megna. “He was teased a lot in school because he couldn’t read or write. It was a really hard time for us.” Megna became a mom on a mission, seeking out programs that offered social and fun activities during the summer months. That was in 1995. Thanks to Megna’s vision and the work of other dynamic moms who continue to expand on it, this year’s Summer Opportunities Fair catalog lists close to 100 camps catering to children with special needs . Mary Brown, a Westridge mom volunteer, has been instrumental in growing the camp catalog and continues her volunteer efforts even though her daughter graduated from Westridge in 2007. Brown started volunteering for the fair when her daughter, Annie, started seventh grade at Westridge. She was also searching for enrichment programs for her son, Woody, who is non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. She has been working at the special-needs booth at the annual fair every year. For the past couple of years, Stephanie Blank, a mom of twin ninth-graders and a special-needs teacher, has been her close volunteer partner. “I look forward to the fair every year, and the opportunity to help families find the resources they need,” says Brown, who along with her husband, Drew, has started a website listing special needs camps, www.specialcampsforspecialkids.com. “Every year, I meet families whose child has just been diagnosed, and they have no idea what to do,” she says. “I have walked this road. I show up for them.” – Elena Epstein
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HAIR SCARE
Trichotillomania, which affects up to 3 percent of the population, causes sufferers to literally pull out the hair on their heads or bodies. It’s classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior, in the same diagnostic family as skin picking disorder and compulsive nail biting. There is no cure for it, nor is there any medication that curbs the urge to pull. Desperate for help, Marie Baron turned to the Internet and discovered the Trichotillomania Learning Center (www.trich.org), one of the few organizations in the world dedicated to helping those who have “trich” and related BFRBs. TLC was founded in 1991 by Christina Pearson, who herself suffered from trich. The organization funds research, supplies lists of treatment providers, and runs an online store filled with fidget toys and useful books for “trichsters” of all ages. One of its most valuable tools is an online support group where parents “can share experience and advice, and support each other,” says Jennifer Raikes, Executive Director of TLC.
lps families Learning Center he The Trichotillomania rn and his daughter, Alice, meet ou like dad Tom Layb th the hair-pulling condition. others struggling wi
T
he Baron family’s ordeal began when Marie noticed that the part in her daughter Emily’s hair had inexplicably widened. Within two weeks, Emily was bald and her head was covered with scabs. The family pediatrician diagnosed the 9-year-old with a condition called trichotillomania.
The organization also hosts the world’s largest conference on BFRBs, which will be held in Los Angeles this year, from April 25-27. The conference features breakout groups tailored specifically to parents, kids, teens, and health professionals. The Barons will be there with Emily, who is now 15. “It’s a chance for us to meet other families who share our journey,” says Marie, “and for Emily to meet kids like her – smart, beautiful teens who can support each other in finding ways to manage their BFRBs.” TLC’s National Conference will take place at the Renaissance LAX Hotel. For further information, contact TLC at info@trich.org or call 831-437-1004. – Ellen Byron
Villa Esperanza Services Offers Programs for Children with Autism, Down Syndrome and Other Special Needs. Programs to help your child succeed: • • • • •
School (K-12) Speech & Language Therapy Occupational Therapy Behavioral Intervention Services Transition Program
(626) 449-2919
www.VillaEsperanzaServices.org 14
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
IN THE KNOW
Wait! There’s More!
O
ver the past year, we’ve found so much great information – and so many fantastic events and organizations – to share with the special-needs community, that we launched a monthly email newsletter. Your Child With Special Needs Monthly is a fun and interesting mix of articles on topics ranging from building friendships and fine-motor skills to navigating medical and dental visits, plus profiles of parents and advocates, and local news and events. It also includes a link to the special-needs section of our online calendar, which lists dozens and dozens of upcoming workshops, classes, play groups, fundraisers, support groups and other local happenings for children with special needs and their families and is growing daily. To subscribe – it’s free! – visit LAParent.com. Is there a topic you would like us to cover? An organization you think we should write about? A great kid or parent advocate SNRG-LAParentMag-ad-Mar2014.pdf 1 3/6/14 10:22 AM you want us to profile? Email Christina.Elston@LAParent.com.
C
M
Y
CM
To list an event in our online calendar, email Michael Berick at Calendar@LAParent.com with details, including the time, date and location, and any fees. Use the subject line “Special-Needs Events.”
ACHIEVE
MY
CY
CMY
K
Embracing Children Who Think, Learn and Develop Differently SNRG supports children with learning and developmental differences that affect school functioning, both academic and social. Our unique programs facilitate achievement through a child’s strengths. All of our programs are challenging, nurturing and fun!
We specialize in supporting children ages 2-15 with: Anxiety Autism
Behavior Problems Defiance and Aggression
Gifted/2E Learning Disabilities
1454 Cloverfield Blvd. • Santa Monica, CA 90404 • P 310.392.0835 • F 310.622.4155
www.specialneedsrg.com
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Adopt New Accommodation Standards
F
amilies with special needs might consider a cruise vacation a fantasy well out of reach, but Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has just solidified its commitment to an organization dedicated to making vacations “come true.” Autism On the Seas (www.autismontheseas.com) has been working with Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines for years, helping families coping with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual and developmental disabilities book and enjoy cruise vacations. The organization offers group cruises where their staff integrates with cruise staff to assist those with special needs, as well as assistance packages for families that want to cruise on their own. Royal Caribbean has long done its part to assist these families as well, offering priority boarding and dietary accommodations,
and grouping kids in the children’s program by ability rather than age. The first level of the Autism Friendly Certification Standard, Bronze Certified, basically formalizes accommodations the line had already been making, but will bring some new perks – including autism-friendly movie screenings. “When you go to the movies, it’s dark and it’s loud and you are expected to sit quietly in your seat,” says Ron Pettit, Royal Caribbean’s Manager of ADA and Access Compliance. “This doesn’t work very well for people with autism, so we do the opposite.” The line has also created a Cruising Social Story, to help families prepare their loved ones with special needs for the experience, available for downloading at www.royalcaribbean.com/autism. As the line progresses toward Silver, Gold and Diamond certification, staff will receive training designed by Autism On the Seas and become increasingly able to assist guests with special needs. The program and the accommodations are designed to encourage more families to take advantage of the many benefits of cruising
CHANGING LIVES, SHAPING THE FUTURE
1:1 ABA Behavior Therapy Social Skills Groups
Parent Training School Intervention
Services funded by medical insurance, regional center, school district, and private. Serving individuals of all ages in Arcadia, Pasadena, Glendale, Foothill Communities, Whittier area, and portions of Los Angeles.
EXPLORER SUMMER CAMP All Kids Ages 3-12 · Arts and Crafts · Sports · Music and Movement · Games · Field Trips Held in our Arcadia Center
Groups focus on: · Social Skills · Communication Skills · Community Skills · FUN! SUPERVISED BY BCBA
(626) 380-2310 www.peoplescareautism.com 16
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Learn more about Autism On the Seas’ Autism Friendly Certification Standard, their group cruises and their work with other cruise lines at www.autismontheseas.com. Find out about Royal Carribbean’s accommodations for special-needs families at www.royalcaribbean.com/autism.
PHOTO COURTESY
Families that haven’t ventured out to a restaurant or a movie, for example, are able to try it out on board, and then become more comfortable going out at home. “They’re able to transition these experiences back to their real life,” says Sobbell.
AUTISM ON THE SEA
for those with special needs, according to Mike Sobbell, president and founder of Autism On the Seas. Cruises, for instance, offer a range of activities for all age groups in one location, something difficult to find anywhere else. And, with a bit of help, families can use the cruise to try out new experiences. “When these children come on board, they end up trying things that they’ve never tried before, and the parents learn that their children are able to do things that they’ve never done before,” he says.
S
IN THE KNOW
On cruises with Autism On the Seas staff, sta ff special-needs guests of all ages with fun cru members assist ise activities.
– Christina Elston
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, contact Lanterman, or the regional center that serves your area of residence, to learn more and set up an appointment to have your child assessed free of cost.
Lanterman coordinates prevention and early intervention services and supports for eligible young children birth to 3 with developmental concerns, delays or disabilities and their families. The Center also provides lifelong services and supports from the school-age years through adulthood, including service coordination, individual service planning, education-related advocacy, and training. Lanterman’s Koch♦Young Resource Center has a large special needs library collection, toy lending and play program for eligible children, support groups, and offers information and referral.
Lanterman serves the following areas: Central Los Angeles, Hollywood-Wilshire, Glendale, Burbank, La Cañada and Pasadena. To find out exactly which of the seven regional centers in Los Angeles County would serve your family, visit www.dds.ca.gov/RC/RCzipLookup.cfm.
FRANK D. LANTERMAN REGIONAL CENTER 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90010 ♦ 213.383.1300 ♦ kyrc@lanterman.org ♦ www.lanterman.org
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lfhLanterman1303.indd 1
Improvising
Through
PHOTO BY RENA DURHAM
PARENTING
Couples who have children with special needs have to be flexible in their dreams, and care for their relationships, too. By Elena Epstein
Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, at top, have gained great insight about life and marriage through parenting RJ, at left, his twin sister Ryan, Roman and Robinson.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
A
s Rodney Peete and Holly Robinson Peete chat about their day-to-day family life – homework, after-school activities, teen drama – their manner is warm and casual. They share an easygoing rapport and sense of humor. As talk turns to their son, RJ, I get the sense that this famous couple, a former NFL quarterback and talented actress, have gained great insight about life and marriage through lessons learned from raising their four children, including RJ, their first-born son, who has autism. The past 15 years of parenthood have taught them that life is an improvisation.
for the young couple. There were sleepless nights wondering about the future, and days filled with countless appointments with doctors and therapists. By dinner time, Holly and Rodney often found themselves simply going through the motions of the night’s routine, unaware of the distance growing between them. Holly and Rodney’s experience is not uncommon among couples with children with special needs. “There is definitely an increased level of chronic stress among these couples,” says Wendy Hill Williams, a marriage and family therapist in Northridge who is working on her doctoral dissertation on the effects of autism on couples, and is mom to a 21-year-old son on the spectrum.
They talk with the keen insight of parents of a son with special needs, describing the challenges that they have faced as a couple trying to “I was meet those needs without losing themsteeped in selves in the process. They speak candidly denial and my about how close they came to separating. wife was ready to “Autism is definitely stressful for parents,” fight.” – Rodney says Holly. “There were many rough patchPeete es.” For Holly and Rodney, the rough patches mainly stemmed from the different ways in which each processed news of this disorder. When RJ was diagnosed in 2000 at age 3, Rodney initially found himself simply wanting to escape, while Holly faced it head-on. She read books and articles, talked to experts and other parents, and began a series of therapy sessions for RJ. “I was steeped in denial and my wife was ready to fight,” says Rodney. “We were not aligned. It took me a long time to accept autism – time that I should have been using focusing on RJ’s needs.” Caring for RJ’s twin sister, Ryan, getting the correct diagnosis for RJ and then beginning the extensive course of recommended therapy became an around-the-clock endurance test
“The diagnosis brings a sense of relief that finally you have an understanding of what’s going on with your child, but at that moment you start going through the grieving process,” adds Williams. “This is a death of a dream, the death of the hope you had for your child.”
Compounding the situation, couples often go through the different stages of grieving – such as denial, anger, depression and acceptance – at different times, creating discord between them. Rodney had dreamed of one symbolic father-son ritual that was particularly hard to let go. He wanted to take RJ into the locker room after his games with the Carolina Panthers, just like his dad, Willie Peete, assistant coach at the University of Arizona, started doing when Rodney turned 5. It was a special father-son tradition he wanted to carry on. But, for RJ, the noise and the strangers in the locker room were too overwhelming. “I watched my teammates bring their sons into the locker room. I had such great memories of being with my dad and all
Tips For Keeping Your Relationship and Family Strong 1
Set aside time to discuss important topics such as finances and different therapy programs.
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Don’t forget about fun. Take time for just the two of you to escape to a movie, a dinner or a hike.
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Divide and conquer the never-ending chores of driving to appointments, making meals and taking care of your other children.
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Create a support network, whether through extended family, friends, parent groups or private therapy. Social support is critical.
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the players as a kid, but this wasn’t something RJ enjoyed,” says Rodney. “I had to tweak my expectations, drop my machismo and my ego and focus on my boy. It was hard.” Having a child with special needs means that every milestone, every age, brings new challenges. It’s critical for couples to acknowledge that their child’s needs will impinge on their life financially, emotionally and socially, and that they need to come up with methods for coping with these issues.
objective, but talk to someone,” says Holly. “Stay focused and remember that this journey needs all hands on deck. If you dig in your heels and stay focused on the child’s needs, the outcomes will work in your favor.” The couple is well known for their advocacy in the autism community and for raising funds and awareness through the HollyRod Foundation. They have also shared their journey through books. Rodney opened up about his fears, heartbreak
“Communication is key,” says Williams. “If you can find a safe environment to talk through these challenges, talk through your feelings of anger, disappointment and grief, you’ll begin to work as a team.” What brought Rodney and Holly to the brink of separation was they had stopped talking. “We both wanted to help RJ in our own way,” says Rodney. “We each had our own resentments and we stopped listening to each other.” Rodney’s insistence that he could “coach RJ out of this” finally began to exasperate Holly, who was focused on finding the right therapies for her son. “I said to him, ‘You’re either on board with this or we’re doing this without you,’” says Holly. Rodney calls that moment a wake-up call for him as a husband and a father. Looking back, he says, “I have learned so much. I wish I could reach out to all the autism dads to let them know that as long as they are in denial, they are losing valuable intervention time. Early intervention is key.” Their advice to other couples is “talk, talk, and then talk some more.” “Therapy was so helpful for us. Not every couple can afford that, so speak to clergy, a trusted friend, someone
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PHOTO BY PHILICIA ENDELMAN
Holly Robinson Peete is active in the autism community, and in other parenting organizations. She presented the first Random Acts of Kid-ness awards at the Zimmer Children’s Museum in February. and eventual hope and acceptance in his 2010 book, Not My Boy, where he tenderly tells the story of his family’s experience with autism. Holly, a charismatic speaker and a tireless community activist, was awarded the 2011 NAACP Image Award for her children’s book, My Brother Charlie, which chronicles a child’s experience with a twin sibling who has autism. Rodney and Holly are keenly aware of the obstacles ahead and they are thankful to be able to face those as a couple. RJ is now a teenager, facing the same challenges of shifting hormones, spiraling emotions and a growing sense of independence that other 15-year-olds are facing. But his experience is compounded by autism. Together with their twins, RJ and Ryan, Holly and Rodney are working on a third book, focusing on the challenges of autism during the teen years. The book is due out later this year. “I couldn’t have kept my head together without Rodney,” says Holly. “We had to have a game plan at all times and I needed a partner. I thank God we made it through.” Elena Epstein is Director of Content at L.A. Parent.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Shadow Hills Riding Club
Free Assistance for Parents of Children with Special Needs • • • • • • •
Parent to parent mentoring IEP training Workshops & parent education Support groups Se habla Resources & referrals Español Lending library Child development screenings
Northridge 818-677-6854
Santa Clarita 661-294-9715
www.csunfamilyfocus.com
Lancaster 661-945-9598 We are a sponsored program of
Antelope Valley Autism Awareness Walk – April 12, 2014 CSUN Special Needs Resource Fair – November 8, 2014 We offer services such as:
• CSUN HollyRod autism network • Adaptive aquatic exercise • Educational therapy • Boating and water safety programs
• Music therapy • Nutritional assessment, counseling and body composition analysis
• Support services for families with deaf/hard of hearing children
With Sponsorship from the HollyRod Foundation, the CSUN HollyRod Autism Network provides support and referral services.
• Family support services • Inclusive preschool program • Psycho-educational assessment • Domestic dispute counseling and services
• Literacy support • Speech, language and hearing therapy
• Child, couple and family counseling
• Professional development on
THERAPEUTIC
HORSEMANSHIP
Shadow Hills Riding Club offers: • Therapeutic Riding • Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies • Summer Camps • Children’s’ Parties • Horsemanship Classes
(818) 352-2166 info@shadowhillsridingclub.org
www.shadowhillsridingclub.org 10263 La Canada Way Shadow Hills, CA. 91040 Shadow Hills Riding Club (SHRC) is a P.A.T.H. Int’l Premier Accredited Riding Program.
inclusion & special education
www.csun.edu/wellbeing • 818-677-7715
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If your child has special needs, a little hovering might be appropriate. Here are some tips to help you ease your child’s way. By Rita Eichenstein, Ph.D.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Billy is a child with severe asthma. He is also highly gifted and loves going to class, but the school nurse is new and doesn’t know this. One morning, the nurse calls Billy’s mom to report that Billy is having an asthma attack, but not to worry. She thinks he’s just being manipulative and trying to avoid taking a test. Luckily, Billy’s mom is nearby and rushes to pick him up and take him to the doctor. For Billy, an asthma attack can be life-threatening. If your child has any type of significant challenge – from severe asthma to autism, learning disabilities, ADHD or a neurological disorder – you do not have the luxury of being a “chill” parent. As you might have already figured out, kids who are atypical need atypical parenting. The problem is that other adults, including teachers, parents or the school nurse, might not understand your choices or reactions. Maybe you have been accused of being a “helicopter” mom when all you are doing is making sure your son or daughter is in good hands. Instead of “helicopter parents,” I have coined “umbrella parents.” Maybe teachers and friends suggest that your “hovering” is actually making things worse for your child. Or maybe you are a people-pleaser, hesitant to make waves, hoping your kid will be OK on that field trip when you know for a fact that he hates long bus rides and might vomit. Perhaps you constantly doubt yourself, unsure of what it means to properly parent your son or daughter. There are no hard-and-fast rules for parenting any child, but my experience working with special-needs kids and their families has given me some insights I’d like to share.
What You’re Up Against In some ways, atypical parents have the same challenges as all parents, only more so because the stakes are so high. The mother of one girl recently told me that the school principal saw her with the family dog and remarked, “You have no business owning a dog. You have too many problems with your kid.” Imagine this mom’s frustration! But she couldn’t say a word because she didn’t want to get her child in trouble. That’s how most parents would react, but in this case, getting on the wrong side of the principal could mean more than just getting the cold shoulder at the next PTA meeting. It could affect your goal of keeping everyone responsive to your child’s special needs. In addition to having to deal with a more intense version of the typical parenting dilemmas, parents of atypical children must develop skills other parents can barely imagine. Constant vigilance is one. The average bumps and surprises of childhood can be difficult for special-needs kids to tolerate. Is Mad Mike the Science Guy coming to class? Cool! But not if your son has autism and will freak out at Mike’s loud, smoky “experiments.” Once again, you will have to be the “Debbie Downer” and voice your concerns. Conflicts like this can leave you feeling tremendously isolated – and isolation is one of the hardest parts of parenting an atypical child. Here are some guidelines I give to families I see in my practice.
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Do’s and Don’ts for Parents of Atypical Kids Do educate the people around your child. Create a large index card that clearly explains your child’s condition and how to handle it. Hand it out to the people involved in your child’s care.
Do be aware of who will be watching your child during a play date. Is it a parent who is aware of your child’s condition, or a nanny who’s going to be watching TV in the other room? If you feel uneasy about the supervision, reschedule the play date at your house so you that can keep a closer watch.
Do have a few friends in your corner. It helps to have friends witness your child’s meltdowns or special needs so they have a clear understanding of the condition and can validate that you’re not overreacting.
Do discuss your child’s condition with him or her in age-appropriate terms. Make it solution oriented: “The reason you can’t handle Mad Mike is because it’s too much stimulation for you. Here’s what you need to do when you start to feel over-stimulated.” Give your child a script.
Don’t become emotional when describing your child’s condition. When talking to professionals, or even other parents who are not your close friends, you must be matter-of-fact about it. Otherwise, they will dismiss you as hysterical and overprotective. Save your emotions for family or close friends. It’s OK to be assertive as long as you do it respectfully.
Don’t wait for a diagnosis. Your child might not have an official diagnosis, but you might know in your heart that he or she is having difficulty. Follow the do’s and don’ts listed above, and find out more about the conditions that seem to align with your child’s behavior. Rita Eichenstein, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with post-doctoral training in pediatric neuropsychology and special education in private practice at Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers in L.A. To Find out more about Dr. Rita and her upcoming book Positively Atypical: A Guide for Parents (Perigee-Penguin) go to www.drritaeichenstein.com. Her blog Positively Atypical can be found at http://PositivelyAtypical.com.
Provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for individuals with Autism and other Developmental Disorders CBC conducts functional behavior assessments to determine each individual’s strengths and areas of needs to develop goals and intervention plans to help them achieve their full potential. CBC works with parents and teachers to manage and reduce challenging behaviors, and together we target the development of new skills and coping strategies to help each child better function in their environment.
CBC accepts most major health insurance plans including: • Anthem Blue Cross • Cigna • Blue Shield • Care 1st • Aetna • Value Options • United Behavioral Health CBC provides ABA and Adaptive Skills Training services through North Los Angeles County Regional Center.
22055 Clarendon St., Ste 208, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 • aba@cbc-autism.com www.cbc-autism.com
818-932-9644
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
By Christina Elston
PHOTOS COURTESY CLUB 21
PHOTOS COURTESY FIRST 5 LA
Pasadena’s Club 21 opens its arms, and reaches out a lifeline, for families of children with Down syndrome
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S
ixteen years ago, Nancy Litteken’s obstetrician told her this: “Don’t worry. We can take care of it.”
He meant that they could abort the baby she was carrying because the results of her amniocentesis test showed that the baby would be born with Down syndrome. “At that time, people who took an amnio took it to terminate,” she says. “If they weren’t prepared to terminate, they didn’t want to risk the amnio.” But Litteken and her husband weren’t going to make up their minds that easily. Litteken, the hearing child of deaf parents, has a Master’s degree in special education and had already put in many years with the L.A. Unified School District, so she had some idea of what she was facing. But she wanted to know more. She asked the geneticist who had performed the amnio to put her in touch with couples who had faced this same decision and carried their babies to term. “Two weeks went by with no call,” Litteken says. “Finally, they told us they didn’t call because they couldn’t find another family who had kept their baby.” The Littekens did decide to keep their baby, and Molly was born. Nancy dove into the world of doctor visits and therapies with Molly, she began to meet other moms who had children with Down syndrome and finally, in 2007, she invited them to her house for a chat. Around Litteken’s dining room table, the women discussed their hopes and dreams for their children, and what they would have to do to make them come true. They began meeting every week, and within a year and a half had planned, publicized and hosted a one-day conference on Down syndrome that they called “Tools For the Journey.” They expected 60 or 70 people, but more than 200 showed up. By the time the second conference was organized a year later, it was clear that an ongoing resources was needed, and Club 21 was born.
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The Mission Litteken says the goal of Club 21 Learning and Resource Center Inc. – so named because Down syndrome is caused by an abnormality of the 21st chromosome – is to advocate for access, inclusion and independence for people with Down syndrome. Because Down syndrome isn’t a disease and doesn’t have a cure, she says their mission is different from those of other organizations dedicated to special needs. “It’s not like autism,” she says. “With autism, you’re fighting for a cure. Our journey is about acceptance and advocating.” Through the courtyard and up the back stairs of Pasadena Covenant Church (“we are not a faith-based organization, though many of us have faith,” Litteken smiles), in rooms filled with colorful educational materials of every sort, Club 21 feeds out what amounts to a lifeline for families that drive for two hours and more to connect there. The walls are lined with beautiful, carefully framed color photos of children with Down syndrome who seem to dare the viewer not to smile back. The organization’s support kicks in right from the beginning, offering the type of resource Litteken was looking for during her own pregnancy. Newly trained are 25 “first call” parents now available to meet with families who have just received news that they are pregnant with a baby who has Down syndrome. For those couples, what Club 21 seeks to offer are the facts. “It’s very important to me that families have choice, and that they hear accurate, upto-date, current information,” Litteken insists. “We’re not about convincing.” She does, however, hope that couples will look beyond the diagnosis and think about their child as a whole. “A pre-diagnosis tells you about the diagnosis, but it does not tell you about who your child will be,” she says. “This is a child who’s going to be more like you than different.”
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
New parents of babies with Down syndrome who find their way to Club 21 will be greeted with a phrase they don’t hear often.“The first thing we say is, congratulations on your beautiful baby,” Litteken says. Then it’s time to get to work. Because Litteken’s advice, even if you’re still holding a newborn, is this: Have a vision now of what you want for your child in 25 years.
The Programs Litteken’s vision for Molly is pretty uncomplicated: The chance to grow up, live independently and hold down a job. And to do that – for even something as simple as a job in a supermarket – she needs to be included now, not secluded in a separate classroom or special day class. “The real world doesn’t have special-needs supermarkets,” Litteken says. It’s not surprising then, that most of Club 21’s programs are cen-
tered around education and helping children with Down syndrome fit into regular classrooms. The organization’s First Steps program facilitates early language, communication and motor-skills development, and includes parent-child groups, sign language classes and therapy consultations. Core academic-skills classes include Every Child a Reader, which is a one-on-one literacy tutoring program; and Club Connections, small-group enrichment classes. Joy Domingo, Learning Program Specialist, says that she has seen children who began the program not reading at all master 99 words after just a year. The key, both Domingo and Litteken say, is incorporating enough repetition to overcome the short-term memory problems in children with Down syndrome. The program’s success often wins over skeptical parents. “When they see their kids read, they’re 100-percent on board,” Domingo says.
Can you see it?
Can you tell which child has a developmental disability? Oftentimes it’s hard to tell. South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC) can help you find the answers. If you think you know a child who is at-risk of developing a developmental disability, contact a SCLARC Intake Coordinator at 213-744-8872 or visit us @ www.sclarc.org! Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. Your Child with Special Needs 2014 | LAParent.com 27 For reprints please contact the Publisher.
Club 21’s Mod Pod is a library and resource center that stockpiles tools and technology to help classroom teachers modify curriculum to support students with Down syndrome. New information about educating these kids is coming out, most of it from the U.K., but not much makes its way into schools. “There’s very little done to teach teachers how to teach kids with Down syndrome,” Litteken says.
Changing the World The crux of their work, though, is more subtle than sharing a piece of research or an academic strategy. Because the true work of Club 21 is in changing attitudes. “It isn’t the Down syndrome,” says Litteken. “We’re fighting everyone’s image of the Down syndrome. Society doesn’t believe in our kids, so how do we counteract that?”
By gathering resources and presenting them to “Society parents and teachers the organization is workdoesn’t believe One way is to take the long view – the very long ing to gradually create change. They can even send a specialist to do a school or classroom in our kids, so view. People who have a positive image of someconsultation. how do we coun- one with Down syndrome from earlier in their lives react much differently to the news that they teract that?” Club 21 also offers an annual conferare carrying a baby with Down syndrome than – Nancy ence and a host of practical workshops. those without that positive image do. And that Litteken And there are play groups for siblings and a could mean the difference between carrying a baby group just for dads. There is an annual memberto term and ending the pregnancy. “That is why we are ship fee, and a small charge for some programs, but Littevery big on volunteers coming here,” Litteken says. The idea is to ken says they have never turned a family away for financial educate new generations about Down syndrome, and forge conreasons. nections that will pay off well into the future. lapDawnBarnes1310.eps
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Attitudes factor in the classroom and around the tutoring table as well. The tendency, according to Litteken, is for parents or teachers to try a therapy or teaching method, then assume that if the child doesn’t learn it is because the child isn’t capable. The key to success, she has found, is to assume that the child isn’t learning because you haven’t yet found the right teaching method. “We have to presume competence,” she says. Confronted with a challenge such as a double diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, the teachers, tutors and parents at Club 21 come together, share information and figure out possible solutions. Not that those solutions come easily – especially for the moms and dads who end up doing much of the work. Each Club 21 program has a parent component, and for every hour spent with a Club 21 tutor,
many more hours of work and practice are needed at home. Domingo promises that Club 21 parents all receive careful, step-by-step instruction and tons of support so that they know exactly what they need to do. “They do start out very overwhelmed,” she says. “We try so hard just to build the parents’ confidence.” The payoff is one of Domingo’s favorite parts of working at Club 21, the chance to see these parents feeling proud of their kids. “They cry and they rejoice together. I don’t have a child with Down syndrome, and sometimes,” Domingo says, “I feel left out.” Learn more at www.clubtwentyone.org, or by calling 626-844-1821. Christina Elston is Editor of L.A. Parent.
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Together Toys can build connections between kids with special needs and their peers. By Ellen Metrick “Inclusion” is a popular word used around children with special needs. It reflects the emotional need of every human being to be included and the desire to share experiences, and there is perhaps no better place to put the concept of inclusion to work than through toys and play. Hot categories of toys this year are electronics, plush, arts and crafts and sports, so let’s explore what’s new in these areas and how they can bring kids together.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Electronics
Electronic toys are getting more interactive, intuitive and realistic, and children of all abilities can play together with these better-than-ever techno-toys. Beamz Interactive Music System ($349.95, www.thebeamz.com) is breaking the rules on making music, and Bluetooth capabilities make the latest Beamz player even more accessible than its predecessor. This music maker is great for multiple kids to play together and includes 20 songs to jumpstart rocking fun musical experiences. The Home Play Bundle includes 10 activities and lots of information on how making music with others can contribute to fun and togetherness with family and friends.
Creative Baby i-Mat My Animal World ($29.99, www.creativebabyinc.com) might look like just a mat, but it is much more! The i-Mat teaches language and learning as babies interact and explore on the interlocking foam floor tiles, with a visual array of global animals just waiting for a touch of the talking Voice Pen to activate learning games. Languages available are Mandarin Chinese, English and Spanish, and the mat includes two games and exploration exercises.
LeapFrog My Pal Scout ($34.99, www.leapfrog.com) is a seriously cute, interactive puppy that helps kids to team up with each other and have literacy adventures. Trained to know five board books, Scout asks more than 70 comprehension questions that motivate kids to develop reading skills. When played with friends, this dog becomes a great leader of the pack.
Spin Master Zoomer ($88.97, www.spinmaster.com) is another new breed of robotic canine companion. Disguised as a darling Dalmatian, this eager-to-please pooch is a great playmate to help kids polish their communication and language capabilities. Realistic and just waiting for a command to speak, sit, lie down, roll over or shake, Zoomer understands English, Spanish and French. Kids love to take turns training this little guy, and might not realize how much they are learning, too.
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Plush
Children of all abilities can benefit from the interaction and enjoy the soft, soothing sensation of having a plush buddy there whenever and wherever they need it. Folkmanis Piggy Puppet ($27.99, www.folkmanis.com) is part of a line that has perfected the balance of realism and being über cute. Equipped with a lifelike sounding grunter that activates with a squeeze of his pot belly, this cuddly little porker will have kids rolling on the floor laughing as he comes to life with a workable snout, mouth and front trotters. Puppets are a great tool to help kids express emotions and share experiences through pretend play together. MI Toys MILO Bear ($199, www.milobear.com) was designed with the idea that all children learn differently. Children of all abilities can use this buddy bear to explore language and physical, social and emotional development. MILO is filled with opportunities to communicate, interact, develop and have fun together. His colorful, kid-friendly pockets feature MILO’s Smart Logos that align with eight different ways that kids can be smart. Senseez Furry Pillow ($39.99, www.senseez.com) is a plush pillow built to comfort kids who need sensory stimulation and feedback. The pillow vibrates when pressure is applied through squeezing, sitting or lying on the pillow. It’s perfect for kids who need sensory input to focus during homework or while playing a game with another child.
Arts and Crafts
Working with art projects lets kids’ creativity take the lead and is a great way for kids to interact with each other socially while working cooperatively together or independently on separate projects.
Creative Adventures Sand Art Kits ($16.99, www.creativeadventureskits.com) combine the sensory element of sand with the fun of crafts. Kids can create with 12 vivid colors of sand and can use templates provided to make their own original designs. Easy-to-understand instruction cards provide suggestions for basic techniques, plus six special effects for more sophisticated artists.
Glittertoos ($15.95, www.glittertoos.com) combine the fun of temporary tattoos with the sparkle of glitter. Young kids can express their style and entertain themselves and their friends by choosing an outline, filling it in with glue and then using a paint brush to add the glitter onto the skin. Children of all abilities love sharing this experience with siblings or friends, and the long-lasting tattoos are a great reminder of the good time had by all.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Sports
Physical activity is good for de-stressing and calming kids, and helps them maintain focus after getting out some energy. These products will help get kids of all abilities moving. Spooner Boards ($44.95, www.spoonerboards.com) combine the balance of a skateboard with the gliding of a surfboard. Kids can balance and guide these cool boards indoors or out on carpet, grass, gravel or cement while polishing their moves and building balance and coordination. Strider Bikes ($109-$169, www.striderbikes.com) pedal-less bikes are an easier way for kids of all abilities to master the first skills of riding a bike. Children push with their feet and move forward then gradually lift their legs and coast for as long as comfortable, building their confidence and balance. Great way for a new biker and a pro to cruise the sidewalks together.
Waboba Water Balls ($7.99-$9.99, www.waboba.com) are amazingly versatile balls that were designed to bounce and skip off water. Kids can play in knee-high to waist-deep water to enjoy these animated spheres of splashing fun. Moving through water takes more energy, so kids get a healthy workout, and this is a fun activity for all abilities to do together. Ellen Metrick is Director of Industry Relations and Partnerships for the nonprofit National Lekotek Center, a leading authority on toys and play for children with disabilities. Visit them at www.ableplay.org, and find them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ableplay) for the latest updates.
Do you have concerns about your child? CDI focuses on the development of the whole child, providing relationship-based early intervention and therapeutic services to children and their families. Group Services
1:1 Services
• Sensory Processing
• Developmental Assessments • Speech • Occupational Therapy • Floortime and Adaptive Skills • School Support • Mental Health
• Social Skills • Sensory Motor Mommy and Me • Speech and SPOT (Speech/OT) • Out and About (sensory processing in community) • Breakfast Club and Lunch Bunch (making and exploring foods)
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The Help Group’s Kids Like Me
to a
E HELP
Positive
Summer Camp
By Elaine Hall & Jeff Frymer
PHOTO S COUR TESY TH
7 KEYS
GROUP
camps foster socialization and communication.
Experience
for Children with Special Needs
C
hoosing the right summer-camp experience for our children with special needs can be daunting. The potential rewards, however, are well worth the extra effort. Greater self-esteem, improved self-confidence and independence, new skills, socialization opportunities, new friendships and just plain fun are ready for your child when you are. Here are seven keys to help make the summer camp experience great for everyone.
1 Prepare yourself. It is important to balance the family’s needs with your child’s needs. Working parents might need ongoing care throughout the summer. Things to consider include whether you want a day or sleep-away camp, whether you want a camp oriented toward academics or recreation, and what fits into your budget. Are you looking for an intensive behavioral program with similarly challenged campers, or one that fosters socialization with typically developing peers? Family camps such as Kris’ Camp (www.kriscamp.org) in Tallahassee, Fla. and Camp Ohr Lanu (www.ramah.org) in Ojai provide retreats where the entire family can learn and grow together.
2 Know your child’s challenges. Summer can be a perfect time for your child to enjoy fun, individualized instruction in areas that they may have difficulty with. If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) you can request ESY (Extended School Year) to focus on academic goals through your local school district. Private programs such as Total Education Solutions (www.tesidea.com) in South Pasadena offer handwriting and speech and language programs. Kids Like Me at The Help Group (www.thehelpgroup.org) fosters socialization and communication in a fun, creative way.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Junior Blind of America’s Camp Bloomfield (www.juniorblind.org, photos right and below) offers residential camp for grades 2-12, plus multi-disabled and family camps.
3 Appreciate your child’s strengths and preferred interests. Does your child enjoy sports and recreation? Leaps n Boundz (www.leapsnboundz.com) in L.A. provides programs with skilled staff. Our son is adventurous, physical, and loves the outdoors, so Extreme Sports Camp was a perfect fit for him.
(www.madscience.org) also welcomes campers with special needs at multiple locations. If your child needs one-on-one support to attend these programs, your local regional center might be able to help.
Does your child enjoy the arts? The Miracle Project (www.themiracleproject.org) offers fully inclusive summer camps throughout Los Angeles. This year, The Miracle Project is partnering with Cal State Northridge’s Teenage Drama Workshop for a five-week, fully inclusive theater program, “Joining the Spectrum.” Teens with and without disabilities will share creative experiences in music, dance, drama, filmmaking, costume and set design, and then write and perform an original play.
4 Prepare the camp. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, contact camp administrators to discuss their programs and the accommodations they are able to make. Share as much information about your child as you can. Don’t hold anything back. This actually creates a greater risk for your child to fail. I used to write out everything about my son – his likes, dislikes, dietary restrictions, behaviors, and what his behaviors meant as communication. Find out the training level of the camp staff and how prepared they are for your child’s specific needs.
PHOTOS COURTESY JUNIOR BLIND OF AMERICA
Is your child a budding scientist? The California Science Center has programs (www.californiasciencecenter.org) with extended care until 5 p.m. Mad Science Camp
You must feel comfortable to hand over the reins to summer-camp staff. A great way to do this is to create an easily understandable, short notebook that distills your expert knowledge of your child for camp staff to reference. Besides the basics – contact information, trusted family members, doctors, and specific detailed medical information – the notebook should include information on your child’s specific needs. Be explicit in describing your child’s emotional, physical or sensory challenges, learning styles and overall individual differences. What’s “fun” for one child might feel assaulting for another. Some camps love to cheer, sing loud, clap, etc. This uproarious expression can actually be painful for our son, who has extreme sound sensitivity. Josh Taff, director of Etta’s Camp Avraham
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ESY FIRSTSTEP S FOR KIDS PHOTOS COURT
5 Prepare your child.
Many children with special needs have challenges with transitions and new situations. When I run camps, I offer the opportunity for families to visit the camp well before other campers arrive, giving them opportunity to meet the staff, see the environment and ask questions. If this is not possible at the camp you have chosen, visit the camp through video and photos online with your child to build excitement.
Moshe (www.etta.org), instructed his staff to use the American Sign Language hand signal for applause whenever my son succeeded. Stephen Hinkle, a San Diego-based specialneeds advocate who has autism, recommends that you get enough information to feel confident in your decision that the camp directors, staff, and other children are open, receptive, and understanding of your child’s needs. Some camps offer inclusion specialists. If your child has one-on-one behavioral support in school, she or he will likely require 1 12/13/13 the samelapvGrey&Grey1401.eps support in camp.
FirstSteps to Friends camps at FirstSteps for Kids (www.firststepsforkids.com) are all about building friendships, boosting social skills and having fun.
Taking “baby steps” might be the best approach to entering the summer-camp world, especially if you are considering a sleep-away camp. The directors of Camp JCA Shalom in Malibu (www.campjcashalom.com) opened their arms to our family and to this idea. First, our son went to camp for one day. Next, he stayed two nights with a oneon-one aide, then one week, and then two! Now, our son can attend certain sleep-away camps such as Camp Ramah, which has support, even without his own one-on-one aide. Once you’ve a chosen camp, put it on a visual calendar for you and your child to reference. Cross off the days on the calendar as camp approaches and continue to build enthusiasm. 4:29 PM Shop together with your child for camp necessities: hats, sunscreen, sandals, clothes, etc.
The Help Your Child Needs The Help Your Child Deserves
IEP Meetings and Disputes Disabilities • Special Needs Due Process Hearings Suspensions • Expulsions
E
very child in California is entitled by law to a free appropriate education tailored to the specific, unique needs of the student. If your child needs assistance and isn’t getting the attention he or she deserves through public schools, we can help.
Aggressive • Affordable • Experienced CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Special Education Lawyers David M. Grey
greyslaw.com 310-444-1980 36
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
PHOTO COURTESY
LEAPS N BOUN
DZ
Leaps n Boundz programs are a good fit for kids who enjoy sports and recreation.
6 Pack well. The Sharpie is your friend. Label and list, and you will greatly increase your odds of having all things sent with your child to camp return with your child. Along with the items on the packing lists provided by camps, be sure to include items your child might need specifically for added comfort. For example, for sleep-away camp you might want to include special pillows, weighted blankets or favorite pajamas. I suggest not including favorite toys, as the potential for loss, breakage, and a subsequent meltdown is high. Your child’s favorite super-hero friend should be kept safe at home. A little photo flipbook of home, family and pets can be comforting and can help with separation anxiety.
7 Let go! You’ve done all you can, and a darn good job of it. Now, it’s time to send your campers off with a smile of love and confidence that you know they are going to have a great time and come back safe and sound, and a little more grown up. lapUCLAInfant1401.eps
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Elaine Hall, ‘Coach E,’ is a motivational speaker, inclusion activist, and founder of The Miracle Project. She was profiled in the HBO film, AUTISM: The Musical, is the author of Now I See the Moon and co-author of Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Making Miracles in the Classroom. Elaine consults with parents, professionals, religious institutions, and camps to help foster inclusion. Jeff Frymer is a licensed marriage and family therapist. He has provided support for families of children with special needs for the past 15 years. Jeff and Elaine are the proud parents of an awesome young adult with autism, who loves exploring the outdoors and who has grown exponentially from his camp experiences.
4:08 PM
UCLA Seeks to Detect Autism Earlier in Life Do you want to help?
If you have a family history of autism, you may be eligible to participate in a study of infant development at UCLA Infants with no family history of autism may also be eligible as a comparison group
Participating families will receive: • $30-50 for each visit to UCLA • Developmental feedback • A picture of your baby’s brain • Free intervention if eligible
SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATES
16500 Ventura Blvd. Suite 414 Encino, CA 91436 5300 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 312 Los Angeles, CA 90029 5901 Green Valley Circle Suite 130 Culver City, CA 90230
Call us at (818) 788-1003 Eligible infants are under six weeks old and have either: • More than one sibling with autism, • One sibling with autism and an extended family history of the disorder, or • No family history of autism or other developmental disorders
Visits to UCLA during your baby’s first year will include: • Developmental Assessments • Eye-Tracking • Non-Invasive EEG • MRI (no sedation or radiation involved)
Please contact us for more information: (310) 825-3478 | siblings@autism.ucla.edu Protocol ID:IRB#11003588
UCLA IRB Approved
Approval Date: 8/17/2013
Participation is free | Medical insurance not required
Our team of over 150 well-trained, experienced, caring professionals will works with your child’s special needs and unique abilities. Speech Pathologists Behavioral Interventionists Child Development Specialists Educational Therapists Occupational Therapists Physical Therapists Child Advocates Psychologists Visit us at www.speechassociates.com
We assess each individual's special needs and unique abilities. We identify a professional treatment plan that is workable for each special individual. We implement the plan in the home, hospital, or clinic setting with transdisciplinary case management providing convenient after-school, evening, and Saturday services as well as weekday sessions.
Through: 1/6/2014 Committee: Medical IRB 3
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Local programs bring together children with – and without – special needs
PHOTO BY DAVID MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY
By Ronna Mandel
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Friendship Circle of L.A. friends Shiffy Rav-Noy, left, and Bracha Gabaie share a hug. Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. For reprints please contact the Publisher.
L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
“We all want friends.” – Barbara Palilis
“Y
ou’ve got a friend in me,” goes the theme to Disney’s Toy Story films, all of which feature the special bond between a boy named Andy and his toys. Childhood friends, real and animated, are an important part of growing up. For children with special needs, however, making friends can be a challenge. There’s no magic spell or smartphone app to help, but creating an environment that nurtures relationships between children with special needs and their typically developing and non-disabled peers can make a big difference. That’s the mission of these four organizations offering friendship-building programs – and, often, life-changing experiences.
Vista Inspired Teens The Vista Inspired Teens program at Vista Del Mar is open to anyone ages 13-19 with special needs, and meets monthly at the home of Parent Advisor Susan Corwin. She recommends that interested teens and their parents or guardians attend a meeting
Vista Inspired Teens form significant friendships while coordinating fundraising luncheons and special events. Participants see themselves as one group working to make a difference in the lives of teens of all abilities. “I have personally witnessed how one teen came out to the group and announced that he was gay. Another teen shared his recent diagnosis, and another that her parents were getting a divorce,” says Corwin, adding that the group is designed to be fully inclusive and “a safe place where teens are free to express themselves and work toward a common fundraising goal.” Inspired Teens has no membership fees or dues. The only requirement is that Vista Inspired Teens agree to treat each other with respect and kindness. Corwin emphasizes that every teenager who walks through her door is considered a unique and valuable individual worth getting to know. “It’s an attitude we cultivate at the Vista Inspired Teens,” she says. “We also like to laugh a lot.” For information, call Naomi Salamon at 310-836-1223, ext. 322, or email naomisalamon@vistadelmar.org.
Friendship Circle of Los Angeles Friendship Circle of Los Angeles caters to Jewish individuals ages 4-26 with special needs ranging from autism to Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning differences. In their core program, “Friends at Home,” typical teens make home visits to children with special needs. The organization also offers “Sunday Circle,” a drop-off program focusing on socializing and recreation, and summer and winter camps. All provide children with special needs opportunities to connect with teen volunteers and peers.
PHOTO COURTESY VISTA INSPIRED TEENS
before applying, to decide whether the program is a good fit. “Most of the Vista Inspired Teens are in this program because they love
being ambassadors for Vista Del Mar, and raising awareness and funds for our students and families with autism,” says Corwin. Two former Inspired Teens are now Vista Inspired Mentors, helping out those who are new to the group.
Vista Inspired Teens raised $50,000 to benefit the Vista Inspire program at an event they hosted at Duff’s Cake Mix Bakery & DIY Studio in West Hollywood.
Volunteers, recruited from more than 58 L.A. high schools, are required to attend an orientation and complete a questionnaire to ensure the best possible pairings. Development Director Gail Rollman says friendships between individuals with and without special needs can have a profound impact. Rollman’s son volunteered for four years, making home visits to a boy with Down syndrome. “At the beginning of their visits, the boy was very quiet and there was not a lot of interaction,” Rollman says. “After a few months of establishing a relationship, one day the boy and my son started to have an ac-
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tual back-and-forth conversation. The mother happened to be in the hallway and witnessed this beautiful conversation. It brought her to tears, as she never thought her son would have a friend that would bring this out in him. She was overjoyed.” Interested families should make an appointment to meet with a program director or attend a holiday program to see Friendship Circle in action before signing up. Find more information at www.fcla.org, or call 310-280-0955
Best Buddies This global volunteer movement, founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Best Buddies Friendship Programs are available in a number
“With time, dedication, compassion, patience and care, this friendshi will truly blossom into something meaningful.” – Jessica Foults, Director of Operations, Best Buddies
of area high schools and at UCLA and USC. Friendship volunteers go through an application, interview, and training process, as well as Best Buddies specific training each year. Training, however, cannot substitute this common-sense advice. “When fostering new friendships, whether with special-needs kids or with typical kids, treat your friend how you would like to be treated,” says Jessica Foults, Director of Operations, Best Buddies California. “ You should view this friendship just like any other. With time, dedication, compassion, patience and care, this friendship will truly blossom into something meaningful.” For volunteers, Best Buddies is a minimum one-academic schoolyear commitment. Students are expected to communicate weekly with their Buddy and get together at least twice a month. Attending a Best Buddies community event is a good way to get to know the program. Find out whether your child’s school has a Best Buddies program at www.bestbuddiescalifornia.org. You can also contact the Culver City program office at 310- 642-2620 for information about starting a chapter, or visit www.facebook.com/bestbuddiescalifornia.
make your mark!
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER Leaps n Boundz is an adaptive sports and recreation program for children with special needs of all ages. Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Culver City, Reseda and more.
(310) 821-0963
www.LeapsnBoundz.com
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
Circle of Friends
“Unless you have a child that is isolated, you may not appreciate what a social-skills program like this can do for the spirit of a child who may not have friends due to being a bit different,” says parent David Kramer of the program’s impact.
PHOTO COURTESY CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
Circle of Friends was launched at Santa Monica High School in 1999 to help a student with Down syndrome who was mainstreamed in classes but isolated at lunchtime. “We built a different circle of two to three non-disabled peers around him daily, and he became fully
woven into the fabric of his campus,” says Executive Director Barbara Palilis. “Students began saying hi as they walked to class, and interacted more easily with him.”
Circle of Friends was launched at Santa Monica High School, and now brings inclusion to campuses across the U.S.
Today, Circle of Friends brings inclusion to elementary, middle, high school and college campuses across the U.S. Parents or students interested in starting a chapter should visit www.circleofriends.org or call 310-312-6600. “If people remember that inside we are all more the same than different – we all want to be understood, we all want to be accepted for who we are, we all want friends – then,” says Palilis, “our world will be a kinder and more caring place.”
Need Money to Help Care For A Child With Special Needs? JFLA Is Here To Help! The Jewish Free Loan Association offers interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to families of all faiths in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties for: • Durable medical equipment needs • Therapies • Diagnostic expenses and educational reimbursement • Behavioral supports or shadows • Home improvement expenses
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today! 323.761.8830 x 107 or 818.344.1072 info@jfla.org • www.jfla.org Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. Your Child with Special Needs 2014 | LAParent.com 41 For reprints please contact the Publisher.
2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Camps LEAPS N BOUNDZ
DAWN BARNES KARATE KIDS
5433 BEETHOVEN ST., L.A. | 310-821-0963 WWW.LEAPSNBOUNDZ.COM
3015 WILSHIRE BLVD., SANTA MONICA | 310-449-1700 WWW.KARATEKIDS.NET
Every child deserves to experience the wonders of camp! Our day camp runs Mon.-Fri. during school breaks including summer, spring, and winter! Activities include gymnastics, art, music, field trips, surfing, swimming, and more! Camper to staff ratio is 3:1 to support a pro-social camp experience for campers of all abilities! See our ad on page 40.
Dawn Barnes Karate Kids puts children ages 2 to 14 on the path to success by teaching them safe, age-appropriate martial arts and manners. We welcome you to try a free class at any of our six L.A. area locations. See our ad on page 28.
Consulting Services
6505 WILSHIRE BLVD. #100, L.A. | 323-761-8984 WWW.ZIMMERMUSEUM.ORG
SPECIAL NEEDS CONSULTING LOS ANGELES | 818-345-9270 WWW.SPNEEDSCONSULTING.COM
Claudia Wenger works with families to identify and implement individualized interventions in school or at home for their child with special needs. Clients receive customized support, which can include behavior intervention, educational guidance, parenting support, case management or a full inclusion plan necessary to achieve their child’s highest potential.
ZIMMER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
While all children and families are always welcome at the Zimmer Children’s Museum, we open our doors on special days exclusively for families with children with special needs, so that they may play together in an understanding community. Check our calendar for our next Open Door Day!
Legal-Financial Services LAW OFFICES OF ERIC J. GOLD
23901 CALABASAS RD., SUITE 1072, CALABASAS | 818-279-2737 WWW.EGOLDLAW.COM
Enrichment ART DEPARTURE
19932 VENTURA BLVD., WOODLAND HILLS | 818-992-4604 WWW.ARTDEPARTURE.NET
Come to Art Departure and let your creativity soar! We offer inclusive art classes for students of all abilities and participation levels. Instructor Jaye Weiner has 24 years of teaching experience in art education and working with children with special needs. Contact us to schedule a free trial class!
DANNY’S FARM
1955 FREMONT AVE., SOUTH PASADENA | 213-607-4432 WWW.DANNYSFARM.ORG
A unique after-school and summer-break program designed for children ages 5-17 with autism and other exceptional needs. Experienced, trained staff in a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio. Community-based learning includes loving animals, gardening, outdoor and creative activities to nurture social and sensory understanding. Vendored with Regional Center.
I am committed to helping clients achieve their goals while providing protection to their families. The law provides options for dealing with various financial and family issues. In establishing your estate plan for your family (with a special-needs family member), you will want to consider a special-needs trust. See our ad on page 49.
LAW OFFICE OF L. FRANK ZANKICH 2815 CALMGARDEN RD., ACTON | 661-269-2928 ZANKICHLAW@AOL.COM
Free Attorney Representation with due process and compliance complaints Throughout all of Southern California I’ll get the appropriate placement and services your child deserves. Call Attorney Frank Zankich at 661 269-2928. See our ad on page 45.
MASSMUTUAL FINANCIAL GROUP TODD B. DANIEL, SPECIAL CARE PLANNER | 818-449-1684 21600 OXNARD STREET, SUITE 1750, WOODLAND HILLS WWW.FINANCIALGUIDE.COM/TODD-DANIEL
For people with disabilities, health issues are only the beginning. Financial concerns can also weigh heavily. As a Special Care Planner, I’m able to help parents and caregivers prepare for a solid financial future so that your loved ones with a disability will be cared for after you are gone. See our ad on page 44.
GREY & GREY
2800 28TH ST., SUITE 330, SANTA MONICA | 310-444-1980 HTTP://GREYSLAW.COM
Every child is entitled by law to a free, appropriate public education tailored to their unique needs. If your child needs special assistance and isn’t getting it, we can help! IEP meetings, disability discrimination suspensions, expulsions and discipline due process hearings, special needs ADA and Section 504 claims. See our ad on page 36.
JEWISH FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION
6505 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 715, L.A. | 323-761-8830 WWW.JFLA.ORG
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For more than 110 years, JFLA has provided a helping hand instead of a handout to hundreds of thousands of people through interest-free loans for emergencies, education, developing small businesses, healthcare, lifecycle events and more. We are proud to serve as a major financial resource within the community. See our ad on page 41. Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission.
L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
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2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Medical-Dental INFANT SIBLING STUDY
760 WESTWOOD PLAZA | SEMEL INSTITUTE, SUITE 68-237, L.A. 310-825-3478 | WWW.SEMEL.UCLA.EDU/AUTISM
PHOTO COUR TESY LANDSC APE STRUCT
URES
As part of the UCLA Autism Center of Excellence, we are studying early brain development in infants at high and low risk for autism spectrum disorders. Participating infants who show signs of autism at 12 months of age will be referred for possible participation in a UCLA intervention study. See our ad on page 37.
LASKY PEDIATRIC DENTAL GROUP
TARZANA AND STUDIO CITY | 818-708-2393 OR 818-465-7545 HTTP://LASKYPEDIATRICDENTAL.COM
The LPDG dentists and support staff are highly experienced in treating children with special needs. Our office environment is very homelike, which keeps your child from becoming overly stimulated. We prefer to avoid sedation and specialize in behavior modification techniques to ease your child into the dental experience.
STRAMSKI CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTER MILLER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LONG BEACH 2801 ATLANTIC AVE., LONG BEACH | 562-933-5437 WWW.MILLERCHILDRENS.ORG/STRAMSKI
We offer a holistic approach by caring for the whole child — giving them personalized care and treating every patient with dignity and respect. Stramski Center is home to a leading Autism Program and Fragile X Clinic, with families seeking specialized care. Clinical studies are available to identify and treat autism spectrum disorders. See our ad on page 10.
SHERYL M. HANDLER, M.D.
16311 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 980, ENCINO | 818-789-2226
Dr. Handler is an award-winning pediatric ophthalmologist in practice 27 years. Specializing in pediatric eye exams for infants and children, prescription of glasses, strabismus and pediatric eye surgery, learning disabilities, dyslexia and special-needs children. Dr. Handler and her caring staff take the time to answer all your questions. See our ad on page 44.
Recreation LEAPS N BOUNDZ
5433 BEETHOVEN ST., L.A. | 310-821-0963 WWW.LEAPSNBOUNDZ.COM
Leaps n Boundz is an adaptive sports and recreation program for children with special needs, offering programs in gymnastics, aquatics, social skills, camp team, sports and youth group. Our recreation-based programs provide a platform to increase strength, body awareness, confidence, and build a community within our “family.” See our ad on page 40.
SPECIAL NEEDS BOWLING LEAGUE
535 SOUTH PARISH PLACE, BURBANK | 818-515-3519
Are you looking for a summer activity for your child with special needs? Come and join a fun summer bowling league at Corbin Bowl in Tarzana. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Amanda Hsu at agrooms12@yahoo.com.
WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KIDS GYM FOR ALL KIDS 5520 CREBS AVE., TARZANA | 818-585-5687 WWW.WEROCKTHESPECTRUMKIDSGYM.COM
SHANES’ INSPIRATION PLAYGROUNDS Find play opportunities for children of all abilities at: • Shane’s Inspiration, Griffith Park, 4800 Crystal Springs Rd., L.A. • Aidan’s Place, Westwood Park, 1350 South Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. • Lake Street Park, 211 North Lake St., L.A. • Lincoln Park, 3600 North Mission Rd., L.A. • Parque de los Suenos, 4274 Union Pacific Ave., East L.A. • Prado Regional Park, 16700 Euclid Ave., Chino • The Neil Papiano Play Park, Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr., L.A. • Brandon’s Village, Gates Cyn Park, 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Calabasas • Hansen Dam Park, 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lakeview Terrace • Playa Vista Sports Park, Playa Vista Dr. & Bluff Creek Dr., Playa Vista • Orthopaedic Medical Center, 2400 S, Flower St., L.A. • Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 3916 Western Ave., L.A. • Renee’s Place, Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd., L.A. • Hazard Park, 2230 Norfolk St., L.A. • Beilenson Park/Lake Balboa Park, 6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys • Stoner Park, 1835 Stoner Ave., West L.A. • South Park, 345 E. 51st St., L.A. • Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, 25820 Vermont Ave., Harbor City • Benny H. Potter Memorial Park, 2413 Second Ave., L.A. • Sycamore Grove Park, 4702 N. Figueroa St., L.A. • Fairmount Park, 2681 Dexter Dr., Riverside • Shadow Ranch Park, 22633 Vanowen St., West Hills • Glen Alla Park, 4601 Alla Rd., L.A. • Dearborn Park, 17141 Nordhoff St., Northridge • Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, 14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks • Brookside Park, Reese’s Retreat, 400 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena • Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., L.A. • Westside Park, 2777 Clyde Ave., L.A. • 4th Avenue Park, 14105 Don Julian Rd., La Puente • Valley Glen Community Park, Erwin St. & Ethel Ave., Van Nuys
We are an open-play sensory gym for all kids! We offer break time, birthday parties and classes, too! We offer a trampoline, zip line, swings and an arts-and-crafts area! Visit our website for a list of all our locations. See our ad is oncopyright page 47. protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. Content Your Child with Special Needs 2014 | LAParent.com
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2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Regional Centers
Resources and Education
FRANK D. LANTERMAN REGIONAL CENTER
CBC EDUCATION, INC.
3303 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 700, L.A. | 213-383-1300 WWW.LANTERMAN.ORG
222 E. LAS TUNAS DR., SAN GABRIEL | 626-320-1317 WWW.CBCEDUCATION.NET
Lanterman coordinates prevention and early intervention services and supports for eligible young children birth to age 3 with developmental concerns, delays or disabilities, and their families. The Center also provides lifelong services and supports from the school-age years through adulthood, including service coordination, individual service planning, education-related advocacy and training. See our ad on page 17.
CBC Education is a Regional Center vendor that provides behavior intervention parent training services and play/social skills training to children with exceptional abilities. The interventions used to support each child’s development are based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the DIR (Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based)/Floortime approach. See our ad on page 47.
SOUTH LOS ANGELES REGIONAL CENTER
EXCEPTIONAL MINDS
650 W. ADAMS BLVD., SUITE 200, L.A. | 213-744-7000 WWW.SCLARC.ORG
13400 RIVERSIDE DR., SUITE 211, SHERMAN OAKS | 818-387-8811 WWW.EXCEPTIONALMINDSSTUDIO.ORG
South Central Los Angeles Regional Center for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (SCLARC) is a private, non-profit, community-based organization that believes special needs deserve special attention. We provide culturally sensitive services that enhance the inherent strengths of the family and enable consumers to lead independent and productive lives. See our ad on page 27.
Animation studio, school and summer workshops specifically designed for students on the autism spectrum, ages 12 and older. Learn computer animation in one of our exciting summer workshops! We offer classes in Animation, Visual Effects, 2D Gaming, and Portfolio Preparation. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri., June-Aug. “Creating the future…one frame at a time.” See our ad on page 47.
FAMILIAS FIRST
222 E. LAS TUNAS DR., SAN GABRIEL | 626-320-1317 WWW.FAMILIASFIRST.COM
Familias First is an established agency in Southern California specializing in the delivery of behavioral services to children with autism and other developmental delays. These services include behavioral modification that focuses on parent lapvDrSherylHandler1312.eps training and Discrete Trial Training (DTT). See our ad on page 48. 1 11/14/13 10:46 PM
SHERYL HANDLER M.D.
Pediatric Ophthalmology & Adult Strabismus
The K&M Center makes learning fun! Our programs include the newest techiques available. Individualized treatmetnt plans are created to target the exact area that needs to be developed - reading, writing, math, processing skills and more. Call our office and mention this ad to get 10% off your first session!
Some of the services K&M offers: • Educational Remediation • Academic Coaching • Homeschooling • Testing & Assessment Contact K&M today to get started! www.kandmcenter.com 310-582-1563 ext 102 JessicaT@kandmcenter.com
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L.A. Parent
Has your child had an eye exam?
Our Services
• Comprehensive Eye Exams • Prescription of Glasses • Strabismus and Pediatric Eye Surgery • Expertise in Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia and Special Needs Children • Specialist in Eye Care for Infants and Children
16311 Ventura Blvd., Suite 980, Encino, CA 91436
818.789.2226 • luvkidseyes@gmail.com
When it comes to making big decisions and long-term plans regarding a person with a disability, it’s best to seek out the experts. A Special Care Planner can help you design the right life care plan for your family. • • • • Todd B. Daniel, LUTCF, CLTC
Special Care Planner
•
Life Care Planning Letter of Intent Special Needs Trust Funding Financial Strategies for Special Needs Families Insurance and Financial Solutions
21600 Oxnard Street, Suite 1750, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 CA Insurance License #0823665 CRN201603-181136
(818) 449-1684 • ToddDaniel@financialguide.com Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission. | Your Child with Special Needs 2014 For reprints please contact the Publisher.
2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Resources and Education (continued) FAMILY FOCUS RESOURCE CENTER
OURSPACE
18111 NORDHOFF ST., E109, NORTHRIDGE | 818-677-6854 WWW.CSUNFAMILYFOCUS.COM
VALLEY BETH SHALOM AND TEMPLE ALIYAH SYNAGOGUES 818-788-3584 | WWW.OURSPACELA.ORG
Family Focus Resource Center serves families of children with special needs in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys by providing parent-to-parent support, system navigation, resources and referrals. Free IEP preparation assistance, email newsletter, lending library and support groups. We are a nonprofit sponsored project of CSUN. See our ad on page 21.
OurSpace offers Jewish experiences for children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families. A full spectrum of Jewish life opportunities happen through learning, social, spiritual, music, and art experiences, along with parent bonding and support. OurSpace is a place where participants, and their special abilities, are celebrated. See our ad on page 40.
FROSTIG SCHOOL
STARR CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY AND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
971 N. ALTADENA DR., PASA DENA | 626-791-1255 WWW.FROSTIG.ORG
Frostig School has helped children (grades 1–12) with learning disabilities since 1951. Frostig serves students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, Asperger’s and HFA. Our students live throughout Southern California, including the Westside, San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys. Frostig is internationally renowned among professionals who treat learning disabilities.
JUNIOR BLIND
5300 ANGELES VISTA BLVD., L.A. | 323-295-4555 WWW.JUNIORBLIND.ORG
Junior Blind helps children, youth and adults who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled achieve their highest levels of independence through programs that offer early intervention, education, recreation and rehabilitation services. All programs are provided free of charge to families. Vision loss is not a prerequisite for most services. See our ad on page 28.
We Can Help Your Child and Family! Our Comprehensive Autism Services Offers:
· Social Skills for Kindergarten to High School · Bridges Program to Prepare High School Students for College · State of the Art Diagnostic Evaluations · Behavior and Psycho-Educational Assessments 2235 N. Lake Avenue, Suite 201, Altadena, CA 91001
SERVING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | 818-914-1659 WWW.STARRADVOCACY.COM
We assess current and long-term needs; refer resources for children’s diagnosis, educational eligibility and treatment; build collaborative treatment and education teams and develop action plans with quantifiable goals and timeframes. We prepare for and participate in IEP and 504 meetings, and interaction with schools, universities, hospitals and treatment facilities. See our ad on page 48.
Law Office of
L. Frank Zankich Special Education Attorney Throughout all Southern California Counties
(626) 797-1500 | www.edspec.org
Give Your Child Confidence! We can help your child:
• Improve Social Skills • Build Self-Esteem • Reduce Anxiety • Express Feelings Appropriately No Riding – All Activities are on the Ground
818-714-1740
Group Openings for Ages 9-12 Individual/Group/Family Sessions
No Charge to Parents for Due Process and Compliance Complaints
Call Now for a Free Consultation!
(661) 269-2928 zankichlaw@aol.com zankichlaw.com
Vallerie E. Coleman, Psy.D., Ph.D. (PSY12592)
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2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Resources and Education (continued)
Treatment and Therapy
THE HELP GROUP
A CHANGE IN TRAJECTORY
13130 BURBANK BLVD., SHERMAN OAKS | 877-943-5747 WWW.THEHELPGROUP.ORG
16946 SHERMAN WAY, SUITE 200, VAN NUYS | 818-235-1414 WWW.ACT-WORKS.NET
The Help Group serves children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems. The Help Group’s nine specialized day schools offer pre-K through high school programs for more than 1,500 students on seven campuses in the Los Angeles area. See our ad on page 7.
ACT is a family-oriented agency that provides assessments and treatments for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other related disorders. Based on ABA, ACT provides Early Start services including OT and SLP, Behavior Therapy, Social Skills, and Adaptive Skills. Our offices are located in Van Nuys, Palmdale, Covina and Redlands. See our ad on page 5.
UCLA EXTENSION PATHWAY
10995 LE CONTE AVE., SUITE 639, L.A. | 310-794-1235 WWW.UCLAEXTENSION.EDU/PATHWAY
For students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. See our ad on page 2.
VILLA ESPERANZA SERVICES SCHOOL 2060 EAST VILLA ST., PASADENA | 626-449-2919 WWW.VILLAESPERANZASERVICES.ORG
Villa Esperanza Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education of children with developmental, intellectual and other disabilities. Villa’s student programs include a school (K-12th), Speech and Language Center, Occupational Therapy Clinic, Behavior Intervention Services and a Transition Program. To learn more about Villa’s collaborative approach, visit us online. See our ad on page 14.
EDUCATION SPECTRUM INC.
2235 N. LAKE AVE., #201, ALTADENA | 626-797-1500 WWW.EDSPEC.ORG
Serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders from kindergarten through high school. Services include social skills groups, transition program for high school students entering college, diagnostic evaluations, psycho-educational and behavioral assessments, individual and family therapy, professional trainings and classroom consultations to school districts. Regional Center and private pay accepted. See our ad on page 45.
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Child Development Institute provides support for any of your developmental concerns about your child. CDI provides therapeutic services that focus on the whole child, family and environments that shape development. Services include developmental assessments, one-on-one therapies, including Floortime, Adaptive Skills and Social Skills Groups. Regional Center vendored and accepts insurance. See our ad on page 33.
CREATIVE BEHAVIORAL CONSULTANTS, INC. 22055 CLARENDON ST., SUITE 208, WOODLAND HILLS 818-932-9644 | WWW.CBC-AUTISM.COM
Provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for individuals with autism and other developmental disorders. Working with parents and teachers, CBC helps reduce challenging behaviors, and nurtures the development of new skills and coping strategies to help each child reach their highest potential. CBC accepts most major health insurance plans. See our ad on page 24.
FIRSTSTEPS FOR KIDS, INC.
LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES | 800-819-3735 WWW.FIRSTSTEPSFORKIDS.COM
FirstSteps works to improve the lives of children diagnosed with ASD by providing early and intensive empirically validated ABA treatment. FirstSteps offers individualized and comprehensive treatment programs to support children and their families in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. FirstSteps accepts insurance, regional center, and school district funding. Enrolling now! See our ad on the back cover.
INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY B
THE K&M CENTER makes learning fun! Our programs include the newest techniques available. Individualized treatment plans are created to target the exact area that needs to be developed – reading, writing, math, processing skills and more. Call our office and mention this ad to get 10% off your first session! See our ad on page 44.
6340 VARIEL AVE., SUITE A, WOODLAND HILLS | 818-888-4559 WWW.CDIKIDS.ORG
LS RIDING CLU
1454 CLOVERFIELD BLVD., SUITE 210, SANTA MONICA 310-582-1563 | WWW.KANDMCENTER.COM
CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
18111 NORDHOFF ST., SANTA SUSANA HALL 324, NORTHRIDGE 818-677-7715 | WWW.CSUN. EDU/WELLBEING
HIL TESY SHADOW PHOTO COUR
THE K&M CENTER
The Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing links community access to the California State University Northridge centers providing health and wellness programs. Through our affiliated centers, we offer services to individuals and families in such areas as speech therapy, music therapy, and adapted physical activity. See our ad on page 21.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Treatment and Therapy (continued) PLAYABILITY TOYS, LLC
KASARI RESEARCH LAB, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR AUTISM RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
1861 WEST GRANT ROAD, #105, TUCSON | 520-547-0921 WWW.PLAYABILITYTOYS.COM
310-206-1268
PlayAbility Toys designs and manufactures the best sensory toys and games for children with special needs. Our toys have received a number of awards, and they enliven the senses of the children who play with them. See our ad on page 13.
UCLA researchers are conducting a free study that may improve social and communication skills in children (ages 12-21 months) who have early signs of autism. Participants may receive free play-based parent training and developmental assessments. For more information, please contact kasarilab@mednet.ucla.edu or 310-206-1268. See our ad on page 24.
SHADOW HILLS RIDING CLUB
10263 LA CAÑADA WAY, SHADOW HILLS | 818-352-2166 HTTP://SHADOWHILLSRIDINGCLUB.ORG
LOS ANGELES SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY CENTER
Strengthen, regain, heal. Shadow Hills Riding Club (SHRC) provides therapeutic horsemanship for emotionally, physically and cognitively challenged children and adults. See our ad on page 21.
The Los Angeles Speech and Language Therapy Center is dedicated to enhancing the communication needs of individuals since 1979. Our reputation for dedication and professionalism has enabled us to develop innovative and exciting programs for our clients, including our cutting-edge summer camp. Locations in Culver City, Studio City and Downy. See our ad on page 3.
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE GROUP
5761 BUCKINGHAM PKWY., CULVER CITY | 310-649-6199 WWW.SPEAKLA.COM
1454 CLOVERFIELD BLVD., SANTA MONICA 310-392-0835 | WWW.SPECIALNEEDSRG.COM
The Special Needs Resource Group is committed to children who think, learn and develop differently. We help families obtain access to the best services and specialists in the greater Los Angeles area, and we create unique programs tailored to support the individual needs of our young clients. See our ad on page 15.
NAPA CENTER
11840 S LA CIENEGA BLVD., L.A. | 310 906-4262
NAPA Center is dedicated to delivering innovative therapy services to children with a variety of neurological and developmental needs. NAPA offers three-week intensive therapy programs tailored to each individual by combining our unique therapies from around the world! Give us a shout today and mention L.A. Parent to receive your complimentary assessment! See our ad on page 51.
PEOPLE’S CARE AUTISM SERVICES
225 E SANTA CLARA ST., SUITE 200, ARCADIA | 626-380-2310 HTTP://PEOPLESCAREAUTISM.COM
ABA behavioral therapy for children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. One-on-one therapy in the child’s home and school, social skills groups and summer camp. All of our services directly supervised by a board certified behavior analyst. We serve the San Gabriel Valley, Glendale and portions of Los Angeles. See our ad on page 16.
• • • • •
Open Play Breaktime Birthday Parties Classes Camps
1FREE OPEN PLAY (A $10 Value)
For 1st time customers only Valid at all participating locations
(818) 708-0860 www.werockthespectrumkidsgym.com
CBC Education is a Regional Center and Health Insurance vendor that provides Behavior Intervention Parent Training services and Play/Social Skills training to children with exceptional abilities. The interventions used to support each child’s development are based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the DIR (Developmental, Individual-Difference, RelationshipBased) / Floortime approach.
(626) 320-1317
www.cbceducation.net 222 E. Las Tunas Drive San Gabriel, CA 91776
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2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Treatment and Therapy (continued)
.
SPEECH, LANGUGAGE & EDUCATIONAL ASSOC.
TOTAL EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
ENCINO, CULVER CITY, EAST HOLLYWOOD | 818-788-1003 WWW.SPEECHASSOCIATES.COM
625 S. FAIR OAKS AVE., SUITE 200, SOUTH PASADENA 323-341-5580 | WWW.TESIDEA.COM
We provide speech and language evaluations and therapy, auditory processing evaluations and therapy, educational evaluations and therapy, developmental evaluations and therapy, child development services, Occupational Therapy services, as well as parent training for behavior, child development, and communication skills. Please check our Services page for more information. See our ad on page 37.
Total Education Solutions provides innovative, quality services to individuals with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our multidisciplinary team maximizes your child’s potential by providing an array of services, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, intensive academic instruction, behavioral support, and physical therapy. Visit www.TESIDEA.com or call (888) 4TES-KIDS. See our ad on page 33.
STAND INBALANCE EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
VISTA DEL MAR
We provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for ages 6 and up. Our programs include individual, couple, family, and group therapy with an emphasis on building strengths. Areas of specialty include social and emotional intelligence, anxiety, trauma recovery, confidence, expressing feelings appropriately, handling peer pressure, depression, and problems with focus and attention. See our ad on page 45.
For more than 100 years, Vista has continually evolved to serve the changing needs of children and families in the community by offering high-quality treatment programs for children with emotional, behavioral and social problems, and those with developmental difficulties. Since its establishment, Vista remains one of the preeminent social service agencies. See our ad on page 9.
3200 MOTOR AVE., L.A. | 310-836-1223 | WWW. VISTADELMAR.ORG
BEVERLY HILLS SPEECH & LANGUAGE CENTER
CHILDREN
Roberta Tishman
MA, CCC-SLP, MFT 141 El Camino Drive, Suite 210 Beverly Hills, CA 90212
www.bhslc.com lfhStarrAdvocacy1303 310.858.5955
Familias TEENS
ADULTS
PHONE
CONSULTA
TION
PROMPT Trained • Accent Reduction • Articulation • Asperger’s Syndrome • Auditory Processing • Autism • Cleft Palate • Down Syndrome • Language • Learning Problems • Stuttering • Tongue Thrust AA.eps 1 3/12/13 4:00 PM • Voice Disorders
STARR CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY AND INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES Call Today to Schedule Your FREE 30-Minute Consultation 818.914.1659 Misson: To Help Parents and Caretakers of Special-Needs Children Obtain the Highest Level of Education and Resources Available Values: To Be By Their Side Every Step of the Way
CEO/President
www.starradvocacy.com • StarrTaxman@gmail.com
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Familias First is an established agency in Southern California specializing in the delivery of Behavioral Services to children with autism and other developmental delays. These services include Behavioral Modification that focuses on Parent Training and Discrete Trial Training (DTT).
FREE
STARR TAXMAN, M.B.A.
A DEL MAR PHOTO COURTESY VIST
WESTLAKE VILLAGE/THOUSAND OAKS 818-714-1740 HTTP://STANDINBALANCE.COM
Familias
First
(626) 320-1317 www.familiasfirst.com 222 E. Las Tunas Drive San Gabriel, CA 91776
Blue Bird Behavior Resources Now offering Saturday and Summer Camps for Special Kids! Activities Include: • Yoga • Outdoor Play • Art/Crafts • Sensory Play
• Cooking/Food Prep • Facilitated Social Play
AGES 5-8
(310) 746-6336 www.bluebirdbehaviorresources.com
10822 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
2014 SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES Special Advertising Section
Treatment and Therapy (continued) WORKING WITH AUTISM
16530 VENTURA BLVD., SUITE 510, ENCINO | 818-501-4240 HTTP://WORKINGWITHAUTISM.COM
WWA has been a provider of empirically supported interventions for children and adolescents with autism since 1997. Our services range from Discrete Trial Training and intensive behavior intervention, to adaptive skills, specialized respite, and social skills groups. Services are provided in homes and schools throughout Los Angeles County. See our ad on page 36.
YOGA EVERYONE
28914 ROADSIDE DR., SUITE 204, AGOURA HILLS | 818-889-9642 WWW.YOGAEVERYONE.COM
This highly rated studio in Agoura Hills specializes in classes for children, including their therapeutic Social Flexibility Yoga class for those with autism and sensory and social learning challenges. Classes also include stress reduction, meditation and restorative yoga for adults. Family and special events happening monthly. Check website for details.
Special Events for Special Families L.A. Parent’s popular Calendar is full of places to go and things to do with your family, including many for the special-needs community. Visit www.laparent.com/event/guide/special-needs. laEricGold1305.eps
Protect the Rights of Your Special Education Student...at No Charge
RMKB Recovers Fees from the School Districts – Not the Parents
• Free Consultation • By Appointment • No Obligation
1
4/19/13
12:23 PM
FAMILY ESTATE PLANNING Don't Wait! An Estate Plan can provide essential protection to you and your family when they need it most
Areas of Practice: ice: • Special Needs Trusts sts • Wills and Trusts • Living Wills (ADHC) C) y • Power of Attorney • Family Law • General Legal • Business • Estate Planning
Kim Karelis
lfhACEingAutism1303.eps
Tel: E-mail:
213.312.2012 (direct) kkarelis@rmkb.com
1 Web: 3/12/13 www.rmkb.com 2:30 PM
Connecting Kids thru Tennis!
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION!
www.aceingautism.com
M I LY
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FA SA
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IN
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310-425-8512
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Register now
IS FE LI
T H AT
Burbank • Culver City Pasadena • Sherman Oaks Woodland Hills UCLA
N D E N DS W
ERIC J. GOLD, ESQ.
Member of the California Bar since 1999
Law Offices of Eric J. Gold • 23901 Calabasas Road, Suite 1072, Calabasas
818.279.2737
family@egoldlaw.com
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CHAT ROOM
: Steve Ever]etStoccer
l Power[fu el Role Mod lston
By Christina E
W PHOTOS COURTESY SOCAL VAQUEROS
hen Steve Everett talks about the sport of power soccer, played in power wheelchairs, he makes it sound fun. “We have these guards on the front of our chairs. They almost look like snow plows,” he says, “and when we spin in a circle, that’s how we can generate a lot of power in kicking the ball. It’s called a spin kick.”
The game is played four-on-four, on regulation basketball courts with goals instead of nets. The speed of the chairs is regulated for fairness and safety, and players can officially be as young as 5 – though most start around age 8. Men and women, kids and adults, play on the same teams.
Steve Everett plays power soccer, where adults and kids play together from their power wheelchairs
Everett is captain of the SoCal Vaqueros Power Soccer Club out of Glendale and is Western Regional Director of the U.S. Power Soccer Association (www. powersoccerusa.org). He wants to get more players, and parents, involved, “just like AYSO parents.”
What do kids get out of power soccer and similar sports? One of the greatest things about wheelchair sports is that you get to learn wheelchair skills, and you also learn people skills and teamwork. You start learning from these other participants some of the things that they know how to do. Daily life stuff. How to transfer to a car. The difficulties in navigating an airport to fly to a tournament.
What’s in it for parents? When a child is born with a disability, or acquires one, I think there’s a tendency to not really want to allow them to explore possibilities. This lets you get around other parents that maybe had those feelings, but have learned to trust and allow their children to get involved in what life has in store for them.
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What is your favorite power soccer moment? There was this kid named Jamie. He was 9 or 10 and he had cerebral palsy, and he had joined a new team that was playing in a tournament, and basically getting shut out against more-experienced teams. Eventually, they were scheduled to play us. We scored several goals early on, and the game was basically over. I had a talk with my teammates about letting this other team have a little more room to move the ball, so they could have a chance to experience the game. And I asked my coach to put me into the goal. The opposing team began moving the ball, and I saw the ball come toward the goal, and I saw Jamie following it. I blocked the ball, but hit it toward him, and he scored a goal. He almost climbed out of his wheelchair. You would have thought he’d just won the World Cup. He was screaming, “I scored a goal! I scored a goal!” And he threw his arms up in the air and clearly wanted to high-five somebody. I was the only one around. I was the goalie he’d just scored against, but I put my hand up and high-fived him. It was one of the most touching moments I’ve had as an athlete. Then I turned away because I was starting to get a little emotional, and I looked up and I saw the referee standing there, and he had tears in his eyes. The SoCal Vaqueros are hosting a power soccer tournament April 5 and 6 in the Verdugo Basketball Gym at Glendale Community College. The event is free for spectators, and will include music, food and raffles. Teams are always recruiting new players, and this is a great opportunity to learn about the sport and get involved. For more information, email Everett at west-director@powersoccer.net.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014
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4 Soc
ial S ps k i l l s C a m p s and P l a y G r o u
Enrollment Open! Los Angeles | Ventura County
FirstSteps for Kids, Inc.
Program Highlights
We are thrilled to offer FirstSteps for Friends, our annual summer social skills intensive and year-round playgroups in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Created for young children diagnosed with autism and related disorders, these programs focus on developing pivotal social skills and behaviors, providing our kids with the opportunity to build lifelong friendships.
• Small group & individual learning opportunities • Camp themes & associated outings • Teaching based on FirstSteps’ social skills curriculum • Play & socialization with typically developing children • Weekly progress summaries provided to parents
• Programs directed by board certified behavior Give your child the wonderful opportunity of summer analysts (BCBAs) camp and regular play dates where their treatment goals can be targeted and generalized with peers. Our clinical team, with expertise in ABA, will Los Angeles | Ventura ensure your child enjoys nonstop learning 800 • 819 • 3735 opportunities during these fun-filled camps@firststepsforkids.com FIRSTSTEPS early intervention program www.firststepsforkids.com programs.
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L.A. Parent | Your Child with Special Needs 2014