Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "autism"

Transition Time for Teens with Autism

2012-01-12T20:42:32Z

Now that an autism diagnosis is 10 times more common than it was in the 1980s, more children than ever before are undergoing effective early interventions and treatment plans. However, one aspect of the disorder that has yet to garner attention is the scarcity of support for young adults transitioning out of high school and into adulthood.

“There is a severe lack of knowledge for educators and parents regarding available options after the public K-12 system,” says Rodger Stein, M.A., an instructor at UC Davis Extension and professor of psychology with the Los Rios Community College District who specializes in behavior supports for youth with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. “We have to get to the point where our students are the ones driving their own transitions based on their own futures.”

Susan Bacalman, LCSW, a clinical social worker with the UC Davis MIND Institute, also understands the importance of preparing students for their transition to higher education or the workforce.

“In high school, many students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) had academic accommodations implemented by an Individual Education Plan team comprised of their parents, teachers, school counselors and resource-room specialists.” But once students leave high school or other district programs for young adults (through age 21), they are on their own.

To address this concern, Bacalman has spent the past few years co-leading a UC Davis group called STUDENTS INC. This group offers those who have self-identified as having ASD or Asperger syndrome an opportunity to meet other students on the spectrum and discuss common issues in a social environment.

“The biggest challenge for students with ASD is finding the right niche on campus,” says Bacalman. “A big campus like UC Davis can be a challenging environment for any student, but it is more so for students whose social interactions do not occur naturally and automatically.” In such a setting, says Bacalman, a student with ASD is at risk of becoming isolated and withdrawn, which could impact their schooling and mental health.

Yet owing to her experiences with teens at the MIND Institute, Bacalman recognizes that successful transitions can happen every day.
“I have met so many gifted people on the spectrum who, with the right backing—a peer support group, academic accommodations, assistance with managing stress and anxiety—can make immense contributions to our knowledge base and to our society.”

Preparing for a Successful Transition

Because Stein provides services to individuals diagnosed with autism or Asperger syndrome, he began to realize that the children who had undergone early interventions would soon become “a wave of ‘graduating’ students with basically nowhere to go.”

It was out of this concern that Stein worked with UC Davis Extension and the UC Davis MIND Institute to develop the course Supporting Transition for Youth (Ages 16-25). This course examines the transition process for students with ASD who are leaving K-12 education and entering higher education or the workforce.

“We created Supporting Transition in order to initiate a radical paradigm shift among educators, professionals and parents,” explains Stein, who is the head instructor. “Ongoing evaluations and assessments after high school have to become part of the planning process in order for these teens to become self-advocates.”

For parents whose teens will be leaving home come graduation, understanding the issues involved at transition time and the resources and support services available is essential. Students who do not enroll in a post-secondary program may have trouble finding meaningful work, and students who do pursue higher education may have difficulty identifying programs that meet both their academic and social needs.

“The best preparation for parents is to expect the same life for children with autism as children without ASD,” says Stein. Instead of fearing independence, parents should research options beforehand to make sure they identify the ideal placement for their teenager.

Regional Resources for Educators, Counselors and Parents

Alta California Regional Center
California Department of Rehabilitation
Los Rios Community College District
Sacramento County Regional Occupational Programs (ROP)
Sacramento Employment and Training Agency
UC Davis Extension Autism Spectrum Disorders courses
UC Davis MIND Institute
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD)

Disclosure: Alicia K. Gonzales works as a writer and editor for UC Davis Extension. She is the principal media contact for the organization’s Autism Spectrum Disorders program. You can reach her at 530-752-9467.

Sacramento State Student Fashion Association runway show benefits Autism Center for Excellence

2011-11-24T07:43:36Z

The Midnight Masquerade Charity Fashion Show flaunted a cornucopia of fashion designs and styles – from pop art-inspired dresses to “Star Wars” costumes – by Sacramento State students Tuesday at the Sacramento State University Union Ballroom.

More than 200 people attended the two-hour charity event, which helped raised funds for the Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State or A.C.E., a program by United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Sacramento that provides socialization training programs for children ages 8-12 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SFA donated part of the proceeds from the event in the amount of $300 to UCP.

To welcome guests, while keeping with the midnight masquerade theme, the Student Fashion Association (SFA) members donned black clothing, and some of them wore Mardi Gras-style masks. At the ticket booth, attendees bought the Mardi Gras-style masks for $5 and had the opportunity to get their pictures taken at a designated photo booth.

"It's more or less a chance for other people in the club to get to have more fun with it," SFA member Lacey Taylor, a 22-year-old apparel and design marketing student, said about the theme of the fashion show and how everyone got to dress up and show their creative side.

Hosted by Miss Asia America Sacramento Princess Emily Tang, the club holds a charity fashion show each semester, with a new theme each time. This is the first time club members have collaborated with Miss Asia America Sacramento, a pageant that offers scholarships to women ages 16-26, said Tang, 21.

"A.C.E. is on campus, and we wanted to keep it within our community," said SFA President Cassandra Coleman, 23, an apparel and marketing design student. Coleman added that she really liked the nonprofit organization, because her sister has Asperger’s Syndrome, a similar version of autism, and can relate to the need for such program.

Made up mostly of Sacramento State students, the designers featured on the show included: co-designers Lacey Taylor and Samantha Rachele Hansen, Julia Moua, Irma Tchamourian-Zamora, Nikki Khotpanya, Joycelynn Brown and Tamika Bellamy.

For Khotpanya, 21, much of her inspiration came from Laotian culture and architecture, from the soft lines of the monk's attire to the hard lines of the temples, she said.

"The fabric is hard, but it's not chiffon; it's like a hard kind of fabric, but then it drapes easily around the body," Khotpanya said of the taffeta fabric that she used for designs.

The stylists featured at the event were Anakarina Pimentel, Elisabeth Poulos, Adrienne Deloatch, Gina Sanchez, Fiona Lau, and Jennifer Siopongco.

"A designer takes time and design the actual clothing and the stylist they put together the outfit that fits the model and the over all line,” Fiona Lau, 22, apparel design and marketing student said.

Federico Beauty Institute, a cosmetology school, provided hair and make-up for all the models. Some of the model’s make-up were done by the designers and stylists.

Bellamy, 22, SFA vice president, said her line was inspired by pop art.

"I decided to use bright colors coming from pop art pictures, and then I combined it with a little off-white," she said, adding that the five outfits were introduced at the runway.

Sanchez, 19, a stylist for the show, said the event gave her the freedom to put her own twist to Legacy Boutique's apparel, one of three Midtown businesses along with Heart Clothing Boutique and Denim Spot that were featured at the show.

"We have boutiques from Midtown who sponsor us, and we get clothes from them and outfit models," she said.

"We just feel that their styles mix with what we want to showcase this semester," SFA Public Relations Officer Jennifer Siopongco said.

Audio slideshow by John G. Hernandez

Wine, cheese and 'Art with the Arc' at Studio 700 on Friday

2011-11-02T01:05:52Z

“These shows allow our artists to feel genuinely appreciated by people who don’t see them for what they lack, but see them for what they have," says Jessica Dore, of Studio 700 Center for the Arts.

Twice a year, the artists of Studio 700 have the chance to open the doors of their studio to the community and display their work, in a public recognition of exactly who (and what) they are.

Artists.

“I think there’s a general climate of sympathy rather than appreciation that surrounds this population,” Dore said, “but there’s something raw and unique and wonderful about someone who isn’t ‘classically trained’ putting something down and creating art."

A program of Placer ARC, Studio 700 is the home to nearly 90 artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism. Studio 700 offers a variety of creative mediums that encourage personal development and expression, from performing arts to clothing design, from graphic design to digital 3D animation.

Studio 700 artists have created everything from portraits to letterhead to this D.I.Y. video for "Codes & Keys" by Death Cab for Cutie.

Studio 700 Center for the Arts (700 Douglas Blvd., Roseville) will be hosting "Art with the Arc," a fundraising event and art show on Friday, November 4th, 2011 from 5pm to 8pm. All proceeds from "Art with the Arc" will benefit arts programs for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults.

"Art with the Arc" will be an evening filled with wine, hors d'oeuvres, and music by Thomas and Plecker. Fine art and jewelry made by our incredible and inspiring artists will be on display and available for sale. There will be a raffle that will include free wine tastings and more. Your $10.00 ticket entitles you to one glass of wine and a plate including gourmet cheeses, locally grown nuts, crackers, and fruit. Additional food and wine can be purchased at the event. For online tickets, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/207056

Placer ARC and Studio 700 have grown tremendously over the years, and our success is a result of the support we receive from our community!

Check out a preview for Studio 700's upcoming performance of "The Truth About Fairy Tales" on November 17.

Disclosure: Aaron Davis is the Community Outreach Coordinator/ Grant Writer for Placer ARC

WHAT is FEAT?

2011-04-02T09:34:35Z

Throughout my 'radio' years here in Sacramento, people have asked me about my involvement with FEAT--a non-profit organization of parents, family members, and treatment professionals dedicated to providing best outcome Education, Advocacy and Support for the Northern California Autism Community. FEAT stands for Families for Early Autism Treatment. My answer is simple. Someone in the media needed to help. When I first started to help FEAT the term autism was still relatively unknown to the mass audience. Back then, when one would say, autistic--people thought we were saying, artistic. I knew I needed to help with the enlightenment of autism. I realized then, these parents needed more than a bake sale.

My involvement with FEAT started in 1993 when I was with radio station Y92. I was walking by a store front and a few ladies were holding a bake sale. I was curious what the sign, FEAT, meant. They explained the non-profit organization and it's infancy. They enlightened me about autism and it's necessity for early treatment. Having a friend in L.A. who's nephew has autism, I was curious and offered my services to the non-profit organization. Along with Y92's reach to the public, I helped FEAT put on their first "Night of Caring" dinner and auction. I invited local celebrity Tim Busfield to assist me in Master of Ceremonies. From 50 attendees to over one thousand at the annual "A Night of Caring", FEAT's event snowballed year after year and I was honored to be their host.

Now, you hear about the trials of autism everywhere. But, know this--FEAT is not the 'Hollywood" type of non-profit. FEAT are not federally or state funded. FEAT are all volunteer families helping other families. FEAT actually helps families directly here in the greater Sacramento area. FEAT got the UC Davis Mind Institute started. FEAT helps parents better themselves to be advocates for their autistic child. The realities of autism is not fully understood until you talk with a parent who is trying to raise an autistic child. Without FEAT, parents would not know where to go or what to do here in the greater Sacramento area. FEAT of Sacramento has, since their beginning, started numerous chapters throughout the United States. It all started here in Sacramento. These parents, their children and their families are amazing to me.

Feat helps families with the vast spectrum of autism. You can find out more at www.feat.org Oh, and by the way, while visiting the site, you will see that I am currently helping FEAT put on a different kind of benefit-event this year. Sacramento native and superstar guitarist Craig Chaquico will be performing for us. I became friends with Craig while hosting the mid-day show for 12 years on Smooth Jazz 94-7 KSSJ. He graciously agreed to play to help our Sacramento area children with autism have better lives. We will also have Sacramento's premier Santana tribute band, The Rhythm Vandals along with International Food and Wine from Young's Vineyard. We are calling it ROCK'in the Vineyard with 100% of the proceeds going to FEAT!

Join us for a really FUN day Saturday, May 14th. Tickets at www.feat.org

Please share with the greater Sacramento area what FEAT is all about. Share the event, ROCK'in the Vineyard with your friends in every possible network and know that you're loved.

The reality of budget cuts in Children's Services

2011-02-03T02:51:16Z

My name is Melissa Mendoza, and my family and I live in a lovely neighborhood called Woodlake in Sacramento. We are your typical family of four, married for eight years with two beautiful children, a daughter and a son. Our lives seemed typical and ordinary until two years ago when our son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 ½. We were thrown into a world of psychologists, neurologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and so many unanswered questions.

My husband and I had just started our own web and database design business and were now spending countless hours in doctors’ waiting rooms and searching for answers to why our son was still not talking at the age of 2. Why was he spinning in circles and flapping his arms? Why would he entertain himself by slamming a cabinet door over and over? Why did his words stop? Why wouldn’t he answer to his name? The answer was autism.

We were shocked! We told the psychologist, “But he’s a loving kid. He loves hugs, he loves to be touched. He loves to be with other people. How could it be autism?” We didn’t know anything about an “autistic spectrum.” We learned that his diagnosis placed him somewhere in high-functioning but not Asperger’s syndrome, and that many kids with autism love hugs and squeezes and attention. We bought countless books on Sensory Processing Disorder and autism trying to understand our son and the new world we had entered.

We began therapy that was funded through Alta Regional Center right away at JabberGym in Downtown Sacramento. He began with speech therapy twice a week for 45-minute sessions and occupational therapy for 45 minutes a week at their facility. He also had a developmental therapist visit our home once a week for 45 minutes. The results were not immediate, but Mateo began to say more words, and he really enjoyed playing with his therapists each week. They would write up his progress, and each week there were more results. I could see things slowly clicking for Mateo, but we had a very long road ahead of us.

At the age of 3 we began ABA therapy with Capitol Autism Services in Sacramento. These services are also funded through Alta Regional Center. ABA therapy stands for Applied Behavior Analysis program and takes place in our home. Mateo was receiving over 30 hours a week of services, including full-time support at a “typical” preschool. At the age of 3, speech and occupational therapy are no longer provided through Alta Regional Center; families must receive services through their school district. So Mateo began speech therapy at Woodlake Elementary School and was cut to 30 minutes a week, the maximum the district would provide for a 3-year-old who barely spoke. Occupational therapy was now 45 minutes a week at Vineland Elementary School in Rio Linda. Services through the school district are not enough!

To receive ABA Therapy that is funded through Alta, someone must be in your home during the 30-hours-a-week program, and at least 60 percent of the time it needs to be either a parent or grandparent. On top of this we must transport our child to and from preschool, to therapy and whatever appointments he needs. This does not leave much time for running a business and finding quality family time for us all, but we find a way for Mateo.

And it has paid off because the hours and hours of therapy and interaction with typically developing children at preschool with the assistance of an aide has made all of the difference. I strongly believe that Mateo receiving therapy immediately through Alta Regional Center and the dedication and work of his home program tutors from Capitol Autism Services has made it possible for him to attend a typical kindergarten this fall.

Running our business means a large amount of expenses, health insurance, medical expenses, taxes and so much more. It gives us the flexibility to help our son, but there are no tax breaks for middle-class families trying to raise a child with special needs. And now those very services that have made all of the difference for Mateo are proposed to be cut.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget cuts would cut the Lanterman Act’s promise that people with developmental disabilities will get the services and support they need to live full lives in the community.

It would be on a sliding scale, and a middle-class family could be expected to pay up to $6,000 a year to cover services. There is no way our family could afford that. Our son would have to go without.

Autism diagnosis is growing more each year. Currently 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys are diagnosed each year. Autism receives less than 5 percent of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases. There are no answers to what causes autism, but there is one thing that we know: Early intervention and services make all of the difference. I know without the early speech therapy, home ABA program and occupational therapy, Mateo wouldn’t be developmentally where he is today.

When we started therapy, Mateo could only repeat one word at a time and hardly spoke on his own. This morning Mateo said to me, “Mama, watch cartoons with me!” He has made huge strides in the past few months. I don’t think it would have been possible without the therapy and support we have received.

If the cuts happen, my son could lose many of his services, and children who are newly diagnosed with autism would definitely be missing out on the most important years of therapy. I know the cuts need to happen, but taking away from children who already receive so little is not the answer.

Thank you for the time to listen to Mateo’s story and how important it is that these services continue for our children. If you would like to hear more of our stories, follow our blog at mateosstory.wordpress.com.

If you are interested in attending the hearings, the information is as follows:

Thursday, Feb. 3
WHO: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health & Human Services
WHEN: Approximately 10 a.m. or upon adjournment of Assembly floor session
WHAT: Hearing on Developmental Services proposed cuts
WHERE: State Capitol in Room 4202
NOTE: There is a Senate Budget Subcommittee hearing at 9:30 a.m. this same day focusing on the governor’s proposed cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and SSI/SSP, and the proposed elimination of the Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)
CAN PUBLIC TESTIFY?: Yes – very brief (can also can submit longer written comments)

Thursday, Feb. 10
WHO: Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 on Health & Human Services
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment of the Senate floor session
WHAT: Hearing on Developmental Services proposed cuts
WHERE: State Capitol in Room 4203
CAN PUBLIC TESTIFY?: Yes – very brief (can also submit written comments)

Rescue From the Bermuda Triangle

2011-02-01T06:48:44Z

I have had a very surprising past few days. I wanted to share it here because I think what I have experienced has happened to everyone at one point. The surprising part of what I'm about to share, the most shocking part of all came from the most unexpected place; the point of origin! The thing that caused me the most pain ended up surprising me the most and spun my head clean around.

Being a Mom of 3 extremely active boys so close in age, I have gotten my fair share of disapproving looks. Looks that speak volumes without any sound like the, "you must need a glass of wine before bed" look, the "what are you crazy?!?!" look and so on. When you add the extra twist of having a son...the oldest son...with special needs the looks turn into stares and elevate to "you must like to gamble" looks, and "how irresponsible" looks, especially when my boys were younger.

The looks and stares I can handle, it's when people forget to fix their mute button and add comments to those stares that I have a hard time remembering my mute button works just fine.

To add another level of pain to this soup and salad combo is when all of it comes from a totally unexpected source, a friend. When something painful like this comes from a friend it's worse than if it came from family in a way. Family is family, you're stuck with them whether you like them or not. A friend is a friend because you share a common respect for one another...at least that's the way I see it.

So when a friend says something so shockingly hurtful it knocks this chick-a-dee for a loop. That respect and trust you thought was there is gone and maybe it's just me but I feel like I'm swimming in the Bermuda Triangle without a life jacket. Between the seconds the comment is made and the moment something comes out of my mouth, thoughts are racing through my mind like "what the hell just happened?!?!"..."wait, where am I?!?!" Then something really profound squeaks out like "uhhhh...what???" Of course the moment I race out of there I snap out of my state of shock and my mind is flooded with witty, well said, intelligent come-backs. But it's too late. As far as I'm concerned my "friend" has no idea who I am nor will they ever.

After days of mourning and dodging...the "friend" takes me by complete surprise and offers one of the most heartfelt apologies I've ever heard. My "friend" was completely taken over by emotion delivering the apology...it was gut-wrenching. After I left they realized how what they had said could be so painful. They too had an "uhhhh..." moment. When in fact they were taken aback by the fact that we share a a huge common belief...having a child with special needs is one of the greatest gifts a person could ever receive. So few people receive this gift, so it is to be treasured.

It's not just our commonalities we share that I call this person my friend, it is because of the brutally raw apology I call this person my friend. It takes a lot of, well guts, guts and more guts to right a wrong such as what I just shared with you, and I can't even tell you how important that is to me. I could have easily marked this instance as another introduction to one more ignorant comment...but instead it introduced me to a truly unique individual.

The whole purpose of me sharing this particular experience with you is this...March 21, 2011 marks the annual return of World Down Syndrome Day. Thousands of people will join this celebratory movement worldwide in numerous ways by showing their support of people with Down syndrome; be it in the news, at their school, on the street corner, on their t-shirt, their Facebook status, etc...

My son, Ty and I have one simple request of you on World Down Syndrome Day...be aware that your language can effect those around you, be it intentional or not. Make a concentrated effort to make those around you with or without Down syndrome or another type of intellectual disability FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES. Our hope is that your one day of thoughtfulness will turn into two, then three, then who knows how many. The sky is the limit!

Find out more about World Down Syndrome Day on their website www.worlddownsyndromeday.org or join the Event on Facebook.

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

To read more curious thoughts by myself and Ty, visit our blog www.tysadventures.wordpress.com

Our children are just numbers to them

2011-01-25T20:10:35Z

“I don't understand why they placed him like they did, when he is clearly not what they say he is.”

At 18 months old, my child was diagnosed as autistic. Like any concerned and loving parent, I immediately began learning about his developmental delay as I gathered all the resources I could to help him. I learned of a frightening statistic; One child in every 166 births will be diagnosed with autism. He began receiving speech and occupational therapy from the Alta Regional Center.

As I watched and participated in his hours of therapy per week, I saw my non-verbal but happy child make progress very slowly. Sometimes the constant mental prodding was just too much, and he would melt down. We would stop for the day, knowing we could try again during the next appointment. No matter the stress he and I underwent, he was still happy, and I was still determined. He would get his chance to receive a proper education; I thought I had done my best by getting him the services he deserved.

At the age of 3, my toddler was set to attend diagnostic preschool in the San Juan Unified School District. I cried the tears of a reluctant yet eager mother as I placed my tyke on the bus for the first time. I saw it as a milestone, and I was relieved because I had helped prepare him for this situation. I trusted in the school and the teachers to help me help my son progress. I asked questions, gave input and collaborated with the school's staff for his Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The staff would test him, bring me the results, and we would discuss what our goals were going to be that year. Anyone with a special needs child can tell you a good amount of thought and time goes into the IEP process.

Fast forward five years. Different school district, same label and same education process. We had continued over the years to ask the questions and develop my son's IEP based on his path and progression. My son was now attending school in the Sacramento City Unified School District, and we had had nothing but good experiences with the district and his teachers. His recent IEP, however, brought something to light that none of us had ever imagined could happen.

“I don't understand why they marked him like they did,” said the school psychologist. “He tested low average, not where they put him.”

I sat across from the psychologist as she explained to me that all this time, he was in the wrong classes. I looked at her as though she had just told me she was Napoleon. Her passion shone through, and my heart sank. During my son's attendance in the San Juan school district, they had mislabeled him. He had tested in the low/average percentile, and they marked him lower with a label of “Intellectual Disability.” Before 2006, this label was known as “MR” or “Mental Retardation.”

Someone in the San Juan district had studied the test results and signed off on the wrong classification.

For the past five years, his classes have been based on this mislabeling. He learned mostly living skills and speech, while academics took somewhat of a backseat. Both of his teachers over the past few years had recognized his intelligence. It was because of this recognition that the most recent IEP had new information. They had retested him, and the scores proved him to be in need of challenges. With this news, we plotted a new course: a new school with a new class – one with the correct curriculum for his current stage of learning.

My son is behind five years in his education because someone in the San Juan school district marked him lower than his test scores. The impersonal nature of the educational system made it easy for whomever marked him, because he or she saw a number for the bottom line – not a child.

He has gone from finger-painting and preschool math to multiplication he has never seen. These jumps occurred in the span of a week. His frustration has meant increased meltdowns and desperation on our part to just help him overcome these hurdles. As a baby, I pushed him gently but firmly to endure the therapy and education placed before him. He took it on as best as he could, and even though it hurt my heart, I knew I was pushing him toward a better future. I lost a lot of sleep making sure he had all the help we could access, but I didn't mind because I knew it would pay off for him. Now, I have to do it again to catch up on everything he has lost due to the person responsible for marking him as something he was not.

I tend to wonder how many other children in this type of situation have fallen through the cracks due to ineptitude. I worry about the carelessness on the part of school officials who depend on mere numbers to place children in special programs. These children have enough challenges as it is without being cheated of a “free appropriate public education.” I know my son is not the first child this has happened to, and unless there is an outcry, he won't be the last.

Any parent with a child in school needs to learn a lesson from our family. If you suspect for even a moment that your child may have special needs, take the reins. Get all the help you can, do all the research, access all the resources. Don't trust the school to tell you what your child is without asking for explanations for every term they use.

When you get that booklet of parent rights, you get to decide what happens. Even if you are overwhelmed, you need to keep asking questions. There is no such thing as too many questions. You will know a school is not for you if your questions annoy the school staff. You need to find a school that is willing and capable of helping the special needs of your family. Find ways to access private testing. There are plenty of programs in your area that have this information. Never assume that the school district possesses the same agenda you do. Request the numbers and e-mail addresses of the staff involved with your child closely, and keep in contact with them often to see to it that your child is making the proper progress.

Take our story to heart and take part in your child's future. Our goal is to help families avoid the situation we are in at this time. The resources we have found in Sacramento and in the state of California are plentiful, even with budget cuts. If this hits as close to home as I believe it will for many of you, find out what is available in your area and contact someone today. Our situation is unfortunate, and our story is not over.

A Different Kind of Cool

2010-09-24T20:25:20Z

“He doesn't care what you think,” Jack Gallagher said about his son Liam. “Liam is a different kind of cool.”

Liam, 14, has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He is Gallagher’s son. And he is the subject of the Sacramento writer/comedian/actor’s new one-man show, which opened last week at the B Street Theatre.

Gallagher performed “A Different Kind of Cool,” his fourth one-man show, on Thursday night. He still performs his previous one-man shows - ”Letters to Declan,” “Just the Guy and “What He Left” - in various venues. All of Gallagher’s one-man shows are based on his life.

Gallagher tells very personal stories during his plays, but he tells his “stuff,” as he puts it - not his wife’s or his children's.

Gallagher walked onto the stage with a beach bag in hand and began to tell a story of a trip to Sea Street in Cape Cod, Mass. “I don't know anyone that goes on vacation with their family,” he said. “Most people go on vacation to get away from family.”

As Gallagher told his story of his family, you could see the passion, joy and sadness in his face. When he spoke of their trips to Sea Street, his eyes sparkled. When he spoke of his son Liam, he smiled like a proud father. But when he talked about his son’s autism, his eyes watered, and his voice got shaky.

“It’s so hard when there is something wrong with your kid,” Gallagher said “What did I do wrong?”

In Gallagher’s story he admits to the struggle that he had with Liam trying to “fix” the problem. Gallagher worked with Liam every night on his homework. “But we were still coming up short,” he said. “And at times I was embarrassed.”

He spoke of a time when they were waiting to cross the street and Liam started to shake his hands, also known as stimming, and Jack put his hand on his shoulder and gave him a look, as if to say “not now buddy.”

“I kept trying to fix him,” Jack said. But instead, he started to notice Liam’s skills. “We love labels in this country,” he said. “They said my son was something, but he is Liam.”

When Liam wrote a script for the hit television series, “The Simpsons,” Gallagher told him it was good, and Liam said, “I know.” Liam sent it in and received a letter back thanking him for the script, but apologizing for not being able to use the script.

“They told him to keep writing,” Gallagher said, “and I told him not to send it in.” Realizing that as his father, he hadn't been as encouraging as he should have been.

“We all know cool when we see it,” Gallagher said. “But its another thing trying to replicate it.”

Cool is original, cool is one of a kind, he said.

When Gallagher asked Liam if he could write this story, Liam asked, “Will you make fun of me?”

Gallagher replied, “No, I’ll tell jokes, and hopefully people will laugh.”

Liam replied, “Will you inform people of my mishaps?” Again Jack said no. “I didn't think you would,” Liam said. Then he added, “Yeah, you can.”

This story perfectly portrays the struggles of a parent with a child with autism. We hear so much in the media about new drugs or therapies that may or may not work; we hear from experts and doctors who have no clue about what causes or cures it. But so rarely do we hear from the parents, the ones who face this on a daily basis. Jack Gallagher uses humor to show a different perspective on this ever-growing disorder.

“A Different Kind of Cool” continues at B Street Theatre’s mainstage through Nov. 7. Showtimes and tickets are available at bstreettheatre.org.

Photo by B Street Theatre.

Walt Gray Leads Another Successful Ride For Kids

2010-08-23T04:54:49Z

On August 22nd, 2010 the eighth annual Walt Gray Ride For Kids roared into action with thousands of motorcycles lined up at Raley Field in Sacramento. Registration, a $25 per rider charitable donation, began at 8:00 am with free pastries, coffee and bottled water.

Over the past seven years the Walt Gray Run has raised over $320,000 with all proceeds benefiting children’s charities. This year, the recipients were: Autism Speaks, Bikers against Child Abuse and Hope Productions Foundation.

As the day started bikers of all creeds and ages filled the parking lot at Raley Field with every style, shape and color of bike you could imagine. The registration began early with riders braving the chilly morning air in preparation for the ride through roughly 43 miles of scenic river roads ending in the town of Isleton and a wild street celebration.

At 10:00 am the rumble of bikes started its annual charitable ride with a California Highway Patrol escort onto Westacre Rd, 15th Street and then Jefferson Blvd. (SR-84). As engines roared and bikers cheered, crowds of people, volunteers and sponsors lined the roads to celebrate the charitable event. The ride then took a hard left onto South River Road where it proceeded for another 24 miles. As the road changed quickly into Sutter Slough Bridge and then CA-160 the noise of the engines was never more clear – a sense that the destination was at hand. As the bikers turned onto A Street and then 2nd Street the riders were filled with smiles and cheers as the town of Isleton had come-out in droves to celebrate another successful ride.

The route chosen for this year’s run was a roaring success with unbelievable weather, clear skies, open fields and a rolling road that followed the river straight into Isleton. All along the route young and old alike demonstrated their support by waving signs, clapping and cheering. For the entire 43 miles the bikers did not disappoint their supporters either– they would honk, waive and cheer right back. The entire scene felt like it was part of a movie. In fact, when Walt Gray was asked what he thought of the event he responded, “I could imagine it being a ride like back in the sixties with rolling country roads, a cool breeze and a small town.” He continued, “Once again, another success for all involved.”

As the bikers arrived in Isleton the atmosphere changed from precautionary driving to a let-your-hair-down party scene. The band ‘Leather Souls’ could be heard throughout the town and was enjoyed by those being served a lunch of chips, brats, a cookie and water. Not to mention a street lined with local and regional vendors hawking everything from clothing to custom bikes added that little extra flare.

As in many of these kinds of rides there were representatives from many local and national groups: Buffalo Soldiers, Veterans of Foreign Wars Rider’s Association, Southern Cruisers Riding Club, Road Runners Motorcycle Club, Old Coots on Scoots, Port Stockton, Jus Brothers and many more.

At approximately 1:15 the days raffle was held for various donated prizes (motorcycle stand, Harley Davidson Clock, miscellaneous clothing articles and many more items). The crowd stayed with hopes of winning one of the numerous raffle prizes and could be heard saying, “next ticket, next ticket.” Around 2:00 pm the grand prize item, an autographed guitar with names like Elvin Bishop, Tommy Castro, Uncle Cracker, Tesla, Lydia Pence, Brad Gillis and Walt Gray, was raffled off to a lucky winner.

Once the final raffle was over, the bikers began to disperse back they way they came – knowing they had successfully helped children in need.

For more information on Walt Gray’s Ride For Kids or to personally donate to one of the children’s charities, please follow the links below.

Walk Gray Ride For Kids
Autism Speaks
Bikers Against Child Abuse
Hope Productions Foundation.

Photos by Marc McLaughlin, www.marcmclaughlin.com.
Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

Online Event for Parents of Children with ADHD, Autism and Other Challenges

2009-10-10T03:53:25Z

On October 24, the Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center in El Dorado Hills, California, will sponsor an event for Parents and Children that will focus on educating children with special needs, including those with Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Anxiety Disorders, Sensory Integration Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, and learning challenges.

The Focus of this year’s event is Stress Reduction, Focus and Organization at home and in the classroom. Our objective is to bring to parents and children important information regarding their children’s education as well as practical strategies for understanding and overcoming the effects of these and other sensory-based learning challenges.

The event will open with Regina Granados, Psy.D. and Tamar Wishnatzky, Ed. D. They will be speaking to parents on the role of assessments with respect to your child’s education and, specifically, receiving appropriate accommodations and assistance from school districts. They will also speak to some of the common myths surrounding education and testing, as well as specific strategies and interventions for various learning challenges.

Gerald Hughes, Director of the Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center, and author of “Gifted—Not Broken: Overcoming Dyslexia, ADD and Other Learning Challenges.” Mr. Hughes will be speaking directly to parents on why many so children fail to thrive in our current school system. He will focus on stress reduction, focus and organization at home and in the classroom outline specific strategies and resources available to parents to help their children succeed in school and at home.

Claudia Lowe, B.S.L., J.D., is an Educational Strategist and Consultant. She will be helping parents understand their rights under IDEA and Section 504. She will be presenting strategies for establishing an effective IEP or 504 plan. “These are strategies you won’t read in any book or see in any other workshop,” says Ms. Lowe. “Parents have rights, but they need to understand and exercise those rights.” Parents: This is a workshop so feel free to bring your IEP or 504 paperwork.

“Understanding how your child learns is critical to their success”, says Gerald Hughes, Director of the Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center. “As many as 20% of the children in school today have a style of learning that is in direct conflict with the methods of teaching being used by schools. Many of these children are intelligent and creative, yet they’re failing. They’re failing because the system does not understand how they learn.”

Last year, Kelly Saunders attended the Beyond Tutoring Workshops looking for help for her son, Connor. “It was the most eye-opening workshop I’ve ever attended,” said Kelly. “Finally, I had the answers to questions I’d been asking for years.”

Like many parents, Kelly was able to get her child help at the Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center. “For one thing, I learned that my child wasn’t broken. He’s just different. He has his own way of figuring things out. I’m so grateful that I could find the help he needed.”
Although Connor had been previously diagnosed with both Autism and Dyslexia, and he was in special ed. classes, much of his daily routine and homework included standard worksheets that he had absolutely no chance of completing.

Says Mr. Hughes, “Some of the work they were giving him was ridiculous. Can you imagine what a word scramble or a find-the-words puzzle looks like to someone with dyslexia? Once we identified Connor’s specific learning strategies, we were able to give him exercises that he could actually complete successfully. We first began building on the skills he already had and then we started building new skills. It was such a thrill to see him progress. His confidence returned. His anxiety disappeared. He even began to like school.”

This one-day event will shed new light on a variety of learning and behavior challenges, including ADD, Dyslexia, Autism and other sensory processing disorders. This information is intended to offer practical information to parents and new hope to children who have long struggled with the effects of ADHD and other sensory-based learning challenges.

The Beyond Tutoring event will conclude with an open question and answer session. Bring your questions and concerns. Refreshments will be provided. This is a free community event, however space is limited. To register for this event, contact us at (916) 358-5803 or visit www.swish4fish.com.

A portrait of Autumn Sky

2009-09-26T03:46:25Z

Most 20-year-olds don't play over 15 instruments or write three songs per week. Nor have they traveled and lived all over the United States. But Sacramento musician Autumn Sky didn't grow up in a so-called "normal" household.

Having played hundreds of shows, the ambitious Sky is on the rise.

Sky (she uses her middle name instead of her last name, Hall) was born in Paradise, Calif. She and her family lived out of a Volkswagen Beetle near Puget Sound in Washington and spent time in Oregon and Wisconson before settling in Sacramento.

She also recalled living in a log cabin in Mendocino as part of a nudist colony.

"There is a whole [photo] album that my parents have and it's all these babies and families just hanging around, only wearing tool belts," Sky said, with a hint of dry humor. "The sad thing is that people who live in nudist colonies are not the people you want to see nude."

Another thing that sets Sky's family apart is that they are high on the autism spectrum. Her father has Asperger's. She is the oldest of seven, with brothers and sisters who also have autism, Asperger's and dyslexia, she said.

"All of those disorders are blessings. There's so much of a stigma [but] I think it makes us all really cool," Sky said. "My autistic brothers are the sweetest people in the world."

It's hard to imagine Sky's colorful background when face-to-face with her. She wears girly dresses, reads poetry (e.e. cummings is her favorite poet) and once worked at Starbucks, she said.

Sky is currently on hiatus from jazz classes at American River College, works at Raley's during the day and admits a guilty pleasure: listening to pop musician/actress Mandy Moore.

Her hobbies include painting and writing and illustrating her own children's books. When she was younger, she had stage fright, and aspired to to be a journalist and author as a creative outlet.

Sky was introduced to music growing up around a grandmother who played piano and a mother who played both piano and violin and sang. She started taking piano lessons from her mother at age 6, then moved to violin at 11.

As a young teenager, Sky started doing open mic nights at her church, but she soon found her niche after moving on to the True Love Coffeehouse, as well as the Fox and Goose pub. "I used to do five open mics a week," Sky said, adding that she gained a sense of friendship among open mic performers.

"What else was I supposed to do?" she added. "Performing is so much fun for me, and it brings me so much joy to bring other people so much joy; it's extremely therapeutic."

"[Sacramento's music scene] is vastly underrated; there's so much potential," she said. "In L.A. I would be a folk singer among 500 others. It's very good for me to be in a place like this. I feel like [people] really cherish the music that comes out of here."

She released an EP, Diminutive Petite in 2008, and a friend from church helped Sky finance and produce her first album All Which Isn't Singing earlier this year. She made the album with most of the Sacramento band All on Seven backing her, creating an upbeat blend of pop, folk, and rock.

Sky is currently working on a follow-up album and is in talks with a label to have it released by next spring. "It has a '60s sound mixed with Tim Burton and Sunshine Pop," she said. If all goes according to plan, she will also be touring the Northwest in the upcoming months, she said.

Sky will be playing at Club Retro, 6521 Hazel Ave., Orangevale, on Saturday at 8 p.m. One can also see her play during her 11 Sacramento-area shows scheduled in October.

She will soon make her journalist aspiration a reality by previewing some of her own shows, here, at The Sacramento Press.

Photographs credit Caitlin Bellah/Autumn Sky

Video Phones Bring Teachers and Students Together

2009-09-11T09:01:14Z

Ever since the 1950’s, the video telephones has been flaunted as an inevitability. And yet 50 years later, at a time when cell phones and the internet are considered essential services by most, video telephone phones remain a mere possibility to all but 0.7% of all households in the U.S.

That number may change dramatically if the teachers and tutors at the Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center in El Dorado Hills, California have their way. The NLC has unveiled a new In-Home Tutoring Program that offers free video telephones to families with children who are struggling in school.

The in-home tutoring program is aimed at kindergarten though high school children struggling with chronic learning problems like those often associated with Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism. “These families often find it difficult or impossible to get competent, appropriate tutoring for their children,” according to Gerald Hughes, Director of the Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center in El Dorado Hills, California. “Many of the families who come to our Center drive one, two, sometimes three hours just to get their children the help they need.”

The new program brings the resources teachers and tutors right into the homes of the children who need it most. Unlike traditional tutoring services which require either the student or teacher to travel to meet the other, this new in-home tutoring program allows families to have their own personal NLC Tutor or Learning Specialist working one-on-one with their child right in their own home. Instead of interrupting important homework time or disrupting the family schedule, the in-home program provides immediate help to the student when and where it is needed.

In addition to struggling students, the NLC has specialized programs for advanced students and home-schooling families who may need a little help to keep their children on track and moving forward. “I’m not saying we should completely abandon our current educational system,” says Lauren Meade, mother of two home-schooled children with ADHD, “but for many bright children who need something different, this new program is a God-send.”

The Neuro-Linguistic Learning Center is one of several facilities that specialize in working with children and adults who are struggling with the effect of Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and other learning challenges. “We’ve always worked to educate and empower the parents to take our programs back into the home,” says Mr. Hughes. “The video phone was the logical next step in providing the best service we can to our children and their families.”

In so doing, the NLC has definitely raised the bar for the tutoring industry. By offering free video phones as a part of every educational program, Mr. Hughes hopes to transform education around the country and, perhaps, around the world.

Interested families can receive more information on the Free Video Phone Programs by contacting the Gerald Hughes or the NLC directly at (916) 358-5803 or visiting their web site, www.swish4fish.com.

Back to Eden.

2009-06-02T00:23:56Z

There is so much to be learned from planting, working and harvesting a garden. I’m excited to be a part of a new community garden at 58th & 2nd Ave, and can’t wait to see all our seeds grow. It’s amazing to me the growing number of community gardens in our Sacramento area. One such garden is on the high school campus of Rio Americano.

A few years ago when I worked there full time in the Autism program, the teacher felt the need for his students to work with their hands out in a garden, and went about making it happen. The lessons ranged from building boxes, life cycles and cooking to the simplicity of knowing colors and what herbs are used for. While subbing in my old class this past week I was so proud to see the garden thriving, and the students an integral part of it’s success.The fruits, vegetables and herbs are able to be used in a number of capacities, one of which is full-circle cooking lessons with the special education program there. The pictures are of their little piece of Eden.

Interested in getting involved in a community garden effort? There are SO many! This site has links and information to a bunch, but they're sprouting up all over as Sacramentans take pride in the land they have and giving back to the community.

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/ParksandRecreation/parks/community_garden.htm

For information on starting your own community garden effort? Check out this site for regulations, contact info and meeting times:

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/planning/policies-and-programs/community-gardens.cfm

-Juniper*James

www.juniperjames.wordpress.com

twitter: @JuniperJames