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Trainings/Conferences
On-line Resouces
An independent forum with news, programs, research, events, legislation, theory, and opinion on education, health, welfare, and justice for California's 10 million children
Focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5
Research and message development on child and family mental health Promoting the health and development of infants and toddlers Building awareness and understanding of sensory processing disorders through education and collaboration Helping parents, teachers and health professionals to proactively manage the challenging behaviors of the 21st century child |
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Meeting Information
Next Meeting:
February 14, 2012
8:30 to 10:30 A.M.
Blood Source Community Meeting Room
Spotlight Presentation:
Autism Intervention Program Study, Dave Bennett, CSU Chico.
Future meetings March 13th and April 10th.
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 About Autism
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.
In December 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to the Autism Society or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.
Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).
Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives
Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
- Lack of or delay in spoken language
- Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest in peer relationships
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
 Autism Advocate
The Autism Society's flagship publication, the Autism Advocate, is published four times each year, reaching approximately 30,000 Autism Society members, supporters and professionals. The quarterly magazine offers a diverse collection of the latest issues in autism (e.g., education, environmental health, therapies/interventions, adult issues, caregiving, etc.), Autism Society news, personal perspectives of families and individuals living with autism, and tips from parents and professionals.
The First Edition 2009 Autism Advocate contained the article "The Culture of Autism," which was completely authored and illustrated by individuals on the autism spectrum to bring to light the diversity and varied accomplishments of people on the spectrum. Click here to read "The Culture of Autism."
The Autism Society improves the lives of all affected by autism through education, advocacy, services, research and support. AutismSource™, the Autism Society's online referral database, is free, searchable by location or service type, and provides resource listings throughout the United States. To visit AutismSource™, click here.
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 Livescan Services
Valley Oak Children's Services is now offering Livescan Services.
Livescan Services are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Please call (800) 315-4507 to schedule an appointment, or visit L-1 Identity Solutions to schedule an appointment on-line.
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 Search The Web And Support Valley Oak
GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50 percent of its sponsored search revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine. Because it's powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers - the users and the organizations do not spend a dime!
Every time you search the Internet at GoodSearch.com, your charity or school earns money and the more you search, the more they make. Add up the money generated from all your searches and those done by other people who we hope will use GoodSearch, and we can make a real difference to the people and causes that need funds most.
Please consider using Goodsearch as your Internet search engine, and choosing Valley Oak Children's Services as one of your charities.
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Workshops, Conferences and Other Resources
The National Resource Center for Permanency and Family Connections is offering the following free events in February 2012:
True Colors: Building Connections between Youth in Care and Mentors Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 1:00-2:00 PM EST
Focusing on Well-Being: Developing a Protective Factors Framework for Youth in Care
For details click here.
The Butte County Department of Behavioral Health invites you to a Suicide Prevention Summit Friday. March 16, 2012 at the Enloe Conference Center in Chico. Details here.
 Benefit Art Show for the Child Abuse Prevention Council
The Chico Art Center is hosting a Benefit Art Show for the Child Abuse Prevention Council, April 13 through April 15, 2012. It will take place at the Chico Art Center, located at the Old Rail Road Stop/Station (450 Orange Street, Chico). Opening celebration is to be held on Friday, April 13, from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Saturday, April 14, show hours are 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Sunday, April 15 show hours are 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.
Submissions for art should be brought to the Chico Art Center Thursday April 12, at 6:30 P.M. For questions regarding the show and/or art submissions contact Molly LittleBird at 877-8087 or e-mail her.
There are no specific requirements regarding submissions for art. The show will be all media and all sizes. The show is for donation and to show only. You may show 3 pieces of art but have to donate at least one submission to benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Council. All proceeds will directly to the Child Abuse Prevention Council.
In this TedTalks presentation, "What we learn before we're born," science writer Annie Murphy Paul talks through new research that shows how much we learn in the womb - from the lilt of our native language to our soon-to-be-favorite foods.
An interesting article about what kind of childhood stress should parents actually be stressing about?
Bullying in Schools: An Overview
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention has released this bulletin, which examines the connection between different types and frequencies of bullying, truancy, and student achievement, and whether students' engagement in school mediates these factors. It discusses the results of three studies conducted in 2007 at the National Center for School Engagement, and compares these results with those from a Swedish study. The authors conclude that victimization in the form of bullying can distance students from learning. Schools can overcome this negative effect if they adopt strategies that engage students in their work, creating positive learning environments that produce academic achievement.
Teens Discuss Online Abuse and Bullying
Media have extensively covered stories of youth driven to desperation and even suicide by online taunts and aggression. Here, YCTeen writers discuss their own experiences and views of cyber abuse. YCTeen is a program of Youth Communication.
For stories from YCteen and Represent (written by and for youth in foster care) about bullying, visit this site.
The California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC) is offering Bullying Prevention Training. During this full-day training, participants will examine the issue of bullying, and how it affects the children and youth in their programs. Details here. |
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Gloria Balch, Deputy Director