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Autism Society of San Diego E-Newsletter
YOUR LINK TO THE SAN DIEGO AUTISM COMMUNITYDECEMBER, 2010
In This Issue
Annual Holiday Parties
Become a member
Sensory Friendly Film
Adults with Aspergers Group
All Out For Autism 2011
Research Studies
Autism Through the Lifespan Support Group
Monthly Support Groups
Save the Date
Here are the details on the Autism Society of San Diego's programs, activities, services and events for the month of December. Please click on the embedded links or feel free to contact us at 858.715.0678 for more information.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO: PARTIES TO BE HELD IN CENTRAL SAN DIEGO AND NORTH COUNTY
SantaBring the entire family for food, fun and merrymaking at the Autism Society of San Diego Annual Holiday Party!  This year we have two locations to choose from: Clairemont and Escondido. Come to one party or both!  Please RSVP so that we can ensure we'll have enough food, drink and goodies for everyone. Details follow:

Central San Diego Party
Friday, December 10, 2010,  6:00- 8:00 pm
Aqua Pros Swim School at the Clairemont Boys and Girls Club
4635 Clairemont Mesa Blvd in San Diego
Enjoy supervised swimming, visits and gifts from Santa, pizza, additional catered food and drinks. Please bring a dozen cookies or treats to share and exchange. GFCF options are available upon request with RSVP. 

North County Party
Saturday, December 18, 2010, 6;00 - 8:00 pm
Palomar YMCA
1050 North Broadway in Escondido
Enjoy an evening of holiday activities, including cookie decorating (GFCF option available), crafts, visits and gifts with Santa and open gym. Food from El Pollo Loco and drinks will be served.   

PLEASE RSVP by calling or e-mailing Kay at info@sd-autism.org or by calling: 858-715-0678
ASA National Logo
NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY 

If you have not joined the Autism Society, this is the ideal time to join the families, professionals and friends that make up the San Diego Autism Society's growing network. Membership is now more affordable than ever and as member, you will receive the following:

  • Membership at both the San Diego and National levels of the Autism Society
  • One year subscription to the Autism Society San Diego's Autism Action Newsletter and our monthly e-news
  • One year subscription to the National Autism Society's newsletter, The Advocate
  • Discounts for Autism Society's National conference, enrollment at Camp I CAN!, and eligibility for SDASA's Surf Camp
  • Satisfaction of knowing you are a member of an important community working to improve lives.

Dues and donations are tax deductible. 501(c)(3) Nonprofit #93-1132987

To join or renew your membership online Click Here or call 1.800.3AUTISM (1.800.328.8476)

Together we can bring about positive changes within the world of autism.
AMC THEATERS AND THE AUTISM SOCIETY  
PRESENT
SENSORY FRIENDLY FILMS
Two Locations in San Diego
SSF logo

Don't miss the next Sensory Friendly Film
 
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 
 
Saturday, December 11, 2010

10:00 a.m.

AMC Mission Valley
640 Camino Del Rio North
San Diego, CA  92108

-or-

AMC Palm Promenade
770 Dennery Rd.
San Diego, CA 92154

Admission: $6

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC's "Silence is Golden®" policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Aspies & Friends: An Activity/Social Group for Adults with Aspergers Hosts a Bowling Meet Up in December
Autistic AdultsThis new support/social group will hold events in the Central and East County area of San Diego every month.  It will provide a casual, safe, family-like environment where young adults can form lifelong friendships and network with one another. Every event will revolve around a fun, low cost activity that will bring the group together while working on the formation of new and existing social skills. This month's meet up will take place on Saturday, December 18th at the Kearny Mesa Bowl, located at 7585 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in San Diego, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. For more information or to RSVP, please contact: info@sd-autism.org or call (858) 715-0678. Aspies and Friends also has its own Facebook page.  Please visit:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=153406191354571&v=app_2344061033
Volunteers Needed for All Out for Autism
martini glass

All Out For Autism 2011 won't take place until next May. However, the planning is already underway and we could use your help!  We are looking for committee members and volunteers for the following positions:
  •  Silent/Live Auction
  •  ChairVolunteer Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Website/Media/Presentation Co-Chair
  • Check-in/Registration Chair
  • Event Planning Co-Chair

The proceeds raised from All Out For Autism go directly to fund Camp I Can, the only camp of its kind in the county exclusively serving children and teens with autism, as well as our aquatic programs (including surf camp). If your child has benefitted from attending one of these programs in the past, please give back by volunteering your time at AOA.  We would not be able to make this event happen without our wonderful volunteers!

*** The next AOA Event Planning Committee meeting is Thursday, January 27, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM, at the United Way/CHAD Building, located at 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd.,  San Diego, CA 92123-5371

Please contact event chair, Tila Cota at  (619) 846-1390, or via email tila@tilacota.com for more information
research studyParticipate in Upcoming Research Studies
  Research is the key to improving our knowledge about possible causes of autism and helping to identify effective treatments.  The following local researchers are seeking participants to assist in their studies.  Can you help?

Currently there are studies underway for researching the following:

--Preparing for transition

--Visual Perception

--Autism in Adults

--Parent Education on Quality of Life

Please go to our website for more detailed information.  You can make the difference. http://www.sd-autism.org/researchStudies.html

NEW AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP: Autism Through The Lifespan
Raised puzzlepiecePlease join other parents, caregivers and professionals at this new information and monthly support group meeting near downtown San Diego.  A joint collaboration between the Autism Society of San Diego and the San Diego Unified School District, this new information and support group will discuss Autism Through the Lifespan.  Each month will focus on a different age and stage of development.

Each meeting will feature an expert speaker, an ASA parent mentor and the opportunity to ask questions and network.  These meetings are free and open to all.

In honor of the holiday season, we are doing something a little different...
December's meeting's topic will be:

"Health and Wellness: How to take care of yourself and manage stress"

Special meeting:   Sugar and Spice Studio, a salon in Old Town, will be  providing free mini facials, waxing, and mini-manicures to meeting attendees.  We will meet at the Ballard Center at 9:30 am and walk (1 block) to the salon. 

You must RSVP to
Julie Sandubrae at jsandubrae@sandi.net in order to sign up for services. 

There are a limited number of spots are available. However everyone is invited to attend and share in the discussion and  holiday refreshments!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
 9:30 - 11:00 am
Ballard Parent Center in Old Town
2375 Congress Street
San Diego, CA  92111

January's Meeting Topic:
"The Elementary Years (K-5th Grade)
 
 Monthly Support & Informational Groups

AOA 2010 color logo

 Greater San Diego Meeting
The third Tuesday of every month
United Way/CHAD Building
4699 Murphy Canyon Rd.
 
DUE TO THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY THERE WILL BE NO GREATER SAN DIEGO SUPPORT GROUP MEETING IN DECEMBER
 
 North County Meeting
The second Monday of every month
Monday, December 13, 2010
7:00 - 9:00 pm
December's meeting will take place over dinner at Chili's in Escondido. located at 1105 W. Valley Pkwy
Break bread, have a drink, and enjoy the company of parents and friends. 

Coffee Talk
The second Wednesday of every month
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
9:00 am 
 Panera Bakery
401 Vista Village Drive
Vista, CA

Sit...Chat...Relax
 
Spanish Support Group/Grupo de Apoyo en Espanol 
The second Monday of every month
 Saint Rose of Lima Parish
Monday, December 13, 2010 
6:00 - 8:00 pm 
 293 "H" Street
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Telefono: 800-281-8252
6:00 - 8:00 pm

  Nuestro próximo reunión va ser el 8 de Noviembre, 2010,
6p.m. - 8 p.m.
Mismo Lugar
Nos vemos pronto!

 


 
SAVE THE DATE
iPad/iTouch CONFERENCE 
Attend one of two separate one-day conferences featuring assistive technology specialists, Eric Sailers and Susan Berkowitz on January 29 and February 26, 2010 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at Qualcomm in Sorrento Valley

 Coffee, light breakfast items will be available.  There will be a break for lunch

Our distinguished speakers will address how to implement the iPod touch and the iPad for children with autism.  Attendees will learn basics regarding the devices and iTunes, in addition to an evaluative framework for selecting applications. Applications for the following areas will also be discussed and demonstrated: AAC, social skills, literacy, math, data collection, behavior management, music, songs, art and games. There will be an in depth look at the widely known AAC app, Proloquo2Go.  In addition, Berkowitz will specifically address using this platform to enhance literacy skills in those with learning differences.

Stay tuned for more information
 
ALL OUT FOR AUTISM: OUR ANNUAL GALA AND AUCTION TO BENEFIT CAMP ICAN AND OUR AQUATIC PROGRAMS

The San Diego Autism Society's 11th annual, $100,000 "All Out For Autism" fundraiser gala will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011, 6-11 p.m., at the Del Mar Racetrack Mission Tower, with VIP red carpet festivities beginning in the Plaza de Mexico.  The theme of next year's event will be centered around old Classic Hollywood.  Ladies can enter the "Win-Lose-Show" favorite hat contest and enjoy the live and silent auction and raffle, live big band music, swing dance show, comfort food stations thru the eras, and many more details to come!  All proceeds benefit Camp ICAN (Camp Including Children with Autism Now), and aquatic programs and services for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

For event sponsorship, donations and volunteer information, please contact Event Chair, Tila Cota, at (619) 846-1390 for more information, or via email at tila@tilacota.com.