To submit comments, or to suggest items for this newsletter or First5LA.org, contact Katie Kurutz, public affairs officer, at kkurutz@first5la.org or (213) 482-5902.
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National Child Abuse Prevention Month
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History of the Blue Ribbon Campaign
Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed each April since its
first presidential proclamation in 1983. Learn how the Blue Ribbon
Campaign, which marks this event, developed. More »
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Grantee Profile
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The Village Ready for School Grows Families in a Struggling Economy
The Village Ready for School is a First 5 LA grantee in the San Fernando Valley, serving as a resource for more than 400 area families. Learn how two families found work with help from The Village. More »
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Policy Pick
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SB 383, Screening for Autism
Autism is treatable and early diagnosis can change a child's life. SB 383 authored by Senator Carol Liu (D-Glendale) will assist in the early identification so young children can receive needed services. More »
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Request for Proposal
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Pilot Community Evaluation Consultant RFP
First 5 LA is issuing a Request for Proposals to individuals and groups interested in working with our staff to develop and execute a comprehensive evaluation and data analysis plan for the Best Start LA focus area pilot community. More>>
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Evie's Desk
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More on Autism Awareness
Last week, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, I featured a list of 'early signs' of autism that parents could look for as their child develops. This week, I'd like to continue to focus on autism by sharing some resources I received from The Help Group - a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with autism and other special needs.
Below are excerpts from two fliers available for download. I encourage you to print out these fliers and distribute them to families. You can also look for them in local Help Group partner sites: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Gelson's Market, the City of Los Angeles Public Libraries, and the County of Los Angeles Public Libraries. Also, tune in to ABC 7 on Saturday, April 25 from 6:30-7:30pm to learn about the award winning book Autism Heroes, authored by Dr. Barbara Firestone, Pres. and CEO of The Help Group.
Flier: Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Excerpt:
A FEW OF THE EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS:
- Does not make eye contact or makes little eye contact.
- Does not seem interested in other people.
- Does not respond when his or her name is called.
- Does not point to share interests with others, such as pointing to an appealing toy.
- Does not develop pretend or make-believe play, such as feeding a doll.
- Does not use single words by 16 months; does not spontaneously use meaningful two-word phrases like "go car" or "look doggie" by 24 months.
Click here to download.
Flier: Autism Quick Q&A with Dr. Barbara Firestone, Pres. and CEO, The Help Group
Excerpt:
Why have we seen an increase in autism cases in recent years?
There is a great deal of debate about why the rate of ASDs has increased so dramatically in recent years. Some attribute the increase to improved expertise in diagnosing autism, others believe that the expansion of the definition of autism accounts for the increases, and others look to possible biological and environmental risk-factors. Although the answer is unclear, and may be a combination of factors, the numbers of children diagnosed with autism cannot be ignored and the need for programs has never been greater.
Click here to download.
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