Sonoma County Autism Resources

The Collaborative Autism Training & Support program offers free resources to Sonoma County families, including a student in Sonoma State University’s autism training course to work free with your child, free autism seminars and information, networking with other families, access to the director, Dr. Lorna Catford for resources, advocacy, support.

We’re looking for 35 families who’d like to join our program. If you would like to apply, please contact Sybil at 524-6725 and she will send you more information and an application.

Wednesday, 4-30-08, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

How to select the right practices for your child. An Update on the Project: California Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guidelines for Effective Interventions

Presenter: Steve Lohrer, Ph.D., Project Director

Where: Becoming Independent, 1425 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa

Drop In: $10.00 per session at the door (Cash or Check only, please)

These social skills classes are designed for children who struggle with play skills, social relating, and overall friendship skills, and are suitable for children in the autistic spectrum.
Groups are structured by age and developmental levels to create a learning opportunity for everyone.

Time: Tuesday & Thursday in the a.m. during the first 3 weeks of July
Size: 4 children per group
Fee: $180 for six 60-minute group sessions
$80 for initial parent/child meeting (required)
$80 for feedback session with parents (optional)
Location: Sebastopol

Contact:
Stephanie McGlynn, MFT
(707) 824-9106

Walk Now for Autism will be taking place at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park on Saturday, April 19, 2008. See http://www.walknowforautism.org/sonoma for more details.

Walk Now for Autism is a fundraising event, which creates a safe and fun day for families who are affected with autism. The day includes a 2-3 mile walk and a Community Resource Fair with educational resources, therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and child-friendly activities; a true “one-stop-shop” for families affected by autism.

This successful event not only generates vital funds for autism research, but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need to accelerate research funding to combat this complex disorder.

Wednesday, 4-16-08, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

What the law says, how parents and educational teams can work together, and what to do if it does not work.
Presenter: Carlo Rossi, Independent Child Advocat, David Sherman, Special Needs Attorney.
Where: Becoming Independent, 1425 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa
Drop In: $10.00 per session at the door (Cash or Check only, please)

Wednesday, 4-2-08, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Taming Tantrums: Creating a safe environment, and strategies for de-escalating potentially unsafe behaviors.
Presenter: Marc Pieper, Behavioral Consultant, ANOVA Center for Education
Where: Becoming Independent, 1425 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa
Drop In: $10.00 per session at the door (Cash or Check only, please)

Free Forum for parents, agencies and service providers on recreational opportunities for children with special needs, presented by Family Resource and Advocacy Center.
April 2, 6-8pm
Becoming Independent, 1425 Corporate Center Parkway
Reserve your seat: (707) 524-6725

Wednesday, 3-19-08, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Social Skill Development: Overview of emotional development & primary social skill deficits of autism, plus ideas for social skill development including interpersonal skill training & Social Stories.
Presenter: Suzanne Tribbey, MA, NCSP, North County Consortium Preschool Psychologist
Where: Becoming Independent, 1425 Corporate Center Parkway, Santa Rosa
Drop In: $10.00 per session at the door (Cash or Check only, please)

Exploring the Social Challenges of the Child & Teen with Asperger’s Syndrom.

A Presentation for Families by Janet Lawson, MFT
Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Please register to attend this event offered through the Matrix Parent Network: (415) 475-2182

Event is in Corte Madera!

Do you want the opportunity to connect with other parents? Are you looking for more resources in the community? FRAC (Family Resource and Advocacy Center) is putting together a Google Group for Parents that will help facilitate discussion, interaction, and support. Joining is easy, and will only take a few minutes of your time.
This week’s question is: Have you found a great recreational opportunity for your child that you would like to share with other parents? Are you looking for a recreational opportunity and want to ask other parents for advice? Contact Sybil at 524-6725. (For more info about FRAC: http://becomingindependent.org)