Category: Education

Aptos Psychologist: How to teach consequences for bevavior to autistic children. www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

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Yes, it IS possible to teach CONSEQUENCES for behavior to children with autism. Here is an account by a single mother with two children, one child has autism. What she says makes good, common sense to me. Dr. Jackson at cameronjacks@gmail.com

To email the author contact her at Sylraen@sbcglobal.net Here is what she writes:

“Saac was faced with two alternatives. He could either stay inside all day every day or go outside and face the terrifying noises that arrived with the onset of summer; cicadas rattling, mosquitoes humming, and bees that buzzed at every flower. He weighed his options on the playground carefully. There were steam shovels that pushed dirt around, swings that carried you to the sky, and best of all, his scooter equipped with his space helmet. Yes, of all the toys, the scooter was the best alternative. At least it was fast and he could hope to fly past the alien invaders and their cruel sounds and threats to overcome him.

Tentatively he peeked out the door, scanning the horizon. “So far so good,” he thought. No bugs. He boarded his scooter timidly and took off. Immediately he was bombarded with a loud whirring and humming in his ear. Shrieking, he flung himself to the ground and awaited a fate worse than death.

Corinne, his mom watched him sadly. This had been an ongoing struggle that she had no idea how to deal with. Then an idea struck her. She had just been telling Isaac a story about a boy named David who fought a giant. She had tried to explain that he had overcome the giant by his bravery and his faith in an attempt to help him understand. He didn’t seem to understand. To him, even facing a giant was preferable to facing the sounds that overloaded his senses as an autistic child.

Then she had an idea. She had bought him a set of toy armor. Why not put it on him and encourage him to go face the terrors with his sword swinging. Better yet, why not make him the character in his own giant story. That afternoon and for the next few days she worked writing out the story that was forming in her mind and sketching out the characters. When she was done she called him over and told him the story. It was called Isaac and the Scare Giant, about a boy who was tormented by a giant who jumped out every time the boy was afraid and turned him into stone. The boy won however because he made the giant disappear by saying some magic words and by swinging his sword of truth. When the story was finished Corinne reviewed the magic words with Isaac and sent him out to play, crossing her fingers and hoping Isaac understood.

Isaac mounted his scooter a little more bravely. At least he had amour on and a sword. He rode out, his heart pounding in his chest. Sure enough a cicada started to whir and rattle menacingly in the tree above him and felt his skin turn clammy. Ok, according to his mom there was a scare giant. Though he couldn’t see it like in the story, it was there and it was shouting. He looked at his mom and she was telling him to say the words. He brandished his sword with one hand, his finger in his other ear and muttered. “You’re just a bug. I’m not afraid of you. Go away bug or I’ll cut you in two”. He felt a little better and the rattling seemed to stop.

A mosquito was the next to pounce. He brandished his sword a little more vigorously and actually made it go away. It returned diving at his ears, its sinister whine rattling his eardrums. He hit it with sword again. The mosquito retreated, stunned. He fought that mosquito and every bug that came within reach till the sweat ran down his face. With a menacing scowl he mounted his scooter with a swagger that befit a warrior, daring any bugs or scare giants to frighten him again.

Prologue

That was five years ago and since that initial success, there have been many more battles with fear battles of all sorts for Corinne and Isaac. What was important was that they both learned what their enemy was and how to fight it. Of course there were days of battles with insect noises when Isaac cowered and ran to Corinne but she had learned to become his cheerleader. Instead of panicking or overreacting she spoke bracingly to him. “Fight him Isaac.” She would say, “Fight that giant. Get your sword and win this fight”. Though Corinne had written a picture book meant for a child, the truth of the story had helped her too and would stay with her for a long long time.

Moral of the story

It is important to find the right tools to enable the autistic child to fight his fears, for a fight is what it is and needs to be addressed as such.

Here are a few tools that Corinne employed:

– She realized that beneath every paralyzing fear is a lie.

– She addressed the fear and spoke the truth.

– She cast a vision for a fear free way of thinking by reading stories of others who had conquered their fears.

– She believed in her son’s ability to fight his fears and became his cheerleader in the battle.

Life is full of many battles to face. Depending on the severity of the autism, the battle can be harder and more difficult than any yet faced. It is helpful and encouraging to know however, that others are fighting similar battles and that the battle can be won on many fronts though the struggle may be long.

Fact- Isaac is a child who has been diagnosed with mild autism. Autism is defined by the Autism Society Of America (ASA) as: “Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.” Along with these symptoms is a hypersensitivity to noises and light which causes the child to act out or withdraw. www.definitionofautism.com/

Author: C.J. Yang
C.J. Yang is an Examiner from Chicago. You can see C.J.’s articles on C.J.’s Home Page.
Besides pursuing a teaching career and working on a novel she is a single mom to two children, one who is autistic. She can be contacted at sylraen@sbcglobal.net.

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Autism screening & treatment paid for by insurance in some states. www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

Michigan Class Action Settlement on Autism Treatment Hailed as Landmark Case
The article below discusses a recent class action case in Michigan wherein insurance co has agreed to pay for ABA treatment for autism. Hopefully, other methods such as P.L.A.Y. and FloorTime – softer approaches than ABA — will also be covered. Contact Easter Seals for P.L.A.Y. in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. If you are interested in Floor Time — a way to spontaneously interact with children there are a several therapists available in the Santa Cruz and Monterey area.

In my opinion as a psychologist it is crucial that parents be in the driver’s seat and make decisions they think in the best interest of their child. Too often parents defer to others (this therapist, that therapist) and are slow to voice their concerns. There are many treatments for autism and autistic spectrum disorders. Parents need to decide what is best for THEIR child.

Emial cameronjacks@gmail for more information. Dr. Cameron Jackson, licensed psychologist in CA PSY14762

June 23, 2009
In what plaintiffs lawyers are calling a landmark autism case, a Michigan insurance company has agreed to reimburse at least 100 families for costs involving treatments for their autistic children.

The $1 million class action settlement from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan comes amid a legislative wave in which a growing number of a states are passing laws that require insurance companies to pay for autism treatments and screenings. To date, 13 states have such laws, the most recent being Connecticut, Colorado and Nevada. New Jersey is currently considering an autism bill, and Pennsylvania’s law goes into effect July 1.

The June 17 Michigan settlement, meanwhile, has autism advocates hopeful that insurance companies will stop claiming that behavioral therapy for autistic children is experimental, and start paying for it.

“It is a significant victory for the families, obviously, and it marks a trend, hopefully, that insurance companies will start to look at autism treatment differently,” said Areva Martin, an attorney at Los Angeles-based Martin & Martin who is currently handling about 30 autism cases. She believes the labeling of autism treatments as experimental is “absurd.”

“It’s a neurological condition similar to a patient that has a stroke,” Martin said.

In the case, Johns v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, the family of an autistic child sued Blue Cross for allegedly failing to acknowledge that a treatment known as applied behavioral analysis is scientifically valid. ABA therapy attempts to change behavior through positive and negative reinforcements.

In the suit, the plaintiffs alleged that Blue Cross’ pattern and practice of characterizing ABA as “experimental” was arbitrary, capricious, illegal and contradicted by many years of scientific validation.

Blue Cross sought dismissal of the case, but a judge permitted it to go forward.

The case settled shortly after plaintiffs counsel obtained a court order requiring Blue Cross to produce documents that validated the effectiveness of ABA. Among the documents obtained was a draft of a 2005 Blue Cross Blue Shield medical policy, which stated: “Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is currently the most thoroughly researched treatment modality for early intervention approaches to autism spectrum disorders and is the standard of care recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Academy of Sciences Committee and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment, among others.”

Blue Cross’ documents also stated: “The earlier the disorder is diagnosed, the sooner the child can be helped through treatment interventions.”

“I think we had ’em. Their files were so damming,” said Gerard V. Mantese, of Troy, Mich.’s Mantese & Rossman, one of two lawyers who represented the plaintiffs. “We kept hearing from Blue Cross that this is experimental, we’ve researched it. So when we sent our discovery requests saying, ‘Show us what you have,’ their file looked almost like my file. It had paper after paper supporting ABA therapy.”

Under the settlement, Blue Cross will pay for behavioral therapy rendered to more than 100 children in the past six years. Mantese believes this is the first such lawsuit settlement where an insurance company has agreed to pay for autism treatment.

“We’ve searched across the country for similar cases. This is the first one that we’re aware of,” said Mantese, who is getting calls from numerous attorneys handling similar cases. “I’m getting calls from all across the country. They’re encouraged. They’re pleased with the settlement, and they’re motivated to fight for these families and these children.”

Jeffrey Rumley, vice president and general counsel for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, issued this statement: “We knew we could resolve this matter to the benefit of the families involved, and are pleased to be able to conclude this matter in a manner that puts the families first who received services from the early intervention program,” Rumley stated.

Separate from the lawsuit, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced on May 11 that it will offer its customer groups the ability to purchase coverage for autism treatment programs that provide intensive early intervention. The new benefit option involves coverage for children aged two to five years old who use ABA, although the insurance carrier said that it still considers ABA an investigational and experimental treatment.

The coverage will begin on July 1.

“We saw a need in the community and moved to find a way to address it,” said Thomas Simmer, M.D., Blues Cross Blue Shield of Michigan senior vice president and chief medical officer, when announcing the new coverage last month. “We developed this coverage option as part of our commitment to improving the health and wellness of all Michigan children and families.”

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Aptos psychologist: Take a look at $100 mo subscription for ABA for autism www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

The link below takes you to an About Us page for Rethink Autism which has sample lessons using ABA techniques. There re a handful of free sample lessons. The subscription cost is $100 a month WITHOUT professional assistance. There is an additional monthly charge for professional assistance.

The good news is that you as parent have complete control of how the ABA program is done. You know how much stress your child can tolerate. You can tailor the lessons to fit the needs of your child. Certainly, $100 a month seems very reasonably priced.

One of the complaints I hear regularly about ABA is that outsiders come in to the home. The “work” is done in a separate room and the child is isolated from parent involvement during the session. Frequently some kind of sugar reward is used to motivate the child to do the work. All of those kinds of complaints are addressed with this program. No strangers. No isolation, Use of praise and hugs for a reward.

I looked at the sample for teaching imitation. It is clear and something a parent can do readily. Like telemedicine this program might be quite helpful for certain kinds of families.

In California because of budget issues the Early Start program (ages 0 to 3) may be drastically cut. Use of this kind of a online subscription program might be a helpful adjunct for some regional center clients who receive Early Start services.

written by Dr. Cameron Jackson, Ph.D., J.D. Licensed clinical psychologist cameronjacks@gmail.com

Rethink Autism

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Terminate parent rights when they commit Three Strikes abuse against ther children? Yes! www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

If parental rights of parents who abuse their children were terminated earlier, fewer children would be harmed. Three Strikes of abuse and parental rights should be terminated. Immediately. The child should then put up for permanent adoption. Give children a break to have a break from an unhealthy, abusive past. Currently the law allows parents who repeatedly abuse to still keep their parental rights.

What Three Strikes? Strike #1: Use of dangerous to drugs dangerous to fetus. All children born addicted are a strike against the mother and probably the father as well. I see heaps of cases where mothers have had several children all of them born addicted to heroin, cocaine, meth or a combination of drugs.

Strike #2: Neglect and physical and/or emotional abuse. Let CPA decide what constitutes abuse and neglect. Being spaced out on drugs and ignoring the child day after day is neglect. Hitting children that leaves marks is abuse. Not feeding or diapering children so they have horrible rashes is abuse.

Here is a real case why parental rights should be terminated early: The child, Erica, (not real name) was taken care of by her grandmother for the first few years. Left on a rug, fed but not much interaction with the elderly woman. Mother, who had been in prison re-appears and takes the child from age 4 to age 8. The mother’s boyfriend on one occasion chokes the child in public fast food restaurants. Both use and abuse various illegal and legal drugs. Child is taken away from them by CPS.

Erica, now age 8, was placed in foster care. A licensed psychologist assessed her and recommended that she be adopted by a two parent family with extended family and good structure. Take her to a church or place of worship. Enroll her in group sports.

That never happened. Erica is now age 18. She has been in a number of foster placements for over ten years. She takes medications for psychotic symptoms, ADHD and depression. She fixates on returning to live with her mother. Her mother has been in prison most of the last 10 years and is currently in prison

What skills does Erica have? She almost passed the Exit exam for CA in Reading. Her score was just a couple points too low to pass. Her life skills are quite Deficient.

Erica will have to cared for by taxpayers probably for the rest of her life. Her life would have had promise had she been adopted many years ago.

Maybe Three Strikes is too generous Abused in the womb and born addicted to drugs has such serious concequences. Had Erica been given a fresh start while very young she probably would be a productive young citizen capable of providing for herself and contributing to society.

Who is respeonsible for the harm to Erica? Her biological parents and relatives for sure. Also the social service system that moved her from one placement to another. And the legal system that bends over backwared to put children back with their bad parents. The law must be changed in California.

Your comments? written by Cameron Jackson cameronjacks@gmail.com

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Aptos psychologist: know the early warning signs of autism. Go to www.freedomOK.net/wordpress or www.firstsigns.org

First Signs launches a National Campaign to Inform Physicians and Parents about Autism and Developmental Disorders.

“First Signs, a national awareness initiative, was recently launched recently in the state of New Jersey to inform the state’s physicians and parents about the early warning signs of autism and developmental disorders. The New Jersey pilot, which was launched in collaboration with UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Center for Outreach Services to the Autism Community (COSAC), was the first statewide campaign of its kind in the country by the Massachusetts-based First Signs, Inc, launched in collaboration with UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Center for Outreach Services to the Autism Community (COSAC).

“Since First Signs announced its program launch on April 27, 2001 in Washington D.C. before the Congressional Caucus on Autism, the non-profit organization has been receiving hundreds of requests from pediatricians, parents, and other clinicians throughout the country for information about early identification and treatment. The organization hopes to create a national model for disseminating key information about early warning signs, the need for routine developmental screening, of children from birth to age three, and the options available to parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

In the December 2001 issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the editorial “Child Development in Pediatrics: Beyond Rhetoric”, by Barry Zuckerman, M.D., Marilyn Augustyn, M.D., and Steven Parker M.D., First Signs is described as a parent-run organization calling for “regular systemic screening by pediatricians with validated instruments, emphasizing the social and emotional aspects of development, to identify autism spectrum disorders.” First Signs is noted as an example of how parents are listening closely to the recent national emphasis on the importance of early childhood development. “Because parent groups have a long and special tradition of improving care for children, it is likely that they, rather than professional organizations, will be more effective in changing practice.”

“First Signs grew out of the personal experience of founder and president, Nancy Wiseman, whose daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 1998. Based on her daughter’s steady improvements through early identification and treatment, Wiseman, a marketing communications professional and parent, knew that she had an important message to share with both physicians and parents—that the earliest possible diagnosis and intervention are the keys to success for all children at risk of developmental disorders.

“The high and growing incidence of autism and related disabilities demands greater awareness and improved early identification,” says Wiseman. “We don’t know how to prevent autism or how to cure it, but one thing we do know is that early and intensive treatment and intervention can profoundly change the quality of life for children at risk and their families. The key is early detection.”

To that end, the First Signs mission is to ensure the best developmental outcome for every child. By educating both parents and physicians, First Signs hopes to promote ongoing discussions regarding the most important and often overlooked aspects of development: social/emotional, communication, and behavior.

Through an integrated mix of print and broadcast press, direct mail, public service announcements, speaking engagements, and at their Web site, the First Signs campaign is focused on a primary target audience of physicians, parents, and family service organizations. The program has three primary components: a screening kit designed for physicians and family practitioners, an informational mailing sent to parents of children under three years of age in participating states, and a comprehensive Web site that provides evidence-based information for parents and professionals.

In August 2001, physicians in participating states received a mailing offering letter from UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and COSAC with an offer to receive the a free First Signs Screening Kit and to earn CME credit by viewing and completing materials on an enclosed educational video. The screening kit includes an educational video (hosted by Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes”), a developmental milestones wall chart, validated screening tools for both developmental and autism screening, recommended screening guidelines for physicians, and an Early Intervention referral guide. The 20-minute educational video, entitled “On the Spectrum: Children and Autism,” outlines the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders, provides guidelines for conducting developmental screening, and describes how to relay developmental concerns to parents. The video is hosted by Lesley Stahl of “60 Minutes” and features actor Anthony Edwards of “ER” and football legend Doug Flutie. “On the Spectrum” draws upon clinical expertise, with interviews of some of the top experts in the field.

One of the initiative’s major goals is to encourage more pediatricians to refer young children to early intervention programs. In keeping with the recent AAP Policy Statement on the Pediatrician’s Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, First Signs recommends that a physician or nurse practitioner perform a routine developmental screening at every well visit for any type of atypical development. The First Signs Screening Guidelines leads physicians through the referral process for those children in need.

Parents of children under age three will receive an informational mailing three weeks after the physician mailing goes out to create awareness around the hallmark milestones during each stage of development. A checklist of developmental milestones is included in this mailing, which helps to serve as discussion points between parents and physicians at the next well visit. To minimize language and cultural barriers in parent populations, First Signs will test informational mailings to Head Start programs and day care centers in selected areas to see if family service workers can influence parents to have their children screened.

The First Signs Web site provides physicians and parents with essential developmental information, an explanation of the screening process, a systematic guide that walks them through each stage of the process, listings of available local and national resources, and links to research, books, articles, and programs nationwide. Physicians and parents can become better informed about the different educational, biomedical, and alternative treatments for autism spectrum disorders.

First Signs has been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatricians/New Jersey Chapter, Medical Society of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Pediatric Society. First Signs is funded by a number of foundations and government agencies, including Cure Autism Now, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, the Mellanby Autism Foundation, the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Autism at UMDNJ, and Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) of Ocean County.

Originally published in Developmental and Behavioral News, published by the AAP, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

References
Zuckerman, B., Augustyn, M., Parker S., (2001). Child development in pediatrics: Beyond rhetoric. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 155, 1294-1295. [50]

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Related Links
First Signs
Group that advocates early detection of autism, with information about screening tools and treatment information.
http://www.firstsigns.org accessed 12/5/2008
Autism Society of America Home Page
Parent information on Autism and support and advocacy information. A good source of credible information about diagnosis and management autism.

for more info to to: More info

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Aptos psychologist: Dog therapy does wonders. No overflowing refrigerator! Dogs can reduce blood pressure. Help socialize children. www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

I recently saw a post on Twitter about a family raising $13, 000 to buy a particular kind of therapy dog. They believe that a therapy dog, trained by a particular organization, will enhance the life of their child who has autism.

Yes, dogs provide wonderful therapy for people includng children who have an autistic spectrum disorder. But $13 K is a steep price to pay.

Are there other ways to get a dog which can increase the social and communication skills of your child? Yes!

There are rescue organizations for many kinds of breeds. In the economic downturn, more pets are dropped off at the local pound. Most communities have good resources for training dogs.

One decent rescue dog or pound dog plus lots of appropriate training can probably produce a dog that meet your child’s needs.

One organization that does provide therapy dogs is: 4 Paws Dog

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Aptos psychologist: How much HIGH DENSITY housing is FAIR for one small corner of Aptos? www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? That’s a tongue twister. It has no real meaning. Just something we teach young children.

Here’s a society tongue “twister”: How much high density, taxpayer paid for housing can one small corner in Aptos be forced to absorb?

Answer: Plenty! And maybe even more! The Board of Supervisors will decide in early June the fate of Poor Clare’s property. That is the Catholic owned property near the entrance to Sea Cliff beach which currently houses Aptos Four Square Church located at 280 State Park Drive. And what organizations with clout support even more low income, high density housing on the Catholic owned property? COPA is one.

But is it FAIR to jam so many families together without any family resources? No park coming soon! No family resource building planned! No basketball courts or skate park! No sandbox and slides for small children!

Right by the freeway in Aptos, there will be 5 acres of high density family housing with no resources for those families. And now the Board of Supervisors may decide to allow even more high desity housing. And maybe a hotel.

Is COPA a pivotal force behind the scenes influencing government? COPA stands for Community Organized for Relational Power in Action. Locally about 30 + organizations and churches participate. It is based on Saul Alinsky’s social theories. It is my understanding that COPA supports even MORE low cost housing at 280 State Park Dr.

The Episcopal Church of St. John’s will soon occupy a 2 1/2 acre parcel next to the 5 acres of high density low income housing. The church opens its Aptos doors in June, 2009. Just to open its Aptos doors has cost the church roughly $3 million. The existing church structure will be a large area for both worship and community gathering. St. John’s wants to be a “good neighbor”. Is St. John’s acting as a “good neighbor” by seeking even more high density, low income housing on the Poor Clare property?

It is my understanding that COPA – of which the Episcopal Church of St. John’s, Temple Beth El and Resurection Catholic Church are members – supports MORE high density, low cost housing on the Catholic property. I would like to know more who funds COPA and who really “runs” the organizaton.

I wonder if COPA, who ever they are, has thought through the implications. Is it FAIR to crowd so many low income families into one small area of Aptos? Driving by the existing parcel of jammed together, high density housing, you can see teenagers bouncing basket balls on their stairs with no place to go. There is no park for youth within walking distance. The area that was to be a park is walled off.

To qualify for low cost housing, families have less money. They have fewer resources. Why jam even more low income families together in an area LACKING family resources? There is no plan to put in a family resource center such as Live Oak has. There are no parks for mothers with young children such as the Blue Ball park next to Soquel High School.

What if instead of low income families only clean and sober homes were located on those 5 acres next to the freeway in Aptos? Or what if only severely disabled persons could inhabit that area?

It is simply better that we encourage a diverse neighborhood. Before jamming more families into one tiny area of Aptos, the County of Santa Cruz needs to step up to the plate and create parks, tennis courts and family resource centers. And no, just because the beach is close by is not equivalent to a REAL park and REAL resource centers. And REAL basketball courts. All families need resources that allow youth to engage in healthy activities.

It would not be healthy to have one corner of the Santa Cruz County where all the clean and sober homes were located. Nor would society benefit were all the disabled housing located in one tiny area. And it is not healthy to educate largely autistic children in one school classroom. Likewise, it is not healthy to locate huge numbers of low income families jammed together in high density housing. Without family resources. All in one tiny corner of Aptos.

How best to use the Poor Clare property? Let the County buy it and develop it into a resource for the existing 5 acres of high density, low income families. And as a resource for all the families in Aptos, Seacliff and nearby areas. With a REAL park like the BLUE BALL park in Soquel. And basketball courts. How about a public swimming pool! And a skateboard park. And real, organic vegetables growing. And the sound of woodchucks chucking wood! Yes, how much wood can a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Answer: Lots of wood!

written by Cameron Jackson cameronjacks@gmail.com 831 688-6002

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Aptos, CA:Easter Seals shows parents how to PLAY & ENGAGE their autistic child.www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

From Aptos psychologist Dr. Jackson 831 688-6002

Easter Seals offers P.L.A.Y., a method that is softer and more gentle than Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Parents need to educate themselves about the different techniques available for assisting children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Parents need to be in the driver’s seat as to what kind of therapy they think will be best for their child.

There are “squishy” softer methods such as P.L.A.Y. and FloorTime. And there are “prickly”, harsher methods in my opinon such as Applied Behavior Analyisis (ABA). Different methods for different severities and kinds of autistic symptoms. Each child is unique. Parents who have educated themselves will make the best decisions.

Call EASTER SEALS in Aptos for informantion about how to PLAYFULLY engage with children with social and communication delays. Go: Easter Seals

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Education in Santa Cruz County: Pacifica Collegiate is our only GREAT school. Parents need CHOICE through tax credits and scholarships so middle and low income families have same goal: good education. Let PARENTS choose!! Pajaro Valley Unified LAGS way behind. www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

PVUSD zone system debated
By DONNA JONES

WATSONVILLE — “A proposed revision of Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s management structure is meeting with resistance.

Superintendent Dorma Baker presented the plan to reduce the number of assistant superintendents from four to three and manage the district by grade levels rather than the current geographic zones Wednesday.

Though the plan eliminates district office oversight of zones, Baker said she hoped to keep the concept alive in the community.

“There has been lots of conversation and concern about zones,” Baker said, adding she had been flooded with e-mail about the plan. “We need to listen to those voices so we don’t have people standing outside.”

The zone system, established in 2000 in the wake of an unsuccessful attempt by Aptos parents to split the district along north-south lines, is in trouble due to a fiscal crisis.

As district leaders hacked $14 million from next year’s spending, critics called for more administrative cuts. When Catherine Hatch, assistant superintendent for the central zone, subsequently announced her retirement, Baker and school board President Leslie De Rose recommended freezing the position.

But Baker’s plan to put 16 elementary schools under one assistant superintendent has raised concerns.

Trustee Willie Yahiro, who has served on the board for more than 16 years, worried that academic progress would be stymied by such a large grouping of schools with disparate needs as evidenced by widely divergent levels of achievement.

“When I first came on the board, everyone said everything is fine,'” Yahiro said. “When the first state tests came out, it was shocking to find the south zone was so far behind. This was the system we used.”

Assistant Superintendent Ylda Nogueda said a lot had changed since then. The state not only implemented a new testing scheme about the time the zones were established, it has since developed academic standards and textbooks to support them.

“In the 1980s, the state did not have curriculum defined. All of that is in place now,” Nogueda said. “With that you will see student achievement continuing to go up.”

Trustee Kim Turley said though the plan was created on the assumption that Hatch’s job would not be filled, trustees had yet to vote on the freeze.

“Parents right now, as they go through the system, have one person they deal with whether elementary, middle school or high school,” Turley said. “With this that is going to shift.”

Baker stressed that her plan was a draft, and there likely would be changes during and after implementation to get the bugs out.

Trustee Doug Keegan called the plan “bold” and “creative.”

“The people on whom the burden of this new plan will fall are among the most dedicated and talented people,” Keegan said. “That gives me confidence.”

De Rose urged parents to attend an all zone meeting set for Monday at Pajaro Valley to discuss the plan.”This is going to be a yea or nay to it,” De Rose said. “If you have a strong opinion, show up.”

PVUSD zone system debated
By DONNA JONES
Posted: 05/29/2009 01:30:41 AM PDT

WATSONVILLE — A proposed revision of Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s management structure is meeting with resistance.

Superintendent Dorma Baker presented the plan to reduce the number of assistant superintendents from four to three and manage the district by grade levels rather than the current geographic zones Wednesday.

Though the plan eliminates district office oversight of zones, Baker said she hoped to keep the concept alive in the community.

“There has been lots of conversation and concern about zones,” Baker said, adding she had been flooded with e-mail about the plan. “We need to listen to those voices so we don’t have people standing outside.”

The zone system, established in 2000 in the wake of an unsuccessful attempt by Aptos parents to split the district along north-south lines, is in trouble due to a fiscal crisis.

As district leaders hacked $14 million from next year’s spending, critics called for more administrative cuts. When Catherine Hatch, assistant superintendent for the central zone, subsequently announced her retirement, Baker and school board President Leslie De Rose recommended freezing the position.

But Baker’s plan to put 16 elementary schools under one assistant superintendent has raised concerns.

Trustee Willie Yahiro, who has served on the board for more than 16 years, worried that academic progress would be stymied by such a large grouping of schools with disparate needs as evidenced by

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widely divergent levels of achievement.

“When I first came on the board, everyone said everything is fine,'” Yahiro said. “When the first state tests came out, it was shocking to find the south zone was so far behind. This was the system we used.”

Assistant Superintendent Ylda Nogueda said a lot had changed since then. The state not only implemented a new testing scheme about the time the zones were established, it has since developed academic standards and textbooks to support them.

“In the 1980s, the state did not have curriculum defined. All of that is in place now,” Nogueda said. “With that you will see student achievement continuing to go up.”

Trustee Kim Turley said though the plan was created on the assumption that Hatch’s job would not be filled, trustees had yet to vote on the freeze.

“Parents right now, as they go through the system, have one person they deal with whether elementary, middle school or high school,” Turley said. “With this that is going to shift.”

Baker stressed that her plan was a draft, and there likely would be changes during and after implementation to get the bugs out.

Trustee Doug Keegan called the plan “bold” and “creative.”

“The people on whom the burden of this new plan will fall are among the most dedicated and talented people,” Keegan said. “That gives me confidence.”

De Rose urged parents to attend an all zone meeting set for Monday at Pajaro Valley to discuss the plan.”This is going to be a yea or nay to it,” De Rose said. “If you have a strong opinion, show up.”

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PVUSD zone system debated
By DONNA JONES
Posted: 05/29/2009 01:30:41 AM PDT

WATSONVILLE — A proposed revision of Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s management structure is meeting with resistance.

Superintendent Dorma Baker presented the plan to reduce the number of assistant superintendents from four to three and manage the district by grade levels rather than the current geographic zones Wednesday.

Though the plan eliminates district office oversight of zones, Baker said she hoped to keep the concept alive in the community.

“There has been lots of conversation and concern about zones,” Baker said, adding she had been flooded with e-mail about the plan. “We need to listen to those voices so we don’t have people standing outside.”

The zone system, established in 2000 in the wake of an unsuccessful attempt by Aptos parents to split the district along north-south lines, is in trouble due to a fiscal crisis.

As district leaders hacked $14 million from next year’s spending, critics called for more administrative cuts. When Catherine Hatch, assistant superintendent for the central zone, subsequently announced her retirement, Baker and school board President Leslie De Rose recommended freezing the position.

But Baker’s plan to put 16 elementary schools under one assistant superintendent has raised concerns.

Trustee Willie Yahiro, who has served on the board for more than 16 years, worried that academic progress would be stymied by such a large grouping of schools with disparate needs as evidenced by

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widely divergent levels of achievement.

“When I first came on the board, everyone said everything is fine,'” Yahiro said. “When the first state tests came out, it was shocking to find the south zone was so far behind. This was the system we used.”

Assistant Superintendent Ylda Nogueda said a lot had changed since then. The state not only implemented a new testing scheme about the time the zones were established, it has since developed academic standards and textbooks to support them.

“In the 1980s, the state did not have curriculum defined. All of that is in place now,” Nogueda said. “With that you will see student achievement continuing to go up.”

Trustee Kim Turley said though the plan was created on the assumption that Hatch’s job would not be filled, trustees had yet to vote on the freeze.

“Parents right now, as they go through the system, have one person they deal with whether elementary, middle school or high school,” Turley said. “With this that is going to shift.”

Baker stressed that her plan was a draft, and there likely would be changes during and after implementation to get the bugs out.

Trustee Doug Keegan called the plan “bold” and “creative.”

“The people on whom the burden of this new plan will fall are among the most dedicated and talented people,” Keegan said. “That gives me confidence.”

De Rose urged parents to attend an all zone meeting set for Monday at Pajaro Valley to discuss the plan.”This is going to be a yea or nay to it,” De Rose said. “If you have a strong opinion, show up.”

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PVUSD zone system debated
By DONNA JONES with comments by Cameron Jackson in brackets

WATSONVILLE — A proposed revision of Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s management structure is meeting with resistance.

“Superintendent Dorma Baker presented the plan to reduce the number of assistant superintendents from four to three and manage the district by grade levels rather than the current geographic zones Wednesday.

Though the plan eliminates district office oversight of zones, Baker said she hoped to keep the concept alive in the community.

“There has been lots of conversation and concern about zones,” Baker said, adding she had been flooded with e-mail about the plan. “We need to listen to those voices so we don’t have people standing outside.”

The zone system, established in 2000 in the wake of an unsuccessful attempt by Aptos parents to split the district along north-south lines, is in trouble due to a fiscal crisis.

As district leaders hacked $14 million from next year’s spending, critics called for more administrative cuts. When Catherine Hatch, assistant superintendent for the central zone, subsequently announced her retirement, Baker and school board President Leslie De Rose recommended freezing the position.

But Baker’s plan to put 16 elementary schools under one assistant superintendent has raised concerns.

Trustee Willie Yahiro, who has served on the board for more than 16 years, worried that academic progress would be stymied by such a large grouping of schools with disparate needs as evidenced by
widely divergent levels of achievement.

“When I first came on the board, everyone said everything is fine,'” Yahiro said. “When the first state tests came out, it was shocking to find the south zone was so far behind. This was the system we used.”

Assistant Superintendent Ylda Nogueda said a lot had changed since then. The state not only implemented a new testing scheme about the time the zones were established, it has since developed academic standards and textbooks to support them.

“In the 1980s, the state did not have curriculum defined. All of that is in place now,” Nogueda said. “With that you will see student achievement continuing to go up.”

Trustee Kim Turley said though the plan was created on the assumption that Hatch’s job would not be filled, trustees had yet to vote on the freeze.

“Parents right now, as they go through the system, have one person they deal with whether elementary, middle school or high school,” Turley said. “With this that is going to shift.”

Baker stressed that her plan was a draft, and there likely would be changes during and after implementation to get the bugs out.

Trustee Doug Keegan called the plan “bold” and “creative.” (Oh reallly?)“The people on whom the burden of this new plan will fall are among the most dedicated and talented people,” Keegan said. “That gives me confidence.”

De Rose urged parents to attend an all zone meeting set for Monday at Pajaro Valley to discuss the plan.”This is going to be a yea or nay to it,” De Rose said. “If you have a strong opinion, show up.”

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Aptos psychologist: Gudith Grether, Ph.D. speaks about the biological markers for autism, May 27, Morgan Autism Center www.freedomOK.net/wordpress

831 688-6002 Licensed psyhologist Dr. Cameron Jackson, Ph.D. writes: The increase in autistic spectrum disorders is so huge and fast that finding enviornmental causes — and doing so quickly — is crucial to getting a handle on this disorder. Per regional center data, in 30 years the number of persons served by the California regional centers diagnosed with autism jumped 1200% from 2,701 in 1987 to 34,656 in 2007.

Judith Grether, Ph.D. research scientist with the Enviornmental Health Investigations branch of the California Department of Public Health speaks this Wed., May 27 at the Morgan Autism Center, 2280 Kenwood Av., San Jose, CA 95128. Cost is $20. Call 408 241 8161 for more information.

For more information about Morgan Autism Center go to Morgan Center

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