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SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON AUTISM & RELATED DISORDERS HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING AT STATE CAPITOL
California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg convened the first public hearing of the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders on April 13th at the State Capitol in Sacramento. This 14-member bipartisan Committee, chaired by Senator Steinberg, was established to build on the work of the 3-year California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism by providing a legislative forum for research, analysis, deliberations and outreach on the most pressing issues and concerns facing families who are dealing with autism spectrum disorders
To ensure input from stakeholders across California, 12 regional taskforces, collectively more than 600 members strong, were established to review and prepare recommendations for consideration by the Select Committee in four key areas: Early Identification and Intervention; Medical Insurance Coverage by Private Health Plans; Training and Employment; and Appropriate & Affordable Housing. Locally, the North Los Angeles Autism Regional Taskforce has convened more than 100 members from throughout the area to address these important issues. Dr. Barbara Firestone was appointed Chair of the Statewide Coordinating Council of Autism Taskforces and serves as Chair of the North Los Angeles Autism Regional Taskforce. Dr. Firestone also was the Vice-Chair of the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, which was chaired by Senator Steinberg.
Throughout the past year, the regional taskforces have actively participated in developing the preliminary recommendations that were presented at the April 13th meeting.
Senator Steinberg began the hearing by saying, “We have to be poised to launch new and important initiatives to meet the needs of children and families in California, and at the top of the list we need to be more aggressive and more effective in treating autism spectrum disorders, continuing our groundbreaking research and in being able to provide the necessary supports for adults to transition into a productive and good life. Let this hearing be another step toward implementation and action.”
The outstanding leadership of Senator Steinberg and the Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders, along with the collective efforts of the statewide taskforces, demonstrates California’s ongoing commitment to “partnering with families and communities for a brighter future.”
To learn more about the Senate Select Committee please visit: http://www.senate.ca.gov/autism
To view the hearing please visit: https://www.calchannel.com/channel/viewvideo/1242 |
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The Help Group featured in the Los Angeles Daily News "Special Autism Section"
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 THE HELP GROUP STARTED SMALL BUT NOW SERVES
THOUSANDS ON AUTISM SPECTRUM IN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY AND BEYOND
By Kathleen Sweeney, Correspondent
Thursday, April 22,2010
The Help Group, founded in 1975, is the largest nonprofit organization of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. It runs nine specialized day schools that are certified by the California Department of Education and offers preschool through high school programs for more than 1,300 students.
It has a variety of mental health and therapy services, child abuse and residential programs and it reaches more than 6,000 children and their families each year. About 850 students are on the autism spectrum. The schools are located on four campuses, three in the San Fernando Valley and one in Culver City.
full story... |
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The Help Group Hosts the Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders
Excellence in Employment Awards"
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On April 23rd, The Help Group hosted the inaugural California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders “Excellence in Employment Awards” reception at its Sherman Oaks Campus. The award honors individuals, organizations, and businesses that are leading the way in providing employment opportunities for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other special needs. The honorees were nominated by the North Los Angeles Autism Regional Taskforce (NLAART) – one of the 12 regional taskforces established by the Senate Select Committee.
Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge), Senate Select Committee Member, and Dr. Barbara Firestone, Chair, the Statewide Coordinating Council of Autism Taskforces, Chair, NLAART and President & CEO, The Help Group, presented the awards to 10 recipients: Anne Altman, International Creative Management; The Gott Family, Danny’s Farm; Jons Marketplace; Eric Amundsun & Joclynn Benjamin, Leaps N Boundz; Steve Jameson, Los Angeles Daily News; Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films & Team Diversity Media; Vons; Gil Zaharoni, Symmetry Electronics; Rick Ziegler, Manager, Vons Store #77; and Kathleen Oliva, Manager, Sun Valley Blockbuster Video.
Autism now affects one in 110 children in the United States. In the state of California 84% of individuals with autism are under the age of 22. Within the next five years, an unprecedented number of teenagers with ASD will become adults. Currently, there is a significant gap of employment opportunities for these young people, with an unemployment rate of over 90%. The Senate Select Committee is developing public policy to address the compelling need.
The California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders, chaired by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, is a bipartisan, 14-member committee formed to promote policies and legislation that will better assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Three Select Committee members, Senators Carol Liu, Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) and Fran Pavley (D-Santa Monica), represent the North Los Angeles area. For more information see www.senate.ca.gov/autism.
“We are honored to recognize these fabulous employers who have demonstrated their commitment to young people with disabilities by providing them with meaningful jobs in the mainstream of our lives,” said Sen. Liu.
“Today we celebrate the potential of young people with autism and other special needs to lead productive and rewarding lives in our communities—and we’re here to honor those who give these young people the chance to succeed,” Dr. Firestone told the enthusiastic audience of taskforce members and other guests.
Colby Pittard, an individual with autism, has worked for the past 12 years at International Creative Management and has been mentored by award recipient Anne Altman. Everyone was very moved everyone when he said with great dignity and pride, “I love coming to work every day. Thank you to everyone here for making opportunities like this possible.”
Members of The Help Group Children’s Choir and long standing friend, Louis Price, former lead singer of The Temptations, closed the festivities with a rousing medley to a cheering audience. |
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The Help Group and Bear Givers Celebrate Successful Opening Night Reception of
"Through Our Eyes: A Celebration of Young Artists" at James Gray Gallery |
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In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month in April, The Help Group proudly launched the Through Our Eyes: A Celebration of Young Artists exhibition on March 20th with a hugely successful opening night reception at the prestigious James Gray Gallery in Santa Monica’s Bergamont Station Art Center. This premiere exhibit, which runs through April 18th, is sponsored by the New York-based nonprofit Bear Givers, and features 71 wonderfully imaginative canvases created by the students of The Help Group’s Village Glen School.
With campuses in Sherman Oaks and Culver City, California, The Help Group’s Village Glen School serves children and adolescents with social and communicative challenges, including Asperger’s Disorder, high-functioning autism, and nonverbal learning disabilities.
According to Dr. Barbara Firestone, The Help Group President & CEO, “It was incredibly rewarding to see the pride of the students and their parents as they showed the world their creativity and talent. The outpouring of support for the kids made it a magical evening. We are immensely grateful to Bear Givers for its generous support and to James Gray Gallery for hosting this exhibition.”
Founder and Chairman of Bear Givers, Joseph Sprung said he was thrilled by the tremendously positive response the young artists received. “This exhibit will give so many people a chance to see what these students can do and how The Help Group nurtures their talents,” Sprung said. Bear Givers President Diane Lempert noted, “Every child, no matter what developmental challenge they may have, is gifted and talented and has the ability to create something beautiful.”
“The turnout was incredible,” said gallery owner James Gray. “To have sold nearly half the pieces on opening night was just fantastic.” Heidi Gray, the gallery director, reflected on the impact the event had on the young artists. “The Through Our Eyes exhibit is one of those memories that a child carries with them for the rest of their life. The entire experience with The Help Group and Bear Givers has been so inspirational. James and I are so happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of this project.”
Many of the student artists took time to discuss their work with attendees. Lauren shared her feelings of joy in creating “Mosaic Heart,” a visually stunning acrylic work that sold on opening night as well as her thoughts on the exhibit itself. “People think of children with autism as kids who don’t know who they are or what they’re doing. I think we have a lot more intelligence than people think we do.” |
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 Gelson’s Super Market chains are teaming up with The Help Group to promote the early signs of autism during Autism Awareness month in April.The Help Group’s There is Hope, There is Help campaign is an effort to create awareness by reaching out to parents, families and to the community at large with current facts about autism.
During the month of April, brochures with autism facts will be prominently displayed at the front desk of each Gelson’s store location. Campaign posters will line storefront windows and every register screen will display a rotating image of the campaign logo with autism facts. Store patrons can participate in Autism Awareness month by making a $3, $5 or $10 donation—pull tabs with dollar denominations can be found at each register. Funds raised from the There is Hope, There is Help campaign will support The Help Group’s autism education and outreach programs.
The Help Group extends a very special thank you to Gelsons for their tremendous efforts on behalf of The Help Group. And we are grateful to Gelson’s staff for all of their outstanding support.
You can visit any one of the following Gelson’s locations to participate in the campaign: www.gelsons.com |
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The Help Group Hosts Valley Representatives Meeting ~ January 26, 2010 |
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On Tuesday, January 26th The Help Group hosted the January Valley Representatives Meeting and had the opportunity to further acquaint several staff members from local elected official’s offices with The Help Group’s efforts on behalf of children with special needs.
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THE HELP GROUP HONORS BRIAN GOLDNER, MARY URQUHART AND MAX MAYER AT ITS
TEDDY BEAR BALL FEATURING BEN STILLER AND CELEBRITY GUESTS
Annual Gala Raises Significant Funds to Benefit of Children with Autism and Other Special Needs,
Christine Taylor, Gary Cole and Zachary Levi Join Ben Stiller to Ring in the Holiday Season
At its 13th annual Teddy Bear Ball, The Help Group honored three remarkable individuals. Hasbro President & CEO Brian Goldner received the Help Humanitarian Award in recognition of his far-reaching philanthropic leadership and commitment to children’s causes; parent advocate Mary Urquhart received the Champion for Children Award in recognition of her heartfelt spirit of giving and volunteerism that has helped to create brighter futures for children with autism; and writer-director Max Mayer received the Spirit of Hope Award for raising important public awareness and understanding through his sensitive portrayal of a young man with Asperger’s Disorder in his acclaimed motion picture “Adam”.
The Teddy Bear Ball was co-chaired by Brian Grazer, Cheryl & Haim Saban, and Bill Urquhart. With more than 600 guests in attendance, this year’s event took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel’s International Ballroom on December 7th and Major Sponsors included Hasbro Inc., Cheryl & Haim Saban – The Saban Family Foundation, Mary & Bill Urquhart, Keyes Automotive Group, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, the Milken Family Foundation, WME Entertainment, Qantas Airlines and Universal Studios.
Ben Stiller lit up the evening with his warmth and humor. He sang an unforgettable impromptu rendition of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer with The Help Group children at their request. To recognize this year’s honorees, he led the evening’s tributes, highlighting their humanitarian spirit and introducing the retrospective of past honorees whose friendship and caring have touched the lives of many Help Group children. After the close of the curtain, Ben graciously stayed on to sign autographs and take photos with members of The Help Group Children’s Choir and other guests.
Gary Cole, The Help Group’s National Celebrity Spokesperson and parent of a child an autism spectrum disorder spoke of the important work of The Help Group saying, “I know first-hand what an invaluable resource The Help Group is for children and families. My wife Teddi and I are so grateful that our daughter Mary attends a Help Group school and that we’ve had the opportunity to take part in The Help Group’s autism awareness efforts.” He introduced The Help Group’s new video, eloquently narrated by Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.
With the room still aglow from a rousing performance of a holiday medley by The Help Group Children’s Choir and Louis Price, former lead singer of the Temptations, Gary H. Carmona, Help Group Chairman and Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO thanked everyone for their generous support and commitment. They spoke of The Help Group’s efforts on behalf of the children and presented awards to each of the honorees. Dr. Firestone remarked, “It’s that special time of year when we take pause to think about the true meaning of the holiday season…the compassion and caring of our honorees Brian, Mary and Max give us great cause to celebrate.”
Christine Taylor joined Gary Cole in a salute to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and its President & CEO, Mel Elias, recognizing eight consecutive years of support of The Help Group through its annual “Deck the Walls” holiday in-store giving program, currently in progress through January 5th and through hosting The Help Group’s Autism Awareness Month campaign. During the spirited live auction segment, Dr. Susan Berman, Help Group COO and Dick Costello, Help Group Circle of Friends Philanthropic Board member introduced The Help Group’s Opportunity Fund that drew very generous financial support from the audience. Raul Pastor, a Help Group graduate, movingly shared what the Opportunity Fund has meant to him.
With a musical tribute to the honorees, the multi-talented Zachary Levi (“Chuck”), joined by the Children’s Choir, gave a heartwarming performance of Wonderful World. Zachary’s easy charm and interaction with the kids created a very special moment that captured the spirit of the evening.
Margaret Loesch, President & CEO of the Discovery-Hasbro Joint Venture introduced Brian Goldner and lauded his professional and philanthropic achievements. In his acceptance remarks, Brian said, “Hasbro’s employees have been a force in the playful development of the whole child and their families. Giving to kids and giving back to communities is in Hasbro’s DNA. The Help Group is an organization that mirrors this commitment to children and families. It serves as a model that deserves all of our support. …This is an organization and a team that is all about creating a great future for every child.” At the conclusion of his remarks, he surprised The Help Group with his announcement of Hasbro’s generous donation of a state-of-the-art Boundless playground to The Help Group’s new Autism Center opening in 2010.
With great poise, Christine Urquhart, teenage daughter of Mary Urquhart, lovingly introduced her Mom. Mary was joined on stage by her son Brian who has been the inspiration of all of her efforts on behalf of children with autism spectrum disorders. Brian will be graduating from The Help Group’s Village Glen High School this coming spring. Addressing the audience Mary said, “As I look around the room, I am overwhelmed by the support of our friends…You are the reason that we have felt comfortable in every situation regardless of how difficult things have been at times. Throughout the last 18 years we could depend on your love and support. That means everything. …Thank you Bill, our friends, family and The Help Group.”
“Adam” producer, Leslie Urdang introduced her colleague and friend, Max Mayer, and read a letter written by a young man with Asperger’s Disorder who found hope in the film’s message. In his acceptance remarks, Max shared, “I am deeply honored and humbled if our movie has helped in some small way to support people on the spectrum and those who love them...Thank you so much to everyone at The Help Group for your work, for your love and knowledge, for your perseverance and finally for your awe-inspiring desire to help.”
For the grand finale, all of the honorees, celebrity guests and the children sang Winter Wonderland to a cheering audience ~ it was a truly memorable evening! |
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PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM DON CAPS AND GOWNS
Graduation at The Help Group highlights the achievements of its Youngest Learners
In his royal blue cap and gown, five-year old, Manny stopped to wave hello to his father, Manuel Munguia and give him a hug before walking down the aisle to join his 2009 graduating class. This July, twenty-seven preschool students from The Help Group’s Young Learners Preschool for Autism celebrated commencement to a cheering audience of families and friends. Showcasing the remarkable strides they’ve made in Young Learner’s intensive early intervention program, students gave a special musical performance demonstrating multiple skills including language, movement, and following instructions. “Songs are one of the ways we teach language skills – music time is an activity that the children truly enjoy and it’s part of the curriculum to enhance their cognition and comprehension of more abstract thoughts and ideas,” says Kari Ann Walter, Assistant Director, Early Education Programs.
During the ceremony Pamela Clark, Director, The Help Group Autism Schools highlighted the strengths of the program. “Thanks to the tremendous partnership of parents and staff, Young Learners Preschool is the perfect example of how the power of early intervention can affect positive change in young students with autism.” Describing the program, Clark explains, “Students at Young Learners have the opportunity to make considerable progress because we offer intensive, individualized educational instruction six hours a day, five days a week.” The specialized education day school at Young Learners utilizes research-based intervention strategies to foster growth in student communication, language development, socialization, behavior and fine and gross motor skills.
 When Manuel Munguia and his wife Deanna enrolled their son Manny in Young Learners at age three, she noted, “It was the perfect transition for our son. He made friends and he started to speak and now he’s really starting to grasp the skills that allow him to interact socially.” After completing his second year at Young Learners Preschool, she shared, “His progress has been amazing.”
Early intervention is vital. “Science shows us that the best way to treat autism is to intervene as early as possible,” explains Dr. Sara McCracken, Director, The Help Group Autism Spectrum Disorders Programs. “Children who develop basic learning skills in the early years can experience greater success as they continue in school.”
Proponents of early intervention in the State of California are keeping this relevant issue on the agenda of policymakers. Greater state-wide awareness of autism and a commitment to advancing strong and effective autism public policy has resulted in the formation of the new California Senate Select Committee on Autism, chaired by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg. The Committee will focus on issues related to early identification and treatment and will build on the trailblazing work and important contributions of the three-year California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism that was chaired by Senator Steinberg and vice-chaired by Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO, The Help Group.
“Under the visionary leadership of Senator Darrell Steinberg, the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism that I had the privilege to Vice Chair, and now the establishment of the Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders, signal California’s ongoing commitment to bringing help and hope to individuals with autism and their families,” says Dr. Firestone.
Next year, Manny will be attending The Help Group’s Bridgeport kindergarten, and his mother Deanna is incredibly proud. “We were lucky to have the best therapists and family support, and to find a preschool at The Help Group where Manny could thrive,” she explains. “Every day I see changes. Manny works so hard to accomplish what he sets out to do - and he’s shown me that there is hope. I believe in my heart that early intervention saved our son.” |
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With a turn of the tassel and a toss of their caps, students from The Help Group’s Village Glen High School marked graduation day with pride. At a ceremony to honor the students’ tremendous achievements, each graduate shared personal remarks highlighting their hopes and dreams for the future.
Many of the 37 graduating students from Village Glen’s Schools in Sherman Oaks and Culver City will continue on to higher education at major universities and colleges. Graduates will be attending UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Northridge, the Music Institute, Pasadena City College, Pierce Community College and Occidental to name a few. With the promise of great opportunity ahead, graduates have plans to study and explore interests in the visual and performing arts, graphics and video design, creative writing and computer technology.
Saluting the class of 2009, Dr. Barbara Firestone, President & CEO, The Help Group remarked, “Commencement is a celebration of your potential – and each one of you has incredible gifts. Be bold and passionate, and strive to accomplish what you have set out to do. You have what it takes to succeed – your whole future is ahead and it looks bright.” Director of The Help Group’s Autism Schools, Pamela Clark, addressed the staff and graduates and said, “Our teachers and administrators have created a wonderful community at Village Glen that makes it possible for our students to thrive. Today is not the end, but a new beginning for the class of 2009 – a new beginning as young adults.”
For high school students with high functioning autism and Asperger’s, the journey to reach graduation day is in part accomplished by developing core social skills that compliment an academic, college preparatory curriculum. At Village Glen, a highly specialized day school of The Help Group, students are taught to think socially, and an emphasis is placed on building friendships and developing a deeper understanding of how the social world works. In his graduation speech, Ian reflected on meeting his best friend Sandro in middle school, “Quite a friendship has formed. I am truly thankful that I attended Village Glen. The School provided me with an environment where I didn’t have to suffer for being a little different. I was able to enjoy my high school experience, and embrace it rather than fear it.”
Acknowledging those who enabled him to reach this significant milestone, student council president, Sandro, expressed what so many students felt as he thanked his teachers and shared, “I’m still learning from you, even today. I owe a lot to this place and to the people who’ve helped me while I was here.”
Congratulations Class of 2009! |
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The Help Group's Social Skills Curriculum is Highlighted in The Los Angeles Times
Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Director, The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance interviewed by LA Times Health Reporter Amber Dance.
to read the full story, click here
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A PROM NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOR TEENS WITH AUTISM AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS
Dance Lessons at The Help Group Teach Students All The Right Moves
For the students of The Help Group’s Bridgeport School, prom night was an evening to remember – filled with friendship, fun, music and dance. Students with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs lit up the dance floor with energy, excitement and confidence.
In preparation for the prom, Bridgeport’s social skills curriculum included prom etiquette as well as a series of weekly ballroom dancing classes funded by the Parent Association. Pamela Clark, Director, The Help Group’s Autism Schools said, “We’re thrilled to include the ballroom dancing in our music and arts programs at Bridgeport. The student’s response has been wonderful – this dance instruction has given them another avenue for self expression and social interaction.” Spirited instructors from Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Woodland Hills, Ca. and Bridgeport faculty, helped students learn the steps, move to the beat and navigate the social world of dance. Studio owner, Robert Melgoza, shared, “It’s important to look at dance as a conversation – it’s an invitation and a response, and the students of The Help Group responded so well to our instruction, to the music and to the movement of dance.”
As an avid dance enthusiast, Janice Betts, Principal of Bridgeport School wanted to introduce her students to the physicality and camaraderie of dance. “My philosophy is that learning should be fun, and for students with special needs, dance is a different way to provide a social curriculum. It may spark a new interest and open another window to learning.”
Dr. Sara McCracken, Director, The Help Group Autism Spectrum Disorders Programs notes that the benefits of dance for children with autism spectrum disorders are broad, “In addition to learning the steps and keeping the beat, dance involves learning appropriate physical boundaries, social dance position, proper posture and the social rules of dance. It’s a dynamic interaction that requires making eye contact, integrating sensory input, coordinating movement, and the ability to relate to others.”
Innovative new autism research focuses on the role that music can play in unlocking children’s potential for self-expression, creativity and sociability. Under the auspices of The Help Group – UCLA Autism Research Alliance, Dr. Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, a member of the Alliance and neuroscientist at UCLA's Semel Institute, is currently conducting a study funded by the Grammy Foundation, exploring the relationship between music and the ability of children with autism to identify emotions. In a second study funded by NAMM, he will explore the impact of music education on children with autism. “We know that music is a unique gateway into human emotions,” says Molnar-Szakacs. “Music and dance can be useful educational tools to help students acquire social skills and further develop awareness of self and others.”
More than 80 students enthusiastically took part in prom night – themed as a “Hollywood Premiere.” Dressed in their finest to celebrate this magical evening, students walked down the red carpet to shining spot lights and lively music with rhythms ranging from rumba to salsa. “Prom was fun,” said student Andre. “I danced all night – now that I know the moves. Dancing allows me to express myself and it makes me feel so good. I feel like nothing can stop me while I listen to the music.”
Corde, a graduating senior, expressed a sentiment that captured how many of the students felt about their dance lessons leading up to the prom, “Dancing is fun – it’s energizing. Every time I dance I feel a sudden explosion of energy and it makes me feel alive.” |
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AUTISM RESEARCH REACHES THE CLASSROOM
The Help Group – UCLA Autism Research Alliance’s Innovative New Approach to Bridging Science and Treatment
The Help Group - UCLA Autism Research Alliance is pleased to announce that twelve research initiatives are being funded to study the effectiveness of treatment interventions for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Long the domain of university labs, autism research is taking the critical step into the real world of special education classrooms. Investigators from The Help Group – UCLA Autism Research Alliance are exploring answers to some of the long standing questions about how best to treat children with ASDs.
“The classroom is an ideal environment to study interventions for autistic children, but the majority of autism research takes place in a laboratory setting. By transitioning research out of the lab, we can test the true effectiveness of our treatments for children with ASD in a natural environment and open the door to exciting new possibilities,” said Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Director of the Alliance.
Through this groundbreaking approach to research, investigators are examining pressing issues confronting children with autism and their families. “While a lot of studies are focusing on the causes of autism, or potential cures, it’s important to research new and innovative ways to treat children now,” says Charity Vanderveer, whose son Dublin attends The Help Group’s Young Learners Preschool. “It’s only through treatment that our children will have the opportunity to become the best they can be, and reach their fullest potential.”
Launched in 2007, the Alliance is a unique partnership between The Help Group, a leader in autism education, and the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Through the pioneering vision of Dr. Barbara Firestone, President and CEO of The Help Group, and Dr. Peter Whybrow, Director of the UCLA Semel Institute, the Alliance is at the vanguard of translational autism research – work that promises to discover new ways to improve the lives of individuals with ASD.
These unique areas of research include:
Hearing Abilities in Children with ASD
Anjali Bhatara, Ph.D.
American Association of University Women Postdoctoral Fellowship
To better understand how children with ASD hear and process sounds in their environments, Dr. Anjali Bhatara's research will test the hearing abilities of children aged 10-14 and measure their brain activity using EEG in response to different types of sounds.
Understanding Factors that Lead to Success in School
Jan Blacher, Ph.D.
SEARCH Fellowship Program
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in early adaptation to school, Dr. Jan Blacher, Professor in the Graduate School of Education at UC Riverside has joined forces with the Alliance to investigate the factors that contribute to school success among children with ASD. This study will incorporate “theory of mind” measures and parent and teacher reports for students between 5-12 years of age at the Village Glen and Bridgeport Schools at The Help Group. To participate, please call (951) 827-3849 or email searchcenter@ucr.edu
Improving Friendship Skills for Young Adults
Alexander Gantman, Psy.D.
NIH T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
This one-year research study, spearheaded by Dr. Alex Gantman, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, will test the effectiveness of a social skills intervention for transitional young adults aged 18-22. This study is being conducted at the Sherman Oaks campus of The Help Group and will include graduates of the Village Glen School as well as other interested young adults with ASD.
Assisting Parents with Understanding the Importance of Evidence-Based Treatments
Araksia Kaladjian
UC Riverside SEARCH Fellowship
In an effort to enhance understanding of evidence-based treatments, UC Riverside SEARCH Fellow, Araksia Kaladjian, will be leading a study to investigate the utility of providing parent education groups for parents of preschool children with an autism spectrum disorders. Parents will be given weekly instruction about scientifically verified interventions, how to select and evaluate programs, and information about the latest research findings. The study is funded by SEARCH, a family autism research center at UC Riverside, and will take place through the Young Learners Preschool Program at The Help Group’s Sherman Oaks campus.
Improving Language Development in Preschool Children
Connie Kasari, Ph.D.
Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Competition Award
This two-year project, headed by Dr. Connie Kasari, Professor in the UCLA Department of Education, will test the effects of treatment in joint attention skills and symbolic play for young children with ASD at The Help Group’s Young Learners Preschool. Joint attention skills include showing, pointing, and sharing an event or object with another person. Since previous research indicates that children who demonstrate more joint attention skills often develop better language abilities, Dr. Kasari will examine the improvement in language development in preschool children with ASD through the use of treatment involving joint attention.
Improving Social Skills for Middle School Students
Elizabeth Laugeson, Psy.D.
Nathan and Lily Shapell Foundation, Friends of the Semel Institute, and a Semel Scholar Award for Junior Faculty Career Development
Dr. Liz Laugeson, Director of The Help Group – UCLA Autism Research Alliance, will test the effectiveness of an evidence-based social skills intervention in improving friendship quality and social skills in middle school students with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at The Help Group’s Village Glen School. Using a teacher-assisted social skills intervention known as PEERS, teens will be given daily classroom instruction in the rules of social etiquette related to improving friendships. This intervention will be compared to a customary scope and sequence social skills curriculum in order to assess changes in social skills and friendship quality.
Identifying the Neural Pathways Associated with Understanding Emotions
Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, Ph.D.
Grammy Foundation Grant
In an innovative study led by Dr. Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, a neuroscience researcher at the UCLA Tennenbaum Center for the Biology of Creativity, music will be used as a tool to explore the ability of children with ASD to identify emotions in musical excerpts and facial expressions. Molnar-Szakacs will use neuroimaging — functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI — to look at and compare brain activity in children with ASD with the brain activity in typically developing kids while both groups are engaged in identifying emotions from faces and musical excerpts. The study will track how the brain processes emotion in children with autism and in turn, will lead to the development of more optimal interventions.
Understanding the Positive Impact of Music Education
Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, Ph.D.
NAMM Grant
This study will test the postive impact of a school-based music education program for children with ASD through the Bridgeport and Sunrise Schools. Recruitment for this study is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2010.
Detecting Dynamic Facial Expressions in Children with ASDs
Judith Piggot, M.B.Ch.B., Ph.D.
Semel Institute Young Investigator Award and Autism Speaks Grant
Dr. Piggot, Medical Director for CART Assessment Core and Assistant Professor-in-Residence of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, will be collaborating with the Alliance on two separate studies. The first is an fMRI study funded by the Grammy Foundation to investigate the neural pathways associated with affect recognition in musical stimuli for children with ASD; and the second is an fMRI study investigating emotion recognition in faces for children with ASD.
Decreasing Social Anxiety in Elementary School Aged Children
Jeffrey Wood, Ph.D.
Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grant
Dr. Jeff Wood, Assistant Professor in the UCLA Department of Education, is heading a one-year project that will involve teaching mental health practitioners at The Help Group to implement a cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to treat social anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders. On-site school practitioners at The Help Group’s Village Glen School will be trained to conduct weekly cognitive behavioral therapy intervention sessions with children 7 to 11 years of age who have ASD and co-morbid anxiety disorders. The study seeks to decrease social anxiety and increase adaptive functioning for children with ASD and social anxiety.
Validating Measures of Social Anxiety for Children with ASD
Jeffrey J. Wood, Ph.D.
In this study, led by Dr. Jeff Wood, researchers will investigate the prevalence of anxiety disorders in children 7-11 years of age with lower functioning ASD, while simultaneously validating commonly used measures of childhood anxiety through a cross comparison of parent and teacher reports. Research will be conducted through the Bridgeport and Sunrise schools at The Help Group.
Decreasing Anxiety in Young Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism
Jeffrey J. Wood, Ph.D.
National Insitute of Mental Health
In this study, Dr. Jeff Wood, is testing the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to treat anxiety problems in high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders. Weekly cognitive behavioral therapy intervention sessions will be conducted with individual children 11 to 14 years of age who have high-functioning ASD and co-morbid anxiety disorders and their families. The study seeks to decrease anxiety and increase adaptive functioning for children with high-functioning ASD and anxiety.
The Help Group - UCLA Autism Reseach Alliance is dedicated to enhancing and expanding clinical research in the education and treatment of ASD and to contributing to the development, greater understanding, and use of best practice models by researchers, educators and clinicians. |
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THE HELP GROUP – UCLA AUTISM RESEARCH ALLIANCE IS HIGHLIGHTED IN LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS ARTICLE,
“FORM OF GENE CAN BOOST CHANCES OF AUTISM” by Susan Abram
To read the full story, click here |
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