SF Bay area resources

San Francisco area resources for special needs kids

Disclaimer: The information, views, and opinions provided on this web page may not have been completely verified and is not to be considered as a personal recommendation or referral to any person or organization. The views and information are a compilation of bay area discussion group comments and bay area websites including: www.php.com , http://bayareaasresource.org, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rwsparentgroup, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bayareaprekasd, Linda W, www.thelighthouseproject.com , www.php.com , Moria, M, etc. I have also given the list to www.php.com in hopes that they will add this info to their database and then I can substantially reduce the detail in this list :-) If you see your recommendation here please contact me to be added to the contributor list, if or have corrections or recommendations, please contact

Auditory

Behavior consultants

Biofeedback
Biomedical

Birthday party ideas
Chiropractors

Compounding Pharmancies
Conductive education
Counselors
Cranial Sacral (cranio-sacral)
DAN!

Dentist

Diagnosis & Evaluation
Education Law - autism

Education Law - general
Environment safety
Feldenkrais

Finding MORE resources

Floortime
Food (on special diets)

Free play with other kids

Fun activities – special needs kids friendly

Fun activities – special needs programs

Grocery
Hair cuts
Homeschooling

IEP

Insurance

Math

Medical-Traditional

Medical-Biomedical
Medical-homeopathy

Nanny/respite care

Other

Parent support

Physical therapy

RDI

Reading, spelling, comprehension

Schools – full inclusive

Schools – special needs only

Sensory Integration

Social skills and Social cognitive

Speech, OT, integrated play groups

Summer camps and after school – special needs programs
Summer camps and After school - special needs friendly
Support for parents and respite too
Thermography

Thinking, reasoning

Tutoring and Shadow aides
Vacations

Visual

Visual Motor

Auditory related

The Listening Center - Tomatis

Walnut Creek, CA 925-952-4724

http://www.thelisteningcenter.net

The Swain Center - Tomatis
Note: the Swain center holds several outreach clinics per year, if you or yyour school, therapist, etc can gather a
group of participants, they will bring the therapy to your site! This is what we did with my son, and it was awesome!!!

Listening Communication & Learning

Santa Rosa, CA

To check if there are new California providers for Tomatis

http://www.tomatis.com/English/Addresses/United_States/usa.htm

Creative Listening Center – Tomatis, The Listening Program, Brain Builder and Sound Health Series CD's

Concord, CA, 925-686-0762

http://www.creativelisteningcenter.com

Judith W. Paton, M.A., FAAA, pediatric and adult

Central Auditory Processing Evaluations, Fast ForWord, AIT (Berard)

San Mateo, CA (650) 340-1280 www.judithpaton.com

Phyllis Burt, M.A., CCC-A, FAAA

Park Place Hearing Center

Petaluma, CA (707) 763-3161

http://members.aol.com/PPHearing/phyllis.html

audiologist that screens for CAPD

Infant hearing screening – California locations

http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov/pcfh/cms/nhsp/cntyreg5.htm

Hearing - Language - Speech (Marsha A. Haines ) - audiological assessment

San Jose, CA

http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=883

Marian S. Tabuchi, MA, OTR - The Listening Program

http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=3213

San Jose, Ca , 408-247-0441

8-week program done at home. Visit www.advancedbrain.com for background. Program Cost: Service fee includes The Listening Program (binder, detailed program information, and 8 CD's), recommended CD player, required headphones, initial consultation and programming, and phone consultation for 8 weeks. Service fee: $945 payable at initial consultation.

Vital Links, therapeutic listening

http://www.vitallinks.net/providerDirectory/ca.htm find California providers here

The Listening Program, therapeutic listening

http://www.advancedbrain.com/ProviderList_6.asp?State=CA find California providers here

Hemi-sync

http://www.hemi-sync.com/shop/customer/content.php?section=usdealers where to buy locally and local workshop presenters

You can also buy the tapes and cd’s directly from their site. The music can be listened to on a regular stereo with speakers

http://www.interactivemetronome.com/default.asp?cate_id=5&pg_id=444 find California providers here – there are many in the bay area

Lighthouse – IM www.thelighthouseproject.com see also OT section

Saratoga Instruction and Diagnostic Center
AIT
http://www.saratogainst.com/services.html

Behavior Consultants

Gateway Learning Group
Melissa Willa, M.A., BCBA, Executive Director, San Francisco, CA 94146
415-513-5299 info@gatewaylg.com , www.gatewaylg.com
Gateway provides intensive behavioral interventions to young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Gateway also provides behavior consultation to families and school staff. Gateway Learning Group is a certified Non-Public Agency and is vendorized with Golden Gate Regional Center.

STE Consultants
Sarah Trautman-Eslinger, M.A., BCBA Executive Director, Berkeley, CA 94710
510-665-9700, info@steconsultants.com http://www.steconsultants.com
Staff include BCBAs, BCABAs, credentialed teachers, and psychologists. Services offered include: early intervention programs, behavior consultation and functional assessments in homes and in schools, inclusion facilitation, social skills training, verbal behavior programs, and parent and educator training.
STE Consultants is a certified Non-Public Agency and is vendorized with the Regional Center of the East Bay. Also a member of CalABA and the Association for Behavior Analysis.

Applied Behavior Consultants (ABC), http://www.abcreal.com/

(800) 435-9888; Sacramento: (916) 568-1111; San Jose (408) 937-9580

Behavior Analysts

They run home programs and have a school in Walnut Creek that does Verbal Behavior ABA for kids. The school is run by Mark Sundberg and Jim Partington who are internationally known experts on Verbal Behavior.

Walnut Creek, CA, 925-210-9370

http://www.behavioranalysts.com They have online classes as well

Behavior Intervention Associates (BIA), Emeryville and San Francisco (510) 652-7445

http://www.bia4autism.org
One parent explains that they have been contracted by many districts (don't know about East Bay, but definitely in San Mateo area) to provide ABA.

Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD),
San Jose, 408-423-8076

www.CenterForAutism.com

Hands Untied, behavioral

http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=3368

Alamo (near Fremont), (510) 439-4566, 925-439-4566

Foundation for Autistic Childhood Education and Support (FACES)

Redwood Shores, CA, 650-595-9555; also offer shadow aides for kids that are mainstreaming

www.FACESforkids.org

I Can Too Learning Center
Phone: 408.241.9911
One mom shared that they've made tremendous strides with her son

Language and Educational Assistance for Preschoolers (LEAP), (650) 634-9940

http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=2431

Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention in the SF Bay Area, San Francisco

(415) 785-1036, http://www.lovaas.com/

Will come to your school and evaluate how your child is doing within that setting

Misty Sorenson (510) 435-6789 behavior consultant

Joanne Williams behavior consultant 415 461-7786
Will also provide in-home aba or play therapy

Stepping Stones Center for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Inc.

www.steppingstonesca.com

San Mateo, CA 94403, 650-357-0571

Behavioral and educational programs. Onsite. Full inclusion classroom services;

Bay Area Child Development Associates BACDA

San Mateo, CA, 650-655-7612 650-655-7619,

East Bay Site: Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925-938-7232

www.bacda.com

Discrete trial, “floortime”, play skills, school shadow aides

Developmental & Educational Therapy Program

San Mateo, CA, 650-579-4908

Individual and group. Inclusion. TEACCH Trained - work with infants also. Movement based program with educational academic growth as the goal. Hours include Saturdays.

Communication Behavior Consultants

Tyra Sellers, JD, MA, BCABA

Albany, CA, 707-980-2660

Milestones

Walnut Creek, CA 94596, 925-938-1862

http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=2841

Behavioral Intervention (2-5 years), play groups -> "Friends Club" (ages 3-4, 5-6. 9-12), they are vendorized by the Regional Center of the East Bay.

Making a Connection

Mark Cerruti, M.S.

Danville, CA 925-806-8090,

http://www.bayareaasresource.org/local_support.html

B*E*T*A: Behavior Education Training Associates

San Francisco, CA 94122, (415) 564-7830,

one-to-one behavioral, Also provides consultation to parents, professionals and workshops.

www.aintmisbehavin.com/homepage.html

Synergistic Interventions

Kim Stokes, CMT

Vicki Wells, MA

Oakland, CA 94602, 510-914-0322,
One parent shared: The best ABA provider we had, they are expensive
but they are fabulous. They not only have very high quality therapists, who always show up, but they do body work during every session to address sensory issues. This was so vital as the school
district at the time was denying my son OT. They provide all materials, and what they bring in is always fun, new and my son loved it. Their therapists rotate frequently, like every 2 weeks, so your
child doesn't get used to one therapist. They also have coverage when a therapist is absent, so you aren't "owed" hours and your child gets the therapy when they are supposed to.
http://www.synergisticinterventions.org

Pacific Autism Learning Services PALS
Carrie Sullivan - Bay Area Regional Director
650-242-0179 x708

The Bright Minds Institute
San Francisco, CA
(415) 561-6755
http://www.brightmindsinstitute.com
Multidisciplinary center that includes behavioral/cognitive neurology, physical/occupational therapy,
speech/language pathology, education/tutoring, neuropsychology, behavioral therapy (ABA), biofeedback, and clinical psychology/family therapy

Innovative Pathways - Bahrig Mikaelian
bahrig @ sbcglobal.net (remove spaces)
One parent reported that they were very happy with her supervisoring their child's ABA program)
east bay

Consultants for Learning and Autism Support Services, Inc.. (CLASS)
Denise Pollard M.A. - Director, 650-286-4396
San Mateo, CA 94403
Autism, Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), and Social Skills Groups. Serving children in the San Francisco Bay Area. CLASS
http://www.autismsupportservices.com

www.pacificautism.org early intervention services (0 to 3) full service program including playgroups, and an inclusive preschool
San Jose

Biofeedback

http://www.marinbiofeedback.org/ San Rafael

Dr Carolyn Robertson, recommended by a special needs parent

Birthday party ideas – special needs kids friendly:

Lemos Farm on hwy 92 in Half Moon Bay. Lots to do, pony rides, train, play structure etc. They've made lots of improvements. In Sept the weather should be fine. The kids love it. They have pony rides and a big jumping balloon and a train ride and small petting corral with goats. They also have a little playground. In September they'll have pumpkins everywhere. It's lots of fun and works well toddler special needs kids because it's outdoors so not a small confined space and all the kids can play at their own pace. It's much less crowded in the morning, of course, ie around 9 or 10am

Lazy H Ranch

3100 Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay (650) 726-3743

They have bring out about 4 ponies and the kids can enjoy pony rides around a corral (with a parent leading the pony). They can ride as much as they want for an hour or two. There is a covered area for a barbeque and picnic. There is a fun area with a large stack of hay bales for the kids to climb on. It is a scenic area, and very peaceful.

Junior Gym in San Mateo. (but note: special needs kids with motor planning or motor coordination or sensory issues may have trouble joining the games. You may want to consider designating all free play time in the gym, or telling parents up front that it is ok if their child plays on the equipment during the structured time.

The Peninsula Gym is also a good alternative on Leslie Street in San Mateo

My pony party, mobile ponies and petty zoo (408)847-6424 www.myponyparty.com

For park locations, Foster City has great parks for small parties.

Bring a jumper to your yard or to a park (you have to register with your local parks and rec to bring a jumper into a public park)

www.cosmojump.com www.jumpforfun.com

You can also have a magician come to the park, one special needs parent said that Happy Birds is great and they'll come to any location. www.happybirds.com

Swim parties (Peninsula swim school is especially good because you can reserve the whole pool, it’s covered, and there is a little yard and play house too).

Bumper Bowling (San Mateo Bowl at 42nd street (next to Long's/Molly Stones) -- though 4 years old may be a little on the young side for it - it may be better for 5-6 year olds and older

SF Zoo or other Zoo can be a good idea, many have party packages, party rooms, etc.

www.pumpitupparty.com is a great place for a kids party - really nice inflatable jumper/slides/courses, 3 activities per arena, you spend about 40 min privately (just your party) in each arena. You can ask them to turn the music down in your arena if your child is sensitive to sounds.

Chiropractors
see also, Conductive Education (related)

Pacific Chiropractic and Research Center
HealthScan Thermal Imaging
Redwood City, California 94063
650.361.8908
William C. Amalu, DC, DABCT, DIACT, FIACT
For pediatrics, upper cervical spine manual adjustment using thermography
Jaw alignment - TMJ

Compounding pharmacies

Los Altos Pharmacy
255 Second Street
Los Altos, CA
650-948-1212
650-949-2269 (fax)
Accepts insurance!
pharmacist: Jack or Becky

Santa Clara Drug
2453 Forest Ave. (near Valley Fair Mall)
San Jose, CA
408-296-5015
pharmacist: Lionel Jara
www.scdrug.com Toll Free: (800) 646-2453

The Medicine Shoppe
San Ramon, CA 94583. (925) 830-0555
and Pleasanton, CA

Preuss Pharmacy
John Celedon
844 Santa Cruz Ave
Menlo Park CA 94025
(650) 321-8045

Sunnyvale Clinic Pharmacy
Pharmacist George Armanini R.Ph.
594 Carroll Street
Sunnyvale CA 94086
(408) 736-1443

Abbotts Compounding Pharmacy
John Garcia R.Ph.
Berkeley CA 94705
(510) 548-8784
www.abbottscompounding.com

Script Works - A Professional Pharmacy
Bob Brensel R.Ph.
Walnut Creek CA 94598
(925) 934-4400
www.scriptworksrx.com

more ideas http://www.tacanow.com/Resources/resources.htm

Find by zip code www.iacprx.org

Conductive Education

recommended for Cerebal Palsy, social groups to help with Effective functioning, fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills ...

Access Movements
San Bruno, CA, 650-996-2476
www.accessmovements.com
also Anat Baniel Method and Feldenkrais for infants and children

Step by Step Conductive Education Center
Millbrae, CA (650) 589-6899
www.stepbystepcec.org

Movement Discoveries
Burlingame, CA
www.movementdiscoveries.com
TheraSuit, Intensive PT Program that includes Suit Therapy, Kids Gym, Therapeutic movement classes

Beginning Steps to Independence, Inc.
Los Gatos, San Jose, (408) 371-5620, www.ConductiveEd.org

POPS/CECC Peninsula Outreach Programs Inc.
Conductive Education Centers of California
Woodside, 650-454-0207, www.popskids.org

For more:locations check http://www.iacea.org/locations.htm#IL , the Inter- American Conductive Education Association

Counselors

Marci Schwartz www.marcischwartz.com

Cranial Sacral

Kathleen Kraskouskas at Cranial Sacral Therapy Center in Sunnyvale--408-720-1122. One parent said: he's helped our ASD son a great deal. I believe his sensory issues, gait, and reflux have improved as a direct result of cranial work. His gait is better, too. She also does "visceral manipulation."

Athena Kyle, PT
Advanced Physical Therapy
San Francisco CA 415/563-1616
AdvancedPT4U@aol.com
Physical Therapy, Cranial-Sacral

Osteopath who does cranial osteopathy (which is a type of cranial manipulation, similar to cranial-sacral). He's in Portola Valley (on the Peninsula). One listmember writes of Flagg: “seems pretty tuned in to ASD issues in general”

Bruce Flagg 650-851-0931 Portola Valley

Mark Rosen 650-813-1214 Palo Alto http://www.osteodoc.com See special needs kids cases. One parent said: We tried it and it didn't see any harm or gain. Another said, he has a one year waiting list, but you can bee seen by his wife/co-practitioner for C-S, Inessa Lagen. One parent writes: We prefer Inessa Lagen as I think she is more in tune with kids. Office environment is not child friendly.

Judy Modderman in Mountain View 650-575-1408 see works with some ASD kids

Meena Kalyanasundaram
Fremont, CA 94536
(510) 792-6992
Licensed Massage therapist and Cranial sacral therapist. Works with children (from 6 months old) with neurological disorders and women

cranial osteopath in Burlingame named Melvin Friedman - one parents said he's good so far

(see also book "Your Inner Physician and You" by John Upledger )

Dentist

Dr Yougman in Danville...one parent shares: he is totally mercury free, and totally kids friendly Douglas Takeuchi, DDS, of San Jose mercury-free adult dentistry practice One parent shared : "He is also an excellent dentist for compliant children." (408) 295-5651

Karen Fong, pediatric dentist

Walnut Creek, 925-934-4777

A special needs parent writes: she is super! She has 2 young kids and lots of experience with special needs.

Dr. Gowey in Pleasanton www.dentaldoc.com
totally mercury free, and Dr Meilke's husband!
One mom shared: "The staff and the dentist were fantastic and patient! The staff took the time to get him used to the office, to jolly him along, etc. By the time we left he was excited and telling the dentist "I used to be afraid, but now I LIKE the dentist!""

Patricia Seid, DDS, Assistant Clinical Professor, Pediatric Dentistry. Daly City. Sedation dentist.

A parent writes: good pediatric dentist in SF- The name is

Bergan James and her # is 415-668-3500

Pediatric dentistry, Katalina Ramirez, DDS, MS

Redwood Shores (650) 592-2100

A parent writes: We use Charles Spitz in San Mateo. He was recommended as specializing in kids with a variety of special needs and has been great with (our ASD 4 year old). Another parent writes: my son loves dr. charles spitz, 50 s. san mateo dr., #160, san mateo. phone no. 375-8300. he's a pediatric dentist, has a great office full of fun stuff (playstation, tv's at every dental chair/station, toys, etc.) and has many special needs patients. we always have to go about 15 min. early just so he can play before the appointment. the entire staff is really good about making it a positive experience.

A parent writes: Dr. Rolf Spamer in Hayward and he is also very fast and very good with kids with special needs

A parent writes: Dr. James Kelly in Los Altos is also excellent. Your child can be seen in a main room (3 chairs, large TV, lots of stim) or in a single quiet room on request. You need to ask for the quiet room when you make appt. He has lots of experience with special needs kids. 650-948-6884.

A parent writes: I have a pediatric dentist I like in Berkeley - Carole Miyahara. The biggest thing that helped us with the dentist was making a visit to the office the week before the appointment and "practicing." We took pics of this dry run and made a little book which we took with us to the actual appointment.

Adams, Vernon J., Jr. DMD

Palo Alto, CA 650-321-6448 http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=2416

In consultation with their physician at Children's Hospital at Stanford will treat dental concerns of pediatric patients with a variety of medical conditions. A parent writes: He's on staff at Packard Children's Hospital across the street and participates in surgery for facial reconstruction patients. The office reserves special times for patients that need sedation and they actually welcome special needs kids, an experience I don't get very often. They do everything gently such as demonstrate the moving toothbrush in the hand before putting it in the child's mouth. There are TVs in the ceiling and kids can choose the movie. They also have lots of sunglasses on hand for children (like mine!) that are sensitive to the bright lights. Another dentist in the group, Dr. Sam Samudio, is also very good.

Barrera, Adolfo D.D.S. Pediatric Dentistry

San Jose, Ca, 408-286-2971, http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=2536

dental treatment for children with special needs

Sedation For Dentistry

San Jose, CA, 408-286-2971, http://www.php.com/agency/oneDetail.php?AgencyID=2130

Serve the population of children who may require a deeper sedation for behavior management to facilitate needed pediatric dental care. Dr.Barrera and Lenhart, both pediatric dentists and Dr.Salinger and Dr.Ligh anesthesiologist have worked together to provide this sedation option for their special patients in the office. This will effectively address situations where light sedation in the office is inadequate and general anesthesia in the hospital is cost prohibitive.

Shawn Taheri, D.D.S., MS Pediatric Dentist

San Jose, CA, 408-226-0323, http://www.taheridds.com

Welcomes patients with special needs

Dr. Laurie Novinsky in Foster City. A parent writes: She is a general dentist and has been wonderful with (ASD son). She's done some outreach to the County special needs classes, ... and takes a very slow approach, working with you to make the child's dental experience as positive as possible.

Dr. Timothy Gallagher D.D.S.(408) 739-9050 Sunnyvale, a listmember/special needs parent recommends him for amalgam fillings removal. He is gentle and he uses dams, oxygen, etc.

Dr Yougman in Danville...one parent shares: he is totally mercury free, and totally kids friendly

http://www.meta-ehealth.com/site/office/index.jsp naturopath dentist..one mom shared that he is very knowledgeable about toxicity and dentistry

www.talkinternational.com/mfdsindex3.htm

You can also contact IAOMT and ask for list in your general area http://www.iaomt.org

Other great ideas on looking for practitioners:

http://home.earthlink.net/~moriam/HOW_TO_find_doctor.html

Diagnosis & Evaluation

Parents write: You may need a licensed clinical psychologist to diagnose an autistic spectrum disorder should you go to a legal hearing for eligibility or to try to get funding for services for your child, especially against regional centers. Another writes: the only trained professionals who should make an autism or PDD diagnosis are a developmental pediatrician, a neurologist or a child psychiatrist with expertise in this area. Most children move all over the spectrum as they get older, and some even drop off, that may be why a 100% accurate diagnosis is very hard to come by. You put 3 doctors in the room, have each them look at and test your child, you get 3 different opinions. Given that all of the diagnosticians have a long wait-list, consider making an appt with one or more. You can always cancel the appointment later. Locally, the cost for assessments in the Bay Area are $2.5K-$5K in 2003.

Golden Gate Regional Center, GGRC: One parent asked ggrc to test for Autism and they did a 1 hour eval with the developmental pediatrician and a psych and me. They said he was not “autistic” (as qualifies for regional center services after age 3) and they explained why ...They did stuff like call his name after he was playing with a toy intently. And said hello to him and he said hello back and made eye contact. The psyc brought out little blocks and stacked a few up then encouraged my son to do the same, and after a few coaxing requests, he did. They noted that (at 22 months) he was aware of his environment and always stepped over toys. He also willingly helped clean up...little stuff like that. I'm just explaining so you understand their approach.

Dr. Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl in Palo Alto 650-857-1200
One mom shared that she's very nice and her waiting list is not too long (yet)!

PlusFour Solutions

From http://www.thelighthouseproject.com/links.html : “PlusFour Solutions is an organization whose focus is the assessment of children and adolescents. Neuropsychologist Steve Newton, Ph.D., has had years of experience working with children with NLD, Asperger’s, Autism, Depression, and other learning disorders.”

(650) 949-2440 Los Altos

Family Neurology, Sarah Cheyette, MD

Author of “mommy, my head hurts” . add.adhd, autism, aspergers, sleep issues, seizures, developmental delay, anixety, headaches

San Mateo, 650 558 6600, www.sarahcheyette.20m.com also newly practicing with PAMP in Palo Alto

Dr. Paul Lebby Fresno 559-779-8639

A parent writes: is also very, very good. He is a neuropsychologist.

Dr. Ann Parker, from Albany – for parent comments ask http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bayareaprekasd (you have to join that yahoo group to read the messages)

Caroline Johnson

A parent writes: I also recommend Caroline Johnson, a pediatric

neuropsychologist in Berkley, she can diagnose too. I'd try not to get

hung up on the exact diagnosis as it may not fit perfectly especially on a young child.

CHO & (Oakland) Regional Center have diagnostic appointments on Wednesdays in

Oakland, usually with Renee Wechtel and a child psychologist. For parent comments see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bayareaprekasd (you have to join that yahoo group to read the message) Be sure that you make them qualify the IQ - ie that testing assumes neurotypical verbal gymnastics & is done without any accommodations.

Dr. Melanie Lenington Los Angeles

One parent writes “is one of the best if not the best”, another parent writes : “It's worth the 2-day stay in Los Angeles to get an assessment from Melanie Lenington. She has vast experience, and will testify in due process cases. She is thorough in her testing, explains the accommodations that she makes, and makes excellent recommendations”.… she is a psychologist. May 2003 Melanie charged I think $2,500, though it ranges based on age etc. Their insurance covered maybe $700 of it.

Children’s Health Council (CHC)

Palo Alto, Ca. (650) 326-5530
Many types of full features evaluations and assessments are done at CHC...

One parent consulted with Dr Bond of CHC with extensive notes of her son’s behavior and language development and she said that he likely would have qualified for an autism diagnosis at 18 months but would not qualify at 2 years, 8 months. She recommended an ot eval and a floortime consultant - and gave several good names of therapists (all included within this list). (it's $150 for a 1-2 hour consult 2002.)

California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC)

Child Development Dept.

San Francisco, Ca. , (415) 750-6200

Assessment and treatment program for infants and children with or at risk for development disorders. Multidisciplinary staff. Medical consultation.

Dr. Clare Ames-Klein Ph.D.

(Child Psychologist for assessments/evaluations)

Lafayette, CA, 925-283-6300

UCSF and CPMC

Developmental pediatrician (Barbara Bennett of UCSF & CPMC)

http://www.ucsfhealth.org

Barbara Bennett of UCSF & CPMC
Dr. Bennett also has a private practice in Marin.

www.prattcenter.com Educational, Psychological and Neuropsychological Evaluations. One parent shares, she initially called CHC and they were booked out too far and recommended Brendan Pratt. He was very thourogh, even site visited their son in his school setting. They were pleased with the process and the Dr's availability to answer their questions.

Dr Ted Guarino 1 hour eval, $400, Los gatos

Rebecca Fineman (Y) Los Altos

Carol Slotnick 650 322 6491

Ruth Sereca 650 321 6600

Stanford, LPCH, Packard’s Children Hospital

PDD Clinic; Dr. Linda Lotspeich

Palo Alto, CA, 650-723-5511, 650-497-8000

http://www.lpch.org

A parent writes: there is a long waiting list

The M.I.N.D. Institute:

UC Davis Medical Center

Sacramento, CA, 916-703-0285

http://www.mindinstitute.org

M.I.N.D. Institute – UCDavis. A parent writes: “Of the four evals, the one at the MIND institute at UC Davis was by far the most comprehensive and useful.”

Dr. Brad Berman, MD

Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician

A parent said “We saw Brad Berman at 7, he had a 10month waiting list.” Another parent: Brad Berman is a developmental pediatrician in Walnut Creek probably can make a diagnosis. Families describe him as warm and caring. Another parent: Brad is excellent but I think you should try to get a diagnosis as soon as possible so services can start.

Progressions

Walnut Creek, CA, 925-279-3480

Dr. Deborah Sedberry, MD

A parent writes :” Dr. Sedberry. She is moving her Pleasanton office to Walnut Creek. $600 assessment, but the eval with the child is just 1 hour. Deborah Sedberry is a pediatrician specializing in Behavior Development. I am told she is qualified to officially "diagnose"”. Another parent writes: I have not seen Dr Sedbury but know people who have and like her.

Developmental Pediatrician

Pleasanton, CA, 925-295-2020

Dr. Catharine Ross, MD

Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician

Santa Rosa, CA , 707-545-2082

Children's Hospital Autism Intervention (CHAI)

Oakland, CA, 510-428-3792

Re Wechtel & Wensley at CHO. One parent writes: “they use the child autism scale (a parent checklist) and standard IQ tests. No accommodation in testing for non-verbal kids. OTOH, they'll give a brief list of recommendations, and that's what is used to get Regional to provide services.” For parent additional comments ask http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bayareaprekasd (you have to join that yahoo group to read the messages) Re: Candida Brown at Children's Hospital in Oakland. A parent writes: “I highly recommend her. She really helps encourage your insurance company to provide what she requests.”

Pacific Autism Center for Education

Sunnyvale, CA, 408-245-3408

Bradley Manning, Ph.D. 520 Kelly Ave #4, Half Moon Bay, CA, 94019 1000 Fremont Blvd, Suite 270, Los Altos, CA, 94024 650-704-1343 www.manningpsych.com
psychologist - conducts evaluations for autism spectrum disorders and other conditions usually diagnosed in childhood. Also provides therapy for anxiety/depression for individuals with Asperger's.

See also the Tutoring section for more Educational evaluation resources

JumpStart Learning to Learn - intensive 1 week parent education program for families who have recently
learned that their child has an autism spectrum disorder. They use a variety of perspectives (behavioral, play-based, speech therapy) to 1)
teach parents to understand their child's learning style and needs 2)support their child's learning naturally at home when he or she is not
in intervention and 3)how to choose ongoing services.
www.autismjumpstart.org
email: info@autismjumpstart.org
Phone: 415-335-4931
Address 1100 California St San Francisco

Education Law - Autism special ed law info

The Legal Rights of Children With Autism: An Expert Interview With Jill G. Escher, BA, MA, JD
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/508088 requires a free registration to view

Education Law - general special ed law info
Thank you to Linda Weinert for contributing this section!!!

Procedural Safeguards Violations and Complaints, Procedural Safeguards Notice 
http://www.pacificasd.org/sped/ParentRights-Safeguards.pdf
This is just an example.  Each district does their own, but they have include a specific list of topics.  Note that since this document is written by the district with the help of their legal team, it downplays parents' rights.)

The California Dept of Ed Procedural Compliance number: 
1-800-926-0648  (weekdays, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm)

For Compliance Complaints, see:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/qa/documents/complnthints.asp
http://www.pai-ca.org/PUBS/504601.htm
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/qa/  (look at bottom)

Learning more about special ed law: Here are a few suggested lists given more or less in order of
sophistication and expense:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/COSEP/ (low volume)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IEP_guide/ (excellent file section, but you have to join 3 related Yahoo groups to see them all)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ReedMartinSPEDlaw/

The Reed Martin website also has a "Power" message board fordiscussing special ed law:
http://www.powermembers.net/ (It has a yearly $35 fee.)

There is also a list called "Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates":
http://www.copaa.org/ (It has a $50 yearly fee.)

If you join any or all of these lists and read the questions and answers every day you'll soon come to understand a great deal.

Two other national but very useful sites:
http://www.wrightslaw.com
http://www.reedmartin.com
Reed Martin also participates in a weekly Thursday evening chat room. See his site for details.

Here's an online version of the Protection and Advocacy special edmanual for CA in a useful Q & A format:
http://www.pai-ca.org/pubs/401601.htm

Quick Q & A for special ed law in CA:
http://64.177.146.159/faqs1_10.htm

IEP preparation checklist:
http://www.php.com/include/resources/iep_prepare.html
http://www.pai-ca.org/Pubs/501201.htm

Excellent Advocacy Tutorial (although not CA specific):
http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/Files/AdvocacyTutorial.pdf

Here's a very detailed advocacy workshop that uses online videos:
http://video.childpsychologist.com/
(I haven't tried the videos but there are some very good checklists.)

There are FETA (From Emotions to Advocacy) workshops at PHP:
http://www.php.com/include/groups/showInfo.php?ID=70

PHP also has periodic IEP trainings:
http://www.php.com/include/events/eventdetail.php?ID=2812
http://www.php.com/include/events/eventdetail.php?ID=2813

Ca Dept of Ed Early Childhood Education Preferred Practices:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/fp/ecseries.asp

There's a good section on how to do a records search here:
http://harborhouselaw.com/articles/docs.speak.palmer.htm

Info about "Prior Written Notice"
http://www.reedmartin.com/priorwrittennotice.htm
http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/PriorNotice.html

Here is a good list of educational tests:
http://www.concordspedpac.org/TypesTests.html#TOLD

Education Law- special topics

Unilateral placement
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oii/nonpublic/faqs.html

Kindergarten continuation (repeating K)
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/em/kinderinfo.asp

STAR testing and accomodations
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/ Click on Matrix of Variations, Accomodations, and Modifications
www.cde.ca.gov/spbranch/sed/family.htm

Special diet at school
http://www.geocities.com/ARNFL/newsletters4.html

Environment Safety

www.refinishingonline.com/california.htm if your bathtub has lead (many do)
http://www.buildingbiology.net/bbinco.html environmental inspectors (mold, lead, etc) recommended by Debra Lynn Dadd
www.leadcheck.com (you can buy the kits at OSH, etc)
www.benchmark-inspections.com Benchmark Environmental Services - mold, energy efficency (home performance), San Jose, CA 408-448-7594 IAQ Investigators/Tester
http://wagescooperatives.org/eco-care.html green non-toxic house cleaning
www.bio-techan.com carpet sofas cleaning etc
www.americanairtesting.com American Airtesting (contact is John Riera 415-333-8063) one parent used and was very pleased with the detailed analysis of the air quality in their home. Once they did find the moldy spots,then they hired PuroFirst (tel: 650-364-2432) and about 3 months later were living in a mold free environment.
www.moldremedies.com in burlingame - work thruout the bay area
See also Vincent A. Marinkovich, M.D. Certified Allergist & Immunologist - mold's effect on health specialist
See also general info on the environmental page

http://www.getipm.com/products/toxicology.htm
http://aehf.com/catalog

Advance Look Building Inspections Environmental Testing
Scheduling: (925) 371-1300, Information: (925) 989-8898
Toll Free: 1-888-642-LOOK (5665)
KBenson@AdvanceLook.net
www.AdvanceLook.net recommended by one local mom - for mold inspection and cleanup - they were very professional

http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2006/9120/abstract.html Autism Spectrum Disorders in Relation to Distribution of Hazardous Air Pollutants in the San Francisco Bay Area

Financial
Gilfix & La Poll, experience with special needs trusts www.gilfix.com/practice_areas/special_needs.html , recommended by a parent

dale law firm Walnut Creek 925-280-0172 www.achievingindependence.com experience with special needs trusts

Lisa Hutar, attorney, 650-637-1773 Belmont, experience with special needs trusts, recommended by a parent

Feldenkrais and Cranio Sacral

Anat Baniel Method for Children – Find a practitioner specially trained by Anat Baniel to work with children with special needs. (415) 460-6621 www.anatbanielmethod.com

www.banielfeldenkraistraining.com – 90 day professional training in Anat Baniel Method, Feldenkrais Method, Anat Baniel Method for Children.

Joseph Feinstein
San Rafael & San Francisco
(415) 336 – 2884
www.josephfeinstein.com
joseph@josephfeinstein.com
Specializes in working with children and performing artists. Movement, Breathing, Speech

Search for providers
www.feldenkraisguild.com/find/index.html

Aviva Bernstein
Palo Alto CA 650/852-9009
www.integratedhealing.org/modality/feldenkrais.htm
Kids too

Cheryl Eichner, MS PT
Feldenkrais Method, Osteopatic Manipulations, Physical Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy
650-868-0343
www.integratedhealing.org/practitioners/cheryl.htm
Children too

Andrea Bowers (1997)
Fremont CA 94539
510/623-7502
AndreaBowers@FreeChildrensClinic.org
Children/Adults-Neurological difficulties. High Performers. Anti-Aging
www.FreeChildrensClinic.org Oakland

Deborah Bowes, PT (1987)
FELDENKRAIS¨ Center For Movement Education
San Francisco CA 94131
415/826-3680
deborahbowes@covad.net
www.feldenkraisSF.com

Timothy Brent, MEd (1997)
Oakland CA 94610
510/763-9181
TandMBRENT@comcast.net
www.ergonomicconsulting.anthill.com
Children, Seniors,

Naomi Schaeffer DraperMS, PT (1993)
Woodacre CA 94973
415-488-4823
Fax: 415-488-4879
ns536@columbia.edu
Also in San Rafael, children, dancers, rehabilitation

Suzie Lundgren (1997)
Santa Cruz CA 95061
831/423-6787
Fax: 831/423-6760
suzielu@compuserve.com
Infant motor development, dancers/musicians, repetetive stress

Maryon Maass (1996)
San Francisco CA 94108
415/956-6939
510/233-3255 (East Bay)
mmaass@sbcglobal.net
www.breathinglessons.com

Gail F. Gordon, PT (1997)
Oakland CA 94611
510/653-9856 ext.2
jjgg@mindspring.com
Child, Adult Rehabilitation

Kent Jones (1997)
FELDENKRAIS® Associates
Berkeley CA 94703
510/845-3036
Fax: 510/845-1634
SouthBerkeley@aol.com
Also Craniosacral Therapist and Massage Therapist

Athena Kyle, PT (1993)
Advanced Physical Therapy
San Francisco CA 94109
415/563-1616
AdvancedPT4U@aol.com
Physical Therapy, Cranial-Sacral

Song Nelson (2000)
Santa Cruz CA 95060
831/421-0139
songnelson@hotmail.com
Dance, Voice & Movement Education for Individuals with and w/o Disabilities

Celeste Leitch (1987) San Francisco CA 94107 415/546-3849 415/885-1984 celeste@celesteleitch.com www.celesteleitch.com

Deborah Geneva Leoni (1994) Health, Movement & Learning Center Santa Rosa CA 95401 707/579-1470 707/528-6289 deborahgeneva@ap.net Babies & Children (including those with Niemann-Pick,TypeC(NP-C)

Beth Sidlow (1997)
Movement Improvement
San Mateo CA 94402
650/349-8551
BSidlow@netzero.com
Children, Senior Citizens, RSI and Musicians, Ericksonian Hypnotherapy
ATM Classes: SAT SUN TUES WED

Catherine N. Sigal (1996)
Movement Education, LLC.
Napa CA 94558
707/255-7776
Xtreme cases, babies, elders, athletes, dancers, and musicians

Sonja H. Sutherland (1997)
Learning in Action
Berkeley CA 94703
510.985.3053
sonja@learninginaction.org
www.learninginaction.org
ATM Classes: SAT THUR

Andrew Wright (1990)
ABA Physical Therapy
San Mateo CA 94401
650/558-0247
Fax: 650/558-1735
agordian@yahoo.com
craniosacral visceral mobilization, tai ji teacher, back injuries, personal growth

Arlyn Zones, MA
San Francisco CA, 415/664-6353
www.feldenkrais-method.ca/zones.html
Also works with children

Finding MORE resources

http://www.php.com/agency/startpage.php amazing database of 1000s of resources – mix of bay area and nationwide. We’ve found that the “condition” search often yields the most useful links. For example, condition = pervasive development disorder or services = legal. Also, the county field is helpful, ie county = san mateo. And best of all, if you can’t find what you are looking for, call them and leave a message on their voicemail – they are very helpful!

http://www.special-education.info/experts.html More bay area links

http://www.special-education.info/autism_res.html More bay area links

http://bayareaasresource.org More bay area links – great site, by creative sf bay area parents!

www.SPDBayArea.org sensory integration focus, bay area links

http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/ca.htm

http://www.nichcy.org/stateshe/ca.htm california state

Bay Area Parent magazine www.BAP-SF-Pen.com includes some special needs resources

http://sanfrancisco.babyzone.com/parentresources.asp?type=Support+and+Special+Needs

http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/therapy/child.html

Floortime:

Lorraine Ehlers-Flint PhD

Psychologist, Senior Floortime/DIR clinician

San Francisco, (510) 864-0794

Also may be affiliated with Through the Looking Glass in Berkeley, (510) 848-1112

Barbara Kalmanson, PhD

Clinical Psychologist, Senior Floortime/DIR clinician DIR® Faculty

Kenfield California (Marin county), 415-456-0111 E-Mail: BKalmanson@earthlink.net

Dr. Ilene Lee, Ph.D.

(Provides "floor time" intervention and coaching)

415-331-1511

Oak Hill School
Contact: Karen Kaplan, Executive Director
Address:
441 Drake Avenue
Marin City, CA 94965
Phone: 415.331.7601
Email: kkaplan@myoakhill.org
Geographic area served: San Francisco area
Services offered:
Education, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Floortime and Psychotherapy through a transdisciplinary therapeuti/education model.

Lisa deFaria, MSW, LCSW
Private Practice and Consultation to Individuals and Agencies
Discipline: Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist and Child Development Specialist
DIR® Faculty
Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: (831) 684-2281
Email: ldefaria@sbcglobal.net
Geographic area served: West Coast, primarily the California Central Coast, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, Monterey
Services offered:
DIR services, assessment and treatment planning "Floortime" parent and child coaching Program Development Clinical Training and Supervision

Lynette DiLuzio, M.S., CCC-SLP, DIR Candidate Level III
Contact Information: The Creekside School San Jose, CA
Phone: 408.933.8910
E-Mail: Lynette@creeksideschool.org

Maria Less, L.C.S.W., Mental Health, DIR® Certificate Candidate, Level II
Contact Information: 1402 B Fairview Street, Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: 510-482-4378
E-mail: surial@aol.com

www.pacificautism.org preschool uses Floortime as one of it's methodologies according to their website

Dr. Yana Peleg (408) 431-0231 floortime therapist in the Cupertino area

Stephanie Pass, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology,DIR® Faculty
Contact Information: 672 Second Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: 415-752-6246 E-Mail: sfpass@sbcglobal.net

Misty Sorensen, MS, Marriage and Family Therapy, DIR® Certificate Candidate, Level III
Contact Information: 135 Cambridge Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577
Phone: 510-435-6789
E-Mail: msorensenms@yahoo.com

One more idea is that you can call or email the folks at www.floortime.org and ask them for DIR certified clinician that will coach you remotely, by you video taping your play and the therapist coaching you over the phone. or check here http://www.icdl.com/staging/usprograms/clinicians/CALIFORNIA.shtml

Food - local (on special diets)

http://www.annettesglutenfreebakery.com/ Pleasanton

Crave bakery - san francisco - brownies and small chocolate cakes at Whole Foods.
will deliver custom ordered cakes to a local seller of crave baked goods (ie Whole Foods). Highly recommended by two mom's! Plus the crave treats that are sold retail are super yummy.
www.cravebakery.com

www.kapcakes.com yummy baked goods - out of palo alto, but if you customer order, many can be delieverd locally.

www.marshallshoney.com local honey

Small beekeeper: 3622 Telegraph ave Oakland, CA 94609 510-388-9112

http://www.westonapricesanfrancisco.org

Integrity Foods 1777 S. Bascom Ave Campbell, CA (408) 371-0100
www.integrityfoods.net

Alameda Natural Grocery at 1650 Park Street in Alameda.
Draeger's Markets in Menlo Park, Los Altos, and San Mateo.
Open Sesame in Lafayette
Harvest House in Concord.
New Leaf Markets in Felton, Downtown Santa Cruz, and Capitola.
The Country Sun in Palo Alto.
Piazza's Fine Foods in Palo Alto

Rainbow co-op - save money and get great quality

Whole Foods

Trader Joes

http://www.healthbyheidi.com/Health_by_Heidi_hours.html

www.itsaboutfood.org Pacifica area local produce (fresh from farm)

Sweet Peas Organic Produce
Kerry Tate Hwy One at Eighth Street Montara, CA 650-728-9944
Certified organic retailer with a family friendly atmosphere
http://coastsider.com/comments/628_0_1_0_C/

Cidre Loche (Montgomery Creek, California)
Cidre Loche is a small farm located in the foothills of Mount Shasta. focus on low impact, sustainable farming methods.
unique products such as duck eggs, apple cider and morel mushrooms
offer certain items on a subscription basis.
http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M7403

Free play with other kids places:

YMCA: If you joined the YMCA in san mateo you could take your child to the daycare center and it would feel like a free play group. I think they would allow an assistant to be there with him. And you could go workout!!!! The Y also has a 2 day a week structure toddler movement class, free to members kids, that would likely be good too. We only took my son to the class once because of schedule …but I could see that it was good practice for him…although he was a bit intimidated by the group and the motor coordination needed. Parents can join the class to help!

You can call around to local preschools (I think that Kindercourt in San Carlos and Edison Montesorri allow this) ask about free play times and if a shadow aide is allowed.

Churches may also offer a free play group, especially for younger kids during services.

Some local parks are good too. Like on busy Saturday afternoons, you would probably see some of the same kids every week. In Foster City, Boothbay park is kid popular like this. And in the fall and spring during sports, Sea Cloud park's playground will be full of kids free playing every Saturday, most of the day. Of course parking can be a challenge!

Junior Gym has an open gym/free play time most every day.

San Mateo, (650) 548-9901

www.juniorgym.com

Fun activities – just fun for special needs kids and typical kids, too:

Le Petit Baleen swim classes http://www.swimlpb.com/ Only 4 kids to a class. All kids grouped by skill level. All teachers are professional swim teachers, they are the best, they are great with special needs kids. Swimming is a very good activity for kids in OT too.

YMCA recreational swim time: http://www.peninsulafamilyymca.org/schedules_recreational.htm

Serra swim school (summer sessions only/) 1-3 or 1-4 swimmers per class (650) 345-8207 x181 or contact Serra High School (private) in San Mateo $8 per lesson (2003)

Peninsula Jewish Communiity Center is opening a “gym” with 2-3 pools (indoor & outdoor) in Foster City in Spring 2004, maybe they will offer open swim time!
They also offer: Kids Fitness Tue/Thu 3:45 - 4:45pm This afterschool fitness class is all about fun fitness for ages 6- 10. Jumping, running, obstacle courses, balance and coordination drills, light resistance training.

Betty wright swim center, palo alto: some special needs kids have had private lessons paid for by regional center their once per week at about 3-4 years old. The staff works with kids and adults with disabilities.

Joinville Swim Club in San Mateo (summer only, outdoor pool). One parent asked her in home developmental/behavioral specialist to come and assist her son in the water, very day M-Th for 1/2 hr. Group is about 5 kids...and Joinville staff has been accommodating to this plan. Each class runs for 2 weeks. It's a great pool, because its outside.

Aitkin's peninsula swim center: this pool is open year round. One parent signed up her son for group lessons during the winter, their slow season, and he was the only one in the class! so, private lessons at group rate. a good choice if you want year round. Another parent said that the instructor is great with her son (HFA) and the people are nice.

Carlmont swim classes (summer only), about $6 per lesson (2003), but class size can go up to 5 at level 3. instructors are usually members of the swim team. they're young, lots of fun, and one parent’s ASD boy really enjoys the lessons. She includes a note about her son’s autism when she registers, and always tells the instructor prior to class. so far, no problems. For class lessons, a child must be able to wait his turn and follow directions.

Carlmont has "free swim" every afternoon from 1-3 p.m. for $2.50 per person (2003). Kids can practice their strokes and play with the other swimmers.

YMCA preschool fun movement class – twice a week in the mornings, similar to Gymboree, but free if the parent is a Y member. At the Peninsula YMCA

Motor skills camp

Kona Kai Swim & Tennis Center www.trennertennis.com

Review from http://www.thelighthouseproject.com/links.html “Coach Rick is both a trained physical education teacher, and an accomplished tennis professional. His motor skills camps are fun and he and Assistant Coach Dana Bargas have experience working with kids with learning differences. The camps provide a natural setting in which unique children and “typical children” (if there is such a thing) can mix and match and play and get stronger and more coordinated in a beautiful natural environment. We consistently receive rave reviews from parents we’ve sent to see Rick and Dana. Note of warning: If you sign your child up for a week of camp, they’re going to beg for another week, so be prepared.”

Santa Clara, CA 95051

SoccerKids

3.5-6 year olds, each child has his own ball, uses pretend play and non competitive games

various playgrounds in San Francisco

415 608 2608 www.sfsoccerkids.com

Mini golf: http://www.malibugrandprix.com/redwood/ not specific to special needs kids, but a great place to visit during the year round school breaks. No lines, and you can take your time practicing hitting the ball, etc.

Tunnels and ball play at Chucke Cheese… This is a fun place to visit on a rainy day during year round school break http://www.chuckecheese.com/cec2002/restaurants/locator.html . My son and I particularly enjoy the Redwood City one as it has a big "tube" section. Parents, for yourself, bring a book to read or a friend to talk with as the kids can stay ip in the tubes a long time. If your child is on a special diet, you can bring in their own food.

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

http://www.city.palo-alto.ca.us/ross/museum/

Beth Robinson > > Board Certified Music Therapist > > 415.637.7281
Several special needs mom's have said that she is patient and encouraging, and had very positive experinces
She also teaches some classes in other areas like San Mateo

Music www.KindermusikwithYvonne.com mother of a special needs child

The Music School located upstairs from Little Wonders is parent participation at younger ages and has Circle time and other preschool-type activities.

Piano teacher, Ella, $20 for 1/2 hour 650-372-9364 One parent of a special needs kid writes: she is really patient and lively. One parent's daughter likes her a lot. Another reports that she does a great job with her son - lot of fun ...big affect. Another says that Ella is patient, kind, funny and FUN!

Music Therapist: Theresa M. Srch-Nelson, MT-BC, a Board Certified Music Therapist with 24 years of experience including the areas of the Autism Spectrum, Developmental Disabilities, and Early Childhood Development. Walnut Creek

tsrch@inter-linc.net

Music Together classes www.momusic.org are recommended by several parents

San Francisco Zoo (especially the children’s section on a weekday morning)

Niles Canyon Heritage Railway Museum (Sunol) Offers trains rides on all
Sundays but the last of each month during the summer. The train is
accessible. Call (925) 862-9063 for more information, www.ncrw.org

The Junior Gym

San Mateo, (650) 548-9901

Open gym times and structured classes

www.juniorgym.com

Gymboree www.gymboree.com

Gymnastics at Menlo Park Park and Rec dept for special needs kids (all kinds) …great

Camping ie www.bigbasin.org

Art Forms in Foster City. - structured class, one parent's child attended with an aide and had a good experience. www.artformsschool.com

Family trips: sf zoo - esp children's zoo (take a wagon and snacks), walk across golden gate bridge, discovery museum, wild thing, cal train, ferry

McNair Beach in San Rafael - take a scooter, beach toys (tiny beach), kids tent (wind/cold/shade), warm and cold clothes, snacks, small plates, toys, etc

Monterey aquarium
One parent reports that her son's favorite place is the lower tank of the Outer Bay exhibit. The entrance to it is by the member's entrance. When things get too hairy, they hang out there. Much less crowded and you get to see the Great White pretty often. Go mid-week if possible to avoid the crowds. Another parent reports that her son likes the aquarium a lot, they go often. You can also buy your tickets in advance on-line or over the phone. Then you go to the Members entrance/Will-call booth around the corner from the main entrance, pick up your tickets and walk in. Another parent says Go early or go during the week for sure because the crowds can really be overwhelming. There are a lot of outdoor areas to escape to in case of overstimulation. Her son loves the jellyfish.

Environmental Traveling Companions, offers outdoors adventure
opportunities including kayaking, river rafting for children 10+. Call (415) 474-7662
for more information.

E-soccer http://e-soccer.info

Exceptional Children’s Soccer: starts with age 3. Free. Typical and Special Needs kids together.

Ekarate

Exceptional kids karate, for a mix of both typical and special needs kids, Volunteer driven program like soccer. Kids 5 and up

www.ekarate.com

Redwood City

Tai Kawndo - Golden State Tai Kwando, One parent recommends Kris Jensen

Bonafonte Gardens. One parent writes: "There are no lines and it’s beautiful. ... new water attractions. We went about a dozen times last year and stayed till the park closed. Bringing (special, ie gfcf) food for (child) is no problem and we only used the line pass for special needs a couple of times because there is almost never any wait"
Gilroy
http://www.bonfantegardens.com/

Skating - http://www.redwoodcity.org/parks One parent and her special needs son enrolled in a Mommy, Daddy, and me class years ago at Ice Oasis through Redwood City Parks and Rec when her son was probably 4 or 5 that worked well for them- called the Parent and Tot class for 3-5 year olds. Taking a class with your child might be a good intro for the younger children and get them ready for a class by themselves.

http://www.cornfieldmaze.com/sites.php?ID=&username=cafremont

Playgroups that are managed by City Colleges: search on-line and get to the city college course listings -- it will be listed
under "Child Observation Class"...there are several locations offered throughout the city
You can just "drop in" at the time/location specified in the course listing and sign up with the teacher
(it's just a non-credit class at no cost). Remember that playgroups don't run thru the summer (they're
on the same schedule as city college) The groups only go up thru age 5 and some teachers can be strict
about enforcing this, but it may be worthwhile to check with the teacher if your child gets along w/ younger kids.

And, visit your most popular local park playgrounds at a regular time each week, get to know more kids!

There are indoor Play structures at some malls, ie the Tanforan and Valley Fair malls--in case you need something for a rainy day

See more idea in the birthday party section , ie bumper bowling is available at most bowling alleys.

Little League T ball is fairly good for special needs kids. Even if all they do is take a turn "at bat" (at the T) ...
there is no score keeping at this age.

http://www.pickyourown.org/CAsanfran.htm fun to go pick fruit in season

Yoga for kids www.yogakids.com
Youth and Family Enrichment services
San Carlos
(650) 591-9623 x 128 Mariana Doig,

Hiking in the Marin Headlands - near the visitor center

Mr. Barry,kids' gymnastics instructor at San Carlos Rec and the Foster City PJCC. (Barry Ruttenberg)
His contact info www.sanmateogymnastics.com 591-8734
Mr. Barry also offers a special class for kids 3-5. It's a fun, nurturing environment for speech-delayed/ASD kids, with only ~8 kids in the class. We also have siblings in the class which makes it fun!

May parents say the class is fantastic

Joell Dunlap
Executive Director
Square Peg Foundation
Mission: to turn "I wish" into "I can."
http://www.everyonefits.org

Fun activities - special needs programs:

Disabled Sports - www.dsusafw.org

Special olympics - www.sonc.org/regions/siliconvalley

Zohar dance in Palo Alto - 650-494-8221 www.zohardance.org

Dance program for children considered developmentally delayed. This program is offered at 10 sites throughout the school year reaching an additional 200 children annually.

SNAP ( Special Needs Aquatic Program)
Individual and small group sessions
ranging from 30-60 minutes. Contact Dori Maxon, (510) 527-0446 for more information.
www.snapkids.org
One parent shared that she is very happy with this program, they were very patient with her son
There is a radio of 2 adults per child. Held at several locations: ie Palo Alto YMCA and , Berkeley

Adaptive Aquatics, City of Antioch Leisure Services, disabilities. Pool
is heated to 80*+. Call (925) 776-3070 ext 3076.

Challenger Little League: Baseball for children with special needs.
Pinole Hercules: Joe Toms, (510) 758-4715 or Janey Franklin, (510)
758-8247.
Walnut Creek: Fred Flint, (925) 685-4394
Clayton Valley: Jim Brophy, (925) 1801
East County: Katrina Early, (925) 625-3895

Special Olympics is a free program for children ages 8+ with mental
retardation, with or without physical disabilities. Activities include
swimming, tennis, track and field, softball, power lifting, gymnastics,
basketball. Call (925) 939-2555 ext 24 for more information.
Special Olympics in the Oakland area call : (510) 553-9833

Special skaters - Ice Oasis - Redwood City - class on most Saturdays 1:30 to 2:00 pm. Cost is $8 per class which includes instruction and skate rental. They also have some typical kids as helpers. For more info and to reserve a spot, call 650.364.8090 x16 www.iceoasis.com

Special needs ice skating on Sunday mornings

at the Winter Lodge in Palo Alto starting in January

The rink is outdoors.

http://www.php.com/eventdetail.php?ID=1000

http://www.norcalyouthhockey.com/RinkMaps/PaloAltoMap.html

Oakland Ice Center Skater Program The ice center offers a special-needs session at 4 pm Fridays. Cost is $6/session and includes skate rental for your kid and you. Volunteers and employees help the kids learn to skate. http://www.oaklandice.com The ice rink is open for skaters who use wheelchairs, walkers, on Friday 4-5p.m. Call 510-268-9000.

Shared Adventures - www.sharedadventures.com Santa Cruz, cool adventures for special needs

Special Needs Gymnastics class through Cupertino Recreation.

Twisters Gym

Mountain View, CA 94043, 650-967-5581

Gym has easy wheelchair access and private entry exercise rooms, in addition, we have van transport, and our fully equipped "Tumble Bus" is available to come to your site. Twisters Gym is organizing a school-age motor skills class for kids who want to be in gymnastics. They will probably work on the trampoline, obstacle course, and bars, and more. We are hoping to organize a class with a 4 to 1 ratio taught by an advanced teacher with experience in teaching motor skills and kids with special needs. Acting and Modeling classes are available

AYSO VIP soccer (special needs) San Jose, Cupertino, Saratoga or Prunedale to Monterey

http://www.ayso2j.org/

E-soccer http://e-soccer.info

Exceptional Children’s Soccer: starts with age 3. Free. Typical and Special Needs kids together.
1) Santa Clara: Central Park in Santa Clara at 11 am. saturdays. Coaches need to be there at 10 am. Contact Greg Bodzioch for registration or information at gbodzioch@golden-gate.org or (408)244-9839.
2) San Francisco: Lowell High School (Eucalyptus Dr.) at 11 am. Coaches need to be there at 10 am. Contact Marc Lohoury for registration or information at mlohoury@ucd.net or call him at (415)-724-4160.
3) San Mateo: Boothbay Park Foster City at 11 am. Coaches need to be there at 10 am. Contact Mark Seefeldt for registration or information at mseefeldt@golden-gate.org or call him at (650)-356-0369.

Ekarate

Exceptional kids karate, for a mix of both typical and special needs kids, Volunteer driven program like soccer. Kids 5 and up

www.ekarate.com

Redwood City

United Studios (karate), Regina PinPin

Foster City, (650) 577-9234

One parent recommended private classes for special needs kids with Ms PinPin

Disabled Sports USA, Farthwest offers : water skiing in Sacramento,
white water rafting on the South Fork of the American River, adaptive cycling
on bike trails in Sacramento as well as 4-wheel drive adventures. Call :
530-581-4161 for more information.

SF Recreation and Park Department: Assisted Services Division

Jackson Park,

San Francisco, CA (415) 554-8920

Programs for adults, teens and children with developmental, emotional and physical disabilities.

Dawn Iwamasa, MA, MT-BC

Board Certified, music therapist

Walnut Creek, CA, 925-952-9921

Susan Rancer

Reg. Music Therapist

Piedmont, CA, 510-654-5882

Absolute Vibration

415-435-7939, http://www.absolutevibration.org San Francisco, CA

non-profit music therapy organization that works with children with disabilities, as well as any individuals who wish to utilize music at its fullest potential, as an empowering and healing art form. Call or e-mail for more information about service in other counties. Will come to

your home, too!!!

One parent of a special needs child writes of Beth Robinson, a music therapist from Absolute Vibrations, teaches piano. “My son really liked her.”

BOK Ranch http://www.bokranch.com therapeutic horseback riding lessons for individuals with special needs. Located in Redwood City although the rides are done in Palo Alto/Los Altos. You have to apply and usually be put on a waiting list.

http://www.nceft.org (Hippotherapy) therapeutic horseback riding lessons for individuals with special needs. Woodside

Year round horseback riding program for kids with disabilities of all ages located in West

Marin County. The rides are every Saturday at three different times throughout the day. There is a guide who is assigned to the child and parent. It is free and this program works on donations. It is worth the drive and a fun thing to do for the day.

Halleck Creek Riding Club (4-H Affiliate)

Julie Cassel -coordinator

Inverness, CA , (415) 662-2488

www.west-marin.com/halleck/

Hartl Hill Farm

(Therapeutic horseback riding)

Tish Callos, Martinez, CA, 925-228-3936,

http://results.bayequest.info/handi_eb.php

Many more therapeutic riding programs throughout the entire bay area http://results.bayequest.info/handi_pn.php

Therapeutic Recreation Services

Santa Clara, CA, 408-984-3257,

Recreation and leisure services for individuals with special needs. Includes Adult Social Club (ages 25-up) Children's Recreation (ages 4-12) Saturday Activities for Teens (ages 13-up) The Social-Lites (Ages 21-up) Teen Club (ages 13-up) Young Adult Club (18-up) Movin' (ages 13-up) beginning aerobics. Gotta Dance (ages 16-up) Co-Sponsored Programs Cooperative Dances (Ages 13 and up) Special Olympics (Call for 267-2734 for schedule) Special Olympics Basketball Training (Call 267-2734 for eligibility and starting dates)

Look for more local Hippotherapy or therapuetic horseback riding:
http://www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org see education page, listing of specialized centers. In another area of the site there are listings of state liaisons
http://narha.org/centers/findcenter.asp?region=11
http://narha.org/Regions/region11.asp

allARTstudio

Redwood City, CA 94061 (650) 363-6181

http://www.allartstudio.net
Special Education Art Program/Classes for children with disabilities offered at allARTstudio. Study art with experienced European artist/mom of two hearing impaired children.

Environmental Traveling Companions

www.etctrips.org

San Francisco, CA, (415) 474-7662

Sea Kayaking, River Rafting, Cross-Country Skiing and Youth Leadership School adventures for people with disabilities and other special needs

PHP has an integrated playgroup in Santa Clara on weekends www.php.com

Organization of Special Needs Families
Cupertino, CA. Special needs fun/enrichment programs, Summer Special Needs Swimming Lesson.
see more here

Hair