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Welcome to  Wonderful Resources!

(Updated Regularly)

Resources from Ric Bratton Interview, 10/26/23
 
"Early Mortality and Primary Causes of Death in Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study," PLOS/ONE, December 23, 2014,  From the National Institute of Health; National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nih.gov

"Divorce and Special Needs Children," Psychology Today, February 28, 2023,     
 psychologytoday.com/us/blogs/a-better-divorce

"Parenting Children with Special Needs," Boston University, 
www.bu.edu/wellness/social-well-being/parenting/parenting-children-with-special-needs/                                                              
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Support Groups​
  • ADAA - The Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Founded in 1979, they are dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. A leader in education, training and research for anxiety, depression and related disorders. Free resources and support. Includes a national directory for finding a therapist. Address: 8701 Georgia Avenue, Suite 412, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: (240) 485-1001. Email: info@adaa.org.  Website: www.adaa.org.
  • ADHD Parent Support Group, last Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm - 7:30pm  (except August and December). We will be sharing our experience, strength, hope and strategies with each other.  This is a problem solving/sharing support group to help each other find solutions to raising a child, adolescent or young adult with ADHD. Meetings are free and open to the public. For map and directions, visit www.greaterOCchadd.org. Location: Heart 4 Kids Center, 145 W. Main St., Suite 210,  Tustin, CA 92780
  • ARM - Autism Resource Mom, Deborah Smith offers support, guidance and hope for parents of children with Autism. She know firsthand from raising her child with Autism. Deborah can be reached at (714) 501-8735 or by emailing her at: info@autismresourcemom.org. Visit her website at: www.autismresourcemom.org.
  • Autism, Healed for Life - by Angela Gachassin who is a passionate autism advocate with a master's degree focused on elementary education, special education, and guidance counseling. She is also the author of an autism academic and therapeutic curriculum program, a public speaker and the mother of a son who has been healed from severe autism. See her website for ordering info at: www.autismhealedforlife.com. You can contact her at: angela@autismhealedforlife.com.  You can also contact her at: P.O.Box 1127, Cibolo, TX  78108-1127.
  • Autism Society - Works to increase public awareness, advocate for appropriate services and provide the latest info regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. (800) 328-8476. Email at: info@autism-society.org or connect with them on their website: www.autism-society.org.
  • Autism Speaks has recently merged with Cure Autism Now (CAN) because of the death of Jerome J. Shestack, founder of CAN. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions through advocacy and support. They strive to increase research and access to care and support. The Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect families affected with Autism to info, tools and resources: (888) 288-4762.  www.autismspeaks.org.
  • CHADD (Children & Adults with ADD/ADHD). For map and directions, visit: www.greaterOCchadd.org. For more information, email: ADHDmeetings@gmail.com Contact Debra Ann Afarian.
  • Circles of Hope: Mental Health Caregiver Support - In this group, we strive to educate, support, and teach life-changing skills in a faith-based environment. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Inland Hills Church, Chino, CA. For more information email maree.dee@circlesofhopemhs.com.
  • Epilepsy Support Network of Orange County, (714) 916-0456. Monthly educational meetings and social groups for your kids. A very friendly and knowledgeable group that also provides a counselor to parents.
  • FAN - Family Autism Network - Serving families in Orange County, CA and sharing ideas and resources world-wide. Located at: 360 E. First Street, #202, Tustin, CA 92870-3211. Email: info@faninfo.org or go to their website at: www.faninfo.org.
  • FARE: Food Allergy Research & Education - Tips and resources to stay safe and healthy, www.foodallergy.org
  • Friday Night Live - Quarterly Friday night social event for teens and adults with intellectual challenges. An evening of fun, entertainment and dinner from 6:00 - 9:00pm. Contact Alise Ramseyer (714) 257-4391 to be put on mailing list for upcoming events. A Medical Release Form needs to be filled out prior to attending event.
  • Hoopstars - This incredible community basketball league is for players with delayed abilities from ages 12 and up. Season: January - March. Games played in Fullerton. Contact www.hoopstarsbb.com.
  • Intelligent.com Higher Education Team - "College Planning Guide for Students with Mental Health Disorders"; https://www.intelligent.com/online-college-guide-for-students-with-mental-health-disorders/ July 25, 2022, intelligent.com. 
  • Joni and Friends - This ministry is dedicated to extending the love and message of Jesus Christ to people who are affected by disability around the world. They offer retreats (CA), resources, organizations and recommendations that can help. They also offer books and other inspirational products. Call (818) 707-5664. Mailing address: P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376-3333. Website: www.joniandfriends.org 
  • Maree Dee/Embracing the Unexpected - is passionate about encouraging and equipping others to embrace life in the midst of the unexpected. She frequently writes about the struggles and triumphs of loving someone with a mental illness. https://www.mareedee.com/ 
  • MOKSN - Moms of Kids with Special Needs - Various events during the year just for us moms! Call the Special Needs Ministry office at Fullerton Free Church at (714) 529-5544, Ext. 522 to be added to the mailing list for future events and activities.  Visit the website at www.fullertonfree.com/specialneeds/
  • Orange County Asperger's Support Group - A nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with Asperger's. High-Functioning Autism and PDD-NOS and their families. They offer: family meetings, workshops, Facebook group, monthly support meetings, social activities to build socialization skills and community, Toastmaster Gavel Club. Website: www.ocaspergers.org. Address: OCASG, P.O.Box 17785, Irvine, CA 92623-7785.  To email: ocasupport@gmail.com. 
  • TACA - Talk About Curing Autism is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by Autism. TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the diagnosis to effective treatments. They aim to connect families to the professionals that can help them. Web: www.tacanow.org.
  • UCP of Orange County (CA) - Respite Connection - Brings trained, adult caregivers together with the parents of special needs children. Contact: Michael Toliver, Respite Manager (949) 333-6400. Email: info@ucpoc.org. Website: www.ucp-oc.org.
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Educational Legal

  • A&E Educational Consultant - Paula Dufault, Ed.S., M.S., Special Education Consultant - I utilize my expertise and passion to support and guide families who have a child with learning differences that may require a free and appropriate education (FAPE). I work directly with families to secure the necessary services their child deserves. This does not always mean special education. There are civil rights in a 504 plan to meet unique learning challenges outside of special education. Website: www.specialeducationconsultant.com.  Email:  info@specialeducationconsultant.com.

  • Augustine Egelsee, L.L.P. - Edwin Egelsee and Danielle Augustin, Educational Attorneys.                                      8141 Kaiser Blvd., Suite 315, Anaheim Hills, CA 92808.  www.ockidslaw.com  (714) 282-1242.  The attorneys at Augustine Egelsee, LLP have more than 30 years of combined legal experience helping parents obtain the services and programs their children are entitled to receive. 

  • www.wrightslaw.com - help for knowing your child's educational rights, from IEP's to understanding test scores. This is a very user-friendly website.  I have used this countless times over the year for help and support.

  • Moore Law for Children, Meldie Moore, Esq., 361 Forest Avenue, Suite 201, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, Phone:  (949) 336-7711, www.moorelawoc.com.  Meldie Moore is a Special Education lawyer, assists with school or criminal justice issues, and is an adoption and fertility attorney.

 

General Legal

  • Thomas D. Gray, Attorney at Law - Expertise in Limited Conservatorships, Estate Planning and Probate.  Address: 101 E. Lincoln Ave., #222, Anaheim, CA 92805. (714) 460-9406. Web: www.thomasgrayesq.com 

  • Meier Law Firm, Joshua Meier - Special Needs Trust & Conservatorship; Kids Emergency Plan; Elder Law, Medi-Cal & VA Benefits; Trust Administration & Probate; Estate Planning.  Address: 450 Newport Center Drive, #625, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Phone: (949) 718-0420.  Web: www.meierfirm.com, Email: jmeier@meierfirm.com

  • On a personal note: I receive no pay or compensation for recommending these legal resources.

Neurological Health

  • Dr. Caroline Leaf, www.drleaf.com.  Dr. Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist with a Masters and PhD in Communication Pathology and a BSc Logopaedics, specializing in cognitive and meta-cognitive neuropsychology.  She emphasizes the power of our thoughts on our whole health. Author of: Think & Eat Yourself Smart; Switch on Your Brain; Think, Learn, Succeed; and The Perfect You.  

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Therapy

  • Achieve Center of Texas - A day program offering life skills, art exploration, day care services, day habilitation services and more. They have a number of special events during the year to celebrate the artistic achievements of their students. Offer stress relieving tips to students and parents, community connection and more.  Located at 2950 North Shiloh Road, Garland, Texas 75045-2826.  Phone: (972) 414-7700. Hours: M-F, 7am-6pm.  Website: www.achievementcenteroftexas.org. 

  • BitIRA - "Teaching Math and Computer Science to Kids with Special Needs" - This list is intended to survey teaching approaches and then highlight free math and computing resources for special needs students. https://www.bitira.com/crypto-stem-for-kids-with-special-needs/  

  • Helping The Behaviorally Challenging Child (HBCC) - Parenting, teaching and treating children, teens and young adults with difficult-to-manage behaviors.  Held at: HBCC, 145 W. Main Street, Tustin, Suite 260, CA, 92780.  Contact Debra Ann Afarian (714) 695-1057 or info@hbcc.us or visit their website: www.hbcc.us

  • Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC) - A non-public Special Education non-profit school (six months to 21 years old) that provides individualized therapy interventions: OT, PT, Counseling, Speech Therapy, Social Skills training, trained Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialists, and ABA services to families in their community. Located at 8699 Holder Street, Buena Park, CA 90620. Call: (714) 821-3620.  Their website: www.sldc.net.

  • UCP of Orange County (CA) - Our mission is to help children with disabilities reach their full potential and improve the quality of life for their families. Our services are high individualized, from simple delays to complicated lifetime conditions. Call: (949) 333-6400. Email: info@ucpoc.org.  Website: www.ucp-oc.org.

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Respite​

  • Families Forward - This Orange County, CA community resource has been helping local families since 1984. They have a wealth of information about other agencies and services that help in the areas of housing, utility assistance, medical, government assistance, clothing and other resources.  Phone: (949) 552-2727, Email: info@families-forward.org. Located at 8 Thomas, Irvine, CA  92618.

  • Health and Human Services - (HHS) This agency administers more than 100 programs across its operating divisions. HHS programs protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. Website: www.HHS.gov and for mental health: www.MentalHealth.gov.

  • Office of Child Care -  ChildCare.gov helps parents access safe, quality child care services in their community that bests suits their family's needs. ChildCare.gov provides links to State or Territory child care websites that parents use to search for child care and consumer education information. One arm of this agency is Office of Child Care (OCC). The OCC supports low-income working families by providing access to affordable, high-quality early care and after-school programs. The OCC administers the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and works with state, territory and tribal governments to provide support for children and their families to find child care programs that will fit their needs and that will prepare children to succeed in school.

  • Orange County 211 - Simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone to reach a free, 24-hour information and referral helpline linking you to thousands of local health and human service programs in the Orange County, CA area. Website: www.211oc.org.

  • Regional Center - This is a nonprofit  organization dedicated to coordinating lifelong services and supports for people with disabilities. The regional center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and supports to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. Many, if not all, states have a regional center of some type.  California Website: www.dds.ca.gov.

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Financial/Home​

 

 

Finding Your Loved One

  • Angel Sense - GPS for cell phone, designed for tracking children & adults with special needs, www.angelsense.com  (888) 999-2023.

  • Life360 - A free app for either Android or Apple phones. It tracks whoever you list. 

  • MX-LOCare - GPS Safety Watch. Although designed for Alzheimer's patients, it also works well for your loved one with an eloping problem. Comes with either a locked wristband, or a standard, removable wristband. Can also be used as a phone. Has an emergency button for user. Tracks your loved one in real time. Monthly phone charge. Website: www.alzstore.com or call (800) 752-3238.

Miscellaneous​
  • Autism Parenting Magazine -  autismparentingmagazine.com
  • Autism Radio - Hope Saves the Day.  www.AutismRadio.org.
  • Bubble Screen - Mobile repair center. Digitizer/LCD replacement; Water damage; battery/charging problems; factory unlocking; diagnostic included with repair.  Service all phone and tablets.www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/caring-for-seniors-with-autism/ Phone: (714) 808-1699. Address: 1150 N. Harbor Blvd., #118, Anaheim, CA  92801. Email: bubblescreeninc@gmail.com and on the web: www.bubblescreeninc.com.  
  • Deaf Ministries - Interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing is provided at 9:19am service, Fullerton Free Church. Assisted listening headsets also available. Large printed lyrics to songs available at Guest Central.  Visit the church website at www.evfreefullerton.com/specialneeds/
  • Fullerton Free Church, Fullerton, CA, Sunday morning classes for special needs kids through adults. Please call Alise Ramseyer for more info at (714) 257-4391,
  • Parenting.com - "Caring for Seniors with Autism/Senior Care - Parent Giving"; article recommended from Ms. Noelle Bennett's class at Learning Haven; https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/caring-for-seniors-with-autism/
  • Paul Litzinger Photography. Twenty years of experience photographing the Ridgway family.  Specializing in Architecture, Corporate, Real Estate, Industrial and Fine Art Photography.  Contact Paul at www.plpics.com or plitzingerphoto@sbcglobal.net
  • Renew Bariatrics - "Disabilities and Weight Gain - A Guide to Studies and Data"; March 16, 2022, renewbariatrics.com/disabilities-and-weight-gain/ 
  • Road ID - These sporty identification bands can be worn on wrist, ankle, shoe or shoe laces. Your info is connected to your medical history helping First Responders contact your family members and administer potentially life-saving help.  This is ideal for kids who elope or for non-verbal kids who are in need of help. Road ID allows your medical conditions to be communicated to those who can save your life. Call toll free (800) 345-6336 or visit www.RoadID.com for more info.
  • Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities - Created by Wrightslaw, this tool lets you search by state for: educational consultants, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, health care providers, academic therapists, tutors, speech language therapists, occupational therapists, coaches, advocates, attorneys for children with disabilities.  You will also find special education schools, learning centers, treatment programs, parent groups, respite care, community centers, grassroots organizations and government programs for children with disabilities.  Web address: www.yellowpagesforkids.com.

A self-help guide, my gift to you:

"Spiritual Secrets for Health"

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