About the ASD Parent Support Group

Our meetings are specifically to network and meet with other parents of children on the Autism Spectrum.  The parents in our group come from all over Ventura County and are all dedicated to getting the best care and services for our children.  We share ideas, experiences, resources, and even a good laugh.

Attorney Kathy Greco will also be attending our meetings every other month for advice on specific problems with the school, regional center, and general advocacy questions.  The schedule, time, and location information is below.  Please join us!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

A Retreat for Couples who are Parents of Children with Disabilities


THE JOURNEY TOGETHER - A Retreat for Couples who are Parents of Children with Disabilities At LA CASA DE MARIA RETREAT CENTER

In beautiful Montecito (just south of Santa Barbara) Saturday, November 14, 2009 9am – 5pm

This day-long retreat will be an opportunity for you and your spouse to leave behind your daily routines and join with other couples who have the similar life experience of raising a child or children with disabilities. Fathers will be able to talk with fathers; mothers with mothers. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to talk with EACH OTHER and come away with specific strategies that will enhance your relationship as a couple.

Facilitated by Diane Simon Smith, MPH, MA, MFT and
Gifford (Giff) Smith, MDiv, MA (818) 888-1524
Cost per couple (including lunch & snacks): $195
Register by October 30th using attached Registration Form - Register early as space is limited

Diane Simon Smith brings unique personal and professional experience to her work with families of children with special needs. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she has worked for over 14 years with parents raising children with disabilities, as they struggle with issues of loss
and rebuilding new meaning. She leads parent groups and holds an annual retreat for mothers. Her own two challenged sons have been her greatest teachers.

Gifford Smith is a Board Certified Interventionist, ordained minister,, inspirational speaker, gifted teacher, counselor, and retreat leader. Together with Diane, Giff has raised two step-sons with special needs and feels especially blessed while maintaining his sense of humor.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

YES! Kids with Special Needs Can Surf!


At Best Day it's all about the kids with special needs who participate in our programs. Your child's safety is our top priority. A team of volunteers keeps them safe while helping them have a blast at our Best Day events! The special kids who participate in our camps are amazing and often blow us (and their parents) away!

The next event will be coming up on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 at Ventura Harbor.

Hurry space is limited and you must sign up by September 22nd, 2009!


http://www.bestdayfoundation.org/storage/files/flyers/BD_Ventura_Participant_Flyer_2009.pdf

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Miracle League Practice and Play Day 9/26

The Miracle League is hosting another Practice & Play Day with Magdaleno School of Baseball.

Location: Ventura College
Date: Saturday September 26th
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm

For more detailed information call 647-2004 or visit http://venturafirst.com/ministries/miracle-league