Resource Page

Resources

Please be aware that Elizabeth Rose Chacon does not discuss the cause of Autism in her classes or presentations. She also does not promote special diets, tips on nutrition, or special nutrients for Autism to her clients. If any article or resource contains, however minimally, the above-mentioned issues, please reach out to the author of the article or owner of the website to learn more.

Safety Program

Kidpower https://www.kidpower.org

Elizabeth has a history with this non-profit organization and recommends it if you are looking for a way to teach safety or self-defense to people with special needs.

New Resources -

After working with an awesome couple I asked if I could share their Blog about raising twins on the Spectrum. If you would like to take a look here's the link: https://mireicat.wixsite.com/therapistmamabear. Thank you, Chisato!

I received an email from Kelly Burkett from The Clunker Junker:
Our guide, How to Overcome the Difficulties of Getting a Driver's License with Autism, contains the necessary preparations and strategies you'll need to be aware of in order to get your driver's license, as well as how to determine if you're able to acquire one.

If you are looking into the possibility of your child on the Spectrum and his or her ability to obtain a driver's license this article may help. Thank you, Kelly!

Room Design: After looking at this article Designing the Perfect Home Playroom for Children with Autism, this may be helpful if you are interested in creating a space for your own special needs child. Please go to: https://productdiggers.com/autism-playroom/.

Smart Home Tech

Haley Armstrong from Reviews sent me the following. Our Fully Accessible Guide to Smart Home Tech for Disabled and Elderly explains which smart home tech is most user-friendly for those who may have issues with communication or mobility.
This article has been created in compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which allow those with impairments to easily access the content through means that work for them: https://www.reviews.com/blog/fully-accessible-guide-to-smart-home-tech/

Products

Check out the beautiful blankets at The Original Magic Weighted Blanket, a family owned business for over 20 years. Click Here read their interesting story and to shop!

Elizabeth found an Autism Store via Instagram. You might find something for yourself and your children. Take a look at: https://proolaunch.com/autism! Click on This is one of my favorites.

Places and Programs

NEW!! Dao Yin Holistic Health
If you have ever been interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine Elizabeth Chacon highly recommends ChunHong Wang. To contact her or learn more about her and her therapies click on this link https://www.daoyinholistichealth.com.

Keep an eye out for events for families of children on the Autism Spectrum.

Sweet Shade Ability Center!
A new facility in Irvine! The Open House last week revealed a beautifully decorated building and office that will offer many activities for special needs students. For information please go to: www.cityofirvine.org/parks-facilities/sweet-shade-ability-center

Down Syndrome Association in Orange County Center (DSAOC)
There are a lot of creative classes at the DSAOC for kids all ages, To get more information please call the DSAOC Center at 714-540-5794 or email programs@dsaoc.org. To learn more about the DSAOC please go to www.dsaoc.org.

We Rock the Spectrum is a franchise of play gyms specifically designed for autistic children and children with sensory processing issues. You can find them in many places, if you look at their main website, but they finally opened one in Orange County! It's in Laguna Hills, it's big and looks like a lot of fun.

A new franchise in Long Beach! Click here for more information, We Rock the Spectrum. To look at franchise opportunities go to WRTS Franchise.

Gigi's Playhouse
If you haven't already heard about Gigi's Playhouse, it's a special activity center set up for children through adults with Down Syndrome. I've kept my eye on the franchises throughout the US and one is coming to San Diego, California, they are opening on April 7th! To learn more, please go to Gigi's Playhouse.

Trainers and Teachers

Special Needs Trainer & Swim Instructor
Matt Olaya is a works with some clients at Club Fitness Addiction, that's how we met. You can visit his website trainingwithmatt.com email him at Matt@trainingwithmatt.com.

Special Needs Gymnastics
Richard Morris teaches gymnastics to special needs students. You can visit his website www.bighopeathletics.com or email him at bighopeathletis@gmail.com

Special Needs Yoga
Chachiescobar Yoga Life! For a great Yoga Class with an instructor certified in special needs yoga, contact Chachi at 949-282-8826, or send her an email at chachiescobaryogalife@gmail.com

Personal Trainer
Herb Morris is also at Club Fitness Addiction has 25 years of experience as a personal trainer specializing in weight loss, injury rehabilitation, and body sculpting. He has worked with clients with special needs as well. You can visit Herb Morris and Associates website at www.surfcitypersonaltraining.com. You can also email him at herbmorris@yahoo.com.

Note about Resources:
I have been approached by individuals at the following resources who wanted to share information that my clientele might find helpful. I have looked them over and decided to add them to my Resource page, but I can make no warranty regarding the accuracy, veracity, integrity or quality of the sites or resources below. Thank you, Elizabeth Rose Chacon

Finances

Keith Conley is a Certified Financial Planner & Certified Kingdom Advisor, he reached out to me on LinkedIn, he's passionate about helping families. with adopted, foster or special needs children navigate their wealth building journey. If you are looking for this type of help for your family, his email is keithconley@mfs-on.com and phone is (949) 438-0397.

Sleep

Tuck.com covers everything sleep-related, from the science behind it to tips for getting a better night’s rest. We also have guides on careers in sleep health and science, articles by medical professionals debunking sleep myths, and articles about why sleep deprivation lowers productivity and creativity at work. Kellen Smith sent me the section of their website on ASD. https://www.tuck.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-and-sleep/

Resources for special needs children and caregivers:

Los Angeles Resource
For those of you in the Los Angeles Area, I was contacted by Noddy Nweke, founder and executive director of Jazz Hands For Autism a 501(c)(3) which is committed to creating pathways to consistent and sustainable employment for musicians with autism. You can find them at www.jazzhandsforautism.org.

Sports

TOPSoccer - The Outreach Program for Soccer is a recreational program designed for special needs athletes who play the world’s most popular sport. We focus on fun and providing meaningful participation rather than on competition. We modify the game of soccer to allow full participation and enjoyment for each athlete and provide opportunities for building relationships, fitness and self-esteem. The special needs of our players come in all shapes and sizes – physical, cognitive, emotional and social.

Everyone plays and one-on-one assistance is available. We play every Saturday afternoon between September and November from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Arena Soccer Park (2190 Canal Street, Orange, 92865). There are no practices or weekday events.

Orange Junior Soccer Club, TOPSoccer if you want to learn more go to: www.ojsc.org. Any interested players should contact: Jim Watson, TOPSoccer Coordinator at jim.watson@ojsc.org

Colleges
For those with Down Syndrome, I was contacted by Ryan Kelly, Communications Department at Affordable Colleges Online, since resources for young adults is an interest of mine, please check out their website: https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org.

Guide for Deaf & Hearing Impaired College Students which has a lot of helpful information geared toward hearing impaired and deaf college students. https://besthearinghealth.com/hearing-impaired-students/

And So Much More!
The Autism Hope Alliance
The Autism Hope Alliance "embodies hope for families facing the diagnosis of Autism through education, financial support and volunteerism." For more information, please go to http://www.autismhopealliance.org

Autism Speaks Resource Page
You can now find A Dance Class For Me! or Autism Movement Therapy in Orange County and other activities on the Autism Speaks Resource Page under Interventions and Social Skills in California, please go to AutismSpeaks.org.

Autism Movement Therapy®
Joanne Lara, MA died in June 2020. The Board of Directors will announce new provider training in 2021. In the meantime you can still learn more about Autism Movement Therapy® and Joanne Lara, MA, please go to AutismMovementTherapy.com. You can also find a provider in your area on the Contact a Provider Page.

Autism Works Now (AWN) Get a Certification for Autism Works Now (AWN) 1-day Pre-employment skills to jobs training workshop includes book, 8-month AWN program planning week by week notebook & AWN Certification. For parents, employers, service providers, educators, administrators, transition programs, residentials and day programs, non-profits & organizations that work with young adults with autism & special needs go to autismworksnow.org/ to learn more. Or find and follow on Facebook at @AMTAWN.

Wondermoms.org - Transitioning to adulthood for children with special needs. The following links are recommended by Christy Clawson, one of the owners of Wondermoms.org/. Preparing for adulthood is important for students with special needs. Information is power, here is some information.

More from Wondermoms.org for Autism Awareness Month!
Here are some helpful links. This is a group of three moms who are working hard to put resources together for parents of kids with special needs:
Accommodations For Students With Autism
Guide to Better Sleep For Kids With Autism
Autism Resource Center
Creating an Autism Friendly Home
Autism Support Network Resources
Planning a Move with Autism
30 Ways to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month
Autism and Travel

The Music for My Choreography
I forgot to mention that the original music used for A Dance Class For Me! performances, "Come on By", written by Timothy Bennett is on Highly Irregular. Another song I used is called "Do What You Love" For more of music written by Tim Bennett, please go to TBennettMusic.com or look for his songs on Spotify!
You can find him at https://open.spotify.com/artist/5yqfsQLrvWiMITIaM9ZrHl