New Book: Autism Fundraiser and Book Signing Event

January 3, 2014

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Join us!  Free Appetizers!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

5:00- 7:00 pm CozyMel’s in La Jolla (UTC), San Diego  CA

Proceeds of book sales that evening will benefit NFAR

Ten years ago my first book was published by Penguin and won a few awards. I’m thrilled to announce that I spent the past year revising that popular book, and the Revised Edition is now available. It has a slightly different name – Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Compete Guide to Understanding Autism. To celebrate the publication of this updated book, a fundraiser book-signing event is taking place in San Diego. I’ll be on-hand to sign books. Proceeds of book sales that evening will benefit NFAR. Shannon Vajda and Robin Champlin, Esq. are sponsoring the event. So come get a book signed, enjoy some free appetizers, and support a local autism organization!

About Your Hosts – Shannon Vajda (Pacific Coast Partnership) specializes in mediation-based services, including open adoption and co-facilitated martial and divorce mediation, providing confidential, fair, flexible and mutually beneficial resolutions. Robin Champlin’s full-service law firm represents students and their families in all matters related to education from pre-school through transition into adulthood, providing an individually tailored and child-entered strategy for each case.

About NFAR – NFAR’s mission is to help in the development, expansion and support of autism programs and services that improve the quality of life for children and young adults with autism in the San Diego Region.  

About the Book – Newly revised and updated, this award-winning guide covers every aspect of understanding and living with autism today.  Awards for the book include Outstanding Book of the Year – Autism Society of America, and Best in Health – San Diego Book Awards. Comprehensive and authoritative, Autism Spectrum Disorder explains all aspect of the condition, and is written for parents, educators, caregivers and others looking for accurate information and expert insight. Newly updated to reflect the latest research, treatment methods, and DSM V criteria, the invaluable book covers autism from diagnosis to adulthood.

Praise for the Book

“This updated version of Autism Spectrum Disorder is as indispensable as the award-winning original. This well-documented guide offers clear answers to difficult questions and recommends the important resources that parents will find the most useful. Since the first edition was published, Chantal has written four more essential books while raising her son who is now a young man. She’s done the research so the reader doesn’t have to! Her abundance of practical knowledge has been compiled into this user-friendly updated edition that both parents and professionals will want to keep on hand to refer to time and time again. Truly a must-have!” – Ricki G. Robinson, MD,MPH, member Scientific Review Panel of Autism Speaks; Medical Director, Profectum; and author of Autism Solutions: How to Create a Healthy and Meaningful Life for Your Child

“If I could recommend just one book to families and professionals, this is it! In “Autism Spectrum Disorders”, Chantal Sicile-Kira shares her immense knowledge, personal experience and insightful advice for families affected by Autism. She guides readers along the journey from diagnosis through adulthood, including an extensive compilation of resources and “food for thought” throughout. This isn’t a book that you’ll read once and place on a shelf, it’s an invaluable resource that you will continue to refer to for years to come.” – Wendy Fournier, President of the National Autism Association

“Autism Spectrum Disorders is a tremendous resource for families caring for children and adults with autism. While sharing her personal experiences of a parent of a child with autism, Chantal Sicile-Kira provides insights and resources that are often missing from many of the books on this topic. Quite simply Autism Spectrum Disorders simplifies many of the complications that families face in navigating systems of care and in doing so, she gives families hope and great inspiration.” – Areva D. Martin, Esq., Co-founder and President, Special Needs Network, Inc.

“For over 30 years I have treated visual developmental delays for those with ASD; I think I have made a difference. But my contributions pale in comparison to what Jeremy has taught me through his work in Vision Therapy, and what Chantal has taught me as a mother and author. This book will become a life-long companion for those who want to  make a difference in a life – a life with autism or not.” – Carl G. Hillier, OD FCOVD, Clinical Director: San Diego Center For Vision Care

“A Clearly written, well-organized, carefully documented compilation of important information and useful advice. It will provide invaluable help and guidance to parents and professionals alike, especially those who are new to the worlds of autism. This book is not merely highly recommended-it is indispensible.”- Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., Past director of the Autism Research Institute, founder of the Autism Society of America and past editor of Autism Research Review

“This is the book we’ve all been waiting for. It is an essential source of information and advice in plain everyday language that can help anyone who is affected by autism today, from the parent of a newly diagnosed child, to someone who has been in the trenches for years. Kudos to Chantal for providing us with this long overdue, user-friendly, how-to guide for dealing with autism.” – Portia Iversen, Cofounder, Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN),  member Innovative Technology for Autism Advisory Board of Autism Speaks, author of Strange Son

“The essential book that parents, health professionals, and a wide readership will reach for in order to fathom this confounding condition.” —Douglas Kennedy, author of Leaving the World, The Moment, Five Days and The Pursuit of Happiness

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Conference Jan 11 &12: Adulthood on the Spectrum: Preparing for it—Living it

January 9, 2013

Here’s an opportunity to get educated about  Adulthood on the Spectrum: Preparing for It — Living It. The Greater Long Beach and San Gabriel Valley  ASA Winter 2013 Conference is  taking place on January 12 – 13th, 2013 at The Grand Event Center
4101 East Willow Street, Long Beach. For more information or to register contact Regina Moreno: (562) 237-1520, or visit their website.

Speakers presenting include: Brian R. King, Michael John Carley, Becky Tschirgi, Mary and Jerry Newport, Johnny Seitz, Chris Rials-Seitz M.A. , Sue Rubin, Jeremy and I among others.

Hope to see you there!

Autism College Q & A with Elaine Hall & Chantal Sicile-Kira on September 24th

August 25, 2012

Join  Visiting Professor Elaine Hall and Chantal Sicile-Kira,  author and founder of Autism College, for a free Q & A on Monday September 24th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm PST (9:00pm to 10:00 EST). Sign up for the Autism College newsletter to receive instructions on how to participate and send in your questions. Instructions will be sent via newsletter before the Q & A takes place. (Already registered? Hold tight, the participation link will arrive soon).

Topics to be discussed will be Elaine Hall’s work in the autism community including the  Autism Arts Enrichment program at Vista Del Mar,  and the upcoming conference they are hosting entitled  Re-Thinking Autism: Neurobiology, Technology, Policy, Community.  The conference will take place Thursday November 1, 2012, from 8:30 am-3: 30 pm. Speakers include Diana O’Brien, Founder of Impact Autism; Pat Levitt, PH.D,  Professor of Neuroscience, Director of USC Neuroscience Graduate Program; and Peter Bell, Executive VP Programs and Services for Autism Speaks.

Save the date – Information will follow soon on how to sign up.

Elaine HallAbout Elaine Hall:

Elaine Hall, “Coach E!” referenced by the New York Times as “the child whisperer”, was a top Hollywood children’s acting coach whose life changed dramatically after her son Neal, adopted from a Russian orphanage, was diagnosed with autism. When traditional behavioral therapies didn’t work, she sought the esteemed Dr. Stanley Greenspan who encouraged her to rally creative people to join Neal’s world and he slowly emerged out of his isolation.

Elaine then developed these methods to train staff and volunteers and created, The Miracle Project, a theater and film social skills program profiled in the Emmy winning HBO documentary, AUTISM: The Musical. A media personality, she has appeared on CNN, CBS, Oprah Radio, and featured in the LA Times, New York Times and Wall Street Journal.

She is an international inspirational keynote speaker, an Ambassador for Inclusion, a workshop leader and blogs for the Huffington Post. Her memoir, Now I See the Moon, was chosen for World Autism Awareness Day at The United Nations, where she has spoken several times.  Now I See the Moon has now been selected as suggested reading for International Jewish Disability Month 2013. Elaine is currently the Director of the Autism Arts Enrichment program at Vista Del Mar in West Los Angeles, where she innovates  and oversees state of the art programs including the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and religious education programs.

Elaine has received honors from Autism Speaks, the Mayor of Los Angeles, Senator Pavley, Areva Marin, Holly Robinson Peete and others.

Her latest book, co authored with Diane Isaacs, Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Creating Miracles In The Classroom, is receiving critical acclaim is being used as university text book and she has led workshops in the Seven Keys Internationally She lives in Santa Monica with the two loves of her life, her son, Neal and husband, Jeff Frymer, a Marriage and Family therapist.

Back to School Tips for Educators and Parents: Free Autism College Q&A with Chantal Sicile-Kira and Dana Pulde

August 12, 2012

It’s almost the end of  summer and  most parents  are  looking forward to the routine the new school year will provide, and teachers are busy getting classrooms and lessons ready for the new school year.  The start of a new school year can also mean more stress  for all involved – the student, the educator and the parent.  But there are ways to keep stress to a minimum  for a new and hopefully successful new school year.

Autism College hopes to help this year by offering you a one hour free Q & A with Visiting Professor, Dana Pulde, a Special Education Teacher,  moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira. Both Dana and Chantal are looking forward to answering your questions and giving  tips to educators on how  to prepare the classroom, and to parents on how to prepare yourself and your child for the start of a successful new school year! Whether your child is fully included or in a special day class there are ways to prepare and alleviate some of the stress of the transition from summer to school, especially when there are teachers new to your child or teenager.

Join  Chantal and Dana  for the free interactive Q & A on Thursday, August 16 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm PST (9:00pm to 10:00 EST).

To submit  your questions, go here.

Here is the information for the day of the event:
To attend online, go to:
http://InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=32195109
To call in:
Primary dial in number: (206) 402-0100
Secondary dial in number: (208) 272-9671
Guest pin code: 026332#

Dana Pulde Dana Pulde has been working in the field of special education for a little over a decade.  She began as a paraprofessional working in homes with families using Applied Behavior Analysis to help students with autism.  She resumed her studies to continue her professional growth receiving a moderate/severe teaching credential and masters in autism and she has completed her supervision hours to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  She began her teaching career working at a non-public school serving students with IEPs where she was responsible for developing student programs, creating and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans, Collecting and analyzing data, and creating/modifying materials to meet student needs and support academic growth.  She has continued her career as a supervisor for families of children with special needs by developing home programs and providing ongoing staff and parent training; as a teacher in a public school; and is currently working with an advocate making sure students receive a quality life and education through optimum support and offers of FAPE.

Chantal Sicile-Kira is the founder of AutismCollege.com and the author  of five books on autism, the latest being A Full Life with Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence (co-authored with her son, Jeremy). Chantal’s first practical experience with autism was at Fairview State Hospital, teaching self-help and community living skills to severely developmentally disabled and autistic adolescents in preparation for their de-institutionalization.  Chantal has served on  the California Senate Select Committee on Autism & Related Disorders, and was appointed to serve as  Co-Chair, South Counties Autism Regional Taskforce.  Her son, Jeremy,  graduated from high school at age 22 with a 3.78 GPA despite being severely impacted by autism.

The Golden Hat : Q & A with Margret D. Ericsdottir moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira

May 5, 2012

The Golden Hat

Why did  Kate Winslet ask  over 100 celebrity friends including  Oprah, George Clooney, Rosie O’Donnell, Tom Hanks, Kobe Bryant and Leonardo DiCaprio,  be photographed wearing a Golden Hat for a book that includes photos of eleven non-verbal youngsters with autism wearing the same hat?

What are the long term goals of the Golden Hat Foundation?  What goals do you have for your youth’s future? What are your child’s long term goals?

Join the conversation on May 14 about creating  A Full Life with Autism when  Margret Dagmar Ericsdottir, President & CEO of the Golden Hat Foundation joins Moderator Chantal Sicile-Kira  to discuss  these topics.  The  one hour Q & A  on Monday May  14, 2012 will take place from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm PST  (9:00 pm to 10:00 pm EST). Sign up for the Autism College newsletter to receive instructions on how to participate and send in your questions. Instructions will be sent via newsletter before the Q & A  takes place. (Already registered? Hold tight, the participation link will arrive soon).

The Golden Hat Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with autism around the world, and creating an environment that holds these individuals as intellectually capable.

Kate Winslet and Margret D. Ericsdottir

Guest: Margret D. Ericsdottir is the President & CEO of the  The Golden Hat Foundation; Founder Frontier Filmworks; Co-Author, The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism; Advocate for Individuals with Autism; Mother of Keli, 14-year-old with nonverbal autism.  Margret Dagmar Ericsdottir, MBA, had a successful career in business and held various executive positions in Icelandic companies. Then, in 1997 Margret’s youngest son Keli was born and diagnosed as having severe autism at the age of four. The sudden and profound changes in her family prompted Margret to shift her focus from career-related pursuits to caring for Keli. In 2006 Margret founded Frontier Filmworks, and made the documentary, A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism, which describes her family’s journey.

The  award-winning actress, Kate Winslet, narrated the documentary, and subsequently co-authored The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism, in which celebrities and some non-verbal individuals with autism are photographed wearing a “golden” hat.

Moderator:  Chantal Sicile-Kira is the founder of Autism College, author of five books on autism. Her latest book A Full Life with Autism, was co-authored with her son, Jeremy Sicile-Kira whose photograph appears in The Golden Hat.

How can parents reduce the risk of sexual abuse of their children (as adults or children) with autism?

February 7, 2012

“I have suffered real abuse. Really if it were not for my mom and my therapist pleading for me, I would have retreated into my world. When the bad thing  happened I wanted to  die. Greatly  my mom and therapist  found  a way to help  me grow  from this  experience. I learned  that  there  were really bad people that could do things  to your  body,  but I learned that  you don’t have to let them into your soul.”  – a young man with autism.

Although data on abuse of adults with disabilities is scarce, research on children with disabilities finds that they become victims of abuse at 3.4 times the rate of children who do not have disabilities (Sullivan,T. and Knutson, D., 2001).  While many agree that abuse occurs more, those who specialize in the field of abuse & disability believe that for both children and adults, increased victimization is more likely 10 times the rate than for those without disabilities.

Dr. Nora BaladerianAccording to Nora Baladerian, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist practicing both clinical and forensic psychology, children with disabilities have many of the same needs as any other child, for education, family, safety, recreation, among many others.  Most parents of children with disabilities receive information and guidance on these aspects of life, but nearly none on the problems of child abuse, sexual assault, molestation, or other types of maltreatment that they may experience.  Knowledge is power, and when parents and other family members are aware that their child (or adult family member) who has a significant disability is more likely to be targeted for abuse than other children, they are more likely to implement the risk reduction strategies available to them.

This is one of the reasons Autism College has partnered with the National Autism Association to put on a free online conference, Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention. This series of  webinars is sponsored in part by The Social Express.  Dr. Nora Baladerian will present on: How can parents reduce the risk of sexual abuse of their children (as adults or children)?,  on Saturday, February 11, 8:15am PST – 9:45am PST (11:15am EST – 12:45pm EST)

The webinar will be interactive. There will be an opportunity for those signed up to send in questions ahead of time or while listening to the program. Chantal Sicile-Kira will moderate the Q & A.  To register for free, go here. For more information about the other webinars included in this conference, go here. Instructions will be sent to those signed up. (For those who wish to purchase transcripts, they will be made available after the conference.)

Dr. Baladerian’s presentation  How can parents reduce the risk of sexual abuse of their children (as adults or children)? will focus on the basics all parents should know about sexual abuse among individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Topics to be included include:

  • You know your child. How can you prepare your child for this particular danger?
  • How can you prepare yourself to be not only their educator, but to be a part of an overall strategy to reduce the risk of becoming a victim?
  • This presentation will discuss the basics of being a knowledgeable parent in the area of sexual abuse, including knowing the signs of possible abuse, designing a plan, and developing a protocol to use for all new persons who you will approve or hire to work with your family.

Nora Baladerian, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Los Angeles, California, practicing both clinical and forensic psychology . Since 1971, long before the crime victimization field as a whole focused attention on the needs of persons with disabilities, she has specialized in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. With an expertise in serving crime victims with disabilities and people charged with victimless sex crimes, she has successfully rallied victim/witness organization leaders, crime victims rights advocates, social service professionals, forensic psychologists, law enforcement, attorneys, members of the judiciary, and others to take up the cause of ensuring that the needs of society’s most vulnerable are not overlooked or otherwise forgotten. In 1986, as a proactive way both to bring together the growing number of those dedicated to this work and promoting greater cross-disciplinary dialog, she began convening national conferences on abuse of individuals with disabilities, hosting the 19th in 2005 with The Arc of Riverside County, and the First Online Professional Conference of its kind that same year. In 2008, the Attorney General of the United States presented her with the National Crime Victims Service Award in recognition of her pioneering efforts on behalf of persons with disabilities and in advancement of the mission of the Office for Victims of Crime of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Many thanks to our sponsor, The Social Express,

The Social ExpressSocial Learning Made Easy

How Can We Help Prevent Bullying of Students with Autism?

February 2, 2012

A few years ago, I interviewed many adults on the spectrum for my book Autism Life Skills about what were the important areas that concerned them the most while growing up. High on the list was safety. Many of them described  feeling terrified  during their student  years.  Practically all  recounted instances of  being bullied.  A recent report from the Massachusetts Advocates for Children (Ability Path, 2011) shows that bullying is still a concern for most students: nearly 88% of individuals with ASD are bullied in school.

This is one of the reasons Autism College has partnered with the National Autism Association to put on a free online conference, Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention, sponsored in part by The Social Express. Dr. Lori Ernsperger will be presenting on The 3 R’s To Bullying Prevention for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Recognize, Respond, and Report, on Saturday, February 11, 10:00 – 11:30am PST (1:00 – 2:30pm EST).

Parents can help by ensuring that their children learn and practice social skills either through the IEP process or after school and at home. However, preventing bullying at school needs to be addressed systematically.   Dr. Ernsperger will provide research and specific strategies in order for parents and professionals to create a safe educational environment and follow the legal requirements set out by the federal government on bullying prevention for students with disabilities.  The webinar will be interactive. There will be an opportunity for those signed up to send in questions ahead of time or while listening to the program. Chantal Sicile-Kira will moderate the Q & A.  To register for free, go here. For more information about the conference, go here.

The learning objectives of  Dr. Ernsperger’s presentation are:

  • Recognize the statistics of bullying
  • Recognize the warning signs of victims and stereotypes of bullies
  • Respond to the victims of bullies
  • Respond to bullies effectively
  • Teach anti-bullying social skills
  • Report bullying incidence in school settings

Dr. Lori ErnsbergerDr. Lori Ernsperger is from Henderson, NV where she is the owner of Autism and Behavioral Consulting. Dr. Lori received her doctorate in Special Education from Indiana University. She has over 25 years of experience working in the public schools as a classroom teacher, administrator, and behavioral consultant. She is also an adjunct professor at St. Petersburg College in Florida. Dr. Ernsperger currently provides staff development and conference workshops to school district personnel and parents.  Her workshops cover the following topics: Managing Problem Behaviors, Implementing Effective Instructional Methods, Designing Appropriate and Functional Data Collection Methods for the Classroom, Practical Strategies for Working with Individuals with Asperger Syndrome, and How to Get Your Kids to Eat. Dr. Ernsperger is the author of: Keys to Success for Teaching Students with Autism and Just Take a Bite: Easy Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges and Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Many thanks to our sponsor,The Social Express, “Social Learning Made Easy.”

Free -on-line Conference on Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention

January 14, 2012

[Updated! Registration is now live]

Autism College in partnership  with the National Autism Association (NAA) is presenting a free on-line conference on Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention.  Topics to be addressed are sexual abuse risk reduction, bullying prevention, suicide risk, wandering, and preventing the use of restraints and seclusion.

The on-line conference Autism Safety and Crisis Prevention  to be held in February,  will include presentations by  experts in the field of autism and  safety issues, and broaches sensitive topics with real life strategies.  There will be a question and answer session moderated by Chantal Sicile-Kira following each presentation.  Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how to help support  the emotional and physical health and safety of your loved one affected by autism. Schedule is as follows:

Saturday, February 11, 8:15am- 9:45am PST,  Dr. Nora Baladerian, Ph.D. will present “How  Can Parents Reduce the Risk of Sexual Abuse of Their Child or Young Adult?”.

Saturday, February 11, 10:00am-11:30am PST, Dr. Lori Ernsperger will discuss “The 3 R’s to Bullying Prevention for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Recognize, Respond, and Report”.

Wednesday, February 15, 6:00pm-7:30pm PST, Dr. Joshua Feder will discuss “The Problem of Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Autism and Related Disorders”.

Saturday, February 18, 8:15am-9:45am PST,  Wendy Fournier of the NAA will  discuss Wandering .

Saturday, February 18, 10:00am- 11:30,am PST, Pat Amos, M.A. will discuss Preventing and Eliminating the Use of Restraints and Seclusion.

For those unable to attend live, there will be transcripts available for purchase. Register here.

Summer Updates

August 4, 2011

Recently I have been neglecting Autism College because I’ve been busy writing book #5:  A Full Life With Autism: From Learning to Forming Relationships to Achieving Independence. This book, co-authored with my son, Jeremy, is all about creating a life for a young person with autism. It’s a practical guide – like all my other books- but is really driven by my son’s goals and dreams for his future. At 22, he has many of the same aspirations as any young man, and as his mom (read: biggest advocate) I feel it is my duty to help him create the life he wants to live.

Now that the manuscript is done, I can get back to Autism College; back  to creating a site with practical information and training you can use. First step: getting more articles in the free library (those will be in over the next few weeks) and creating some courses on autism and the teens years, plus the transition to adulthood. Doing the research to write A Full Life has given me lots of new information and tips, and I look forward to sharing them with you.

Meanwhile, Autism College will present a free live Q & A on Monday, August 22, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00pm PST with Dr. Peter Faustino, school psychologist, which I will be moderating.  The topic will be “Tips for Reducing the Back to School Stress for Children with Autism, Parents and Educators.”

More information to follow soon!

Free Q & A Webinar with Autism College Visiting Professor Brian King

June 5, 2011

Autism College will present a free live Q & A on Monday, June 13, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00pm  PST with visiting professor Brian King, LCSW. Sign up below.

Have you ever wished you had access to someone who could give you some advice on how to parent more effectively your child on the spectrum?  Have you ever wished you could ask an expert how to communicate more effectively with your child?

Sign up for this free Q & A (sign up for our newsletter to receive instructions or check back here) and you’ll be able to ask questions from an experienced  therapist who has Asperger’s Syndrome. As an adult with Asperger’s and ADD, the husband of a woman on the Spectrum, as well as the father of three boys on the Autism Spectrum, Brian has the most comprehensive experience around regarding living on the Autism Spectrum.

Brian R. King LCSW  consults and speaks professionally nationwide, providing groundbreaking insights and strategies for bridging the communication gap between those on the Autism Spectrum and the rest of society. As a Presenter, Coach, and Mentor Brian trains his clients, ranging from parents, teachers, job coaches and individuals on the Autism Spectrum to develop and implement customized communication strategies for increasing collaboration.  Brian is known for his interactive speaking style which emphasizes dialogue with participants. He is very direct, authoritative, creative, positive, supportive, solution focused and nonjudgmental. He focuses his content on providing concrete strategies participants can apply immediately.

Brian’s thoughts have been cited in various books and publications including Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More – 10 Essential Abilities Every Child Needs and Deserves to Learn.

Brian’s latest book, Let’s Relate: 
Strategies for Building Meaningful Relationships with People 
on the Autism Spectrum, will be published by  Jessica Kingsley Publishers in 2011.

For more about Brian, go to www.SpectrumMentor.com.

Sign Up

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