Sanford Autism Advocacy Group
  • Home
  • About
    • Owner/Director
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Our Partners
  • IEP SERVICES
    • ADVOCACY
    • Crystal Clear IEP Conference
    • IEP Consultant Training
  • Blog
  • PODCAST
    • Thriving Special Families (2021)
    • Thriving Autism Families (2022)
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • My Autism Family Care Planner
    • Sour Lemons Book
  • Videos
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
    • Owner/Director
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Our Partners
  • IEP SERVICES
    • ADVOCACY
    • Crystal Clear IEP Conference
    • IEP Consultant Training
  • Blog
  • PODCAST
    • Thriving Special Families (2021)
    • Thriving Autism Families (2022)
  • Resources
    • Resources
    • My Autism Family Care Planner
    • Sour Lemons Book
  • Videos
  • Events
  • Contact
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

4/28/2021 0 Comments

Ask the Doc: Q&A with a Pediatric Psychiatrist

Some children with special needs may benefit from medicine as part of the plan to support their mood, sleep, behavior, etc. 

​Learn more from our special guest, Dr. Aneita High, dually certified pediatric and adult psychiatrist.
Picture
​Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!

Dr. Aneita High 

Dr. High is board certified psychiatrist in child and adult psychiatry. She completed her BS in psychology at Yale university then received her medical degree from Medical University of South Carolina. She completed her adult residency and child fellowship at UCSD.

Dr. High's passion for working with at risk youth and vulnerable populations has resulted in 20 years’ worth of experience in correctional psychiatry, adult and child residential care, day treatment, inpatient psychiatry and school-based and community-based clinics. She started going on mission trips as a teenager and has been on over 20 service trips with faith based and other non-profit organizations. This focus on global citizenship prompted her to complete a master’s in public health at George Washington University with a focus on global mental health.

In addition to practicing psychiatry, Dr. High spends part of her time in Kenya serving along side her husband in Teule Kenya, a registered NGO that serves orphaned and vulnerable children (https://www.teulekenya.org).


Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP
​

Crystal Sanford is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (
https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! 

Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
0 Comments

4/28/2021 0 Comments

Before Autism was a Thing: Insight from an Autism Self-Advocate

Autism is now one of the most prevalent diagnosis for children in the US. But, what about 20 years ago, before "Autism was a thing"? 
​
Join us with guest J.R. Reed and learn about one mans extraordinary journey with Autism. 
Picture
Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!


J.R Reed

Is a late-diagnosed autism and neurodiversity self-advocate with Asperger's. He was out of high school for a decade before autism began being diagnosed in children, and, as he likes to say, he, "Grew Up Without a Spectrum To Be On." Now, J.R. advocates for others with autism and developmental disabilities along with his service dog and faithful companion, Tye.

J.R. Reed  preaches Neurodiversity and does it all from a log cabin in the Missouri Ozarks.  J.R. blogs, speaks, and writes on a wide variety of topics affecting adults with developmental disabilities.  He’s spoken to groups, companies and at the Missouri State Capitol.  You can find out more about J.R., see some of his writing, and what he has in the works at NotWeirdJustAutistic.com.
​

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP
Is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered!
​Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
0 Comments

4/26/2021 0 Comments

Help for Selective & Picky Eaters

Does your child with special needs have a significantly limited diet? Does your child refuse to eat foods that have color? Do they struggle with constipation? Need help?
​
Learn tips from our guest, Autism expert and board certified dietitian, Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT (https://www.autismdietitian.com/).
Picture
Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!

Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
Brittyn Coleman is a Registered Dietitian based in San Francisco, CA specializing
in biomedical nutrition and functional medicine for children with ASD, ADHD, and
other neurodevelopmental disorders through her private practice, Autism
Dietitian. She helps parents across the US take the guesswork out of special diets,
supplement recommendations, and lifestyle changes to feel their best, and
therefore, do their best, and be their best.

Her approach is focused on addressing the root cause, not just treating the
symptoms. She uses biomedical labs to make recommendations based on results,
not suspicions. She is a sibling of an individual with autism and is dedicated to
helping parents all over the world lay the groundwork for proper nutrition for
their children all across the Spectrum. https://www.autismdietitian.com/

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP
The owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered!
Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
0 Comments

4/21/2021 0 Comments

"Unmasking" Due Process for Families

DOWNLOAD NOW
Powerful Due Process Webinar Handout
File Size: 1726 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Sometimes as parents we find ourselves in disagreement with our child's IEP Team. What are our options? One option is filing a due process complaint.

Join us with our guest Thomas S. Nelson, Esq. (The Special Education Advocacy & Law Firm of Thomas S. Nelson) as he helps to "unmask" due process for special needs families.
​
Know your rights and help your child access the education they deserve. 
Picture
Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!


Thomas Nelson
As a practicing attorney for more than 35 years. Mr. Nelson has had the privilege of representing countless children with varying educational needs. He is a two-time recipient of the Wiley Manuel award for his cost-free representation of foster children with special needs.

Mr. Nelson is also an active collaborator in the special needs community, and has presented live workshops for advocates and community parent groups such as CHADD, Autism Society, TACA (Talk About Curing Autism), Learning Disabilities Association, Epilepsy Foundation, Spina Bifuda foundation, Down Syndrome Society, Dyslexia Association, San Diego Foster Family Association, Walden Family Services, and the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Association, among others.
​
In the summer 2021, Mr. Nelson will launch his special education rights training website, IEP Solution ( https://www.specialedlaw.us ), whereby he will continue his tradition of helping the special needs community through advocacy training for advocates, parents, professionals and educators.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP
The owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about IEP assistance and help advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! ​
Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
0 Comments

4/16/2021 0 Comments

Better Health 4 Our Kids: Intro to Pediatric Integrative Care

Does your child with special needs struggle with health issues? Or, have you considered making a change from a traditional pediatrician?

There are options special families...and there is hope! Learn about pediatric integrative health care from our guests Dr. Bret and Dr. Renee (Pacific Integrative Pediatric Health, mypiph.com).​
Picture
Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!

Dr. Bret Gerber MD
I came to Integrative Medicine through a long-time commitment to listening and learning from the needs of my patients. I was first introduced to alternative and complementary medical treatments in my undergraduate work at the University of Michigan. I never forgot learning about chi, chakras, yin and yang energy, and meridians. I experienced forms of energy medicine and mind-body medicine first-hand that at the time were just starting to be studied by the scientific method. I continue to seek out these experiences, practice yoga and am mindful of my dosha and food sensitivities.

Dr. Renee PhD, APRN, CPNP
I have been a pediatric nurse practitioner for over 40 years. I am married to a retired Navy Dentist and raised 2 children and have 5 grandchildren. My husband’s career gave me the opportunity to practice in 8 states and live 3 years in the Philippines where I studied the Faith Healers.  This ignited a lifelong passion to learn about the health care practices of other cultures and some of the many places we have traveled include China, Tibet, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, and India where I have lectured and learned. During these years of practice, I specialized in pediatric dermatology and infectious disease in pediatric primary care. I started 3 private practices including one with a midwife providing home births. I have spent the last 30 years practicing in San Diego while I added teaching, research, and academic administration to my experiences.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families like her own impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! ​
Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
0 Comments

4/15/2021 0 Comments

YOU Matter: Care For Caregivers (Part 3)

Need some inspiration as a special needs caregiver? Tired of feeling tired and overwhelmed? Join us for a fun and inspiring discussion about self-care for caregivers with our guests Kanika McDougall and Talena Adams. These sisters, business owners, and Autism moms will share from their experience along with our host and fellow Autism mom, Crystal Sanford.
Picture
Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!


Kanika McDougall
Kanika is the mom of two teenage boys on the autism spectrum.  She has been working in the accounting field for 20 years and has a Bachelors of Science of Science in Management Science from UC San Diego.  Kanika received her masters degree in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University in 2010.  Kanika has always enjoyed crafting.  As a young girl she learned how to crochet from her grandmother.  In 2019, Krafts by Kanika (@kraftsbykanika on IG, FB, etsy) was created to provide personalized gifts and cards to the community.

Talena Adams
Talena is the mom of two kids, a girl and a younger son who is on the autism spectrum. Talena has been working for a large public accounting firm for the last 10 years in in the Audit, Resource Management field.  She has her MBA in Business Administration from University of Phoenix with an BS in Criminal Justice from San Jose State University.  Talena is also a dance mom  and very active with her daughter's dance studio.  She loves all things Cricut crafting from making t-shirts, cards and anything to brighten up someone's day.  Talena is in the process of starting her new business (T.E.A. Creations). In her free time, she enjoys running and getting outside with her family.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal is the president and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting families like her own impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! 
Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
0 Comments

4/14/2021 0 Comments

YOU Matter: Care for Caregivers (Part 2)

Caregivers need to prioritize themselves in order to better support their loved ones. Learn more from our guest Tim James, coach, speaker, author, and raw food chef. Tim sheds light on powerful tips, such as cleaning our air and bodies from toxins to promote better health for special needs caregivers. You won't want to miss this fun and inspiring episode. ​
Picture
Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!

Tim James
Tim James: The Health Hero (
https://chemicalfreebody.com/podcast/​)
Chemical Free Body (
https://chemicalfreebody.com/who-we-are/​)
After experiencing multiple health issues and the loss of family members and friends, Tim began his journey back to health. Later, after feeling charged with the duty to help others, he started sharing his knowledge with anyone who would listen. This also led Tim to produce his own chemical free food products. Tim's story will have you laughing, crying and gasping but most importantly he will give you the recipe to a longer, happier and healthier life.

Crystal Sanford
Crystal Sanford, M.Ed.. M.A. CCC-SLP is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting (
https://www.sdautismhelp.com​), a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes for fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal at info@sdautismhelp.com.

Want to schedule a 20-minute FREE consultation with Crystal? Get empowered! 
Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
0 Comments

4/11/2021 1 Comment

From IFSP to IEP: Navigating the Preschool Transition

Navigating the preschool transition for children with unique needs can be confusing and overwhelming. Learn how to prepare as your child moves from IFSP (early intervention services) to IEP (public school district services). Our guest, special education attorney Seth Schwartz, Esq., shares several helpful tips including knowing relevant timelines and maintaining good documentation as you prepare for your child's first IEP meeting. ​
Picture
Listen to our podcast through iTunes or your favorite player!

Seth Schwartz, Esq.
Seth Schwartz, Esq. is the managing attorney at Brightside Law Group. Brightside Law Group helps families with children of all abilities to navigate their special education rights and with limited conservatorships. Brightside Law Group's approach is to provide objective and experienced legal counsel, in a compassionate and understanding manner. Many families have never worked with an attorney before, and Brightside does our best to make the process as transparent and as easy as possible.

Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP
Crystal Sanford is the owner and director of Sanford Autism Consulting
, a consulting practice offering IEP advocacy and parent empowerment classes to fellow special needs families throughout the U.S. Crystal specializes in supporting fellow families impacted by Autism, as well as other unique challenges such as learning disabilities and ADHD. To learn more about assistance in advocating for the special education your child deserves, contact Crystal via email.
Subscribe. Like. Share. Comment
1 Comment
    Picture

    About the Thriving Special Families Podcast...

    Thriving Special Families is the perfect podcast for special needs families...especially those impacted by Autism. Join us for insight, humor, and hope along your special needs journey. Our host, Crystal Sanford, M.Ed., M.A. CCC-SLP, interviews experts, community members, caregivers, and other special needs allies. She also shares from her experiences as an Autism parent, speech pathologist, and educational advocate. This is our podcast special needs families...let's thrive!!
    ​

    Join the Family!
    Picture

    Archives

    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021

    Categories

    All Autism Distance Learning Preschool Self Care Matters Self-Care Matters Speech-Language Supports

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
© COPYRIGHT 2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
WEBSITE CREATED BY BLUE PHOTO SD