Pasadena Child Development Associates, Inc.
Pasadena Child Development Associates, Inc.
PCDA Press Releases
Pasadena Child Development Associates Receives $8,000 grant from The UPS Foundation
Pasadena, CA September 12, 2011
Pasadena Child Development Associates (PCDA) received an $8,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. The grant will be used to purchase needed therapy supplies for the Interdisciplinary Feeding Services at PCDA. Here children, from infants to teens receive help when they have difficulties with eating. Some children have autism and have highly selective diets; others have difficulties with coordination of chewing and swallowing due to Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities. PCDA is able to help children with a wide range of medical conditions which create challenges in their abilities to eat. PCDA is unique in that their team includes a pediatrician, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health counselors and dieticians- who all work together to provide a comprehensive treatment for each child. Families receive help in home like kitchens where the focus is on enjoyable mealtime experiences. PCDA also offers programs for the typical ‘picky eater’ who has no other developmental challenges, and offers a weight loss program. Dr Cullinane, Executive Director, remarked “We are all very excited to be able to purchase up to date instruments and equipment for our work.”
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, the UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In 2010, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $44.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as PCDA. “The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities- so we are proud to support PCDA’s efforts with their Feeding Services,” said Ken Sternad, President of the UPS Foundation.
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For more information, contact: |
Diane Cullinane, M.D. |
400 Attend Family Fun Day at Griffith Park!
Pasadena, CA April 10, 2011
Music, games, activities, beautiful weather, good food and terrific speakers were all part of the day at the DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California's Family Fun Day at Griffith Park on Sunday, April 10th. More than 400 people attended the event to celebrate children with disabilities and learn more about DIR®/Floortime programs for children and their families.
Ron Ostrow, a well-known actor, served as MC and spoke about his own personal experience of using DIR/Floortime with his son. Among the other speakers were Erik Linthorst, a local Southern California filmmaker and Floortime dad. He described his journey with his son, Graham, which is captured in the award-winning documentary film, “Autistic-Like: Graham's Story”. Jim Lantry, a national advocate for the rights of the developmentally disabled, informed the crowd about legislative progress for parent choice., Autism Speaks representative and Floortime parent, Pam Eisenberg, also shared her story on the way DIR/Floortime helped her daughter. Actors for Autism performed songs from their upcoming musical show.
Dr. Diane Cullinane, chairperson of the DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California and Executive Director of Pasadena Child Development Associates, kicked off the event and explained the purpose of the day by saying, “This is a fun day for children to enjoy with their families, and for parents, a day to learn about resources for their children. The DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California is a group of parents and professionals from throughout California who have come together to promote parent choice in treatment options for their children.”
Resources were available for parents, including books and training materials from the Interdisciplinary Council of Developmental and Learning Disabilities, booths staffed by area autism treatment experts, and a professional panel question and answer session which engaged parents in a discussion about treatment choices for their children. Many non-competitive games and activities were available including a water balloon group parachute toss, noodle badminton, bounce house marathon, and a Home Depot planting project in which company volunteers assisted each child, proudly wearing a Home Depot orange mini-apron, in planting their own individual flowers in a pot to take home.
Dr. Andrea Davis, event organizer, commented, “It was exciting to see what we had created together, especially to enjoy the atmosphere of inclusion of kids and teens with special needs in an event that offered something fun for everyone. We will definitely hold this event again next year!”
Special thanks are in order to Arrest My Sister, Dave Taylor Music, Outback Catering, Henry's Market, Trader Joe's, Fresh and Easy Market, Home Depot, Actors for Autism, Demand Media, Steel Deck, IndulgeYourself.com, CircleStretch.com, Rustic Canyon Restaurant, ICDL, and the many family members, therapists, students, and friends who volunteered to help make this inaugural event a big success. For more information, please visit the coalition's website at www.dirfloortimecoc.com.
Parent Choice in Autism Treatment - Day of Answers for Parents, Fun for Kids
Pasadena, CA March 25, 2011
Summary
The DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California, an advocacy group working for parent choice in treatment of autistic children to host a day of answers for parents and fun for children at Griffith Park April 10th from 1 – 5pm at Shane's Inspiration Playground.
Detail
“Decisions being made at the State level will impact the lives of all families in California affected by autism spectrum disorders. Families must join voices now to protect our right to informed consent and keep others from making our decisions." Josh Feder, M.D. Parent and Autism Specialist.
Leading professionals in the treatment of Autism, concerned parents, and legislative activists from the DIR®/Floortime Coalition of California will host a day of answers for parents and fun activities for their children at Griffith Park, Shane's Inspiration Playground, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, L.A. 90027, from 1 – 5pm on Sunday, April 10th. The event is free and parking is free at Carousel Lot 3. The Coalition is a non-profit organization that advocates across the state for parent choice in the treatment of autism. Currently treatment is often decided by regional centers, insurance companies, hearing boards, the legislature, or school boards, thereby denying parents a choice among treatment alternatives.
Leading local treating professionals as well as local parents who are authors, actors, and filmmakers will share information about innovative developmental treatment approaches, and will be available for question and answer sessions. Activities for children and teens will include non-competitive games staffed by volunteers, music provided by Arrest My Sister and children's musician Dave Taylor, and access to the nearby playground. Food by Outback Steakhouse will be available for purchase. Funds for further state advocacy will be raised through raffle prizes and opportunities child sponsorships in the non-competitive games.
Register for the free event at http://floortimefamilyfunday.eventbrite.com.
“Watching a child struggle with symptoms of autism or other developmental challenges can be heartbreaking for parents”, said Andrea Davis, Ph.D. “Grief and worry naturally follow. Parents of special needs kids need their numerous questions answered and they need a community of support from understanding parents and informed professionals. On April 10th, we aim to provide parents with hope and information about how to become an integral part of helping their child reach his or her highest potential.”
The Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime) Model is an evidence-based treatment approach built upon decades of developmental psychology theory and research. It helps clinicians, parents, and educators conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a comprehensive intervention program tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or other developmental challenges. The objectives of the DIR®/Floortime Model are to build healthy foundations for robust social, emotional, and intellectual capacities rather than focusing on isolated skills and problem behaviors.
Dr. Diane Cullinane comments, “DIR®/Floortime provides a powerful approach for helping children to become curious, creative, and warmly engaged in the world. It is important that parents have the opportunity to learn about this highly effective way to support their child's development.”
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Contact: |
Andrea Davis, Ph.D. Josh Feder, M.D. Diane Cullinane, M.D. |
(626) 795-7910 (858) 509-0523 (626) 793-3750 |
Harvest Moon Benefits Children with Special Needs
Pasadena, CA October 26, 2010
The beautiful and historic Mansion Adena was the site of Pasadena Child Development Associates' (PCDA) second annual Harvest Moon Benefit on Saturday, October 23. Guests enjoyed touring the historic site, complete with docents in Victorian costume. Following the home tour, guests were treated to dinner catered by Arli's Exclusive Catering and an opportunity to learn more about the services provided by PCDA for children with disabilities and their families.
Dr. Diane Cullinane, Executive Director (left), and Kristi Lopez,
Field Representative for Assembly Member Anthony Portantino
PCDA was recognized at the event by Kristi Lopez, field representative for Assembly member Anthony Portantino, who presented a certificate to the organization recognizing its work on behalf of children with disabilities and their families. The organization honored hosts Chris Mullin and Margio Morales with a beautiful framed photograph of the mansion, and acknowledged sponsors McGuireWoods LLC, First Foundation and Arli's Exclusive Catering, as well as raffle donors Arroyo Chop House, Element's Kitchen and the Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition at Fairplex. Proceeds from the event will support PCDA's programs and services.
PCDA's mission is to provide quality, family-centered services for children with special needs, and to provide training and consultation to staff, parents and professionals about best child development practices. The agency's goal is to support each child to be curious and self-motivated, to be creative and solve problems with others, and to enjoy close, trusting relationships with family and friends.
Founded in 1997, PCDA has served more than 5,000 children with special needs through a variety of programs and services, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding and nutrition services, music therapy and adapted music lessons, Building Blocks infant development, social skills groups, a Teen Club for older children with special needs, and many more. For more information about PCDA's programs and services visit the center's website at www.pasadenachilddevelopment.org, or call (626) 793-7350.
UPS Awards Pasadena Child Development Associates $5,000 grant
Pasadena, CA September 23, 2010
Pasadena Child Development Associates (PCDA) received a $5,000 grant from the UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS. This grant will be used to support children and families with special needs through supporting PCDA's Occupational and Physical Therapy and Adaptive Music programs. The funds will be used to provide additional resources to children with autism, developmental delays and other special needs.
Dr. Diane Cullinane, Executive Director, was happy to accept the check presented by Mr. Gerald Yee, on behalf of the UPS Foundation. PCDA therapists are thrilled to be able to purchase much needed equipment for the children. "The support of organizations like UPS are so important," said Dr. Cullinane. "Every donation allows us to make a difference in a child's life."
Pasadena Child Development Associates Executive Director Dr. Diane Cullinane accepts a $5,000 check from UPS employee Gerald Yee.
PCDA's mission is to provide quality, family-centered services for children with special needs, and to provide training and consultation to staff, parents and professionals about best child development practices. The agency's goal is to support each child to be curious and self-motivated, to be creative and solve problems with others, and to enjoy close, trusting relationships with family and friends.
Founded in 1997, PCDA has served more than 4,000 children with special needs through a variety of programs and services, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding and nutrition services, music therapy and adapted music lessons, Building Blocks infant development, social skills groups, a Teen Club for older children with special needs, and many more. For more information about PCDA's programs and services, visit the center's website at www.pasadenachilddevelopment.org, or call (626) 793-7350.
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation identified specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified to following focus areas for giving: non-profit effectiveness, economic and global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.
In 2009, The UPS Foundation distributed nearly $43.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs like PCDA and provide support for building stronger communities.
"The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities, so we are proud to support Pasadena Child Development Associates and their efforts on behalf of children with special needs," said Ken Stemad, president of The UPS Foundation.
Parents Rally on Capitol Steps for A Choice of Autism Treatment Options
Parents of children diagnosed with Autism journeyed to Sacramento from across California on June 9th to gather on the steps of the State Capitol to demand a choice of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treatment options for their children.
The parents were joined by many D.I.R.®/Floortime practitioners. D.I.R.®/Floortime is a developmental intervention model that has helped tens of thousands of children and adults diagnosed with an ASD to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Ron Ostrow, a renowned Hollywood actor and the parent of a ten year old son diagnosed with ASD, spoke at the rally. "Parent choice is quickly going out the window," he said. "Arguments will always be raised about what research shows, but parents know what works and what doesn't. They know when it is time to try something new. There is no excuse to withhold services that a child needs because a bureaucrat thinks they know what's best.
Members of the DIR®/Floortime Coalitiongather on the Capitol Steps on June 9th to rally
for parental choice of ASD treatment options.
Dr. Josh Feder, a child psychiatrist from San Diego, a D.I.R.®/Floortime practitioner and a member of the ICDL Institute faculty as well as the father of a son with ASD, spoke about the benefits of D.I.R./Floortime. "When you've seen one child with Autism, you've seen one child with Autism. Every child is unique and every child deserves treatment options best suited to their particular needs. D.I.R.®/Floortime is a developmental approach that works with a child's family relationships to build upon them and expand the child's ability to function in the real world, make real choices and live up to their own potential," he said. "D.I.R.®/Floortime has been clinically proven to help thousands of Californians cope with ASD and live better more fulfilling lives."
Jim Lantry, an ASD advocate, added, "California is facing a difficult financial period and we have to make difficult choices. But this choice is easy. Parental choice of ASD treatments will save the State money both today and in the future. Virtually every alternative to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is cheaper. For some, ABA is the ideal choice, but for those children who would be better served by D.I.R.®/Floortime or another intervention model, providing those options to parents will result in major savings today. And in the future, children who receive treatment tailored to their needs will be better equipped to live an independent life with less or no need for subsidy from the state. It's the proverbial win/win situation for everyone."
The rally was prompted by recent actions by some of the State's 21 autonomous Regional Centers to deny funding for ASD intervention models other than ABA. The actions of these Regional Centers stemmed from a misinterpretation of last year's Budget Trailer Bill language. In the San Gabriel Valley, a group of parents denied D.I.R.®/Floortime funding filed a class action lawsuit against the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center (ELARC). The parents who had seen steady improvement in their children under D.I.R.®/Floortime felt that a change to ABA would jeopardize their children's progress. The judge decided in favor of the parents in the case and the funding for the services was restored.
In addition to rallying for a choice of ASD treatment options, the group also called for the State Legislature to adopt a resolution of support for military families with children with ASD. "These families are already sacrificing for our country," Lantry said. "Military families suffer even greater hardship when their children have Autism because of the transient nature of military life. They need the assistance Congress promised them."
The resolution, which will be introduced shortly, memorializes Congress to fully fund ASD treatment services through TriCare, the health care provider for active duty military personnel and their families.
Following the rally, the group visited with many State Senators and Assembly Members, the Governor's office and Terry Delgadillo, the Director of the California Department of Developmental Services, to bring their message directly to the lawmakers as they wrestle with the State budget.
"We really are talking about cost saving alternatives for the State that will better serve the needs of our children," said Dr. Diane Cullinane, Executive Director of Pasadena Child Development Associates, an agency that serves hundreds of Los Angeles area children with ASD, "and I think the legislators were glad to hear it. Too many people are asking for more and more funds for services. I think it was refreshing for them to hear that at least in this case they can provide children with a better future while saving money at the same time."
The D.I.R.®/Floortime Coalition of California is an ad hoc group of California parents of children diagnosed with ASD and their D.I.R.®/Floortime treatment professionals.
For more information or to schedule an interview with a member of the D.I.R.®/Floortime Coalition of California, please contact Jim Lantry of California Legislative Advocates, 858-792-4750 or jlantry@cal-la.com.
PCDA's "Spring Into Action" Free Family Picnic is Set for April 17
Benefits Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
PASADENA, CALIF. - March 21, 2010 - A cherry blossom theme will highlight the Pasadena Child Development Associates (PCDA) Spring Into Action family picnic and fundraising event on Saturday, April 17 from noon to 3 p.m. at Lacy Park in San Marino, Calif. The family-focused event, which is free to the public, is the culmination of PCDA's second annual six-week Spring Into Action fundraising effort designed to raise awareness and funds for the charitable organization's programs for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
"Our six-week pledge campaign that began March 12 will help us make up essential funds lost as a result of California State Regional Center budget cuts, and raise money for programs that are increasingly in demand. We will announce the results of the campaign at the family picnic," said Diane Cullinane, M.D., PCDA Executive Director.
Parents, children, and friends are invited to the free casual outdoor event featuring games and activities, entertainment by PCDA kids and guest and parent speakers. Families will bring their own picnic lunches and PCDA will provide drinks, snacks and dessert.
Lacy Park is located at 1485 Virginia Road, San Marino, Calif. 91108. For more information please contact PCDA at 626-793-7350 or www.PasadenaChildDevelopment.org
PCDA provides interdisciplinary therapy services to infants and children with autism and developmental challenges. The 501c3 not-for-profit agency provides services to hundreds of children in Pasadena and the surrounding area each year. "We believe that every child is a 'whole' child with strengths and challenges," said Diane Cullinane, M.D., Executive Director. "They have many unique capacities, skills and interests. It's our goal to help each child we serve meet his or her full potential and experience the best possible quality of life."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PICTIONARY TOURNAMENT BENEFIT: COMIC BOOK ARTISTS VS. COMEDIANS
Manhattan Beach, California, January 8, 2010
Comic book artists face off against comedians this Wednesday in a Pictionary tournament to benefit children with autism.
The benefit supports the Pasadena Child Development Associates, Inc. (PCDA), a nonprofit organization providing development services to children with autism and other developmental disorders. Audience members can win collectible art created during the tournament by comic book artist Eric Basaldua, whose work includes Ultimate Fantastic Four, Dark Avengers and The X-Men. Comics legend Richard Starkings is also joining the team. In addition to his creator-owned project Elephantmen, Starkings is perhaps best known for founding Comicraft, a digital typography studio that revolutionized comic books in the early 90s.
Other professional comic book artists donating their art to the event include Tone Rodriguez (Simpsons, Cowboy Bebop, KISS4K), Chris Moreno (World War Hulk: Frontline, Toy Story, Popgun) and Tony Fleecs (In My Lifetime, Wonderlost).
The tournament takes place at The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Sponsors include the Comics On Comics comics world podcast and the monthly geek standup show Comics And Comics.
"The tournament will be hilarious and fun. The Comics And Comics guys are facing hopeless odds against professional artists, and only their comedy can sustain them," PCDA Board Member Megan Hobza says. "Also, auctioning the art gives our supporters another great reason to give to PCDA. It's incredible what a benefit like this can do for our kids."
Autism strikes one in 70 children (one in 51 boys) and is now considered an epidemic. California State budget cuts, coupled with an increasing need for services, has made fundraising more important than ever.
The tournament is hosted by geek comedian Asterios Kokkinos, and the event flyer, featuring art by Tone Rodriguez, was designed by renowned comedy community graphic designer Olivia Kjellander Hook. This is the first PCDA Pictionary tournament hosted at The Comic Bug, a community comic book store known for events like 24-Hour Comic Book Day, Free Comic Book Day, in-store signings and live performances.
The Comic Bug is located at 1807 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
For more on PCDA: http://pasadenachilddevelopment.org/
Contact: Megan Hobza PCDA Board Member meganhobza@gmail.com
620 N. Lake Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101 (562) 714-5589
Music therapy program that helps local autistic children open up
falls victim to state budget cuts
By Caroline An, Pasadena Star-News Staff Writer 08/16/2009
PASADENA - During his recent one-hour music therapy session, 5-year-old Cade Thai strummed a guitar, ran his small fingers over piano keys, and tried to sing along to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
It's remarkable progress in the eyes of Cade's father, Jeff Wiggins, who said when his son first walked through the doors of a the Pasadena Child Development Associates two years ago, he was a shy and speechless child.
"He's able to now repeat certain words, recognize words and is more verbal," said Wiggins, whose son is autistic and also has Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that slows his development.
He attributes that progress to the organization's music therapy program, which uses music as an educational tool. Parents and children work in private sessions with on-site music therapists like Melissa St. John, who has worked with Cade since May 2008.
Since then, she's noticed he now "imitates the rhythm, smiles more and is more engaged."
"There is so much more interaction," St. John said.
But now the program is in jeopardy, a victim of state budget cuts, said Diane Anand, executive director of the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, which refers families to the Pasadena program.