The 2015 Community Project Grant Recipients include:
• UCSD – “Driving simulator practice for teens on the autism spectrum” Driving is a comlex task that requires fluid integration of skills to respond to a dynamic environment. This pilot study will examine the beneift of "lightly supervised" practice on a driving simulator in teens with ASD. Each of the 20 participants will be assessed on their driving skills such as attention orienting, motor skill and visuomotor integration.
• Intricate Mind Institute – “Executive Functioning Enhancement Intervention for Teens/Young Adults with ASD” This project will test the effectiveness of a 12 week intervention for improving Executive Functioning skills for those with autism. EF skills include cognitive flexibility, attention to context, goal-oriented thinking, organizational skills, prospective memory and inhibition, and are key to reducing life time supports for individuals with autism. A person's ER abilities are shaped by both physical changes in the brain during teen years and by life experiences.
• ReSpectrum Community – “ReCreating Opportunities for Recreation and Socialization” This project will support the Lil' Soccer and Nature Walk programs, family scholarships, as well the development of a new 6 week "Recess Readiness" program. Re Spectrum's recreation curriculum is based on an ABA teaching approach, that emphasizes development of skills through awareness, systematic ways of teaching, reinforcement and acceptance. These programs serve children with ASD ages 4 - 10 years old.
• Somali Family Services – “San Diego East African Autism Awareness (SDSAA) Initiative” This project targets populations in our community that have little or limited access to autism resource, and will offer monthly 2+ hour autism and parent training Workshops to Somali and East African families. Autism materials and trainings will be translated into Somali, Swahili and Arabic.
•-Captain CADRE, North County Coastal Consortium SELPA – “Examining the effectiveness of school district training efforts in evidence-based practices for ASD” Determining the best way to train educators in evidence-based practices is key for helping students with autism, and a priority for school district administrators. This project will examine the effects of direct training and supports to educators within the Oceanside Unified School District. Outcomes will be distributed throughout San Diego County SELPA's.
• K.I.D.S. Therapy Associates, Inc - "Recreational Social Skills Group This project will provide the individualized, comprehension support of 40 children with autism and related disabilities (ages 6 - 12) in a full inclusion Sports Camp (350 children.) Inclusion supports will be developed by an Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Pathologist working with the camper and camp buddies. The emphasis will be on self-regulation and social skills development, while having fun.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of those at our annual the Race for Autism, NFAR has awarded more than 450 Teacher's grants and 73 Community Project Grants throughout San Diego.