Early Start Denver Model, developed with help from UC Davis researcher, proves successful two years after application Parent-led program, now offered internationally, is for children age 12-48 months showing signs of autism. At age 6, children still showed gains in IQ and language and reduction of autism symptoms, new study shows. Read more.

A new study shows concerning results about guardianship/conservatorship. Results show that full guardianship is the most common recommendation made to parents of children with disabilities. Read more.

When Marty Sheets, who was born with Down syndrome, was about 4, a doctor told his parents that because of his disability he would never even learn to tie his own shoes.
Back home, Sheets learned how to do it that same day.
“He was a gentle person,” said his father, David Sheets. “But one thing about Marty, he had determination.” Read more.

A small segment of Medi-Cal beneficiaries run up huge health care bills — but they’re not necessarily the people you’d expect them to be.

The so-called “super-utilizers” are one of the biggest drivers of escalating spending in California’s health care system. A two-year pilot project in rural Humboldt County dealing with that population produced some surprising results. Read more.

On May 30, four guys began their journey of traveling 6,000 miles – an experience that will change them for a lifetime. It may seem like just another cross-country road trip to the west coast, but it couldn’t be further from ordinary. These four guys are part of “Guys Group,” a social group for young men with developmental disabilities (DD). Read more.

Every child with special needs is unique, which means strategies that help one child enjoy a smooth flight might not work for another, said Sofia Rejon, clinical director with TASKids. For example, some kids are disturbed by loud noises, so wearing headphones with music might help. Other kids can’t stand to have their ears covered and need to hear a parent’s voice.
Here are some practices that have proven effective in helping most kids with special needs enjoy a smooth flight:                                                                  Read more.

Western Dental, the state’s largest provider of Denti-Cal services to low-income patients, said it will no longer accept new patients under the program at more than a dozen of its clinics starting June 1. Read more.