Hundreds attend Safety and Resource Fair Addressing ...

By mvlife on February 28, 2013

Dani Bowman is an 18-year-old high school student with autism.? At the age of 11, she created her own company to generate entertainment for kids of all ages. She recently spoke about her love of animation and illustration and how nothing slows her down.

?If I can do it, you can too,? she told folks gathered at the Feb. 23 Safety and Resource Fair Addressing Developmental Disabilities.

The City of Mission Viejo co-sponsored the event at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center with Community Autism Now and Us Too Gymnastics in an effort to bring together local resources that support people with developmental disabilities.

The day included presentations about recognizing symptoms of developmental disabilities, speech therapy, social skills and integrating children with special needs into the mainstream.

TV psychologist Dr. Dean Leav spoke about ?loving mistakes parents make? like focusing on a child?s negative behavior without acknowledging positive behavior; and failing to ask for help in times of need.

The fair also gave parents the chance to speak with experts in psychology and behavioral therapy as well as gain legal advice and financial planning.? Several agencies provided information on education, social interaction and recreation, sign language and swim lessons.?? Karate For All performed a demonstration using an occupational approach to not only enhance physical fitness but also attention span and focus, sensory and motor skills and social and life skills.

Mayor Pro Tem Trish Kelley was happy to see such a big turnout and all of the participating agencies.

?The City of Mission Viejo as a community is like a family, and it?s essential for us to provide opportunities for everyone in our community to gain the assistance and resources they need,? she said.

Posted in Education, Health, News | Tagged city of mission viejo, Community Autism Now, development disabilities, disabilities, Dr. Dean Leav, Mission Viejo, mission viejo information, mission viejo life, mission viejo news, mission viejo official blog, Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, safety and resource fair, Us Too Gymnastics |

Source: http://missionviejolife.org/2013/02/28/hundreds-attend-safety-and-resource-fair-addressing-developmental-disabilities/

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