Sanford Autism Advocacy Group

Sanford Autism Advocacy Group Since 2016...empowering families, schools, and community members so autistic children can THRIVE! Offering HOPE for your IEP and Autism journey!

We offer a variety of support services to families impacted by Autism. Our services include parent education & coaching, IEP advocacy, attendance at IEP meetings and more. Our mission is helping parents to persistently pursue what their children deserve at school. Call, email, or message today to schedule you 30-minute consultation. We are here for you!

08/22/2026

We love empowering our fellow families ♾️🙌🏽 Today's conference was all about Autism 💙

We discussed Autism through the lens of neurodiversity, supports for home/school/community, IEP tips, and more.

Join us next time, no cost for most Regional Center families 🎉

📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097

Happy Friday 🎊 Did you know that children can receive an IEP as early as age three?Federal law IDEA, part B, supports ...
08/21/2026

Happy Friday 🎊 Did you know that children can receive an IEP as early as age three?

Federal law IDEA, part B, supports students with disabilities after age three. If your child participated in Early Start services before age three, the state must assure a smooth and effective transition and the individualized educational program (IEP) must be developed and implemented by the child’s third 3️⃣ birthday.

In California, typically it would be the Regional Center who must notify the child’s local school district that a child currently served under an IFSP will shortly reach the age of eligibility for preschool special education services 🏫

Do you have preschool IEP questions 🤔 Reach out today: 📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097

Save 📩 or share ➡️ this post with someone who needs it 💙 ♾️

Happy 🎊 Resharing an older post that still rings true...An IEP is more than a plan...It's a legally binding program de...
08/20/2026

Happy 🎊 Resharing an older post that still rings true...

An IEP is more than a plan...It's a legally binding program designed to support your child's educational progress 🏫📈

This includes not only academics, but communication, motor skills, behavior, social-emotional...wherever there are needs.

Let us help you collaboratively advocate for the education your child deserves: 📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097

~ The Sanford Autism Advocacy Group

08/19/2026

✨️ SAAG Monthly Newsletter Highlights ✨

Catch up on what’s happening in the SAAG community! This month’s newsletter featured helpful resources like our "Present Levels and Goals digital download, information about your local Community Advisory Committees (CAC), and upcoming trainings/conferences.

We’re also sharing free community events happening this month—check them out below! 👇

📅 Free Community Events:
Healthy Families Begin with Healthy Caregivers Series (Part 1), Wed, 8/19 12 PM - 1 PM, Virtual

🔗 Learn more / register:
https://sdcoe.zoom.us/meeting/register/AGd1-K2YRdKpZN8AG8Ls5Q

Special Needs Parent Meetup, Mon, 8/24 10 AM- 11:15 AM, Play My Way- 7540 Metropolitan Dr. #103, San Diego

🔗 Learn more / register:
https://www.playmywaysd.com/event

African American Support Group “Therapeutic Recreation Services,” Thur, 8/27, 5 PM - 7 PM, Southeastern LiveWell Center- 5101 Market St. San Diego

🔗 Learn more / register:
google.com/url?q=https://form.jotform.com/262154787496169&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1787004184077011&usg=AOvVaw2NYk-EbToi77nU6uhogJ1W

Autism Society Moms Support Group, Sat, 9/5 2PM - 3:30 PM, The View at Seacoast- 951 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach

🔗 Learn more / register:
https://autismsocietysandiego.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/south-bay-moms-group-rsvp-form

🎉 Present Levels and Goals Free Digital Download: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/store/p36/New_School_Year-Parent_IEP_Tips

✨️ Service Coordinators USE PROMO CODE 🎉 THANKSSDRC for a FREE download of CC IEP's for Professionals Resource Guide: https://www.sdautismhelp.com/digitaldownloads

Follow SAAG’s Newsletter for updates, resources, and events...

Hey Fam 👋🏽 This month we're discussing how to maximize a child's IEP through their present levels and goals.We've alread...
08/19/2026

Hey Fam 👋🏽 This month we're discussing how to maximize a child's IEP through their present levels and goals.

We've already discussed S.M.A.R.T. goals... 🎯 goals that are at minimum measurable and have a time component so it is clear when they will be completed.

For example: Sara will complete at least three steps from the classroom toileting routine with 1-2 verbal reminders and a visual schedule/sequence card, across four school days/week, as measured by teacher records and/or data sheets.

One way to make sure a student’s goals are "S.M.A.R.T" is to ensure that baseline data is added to each goal. That way it's easier to measure progress and determine if the goal is achievable in a year.

In our example, the team should document what Sara's toileting success currently looks like. How many total steps are in the toileting routine and how many can she complete now? What level of support does she require at this time? This is all baseline data that should be listed on the goal page.

If you need help developing, adjusting, or writing student IEP goals, just let us know. Always cheering you on 👏🏽 ~ The Sanford Autism Advocacy Group, 📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097.

Save 📩 or share ➡️ this post with someone who needs it 💙 ♾️

08/18/2026

Attn 📢 California Regional Center families...join us in October for our last IEP Academy cohort of the year. Spend time with our experts, get your specific IEP questions answered, and leave empowered 👊🏽

✨️Starts Friday, October 16th, 9:30-11:30am✨️
Virtual classes each week via Zoom 💻

Topics covered include:
• The Truth About IEP Eligibility
• IEPs vs Section 504 Plans
• Building a Strength-Based IEP
• IEP Transition Planning

Only 3 spots left ⏳️

Contact your Service Coordinator or message us TODAY: [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097

Happy Tuesday 🎉 With so many new followers recently, we decided to reintroduce ourselves...The Sanford Autism Advocacy...
08/18/2026

Happy Tuesday 🎉 With so many new followers recently, we decided to reintroduce ourselves...

The Sanford Autism Advocacy Group (SAAG) is a small but mighty, woman-led consulting group based in San Diego, CA 👩🏾‍💼👩🏻‍💼👩🏽‍💼👩‍💼👩🏼‍💼 Our purpose is to bridge the gap between home, school, and the community so neurodivergent kids win 💙♾️✨️

We are all parents (or are family members) to amazing autistic and neurotypical children ages 4-16. We love what we do...we get you because we ARE you 🫂

In our previous endeavors, we have been small business owners, nail care professionals, non-profit leaders, college students, corporate executives, etc.

Our director, Crystal Sanford, brings two decades of experience as a school-based SLP 🗣 She started SAAG in 2016, soon after her firstborn daughter was identified as autistic 💙♾️

We work primarily remotely, but really enjoy our monthly in-person connection meetings. Our favorite thing to do together is enjoy a yummy San Diego brunch, preferably somewhere with a view, good french toast, and vegetarian options 😋

Want to learn more about Crystal, Desiree, Hannah, Jackie, or Melissa? Or, do you need Autism or IEP help 🤔 Contact us today: 📧 [email protected], 📲 619.403.9097

Happy Monday Families 🎉 This week we encourage you to see the many possibilities in your child and in your parenting ✨️D...
08/17/2026

Happy Monday Families 🎉 This week we encourage you to see the many possibilities in your child and in your parenting ✨️

Due to the structures and systems we must deal with, we are often guided to focus on our children's challenges. Instead, let's take some time to intentionally celebrate their strengths 📈

Your child's brain thinks differently, and that difference is beautiful and beneficial to the world 💙♾️

Reach out with any Autism or IEP questions...always cheering you on ~ The Sanford Autism Advocacy Group 📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097

08/15/2026

San Diego African American Families looking to connect 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽🙌🏽 Here are great upcoming opportunities...

Thursday, 8/27, 5-7pm
Learn about the free community engagement activities available for children and young adults with disabilities, through TRS (Therapeutic Recreation Services)

Saturday, 9/19, 10-12pm
Monthly support group meeting for families and self-advocates

Thanks for DDS funding and Self Determined Futures LLC for investing in the community ♾️💙🙏🏽

Address

San Diego, CA
92120

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+16194039097

Website

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