ANSWER: Learning disabilities can be categorized either by the type of information processing that is affected or by the specific difficulties caused by a processing deficit. Information processing deficits Learning disabilities fall into broad categories based on the four stages of information processing used in learning: input, integration, storage, and output. Input This is the information perceived through the senses, such as visual and auditory perception. Difficulties with visual perception can cause problems with recognizing the shape, position and size of items seen. There can be problems with sequencing, which can relate to deficits with processing time intervals or temporal perception. ... Read More »

ANSWER: Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and to maintain balance and posture. It is due to a nonprogressive brain abnormality, which means that it does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change over a person’s lifetime. People with cerebral palsy have damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle tone. Muscle tone is the amount of resistance to movement in a muscle. It is what lets you keep your body in a certain posture or position. For example, it lets you sit up straight and ... Read More »

ANSWER: Intellectual disability is characterized both by a significantly below-average score on a test of mental ability or intelligence and by limitations in the ability to function in areas of daily life, such as communication, self-care, and getting along in social situations and school activities. Intellectual disability is sometimes referred to as a cognitive disability or mental retardation. Children with intellectual disability can and do learn new skills, but they develop more slowly than children with average intelligence and adaptive skills. There are different degrees of intellectual disability, ranging from mild to profound. A person’s level of intellectual disability can be ... Read More »

ANSWER: Developmental disabilities are a diverse group of severe chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. People with developmental disabilities have problems with major life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Developmental disabilities begin anytime during development up to 22 years of age and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Developmental disabilities activities at CDC include: Studying how common developmental disabilities are and who is more likely to have them Finding the causes of developmental disabilities and the factors that increase the chance that a person will have one Learning how people with developmental ... Read More »

ANSWER: Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASDs are developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and the presence of unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASDs can vary—from gifted to severely challenged. An ASD begins before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person’s life. ASDs include autistic disorder, pervasive development disorder (PDD-NOS / atypical autism), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions all have some ... Read More »

ANSWER: Asperger’s disorder can be defined as the following: Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people) lack of social or emotional reciprocity Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and ... Read More »

ANSWER: Childhood Disintegrative Disorder can be defined as the following: Apparently normal development for at least the first 2 years after birth as manifested by the presence of age-appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication, social relationships, play, and adaptive behavior. Clinically significant loss of previously acquired skills (before age 10 years) in at least two of the following areas: expressive or receptive language social skills or adaptive behavior bowel or bladder control play motor skills Abnormalities of functioning in at least two of the following areas: qualitative impairment in social interaction (e.g., impairment in nonverbal behaviors, failure to develop peer relationships, lack ... Read More »

ANSWER: Families have the option of purchasing a membership with Xcite Steps, which reduces the cost of all Xcite packages. An optional six month membership costs $180 and twelve month membership is $250. With a membership: One to one mentoring: $30-$35/hr Group activity costs: $60-80 /per activity Summer camp: $385/week Without a membership: One to one mentoring: $35-$40/hr Group activity costs: $75-90/ per activity Summer camp: $435/week What is the membership? The membership is optional.  It provides discounts on all of our program pricing and many other benefits.

ANSWER: Stefan and Matt are very selective about who gets to be part of the XciteSteps mentor team. Most of our mentors are referred to us by other mentors in our program. We have also established great relationships with many of the local universities and students working on their special education, social work or psychology undergraduate or graduate degress are considered to be a XciteSteps mentor. We also receive mentor referrals from our affiliates in the community while others are attracted to us through our website or job listings.

ANSWER: Our mentors have a variety of educational and work experience backgrounds.  Many are special education teachers, behaviorists, social workers, college students, or young professionals working in the education or social work field.  XciteSteps works hard to maintain a stable of unique and qualified mentors who have various interests and backgrounds so that we can make appropriate matches for any child, teen or adult.

ANSWER: Xcite Steps was founded in January of 2006 by co-founders Matthew Winkley and Stefan Hochfilizer. Both founders brought unique passions and experiences to build XciteSteps. They are committed and united by the common mission to bring quality and empowering opportunities to youth and adults who experience disabilities.

ANSWER: We do offer transportation and at home pick up or drop off. Many of our participants are transported via our mentors’ vehicles.

ANSWER: Our business office is located in Solana Beach, California and we serve all of San Diego and Orange Counties.

ANSWER: We are a community based organization.  Our activities are spread out through San Diego County and less than a half hour drive for families.  Our mentors also travel to families’ homes for mentoring sessions.

ANSWER: XciteSteps provides services for children, teens and adults: ages 3 to adulthood

ANSWER: Yes. We do back ground checks, via LiveScan, and finger printing on each mentor.

ANSWER: Yes. Our summer camp program is a regional center vendored program. Our one on one mentoring programs and our social clubs are not vendored through regional center.

ANSWER: We currently don’t have a scholarship program and we are working towards offering one soon.

ANSWER: We are open to explore each person’s unique needs.  During our assessment meeting we consider with the family if their child would be an appropriate fit for an Xcite Steps program.  Its very rare that we aren’t able to accommodate a family or child’s needs.

ANSWER: Yes we welcome parents interaction and involvement in our programs.  Its not uncommon for a new family to attend their child’s first activity with Xcite Steps.

ANSWER: Yes, our events and activities are available for sibling participation.

ANSWER: Our social and sports club events are staffed with a 3:1 ratio. Xcite Steps offers 1:1 support upon request.