An Introduction to Autism and The ABC’s of Behavior-Session

Autism-Speaks LogoFamily Resource Center on Disabilities is happy to  kick off Autism Awareness Month with two powerful webinars presented by Autism Speaks’Manager of Community Outreach for the Midwest Region, Colleen Shinn.  These webinars are a two part of series:

Part One will focus on understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and Resources available to parents of children with Autism.

Part Two will focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and behavior.

Presenter: Colleen Shinn is the Manager of Community Outreach for the Midwest Region in the Family Services division of Autism Speaks. Prior to joining Autism Speaks, she most recently worked for Easter Seals as the Training Specialist and Manager of The Autism Program (TAP) Service Centers for Chicago and Rockford. She was responsible for the development and implementation of curriculum and staff development, comprehensive professional training for employees, families and professionals, supervision of full and part time employees, interns and clinical staff, local and national legislative activities, coordinating and leading the Autism Strategic Planning Committee, and extensive community outreach

Ms. Shinn is formally trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS,) and DIR Floor time. She is an active member on the Coalition Against Sexual Abuse of Children with Disabilities through the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, the Midwest Autism Consortium, and the Illinois Autism Task Force.  Ms. Shinn is fluent in Sign Language and is a Board Certified and Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant with an extensive background in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has more than 30 years of experience in Early Intervention, Inclusion, and Early Childhood Special Education. She has presented both locally and nationally on topics related to Autism.

 

Autism Awareness Month: 7 Autism Events You Don’t Want to Miss.

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April Autism Awareness MonthApril welcomes spring and Autism Awareness Month.  In recent news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1 in 68 American children have Autism and that number is expected to grow. In fact, Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. Below are some upcoming  events and workshops that will help you understand Autism and parent advocacy.

Chicagoland Autism Connection

2014 “Spring Fling for Autism Awareness” Resource Fair
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Time: 8:00 AM-12:30 PM Chicago, IL
Bogan Computer Technical High School
3939 West 79th Street Chicago, IL 60652
http://www.chicagoautism.org/#sf

Autism Awareness Month Sensory Friendly Movie.

Saturday, April 5, 2014
Time: 11 AM–2 PM
810 Main Street, Highland, IL, United States

Sensory friendly movies have their lights up, sound turned down and audience members are welcome to move about and make noise. Regular concessions are also available. For more information call the UCP Heartland center for autism: 618-288-2218. To purchase tickets online or download a social script for going to the Lory please visit http://www.thelorytheater.com/autism-awareness-month-sensory-friendly-movie/

Easter Seals
Autism Awareness Event: Open House

Tue, April 8, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Easter Seals, Barney Drive, Joliet, IL, United States
Please contact Valerie Lentz with any questions at 815-927-5465

Family Resource Center on Disabilities

Navigating the IEP Process (Registration Required)
Time: 10 AM-1 PM
Saturday, April 12, 2014
11 E. Adams St. Suite 1002, Chicago, IL 60603
https://frcd.org/workshop_posts/test-workshop/

Autism Awareness Egg Hunt & Fun Activities

Saturday, April 12,2014
Time:1pm – 3pm
Kiwanis Park Road, Charleston, IL,
This event is for all children with autism and their siblings wish autism.
For more information please contact: Cheryl Sowers at cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org 217-348-3869 x206

Autism Society of Illinois/ CU Autism Network
Safety, Resource & Fun Fair

Time: 11:30 AM
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Hessel Park in Champaign, IL
http://www.autismillinois.org/events/event/autism-society-of-illinois-cu-autism-network-safety-resource-fun-fair/

Family Resource Center on Disabilities

Transition Series: Moving On: Life in the Community
Time: 10 AM-1 PM
Saturday, April 26, 2014
11 E. Adams St. Suite 1002, Chicago, IL 60603
https://frcd.org/workshop_posts/transition-plans-roadmaps-to-the-future/

 

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