FREE AUTISM SCREENINGS

Free Autism Screening FlyerARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD’s DEVELOPMENT?

These screening will be conducted by graduate students under the supervision of a developmental pediatrician and special educator. Parents will answer questions about their child’s development in order to find out if they are at increased risk for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Each screening will take about 15 minutes. Information about resources will then be provided to families. A diagnosis not be made during this event, but children found to be at increased risk for Autism will be referred for further evaluation.

WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 2018, 11am-1pm
WHERE: Project Org & Design 1401 East 79th St. Chicago, IL 60619
Registration: Call Dr. Dodds 312-413-1536

The Arc of Illinois “Living With Autism” Conference

The Arc of Illinois “Living With Autism” Conference 

Arc LogoOctober 9, 2014 at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, IL.

The Arc of Illinois “Living With Autism” Conference will be taking place on October 9, 2014 at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, IL. This conference will examine topics relating to a variety of issues that will help families, professionals, and individuals living with Autism.

The featured keynote speaker is Arthur Fleischman, author of “Carly’s Voice” and the parent of Carly, who is non-verbal and has severe Autism.

Arthur will discuss his family’s journey with Carly and her amazing breakthrough in communication. Carly’s story has been featured on 20/20, Larry King, Travis Strork of CBS, The Doctors, Holly Robinson Peete, and she has even befriended Ellen DeGenerous!

Barbara T. Doyle, MS will present “Tips and Tricks for Supporting People with Autism Spectrum Disorders Everywhere!”

Parents, friends, families, educators, therapists and anyone working in the adult services delivery system can pick up some ready-to-use support strategies that will help them become a more effective support person to any individual on the Autism spectrum.

Linda Hodgdon, M. Ed., CCC-SLP will present “Capturing the Benefits of Visual Strategies.”

Participants will learn how to best capitalize on the strengths of students with Autism, Asperger’s and related communication challenges by using visual strategies.

*Six Continuing Education Credits for professionals will be available at this conference.

*Financial assistance is available for family members and self advocates.

Register online at www.thearcofil.org/events or check out the brochure here.

For questions, please contact our office at (815) 464-1832

“Living With Autism” Conference

 “Living With Autism”

Arc LogoConference will be taking place on October 9, 2014 at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, IL.

This conference will examine topics relating to a variety of issues that will help families, professionals, and individuals living with Autism.  Our featured keynote speaker is Arthur Fleischman, author of “Carly’s Voice” and a parent of a remarkable daughter, Carly, who is non-verbal and has severe Autism. Arthur will discuss his family’s journey with Carly and her amazing breakthrough in communication.  Carly’s story has been featured on 20/20, Larry King, Travis Strork of CBS, The Doctors, Holly Robinson Peete, and she has even befriended Ellen DeGenerous!

Barbara T. Doyle, MS will present “Tips and Tricks for Supporting People with Autism Spectrum Disorders Everywhere!”  Parents, friends, families, educators, therapists and anyone working in the adult services delivery system can pick up some ready-to-use support strategies that will help them become a more effective support person to any individual on the Autism spectrum.

Linda Hodgdon, M. Ed., CCC-SLP will present “Capturing the Benefits of Visual Strategies.”
Participants will learn how to best capitalize on the strengths of students with Autism, Asperger’s and related communication challenges by using visual strategies.

*Six Continuing Education Credits for professionals will be available at this conference.

*Financial assistance is available for family members and self advocates.

Register online at www.thearcofil.org/events or check out the brochure here.

For questions, please contact our office at (815) 464-1832

Testing and Related Education Forums

Wednesday, April 23, 7 – 8 pm:

Good Morning Mission Hill film screening
Francis Parker School, 330 W Webster, followed by a panel discussion on democratic education.

Thursday April 24, 6 – 9 pm:

DePaul School of Education Spring Forum,
DePaul Student Center, Room 120, 2250 N Sheffield.
Imagine a public school with a portfolio-based constructivist approach to teaching and learn, staff based decision-making and governance, modeled on democratic and progressive education principles, fostering active and engaged learning, with a broad and rich curriculum.

Saturday, April 26, 10 am to noon,

Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division St.:
A Quality Education for Every Child, a Talk with Pasi Sahlberg
Raise Your Hand is sponsoring a talk by Pasi Sahlberg, the author of Finnish Lessons:What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland

Tuesday, April 29 at 6 pm

 More Than a Score testing forum, Changing the Stakes on Testing. Union Park, 1500 W Randolph.More here: http://pureparents.org/?p=21250

17 Organizations Every Parent of a Child With Autism Should Know

April Autism Awareness MonthAs we enter the second week of Autism Awareness Month, it important for families of children with
Autism to know that you are not alone. You have options. There are organizations and people working around the clock to understand and navigate Autism Spectrum Disorder.   So this week,  FRCD is bringing you 17 Organizations that every Illinois parent raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder  should know about.

1 .Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center/The Autism Treatment Program

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center/The Autism Treatment ProgramOur program for children with autism stresses early diagnosis, intensive treatment, and support for parents and caregivers. Utilizing our approach, children with autism face a better prognosis than ever before. http://www.advocatehealth.com/immc/theautismtreatmentprogram

2. AUTISM SOCIETY OF ILLINOIS

Autism Society of Illinois

Autism Society of Illinois provides education, training, individual assistance and practical support for parents and increases public awareness of autism, and offers a referral network of professionals. 2200 S. Main Street, Suite 205 Lombard, IL 60148 Tele: (630) 691-1270 Contact: Mary Kay Betz email:info@autismillinois.org  WEBSITE:  http://www.autismillinois.org.

3. Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks Logo

Autism Speaks is a leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. http://www.autismspeaks.org/  Please email Chicago@AutismSpeaks.org or call 224-567-8573 at any time to connect to your Autism Speaks Chicagoland Chapter staff person.

4.The Autism Resource Center at Rush University Medical Center

Rush University Medical Center

The Autism Resource Center at Rush University Medical Center provides referrals for families who have a child with an autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Resource Center’s team has developed an online resource guide to help families find referrals in the following counties: Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee.  http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1213718660256.html

5.The Autism Program of Illinois

The Autism Program of Illinois LogoThe Hope Institute for Children and Families lead the development of The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP), to provide services and supports for the increasing number of children and their families. Through a service network of community agencies and university partners, TAP offers local programs and services based upon best practice standards and current research.  http://www.theautismprogram.org/

6.BoardmakerShare

Boardmaker logoBoardmakerShare is the perfect community for finding thousands of Boardmaker activities on hundreds of topics. Now, the redesigned BoardmakerShare makes it easier than ever to share Boardmaker activities, and find the groups who are using them along with you.  https://www.boardmakerachieve.com/default.aspx

7. CHICAGOLAND AUTISM CONNECTION

CHICAGOLAND AUTISM CONNECTION

 CAC holds monthly parent meetings, and numerous activities to increase awareness for children and adults with autism. 1803 West 95th Street, #268 Chicago, IL 60643 Contact:  Paul Eric Butler Tele:  (773) 329-0375 EMAIL:  info@chicagoautism.org WEBSITE: http://www.chicagoautism.org

8. Child & Family Connections (CFC) Office Locator

Department of Human Services IllinoisSearch for a DHS Office or Service Provider by selecting your county, and, for Cook County, your ZIP Code. Early Intervention eligibility services are conducted through your local CFC office. http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12&officetype=4&county=

9. Easter Seals’s Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research

Easter Seals's Logo

The new center allows Easter Seals to expand its landmark autism program and custom design a facility to meet the special needs of students with autism, emotional behavior disorders and severe learning disabilities.  Interior plans and features from special acoustic finishes and lighting fixtures to therapy and gross motor skills rooms help reduce distractions and promote more effective learning. Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research, 1939 West 13th Street, Suite 300 Chicago, IL   60608-1226. 312-491-4110 Main Phone  312-733-0247 Main Fax

http://www.easterseals.com/our-programs/autism-services/

10. Family Resource Center on Disabilities

Family Resource Center on DisabilitiesLearn about your Rights and Responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Make informed decisions about your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Learn more about Early Intervention and transition services. www.frcd.org

11. Interactive Autism Network

IAN LogoIAN, the Interactive Autism Network, was established in January 2006 at Kennedy Krieger Institute. IAN’s goal is to facilitate research that will lead to advancements in understanding and treating autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). To accomplish this goal, we created the IAN Community and IAN Research.  http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/about_ian

12. Organization for Autism Research

Organizations for Autism Research

 Led by these parents and grandparents of children and adults on the autism spectrum, OAR set out to use applied science to answer questions that parents, families, individuals with autism, teachers and caregivers confront daily. http://www.researchautism.org/about/index3.asp

13. Exercise Connection

Excercise Connection LogoThe Five Components is a systematic approach to educating and designing exercise programs for children, schools and anyone involved in lives of children with autism spectrum disorders.  These components have similarities to the current physical education components, but, emphasize quality of movement, not quantity. They focus on the human body in its natural form while giving parents, educators and physicians exercises that are not only developmentally appropriate but cost effective. Contact David 7 at (773)575-5100 ,  Email: david@eautism.com 1871 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 60614  http://www.ecautism.com/

14. Continuum Autism Spectrum Alliance

Photo for Continuum Autism Spectrum Alliance. Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Continuum Autism Spectrum Alliance addresses the needs of those who present with signs or symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental disabilities, and we’re unique in our ability to provide a seamless continuum of care starting with diagnosis and extending through assessment and treatment. 3501 Algonquin Road Suite 210, Rolling Meadows, Il 60008 http://autismspectrumalliance.com/

15. RCADD Services

UIC LogoThe Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays (RCADD) was established in partnership with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, and The Autism Program in Illinois (TAP). This initiative was developed to share resources, referral information, and training for families and educators of children with Autism and/or Developmental Delays. https://cfl.uic.edu/programs/resource-center-for-autism-and-developmental-delays/rcadd-services/

16. StarNet

Starnet LogoWe provide a variety of opportunities for personal and professional growth for those who touch the lives of young children, age’s birth through eight, with an emphasis on the preschool years and children with special needs.  http://www.starnetchicago.org/

17. TASH

TASH LogoTASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, professional development, policy, and information and resources for parents, families and self-advocates. The inclusive practices TASH validates through research have been shown to improve outcomes for all people. www.tash.org

 

15th Annual Spring Fling for Autism Awareness Resource Fair

To kick-off Autism Awareness Month, FRCD on CAN TV host, Paula Wills, interviewed Chicagoland’s Autism Connection CAC, Executive Director, Paul Butler, about CAC services and the 15th Annual Spring Fling for Autism Awareness Resource Fair on FRCD on CAN TV.

REGISTER

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

When you arrive at Bogan High School, please enter through the solid orange parking lot door located on Springfield Avenue (east side of the building) and report to the registration table.

2 Courses offered in Spanish this year!
CPDU CREDITS OFFERED FREE FOR EDUCATORS AND PROFESSIONALS- YOU MUST REGISTER!!

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

Aside

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/

 

.

Spring Fling for Autism Awareness

Spring Fling for Autism Awareness Conference and Resource Fair

Saturday, April 5, 2014 6 English Language Workshops
8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 4 Spanish Language Workshops
Over 30 Vendors

Spring Fling For Autism AwarenessThe Spring Fling provides valuable information to parents and families of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, supports professionals, and increases public awareness.
The program features breakout sessions on topics of interests,exhibitor tables, and lots of opportunities for networking.
This is a free event, with workshops conducted by experts from diverse areas of work in the autism field. Advance registration is recommended but not required. We regret that child care is not available.

Bogan Computer Technical High School (see session titles on back of page)
3939 West 79th Street, Chicago
(southeast corner of 79th
and Pulaski) Free CPDU credits available

Register at http://chicagoautism.eventbrite.com
For additional information, visit www.chicagoautism.org or call 773-329-0375

Social Wellness and Social Success Groups now open for Registration!

Social Wellness Group The Social Wellness Group is intended for children ages 9-12 with a High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Children must be able to participate and gain from a 60-minute group session.

Wednesdays Beginning Jan. 15, 2014
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Outings 6:30-8:00 PM
The Social Success Group is intended for middle school students in 6th-8th grades with a High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.The Social Success Group is intended for students middle school students in 6th-8th grades with a High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. They must be able to participate and gain from a 60-minute group session and various community outings.

Mondays Beginning January 13, 2014
6:00-7:00 PM
Outings 6:30-8:00