Chicago Special Parent Summer 2016

Specıal Parent CHICAGO

SUMMER 2016

AN EMPOWERMENT GUIDE FROM

IEP: What you don’t know

Love X2 LOCAL RESOURCES YOU NEED

BE KIND

Stop parent shaming

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SPECIAL RECREATION: Your child will explore whole new worlds!

• Adaptive Sports • Aquatics • Cultural Arts • Field Trips

• Inclusion • Paralympic Sports • Social Clubs • Special Events • Special Olympics

• Summer Camps • Unified Sports • Vacation Trips • Weekly Programs

Providing programs that will enhance socialization skills, improve self-help skills, build self-esteem, and develop fine and gross motor skills.

The Special Recreation Network of Illinois (SRANI) provides information on the 34 cooperative agencies throughout Illinois called Special Recreation Associations (SRAs).

These SRAs deliver a variety of community-based recreation services to children, teens and adults with disabilities through a cooperative agreement with their member park districts and recreation agencies. For a statewide listing of SRANI agencies, see our display ad in the Resource Directory or visit www.specialrecreation.org.

www.specialrecreation.org

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Learning for a Lifetime.

ELMHURST LEARNING AND SUCCESS ACADEMY (ELSA)

College-like experience for young adults with disabilities.

Elmhurst College offers an excellent post-secondary experience for students with developmental disabilities— taught on our beautiful campus in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Students in this four-year certificate program, who are between the ages of 18 and 28 and who have earned a high school diploma or certificate of completion, learn and grow in three key areas: • Academics and Career Exploration • Independent Living Skills • Social and Recreational Skills Students receive first-rate instruction from Elmhurst College faculty and staff. The goal: to work productively and live as independently as possible.

ELSA Information Session and Transition Fair Wednesday, February 24, 6:00 p.m.

Frick Center, Elmhurst College RSVP: elmhurst.edu/visit/elsa Learn more.

Call: (630) 617-3752 Email: elsa@elmhurst.edu Visit: elmhurst.edu/elsa Follow us on facebook.com/ELSAelmhurst

On-campus housing is now available for ELSA students!

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All, for your one.

SM

Lurie Children’s is the top-ranked children’s hospital in Illinois, with over 1,400 physicians in 70 pediatric specialties and more than 500 researchers looking for new cures.

It all adds up to the highest quality care. All, for your one.

Visit luriechildrens.org or call 1.800.KIDS DOC® to make an appointment

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Inside

STAFF EDITORS Elizabeth Diffin, Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy DIGITAL EDITOR Jackie McGoey ASSOCIATE EDITOR Emily Adams INTERN Lanie Maresh ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Jaquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea

FEATURES 18

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jerry Davich, Megan Murray Elsener, Anne Grunsted, Carrie Rodovich, Jennifer Wood

Love needs no words

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Thomas Kubik, Frank Pinc

Twins overcome autism’s barriers

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IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER Mike Risher

New school year, old IEP

DISPLAY AD SALES Annette Coffee, Christine Griffith, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner

What you need to know

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AD PRODUCTION MANAGER Philip Soell

Splash it up

AD DESIGN MANAGER Andrew Mead

How to mix pool playtime with therapy

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AD DESIGN Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney

Working to make a difference

CIRCULATION MANAGER Jill Wagner

Adults with disabilities make strides in the workforce

IN OUR SHOES 9 Little Alexandra’s big inspiration ■ Stop the judgment ■ On the topic of the R word ■ Day of Play: A Grand Explore ■ News you can use ■

RESOURCES INSPIRATIONS Dog’s best friend: Renzo Novelle

ON THE COVER 7TIG EP 4EVent CHICAGO

SUMMER 2016

AN EMPOWERMENT GUIDE FROM

IEP: What you don’t know

Love X2 LOCAL RESOURCES YOU NEED

BE KIND

Stop parent shaming

Jeny Tinoco, 7, Northfield Photographer: Thomas Kubik, TK Photography Design: Jacquinete Baldwin

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DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Caleb Thusat CREDIT MANAGER Laurie Myers COLLECTIONS Charlie Kelly PUBLISHER Dan Haley BUSINESS MANAGER Joyce Minich COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar ADVISORY BOARD Cara Long, Kathryn Lavin, Dr. Alan Rosenblatt

CONTACT PHONE (708) 386-5555 EDITORIAL chiparent@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING advertising@chicagoparent.com CIRCULATION circulation@wjinc.com Our offices are at 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302.

ChicagoParent.com © 2016 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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SIBSENSATIONS PROGRAM FOR SIBS OF KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

SIBSENSATIONS gives siblings (ages 8-13) of children with special needs a chance to meet peers in a fun, friendly setting where they can share common joys and concerns. Through games, activities and discussions, they will form friendships, learn about disabilities and discover how to handle tough situations they all face.

When:

Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Monthly meetings, please call for upcoming dates

Cost:

$10.00 per session, registration is required.

Where:

Center for Advanced Care 1700 Luther Lane - Park Ridge, IL 60068

Contact:

Kathryn Smart MS RN, 847-723-9484 Kathryn.smart@advocatehealth.com

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE CAN BE A TREE CHAMPION That’s why we continually work to expand the tools we offer families, so we can accommodate visitors of all abilities.

SOME TOOLS AND OPPORTUNITIES WE CURRENTLY OFFER ARE: A visual schedule for those on the autism spectrum Discovery and sensory backpacks designed for families of all abilities Accessible buildings and restrooms Several miles of paved paths, including one around our most popular lake

Visit The Morton Arboretum this summer to reconnect your family with nature and trees. Explore, learn, and play in our four-acre Children’s Garden located just a short distance from our Visitor Center.

Find us on Facebook

Call 630-968-0074 or visit mortonarb.org to plan your visit.

Join the Twitter party!

Follow us @ChicagoParent

is part of your favorite social networks

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On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

THE MORTON ARBORETUM 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Illinois 60532

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INNOVATION EXPERTISE IMPACT Villa Park | Elgin | Naperville Physical Therapy | Occupational Therapy | Speech-Language Therapy | Assistive Technology Nutrition | Hearing Services | Social Work | Specialty Clinics & More at EasterSealsDFVR.org

Learn together, Grow together To schedule an intake call: 630.999.0401 Parent Education

Consultations

Community Outings

Clinical ABA Therapy

Potty Training

In Home ABA Therapy

www.bpiaba.com ChicagoParent.com |

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SEASPAR is a special recreation association providing year-round, all-ages recreational programs and services to individuals with disabilities in the communities of:

ImprOV for ASD LEARN MORE @ SECONDCITY.COM OR CALL 312-664-3959

Brookfield • Clarendon Hills Darien • Downers Grove Indian Head Park • La Grange La Grange Park • Lemont Lisle • Western Springs Westmont • Woodridge

Social, Fitness, and Art Programs Trips • Camps • Special Events Special Olympics Training 4500 Belmont Rd., Downers Grove

SEASPAR.org

630.960.7600 Voice 630.960.7605 TDD

Now Open at the Lisle Recreation Center!

WE OFFER IMPROV CLASSES FOR TEENS & ADULTS WITH ASD.

Therapeutic recreation for autism/ autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders.

At Southwest Dental

we take special care of

special needs.

Exceptional care and patient comfort go hand in hand at Southwest Dental Group. This gives special needs children and adults an experience they can feel good about - with the option of IV sedation for situational anxiety.

We believe there’s no need too special.

(708) 403-3355 16600 South 107th Court Orland Park, IL

Dr. Tentler holds diplomate status in the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists.

Dr. Robert L. Tentler and Associates, General Dentistry

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Dr. Bob Tentler

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In Our Shoes HOW TO HELP Alexandra’s Ambition Foundation will hold a fundraiser, a Family Fall Fest and 5K walk/run, Sunday, Oct. 2, at Konow’s Corn Maze, 16849 S. Cedar Road, Homer Glen. $30 for runners/walkers, $15 for non-race participants, includes a T-shirt, all-day admission to Konow’s Pumpkin Farm and the fest.

Find more info at alexandras ambition.org

Little Alexandra’s big inspiration

A

lready experienced parents of three, Bridgett and Tim Toma knew exactly what to expect when they went in for Bridgett’s routine 20-week ultrasound with baby Alexandra.

Except it suddenly became anything but routine. In the next 48 hours, they learned Alexandra has a rare disease called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, which causes decreased flexibility of the joints and affects 1 in every 3,000 live births. Bridgett, a nurse, threw herself into finding out everything she could about what Alexandra and their family faced.

“I was up all night every night, but there was very little out there because her condition’s so rare,” Bridgett says. “But I found enough to know what to expect.”

The adorable 3-year-old, who loves to sign and wiggle to music, has undergone eight surgeries and a ton of therapy to make her body more functional.

The Tomas fly to Philadelphia every two to three months to see an AMC specialist, the first doctor who gave Bridgett any hope that Alexandra could walk one day.

After Alexandra was born, family and friends held a benefit to help with the costs of her care.

Then, inspired by Alexandra and

In Mom’s Words Best advice ever received: “‘Handle it.’ We only have so much life to live and it moves at a very fast pace. To get the most out of life, you’ve got to face every challenge and obstacle you meet and just ‘handle it.’”

Worst day: “Oct. 6, 2012.

Alexandra was just five days old when my husband and I were encouraged to consider withdrawing life-sustaining interventions for her.” her ambition for life, the Tomas and those family and friends started a foundation, Alexandra’s Ambition Foundation, to help other families impacted by AMC. Since insurance doesn’t cover everything families need, the foundation helps.

“These kids are amazing. They have so much potential, but they need the right resources and tools to get there,” Bridgett says. “... Not a day goes by that I don’t see some kind of progress (with Alexandra) that makes me smile.”

Bridgett jokes that she and Tim have become pros in juggling the four kids’ schedules, work

The one thing you would say to other parents with children with special needs: “Hold out for tomorrow; there’s always a smile to be found in every tomorrow.”

Your biggest hope for Alexandra’s future: “One day I hope to see Alexandra up on her feet, but if that day should never come, I hope she continues to embrace and love life just as she does today.” and home and now the foundation. They work as a team to make sure Abygail, Audrey, Aiden and Alexandra are their first priority.

“She’s really changed my life,” Bridgett says about Alexandra.

“Honestly she’s inspired me to really live a better life. Seeing her, she just enjoys life. She never complains. She puts every amount of effort into getting things done her way because she can’t do them like we can, but it doesn’t stop her.

“She has really taught me how much there is to life and how much there really is to enjoy no matter what’s going on.”

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Home Modifications and Lifts Free In-Home Consultation 847-215-9490 North • 630-717-4445 West 773-775-6122 Chicago • 847-590-1728 FAX

Visit Our Showroom!

A Night Out for Parents in Support of Children with Disabilities

STYX Saturday night, November 12

210 W Campus Drive • Arlington Heights, IL 60004 Let us make your home more accessible and comfortable for everyone in the family.

We can enhance your home with: • Stairlifts • Wheelchair Lifts • Ramps • Ceiling Mounted Lifts • Bathroom Modifications

Extended Home Living Services…

The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie Tickets at keshet.org or 847-205-1234

Family Owned and Serving Chicagoland Since 1991

• Partnering with multiple funding agencies.

• Dedicated to the lives of children with special needs.

www.ehls.com

OUR FAMILY PROGRAMS AND PEDIATRIC SERVICES Pediatric Therapy (Multidisciplinary) Preschool Education Summer Speech Camps Social Playgroups

NEW PRESCHOOL STARTING SOON Prepare your child for success in elementary school! Our academic program combines educational and therapeutic strategies to help children with speech, behavioral, or social challenges and supports the transition to typical ECE classroom settings.

Comprehensive Autism Program

633 W. Addison, Chicago 60613 phone: 312.458.9865 fax: 773.305.8082 pediatricresources.com 10

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MY LIFE

Stop the judgment Parents need support, not criticism, as they do their best

BY ANNE PENNISTON GRUNSTED

W

e parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities often practice a lonely advocacy, navigating school systems and other institutions with very little local support. Our isolation makes networking via social media and special needs organizations extremely important.

Unfortunately, far too many parents receive judgment instead of support.

Much of the conflict in our community comes from the collision of two goals. As advocates for our children, we are an extension of a global disability community that is fighting for a more inclusive society. For some parents, that means insisting upon complete inclusion at any cost. However, for other parents, what’s possible or best for their family may be in conflict with the goals of the larger disability community.

For instance, in many schools, the investment in inclusion is highly correlated with the level of parental involvement. Parents with the resources (time, income, etc.)

to push for their child’s inclusion often minimize the challenges of other families.

No parent should be judged because they are working two jobs and can’t manage the details of their child’s education, yet many in our community do just that.

As a result, we alienate people instead of supporting them.

The special needs parent community is not just split along resource lines. We are also split according to the relative abilities of our children. Some parents opt for special education classrooms simply because that’s the best available situation for their child. This decision is treated as treasonous in some circles.

While research does show that the majority of children with special needs do better academically and socially in general education classrooms, the data does not show that inclusion is necessarily best for every individual child. So while parents can agree that full inclusion should always be an option, many do not want to lose the ability to choose other environments.

When my son was in kindergarten, he could concentrate in a busy classroom for

about 20 minutes. The effort exhausted him, and he detached from both academic and social activities. Because of this, he now spends a good part of his day in a small, structured special ed classroom. We value the inclusion time that he gets, but we also see merit in limiting it.

No amount of research trumps what I see with my own eyes—he is happier, friendlier and learns more when he spends part of his day in a smaller classroom. I hope access to a more controlled learning environment is not always mutually exclusive to inclusion, but as long as that constraint exists (and it does in our troubled school district), I make the compromise that gives my son the best chance to succeed.

My logic is rational, but still I need thick skin when facing other parents. I’m not alone.

One local mom told me about pressure to forego the extended school year and Special Olympics because they are not inclusive activities. She has even witnessed judgment about the age at which children potty train.

Why are we beating each other up? We ought to channel the energy we spend alienating one another into fighting for political change that makes inclusion a realistic option for the largest number of students.

Specifically, a child’s inclusion should not be dependent on their parents’ ability to fight the school for proper services.

Moreover, our community has lost the talents of many insightful parents, largely because we won’t speak to their reality. Don’t drown out the voice of a parent who testifies that inclusion does not work for their child—we need to consider those viewpoints as we work to define and expand inclusion.

We need to push for new solutions and understand that in the interim, a parent may decide that a special education classroom is the best place for their child.

But before we problem-solve and campaign, we must realize that we cannot ask society as a whole to expand itself to include people of different abilities when we have so little tolerance of the differences between ourselves.

We need to be willing to expand our own ways of thinking to include children and families who don’t fit inside our current best practice models.

Anne Penniston Grunsted is a Chicago-based writer focusing on disability and LGBTQ issues. You can find more of her writing at annepennistongrunsted.wordpress.com.

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C

h i C a g o l a n d

l

e a d e r s

i n

aBa T

h e r a p y

Helping your spectrum child reach their FULL POTENTIAL The therapists at Autism Home Support Services provide customized therapy for individuals with autism and related disorders. We can create a positive difference in your child’s overall development and long-term success by using the evidence-based practices of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.

Services Offered: - Home-based ABA Therapy - Center-based ABA Therapy - Hybrid Home/Center Therapy - School Consultations - Speech Language Therapy - Group Social Skills Training - Functional Life Skills Training - Parent Training - Individual/Family Counseling

Enrolling Now!

Early Learners Group A structured, small group classroom environment with opportunities for your child to learn: - Ready-to-learn skills - Self-care skills - Social skills - Peer interaction - Group-learning skills - Pretend play - Play/recreation skills at AHSS Autism Centers in Northbrook and Arlington Heights

Take the first step, call 844-AHSS-ABA (247-7222) or go to AutismHomeSupport.com today!

Chicago | Evanston | Northbrook | Arlington Heights Elgin | Schaumburg | Oak Park | Naperville | Rockford

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MY LIFE

On the topic of…the R-word Helping kids realize how badly words can hurt

BY NANCY F. GOODFELLOW

M

y son was 9 the first time he heard someone call his sister retarded.

He was sitting in the school cafeteria and the boys across the table were talking about some other children, referring to them as retards. Another boy leaned over and said, “You guys, be quiet. Luke’s sister is retarded.”

That boy actually had good intentions. In a way, he was trying to look out for my son and protect his feelings. But in another way, he hurt Luke even worse. Someone Luke considered a friend had just used a horrible, offensive word to describe his sister. It may have been the first time that he had to confront his feelings about hearing that word, but it most likely will not be the last.

When Luke came home and told me, I was heartbroken. But I was also very proud of him. He wasn’t upset because he was embarrassed about having Lily for a sister.

He was genuinely upset about the use of the word retard, and how it negatively impacted his sister and anyone like her.

He wanted me to help fix it. He wanted me to make sure that the kids at school wouldn’t use the word again.

My initial reaction was to have the boys punished. I did email the principal and homeroom teacher and explained what happened. But I didn’t give the boys’ names or ask about consequences. I didn’t get angry or upset. Instead, I used the experience as an opportunity.

I have been a public speaker for NADS for seven years, presenting mostly to nurses, nursing students, residents and medical students. However, the thought of speaking to a classroom full of children intimidated me. Questions from fourth- and fifth-graders can be unexpected.

They can render you speechless or have you fumbling for the right explanation.

Luke and Lily Goodfellow But I couldn’t ignore what happened.

Luke’s experience forced me to see the need to speak to the children, not just about Down syndrome, but about all disabilities, about respect, about kindness. I especially wanted to explain how powerful words can be and how badly they can hurt. I realized that it was my responsibility to tell children that people with Down syndrome have the same interests, hobbies, dreams and needs as they do.

I am now accompanied by Michelle Anderson to all of my presentations. She is a remarkable young woman with Down syndrome who captivates her audiences with her style, charm and wit.

At our presentations to the students at my son’s school, Michelle explained about going to school and growing up, doing all of the same things as the children in the audience. She became an instant celebrity.

From the front of the classroom, I could see the expressions change on the students’ faces as they realized Michelle is someone to admire, not ridicule or insult. Boys called out things they had in common with her. “My favorite color is blue, too!” Girls came up and asked to hug her and gave her gifts.

I then led a discussion about words and how dangerous they can be. I recited a verse from Sarah Bareilles’ song “Brave” (“nothing’s going to hurt you the way that words do”) and I quizzed them about the word in Harry Potter that is so hurtful and offensive that it causes others to shudder or react with violence when someone uses it (“mudblood”).

We discussed the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” and we all agreed that this is far from the truth. We talked about how bruises and broken bones heal; words cut on the inside and those wounds may never go away.

Michelle and I spoke to every fourth- and fifth-grader at my son’s elementary school.

Afterward, a neighbor called to thank me.

She said her son had been teased for years by another boy in his class, but after our presentation, the boy approached her son and apologized.

I may not be able to protect my son from ever hearing someone call his sister retarded again, but I can try to teach children why they shouldn’t use that word.

Nancy F. Goodfellow is a children’s book writer focusing her stories on friendships among typically-developing children and those with special needs. She is a mom of three living in Naperville.

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Social Security Disability Help

SSI makes monthly payments to people with low income and limited resources who are 65 or older, or blind, or disabled. Your child, if younger than age 18, can qualify if he or she has a physical or mental condition, or combination of conditions, that meets Social Security’s definition of disability for children, and if his or her income and resources fall within the eligibility limits.

Contact us at Akiwowo Law Group for a free initial consult. Our disability attorneys successfully represent disability claimants in application, cessation, and appellate hearings.

As featured on ABC 7, NBC 5, WGN-TV and WCIU-TV The Karate Can-Do! Foundation works hand-in-hand with North Shore Dojo, the area’s premier karate school, to provide personalized training to improve the lives of children who learn differently.

Sensei Jeff Kohn is the recipient of the 2011 United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Coach of the Year Award 847.729.0001 • www.NorthShoreDojo.net 2081 John’s Court, Glenview Karate CAN-Do! is a registered 501(c)(3)

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OFFICE BASED DENTAL ANESTHESIOLOGY PEDIATRICS SPECIAL NEEDS CHALLENGING PATIENTS

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MICHAEL S. HIGGINS, DDS, DNBA, DADBA, FADSA CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF ANESTHESIOLOGY BOARD CERTIFIED - NBA, ADBA

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7/7/16 3:59 PM

DAY OF PLAY

LEARN MORE For more information on play products for kids, visit ableplay. org. AblePlay is sponsored by the National Lekotek Center, an authority on play and children of all abilities. thing very small that crawls on the ground and likes to eat watermelon.”

For older kids, expand the exploration map to include clues and elements of scavenger hunting. Add pictures of those items to the map and see how many you can find: a dog, a red car or even a four-leaf clover.

Afternoon

A Grand Explore

BY HAYLEY ANDERSON

S

ummer is now in full swing and there is only one thing that comes to mind when thinking about play—the great outdoors! The great outdoors is filled with wonder and excitement, from the tops of the trees where birds fly and kites soar, down to the ground where all sorts of universes exist and move and live. In the words of the great philosopher, Christopher Robin, there is no better time for “A Grand Explore.”

So we created ed a perfect day of play that he and Pooh would be proud of.

Morning

The morning g is a great time to plan your day by creating ating an Explorer’s Map. Using crayons, yons, markers, stickers and other mixed media, help your child draw w a map of areas to explore. e. Perhaps you want to explore plore a family of ants, or how plants grow or find where a fairy may live.

Once your map is complete, help p your child pack a bag for the Grand nd Explore. See how w many things he or she can think of thatt may be needed

for the trip: water, sun sunscreen, paper, colored pencils, camer camera, perhaps a small snack.

Make a pair of personalized binoculars using two toilet paper rolls, tape and a yarn, and add them to the bag. L Look in the mirror to see if you b both look like grand explorers explorers.

Once outside, let your child guide yo you through the map.

Encoura Encourage your child to take notes o or draw pictures of what yyou both see.

Pla Play “I Spy” using the map m as a gui guide: “I spy an orange fl flower,” “I spy some-

When you are finished exploring, lunch is a great time to regroup and talk about the grand discoveries.

Create a “campsite” on your porch or in your yard.

Use old blankets to build a soft and inviting sitting area. If you are able, add some sheets to make a tent effect, or if you have a pop-up tent, allow your child to use it for meal or nap time.

After lunch, put the sprinkler on and pretend that your Grand Explorer is moving through waterfalls. Get a bucket of water and a variety of paint brushes to “paint” the sidewalk. Use a timer to see how long it takes for the water to dry. Add chalk to the drawings to enhance their color or to create a landscape.

Evening After dinner, return to your “campsite” and bring some books and music. Create a “campfire” using flashlights and sing campfire songs. Catch some fireflies or play flashlight tag.

When you’re ready to wind down, review the favorite parts of the day, read a book and snuggle with your Grand Explorer. Lay back and look up.

Count the stars and find your favorite constellations. Together, use your imaginations to create a story of your child exploring space. Take a deep breath and make a wish.

Hayley Anderson, CTRS, is associate director of inclusive play at National Lekotek Center, lekotek.org.

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

OMPILED PI

BY LANIE MARESH COMP

Products to try Emojis for all Sometimes a simple emoji is the best way to sum up how you’re feeling. Now, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare has launched a new emoji keyboard app, known as Emojability, that incorporates a variety of encouraging phrases and emojis for individuals with differing abilities.

The free app, available for Apple and Android, allows parents, caregivers and kids to communicate with ability-focused emojis and GIFs, like “Stick to It!,” “Speech Therapy” or a stick figure on an adaptive bicycle.

Download at the app store as “Emojability keyboard” or at gillettechildrens.org/emojability.

Robot for kids with autism Rey had BB-8; the Jetsons had Rosie. But now children with autism can bring home

their own robot ot friend, called Leka, specifically designed esigned to help kids like ke the them em communicate better better. r.

Leka co-founder ounderr and CEO Ladislas de T Toldi ldi says research h shows h that h children with autism connect better with robots than humans because they are more predictable, which is how children are able to connect and bond with the toy so easily.

“Leka acts as a bridge to communication and social interactions between the child and their surroundings,” he says. “It provides a comfortable solution for children to learn and play, as they can eventually learn to expect certain reactions, as well as predict behavior.”

This interactive smart toy integrates therapy, such as tools to increase motor skills and promote social interaction, with fun, interactive games. But this robot friend is more than just fun. Leka has a monitoring platform that collects data on the child’s interactions and responses to the toy for parents

and an nd therapists to monitor.

Leka L starts at $390, available for preorder preo or at https://igg.me/at/leka.

Helmee offers maximum Helmet stylish li h protection p Safety is always the first concern when it comes to a child having a seizure. But gone are the days of bulky, uncomfortable and oversized protective helmets with the Guardian Helmet. Made with EVA rubber foam, this durable yet sleek design is made for multiple purposes, such as reducing injury during head banging, seizures, sports and other disability or safetyrelated uses.

The hook-and-loop chinstrap and the extra chinstrap provide complete protection and safety for wearers who may try to remove the helmet.

Helmets come in a variety of colors and sizes for children and adults. $140.95, guardianhelmets.com

Special moms team up to create national network Families of special needs children often feel isolated, whether it’s because other parents can’t relate or because of the lack of resources for their child’s needs.

That’s exactly how Westchester, N.Y., moms Dana DeRuvo Hanner and Susan Kleiman felt.

In 2012, they started their own online forum to connect and share resources with parents with children with disabilities. They expanded their forum, known today as the Special Moms Network (specialmomsnetwork. com), nationally in 2014,

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including everything from doctor recommendations to programs specifically

for children with special needs.

As the number of children with special needs continues to grow, the internet is becoming a powerful tool that more and more parents are turning to for information and support, Dana DeRuvo Hanner wrote in a release.

Now moms from around the country can access thousands of programs through a searchable database of companies and products geared toward those with disabilities. Joining the group is free.

LEARN Cochlear launches ORE online resourceMxxxxx ■

Cochlear, the creators of the world’s first multi channel cochlear implant more than 30 years ago, has expanded its services to online help for parents of children who have received any type of hearing loss diagnosis.

The website provides information about the different types of hearing loss and explains the step by step process of get ting a cochlear implant, from visiting a specialist to language integration.

Learn more at iwantyoutohear.com.

| ChicagoParent.com

7/6/16 2:27 PM

NEWS YOU CAN USE

A creative outlet for those with autism

M Child’s Develop r u o me tY nt! s o o B ted Pediatric Inter egra Int t a

ven tio ns

ark Fairbanks and his wife, Margaret, were not surprised that their son, Harry, was diagnosed with autism. What did surprise them was that the doctors said they should lower their expectations for their son’s future.

Determined not to give up on their son and noting Harry’s interest in computers, the Fairbanks co-founded Islands of Brilliance in 2012. With Mark’s 25 years of advertising and design experience and Margaret’s teaching expertise, they created a program that pairs a teen or young adult with autism with a professional from the creative services industry, most of whom are volunteers. Together, over a week, they create an 18-by24-inch poster of their choice using Adobe software.

At the end of the program, participants invite friends and family to

BOOST YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT!

show off and answer any questions about their work. But Fairbanks says the workshop offers a lot more than just an art project.

“By giving them this area that they’re comfortable with, they’re able to show growth in areas where they’re uncomfortable and often struggle,” Fairbanks says. “It’s about building confidence and giving them ways to exercise social skills that doesn’t feel like a social skills class.”

Summer workshops are open in Milwaukee and Duluth, Minn., while spring and fall workshops and day sessions are available in Milwaukee. Fairbanks says they are hoping to expand to Chicago as early as this fall.

Sessions cost $350. Register and keep up to date with new sessions at islandsofbrilliance.org.

Lanie Maresh

Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois

Has your child been diagnosed or do you suspect that your child has a learning disability?

at Integrated Pediatric Interventions

Keep your child on track with their speech, language and handwriting skills. Individual and group summer sessions now forming!

For Information contact:

LDA of Illinois

10101 S. Roberts Rd, Ste 205 Palos Hills, IL 60465 (708) 430-7532 ldaofil@ameritech.net

(insurance billable)

Summer-themed indoor and outdoor activities

www.ldail.com

Therapeutic playground and climbing wall

2016 Fall Workshops

Enhance visual, fine-and gross-motor skills and coordination

Call Today!

September 17 - Games for Learning: Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Motivation October 1 - 60 Sixty Second Behavior Interventions October 22 - Legal Issues in Dyslexia and other Learning Disabilities November 12 - Gender in Special Education: Working with Girls Who Have a Learning Disability

For more information and to register, contact Megan Kowalski at 847.412.4335 or email MeganKowalski@jcfs.org

Northbrook and Chicago

jcfs.org

Jewish Child & Family Services is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. 7.2016

ChicagoParent.com |

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7/7/16 3:59 PM

Love needs no words Twins overcome autism’s barriers

BY JERRY DAVICH

D

ylan and Liam Healey play barefoot in the sand at Kelly Park in Wheaton, looking like any other smudge-faced kids.

The 8-year-old shadows of each other, however, have a special bond that transcends brotherhood and even the fact that they’re fraternal twins.

Dylan has autism. He struggles to speak and lacks age-appropriate social skills. Liam acts as normal as normal can be, and readily talks for both of them.

“We have ways of talking to each other,” Liam says matter-of-factly.

For these brothers, this bond dates back to their first memories, first moments together, first steps, words and laughs.

They’ve developed a profound connection, one that likely will last the rest of their lives.

“We are so glad that Dylan and Liam have each other,” says their mother, Amy Healey.

“They have always been close, even though they have different interests and cannot talk to each other like other siblings would.”

The boys communicate with each other through wrestling, tickling and hugging.

“And through our iPad,” Liam adds.

Dylan points to pictures on his iPad and Liam springs into action. A picture of a garage prompts Liam to open the garage door for Dylan so they can ride their bikes. Still, Liam knows that Dylan can’t ride on his own.

“Sometimes he escapes,”

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Liam says, meaning that Dylan can easily wander away.

The boys’ father, Kevin, is convinced that Dylan, who he calls “Dilly,” will never wander away very far from Liam.

“Liam’s presence helps calm him even if he doesn’t say a word about it,” Kevin says. “Yes, he can barely talk, but he finds ways to communicate enough to get what he is looking for. And he smiles and laughs as much as the rest of us.”

PHOTOS BY FRANK PINC

At the park, Liam and Dylan spin in circles on the playground equipment, Liam on Dylan’s lap.

“Dylan likes to spin,” Liam explains.

Dylan also likes to show off his playground talents on the monkey bars. He’s taught Liam as much about life as Liam has taught him, simply in a different way.

“Liam is lucky to have Dylan as a twin brother,” their mother says. “Dylan has taught Liam

patience, compassion and acceptance. Dylan and Liam are both so patient with each other to the point I can hardly recall a time when they got angry with each other.”

Kevin agrees. “Liam and I both wonder sometimes if Dylan actually struggles or if he is just fine, like the rest of us. He just wants to do the things he wants to do, just like the rest of us.”

Amy and Kevin also have a younger son, Grayson, 4.

“All three of my boys have sweet, sensitive, sympathetic souls and, for that, we are very proud,” Amy says.

The Healeys have lived in Chicago’s suburbs all their lives.

Amy is a veterinarian, Kevin a soccer coach and stay-at-home father.

“We were blessed to find out we were having twins, and that their birthdate would be on St. Patrick’s Day,” Amy says, noting Kevin’s Irish ancestry.

Kevin, who’s very athletic, envisioned himself and his two sons playing sports together as they got older. “Little did I know that only one of them would be a typical athlete, and the most impressive strength they would display would be of the mind and heart,” Kevin says.

Amy’s pregnancy and delivery went off without any problems, and the twins’ development was on track during their first year.

At 15 months old, the couple began worrying that Dylan was

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not yet talking. He also showed other curious habits, with more rigid fixated behavior than Liam and other toddlers his age.

“He learned to say words, but then he lost them,” Amy recalls.

At 3, Dylan was diagnosed with autism.

“Dylan’s biggest challenge is still his verbal communication,” Amy says before Dylan catches her attention on the playground.

“Dylan! Dylan! Get down from there!” she yells to him before completing her thought.

“He has verbal apraxia, so he uses verbal approximations to express himself,” she says.

At his school, Dylan uses an iPad to help support his verbal skills. At home, his parents can usually understand him, sometimes with Liam’s help.

“Liam and Dylan have an indescribable bond,” says Sarah Taschetta, the 18-year-old caregiver for Dylan who came into his life a couple of years ago.

“They will grow up on different paths socially and educationally but, at the end of the day, they will always wrestle before bed.”

“Everyone says how Dylan is lucky to have his twin, but I believe Liam is just as lucky,” says Taschetta, who lives in nearby Winfield. “He will grow up to be the most loving, compassionate and patient young man. He gets to see the world through the eyes of opportunity, as siblings of special needs children often do.”

Taschetta found Dylan and his family through Care.com.

She initially applied to help the family only once or twice a week over a summer. But Dylan stole her heart and those visits became more frequent.

“That short summer job became a year-round, full-time commitment,” she recalls. “I’ve loved seeing Dylan grow up, and I believe he’s changed my life forever.”

Love needs no words Watch Sarah Taschetta’s documentary about Liam and Dylan at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=m7JnD7tISII

“Everyone says how Dylan is lucky to have his twin, but I believe Liam is just as lucky.”

— Sarah Taschetta So much so that, in May, she created a four-minute video of the twins’ unique relationship.

“When I sat down with Liam to film my project, it was amazing to see someone so young put his acceptance and love for his brother into words at the mere age of 8,” says Taschetta, who will be attending Benedictine University to earn a degree in secondary special education.

“My short film was going to be about nonverbal communication and autism, but … I knew these boys were too special to settle on a simple topic.”

In the poignant video, Taschetta cites data stating 40 percent of people with autism are not able to speak.

“Not being able to speak is not the same as not having anything to say,” she says in the video. “A special individual with autism taught me that love needs no words.”

Individualism is key with autism, as the video points out with clever graphics.

“If you’ve met one person

with autism,” Taschetta says in the video.

“You’ve met ... one person with autism.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 68 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder, totaling roughly 3.5 million individuals in this country. It is approximately 4.5 times more common among boys (1 in 42) than among girls (1 in 189), CDC data suggests.

CDC-supported studies show that, among identical twins, if one child has ASD, then the other is more likely to have it.

The Healeys are well versed on such statistics and hindsight probabilities, yet they instead focus on Dylan and Liam’s gifted relationship and their future together.

“Every family has some sort of challenge,” Amy reasons

while watching her three boys play together. “But we have high hopes for Dylan, who’s a smart, strong, sweet and affectionate boy.”

Taschetta adds, “Dylan will have his own guardian angel, best friend and bodyguard for the rest of his life. I would love to be there when the Healey twins sit together in cap and gowns at their high school graduation.”

In her video, she shows Dylan and Liam playfully wrestling in bed.

“Does Dylan love you?” she asks Liam.

“Yes, he totally does,” Liam replies.

“Does he tell you he loves you?” she asks.

“In special words,” he replies with a nod. “By hugging me. And wrestling with me.”

Taschetta asks, “Is there anything you would change about Dylan?”

Liam shakes his head no. “I want Dylan to stay just the way he is.”

Jerry Davich is a Chicago area freelance writer.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

New

school year,

old IEP

Simple ideas to make this year a big success

BY JENNIFER WOOD

A

s anyone who has carefully crafted an Individualized Education Program can tell you, putting the IEP on paper is only half the battle.

It can be a frustrating process and also a hopeful one—parents face hard realities but also hear teachers sing a student’s strengths. g However, after all is said and done, the IEP is only as good as it its execution.

Seasoned special ne needs parents will say they are bot both relieved and empowered w when the IEP process results iin a document that all team m members can support.

Numerous factors can complicate ma matters. For instance, an IEP IE is valid for a year, so one d designed for a second-grade student must also apply to the same student in the third grade. It has to carry over between school years, between teachers, an and sometimes between schools, whe when grade-level transitions take place place, or when a family moves.

An IEP is positione positioned for success when parents understa understand the goals, when teachers believe in the goals and when students are motivated to achieve the goals. Bu But the team that drafted the documen document may not be the same team that implements the document.

Teachers change and therapists may be reassigned, yet the IEP is still the plan and your child is still the person counting on all of you to set him up for success.

So how can you prepare for these

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transitions and make sure that the IEP is effective from year-to-year, room-to-room, teacher-to-teacher and school-to-school?

Review that IEP As you approach a new school year with an existing IEP in place, look for clues in the document about what may be lost in translation between grades, teachers and schools. Ask yourself: “What is working well that I want to continue?” and “What is not working well that I would like to see change?”

For example, if there is a parent-school communication provision in the IEP and your child’s second-grade teacher was diligent in sending you weekly emails to document progress or problems, then connect with your child’s third-grade teacher to let her know that you would appreciate still receiving these emails on a weekly basis.

If there is no parent-school communication provision in the IEP, but the former teacher had developed this communication piece on her own, ask the school to amend the IEP so the new teacher is aware of your expectations.

Another example: If your child’s IEP speaks in general terms about social skills, but does not identify practical strategies you know have worked, share this information with the new teacher. Let her know what types of challenges your child faces and what has helped in the past.

You could say, “My son becomes anxious when asked to initiate conversation with his peers, so if you could provide him with a script to follow, that would help.”

Sign releases for school personnel to connect with private therapists or tutors who work with your child and provide the teacher with this contact information.

Careful study of the IEP, no matter how hard the team worked on it, will identify important things the IEP does not say, but that the new teacher or team needs to know.

The IEP may make goals clear, while still not defining the facets of your child that will be critical to his success, such as what triggers his sensitivities that the teacher should be on the lookout for. What makes your child feel valued and important that the teacher can use as a motivator?

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Tips to use this year

It is critical to work with your child at home to help them prepare for the school setting, says Ally Albers, of EB Pediatric Resources.

Albers and Heather Bragg, founder of Learn ing Decoded, shared easy ideas at the Neighborhood Parents Network’s Developmental Differences Resource Fair that parents can use to help their children succeed, both in school and at home.

Most important is remembering that there are many facets to the learning process, including things like pro cessing speed, reasoning and organizatio n. Just because your child might need more time to proce ss information or “mull it over” doesn’t reflect on his or her intelligence level.

Work on fundamental skills, such as understanding and following simple directions, as well as working on their expressive skills, especially in youn g children.

Promote language skills at home by “vocalizing back” what they say to you and then expandin g on what they say. Engage your child in play and talk about the things you are playing with. For example, if you’r e playing with a truck, talk about the truck and describe what it is doing and where it is going, Albers says.

She also emphasizes the importance of reading with your child as much as possible. Expose them to music and simple nursery rhymes or finger plays to promote positive language development.

Talk with your child’s teachers to see how they reinforce language development. It also might help to observe your child in school, to see if they are successfu lly getting their point across to their teacher and peers .

Work on listening skills. Can your child understand most of what you’re saying? Can they follow two step directions and understand basic concepts?

Do they hear and respond to questions?

Assess your child and see how best they learn, says Bragg. Some children are visual learners, while others learn by listening or even by touching thing s.

Sometimes kids struggle because the way they’re being taught in school doesn’t match their prefe rred learning style, she says. For example, if your child is a visual learner, just listening to the definition of a vocabulary word might not help them learn that word . In those cases, seeing a picture of the word can help them con nect meaning to it.

Address concerns about your child’s academic career right away, because waiting and letting them struggle might have a long term impact on their self esteem.

“If you think something is going on, take action,” Bragg says. “Kids internalize things, and if they think they’re not smart and get turned off towards educ ation, that’s something that’s hard to undo. There is so much benefit to early intervention.”

Are my child’s language skills on track?

Questions? Call us!

 

thespeechlanguagecenter.com 773-750-7672 The Center for Speech and Language Development

Carrie Rodovich

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NEW YEAR, OLD IEP

from page 21

Before school starts

and gives them a chance to become familiar with new faces and places while not being surrounded by peers.

Most school administrators will welcome your request for a private visit as long as it is within reason.

Just remember that school planning, and especially classroom assignments and transportation, can be in flux until the very last minute, and so you may not have answers to all of your questions before the first day. Be flexible, be open-minded and be diligent in communicating information.

Don’t rely on the IEP to tell the story of your student; you be the narrator.

As an attorney who works with families of students with special needs, I often encourage my clients to write a letter to their child’s new teacher that describes their son or daughter. I ask them to tell the teacher what works and what doesn’t work, what they expect and what they don’t expect, and what is important in the IEP and also what is missing from the document.

I tell them it is a “get-to-knowmy-kid” kind of letter because a good teacher-student relationship Jennifer Wood is a mom of seven can be the most critical aspect of a kids, including three on the autism comfortable classroom experience for your child spectrum, and the powerhouse Also, plan a visit to the classbehind Wood Law, which specializes room before the general populain family and special needs law. tion of students arrive. This is less She is a frequent Special Parent Join Special Illinois in transforming stressful for students with an IEPOlympics contributor. the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

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Apply online at www.FreshStartKids. org. Upon acceptance to our program, Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation will help coordinate the travel, lodging, and medical care of each patient.

Our Adaptive Aquatics program has been developed over the last 35 years. By focusing on the students individual needs and their cues, we are able to tailor our program so that each child can obtain their true potential.

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• Offers Young Athletes Program for ages 2-7 • No fee for athletes to participate! www.soill.org Contact 630.942.5610 for more information

| ChicagoParent.com

7/7/16 4:07 PM

Splash it up How to mix pool playtime with therapy

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

O

n a hot summer day, there is no place kids would rather be than at their local pool. Sun and fun go hand-inhand, but the pool is also an ideal place to incorporate therapy for children with special needs.

“One of the reasons aquatic therapy is effective is because it allows special needs children to experience things they wouldn’t experience on land, and they are able to do things they can’t often do in their daily lives,” says Kirsten Conner, aquatics director at JCC Chicago’s All-In Swim program.

“The pool puts everyone on an even playing field, and kids with special needs can be more successful in water while also building their confidence and strength,” Conner says.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists strongly encourage aquatic therapy for kids with a wide variety of special needs.

“Swimming is one of my favorite activities to recommend to parents,” says Leida Lewis, physical therapist at Evanston’s North Shore Pediatric Therapy. “Swimming is an exercise that strengthens the entire body—core, arms and legs. It is also great for improving cardiovascular endurance.”

While kids are having fun in the pool, parents can feel good at the same time about all the therapeutic benefits.

“Therapy in the pool provides kids the opportunity to practice movements with zero gravity,” says Lindsay Moyer, occupational therapist at Lincolnwood’s North Shore Pediatric Therapy.

“The water also provides constant resistance to the muscles, which can promote improved strength and endurance.”

Often, Moyer says, kids are willing

Where to find pools in the off-season Don’t let the pool just be a summer event. Check out these local resources for year-round swimming lessons and pool opportunities.

JCC Chicago’s All-In Swim

The program provides lessons for children with special needs that teaches water safety and swim skills with patience, positive reinforcement, goals and rewards. jcc chicago.org

Goldfish Swim School

Lessons at Goldfish Swim School are for all kids, which include those with special needs. Their small class size allows children to receive individualized attention. Call one of the seven Chicago and suburban locations to enroll and let the staff know your child has special needs to customize the lessons. gold fishswimschool.com

YMCA

Many local YMCAs offer special needs swimming instruction or private lessons. Most YMCAs also have pools with open-swim times throughout the week where you can get in the water with your child for fun and therapy. ymca.org

Park districts

Check with your local park district for openswim times throughout the year. Many park districts offer classes as well. Call your own park district to inquire about private, semi-private or group lessons for children with special needs.

Foss Swim School

With five locations in Chicago and the suburbs, Foss offers free assessments for children with special needs to determine the appropriate class and level. fossswim school.com

Dolphin Swim Club

With locations in Crystal Lake, Wilmette, Loves Park and Rochelle, Dolphin offers year-round lessons for students of all ages and abilities.

Instructors are experienced with students with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and sensory integration disorder. dolphinswimclub.com

Big Blue Swim School With pools in Wilmette and Buffalo Grove, Big Blue offers swim lessons for all ages and all abilities. big blueswimschool.com

British Swim School

Adaptive aquatics programs are offered at all of its 25 locations.

Programs will be created depending on a child’s needs and may be done in group lessons or oneon-one. britishswim school.com

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SPLASH IT UP

from page 23 to push themselves further in their aquatic therapy as opposed to a typical therapy appointment.

The best part is that therapy in the water is actually tied to fun and games.

Lewis recommends exercises such as having kids dive for objects to increase cardiovascular endurance and strength, floating on their backs to practice keeping their bodies calm and regulate their breathing, or treading water while passing a beach ball back and forth.

“Make it fun! Kids should always be excited to be in the pool,” Moyer says. “Try having your child pick up rings from the bottom of the pool, march around, blow bubbles, do jumping jacks or even jump in off the side.”

Therapists who do aquatic therapy often use equipment like pool noodles, kick boards and hand paddles to position and facilitate exercises with the child.

“Therapy in the pool can also provide an opportunity to work on social skills as the pool is a natural environment for peer engagement,” Moyer says.

Despite the fun that comes with pools, it’s up to adults to create a safe environment at the pool and to teach water safety, especially to children with special needs.

Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago area mom and freelance writer.

ORA: 15092804-IRB01 Date IRB Approved: 11/24/2015 Amendment Date: 5/8/2016

Special Needs children usually have irregular brainwave patterns. If these children are identified and treated early they can develop more normally. Early treatment started with Neurofeedback can normalize those brainwave patterns, and help normal development succeed.

Measuring Social Emotional Learning in Youth with ASD Researchers at Rush Neurobehavioral Center, in collaboration with Stony Brook University and funded by Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, are conducting a free study investigating the validity of a web-based, standardized social-emotional learning assessment tool as a potential outcome measure for rapid deployment in large clinical trials.

Your child may be eligible to participate in this research study if your child:   

Is 6-10 years old Has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Is verbal with average or above average intelligence

Participation is free and voluntary.

Testing available at the following locations:  Rush Neurobehavioral Center (Skokie, IL)

 Rush Medical Offices (Hoffman Estates, IL)

 Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, IL)

 Have Dreams (Evanston and Park Ridge, IL)

Activities for the study (total time 2½-3 hours):     

A telephone pre-screening parent interview and online screener Two standardized measures to verify diagnosis and intelligence A self-guided web-based social-emotional learning assessment Computerized validation assessments of social-emotional learning Two parent behavior ratings scales

By participating in this research study:  Families may help us to create future interventions concerning social emotional learning in children with ASD.  Children will receive a $40 gift card and parents will receive a $5 gift card as thanks for participation.

To learn more, please contact us:

Ashley Karls, Research Study Coordinator 847-763-7963

RNBC_research@rush.edu

Call The Discovery Clinic in Glenview at 847-901-0909 to schedule a consultation or an evaluation. www.thediscoveryclinic.com 24

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Rush NeuroBehavioral Center 4711 W. Golf Road, Suite 1100, Skokie, IL 60076 www.rnbc.org

| ChicagoParent.com

7/7/16 4:00 PM

Comprehensive In Home ABA Programs for Children with Autism

Steinberg Behavior Solutions has a strong team of BCBAs and direct therapists to ensure that your child receives the highest quality of evidenced based therapy.

Weekly team meetings with your BCBA to closely monitor progress.

SBS addresses ALL areas of development including: • • • • • • • • •

Receptive and Expressive Language Fine and Gross Motor Skills Visual Perception and Matching Skills Motor and Vocal Imitation Feeding Therapy Sleep Consultations Social Skills Parent coaching Sibling social interaction

SBS also provides school services including: • 1:1 shadow aides in school • School IEP consultations • School Behavior Plans and curriculum modification SBS uses electronic HIPAA secure technology to record data on your child’s progress that you can access anytime.

In-Network with insurance • Direct billing

Call now for your FREE consultation (847) 676-5398 www.SBSABA.com • info@sbsaba.com

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facebook.com/SteinbergBehaviorSolutions

twitter.com/childbehaviors

7/6/16 2:42 PM

Working

to make a difference Adults with disabilities make strides in the workforce

BY LANIE MARESH

P

at Loy still remembers like it was yesterday one particular day 15 years ago when she picked up her son, Chris, who has Down syndrome, from his job.

It was after his shift at a popular bakery and coffee house and the manager asked Pat to come inside to speak with her.

A combination of anger, frustration and protection swept over Pat when the manager told her that Chris, then 21, didn’t belong.

“W What theyy foound in Chris was a really goood employee.”

— Pat Loy

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“That’s what was going on in the community,” Loy says.

“That’s why he’s out there working and changing the way people think.”

But stories like Chris’ are not uncommon. It’s why the percentage of those with disabilities at the working age in the labor force is about one-third of those with no disability, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although the percentage of those with disabilities who are employed has only slightly risen in the past years, to 18.5 percent in May 2016, the public view is beginning to change, thanks to adult programs and companies that are helping individuals with varying disabilities find and keep their perfect job.

Today, Chris has found success working at WeatherTech Automotives with the help of Parents Alliance Employment Project, a Lisle-based agency that assists individuals with disabilities to find a job. PAEP provides services to any individual

who is able to work independently once supports are put in place at their worksite.

After an individual registers with their local Division of Rehabilitation Services office, they work with a PAEP employment specialist for career counseling, job training and coaching. Loy says she receives calls from PAEP to make sure Chris is still happy with his placement.

Loy admits that at first, the WeatherTech employees were a bit apprehensive about hiring someone with a disability.

They only gave him three-hour shifts two days a week, but that changed once he proved he was a dedicated worker. In fact, Chris’ boss has told Loy that what Chris manages to complete in three days work takes the second shift five days to produce.

“What they found in Chris was a really good employee,” Loy says. “That he shows up, is there every day and does his job while he’s there and takes it seriously.”

| ChicagoParent.com

7/6/16 2:24 PM

Making it work Some companies are taking employing individuals with disabilities a step further.

Hart Schaffner Marx, a men’s clothing store in Des Plaines, is not only hiring people with autism, but also is completely adapting the workspace to make it more accommodating.

Jordan Allison, 21, and Marice Aiston, 24, have worked at Hart Schaffner Marx for nearly a year with the help of Autism Workforce, a company that tailored the work environment to fit their needs. Allison works as a swatch and button specialist, while Aiston brings custom suit measurements to the factory.

Autism Workforce provided the structure and support they needed, from color-coding employment papers to painting the walls blue and placing plants throughout the office to create a more calming effect.

It also incorporated a 30-minute workout each morning before Allison’s and Aiston’s

continued on page 28

Photo by Lanie Maresh

Jordan Allison takes great pride in his job as a swatch and button specialist at Hart Schaffner Marx.

Celebrations Kid-Friendly Toys and Sensory Products that Fit Your Families Needs.

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CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

‘He saved my life’

THERE’S FUN TO BE HAD Chicago Parent Playdate Oct. 4

One mom’s breast cancer story

How to empower your kids

CELEBRATIONS Time for our big birthday party planner

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Coming in October For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

BE BRAVE

All programs and play sessions focus on child development, functional, life, social and communication skills.

1911 W. Belmont Chicago 773-231-8001 spectrumtoystore.com

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We are an Non-Profit 501(c)3

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WORKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE shifts that helps them stay in shape, as well as to focus and reduce behaviors seen in autism, such as hand flapping.

Ashley Palomino, the Autism Workforce director, says people with autism often have a hard time keeping jobs because they are not given the structure and assistance they received at school.

At their workstations, Allison and Aiston each have a binder in case they forget one of the steps for their jobs. Allison has a checklist so he remembers to complete all of his button requests, and Aiston can follow the signs hung throughout the factory in case she forgets where to go. If they get really stuck, they each have an employee mentor who has been trained about autism and how to support Allison and Aiston at work.

“It has come down to taking all of these strategies and supports that they’re used to (in school) and carrying those over into the workplace so that they understand it, do it and be successful,” Palomino says.

Autism Workforce also started a mock interview program through Hart Schaffner Marx where they train Human Resources employees to guide interviews and give feedback to individuals with disabilities who are hoping to get some interviewing practice. Palomino believes this is the first step to helping them build skills needed

“They’ree really a comm munityy that cares. It’s helping her to be maturre and plan things out.”

— Pauline Shoback

Through her job at Hart Schaffner Marx, Marice Aiston has gained communication skills. for a job.

“Now that a special education teacher can work on breaking down a resume, so that maybe in a month or two that individual can actually come and interview with an HR manager at a company, which is very different from a classroom,” she says.

It’s more than just a job These jobs are about more than fitting in and earning money.

Aiston’s mother, Pauline

Employment resources Parents Alliance Employment Project; parents alliance.org Have Dreams; havedreams.org Clearbrook; clearbrook.org Avenues to Independence; avenuestoindependence.org College of DuPage Vocational Skills Program; cod.edu/ programs/vocational/index.aspx Cornerstone services; cornerstoneservices.org/csESB.asp Donka Inc.; donkainc.org Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) through Elmhurst College; elmhurst.edu/elsa Path to Academics, Community and Employment (P.A.C.E); nl.edu/paceatnlu SouthSTAR Services; southstarservices.org Little Friends; littlefriendsinc.org

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Shoback, says Aiston’s job is helping her to communicate better, a skill that many with autism find difficult. Before this job, Aiston did work inputting data into the computer at their park district, but she had difficulty communicating and was fired.

“With this job, she’s happy,” Shoback says. “The immediate peer workers and bosses are terrific. They’re really a community that cares. It’s helping her to be mature and plan things out.”

Jordan Allison’s father, Stephen, says Jordan understands the customer satisfaction aspect of his work.

“Just as every typical employee does, you take pride in what you do, whether you’re hauling garbage or assistant to the president,” Stephen says. “This is not just busy work; it’s an important job and he has to do it.”

Chris Loy’s past jobs often required only menial tasks, such as cleaning or refilling soda machines, but his mother says his job is much more than that.

He creates the kits that come with the WeatherTech products by collecting nuts, bolts and instructions and assembling the boxes. Loy says when you ask him about it, he’ll say, “I love my job. I love my life.”

“What I like about Weather Tech is that it’s not bagging groceries, it’s not working at

Photo by Lanie Maresh

McDonald’s, it’s industry,” she says. “It’s something that a young man of his age would be doing, and there are young men of his age working there.”

Autism Workforce works directly with Clearbrook and Have Dreams to find potential employees for the adapted jobs at Hart Schaffner Marx, so they are not currently accepting outside applications.

Individuals with disabilities seeking employment can directly contact Parents-Alliance Employment Project for employment options once they’ve contacted their local Division of Rehabilitation Services office.

Looking back to when Chris was a child, Loy says she remembers a time when he wasn’t allowed to be on the playground, in the lunchroom or in the library at the same time as the other kids. But now, with job opportunities like the one at WeatherTech, more doors are opening for him.

“Individuals with disabilities are working in the community and people are seeing that they are a part of this community,” she says. “That bridge is getting stronger and completely different now. It’s wonderful to see it changing.”

Lanie Maresh is Chicago Parent’s intern. She lives in Westmont.

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T:7”

YOU THINK SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG. THE ANSWER IS NOT STARING YOU IN THE FACE. Avoiding eye contact is one early sign of autism.

Learn the others today at autismspeaks.org/signs.

Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference.

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© 2013 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.

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Specıal Parent Summer 2016 CHICAGO

© 2013 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.

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Resources Adaptive Services, Autism Spectrum Disorders . . . . . . . 30 Blind or Visually Impaired. . . . . . . . 31 Deaf or Hearing Impaired, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, General . . . . . . . . 32 Recreation, Support . . . . . . . . 35

Find more information online

T

he resources you will find here are just an excerpt of the hundreds of searchable resources you will find online at ChicagoParent.com.

If you are a resource provider and your services are not listed online, e-mail Elizabeth Diffin at ediffin@ chicagoparent.com with your information or submit your information at www.chicagoparent.com/resources/ resource-submission-form.

ADAPTIVE SERVICES Extended Home Living Services 210 W. Campus Drive Suite B Arlington Heights (847) 215-9490 ehls.com

Provides stair lifts, accessible bathroom remodeling, ramps and wheelchair lifts, ceiling mounted lift systems, home elevators, and general remodeling to provide accessibility.

MobilityWorks 23855 W. Andrew Road Plainfield 5050 Dempster St., Skokie 155 E. North Ave. Villa Park (877) 275-4907 mobilityworks.com

Provides wheelchair vans and adaptive

equipment to the disabled community.

RampNOW 2296 Cornell Ave. Montgomery (630) 892-7267 rampnow.com

Rents, sells and installs lifts and ramps that assist individuals with mobility issues.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Alexander Leigh Center for Autism 620 N. Illinois Route 31 Crystal Lake (815) 477-2522 alcacenter.com

Nonprofit, full-day, year-round therapeutic day school approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.

The school is for kids

3-18 with autism spectrum disorder, OHI, multiple disabilities, developmental delay and/or intellectual disability. Serves Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane and McHenry counties.

Autism & Anxiety Consultants LLC 1100 Lake St., Suite 210 B Oak Park (847) 338-2525 autismanxiety.net

Therapy for children, adults and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder/anxiety disorders.

Autism Behavior & Childhood Services Chicago (773) 552-3810 abctherapyforme.com

Offers a wide range of therapies and

approaches custom designed for each child, using the Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA Therapy) approach in-home.

Autism Family Center 560 Green Bay Road Suite 10, Winnetka (847) 814-1096 autismfamilycenter.com

Offers a multidisciplinary approach to helping families live with autism throughout Chicago and the North Shore. Services include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); individual, couples and family therapy as well as play therapy.

Autism Home Support Services 85 Revere Drive, Suite AA Northbrook 3385 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite K Arlington Heights (847) 564-0822 autismhomesupport.com

In-home customized ABA behavior therapy for children with autism and other related disorders.

Autism Speaks Chicagoland Chapter 2700 S. River Road Suite 304 Des Plaines (224) 567-8573 autismspeaks.org/chicago

Nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, funding, science, research and advocacy for autism. Also provides free services for families.

Behavioral Perspective Inc. 452 N. Eola Road Suite A, Aurora (630) 999-0401 behavioralperspectiveaba. com

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Provides ABA services to maximize independence and quality of life for individuals impacted by autism.

Center for Autism & Related Disorders 6930 Roosevelt Road Oak Park (708) 358-3000 chicago.centerforautism. com

Helps each person attain his or her maximum potential in the least restrictive environment via behaviorally-based intervention. Each program is individualized.

Charlie’s Gift Autism Center Center for Autism and Related Disorders 1048 W. Ogden Ave. Suite # 200, Downers Grove (630) 810-1200 thecommunityhouse.org

Provides individual and group occupational, speech and mental health/behavioral therapy for children/ families through a family-centered, teambased approach. Family education/support activities and sibling activities are offered throughout the year.

After-school clubs and summer programs offered. A family lending library is available.

Chicago Autism & Behavior Specialists 901 W. Hawthorn Drive Itasca (800) 844-1232 autismbehaviorspecialists. com

Treats children with autism and related disorders. Programs are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In addition to language and communication skills, programs encourage flexibility, problem solving, impulse control, social referencing, and self-regulation. Social work, speech therapy and parent training are incorporated into treatment plans.

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AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Chicagoland Autism Connection

Little Friends Inc. 140 N. Wright St. Naperville (630) 355-6533 littlefriendsinc.org

1803 W. 95th St., #268 Chicago (773) 329-0375 chicagoautism.org

Operates three schools, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism.

Meets on the third Saturday of each month from September-June (except December).

Easter Seals Autism Programs-Joliet

PACTT Learning Center

212 Barney Drive, Joliet (815) 725-2194 joliet.easterseals.com

Offers a wide variety of programming for children with autism spectrum disorders including pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy. A medical diagnostic clinic, social skills groups, sibling recreational workshops, family special recreation nights, inclusive birth-4 daycare, mental health therapy, educational materials and a parent support group.

Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley: Autism Diagnostic Clinic & Autism Services Centers in Villa Park, Naperville and Elgin (630) 620-4433 eastersealsdfvr.org

The clinic provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary team evaluation to determine the presence of an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental disability. It assists families in determining their child’s specific needs related to their diagnosis. Families leave the clinic with a diagnosis, initial treatment guidelines and resources.

Easter Seals also offers services that address the specific strengths and challenges of children with autism. A team works with each family to develop a well-rounded therapy plan. Services are provided individually or in a group setting.

7101 N. Greenview Ave. Chicago (773) 338-9102 pactt.org

Ups for Downs Easter Seals Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research 1939 W. 13th St., Suite 300 Chicago (312) 491-4110 eastersealschicago.org or eastersealsandautism.com

This campus combines educational, therapeutic research, training, school-to-work transition and adult vocational services. The interior features include special acoustic finishes, lighting fixtures and observation rooms in classrooms rooms to help reduce distractions and promote more effective learning.

Serves clients 3-22.

Have Dreams 515 Busse Highway, Suite 150 Park Ridge 2020 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 685-0250 (Park Ridge) (847) 905-0702 (Evanston) havedreams.org

Serves children, teens and young adults with autism. Offers individualized after-school programs, vocational, life skills and transition to employment programs, along with diagnostic

and family support services. Programs include Special Olympics, Technology Club and a nationally recognized Film & Multimedia camp. Transition to adult services include Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism at Northwestern University and Have Dreams Academy, as well as programs that focus on developing critical skills for employment, internship experiences and life skills.

Helping Hand Center 9649 W. 55th St. Countryside (708) 352-3580 hhrehab.org

Therapeutic Day School for children with autism, ages 3-21. Pediatric outpatient clinic for children birth-21 with an array of disabilities and delays, providing occupational, physical, speech and language, and music therapy. Also offers psychotherapy, mental health and diagnostic testing, and behavioral services.

Little City Foundation ChildBridge Services 700 N. Sacramento Blvd.

Suite 201, Chicago 1760 W. Algonquin Road Palatine (773) 265-1539 (Chicago) (847) 358-5510 (Palatine) littlecity.org/childbridge

Provides services for children 21 and under with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, including inhome personal and family supports, clinical and behavior intervention, 24/7 residential services, therapeutic art programs and special needs foster care and adoption services. The ChildBridge Center for Education provides progressive services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as students with severe and profound needs on the autism spectrum. Also provides employment services and training, horticulture, art, recreational opportunities and residential services for young adults.

Offers educational, residential, and vocational services for people with severe autism and their families. The therapeutic day school focuses on academics, independent living, communication and social interaction for students 3-21 and includes a transition program for older teens.

PACTT also operates two group homes for children and two adult homes that focus on independent life skills and community integration.

Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays Garfield Community Center 10 S. Kedzie, Room 202 Chicago (312) 746-5447 cfl.uic.edu/programs/resourcecenter-for-autism-and-developmental-delays

Free resources, referrals and monthly training. A second site has recently been opened at King Community Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove, Room 103, Chicago, (312) 7478571.

The Autism Society of Illinois-Statewide Affiliate 2200 S. Main St., Suite 203 Lombard (630) 691-1270 (888) 691-1270 (hotline) autismillinois.org

Information and referral, special education ChicagoParent.com |

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advocacy, first responder training.

The Autism Therapy Group Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas (224) 554-9634 theautismtherapygroup.com

ABA therapy provided in homes and pools.

Turning Pointe Autism Foundation 1500 W. Ogden Ave. Naperville (630) 570-7948 turningpointeautismfoundation.org

Offers a therapeutic day school, Career College life skills training, recreational opportunities and individualized programming for children, individuals and families navigating the lifelong impact of autism.

BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired 700 Elm St., Winnetka (847) 446-8111 hadley.edu

The largest provider of tuition-free distance education for individuals over age 14 who are blind or visually impaired. More than 100 courses are offered and materials are provided in a student’s medium of choice.

The Chicago Lighthouse for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired 1850 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago (312) 666-1331 chicagolighthouse.org

Provides education, clinical, vocational and rehabilitation services for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, including deaf-blind and multi-disabled. The

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BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED Illinois School for the Deaf 125 Webster Ave. Jacksonville (217) 479-4200 illinoisdeaf.org

Educates students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Project ReachIllinois Deaf-Blind Services 818 DuPage Blvd., Glen Ellyn (630) 790-2474 philiprockcenter.org/projectreach

Provides technical assistance/consultation, information, training and family support to address the needs of children with deafblindness, their families and their schools.

DOWN SYNDROME

Easter Seals Autism Programs-Joliet Lighthouse offers a nationally acclaimed school for children with multi-disabilities, a Birthto-3 Early Intervention Program for infants and families, a blended preschool with children who are blind or visually impaired and those who are sighted and the Sandy and Rick Forsythe Center for Comprehensive Vision Care.

The Chicago Lighthouse Vision Rehabilitation Center (The Chicago Lighthouse North) 222 Waukegan Road Glenview (847) 510-6200 chicagolighthouse.org

Serves to meet the needs of residents on the north side of Chicago as well as in the northern suburbs. It houses a Birthto-3 Early Intervention Program; a state-ofthe-art low vision care clinic offering optometry,

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psychological counseling and occupational therapy services; retail store and an array of enrichment programs for children and seniors.

The Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments P.O. Box 316634, Chicago (815) 355-2098 ipvi.org

Provides support information services to parents of visually impaired children.

DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED AGBMS-AEHI Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School 9300 Capitol Drive, Wheeling (847) 850-5490 agbms.org

Provides an oral education program for deaf and hard-of-hearing

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Down in the Southland

children using Cued Speech to enhance their ability to acquire age-appropriate literacy skills. Children are mainstreamed with hearing peers and receive support services from licensed teachers of the deaf and speech and language pathologists.

Fosters the development of lifelong educational, social and life skills among individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the southern suburbs of Chicago.

Center on Deafness

GiGi’s Playhouse

3444 Dundee Road Northbrook (847) 559-0110 centerondeafness.org

Serves children and adults who have hearing impairments with additional handicapping conditions such as mental illness or developmental disabilities.

CHOICES for Parents P.O. Box 806045, Chicago (312) 523-6400 (866) 733-8729 choicesforparents.org

Provides parents of children with hearing loss with support, information and resources.

P.O. Box 831, Tinley Park (708) 614-6118 downinthesouthland.org

2350 W. Higgins Road Hoffman Estates (847) 885-PLAY (7529) gigisplayhouse.org

International Down syndrome achievement centers that offer free educational and therapeutic programs and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Other Illinois locations include Chicago, Fox Valley, Oak Forest, McHenry, Rockford and Bradley.

National Association for Down Syndrome 1460 Renaissance Drive

Suite #405, Park Ridge (630) 325-9112 nads.org

Services include information and support for families, leadership and self-advocacy training for young adults with Down syndrome, education for professionals working with individuals with disabilities, and trained public speakers who present at organizations in the community.

Ups for Downs Hartford Plaza 1070 S. Roselle Road Schaumburg (847) 895-2100 upsfordowns.org

A volunteer parent-run group for families, professionals and people with Down syndrome.

Topical meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month, from September through May at the Fox Links Golf Run Club House in Elk Grove Village. See website or email info@ upsfordowns.org for info on activities.

EPILEPSY Danny Did Foundation P.O. Box 46576, Chicago (800) 278-6101 dannydid.org

Offers resources for parents, information on SUDEP and seizure safety, seizure monitoring devices and awarenessraising events. Funding goes toward families who cannot afford seizure devices and research.

GENERAL Access Living 115 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago (800) 613-8549 (312) 640-2100 accessliving.org

Offers peer-oriented independent living services; public educa-

tion, awareness and outreach; individualized and systemic advocacy; and enforcement of civil rights on behalf of people with disabilities.

All services are provided at no charge.

Anixter Center 2001 N. Clybourn Ave. 3rd floor, Chicago (773) 973-7900 anixter.org

Provides an array of services, including education, employment, life skills, communication, recreation, health care, counseling and support, for people with disabilities. Most people who receive services have physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, psychiatric or HIV/AIDSrelated disabilities.

Blue Cap 2155 Broadway St. Blue Island (708) 389-6578 blue-cap.org

Offers a school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, who are 3-21.

On-site day care for children of all abilities age 2-5 is also available.

Center for Enriched Living 280 Saunders Road Riverwoods (847) 948-7001 centerforenrichedliving.org

Youth, teens and adults enjoy social, art and recreational programs.

Offers a summer camp for teens and young adults, 13-22, as well as day programs for adults.

Center for Independence through Conductive Education 100 W. Plainfield Road Countryside (708) 588-0833 center-for-independence.org

Provides intensive motor training programs based

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GENERAL on the principles of conductive education for children with physical disabilities. The peer-supported program focuses on functional activities to improve independence and serves children with cerebral palsy ages 2-18.

Year round and summer programming available.

Locations also in Lake Zurich and 2434 S. Kildare, Chicago.

Clearbrook 1835 W. Central Road Arlington Heights (847) 870-7711 clearbrook.org

Provides opportunities through programs and services for people with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.

Community Support Services Inc 9021 W. Ogden Ave. Brookfield 5416 W. 25th St. Cicero (708) 354-4547 communitysupportservices.org

Nonprofit serving sub-

urban Cook and eastern DuPage people of all ages with intellectual/ developmental disabilities. Offers respite, group homes and independent living arrangements, adult and parent support services, supported employment, transition planning and classes, cooking, art, health and wellness classes, and social activities. CSS also operates the Chicago Canine Club offering daycare, boarding, grooming, retail sales and conducting vocational training programs people with disabilities to develop skills to work in the pet care industry.

Children provides free care coordination for families of children with special health care needs. The staff helps children who are residents of Illinois and have certain chronic, treatable conditions. Works with doctors, specialists and schools, to create a comprehensive plan of care. Families that meet income guidelines may also get help paying for certain medical expenses.

Division of Specialized Care for Children

Provides benefits to people with severe disabilities whose impairments prevent them from performing gainful work.

Central Administrative Office 3135 Old Jacksonville Road Springfield (800) 322-3722 dscc.uic.edu

University of Illinois at Chicago-Division of Specialized Care for

Illinois Department of Human Services-Disability Determination P.O. Box 19250, Springfield (800) 843-6154 dhs.state.il.us/page. aspx?item=29979

Institute on Disability and Human Development-UIC Family Clinics 1640 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago (312) 413-1647 ahs.uic.edu/cl/familyclinics

UIC Family Clinics serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Services include a Hispanic Diagnostic and Family Support program, Early Intervention program and an Autism Clinic.

Keshet: A Rainbow of Hope for Individuals with Special Needs 600 Academy Drive Northbrook (847) 205-1234 keshet.org

Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Provides educational, recreational and vocational programs for children and young adults with special needs.

Year-round programs allow kids to play and work alongside their

typically-developing peers. Multiple locations throughout the Chicagoland area.

Lexi Kazian Foundation-Helping From Heaven 21760 W. Washington St. Grayslake (847) 624-LEXI (5394) helpingfromheaven.org

Helps network families through fun events. Also runs Lexi’s Closet, a place to request therapy equipment parents can’t get from their insurance company, are waiting to get delivered or are not sure might work for their child. Accepts gently used therapy equipment.

Marklund 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva (630) 593-5500 marklund.org

Nonprofit organization makes everyday life possible for infants, children and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities through residential and educational services.

Campuses are located in Bloomingdale and Geneva. Services include residential services for developmentally disabled infants, children and adults; specialized developmental training for residents as well as community clients; and also includes Marklund Day School: specialized education and life skills training for children with medical, developmental and physical disabilities, and those on the autism spectrum.

MidAmerica Service Dogs’ Foundation 7630 S. County Line Road Unit 3B, Burr Ridge (630) 272-8159 midamericadogsfoundation.org

Provides service dogs and companion dogs to children and adults with disabilities free of charge.

Neumann Family Services 5547 N. Ravenswood Ave. Chicago (773) 769-4313 neumannfamilyservices.org

Provides education, housing, recreation, rehabilitation, training and employment opportunities to adults with disabilities and mental illness.

New Hope Center 1624 E. 154th St., Dolton (708) 841-1071 newhopecenterinc.com

Community service agency that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in Southeast Cook County and Northeast Will County.

Oak Leyden Developmental Services 411 Chicago Ave., Oak Park (708) 524-1050 oak-leyden.org

Individual and group therapy and support services for children birth-5 with developmental delays; Music Together classes; day and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Ray Graham Association 901 Warrenville Road Suite 500, Lisle (630) 620-2222 raygraham.org

Supports and works with people with disabilities, their families and the community to improve the individual’s quality of life. Offers vocational, residential, educational, respite, therapeutic and recreational services and supports at 35 locations in DuPage County.

Shore Community Services Inc. 8350 Laramie Ave., Skokie (847) 982-2030 shoreservices.org

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children and adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities including: autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and many secondary mental and physical disabilities for birth-adult. Programs include Residential, Early Intervention, Supported Living, Home-Based Services, Senior Program, Vocational, In-Home Respite and Adult Day Services.

Southwest Community Services 6775 Prosperi Drive Tinley Park (708) 429-1260 swcsinc.org

Day programs include vocational opportunities and training, counseling, social activities, and community integration.

Physical, occupational, speech and language, and massage therapy are offered through the Southwest Therapy And Rehabilitation Services (STARS) program (starstherapy.org).

St. Coletta of Illinois 18350 Crossing Drive Suite 103, Tinley Park (708) 342-5200 stcolettail.org

Provides early childhood through high school education. The school program serves students who are developmentally disabled or autistic.

The Vocational Training Center, in Tinley Park, provides opportunities to become self-sufficient and learn the responsibilities of working. The program has 30 group homes.

Suburban Access Inc.-SAI 900 Maple Ave., 3rd floor Homewood (708) 799-9190 suburban-access.org

Nonprofit agency handles case management and

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Free sports

for special needs

L

ast year, when high school sophomore Salman Jaffer was looking for a fun, athletic way to fulfill his volunteer hours for school, he immediately fell in love with Kids Enjoy Exercise Now Chicago.

This program, offered in various locations throughout the Chicagoland area, pairs a trained volunteer with a person with disabilities, ages 4-21, for a free, hour-long session.

The kids can choose their activity from whatever is offered in the gym, from riding scooters to shooting hoops.

KEEN also offers other programs, such as the KEENQuatics, where children can enjoy the pool one-on-one with a volunteer.

“A lot of kids don’t get the opportunity Sessions are offered year round at various times depending on the location Families can choose a location nearest them: UIC Fitness Center, Loyola Park District, Alcott College Prep High School and Sky High Sports More information available at keenchicago.org

to exercise when they want because organized sports are very competitive and KEEN is non-competitive,” Jaffer says.

Participant C.J. Coleman says he likes KEEN because he has the freedom to choose his activity each time he goes.

“It’s a lot of fun because I want to play basketball, tag and relay races with my friends,” he says.

While some parents come wanting their child to master a specific goal, KEEN’s main goal has always been about staying active, says Executive Director Ayana Geiger. Geiger also hopes one of the biggest takeaways is friendship.

As for Jaffer, he says the relationships he has formed with the kids are genuine, and he sees the impact the program is making on them socially.

“It’s really important for kids to exercise and also develop that relationship with a volunteer,” says Jaffer. “They feel really special when they get to work oneon-one, play and have fun.”

Lanie Maresh

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GENERAL Sky High Sports 2244 Corporate Lane Naperville 6424 Howard St., Niles (630) 717-5867 (Naperville) (847) 801-5867 (Niles) nil.jumpskyhigh.com nap.jumpskyhigh.com

Once a month, Sky High Sports turns off the music and dials down the distractions for special jumpers. One court remains especially quiet for kids with sensory disorders. Even children with physical disabilities can join the fun. Jumps are held from 3-6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month.

Special Gifts Theatre P.O. Box 2231, Northbrook (847) 564-7704 specialgiftstheatre.org

PACTT Learning Center service coordination to individuals with developmental disabilities in 18 townships of south and west suburban Cook County.

Trinity Services Inc. 301 Veterans Parkway New Lenox (815) 485-6197 trinity-services.org

include facilitators for each student and live piano music.

Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Services for people with developmental disabilities include residential options, Trinity School for K-12, adult learning programs, employment services, a therapeutic horseback-riding program, crisis prevention and intervention services.

On the second Saturday of every month, the museum hosts its Play For All program, which provides families with children with special needs a chance to visit the museum early and play in a quiet, more manageable setting. The first 250 to register (limit six per family) receive free admission.

RECREATION

Funtastic Therapies

1st Position Dance and Movement Held at Dance Center Evanston 1934 Dempster St. Evanston The Joffrey Tower 10 E. Randolph St. Chicago (847) 563-8719 1stposition.org

Designed to encourage movement and improve posture and selective motor control. Classes

Multiple locations (224) 554-9634 funtasticgymnastic.com

Offers occupational and speech therapy in swimming pool facilities.

Haley’s Playground 2230 Cornell Ave. Montgomery (630) 777-5045 haleysplayground.com

Provides a safe, healthy, sensory motor environment for individuals

with physical, cognitive and social disabilities to improve their quality of life through play, exercise, activity, and education while interacting with members of their families, friends and peers. Offers Thursday Teen Night, Saturday Morning Classes and Sunday Open Gym.

KEEN: Kids Enjoy Exercise Now P.O. Box 6255, Chicago (312) 876-2535 keenchicago.org

Nonprofit, volunteerled organization that provides free one-to-one recreational opportunities for people 5-21 with developmental and physical disabilities.

KEEN pairs a trained volunteer “coach” with a young athlete in sports and swim program.

Right Fit Sport Fitness Wellness 7101 S. Adams St., Unit 7 Willowbrook 1045 S. LaGrange Road LaGrange (630) 850-4050 right-fit.com

Right Fit’s Raise the Bar

fitness programs and camps are offered year round for youth and adults with autism spectrum disorders and those physically and mentally challenged.

School of Performing Arts Spectrum Program 200 E. 5th Ave., Suite 132 Naperville (630) 717-6622 schoolofperformingarts.com

Workshops in music, theater, dance and visual arts geared toward children with special needs.

Second City Improv for ASD 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago secondcity.com/training/ chicago

The Second City Training Center has created an Improv for ASD and anxiety curriculum, offering both teens and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders a 12-week mentoring and development experience that includes improv games and exercises to help with the exploration of relationships and social cues.

An educational- and therapy-based drama program for individuals who have special needs.

Develops social skills, increases self-confidence and improves speech communication. Multiple locations and programs are available year-round for children and adults.

Special Olympics Illinois Northern Office 500 Waters Edge, Suite 100 Lombard (630) 942-5610 soill.org

Provides sports training and competition for children (8 and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities. Check website for competition schedule and locations.

Special Olympics Illinois Young Athletes Program (630) 942-5610 (309) 888-2551 soill.org/young-athletes

A gross motor training program for children with and without intellectual disabilities between 2-7. Trainings and events happen at the local, regional and state level.

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Special Recreation Associations in Illinois specialrecreation.org

The Special Recreation Associations Network of Illinois (SRANI) is a network of therapeutic recreation agencies. Special Recreation Associations provide communitybased special recreation services to children and adults with disabilities.

These agencies are members of the Illinois Therapeutic Recreation Section of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).

The Sensory Garden Playground 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle playforalldupage.org

The Sensory Garden Playground is a combination of sensoryintegrated playground equipment and amenities along with gardening areas. Phase 1 includes a 2-5-year-old playground area, fragrance garden and sound garden.

Therapy Yoga Gymnastics Rocks Locations in Chicago, Libertyville, Niles and Northbrook (773) 991-7316 therapygymnastics.com

Provides pediatric occupational and physical therapy in fun gymnastic and yoga centers.

SUPPORT Celebrate Differences 5375 Route 34, Suite 4, Oswego (630) 885-3006 celebratedifferences.org

An all-inclusive resource center for children and their families regardless of age or disability.

Offers monthly workshops, sibling workshops, a resource library, a Next Chapter book club and play groups.

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SUPPORT Youth Advocacy Project and Parent-To-Parent training.

Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities (IPADD) Unite 3104 Treesdale Court, Naperville (630) 922-3232 groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ IPADDUnite/info

Offers free online support and resources specific to Illinois on topics including transition, employment, day programming, housing, social security, Medicaid and Medicare and transportation.

National Lekotek Center

St. Coletta of Illinois Center for Independent Futures

Family Resource Center on Disabilities

1015 Davis St., Evanston (847) 328-2044 independentfutures.com

11 E. Adams St., Suite 1002, Chicago (312) 939-3513 (312) 939-3519 TTD frcd.org

A not-for-profit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and their families.

Provides information and support for families, free seminars,

Special Recreation Associations in Illinois provide a lifetime of recreation opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

Please visit www.specialrecreation.org or contact WDSRA at 630-681-0962 to find an agency near you.

Look for our ad in this magazine.

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) 217-239-1152, www.cuspecialrecreation.com Chicago Park District Special Recreation Dept.

312-742-5798, special.recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com Decatur Park District Special Recreation Assn.

217-429-7750, www.decatur-parks.org Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) 630-907-1114, www.fvsra.org Gateway Special Recreation Association (Gateway) 630-325-3857 x110, www.ray-graham.org Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) 309-691-1929, www.hisra.org Illinois River Valley Special Recreation Association (IRVSRA) 309-347-7275, www.irvsra.org

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2001 N. Clybourn Ave., Suite 100 Chicago (773) 528-5766 lekotek.org or ableplay.org

Lekotek offers therapeutic play-based sessions and play groups for children with disabilities (birth-8 years) and their families. Services are provided in English and Spanish.

Protected Tomorrows Charities 103 Schelter Road, Lincolnshire (847) 522-8086 protectedtomorrowscharities.org

Not-for-profit dedicated to helping families with special needs. Provide resources, research and education for families of individuals with disabilities and the elderly.

South Chicago Parents & Friends 10241 S. Commercial Ave., Chicago (773) 734-2222 scpf-inc.org

Supports people of South Deering, South Chicago, South Shore, Pullman and Roseland communities with developmental disabilities. Second location in University Park.

Special Parents for Special Kids 212 Barney Drive, Joliet specialparentsforspecialkids.com

A parent-led group open to all parents, regardless of

their child’s diagnosis. Hosts monthly meetings with guest speakers. Childcare provided on-site.

Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive, #3E Chicago (708) 989-3619 sibsnetwork.org

Nonprofit organization providing support to siblings of people with disabilities by connecting them with information, networking opportunities and resources. For more information, e-mail tara@ sibsnetwork.org.

The Apraxia Connection theapraxiaconnection.org

Strives to connect neighborhood resources and information on apraxia and associated disorders with the individuals, families, therapists, educators and other professionals who need them.

Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association (KSRA) 779-777-7285, www.kishsra.org

South East Association for Special Parks & Recreation (SEASPAR) 630-960-7600, www.seaspar.org

Lily Cache Special Recreation Association (LCSRA) 630-739-1124, www.lilycachesra.org

South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA) 815-806-0384, www.sssra.org

Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) 815-320-3500, www.lwsra.org

South West Special Recreation Association (SWSRA) 708-389-9423, www.swsra.com

Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) 847-966-5522, www.mnasr.org

Southwestern Illinois Special Recreation Association (SWILSRA) 618-877-3059

McDonough County Special Recreation Association (MCSRA) 309-833-4526, www.mcsra.org

Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC) 847-816-4866, www.sraclc.org

Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA) 630-620-4500, www.nedsra.org

Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County (SRSNLC) Lindenhurst - 847-356-6011, www.lindenhurstparks.org Round Lake - 847-546-8558, www.rlapd.org/programs-specialrecreation.cfm Waukegan - 847-360-4760, www.waukeganparks.org Zion - 847-746-5500, www.zionparkdistrict.com

Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) 815-459-0737, www.nisra.org Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) 847-509-9400, www.nssra.org Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA) 815-407-1819, www.nwcsra.org Northlands Association for Special Recreation (NASR) Belvidere 815-547-5711, www.belviderepark.org Freeport 815-235-6114, www.freeportparkdistrict.org Rockford 815-987-1606, www.rockfordparkdistrict.org Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) 847-392-2848, www.nwsra.org Oak Lawn Park District/Special Recreation Cooperative 708-857-2200, www.olparks.com River Valley Special Recreation Association (RVSRA) 815-933-7336, www.rivervalleysra.com Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (S.O.A.R.) 309-434-2260, www.bpard.org

Special Recreation of Joliet and Channahon (SRJC) 815-741-7275 x169, www.jolietpark.org/srjc-home Special Recreation Services (SRS) 708-841-1071 x233, www.specialrecservices.org Springfield Park District 217-544-1751, www.springfieldparks.org Veterans Park District/Village of River Grove 708-343-5270, www.veteransparkdistrict.org Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA) 847-244-6619, www.warrentownship.net/wsra Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) 630-681-0962, www.wdsra.com West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA) 847-455-2100, www.wssra.net

| ChicagoParent.com

7/6/16 2:21 PM

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INSPIRATIONS

Dog’s best friend

BY ELIZABETH DIFFIN

R

enzo Novelle has always had a very unique relationship with animals. One time, his mother found him outside holding a baby deer in his lap. Another time, he caught a largemouth bass barehanded. And within his family, he’s known as “the dog whisperer” for how well he relates to canine friends.

So when it came to the ideal job for Renzo, who has autism, it only made sense that it would involve animals in some way.

That’s how Uniquely Pawfect, a dog biscuit company, came about. Renzo is involved with every aspect of the business, with the help of his mom, Renee.

The company launched last December, and the reaction was positive from the start, both from two-legged customers and their four-legged counterparts.

“I was like, ‘What are you talking about? [The biscuits are] actually good?’” Renee says. “It is unbelievable, the response.”

Now, each week, Renzo shops for, bakes and packages about eight pounds of dog biscuits. The all-natural treats come in a variety of flavors—the most popular are bacon and peanut butter— which Renzo mixes up in the family’s kitchen (“When he bakes, it’s like a Lucille Ball episode,” his

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mom says with a laugh).

His dog, Karma, a Bernese Mountain Dog/Australian Poodle mix, serves as the primary taste-tester.

The Novelles are planning to turn a section of their garage into an industrial kitchen in order to give Renzo a sense of ownership of Uniquely Pawfect, as well as to more easily allow him the opportunity for sensory breaks.

In addition to baking, Renzo helps sell the biscuits at local pet expos and events, hands out treats at dog parks, delivers bags of biscuits across the Chicagoland area (they’ve been everywhere from Homer Glen to Lake Geneva, Wis.), and posts

PHOTOS BY FRANK PINC

information on the Uniquely Pawfect’s Facebook page.

By next spring, they hope Uniquely Pawfect will be a full-fledged bakery, with a website and a production calendar.

Uniquely Pawfect also works with some other individuals who are as “uniquely perfect” as Renzo, including an older man with Alzheimer’s and some of Renzo’s friends who also have autism.

The whole idea for Uniquely Pawfect came about due to Renzo’s impending 22nd birthday and Renee’s desire to instill some life skills in her son. With the help of his ABA therapist, he scoured Pinterest for recipes, which he would then make for the therapist. But the variety of recipes made it difficult for him to repeat and replicate.

The dog biscuits, on the other hand, follow the same process with only slight ingredient variations. And while he’s baking, Renzo is also gaining muchneeded skills with numbers, organization, crisis management and interpersonal interactions.

“This all started as a

Renzo Novelle, 20 Hometown: Burr Ridge Family: Parents Renee and Robert; brothers Reno and Nico, sister Malina Check out “Uniquely Pawfect” on Facebook

therapeutic program, as a chance for him to exercise his deficiencies,” Renee says. “I needed something in the home that he can do, that I can monitor, that I knew I was good at. ... [As a parent], you have to look in the mirror and figure out what your strengths are and what their talents are.”

Although Renee says Renzo still needs to work on things like money management, she has seen the great improvement in his confidence, especially when interacting with people.

“I think he’s happy. I think it gives him value,” Renee says.

“The long-term goal is really for him to find some sort of job that fulfills his soul as much as it fulfills his pocketbook.”

And chances are, there will probably be some sort of animal friend along for the ride.

| ChicagoParent.com

7/7/16 3:42 PM

Specıal Parent CHICAGO

SERVICE DIRECTORY

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

PEDIATRIC THERAPY Dance Movement Therapy

Evanston

Drama Therapy Music Therapy

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

The Institute for Therapy through the Arts

Chicago

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ITA provides Creative Arts Therapies for children with special needs and Autism Spectrum Disorders.

At Southwest Dental we take special care of

special needs.

Our unique services provide opportunties for children to develop self expression, creativity, engagement, and social connection.

Therapy groups targeting social skill development for children, teens, and young adults are available in Evanston.

See our ad on the Inside Front Cover

For more information: www.itachicago.org info@itachicago.org 847-425-9708 x 590

Art Therapy

Exceptional care and patient comfort go hand in hand at Southwest Dental Group. This gives special needs children and adults an experience they can feel good about - with the option of IV sedation for situational anxiety.

Learn together, Grow together

Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)

We believe there’s no need too special.

(708) 403-3355

To schedule an intake call: 630.999.0401

16600 South 107th Court, Orland Park, IL

Parent Education

Consultations

Community Outings

Clinical ABA Therapy

Potty Training

In Home ABA Therapy

See our ad on page 3

www.bpiaba.com

SIBLING SUPPORT

SIBSENSATIONS PROGRAM FOR SIBS OF KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

SIBSENSATIONS gives siblings (ages 8-13) of children with special needs a chance to meet peers in a fun, friendly setting where they can share common joys and concerns. Through games, activities and discussions, they will form friendships, learn about disabilities and discover how to handle tough situations they all face.

When:

Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Monthly meetings, please call for upcoming dates

Cost:

$10.00 per session, registration is required.

Where:

Center for Advanced Care 1700 Luther Lane - Park Ridge, IL 60068

Contact:

Kathryn Smart MS RN, 847-723-9484 Kathryn.smart@advocatehealth.com

Dr. Tentler holds diplomate status in the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists.

Dr. Robert L. Tentler and Associates, General Dentistry

PEDIATRIC THERAPY

Integrated Pediatric Interventions nterventions In our clinic and your home, our exceptional pediatric therapists use cutting-edge treatments, family-based play and therapeutic peer play groups to grow your child’s independence.

Call 847.412.4379

A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. 7.2016

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Locations in Northbrook & Chicago

for a free consultation

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At Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago our mission is simple: deliver world-class care to children who need it most – whether their families can afford it or not.

For 90 years we’ve specialized in helping children affected by orthopaedic conditions, cleft lip and palate, spinal cord injury, and rehabilitation needs.

And while expertise, dedication and generosity make it all possible, we believe our hospital is fueled by love. That love is what helped the Shriners network of 22 locations treat over 127,000 children last year alone, helping them at every step as they made the journey from patients back to kids.

shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/chicago facebook.com/shrinerschicago twitter.com/shrinerschicago

Do You Know a Child For a consultation, or to refer a patient, call: Who Needs Expert Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago Specialty Care? 773-385-KIDS (5437) 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707

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