Family Time Magazine by Ahren Hoffman

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special needs presents

guide

2013

Aaronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey

with autism

A Circle Without Judgment

is a Circle of Courage

Well on her way

Student soon to become special needs teacher More Than

300 Special Needs Resources

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S P E C I A L CONTENTS NEEDS GUIDE

ON THE COVER 06 Aaron’s journey with Autism 10 A circle without judgement is a circle of courage

18 Well on her way - Student soon to become special needs teacher

SECTIONS 05 Special Needs Guide 14 Mental Health 16 Education 25 Health 32 Resources

18 SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE 08 Renowned autism speaker delivers message of hope

MENTAL HEALTH 14 Facts for Families - The child with Autism

EDUCATION 17 Students with Autism benefit from iPads in the classroom

20 The three major challenges for

children with Aspergers in school and how to overcome them

22 Your special needs teen: Planning a smooth transition to college

24 Brehm’s unique offerings address ‘the whole child’

HEALTH 25 Diabetes lifeline

Center offers hope for children

26 Special needs kids benefit from Yoga 29 Special needs individuals find fun at South Suburban Special Recreation Association

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MEET THE TEAM

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AREAMARKETING&PROMOTIONSINC.

special needs a resouce guide

CERTIFIED WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS PUBLISHER Caroline O’Connell, Ext. 16 caroline@familytimemagazine.com MANAGING EDITOR Rex Robinson rex@familytimemagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE Caroline O’Connell, Ext. 16 Gina Gonella CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dave Angel Zion Banks Sally Blake Brianna Clatch Jessica Crotty Myrna Haskell Gina Howley Dalus Kulich Rex Robinson Allen Studnitzer Greg Zibricky CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carrie Nitsche carrie@familytimemagazine.com DESIGN & LAYOUT Carrie Nitsche carrie@familytimemagazine.com DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT Bill Loster, 773-517-0917 bill@familytimemagazine.com BILLING DEPARTMENT 815-806-8844 Ext. 15 ADDRESS 10221 West Lincoln Hwy. Frankfort, IL 60423 PHONE 815-806-8844 or 815-806-8886 FAX 815-806-8855 WEBSITE www.familytimemagazine.com KIDS EXPO • BABY EXPO SPECIAL NEEDS SEMINAR E-MAIL YOUR COMMENTS TO: rex@familytimemagazine.com

Giving them what they need Resources crucial for those with autism, special needs

nowledge is power. We’ve all heard that before. That is certainly the case when it comes to caring for a child with special needs. The more we know, the better equipped we are to help them and give them what they need to live as full and productive a life as possible. Raising a child who suffers from autism and its related disorders is a monumental challenge for parents and the rate at which children are being diagnosed with this disorder is devastating. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder. What’s more alarming is at present time there is no cure for it. Once a child is diagnosed with autism, parents are immediately faced with a plethora of decisions to make – from where to bring the child to get the best speech, physical and other forms of therapy to how to pay for the child’s care. The latter could mean figuring out how to navigate through any state and federal funds that may be available, if any, and what health insurance will and will not cover. Gregory Zibricky has seen it all in the 19 years he and his wife, Dawn, have had with their son, Aaron, who suffers from autism. In our cover story, Zibricky offers parents hope and some resources for other parents raising a son or daughter with autism. Family Time Magazine is committed to being a resource for families. We hope this Special Needs Guide is a valuable tool for you and your family. Sincerely,

Proud member of:

Rex Robinson Managing Editor

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Aaron’s journey with autism By Gregory Zibricky

ighteen people gather in a dining room with one thing in common; they all know my son Aaron. Collectively, this group of people comes from Aaron’s life journey. There are family members, his friends, teachers, past and current therapists and the minister from our church. At center stage is Aaron talking about his hopes and dreams as he continues his journey in life. Folding into the discussion is the myriad of folks who in some way want to help Aaron meet his future goals. Life is complicated, especially for a 13- year-old whose journey is about to include entering high school. If there is one thing that I have learned from Aaron, it is that when life seems

complicated, we instinctively have the need to make it more predictable. People, especially with autism, typically have this intense need of predictability. Going to high school when you’ve never been there before is scary. So the people from Aaron’s journey in life have come together to make that transition easier. Collaborating with the people who know Aaron the best has been our greatest resource. On the day that everyone came together to discuss Aaron’s journey, we participated in a process called Making Action Plans (MAP). This organizational tool was developed by Marsha Forest and Jack Pearpoint who also co-authored the book “All my Life’s a Circle.” The process of MAP

is designed to help individuals and families figure out how to move into the future effectively and creatively. It’s a brilliant exercise for any kid and any family. But this process takes on added significance when the primary participant lives with autism where life can feel intensely unpredictable. MAP takes advantage of the visual tendencies of most individuals along the autismspectrum and features several key components: • Hopes and dreams • Current feelings • Nightmares and fears • Gifts and strengths • Successes • Positive and possible future plans Does your child’s school offer this? Find out. A fully developed tran-

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The following are some vital resource: • Autism Society of America www.autism-society.org (800) 328-8476 • Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org (212) 252-8584 • The National Autism

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port and resources are now just a click away. Our goal as parents has always been to maximize Aaron’s full potential whatever that may be, to make every effort to meet his goals and dreams. Do you have a loved one who is autistic? Do you feel confused and overwhelmed? Take a deep breath. Keep moving forward. Best wishes on your very unique journey.

Resource and Information Center www.autismnow.org (855) 828-8476 Many more resources are listed in the Resource section of this Special Needs Guide. Gregory Zibricky is the owner of Provider Group Wealth Advisors, 15 Oak Street, Suite 2C, Frankfort, IL 60423. He is recognized and regarded for his expertise in the fields of financial and special needs planning. Zibricky also is the author of the book “F.A.M.I.L.Y. Autism Guide: Your Financial Blueprint for Autism.” It is available at amazon.com. He can be contacted at (630) 789-6313 or via e-mail at greg@providergroup.com. •

Aaron Zibricky (left) gets ready to throw a bean bag while his dad, Greg, watches.

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Photos: Courtesy of Mary Compton

sition plan should be the driving force of an effective IEP and pave the way for adult services. The search for an elusive silver bullet during adolescence drives many parents to alternative strategies and therapies. A recent autism conference I attended had a vendor booth dedicated to the healing powers of Camel’s milk. Camel’s milk? Really? • My suggestions, include researching the following: • Sensory Integration Therapy • Auditory Integration Therapy • Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Every family will need different resources depending on what they value and where they are in their lives. What do you value? Financial Security? Independent living? Faith? Aaron valued football, high school football. My wife Dawn and I agreed that one result would be forthcoming – Aaron would get killed! Aaron didn’t see it that way. The team needed him and he needed them. The reasons were not all that obvious at the time. Acceptance by teammates and acknowledgement of being part of a team did not occur to his parents who were simply worried about his well-being. Aaron survived and thrived. The biggest difference since Aaron was diagnosed in the mid 1990s is that now we have advanced technologies. There’s an app for that. The ability to network on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter did not exist when my son was diagnosed. Sup-

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Renowned autism speaker delivers message of hope Temple Grandin draws big crowd at Tinley Convention Center

By Rex Robinson

he’s an author, a scientist and even was the subject of an HBO film. She’s a sought after speaker, who draws large crowds of people wherever she goes. And, she has autism. Temple Grandin was the keynote speaker at The Arc of Illinois’ Bringing it All Together Living With Autism Conference held Sept. 27 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. About 700 people – parents, teachers and other various therapists and social workers who work closely with children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities – attended the conference. Other speakers at the conference included Paula Kluth and Andy Bondy. Grandin spoke for nearly two hours as attendees listened closely to her message of hope for those suffering from autism and other developmental abilities. Diagnosed with autism in 1950, Grandin didn’t even speak until she was 3-1/2-years- old and doctors suggested she be placed in an institution. In her book “Emergence: Labeled Autistic,” she tells the story of “groping her way from the far side of darkness.” Grandin is well known in the livestock industry. In the 1970s, eager to learn about livestock handling, so she got inside the chutes

Temple Grandin

the cattle go through to see things from their point of view. From this, she figured out how to better design cattle handling facilities, she said. She would later go on to design facilities for which are handled in the United States. “I design the last thing the cows see before they go under the golden arches,” Grandin quipped at the conference. While showing her intricate designs of livestock handling facilities on an overhead screen, Grandin explained how her artistic abilities were encouraged at a very young age. “I see in pictures,” she said. “I’m a visual thinker.” An advocate of early intervention to address autism, Grandin considers herself fortunate to have had a good nanny and good

mentors who spent many hours working one on one with her at a very young age. That, she added, remains crucial for children with autism and its related spectrum disorders. “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of early intervention,” Grandin said. Grandin spoke in depth about the scientific aspects of autism and Asperger’s syndrome. She showed a scan of her brain and compared it to the brain scan of someone without autism. Advanced MRI-based diffusion imaging, Grandin said, now enables scientist to understand how autistic brains are different. Not everyone with autism and its related spectrum disorders are the same. While some are visual thinkers and have

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“Do not try to de-geek the geek,” Grandin said. Tony Paulauski, executive director of The Arc of Illinois, said Grandin is an inspiration to both those with autism and their families. “We were the first to bring Temple Grandin to Illinois many years ago when she published her (first) book.” Paulauski said. “I’ve seen her really grow and she’s such an inspiration to families.” Eugenia Cutler, executive director of the Homewood-based Suburban Access Without Limits organization, said Grandin gave her many good ideas. “I took a lot of notes that I can share,” Cutler said. Elizabeth Mesjak, sup-

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heightened visual stimulation, others can be completely blind, Grandin said. “Autistic kids are very varied in terms of sensory deprivation,” she said. Auditory stimulation can also be elevated for those with autism, which is why many children with autism are seen covering their ears. Certain sounds, like the buzzer on a scoreboard, is auditory overload for someone with autism, Grandin said. “I was terrified of balloons because you never know when they’re going to pop,” she said, referring to her childhood. Many at the conference took copious notes as Grandin spoke. She listed internet resources and gave many tips to better assist children with autism and other developmental disabilities with learning. People with autism and Asperger’s syndrom, according to Grandin, have much to offer the world and can have great career potential. They can be everything from industrial designers and auto mechanics to computer network technicians and translators, she said. If encouraged and not overloaded with anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medications they can be very productive people both in their jobs and careers, she added. “Half of the people I meet in Silicon Valley probably have some (form) of Asperger’s,” she said. Grandin encouraged those at the conference to discover what gifts the children they are working with have and do everything they can to help them grow and succeed. The world, she said, needs geeks like her.

port services manager for the Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods, said she had been anticipating the conference and hearing Grandin’s message. “She's such an inspiration to those of us working with individuals with disabilities and their families,” Mesjak said. Kathryn Nesbitt, a special education teacher at Princeton Elementary School, said Grandin gave her more tools to use to better help her students. Lori Atilano, of Princeton, said she already uses man of Grandin’s techniques with her 8-year-old son Luke who has autism. “I walk away with hope for Luke's future,” Atilano said. •

Temple Grandin

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

A Circle Without Judgment is a

CIRCLE OF COURAGE

By Dr. Brianna Clatch

hildren and young adults face myriad challenges in their development. While many of the challenges are normal experiences, issues such as grief and loss, parental divorce or the presence of a developmental disability such as Asperger’s syndrome can exacerbate the intensity of these challenges. At Courage to Connect Therapeutic Center, Dr. Michael Clatch work to help children and adolescents to identify their strengths and work to connect to others in their family, their school and their community. By focusing on a strengths-based approach to treatment, Courage to Connect is able to promote core elements of autonomy, independence and self-confidence which enables each client to grow and develop to his or her fullest potential. Courage to Connect was founded by Dr. Clatch, who completed his doctoral work in psychology at Midwestern University. While

working toward his doctoral degree, Dr. Clatch was given the opportunity to work with a 16-year-old boy that had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Art therapy was used as a foundational tool to help the adolescent cope with the intense emotional challenges that accompany Asperger’s syndrome at this developmental stage. The approach to therapy enabled the client to experience a reduction in symptoms and improvements in social functioning and academic achievement. Dr. Clatch’s work in art therapy served as the beginning for his revolutionary group therapy program: the Circle of Courage. Although Courage to Connect offers a full range of therapeutic services for its clients, at the heart of the organization’s operations is the Circle of Courage. The Circle of Courage is based on Native American traditions in child rear-

Dr. Michael Clatch ing and care. The circle integrates four components of child development that are integral to promoting courage. These include: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. Each of these components of child development is crucial for promoting courage and for creating the foundation needed by the child to connect, thrive and grow.

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Belonging is the first element emphasized in the Circle of Courage. Children who experience difficulties in their life may be labeled “difficult” or “challenging.” These labels reduce the child’s ability to feel as if he or she belongs to a larger community. Over time, this can lead to feelings of alienation and abandonment. In the Circle of Courage, belonging is fostered through helping children learn how to build and sustain meaningful relationships. Developing these bonds teaches children respect and mutual support as they learn to become part of a peer group and a community. Mastery is the second component of the Circle of Courage. Many children who face rejection and abandonment or experience trauma or loss may not have the tools they need to control their emotions or manage their behavior. Mastery helps clients become more aware of their emotional states and their behavior so they can evaluate these issues. This helps them engage in selfexpression that is both positive and productive. In the Circle of Courage, mastery is encouraged through active social engagement and by challenging the client to problem solve when difficult situations arise. Also integral to the Circle of Courage is independence. For many clients, especially those with Asperger’s syndrome, independence can be achieved through decreasing anxiety. Unfortunately, some children who experience situations in which

they have been labeled will have difficulty with anxiety. By addressing independence as part of the Circle of Courage, children learn techniques to help them control their anxiety, fostering a sense of control and self-confidence. As clients become more adept at controlling their anxiety, they can explore their worlds and connect with others, including friends and family members. Generosity is the final component of the Circle of Courage. Generosity can be viewed as sharing, taking turns and learning flexibility. Selflessness is an important component of Native American child rearing; one that requires the individual to recognize the needs of others. By incorporating generosity as part of the therapeutic process, clients learn to see the world through the eyes of others. This, in turn, promotes a broader world

view that can be used by the client to build and sustain relationships. When the elements of the Circle of Courage are combined, they provide a framework for the child to better connect with others in his or her environment. For children and teens with Asperger’s syndrome, promoting courage is essential for managing many of the deficits common to this disorder. Children and teens with Asperger’s syndrome often face deficits in communication and social interaction. By providing these children with some basic tools to connect with others, the Circle of Courage teaches vital tools that can be used by the child now and across the lifespan: belonging facilitates mastery which facilitates independence, which facilitates generosity. Although the Circle of Courage is a centerpiece of the therapeutic group

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services offered at Courage to Connect Therapeutic Center, Dr. Clatch offers a broad range of supports tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. When clients seek treatment at the Center, they are provided with a comprehensive evaluation that identifies their strengths and the particular areas that are important for successful courage building. Based on this assessment process, Dr. Clatch is able to recommend needed supports that can be provided by the Center. Examples of therapeutic services offered at the Center include: grief and loss counseling, art and play therapy, counseling for guy’s issues, counseling for teens and young adults and individual therapy for clients with Asperger’s syndrome. While the therapeutic services offered by Cour-

age to Connect Therapeutic Center are comprehensive for meeting a wide range of client needs, what makes the Center unique is its founder, Dr. Clatch. He is motivated by a desire to help children and adolescents facing developmental and life challenges. As a 14-year-old boy, Dr. Clatch experienced the loss of his father. This deepened his desire to help others. Through his education and work with emotionally distressed youth, he has learned the importance of having a positive role model, someone who believes in you. Courage to Connect is built on the concepts of courage and connection. Dr. Clatch initiates the Circle of Courage by connecting with his clients on a personal basis and showing them there are people in the world who see the good each person has to offer.

Dr. Clatch provides services to primarily male clients. Therapy is provided in individual and group settings. Dr. Clatch said he is better able to connect with his male clients. Not only does he understand the normal “guy” issues children and adolescents face, Dr. Clatch also understands the turmoil and difficulty they can face as a result of negative events and experiences in their lives. Courage to Connect provides clients with the courage to connect and to achieve their full potential. Dr. Michael Clatch treats patients out of his office at 2400 Ravine Way, Suite 600, in Glenview. He can be reached at (847) 347-5757 or via e-mail at drmichael@couragetoconnecttherapy.com. Visit his website at couragetoconnecttherapy.com. •

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MENTAL HEALTH

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Facts for Families Created by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) www.aacap.org

THE CHILD WITH AUTISM

ost infants and young children are very social creatures who need and want contact with others to thrive and grow. They smile, cuddle, laugh, and respond eagerly to games like “peek-a-boo” or hideand-seek. Occasionally, however, a child does not

interact in this expected manner. Instead, the child seems to exist in his or her own world, a place characterized by repetitive routines, odd and peculiar behaviors, problems in communication, and a total lack of social awareness or interest in others. These are characteristics

of a developmental disorder called autism. Autism is usually identified by the time a child is 30 months of age. It is often discovered when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, is not yet talking, resists cuddling, and avoids interaction with others.

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Some of the early signs and symptoms which suggest a young child may need further evaluation for autism include: • No smiling by six months of age • No back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles or facial expressions by nine months • No babbling, pointing, reaching or waving by 12 months • No single words by 16 months • No two word phrases by 24 months • Regression in development • Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills A preschool age child with “classic” autism is generally withdrawn, aloof, and fails to respond to other people. Many of these children will not even make eye contact. They may also engage in odd or ritualistic behaviors like rocking, hand flapping, or an obsessive need to maintain order.

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an extraordinary talent in art, music, or another specific area. The cause of autism remains unknown, although current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. What we do know, however, is that parents do not cause autism. Children with autism need a comprehensive evaluation and specialMany children with ized behavioral and eduautism do not speak at all. cational programs. Some Those who do may speak children with autism may in rhyme, have echolalia also benefit from treatment (repeating a person’s words with medication. Child and like an echo), refer to them- adolescent psychiatrists are selves as a “he” or “she,” or trained to diagnose autism, use peculiar language. and to help families design The severity of autism and implement an approprivaries widely, from mild ate treatment plan. They to severe. Some children can also help families cope are very bright and do well with the stress which may in school, although they be associated with having a have problems with school child with autism. adjustment. They may be Although there is no able to live independently cure for autism, appropriwhen they grow up. Other ate specialized treatment children with autism func- provided early in life can tion at a much lower level. have a positive impact on Mental retardation is com- the child’s development and monly associated with auproduce an overall reductism. Occasionally, a child tion in disruptive behaviors with autism may display and symptoms. •

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iPads in the Classroom By Sally Blake

lthough sixth-graderWyatt has autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, he is continually excelling at Little City’s ChildBridge Center for Education — a therapeutic day school. Wyatt is one of the six students using an iPad at the school. The ChildBridge Center for Education, on Little City’s Damon (left) uses the hand-over-hand technique while 56-acre Palatine campus, helping Wyatt write his name on an iPad began using an iPad in the classroom during the 2010-11 “I don’t believe iPads skills, and now has the ability school year to help students should replace other ways of to use a stylus, which acts as achieve their goals and moniteaching, instead they should a pen. His visual skills have tor their progress. be used to enhance lessons also greatly increased; Wyatt “They (iPads) have only has one working revolutionized the way I approach therapy,” said Students at the ChildBridge Center eye which makes visualizing and focusing on ChildBridge’s Occupafor Education use iPads everyday. objects more difficult. tional Therapist Damon In addition to these Simmons. Simmons, an by giving students quick acimprovements, Simmons occupational therapist of 10 cess to programs that require has discovered that stuyears, originally bought an the skills they are learning,” dents have an increased iPad for his own recreational attention span while peruse, but then discovered ways Simmons said. The time spent using iPads keeps them forming paper and pencil it could complement the skills engaged while reinforcing the tasks that they are norhe was teaching during his movements and fine motor mally averse to. Since iPads therapy sessions. skills they were taught at the are interactive and engagSimmons uses his iPad beginning of their session. ing, students will sit for lonat the therapeutic day school Thanks to a donation ger periods of time working because it is a multi-purpose from Plexus Manufacturing on the task. tool. “My iPad replaces a lot Students at the Childof things while serving many Solutions, Little City has provided iPads to each stuBridge Center for Educapurposes,” he said. dent. The iPads are not only tion use iPads everyday. For example, if Wyatt used for occupational therThey are allowed to pick becomes upset or distracted, apy, but also give nonverbal from a predetermined list Simmons can turn the iPad students a voice by acting as of educational applications into a self-calming tool by their communication tool. that range from puzzles and playing music. Once Wyatt Wyatt has shown major interactive books to drawis relaxed and has the proper improvements by using an ing and writing letters. level of alertness that is iPad. He started by using his For more information needed to learn, Simmons finger to interact and pracabout the ChildBridge Center will go back to using educatice writing letters, but has for Education, contact Jennitional applications that target since improved his fine motor fer Rupp at (847) 221-7849. • accuracy and control.

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S P E C I A L NEDUCATION EEDS GUIDE

Students with Autism Benefit from

EDUCATION

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Well on her way Student soon to become special needs teacher

Casey Collins (right) is seen here with special needs students from Waubonsie Valley High School. By Gina Howley

ll parents want their children’s teachers to have a heart that is visible to their students. While consistency, discipline and knowledge of curriculum are all expectations, knowing teachers really care give parents and children alike a sense of security. Parents of students with special needs want even more of that comfort level. Working with special needs children requires personalized attention and making the curriculum work for them. Special education teachers need to be able to juggle individualized

education plans, or IEPs, while providing emotional support in the ever changing school environment. Judy Nagel-Conley, mother to a daughter who has Down syndrome, values having a teacher who truly understands how everyone benefits from having kids with special needs in general classes. She said she expects, “teachers to be patient, compassionate, consistent, energetic, and able to take the time to get to know each child individually. Teachers can be so effective when they understand individuals and how

they learn. All kids learn differently and at different paces. Differentiation is so important. I also think it is critical teachers to continually nurture the desire to learn in the children. “Learning is a life-long process,” Conley added. “So, if a teacher can instill a love of learning, they have laid a wonderful foundation the classroom in front of them.” Casey Collins wants to be that and more for her students. Currently a sophomore at Illinois State University, on a full-tuition state scholarship, Collins is studying to be a teacher in

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Casey Collins is pictured with Emily at Camp SOAR (Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation). long camp for children with special needs offered through Children’s Research Triangle. She said it was “a hectic and exhausting week,” but the best thing she has ever done. “I came out of Camp SOAR with actual lifelearned understanding; more eye-opening and memorable than any book,” Collins said. Collins described Emily, her one-onone camper, as non-verbal, stubborn and challenging. “Working with her gave me an incredible amount of patience. It took a lot of time, effort and coaxing to get her to the camp activities,” Collins said. “I learned to say things in just the right way for Emily to be a willing participant and to have some fun. We became more successful as the week went on. The experience helped me to become really patient, which is now my greatest strength.” Back at school, Casey immersed herself in activities with Best Buddies, Peer Partners in adaptive PE, and Special Olympics as well as Future Edu-

cators’ Association. She built relationships with teachers and students in special needs programs. “I saw progress being made; how students with special needs acted around me from the beginning of one year to end. They changed and I changed which got me hooked.” Senior year she tutored in a fifth grade classroom once weekly working with two boys who had autism. “I was drawn to those two boys; there was something about working with them that confirmed my call to teaching, elementary aged children and special education.” When asked what she’s the most excited about for the future of special education as a field, Collins pointed to Response to Intervention, a program to better assist teachers with integration of regular and special needs children. “I am very interested in the concept of regular education teachers collaborating with teachers in special needs’ programming,” she said. •

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S P E C I A L NEDUCATION EEDS GUIDE

Photos courtesy of Casey Collins

special education. She was known as “Super Babysitter” around her Naperville neighborhood back home. “I’ve babysat since I was 13. Through high school I maintained 14 babysitting jobs. I visit and sit many of those kids when I’m home on breaks, including being a full-time nanny during summers,” she said. “When at college, I most miss babysitting.” This (fall 2012) semester she’s tutoring students taking Special Education 101 and history; she works as a secretary in the admissions office. She carries twelve credit hours and is working to maintain the Dean’s List qualifying G.P.A. she accomplished during her first two semesters. “I think I always wanted to be a teacher,” Collins said. “I liked ‘being in charge’ of my sister who is two years younger. We played school, but only if I was the teacher. It then got really fun when my brother, 7 years younger, started following and mimicking me! I realized somewhere around that time that I really like kids. “My first experiences with students with special needs came my sophomore year in high school with ‘Best Buddies Club’ (where kids from general classes were paired with kids in special programming.) I attended all of the events and loved it.” The following summer she attended Camp Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation, an overnight week-

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THE THREE MAJOR CHALLENGES for Children with Aspergers in School (and How to Overcome Them) By Dave Angel

n a recent interview with Dr. Christy L. Magnusen, I asked her what she felt were the three major challenges for children with Aspergers in school — and also what can be done to help the child overcome them. Here’s what she said:

1. UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SKILL: Chil-

dren with Aspergers have a significant disadvantage in school and other social environments, because they aren’t naturally able to read idioms, clichés, social cues, and body language. This means that they can’t really “read” the other person that they are interacting with (be that a teacher or fellow classmate). As you can imagine, that makes it hugely problematic for children to be able to build and sustain good relationships. Dr. Magnusen likens the task of building social skills to that of tying a shoe lace. That’s because, at a certain age, tying a lace can be a very problematic experience, and it is built up of lots of small steps to fulfill the task. Also, building social skills is a complex task,

with many stages to learn. about activities, scripting, There are a whole host of role play, and video modeling. approaches to help the child learn social skills including 2. BLENDING SOCIAL visual support, predicting COMMUNICATION future events, letting the SKILL: In addition to the child know ahead of time point above; children with

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tory “Hello, how are you” to the natural back and forth of a conversation). He will need to know when to speak, when to ask questions, what body language to use to express interest in the other person, etc.

3. SPECIAL INTEREST:

This is an area of both strength and challenge for a child with Aspergers. The giftedness that allows a child to know huge amounts of information on a topic such as animals or transport is to be seen as a huge positive skill. However, the challenge comes when the child will not engage on other topics or on a particular school work agenda because of this pre-occupying interest. Dr. Magnusen said that due to the very concrete,

black and white nature of thinking for children with Aspergers, this challenge needs to be tackled explicitly. She feels teachers, parents, or others involved with the child need to be explicit about what the child needs to be concentrating on. For example: “Yes, your knowledge of reptiles is very impressive, Bob, and we can talk some more about it in project time tomorrow. However, for now, you need to concentrate on discussing this science experiment we are conducting.” This way the child can be helped to re-focus on the task in hand. To read more Aspergers educational tips, visit http://aspergerseducationtips.com. •

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Aspergers have challenges when it comes to putting social skills together in the right order. For example, in a conversation there is a taking of turns (talking back and forth), periods for listening, nonverbal communication, and much more. It is really a challenge for a child with Aspergers to be able to coordinate all of challenges when communicating. In order to help the child, it is useful for parents and teachers to develop patterns and sequences for children to follow in communication —and allow a lot of visual communication. For example, helping your child to understand the pattern of a basic conversation (from starting with an introduc-

EDUCATION

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Your Special Needs Teen:

Planning a Smooth Transition to College

By Myrna Haskell

s a parent of a special needs teen, you have worked with school personnel each and every year to ensure your child received all necessary accommodations consistent with his IEP or 504 plan. However, now it’s time for post-secondary school, and it’s a whole new ball game. Parents should decide if their teen is ready to live away from home. There are many challenges, such as unfamiliar environments, more responsibility, and, oftentimes, a much larger campus than the one he is

used to. Therefore, besides looking at program fit, parents should choose a college equipped to handle their teen’s unique situation.

Be Prepared

Students with special needs should be prepared gradually for this transition, so don’t wait until senior year. Matthew Cooper, assistant director of Disability Support Services at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, urges parents to teach their children selfadvocacy — even starting

in middle school. “Students with special needs should attend meetings and become familiar with their IEP or 504 plan,” Cooper said. Parents should ask about workshops for college-bound, special needs students. These are often held at local colleges or as part of a college information night. “Although all universities that receive federal funding are required to provide accommodations to eligible students, each university’s documentation process is different,”

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It’s in the Details

Address specific issues during the search process. Will she be comfortable in large lecture hall settings? Is regular correspondence with a campus advocate a necessity? Are there peer support groups for special

needs students on campus? Carole Patrylo, EdD, a professor of education at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA and director of the university’s summer program for special needs children, explains, “Most special needs students have adjustment issues. They might want to consider attending a smaller community college before transferring to a larger college.” She recommends that students sit in on classes or shadow a student for the day during campus visits. Parents should keep a list of questions handy when they visit schools. Some might include: • What are the documentation requirements and timelines for accessing academic and residence hall accommodations? • What is the university’s policy for course substitutions or waivers? • What specialized software is available for students with learning disabilities?

Be sure to collect contact information from appropriate staff members in case you have immediate concerns (e.g., a drastic change in your teen’s mood). Although your teen needs to be independent, she also needs to know that family support is always there, if needed.

Tips from high school counselors

“The disabilities services office should be a mandatory stop on any campus tour. Bring a copy of the current IEP or 504 plan. Most importantly, make sure they are clear regarding what modifications they will and will not be able to provide. The answers should help you determine whether a particular college remains on the list of potentials,” said Valorie B. Hallenbeck, of William G. Enloe Magnet High School, Raleigh, NC. “Our local community college has a fabulous ‘Transition to College’ workshop. I’ve attended it several times, and they provide a Stay Connected lot of great information. We Even if your teen is are making plans to include commuting to school, he a session like this at our will face new challenges, evening College Information such as lengthy class Night,” said Pam Atkins, of times, difficult course curF.D. Roosevelt High School, riculum, and an expectation that he is independent. Hyde Park, NY. Parents should keep the lines of communication Myrna Beth Haskell is a open, regardless of their feature writer, columnist, teen’s location. and author of the upcomFor students who ing book Lions and Tigers choose a college far from and Teens: Expert advice home, a preset schedule for and support for the constaying connected is imscientious parent just like perative, such as setting up you. Reach her at myrnaSkype time once per week. haskell@gmail.com •

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S P E C I A L NEDUCATION EEDS GUIDE

he said. “For example, in some instances, showing the disabilities office a copy of your son or daughter’s current IEP may be enough for extra time on tests, whereas another office may require updated testing and evaluations.” Andrea Coren, MEd, who has worked in special education for 35 years and is the disabilities specialist at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA, said, “Parents with the best intentions can become enablers of their teen with special needs. Relinquishing one’s parental role as advocate is a difficult one.” Coren beseeches parents to gradually allow their young adult to become an expert on his disability and learning style. “This self-awareness will translate into self-advocacy—a much needed skill in college, the work place, and all realms of life.” To assess a teen’s readiness for college life, Coren suggests parents ponder these questions: • Can she keep up with assignment due dates? • Does he have adequate organization and time management skills? • Can she manage money? • Does he understand his strengths and weaknesses?

‘the whole child’

At Brehm, students are encouraged to explore their creative abilities, such as art.

Photo: Courtesy of Dalus Kulich

EDUCATION

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Brehm’s unique offerings address

By Dalus Kulich

ince 1982, in partnership with families just like yours, Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale has been successfully teaching students with language-based and complex learning disabilities to “learn how to learn.” Brehm’s “family style” 24/7 nonprofit boarding school is uniquely designed to foster independence and responsibility. Where other schools have failed students, Brehm delivers success. Many of Brehm’s students have gone on to college, and found fulfilling careers or become successful entrepreneurs. At Brehm, self-discovery is incorporated into the educational process. “Helping kids better understand what their learning issues are and how to

compensate and remediate those areas so that they can be empowered learners in the future is what we are about,” Dr. Brian Brown, associate director at Brehm, said. The focus at Brehm is to nurture and educate the whole child. “In working with kids, if you don’t address the whole child, you are really missing the boat. Kids are more than just their academic success,” Brown said. “One of the things that I am most proud of is the impact we have, not only on our students’ academic growth, but also on their social and emotional growth during their experience here. And that holistic approach is the underpinning of the work we do with the students.”

Brehm is accredited through The Independent Schools Association of the Central States and The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education for Eligibility of Nonpublic Programs to Serve Students with Disabilities. “We are fully accredited to service students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder from junior high through high school,” Dr. Richard Collins, executive director of Brehm, said. “Our high school diplomas are recognized by any college in the U.S. or around the world because of our accreditations.” For more information about Brehm, call (618) 457-0371 or visit www.brehm.org. •

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Center offers hope for children

By Zion Banks

ulie McKee knew something was wrong with her then 3-year-old son. The toddler didn’t have the words to explain, but Sean’s behavior was startling. His symptoms included an insatiable thirst, repeated bed-wetting, severely chapped lips and chin, and, most of all, a usually fun-loving child acting out. “He would throw temper tantrums so bad,’’ said McKee, a teacher at Mother McAuley High School. “I didn’t even know my child.” Then Sean disappeared one night in 2009 while the family was decorating the Christmas tree. “We went looking for him and found him upstairs lying on the bathroom sink, drinking from the faucet. The alarm bells went off,’’ McKee said. An hour later Sean was in an intensive care unit with a blood sugar reading hovering around 600. Today, the 6-year-old is one of more than 800 diabetes patients treated at La Rabida’s Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center (CCDC). Medical Director Dr. Anita Swamy leads the

Sean McKee is seen with Dr. Anita Swamy, medical director of LaRabida’s Chicago Children’s Diabetes Center. multidisciplinary team of experts who help patients and their families manage the child’s blood sugar levels. The pediatric program is the only one in Chicago certified for education by the American Diabetes Association. Services include access to pediatric nurse educators, registered dietitians and social workers. Psychosocial services, including counseling and therapy, also are available if needed.

For Mckee, the best part Sean’s care is an emergency phone line that allows patients to call 24 hours a day for consultation. “The fact that we can reach someone 24/7 and we always know who we are talking to … that’s life-changing.” To make an appointment with diabetes experts at La Rabida’s main campus in Chicago or those in Hinsdale, New Lenox or St. John, Ind., call the CCDC at (773) 770--2232. •

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SPECIAL NEED HEALTH S GUIDE

Diabetes lifeline

HEALTH

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Special Needs Kids benefit from Yoga

By Allen Studnitzer

s you walk into the Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet and Fitness Club, you immediately sense all the activities that are taking place. In the middle of all these activities is the fitness room, which on Tuesday evenings is transformed into a special place of tranquility and measured movement. Every Tuesday evening, Tricia Butler meets with a group of special needs youngsters to model and teach yoga. Tricia Butler is especially qualified to teach this class. She has been involved in fitness training for 12 years and has been teaching yoga for much of that time. As well as completing her 200 hours of training to teach yoga to adults and children, Tricia is also a mother to an Autistic

child, so she knows firsthand about the needs and strengths of children on the Autistic spectrum. This special needs yoga class was Tricia’s idea, and she proposed the initiative to the management of the club. The goal of the class is specially designed to meet the unique needs of school-aged special needs children. Through yoga instruction, the participants learn and use relaxation breathing techniques; learn a healthy activity to improve their balance, strength, and agility; and improve their ability to interact in social situations. The class also serves as a haven from the performance demands of their lives, capitalizes on a child’s pleasure in learning, and actively promotes

self-awareness without judgment. On Tuesday evening, the yoga mat has become a safe place for these youthful participants to explore their individuality and their potential. Tricia’s yoga class builds on a child’s seemingly natural interest in succeeding and acquiring skills. In her classes, Tricia encourages—and focuses— the children on developing their body awareness and improving their mental concentration and focus; their sense of confidence and abilities; and supports a sense of inner competence, happiness, and tranquility. Families report that their children have become increasingly eager to participate in the class. One of the goals of the yoga instruction is to

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Yoga practice increases muscle flexibility, strength, and balance, which is a key component for a healthy body and mind. The evergrowing field of Sensory Integration teaches us that the three main types of sensory input are tactile, proprioception, and vestibular. Yoga is a natural form of sensory integration. Yoga improves the vestibular system of the young participants. The vestibular system is based in the inner ear and lets you know where your body is in relation to the earth’s gravity. It is through our vestibular sense that we know when our arms are at shoulder height when we raise them. It helps us feel grounded. Another major goal of the yoga instruction is to teach yoga breathing techniques, which calms the mind and relaxes the body. It is through the yoga-induced relaxation responses of forward folding, even breathing, and

progressive relaxation that a calming effect is achieved. Also, breathing techniques increase focus and concentration. In Tricia’s class, she maintains a focus to increase the social interaction between participants, since research has shown that Autistic children are often withdrawn, selfabsorbed, and are often involved in stereotypic behaviors. To achieve participation, Tricia involves very specific social activities and interactions that interrupt those solitary involvements to create a social outlet. The smiles from the children demonstrate the success in these endeavors. You can see the smiles after—and during—the classes guided by Tricia, and the best evidence that children enjoy and benefit from the experience is that they come back each week. And so does Tricia Butler. For more information, call (708) 799-1323 or visit www. TheClub@hfparks.com. •

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support the improvement of proprioception in the youngsters. Proprioception is the sense of the orientation of one's limbs in space. Without proprioception, bicycle riders wouldn’t be able to keep their eyes on the road while riding, and they would be unable to walk up the stairs without looking down. Another term used to describe proprioception is agility. Agility is what allows us to move gracefully. It allows our joints to move through the full range of motion smoothly and confidently. As a result, kinesthetic awareness, or the ability to know where your body parts are in threedimensional space, is required for every movement we make. Tricia’s yoga class improves the participant’s proprioceptive skills in a fun-filled manner appropriate for youngsters.

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

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S p ecialNeeds G uide 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ familytimemagazine.com

By Jessica Crotty

he fitness class started out like so many others, with participants stretching out and warming up before a cardio and weight lifting workout. Only these exercise enthusiasts seemed to be enjoying themselves a lot more than most people do at the gym. Between the toe touching and arm stretching, they laughed and joked with each other. They shared their plans for the day and excitement for the upcoming trip to Camp Duncan. Their playful banter was contagious — even the staff members were having a great time. The five participants and five leaders in the South Suburban Special Recreation Association (SSSRA)

Fitness and Fun class worked their way through the Oak Forest Park District gym riding stationary bikes, running on treadmills, lifting weights and doing push-ups and sit-ups. Even while exercising, they never stopped smiling and socializing with one another. Shevron Reed, 32, one of the SSSRA staff members said she loves watching their antics. “They’re hilarious,” she said. “Hands-on experience with the special education community makes you realize how much they are just like everyone else.” Brittany Stortz, 21, said she really loves watching the workouts they come up with. “Kevin goes to every machine, but he doesn’t even break a sweat.

He’s definitely the drama queen this season,” she jokingly adds. The Fitness and Fun class is just one of 50 to 60 weekly activities the South Suburban Special Recreation Association offers to individuals with special needs or disabilities. The agency was formed in 1973 after legislation in the park district code was created in the late ‘60s that enabled these associations to join with park districts to serve people with disabilities. The therapeutic programs offered by the SSSRA are extensions of park districts and park and recreation programs in 11 south suburbs: Country Club Hills, Frankfort Square, Hazel Crest, Homewood-

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SPECIAL NEED HEALTH S GUIDE

Special needs individuals find fun at South Suburban Special Recreation Association

HEALTH

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

developmental delays. Children eligible for SSSRA services must have an Individualized Education Plan. “We try to reach a family in the child’s early years so they stick with us for many years,” said Janet Porter, executive director of the South Suburban Special Recreation Association for the last 20 years. “Many families have been with us as long as I’ve been here. I love watching the kids grow. I’ve stayed in touch with many parents, and it’s neat Flossmoor, Lansing, Matto see their growth through teson, Oak Forest, Olympia the years, too.” Fields, Park Forest, Richton The South Suburban Park and Tinley Park. These Special Recreation Associacommunities pay tax dollars tion offers early childhood to help fund the agency’s (0 to 5-years-old) programs services and provide space for children who have develfor its programs. opmental delays that may Don’t worry if you don’t not have been diagnosed see your town listed, your yet, but something has been family can benefit from this noted where they could use program. The South Subur- some help. Other groups ban Special Recreation As- served by the SSSRA are sociation is only one of 28 youth (ages 6 to 12), teen/ Special Recreation Associa- adult (over age 13) and tions in Illinois, which col- people with severe and prolectively serve more than found disabilities. Partici200 communities throughpants live in group homes out the state (a complete or come from a residential listing of cities and special home where they live with recreation cooperatives can their family. be found at www.specialDoor-to-door transportarecreation.org). Partnertion services assist adults ships with the South West with physical disabilities and Lincolnway Special and kids going to day camp. Recreation Associations Through inclusion services, expand the classes and SSSRA is able to assist activities offered to SSSRA those who may be better participants who can enroll served by a mainstream in and pay the resident park district or recreation rate for any of the three as- department program. Staff sociations’ programs. can help them make the Participants range transition by conducting from birth through adultnecessary staff training or hood and can have varying attending the program with degrees of physical disthe individual. abilities, mental handicaps, In addition to weekly learning disabilities, emoprograms, participants can tional difficulties, hearing go to day camp in the sumor visual impairments and mer, compete in Special

Olympics and attend more than 30 special events such as White Sox games, kayaking trips or a day at Six Flags Great America. More independent participants can take a week-long trip to Camp Duncan in Ingleside, Illinois, where they stay in cabins, hike, swim and sit around the campfire, or they can travel to an annual vacation destination for a chance to get away from home. This fall, they can go to Las Vegas. “These programs are a social part of their lives. They get a feeling of belonging and being with their peers. They get to be part of a team and support each other’s efforts,” Porter said. “The South Suburban Special Recreation Association is a place where they can feel successful and form friendships that carry outside of our programs.” Behind every great program is a great staff. Porter, who has a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Illinois in ChampaignUrbana, has worked at the South Suburban Special Recreation Association for 27 years. She likes making a difference in people’s lives and feels fortunate she can use her position to help people. She is supported by 13 full-time staff members who have backgrounds in special education and work behind the scenes to create the programs and manage the dayto-day operations, as well as 140 part-time staff members who supervise the activities out in the community. “We have a great staff. I enjoy working with the fulltime staff. We really are a team. We have four to five

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SPECIAL NEED HEALTH S GUIDE generations of people people—ages ages 20 through 60—who work well together and are all here for the same reason,” Porter said. “We also could not do what we do without our part-time staff and volunteers. They assisted 5,800 registrants in our programs last year.” Volunteers help the part-time staff during classes and activities by making crafts, playing games or being responsible for a person on a trip. Volunteers must be over age 14 (parent consent required if under 18) and be willing to make a time commitment that is at least the length of the class/activity they are assigned to. They also must have a love for people, a caring attitude and can treat others with dignity and respect. Volunteers can apply online or in the SSSRA office, 19910 S. 80th Avenue in Tinley Park. After an interview, they will receive training before being placed in a position that is a good fit for them.

The staff certainly has made an impression on Christina Kukuczka, 26, of Oak Forest. The Fitness and Fun class participant said, “The staff is so nice. I love the staff.” Without additional funding, those loved staff members could not make such an impact on people’s lives. Tax dollars from communities within the association are supplemented by funding from local businesses, foundations and sponsors of big events or transportation services. Those donations are applied directly to the programs to help make them affordable or even free. The agency also receives individual donations from outside events like Ricky’s Ride, a motorcycle ride that raises more than $10,000, or SSSRA’s upcoming golf outing. The 23rd Annual Golf Outing will be on Friday, September 21, at Coyote Run Golf Course in Homewood-Flossmoor. The cost is $145 for golf and dinner. For more information or to

participate, call the SSSRA at (815) 806-0384. Through funding and generous donors, the SSSRA is able to cover 60 to 65 percent of the cost of a program. The resident pays a class fee to cover the remaining 35 to 40 percent; however, a scholarship program is available to families who cannot afford the fee. Porter said she knows families are out there who do not know about Special Recreation Associations, and she encourages them to find their local agency. “We provide a muchneeded service and a positive place for these families. We’re reaching out to them,” she said. The fall brochure listing classes, activities and special events is now available online at www. sssra.org. The website also has information for participants and community members interested in getting involved. For more information, call the agency at (815) 806-0384. •

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ADAPTIVE SERVICES Extended Home Living Services 210 W. Campus Drive, Suite B Arlington Height, IL (847) 215-9490 www.ehls.com Provides wheelchair accessible equipment as well as construction of “barrier-free” environments for homes and public buildings. The Kids Equipment Network P.O. box 121 Forest Park, IL (630) 766-0505 (press 8) info@tken.org Provides children with special needs with durable adaptive equipment.

Protected Tomorrows Inc. 103 Schelter Road LifeCare Center, Lincolnshire, IL (847) 522-8086 protectedtomorrows.com Provides financial services for individuals with disabilities and their families. ALLERGEN-FRIENDLY FOODS

ASPERGERS SYNDROME Aspergers Syndrome Support Group 5000 S. Adams Baron, IL (309) 697-0880 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Acacia Academy & The Achievement Centers, Inc. 6425 S. Willow Springs Road LaGrange, IL (708) 579-9040 Provides diagnostic and tutorials and specialized instruction in a wide range of studies.

Free From Foods 14482 S. LaGrange Road Orland Park, IL (708) 590-6205 www.freefrommarket.com Provides allergen and gluten free groceries.

Achieve Beyond 857 Center Ct., Suite D Shorewood, IL (815) 730-1818 achievebeyondusa.com Provides pediatric therapy and educational services to children, students and families.

Go-Picnic 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 112 Chicago, IL www.GoPicnic.com Provides all natural ready-to-go meals.

Autism and Asperger’s Consultants 10929 Manhattan Drive Huntley, IL (847) 387-9452 www.autismandaspergersconsultants.com

Health Nutz Natural Foods 19844 LaGrange Road Mokena, IL (708) 479-7578 Provides allergen-friendly foods, vitamins and other products.

Autism Home Support Services 85 Revere Drive, Suite AA Northbrook, IL (847) 564-0822 Provides one-on-one care in the home environment of children with autism.

Lincolnshire Area CHADD 940 Waveland Road Lake Forest, IL (847) 295-5183 Chadd.net/978 Provides support Group meetings for family members of those suffering from ADHD.

New Vitality Health Foods, Inc. 9177 W. 151st Street Orland Park, IL (708) 403-0120 www.newvitalityhealthfoods.com Provides allergy-free foods and carries more than 400 brands and products.

Autism Society of Illinois 2200 S. Main St., Suite 205 Lombard, IL (630) 691-1270 Provides education, training, individual assistance and practical support for parents; increase public awareness of autism; and offers a referral network of professionals.

Northern Illinois Satellite of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder 4100 W. Veterans Parkway McHenry, IL (224) 636-3742 Meetup.com/CHADD-Northern-Illinois Provides support for those suffering from ADHD.

NuLife Foods 1800 Motor Parkway Islandia, NY (888) 285-6633 nulifefoods.com Provides natural gluten-, casein- and soy-free foods.

Mobility Works 23855 West Andrew Road Plainfield, IL (Also locations in Skokie and Villa Park) (877) 275-4907 mobilityworks.com Provides wheelchair accessible lowered floor minivans, full-size handicapped equipped vans and commercial fleet vehicles to individuals and businesses. Ramp NOW 2225 Tanglewood Drive Aurora, IL (630) 892-7267 www.rampnow.com Provides ramps and lifts for homes and vehicles. ADD/ADHD

RESOURCES

Pam Labellarte 231 Bingham Circle Mundeline, IL (847) 401-5053 Provides education advocacy to individuals with disabilities and their families.

ADVOCACY A New Ray of Hope 435 Pennsylvania Ave., No. 146 Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 260-3780 E-mail: www.anewrayof hope.com Advocates to assist patients in securing state funding and benefits. Paige J. Koos Consulting, Counseling & Advocacy 1288 Rickert Drive, Suite 220 Naperville, IL (630) 234-0466 pkoos@yourkidsrights.com Provides educational consulting and is a parent advocate. Evanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education 1609 Sherman Ave., Suite 203 Evanston, IL (847) 556-8676 evanstoncase.org Provides an organized voice for parents of children with special needs.

Pass Health Foods 7228 W. College Drive Palos Heights, IL (708) 448-9114 passhealthfoods.com Provides allergen-friendly foods and products. ALLERGEN FRIENDLY PRESCRIPTIONS Pure Compounding Pharmacy 603 E. Diehl Road Suite 131 Naperville, IL (630) 995-4300 www.purecompounding.com Provides allergen-free prescription medications, herbs and natural supplements. ALLERGEN FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS Julianni’s Pizzeria and Pub 7239 College Drive Palos Heights, IL (708) 361-4222 www.mindteks.com/julliannis Offers gluten-free pizzas and on request.

Autism Speaks Chicagoland Chapter 2700 S. River Road, Suite 203 Des Plaines, IL (224) 567-8573 Nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, funding, scientific research, treatments for autism and provides resources for families. Center for Autism Related Disorders 212 S. Marion St., Suite 11 Oak Park, IL (708) 358-3000 chicago.centerforautism.com/ Provides applied behavior analysis (ABA) in the treatment of autism, Asperger’s syndrome, PDDNOS, and other related disorders. Center for Behavior Intervention 19056 Henry Drive Mokena, IL (708) 995-5751 www.centerforbehaviorintervention.com The Center for Behavior Intervention is a therapeutic facility designed to meet the needs of individuals displaying symptoms of Autism as well as neurological, developmental and/or behavioral concerns. Charlie’s Gift Autism Center 415 W. 8th Street Hinsdale, IL (630) 323-7500, ext 230 www.charliesgiftautismcenter.org Nonprofit agency that provides recreation and cultural activities, counseling and therapeutic

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Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Therapeutic School and Center for Autism Research 1939 West 13th Street, Suite 300 Chicago, IL 312-491-4110 chicago.easterseals.com New therapeutic day school combines educational, research, training, early intervention, school-to-work transition and independent living capabilities for children with autism.

Little Friends Inc. 140 N. Wright St. Naperville, IL (630) 355-6533 www.littlefriendsinc.org Operates 11 programs, including three alternative schools, family support and consultation services, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism.

Giant Steps 2500 Cabot Drive Lisle, IL (630) 864-3800 www.mygiantsteps.org Provides education, therapeutic and recreational programs for elementary, junior high and high School students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families and the community.

Little Leaves Behavioral Services 939 W. North Ave., Suite 750 Chicago, IL www.littleleaves.org (312)-646-2113 info@littleleaves.org Provides early intervention ABA programs for young children with social and/or language challenges.

Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project 1590 S. Fairfield Ave. Lombard, IL (630) 889-7398 www.illinoisautismproject.org

Dr. Lilly Partha 3510 Hobson Road, Suite 303 Woodridge, IL (630)737-1970 holistichealthchicago.com Provides acupunture therapy to treat children with autism spectrum disorders.

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Easter Seals Joliet Region 212 Barney Drive Joliet, IL 815-725-2194 joliet.easterseals.com Provides services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

Little City Foundation 700 N. Sacramento Blvd., Suite 220 Chicago, IL (773) 265-1671 760 W. Algonquin Road Palatine, IL (847) 358-5510 www.littlecity.org/childbridge Provides services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as well as visual, behavioral, hearing and emotional challenges.

Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility (See Equine Therapy) TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) 3070 Bristol St., Suite 340 Costa Mesa, CA (708) 574-9328 (847) 669-2359 www.tacanow.org The Arc of Illinois 20901 LaGrange Road, Suite 209 Frankfort, IL (815)464-1832 www.thearcofil.org The Arc of Illinois and its chapters advocates for people with disabilities and their families. Founded in 1950, The Arc of Illinois is a strong grassroots organization with a rich membership of self-advocates, parents and professionals working together to achieve common goals. The Neuroconnection 800 Roosevelt Road, Suite B104 Glen Ellyn, IL 1847 W. Jefferson Ave. Naperville, IL (630) 858-5105 www.theneuroconnection.com Turning Pointe Autism Foundation P.O. Box 9203 Naperville, IL (630) 570-7958 turningpointeautismfoundation.org Nonprofit organization that provides variety of services and programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

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RESOURCES

services, education support, and communitybuilding opportunities.

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED The Chicago Lighthouse 1850 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL (312) 666-1331 www.thechicagolighthouse.org Provides wide range of services for the blind and visually impaired. Hadley School for the Blind 700 Elm Street Winnetka, IL (847) 446-8111 www.hadley.edu Promote independent living through distance education programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, their families and blindness service providers. Illinois Parents of Visually Impaired P. O. Box 2947 Naperville, IL 21170 Deerpath Road Frankfort, IL (877) 411-4784 www.ipvi.org Provides support, information, and service to parents of children with visual impairments, including those with other disabilities.

RESOURCES

Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility (See Equine Therapy) Voices of Vision Talking Book Center 127 S. First Street Geneva, IL (800) 227-0625 www.vovtbc.org Part of a statewide and national network of libraries that provide the talking book and braille service. CAMPS Camp Ability Spina Bifida Association of Illinois 8765 W. Higgins Road, Suite 403 Chicago, IL (773) 444-0305 www.sbail.org Camp Bradford Woods Indiana Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outdoor Center 5040 S.R. 67 North Martinsville, IN (765) 342-2915 www.bradwoods.org Provides recreational, educational, and leadership development opportunities to youth and adults locally, nationally, and globally. Camp Easter Seals Program www.easterseals.com Camp Forever Algonquin, IL (630) 844-5040 www.the-association.org Overnight summer camp for camp for youth between the ages of 8 and 18 with physical disabilities or developmental delays. Camp Forever is offered through the Association for Individual Development, Camp Isanogel 7601 W. Isanogel Road Muncie, IN (765) 288-1073 www.veryspecialcamps.com Provides online camp directory for those with one or more of a wide range of special needs.

Camp John Warvel for Children with Diabetes Milford, IN (317) 352-9226 www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/camps Camp Warren Levis 5500 Boy Scout Lane Godfrey, IL (800) 238-3594 www.lewisandclarkbsa.org Camp New Hope P.O. Box 764 Mattoon, IL (217) 895-2341 www.cnhinc.org Overnight and week-long facility for recreational programs for special needs of all ages and with various disabilities. Camp Red Leaf Jewish Council of Youth Services 26710 W. Nippersink Ingleside, IL (847) 740-5010 www.jcys.org Camp Shady Oaks Cerebral Palsy 16300 Parker Road Homer Glen, IL (708) 301-0816 www.shadyoakscamp.org Provides outdoor fun and recreational opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. JCYS Camp Star Highland Park, IL (312) 996-3582 www.jcys.org/campstar Camp Touch of Nature Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL (618) 453-1121 www.ton.siu,edu/therarec North Suburban YMCA Summer Camp 2705 Techny Road Northbrook, IL (847) 272-7250 ext. 1233 www.nsymca.org Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization 6933 N. Kedzie, #816 Chicago, IL (773) 465-7536 www.tourettecamp.com YMCA Camp Independence Camp Duncan 32405 N. Highway 12 Ingleside, IL www.ymcachgo.org The Learning Camp Vail, Colorado (970) 524-2706 www.LearningCamp.com CANINE COMPANIONS Canine Companions for Independence North Central Regional Center 4989 State Route 37 East Delaware, OH (740) 833-3700 Voice/TTY (740) 363-0555 Fax (800) 572-2275 Toll-free

Assistance Dogs International Inc. P.O. Box 5174 Santa Rosa, CA www.assistancedogsinternational.org Coalition of nonprofit organizations that provide assistance dogs for individuals with various disabilities. Freedom Service Dogs of America 2000 W. Union Ave. Englewood, CO (303) 922-6231 www.freedomservicedogs.org Trains rescue dogs to assist and provide companionship for people with disabilities. CEREBRAL PALSY United Cerebral Palsy 432 E. Prairie, Suite 100 Decatur, IL (217) 428-5033 www.ucpll.org Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility (See Equine Therapy) DAYCARE Baby Fold, The 108 E. Willow Street Normal, IL (309) 452-1170 www.thebabyfold.org CHIROPRACTORS Innovative Health & Wellness Center 18309 Distinctive Drive Orland Park, IL (708) 479-0020 www.orlandparkchiropractor.com Maximized Living/Autism Whispers Dr. Ahly Ochsner 13500 Circle Drive, Suite 102 Orland Park, IL (708) 349-0040 hfworlandpark.com Provides natural health care services through the Autism Whispers program. DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED Alexander Graham Bell Montessori School 9300 Captiol Drive Wheeling, IL (847) 850-5490 www.agbms.org Center for Deafness 3444 Dundee Road Northbrook, IL (847) 559-0110 www.centerondeafness.org CHOICES for Parents P.O. Box 806045 Chicago, IL (312) 523-6400 www.choicesforparents.org Illinois Hands and Voices P.O. Box 9366 Naperville, IL (877) 350-4556 www.ilhandsandvoices.org Illinois School for the Deaf 125 Webster Ave. Jacksonville, IL (217) 479-4200 www.morgan.k12.il.us/isd

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Terrie Silverman Training & Consultation 524 E. Jefferson Street Oconomowoc, WI (262) 569-7828 terries@execpc.com Coordinates Auditory Integration Training sessions in communities throughout the United States. DENTISTRY/ORTHODONTICS All About Kids Dentistry 1845 E. Rand Road, Suite 203 Arlington Heights, IL (847) 870-0475 allaboutkidsdentistry.com Provides dental care services for children and adolescents with special needs. Dentistry for Kids Dr. Cissy Furusho, DDS, MS 4801 W. Peterson #410 Chicago, IL (773) 545-0007 www.dentistry4kids.com Stephen Heaney, DDS, PC 64 Oralnd Square Drive, Suite 216 Orland Park, IL (708) 403-3393 Steven T. Kuhn, DDS, Ltd. Brookside Commons

Dr. Douglas Prince, DDS, MS, PC Specialist in Adult & Children Orthodontics 507 Duane Street Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 469-5225 15234 South Harlem Avenue Orland Park, IL (708) 614-9420 1804 E. Lincoln Highway New Lenox, IL (877) 50-BRACE Southwest Dentists 16600 S. 107th Court Orland Park, IL (708) 403-3355 www.drtentler.com DIABETES

Hazel Crest, IL (708) 335-0030 gscenter.org Provides a wide range of services and is a community advocate for children and adults with and without disabilities. The Center provides support, service and education that empower individuals and their families to lead exceptional lives. Association for Individual Development 309 W. New Indian Trail Court Aurora, IL (630) 966-4000 www.the-association.org Provides services in early intervention; developmental therapy; respite care; permanent, affordable housing; developmental and vocational training; job placement and on-the-job coaching services; crisis intervention; victims services; mental health treatment; behavioral intervention; community education and advocacy. DOWN SYNDROME

American Diabetes Association 55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3420 Chicago, IL (312) 346-1805 www.diabetes.org

Down in the Southland 17225 71st Avenue Tinley Park, IL (708) 614-6118 www.Freewebs.com/downinthesouthland

LaRabida Children’s Hospital 6501 S Promontory Drive Chicago, IL (866) 985-6548 www.larabida.org Provides specialty care in the treatment of diabetes.

Gigi’s Playhouse 1071 W. Golf Road Hoffman Estates, IL (847) 885-PLAY (7529) www.Gigisplayhouse.org

DISABILITY SERVICES Good Shepherd Center 17314 Kezie Ave.

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility (See Equine Therapy)

10313 W. Lincoln Highway Frankfort, IL (815) 806-1600 www.drstevenkuhn.com

National Association for Down Syndrome P.O. Box 206 Wilmette, IL (630) 325-9112 www.nads.org

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RESOURCES

Project Reach Illinois 818 DuPage Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL (800) 771-1158 www.project-reach-illinois.org

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Ups For Downs Hartford Plaza at 1070 S. Roselle Rd. Schaumburg, IL (847) 895-2100 Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility (See Equine Therapy) DRAVET SYNDROME Dravet Syndrome Foundation 11 Nancy Drive Monroe, CT (203) 880-9456 www.dravetfoundation.org DYSLEXIA Chicago Reading and Dyslexia Center 180 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 2411 Chicago, IL (312) 360-0805 www.dyslexiachicago.com

RESOURCES

Illinois Branch of the International Dyslexia Association 751 Roosevelt Road Suite 116 Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 469-6900 www.readibida.org Professionals in Learning Disabilities and Special Education P.O. Box 89 Winnetka, IL (847) 604-0574 www.pldonline.org EDUCATION FOR SPECIAL NEEDS Acacia Academy 6425 S. Willow Springs Road La Grange, IL (708) 579-9040 www.acaciaacademy.com Academy of Excellence in Learning 19056 Henry Drive Mokena, IL (708) 995-7285 www.academyofexcellenceinlearning.com Provides individualized training for clinicians and teachers and hosts workshops in the principles of ABA. Beacon Therapeutic School 10650 S. Longwood Drive Chicago, IL (773) 881-1005 www.beacon-therapeutic.org Brain Balance Achievement Centers 1101 S. Milwaukee Ave. Suite 105 Vernon Hills, IL (847) 821-1328 www.brainbalancechicago.com Brehm School Preparatory School 1245 E. Grand Avenue Carbondale, IL (618) 457-0371 www.brehm.org Fully accredited, nonprofit coeducational boarding school with a staff of 150. Teaches students with language-based and complex learning disabilities.

Camelot Schools Des Plaines Residential Treatment Center 1150 N. River Road Des Plaines, IL (847) 391-8000 www.camelotforkids.org Chicago Children’s Clinic Multiple Locations Chicago, IL (312) 587-1742 www.chiagochildrensclinic.com Cognitive Solutions Learning Center Inc. 2409 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL 480 Elm Place, Suite 105 A Highland Park, IL (773) 755-1775 www.helpforld.com College Living Experience 7337 N. Lincoln Ave. Lincolnwood, IL (847) 674-0881 www.cleinc.net Cove School, The 350 Lee Road Northbrook, IL (847) 562-2100 www.coveschool.org Easter Seals Autism Therapeutic School – Tinley Park 17300 Ozark Ave. Tinley Park, IL (708) 802-9050 www.eastersealschicago.com Elmhurst College 190 Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, IL (630) 279-4100 www.public.elmhurst.edu Elim Christian Services 13020 S. Central Ave. Palos Heights, IL (708) 389-0555 www.elimcs.org Hyde Park Day School 1375 E. 60th Street Chicago, IL (877) 477-5665 1980 Old Willow Road Northfield, IL (847) 446-7025 hpds.uchicago.edu Specializes in the needs of children of averageto-superior intelligence who have learning disabilities. Illinois State Board of Education Division of Early Childhood Education 100 N. First Street Springfield, IL (217) 524-4835 www.isbe.net Illinois State Board of Education Special Education Services 100 W. Randolph Street, Suite 4-800 Chicago, IL (312) 814-5560 www.isbe.net

Keshet 3210 Dundee Road Northbrook, IL (847) 205-1234 www.keshet.org Nonprofit organization providing educational, recreational, and vocational programs for Jewish children and adults with developmental disabilities. Lil Miracles Sign Language Academy (312) 656-3046 monicablouin@signingtimeacademy.com Safe Haven School 847-509-5885 937 Happ Rd. Northfield, IL www.safehavenschool.org Provides a psychologically and physically safe, nurturing, therapeutic environment for children ages 5 to 14 who have severe to profound emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, autism, and/or other health impairment. Soaring Eagle Academy 8320 S. Madison Street Burr Ridge, IL (630) 323-2900 www.soaringeagleacademy.org EPILEPSY Danny Did Foundation P.O. Box 46576 Chicago, IL www.dannydid.org Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago 17 N. State St. Suite 1300 Chicago, IL (800) 273-6027 (312) 939-8622 www.epilepsychicago.org EQUINE THERAPY Bergman Centre 4950 Route 173 Poplar Grove, IL (815) 765-2113 www.bergmanncentre.org Blazing Prairie Stars 47W635 Beith Road Maple Park, IL (630) 365-5550 www.blazingprairiestars.com Equestrian Connection 600 N. Bradley Lake Forest, IL (847) 615-8696 www.equestrianconnection.org Freedom Woods Equestrian Center 9501 Austin Ave. Morton Grove, IL (847) 967-9800 www.freedomwoodsfarm.com Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities P.O. Box 1636 Warrenville, IL (630) 588-8543 www.ftea.org Hooves to Heal 23711 W. Grant Highway Marengo, IL (847) 321-0556 Soujourn Therapeutic Riding Center, Ltd. (708) 539-3078 www.info@sojourntherapeuticridingcenter.com

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility

(630) 691-1270 www.autismillinois.org Provides education, training, individual assistance and other services for those with autism and practical support for parents; increase public awareness of autism; offer a referral network of professionals. BDI Playhouse 11411 W. 183rd Street Orland Park, IL 1864 High Grove Lane Suite, 104 Naperville, IL (708) 478-1820 www.bdiplayhouse.com Belle Center of Chicago 1754 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL (773) 878-7868 www.bellecenter-chicago.org Beth Osten and Associates 9833 Woods Drive Skokie, IL (847) 663-1020 www.home.bethosten.com

EVALUATION & THERAPY Abilities Plus 1100 N. East Street Kewanee, IL (309) 852-4626 www.abilitiesplus.org Advocate Illinois Masonic Pediatric Development Center 3040 N. Wilton 2nd Floor Chicago, IL (773) 296-5676 A Place for Children 2425 W. Pratt Blvd. Chicago, IL 7830 W. North Ave. Elmwood Park (773) 338-5437 www.aplaceforchildren.com Art and Soul 1509 W. Berwyn Ave Suite 202 Chicago, IL (773) 878-7685 www.artandsoulchicago.com Aspire Children’s Services 1815 S. Wolf road Hillside, IL (708) 236-0979 www.aspireofillinois.org Autism Society of Illinois 2200 S. Main Street #205 Lombard, IL

Big Blast, A 847-650-8161 www.abigblast.org Provides gymnastics therapy and recreational therapy for children with special needs. Center for Independence 100 W. Plainfield Road Countryside, IL (708) 588-0833 www.center-for-independence.org Chicago Children’s Clinic Various Locations (312) 587-1742 www.chicagochildrensclinic.com Chicago Sound Therapy 180 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 310 Chicago, IL (312) 332-4001 www.chicagosoundtherapy.com Children’s Therapy Services, Inc. 39 E. Colorado Frankfort, IL (815) 469-1117 www.childrenstherapyservicesinc.com Provides Sensory-Integration, EEG Neurofeedback and Interactive Metronome Sessions for Autism Spectrum and Sensory Processing Disorders, ADD/HD, OCD and mood disorder. Intensive Integrated Listening for improved reading, writing, phonetic awareness, auditory processing, concentration and attention. Erikson Center for Children and Families 451 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL (312) 893-7119 www.erikson.edu AN independent institution of higher education that prepares child development and family service professionals for leadership. Euro-Peds (248) 857-6776 fax (248) 857-7102 Europeds@dhofm.com www.eropeds.org Specializing in Intensive Pediatric PT for the treatment of Cerebal Paulsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injuries & other Gross Motor Disorders. Healing Thresholds healingthresholds.com Provides comprehensive therapy fact sheets, daily updates of autism therapy research and news, and a global directory of autism-related therapists and services. The Neuroconnection 1847 West Jefferson Avenue, Suite B Naperville, IL (630) 858-5105 www.theneuroconnection.com Provides neurofeedback services. The Neuroconnection has been successful with children and adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit, anxiety, chronic fatigue, substance abuse, learning, mood, and Post Traumatic Stress disorders since 2001. The Neuroconnection has a special focus in addressing the symptoms of those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by utilizing a newer type of brain training called connectivity-guided neurofeedback.

RESOURCES

Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility www.readysetride.org 13056 Essington Road Plainfield, IL (815) 439-3659 Provides therapeutic horse riding services for children with special needs.

City Kids 5669 N. Northwest Hwy. Chicago, IL (773) 467-5669 www.citykidsinc.squarespace.com Clinical Connections 2225 Lakeside Drive Bannockburn, IL (847) 234-0688 www.clinicalconnections.info Community Therapy Services 40W310 LaFox Road Suite A1/B1 St. Charles, IL (630) 444-0077 www.ctspediatrics.com Easter Seals DuPage 830 S. Addison Ave. Villa Park, IL (630) 620-4433 www.eastersealsdfvr.org

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Easter Seals Joliet Region 212 Barney Drive Joliet, IL (815) 725-2194 www.joliet.easterseals.com Giant Steps Illinois 8320 S. Madison Street Burr Ridge, IL (630) 455-5730 www.giantstepsillinois.org Harmonious Healing Western Springs, IL (708) 557-1980 www.harmonioushealingnow.com Have Dreams 515 Bussy Highway, No.150 Park Ridge, IL (847) 685-0250 www.havedreams.org Helps children with autism improve their abilities to learn, function independently and socialize to reach their full potential and develop into contributing members of their communities.

RESOURCES

Helping Hand 9649 W. 55th Street Countryside, IL (708) 352-3580 Helping Hands Children Therapy Services Inc. 185 S. Marley Rd. New Lenox, IL (815) 462-4928 www.helpinghandstherapy.org Provides occupational speech and physical therapy services for children from birth through adolescence. Therapist are trained to work with children who have developmental delays, apraxia, sensory integration disorders, torticollis, ADHD ASD and language deficits. Hope’s Playground Pediatric Therapy 311 W. Depot St. Suite N Antioch, IL (847) 838-8085 www.hopesplaygroundinc.com Kids Can Do Inc. Children’s Therapy Center 19100 S. Crescent Drive Suite 101 Mokena, IL (708) 478-5400 www.kidscando.org Kids in Motion Inc. 4721 W. Midlothian Tpke., Suite 25 Crestwood, IL (708) 371-7007 www.kidsinmotion.org Milestones for Kids Success 2901 Finley Road Suite 101 Downers Grove, IL (630) 792-1800 Neurofeedback Centers of Greater Chicago 1400 E. Golf Road, Suite 105 Des Plaines, IL (847) 298-6446 www.nwbiofeedback.org Provides brain training to help people rebalance their brains resulting in higher cognitive and emotional functioning. Southwest Therapy & Rehabilitation Services 19051 Jodi Road, Suite A Mokena, IL (800) 630-5781 www.stars-therapy.org restrada@swcsinc.org

Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association 6020 W. 151st Street Oak Forest, IL (708) 687-0900 www.swccase.org Smart Love Family Services 800 W. Buena Avenue, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL (773) 665-8052 www.smartlovefamily.org Helps children, adolescents, parents, couples and adults achieve greater inner well-being, sustain closer relationships, and reach their full potentials in life. Special Therapy Care 11750 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL (773) 779-5800 www.specialtherapycare.com SPOT 4 Kids 29-D Stonehill Road Oswego, IL (630) 554-6156 www.spot4kids.com Suburban Pediatric Therapy 3965 75th Street #104 Aurora, IL (630) 236-7000 www.sptherapies.com Therapeutic Interactions 12 N. Catherine LaGrange, IL (708) 387-1234 www.therapeuticinteractions.com Unlimited Mobility Therapy 19740 Governors Highway, Suite 118 Flossmoor, IL (708) 799-5569 www.umtherapy.com Provides wide range of therapies for special needs children. Vital Rehabilitation Clinics and Services 5820 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL (773) 685-8482 www.vitalrehabilitiation.com Wolfe Behavioral Health 339 Alana Drive New Lenox, IL (815) 462-3827 www.wolfebehavioralhealth.com FAMILY COUNSELING REDWOOD Counseling & Wellness Centre 4331 W. Lincoln Hwy, Suite A Matteson, IL (708) 748-1951 www.redwoodcentre.org Provides services for individuals with developmental, physical, emotional disabilities and/or mental illness. Therapy Institute, The 3330 Old Glenview Rd., Suite 8 Wilmette, IL (847) 256-7334 www.theraplay.org FINANCIAL PLANNING Life’s Plan, Inc. 901 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL (630)628-7189 www.lifesplaninc.org

Manages special needs trusts in a pooled investment for meeting the supplemental service needs of people with disabilities and the elderly without jeopardizing state and federal benefits. Provider Group 15 Oak St., Suite 2C Frankfort, IL (630) 789-6313 www.providergroup.com Provides financial and special needs planning. The Heartland Group 8770 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 1200 Chicago, IL (773) 380-8021 Provides asset management strategies for special needs plans funded through investments. FITNESS Right Fit Sport Fitness Wellness 7101 S. Adams, Unit#7 Willowbrook, IL (630) 850-4050 www.right-fit.com FUN AND RECREATION Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier 700 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL (312) 527-1000 www.chicagochildrenmuseum.org Funtastic Gymnastic Various locations (224) 554-9634 www.funtasticgymnastic.com Karate Can-Do! North Shore Dojo 2081 Johns Court Glenview, IL (847) 729-0001 www.karatecando.org Lincolnway Special Recreation Association 21800 S. LaGrange Road Frankfort, IL (815) 464-2811 www.lwsra.org NEDSRA Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Center 1770 W. Centennial Place Addison, IL (630) 620-4500 ext. 141 Provides more than 600 programs and services individuals with special needs each year. Pump It Up 11411 W 183rd St, Suite G Orland Park, IL (708) 479-2220 www.pumpitupparty.com Provides private indoor arenas, filled with gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and private party room that coordinators set up and clean up for you. Available options including pizza, drinks, balloons and goodie bags to make party planning stress-free. Personalized dedicated staff takes care of everything. Ready Set Ride Therapeutic Recreation Facility (See Equine Therapy)

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Special Gifts Theatre P.O. Box 2231 Northbrook, IL (847) 564-7704 www.specialgiftstheatre.com Special Olympics 800 Roosevelt Road, B-220 Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 942-5610 www.soill.org Special Recreation Associations in Illinois www.specialrecreation.org Young Life Capernaum Chicago East 4918 N. Hamilton Ave., #1 Chicago, IL (312) 361-0526 www.ylchicago.com GENERAL AID- Association for Independent Development 309 W. New Indian Trail Court

Anixter Center 2001 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago, IL (773) 973-7900 www.anixter.org Blue Cap 1962 Broadway Blue Island, IL (708) 389-8137 www.blue-cap.org Organization dedicated to serving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities through community-based educational, therapeutic, vocational and residential opportunities. Brain Injury Association of Illinois P.O. Box 64420 Chicago, IL (312) 726-5699 www.giail.org Center for Enriched Living 280 Saunders Road Riverwoods, IL (847) 948-7001 Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens 8 S. Michigan, Suite 1700 Chicago, IL (312) 346-6230 www.chgoarc.org Clearbrook 1835 W. Central Road Arlington Heights, IL

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

River Valley Special Recreation Association 1335 E. Broadway St. Bradley, IL (815) 933-7336 www.rivervalleysra.com

Aurora, IL (630) 966-4000 Provides services to individuals who have developmental, physical and/or mental disabilities, those who have suffered a trauma or those at risk.

(847) 870-7711 www.clearbrook.org Community Alternatives Unlimited 8765 W. Higgins Road, Suite 300 Chicago, IL (773) 867-4000 www.cau.org Community and Residential Services Authority 100 N. First St., Suite S-100 Springfield, IL (877) 541-2772 www.illinois.gov/crsa Community Service Options Inc. 6845 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL (773) 471-4700 www.cso1.org Dance Studio Ltd. 15758 S. Bell Road Homer Glen, IL (708) 301-8181 www.dancestudioltd.com Offers dance classes for children with special needs. Day One Network 1551 E. Fabyan Parkway Geneva, IL (888) 282-0997 (630) 879-2277 www.dayonenetwork.org Division of Specialized Care for Children 1919 W. Taylor Street Chicago, IL (312) 996-6380 www.uic.edu/hsc/dscc

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RESOURCES

Right Fit 7051 S. Adams Willowbrook, IL (630) 850-4050 www.right-fit.com Provides wide array of personal fitness programs and is a partner of the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

DuPage Center for Independent Living 739 Roosevelt Road Building 8 Suite 109 Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 469-2300 www.dupagecil.org Envision Unlimited 8S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700 Chicago, IL (312) 346-6230 www.envisionchicago.org Enlightened Healing Center 8600 West 159th Street , Suite 15 Orland Park, IL (708) 364-8887 www.EnlightenedHealingCenter.com Natural healing center, which uses the latest technologies, techniques, products, unique classes and seminars to help individuals heal their mind, body and spirit. Specializes in emotional and physical healing and in helping you understand how you create disease and illness in your body. Future Horizons, Inc. 721 West Abram Street Arlington, TX (800) 489-0727 www.fhautism.com Provides books, DVDs and conferences on autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

RESOURCES

Health By Nature Lisa Hummitsch (708) 269-6174 healthbynature@shaklee.net JC Health Foods 1406 A Missouri Blvd. Jefferson City, MO (573) 636-9889 www.jchealthfoods.com Kirkman Group, Inc. 6400 SW Rosewood Street Lake Oswego, OR kirkmanlabs.com Provides nutritional supplements. Family Matters Parent Training and Information 1901 S. 4th St., Suite 209 Effingham, IL (217) 347-0880 www.fmptic.org Good Shepherd Center 17314 S. Kedzie Ave. Hazel Crest, IL (708) 335-0020 ext. 20 www.gscenter.org Hatchbacks Footwear Special Footwear for Girls and Boys (800) 936-0511 www.Hatchbacksfootwear.com Leeda Services of Illinois 1607 W. Howard 4th Floor Chicago, IL (773) 274-9760 Lexi Kazian Foundation-Helping From Heaven 105 Townline Road Suite 132 Vernon Hills, IL (847) 624-5394 www.helpingfromheaven.org My Hand of Love (815) 609-1352 mebbell79@gmail.com

Pace Bus 550 W. Algonquin Rd. Arlington Heights, IL (847) 364-7223 www.pacebus.com Ray Graham Association 901 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL (630) 620-2222 www.ray-graham.org Provides broad array of educational, vocational, community, respite, early intervention, recreational, home-based and residential programs and services for special needs children and adults. SHORE Community Services Inc. Regenstein Center 4232 Dempster Street Skokie, IL (847) 982-2030 www.shoreinc.org Special Gifts Theatre P.O. Box 2231 Northbrook, IL (847) 564-7704 www.specialgiftstheatre.com Superberries www.superberries.com Provides aroniaberry products for a variety of health needs. Trinity Services, Inc. 100 N. Gougar Rd. Joliet, IL (815) 485-6197 www.trinity-services.org Provides a variety of services, from job training to family counseling, for special needs children and adults. HOME CARE Abraham Lincoln Center 3888 S. Cottage Grove Chicago, IL (773) 373-6600 (773) 548-1923 www.abelink.org AllWays Caring ResCare Home Care 6200 Hiawatha Ave. Suite 450 Chicago, IL (773) 685-1700 Blue Cap 1962 Broadway Blue Island, IL (708) 389-8137 www.blue-cap.org Organization dedicated to serving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities through community-based educational, therapeutic, vocational and residential opportunities. BrightStar Multiple Locations (866) 618-7827 www.brightstarcare.com Loving Care Agency 2400 E. Devon Ave. Suite 256 Des Plaines, IL (847) 298-0859 New Hope Center, Inc. 1624 E. 154th St. Dolton, IL (708) 841-1071 www.newhopecenterinc.com

Wellspring Personal Care 125 N. Halsted St. suite 303 Chicago, IL (312) 648-1565 www.homecarechicago.com HOSPITALS/MEDICAL CENTERS Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital (800) 323-8622 www.advocatehealth.com/hope Children’s Memorial Hospital 2300 Children’s Plaza Chicago, IL (773) 880-4000 www.childrensmemorial.org Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation 2200 E. Devon Ave. Des Plaines, IL (847) 827-0404 www.ccfa.org/chapters/Illinois Family Clinic at UIC, The 1640 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL (312) 413-1490 www.uic.edu LaRabida Children’s Hospital East 65th at Lake/Michigan (773) 363-6700 www.larabida.org Marklund 1 S. 450 Wyatt Drive Geneva, IL (630) 593-5500 www.marklund.org Nonprofit organization serving infants, children, teens and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities. Pfeiffer Treatment Centers 4575 Weaver Parkway Warrenville, IL (630) 505-0300 www.hriptc.org Provena St. Joseph Medical Center 333 N. Madison Street Joliet, IL (815) 725-9438 www.provena.org/stjoes Rush University Medical Center 1653 W. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL (312) 563-2272 www.rush.edu Offers an Autism Resource Center that provides wide range of services and resources. Streamwood Behavioral Health Center 1400 East Irving Park Road Streamwood, IL (630) 837–9000 www.streamwoodhospital.com INCONTINENCE SUPPLIES Walgreens (Multiple stores in Chicago and suburbs) www.walgreens.com Supplies are offered at 11 E. 75th Street, Chicago, (773) 224-1211; 107th Street and Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, (708) 424-1882; 7510 N. Western Ave., Chicago, (773) 764-1765; and 7113 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn (708) 795-9030.

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CARES Chicago 700 N. Sacramento Chicago, IL (773) 265-3300 www.careschicago.org Cornerstone Services Inc. Carreer Solutions 800 Black Road Joliet, IL (815) 727-6694 www.career-solutions.org Donka Inc. 400 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL (630) 665-8169 www.donkainc.org HarrysButtons.com Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago, IL 17300 Ozark Ave. Tinley Park, IL (708) 802-9050 www.harrysbuttons.com

Ray Graham Association 901 Warrenville Road, Suite 500 Lisle, IL (630) 620-2222 www.ray-graham.org Provides broad array of educational, vocational, community, respite, early intervention, recreational, home-based and residential programs and services for special needs children and adults. SouthStar Services 1005 W. End Ave. Chicago Heights, IL (708) 755-8030 www.southstarservices.org SEA (Supported Employment Associates) P.O. Box 4714 Wheaton, IL (630) 653-5662 www.seassociates.org Ticket to Work Program (866) 968-7842 www.yourtickettowork.com/program_info Trinity Christian College 6601 W College Dr Palos Heights, IL (708) 239-4768 www.trnty.edu/adultstudies We Grow Dreams Inc. 1055 W. Washington St. (630) 293-0100 www.wegrowdreams.org

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Blue Cap 1962 Broadway Blue Island, IL (708) 389-8137 www.blue-cap.org Organization dedicated to serving infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities through community-based educational, therapeutic, vocational and residential opportunities.

Neumann Family Services 5547 N. Ravenswood Ave. Chicago, IL (773) 769-4313 www.neumanfamilyservices.org

LEGAL DePaul University Special Education Advocacy Clinic 14 East Jackson Blvd. Suite 100 Chicago, IL (312) 362-8294 www.law.depaul.edu/clincical_programs/ clinical_special_ed.asp Great Lakes ADA & Accessbile I.T.Center UIC Institute on Disability and Human Development 1640 W. Roosevelt Road Chicago, IL (312) 413-1407 www.adagreatlakes.org MENTAL HEALTH Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital 1650 Moon Lake Blvd. Hoffman Estates, IL (800) 432-5005 www.abbhh.org Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation 820 Davis Street, Suite 520 Evanston, IL (847) 492-8519 www.bpkids.org Community Counseling Centers of Chicago 4740 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL (773) 769-0205 www.c4chicago.org

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RESOURCES

JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS Avenues to Independence 515 Busse Highway Park Ridge, IL (847) 292-0870 www.avenuesonindependence.org

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

DuPage County Health Department Child and Adolescent Services 111 N. County Farm Road Wheaton, IL (630) 627-1700 www.dupagehealth.org/mental-health DuPage County Health Department 440 S. Finley Road Lombard, IL (630) 627-1700 www.dupagehealth.org Illinois Federation of Families P.O. Box 413 McHenry, IL (815) 344-3200 www.iffcmh.net Josselyn Center 405 Central Ave. Northfield, IL (847) 441-5600 www.josselyn.org Life Skills Education Center 10221 W. Lincoln Highway Frankfort, IL 60423 (815) 919-2662 www.lifeskillsillinois.org

RESOURCES

Mental Health America of Illinois 70 E. Lake St., Suite 900 Chicago, IL (312) 368-9070 www.mhai.org Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage 1 N. Dearborn, 10th floor Chicago, IL (312) 986-4000 www.metrofamily.org National Alliance for the Mentally Ill 1536 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL (312) 563-0445 www.namigc.org Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois Inc. 800 Roosevelt Road Suite A-10 Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 790-8083 www.tsa-illinois.org NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psych www.aacap.org American Academy of Pediatrics 141 Northwest Point Blvd. Elk Grove Village, IL (847) 434-4000 www.aap.org Association of University Based Centers for Developmental Disabilities 1010 Wayne Ave., Suite 920 Silver Spring, MD (301) 588-8252 www.avcd.org Autism Research Institute (ARI) 4182 Adams Ave. San Diego, CA www.autism.com Autism Society of America (ASA) 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 300 Bethesday, MD

(800) 328-8476 www.autism-society.org Autism Speaks 2 Park Avenue, 11th Floor New York, NY (212) 252-8584 www.autismspeaks.org Center for the Study of Autism (CSA) P.O. Box 4538 Salem, OR www.autism.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN) 5455 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 715 Los Angeles, CA (888) 828-8476 www.cureautismnow.org Easter Seals National 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1800 Chicago, IL (800) 221-6827 www.easterseals.com NATUROPATHIC CONSULTANT Vital Health, Inc. Barbara Griffin, NMD, CNC 9031 W. 151st Street Orland Park, IL (708) 226-1131 www.vitalhealth.org Combines integrative therapies, bioenergetic stress assessments, traditional naturopathy and nutritional consulting and education in natural wellness. PEDIATRIC SERVICES Pediatric Neuropsychology Child Development Center 10601 S. 108th Ave., Suite 2 Orland Park, IL (708) 403-9988 www.ndcbrain.com Encourages increased public awareness and dialogue among parents, educators, health professionals and policy makers to understand how, and under what conditions, children learn, grow and develop. Center’s founder is Dr. Valerie Scaramella-Nowinski, a clinician and researcher of pediatric brain-behavior development. SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER Sense Able Kids 171 Lagoon Drive Northfield, IL (847) 446-9484 www.sensablekids.com PRESCHOOLS Penny Lane Schools 10255 S. Ridgeland Ave. Chicago Ridge, IL (708) 425-4233 Provides preschool and day care for special needs children and promotes inclusion in the classroom. Also provides center based occupational, speech, and physical therapy as well as other therapies. SLEEP DISORDERS Oak Center for Sleep Disorders (Two locations) 6360 159th Street, Suite A,

Oak Forest, IL (708) 535-6738 20635 Abbey Wood Court Suite 101 Frankfort, IL (815) 464-9779 oaksleepcenter.net Dr. Kailash Sharma, founder of Oak Center for Sleep Disorders, earned board certifications from India, England, Ireland, and the United States. Besides specializing in sleep, critical care, and pulmonary medicine; Dr. Sharma has had extensive experience in managing diabetes, gastroenterology, rheumatology, and cardiology patients. SPEECH/COMMUNICATION ENHANCEMENT Barbara Nathanson 4905 Old Orchard Center, Suite 524 Skokie, IL (847) 989-1881 Brady Speech Language Pathology Clinic 1424 E. 53rd Suite 307 Chicago, IL (773) 493-4000 www.Bradyspeech.com By Your Side 16W361 S. Frontage Road Suite 131 Burr Ridge, IL (630) 590-5571 www.byyoursideeac.com Center for Speech and Language Disorders 606 N. Michigan St. Elmhurst, IL (630) 530-8551 www.csld.org Chmela Fluency Center Inc. The Hotel Complex 146 N. Old McHenry Road Long Grove, IL (847) 383-5589 www.chmelafluencycenter.com First Words Inc. 1500 Shermer Road Northbrook, IL (847) 361-8808 www.first-words.net Interactive Speech Associates 1131 Central Avenue Wilmette, IL (847) 251-6190 www.interactivespeechkids.com Judith Roman Kid’s Talk 517 Warren Road Glenview, IL (847) 832-1102 www.judithroman.com Lil Miracles Sign Language Academy (312) 656-3046 www.signingtimesacademy.com/monicablouin Sertoma Speech & Hearing Center Palos Hills, IL (708) 599-9500 Homewood, IL (708) 957-7122 Romeoville, IL (630) 633-5060

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Speech Plus 10071 W. Lincoln Highway Frankfort, IL (815) 464-6069 www.speechplus.org Provides services for students with social difficulties, as well as speech-language evaluations and therapy testing for learning, reading and attention difficulties.

Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy 925 Busse Road Elk Grove Village, IL (800) 886-1762 www.fsma.org

Speech Tree Associates 2423 Glenwood Ave. Joliet, IL (815) 725-9992 www.speech-tree.org Stuttering Foundation P.O. Box 11749 Memphis, Tennessee (800) 992-9392 www.stutteringhelp.org Suburban Pediatric Therapies 3965 75th Street, Suite 104 Aurora, IL (630) 236-7000 www.sptherapies.com Wee Speech P.C. 8833 Gross Point Road Suite 307 Skokie, IL (847) 329-8226 www.weespeech.com STATEWIDE RESOURCES Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois 10101 S. Roberts Road Suite 205 Palos Hills, IL (708) 430-7532 www.ldail.org SUPPORT GROUPS Celebrate Difference 5 E. Washington St. Oswego, IL (630) 885-3006 www.celebratedifferences.org Community Support Services Inc. 9021 Ogden Ave. Brookfield, IL (708) 354-4547 www.communitysupportservices.org Designs For Change 29 E. Madison, Suite 950 Chicago, IL (312) 236-7252 (312) 236-7944 www.designsforchange.org Dyspraxia Foundation 2502 N. Clark St. Suite 223 Chicago, IL (773) 248-3476 www.dyspraxiausa.org Eagle’s Nest Willow Creek Community Church 67 E. Algonquin Road South Barrington, IL (847) 855-9571 www.willowcreek.org/disabilities

Have Dreams 515 Busse Hwy. Suite 150 Park Ridge, IL (847) 685-0250 www.havedreams.org Lifecare Home Solutions, Inc. 8330 S. Madison, Suite 90 Burr Ridge, IL (630) 932-4032 www.lcius.com Making Headway Schwab Rehab Center 1401 S. California Ave. Chicago, IL (708) 945-8360 www.biail.org National Fathers Network Bellevue, Washington (425) 653-4286 www.fathersnetwork.org National Respite Network 800 Eastowne Drive Sute 105 Chapel Hill, N.C. (919) 490-5577 www.respitelocator.org One Place For Special Needs P.O. Box 9701 Naperville, IL www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com South Chicago Parents and Friends 10241 S. Commercial Ave. Chicago, IL (773) 734-2222 www.scpfrc.org Special Needs Network 103 Schelter Road Lincolnshire, IL (847) 522-8086 www.tsnn.org Tuesday’s Child 4028 W. Irving Park road Chicago, IL (773) 282-5274 www.tuesdayschildchicago.org Voice Advocacy P.O. Box 834 Mokena, IL (815) 469-4929 www.specialedadvocacy.org Voices for Illinois Children 208 S. LaSalle Street Suite 1490 Chicago, IL (312) 456-0600 www.voices4kids.org

SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

Family Resource Center on Disabilities 20 E. Jackson Blvd., Room 300 Chicago, IL (312) 939-3513 www.frcd.org

THERAPEUTIC/EDUCATIONAL TOYS Discovery Toys (Jill Connors) Highland IL 62249 (618) 233-9519 Got-Autism 10052 Commerce Park Drive Cincinnati, OH (888) 237-4988 www.got-autism.com Provides therapy related fun and safe toys for special needs children. TRANSPORTATION Pace Suburban Bus 550 W. Algonquin Rd. Arlington Heights, IL (847) 364-7223 www.pacebus.com Provides transportation services for people with special needs. TRAVEL Ability Trip 1623 W. Melrose Street Suite 101 Chicago, IL (949) 632-1757 www.abilitytrip.com Western DuPage Special Recreation Association 116 N. Schmale Road Carol Stream, IL (630) 681-0962 www.wdsra.com Provides more than 1,500 recreation programs, trips and special events annually for those with special needs.

RESOURCES

Social Butterfly Inc. 8305 High Point Circle Darien, IL (708) 533-1543 www.sbspeechtherapy.com

TUTORING Club Z Tutoring (815) 469-3779 www.clubztutoring.com Intellect Learning Center 11975 West 143rd Street Orland Park, IL (708) 349-0001 www.intellectlearningcenter.com Provides tutoring services in wide range of subjects and offers homework and study skills assistance as well as ACT preparation assistance. Learning RX (719) 264-8808 www.learningrx.com Provides brain training that focuses directly on the cause of the learning struggle for all students, including those who experience ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia symptoms. Milestones 4 Kids Success 2901 Finley Rd. Suite 101 Downers Grove, IL (630) 792-1800 www.milestones4kids.com Skill Sprout 8500 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria, IL (309) 713-2841 www.skillsprout.com Provides wide range of tutoring and therapy services.

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE