Forget How to Play? How to Reconnect with Your Playful Side

 

Are you struggling to play with your child? You're not alone! Dr. Tina Payne Bryson validates the mental load and busy-ness of parenting. She provides tips for playing with your child that take just five to ten minutes. These short increments of time will promote connection and potentially ward off some behavioral challenges.

Helping Little Ones Manage Big Feelings

Building Self Regulation Skills at Home

Join StarNet and presenter, Julie Kallenbach on March 20th from 7-8:30 pm for a free, virtual conversation around self regulation. This meeting is geared towards parents of children ages birth to five. 

Children in this age range are learning the foundational skills of executive function: self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. All skills that help them mange big feelings. When developmental delays, disabilities, or sensory issues are present, these skills are critically essential in helping children be available for learning academics and social behaviors. Participants will learn how to create routines, use co-regulation skills, and the types of games that help build these fundamental skills.  

*To enroll, you may need to create a StarNet account. Instructions on how this easy step can be found on the registration link above.

Autism and Developmental Differences Expo

 

Event description

Don't miss the Autism & Developmental Differences Expo 2025, Saturday, March 15th, 10am-1pm. This event will feature many opportunities to connect with resources, service providers and programs for those with developmental differences, including:

• Free developmental screeners. To help you better see your child's developmental progress, sign up for a screener. These screeners are not in-depth evaluations, but serve to help you get a clearer picture of what the best next steps are for your child's development.
• Parent Workshops and Panels. Presented by local professionals on a variety of helpful topics. More details coming soon.
• Exhibitor Hall. Come connect with local providers offering a variety of programs and services including therapy, recreation, advocacy, etc. Participate in our passport contest for your chance to win gift cards to popular retailers!

This Expo is geared toward adults. Parents may bring children, though there will be NO respite care.

Free parking available.

https://events.humanitix.com/autismexpo25

Mastering Independent Toileting - Forest Park Public Library (virtual attendance an option!)

 

Potty Training | Collaboration for Early Childhood - Click on the link to register (both in person and virtual options)

A Free Guide to Toileting (for parents of children with an ASD diagnosis)

Rise Up 4 Autism is hosting free, virtual lectures for parents on September 30th from 7-8 pm. Interested? Please use the link below to register. 

A Rapid Method of Toilet Training

Caregiver Support: Challenging Behaviors and Anxiety

Does your child see a physician through Rush University Medical Center? If so, two programs are being offered to support parents and caregivers navigate challenging behaviors and childhood anxiety. Groups are offered virtually. Click on the links below to learn more. Private and public insurance (Medicaid) are accepted.

Building Early Connections - For parents and caregivers of children 0-8 years of age. Learn to manage challenging behaviors and support social emotional health.

Cool Little Kids - Program for caregivers of 3-6 year old's trying to support their child with excessive shyness or anxiety. The aim is to learn skills to build bravery.

Free Virtual Toileting Work Shop

Click on the link below for tickets: 

A Rapid Method of Toilet Training Children with Autism | Humanitix

Same Food and Autistic Wellness

Do you have a child that gravitates towards the same favorite food each day? So often as caregivers we look at this sameness with concern. Chicago Feeding Group is hosting a discussion around eating and Autism. Speaker, Laura Hellfield, offers a perspective as a neurodivergent health care professional that specializes in eating, sleeping and self care. She is also passionate about supporting Autistic mental health by building community spaces, both in-person and online. Parents and caregivers have an opportunity to attend this free lecture on Wednesday, February 21st from 1-3 pm. To learn more and register, please access the link here, Same Food & Autistic Wellness 

Examining Your Child's Sleep Needs by Age

Interested in learning more about your baby's sleep needs? Sleep promotes brain development, attention span, frustration tolerance and overall health. The resources below can help you get started.

 https://www.amazon.com/Precious-Little-Sleep-Complete-Parents/dp/0997580801

https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-sleep-schedule.aspx

Graph can be found at the following link: National Sleep Foundation Sleep Recommendations

Parent2Parent Support

Click on postcard to enlarge.

Parent 2 Parent is a monthly group for parents and caregivers of children enrolled in Early Intervention through CFC 11. Together we can explore resources, share experiences, give, and receive support. Please email Sarah Karela, Sarah_M_Karela@rush.edu or Iwona Parkel, Iwona_M_Parkel@rush.edu to learn more or request a link to our next meeting. 

Interested in other ways to connect to local parent support? Check out C.I.T.Y. of Support  (Children in Therapy and You), https://cityofsupport.org/.