Sensory Processing Differences in Early Childhood

Too Much

Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming.

Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, award-winning teacher-librarian Jolene Gutiérrez’s compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves. This is a great read to better understand sensory processing differences (for kids, parents, grandparents, anyone!).

And for parents...

All Things Sensory

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS is a passionate pediatric therapist who answers your questions related to all things sensory, occupational thearpy, parenting, self-care, nutrition and health from a therapist's persepctive. Providing raw, honest, fun ideas and strategies for parents and caregivers. 

RCADD Presents "Visual Supports for Social Emotional Learning"

Visual Supports for Social Emotional Learning November 11, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. CST Empowering young autistic learners with visual supports for social-emotional growth! Participants will discover practical strategies that foster communication, emotional understanding, and self-regulation. Intended for educators and caregivers alike, this workshop will provide tools to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where a preferred visual learning style is prioritized. 

Stay tuned for December's lecture, "It's Go Time: Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Developmental Delays"

Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays

RCADD Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental delays. RCADD serves families currently enrolled in an Early Head Start or Head Start program as well as others throughout the Chicagoland area. RCADD offers support at no cost to our patrons in the form of resources, referrals, training and ongoing consultations for families and professionals. 

1640 Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608 RM 650 (312) 413 - 4441 rcadd@uic.edu/rcadd.uic.edu

 • ACCESS TO THE LENDING LIBRARY 

• INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS 

• VISUAL SUPPORT CREATION 

• STATEWIDE REFERRALS 

• IEP ADVOCACY 

• WORKSHOPS - FREE PARKING WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED TO THOSE WITH A SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT 

CP Connect: The Early Years Family Conference (Free for Families)

 Register HERE

Family To Family Fall Symposium - hosted by the Arc of Illinois

A great opporutnity in the weeks ahead!

The Arc of Illinois is presenting a Family to Family Fall Symposium for caregivers on 10/1/2026 from 9:15-4 pm. This virtual meet-up is free! Together with experts in the field, you will learn about school services and ABA, disability programs and family advocacy as well as Medicaid appeals and insurance denials. 

For details click HERE

Neighborhood Parent Network - Hosting an Event for Parents (this weekend!)

This year's event is brand new and features discussion, support, connection, and joy!

 

Parents will enjoy:

Introductions to local providers - see the list here

Keynote address, Finding Joy in Grief, Tareema Jean-Baptiste, speaker

Parent-led round table discussions

Appetizers, drinks, and a curated exhibit hall

See the schedule here

 

Discussion topics include:

Emotional regulation tools

Focusing on strengths rather than deficits

PDA/School Refusal

Sensory profiles

and more!

 

 

Important Information

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Time: 5:00-8:00 PM

Location: Leep Forward/Quantum Leep Academy, 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

 

Tickets: Free for parents when you register using the green "Register Now" button on this page (mobile users scroll down).

Providers: Email amy@npnparents.org to register.

 

Special Note: To get the most out of this event, we encourage parents to attend without their children. However, parents who have registered in advance and arrive with their children will not be turned away.

 

Contact: amy@npnparents.org

 Register using the link below!

NPN Developmental Differences Parent Fest at Quantum Leep Academy - Community Calendar - Neighborhood Parents Network

Parenting Strategies are Shifting as Neuroscience Brings the Developing Brain into Clearer Focus

 

Parenting-strategies-are-shifting-as-neuroscience-brings-the-developing-brain-into-clearer-focus (article)

Terrific article by a behavioral scientist as she considers supporting toddlers and children in regulation, managing their nervous system response and the impact of old-school parenting methods. 

How Does Your Temperament Compare to Your Child's?

The Infant Toddler Temperament Tool includes a short online survey that allows parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers to recognize and explore their own temperament traits and those of a child for which they provide care. 

The Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation states:

Temperament is an important feature of social and emotional health. Temperament describes the way we approach and react to the world. It is our own personal “style” that is present from birth. There are three general types of temperaments often referred to as easy-going, slow-to-warm, and active.

Easy-going children are generally happy, active children from birth and adjust easily to new situations and environments. Slow-to-warm children are generally observant, calm and may need extra time in adjusting to new situations. Children with active temperaments often have varied routines (e.g., eating, sleeping), and often approach life with zest. Children may fall into one of the three types of temperament but often have varying behavior across the common temperament traits. 

Sound familiar? Perhaps you can identify with one of these temperaments?  This online survey will allow you to gain insights into your own temperament as well as the temperament of your child. 

Town Hall Meeting for Parents in Early Intervention, May 6th

The director of the Bureau of Early Intervention is hosting virtual town halls with families of children in Early Intervention. During this time, caregivers can share experiences, ask questions, and voice suggestions to improve early intervention. Benny Delgado, Chief of the Bureau of Early Intervention, will be present to personally answer questions and respond to comments.

These meetings will be held online, and information will be presented in English and Spanish. The next town hall will be on Tuesday, May 6 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM in English/ASL and 7:30 - 8:30 PM in Spanish. If you are interested in participating, please register using the link here: https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/586748368

To find out more and for previous meeting notes, visit our website: https://eiclearinghouse.org/blogs/familytownhall/

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