Autism - Learning More About Neurodiversity

Interested in learning more about autism? Wondering about symptoms, how a diagnosis is made and what supports may be available? Please see the resources below. 

https://autismnavigator.com/ - Autism Navigator provides resources, webinars/learning and a virtual community for those interested in learning more about early detection and support for children diagnosed with autism.

http://www.interactingwithautism.com/ is a video based resource that helps caregivers better understand the diagnosis, therapy options and experience living with autism.

Resource Directory RUSH offers a local resource directory for individuals diagnosed with autism. Looking for a dentist, summer camp or a supportive place to get your child's hair cut? Check out these recommendations!

Chicago Autism Network provides virtual workshops for caregivers around important topics such as encouraging social engagement, school advocacy and navigating insurance benefits.

First 100 Days After Diagnosis Tool Kit  Autism Speaks believes knowledge is power, particularly in the days after an autism diagnosis. The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit helps families of children ages four and under make the best possible use of the 100 days following the diagnosis.

Support through our office is also available! Iwona Parkel, our Parent Liaison is available to talk one on one should you be interested, Iwona_M_Parkel@rush.edu. Please don't hesitate to connect.

Parent2Parent Support

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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/.

Building Awareness Around Postpartum Depression

With the birth of a baby may come powerful emotions. You may experience moments of excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression.

According to Mayo Clinic, most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Baby blues typically begin within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last for up to two weeks.

But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. 

Postpartum depression isn't a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it's simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms and help you bond with your baby. Talking with your doctor is an important first step. In addition, the resources below may be some to consider:

Beyond Baby Blues This Evanston based resource offers online support groups for women experiencing postpartum depression. They also offer a six week, free support group for women who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, death of a newborn, or death of an infant one year of age or younger.

Postpartum Support International A go-to online resource that offers an extensive provider directory as well as a wealth of online support groups for moms, dads, partners.

Chicagoland's Fussy Baby Network provides telephone support, home visits, parent groups, and a Fussy Baby Clinic for families with questions about crying, sleeping or feeding during the first 12 months of their baby’s life, 1 888-431-BABY.

NorthShore MOMS Line an incredibly responsive team through Northshore Hospital dedicated to supporting those experiencing perinatal depression. You don’t have to be a patient there to get help.

Northwestern Medicine COMPASS offers patients at Northwestern University Medical Center a collaborative care team which includes your pregnancy care team and mental health care team. Supports last from pregnancy to one year after your baby is born.

Building Babies’ Brains Through Play: Mini Parenting Master Class

Did you know that the most important interactions you have with a child can happen through play?

By engaging in playful serve and return with a child, you can 

literally help build stronger connections in the brain. 

West Side Focus

A House in Austin is located in a two-story, Victorian house in Chicago’s Austin area.  The home offers an informal space for West Side parents to meet each other, learn new skills, share experiences and learn from one another. Daytime programming is free and includes a music class, a parent chat hour, a support group for new fathers, art and reading classes for infants through 5-year-olds, meditation and yoga, even a cooking course.

 

Coaching through Live Video Visits

Why Live Virtual Visits?

As we are solidly in year three of the pandemic, we can see the positive impact live virtual visits have had on families whose children receive Early Intervention. What began as a tool of necessity to maintain safety has become an invaluable method that promotes coaching and family-centered care. In Early Intervention (EI), we believe parents are the experts on helping their child. They have the most impact on their child’s development. During the live virtual coaching process, parents become equipped to teach their child new skills as they are guided in a gentle, non-judgmental manner by the EI therapist.

There are many benefits to using a coaching approach in EI. Research has shown coaching to be effective in helping children meet developmental goals.

Coaching helps parents and primary caregivers:

• Develop skills to interact with their child in ways that support the child’s development.
• Understand the reason for and impact of these interactions. 
• Identify strategies that can be used in daily routines, practice strategies in front of the provider, reflect on interactions with their child, problem-solve challenges and receive supportive feedback.
• Develop the skills and confidence to use the strategies and interventions on their own, so they can help their child learn new skills even when the EI provider isn’t there. 

Benefits of telehealth include:

• Fewer people coming into the home, resulting in less exposure to germs.
• Flexible scheduling, making it easier to target times of the day when more help is needed, such as meals or nap time.
• Both parents and/or caregivers may be able to participate from different locations.
• Due to extensive need and wait lists, live virtual visits offer more immediate access to important, time-sensitive therapy supports!

Need a tablet or internet access? 

To learn about Early Intervention's technology loan program please click here.

Your service coordinator wants to know how therapies are going! Please keep in contact with us if you have any questions or concerns.