Small Moments = Great Impact

 

What Is Happening During Play?

Adults may consider play as a break or a putting-off of learning or serious work. But as famous child psychologist Jean Piaget said, "Play is the work of children." Or in the words of Fred Rogers, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning." In Early Intervention we whole-heartedly support play as it benefits all areas of development. Check out the link below to learn more about how play develops critical life-long skills. 

Benefits of Play

Has it been a while since you've turned a cardboard box into a racecar or had conversations with your stuffed animals? If you could use a brush up on your play skills, fear not! The suggestions below will help you channel your earlier, more playful self as well as connect with your little one. 

How To Play

Northwestern's Reduce the Wait

Reduce the Wait RTW Caregiver Information (Spanish) from Kindea Labs on Vimeo.

Do you think your child may be exhibiting signs of autism? Northwestern's Reduce the Wait Program is offering evaluations so that parents can get quickly get answers and access the supports needed. To learn more simply click here:  Reduce the Wait

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 

The Importance of Everyday Moments

 As parents of young children, you may be crunched as you juggle daily responsibilities. Perhaps you feel like you don't have enough time to properly enjoy or bond with your child. Zero to Three offers free, downloadable booklets with highlights of developmental milestones and ways we can make the most of every day activities and routines. There is so much that can happen during these small moments like bath time, feeding and grocery shopping.
YOU are what make these interactions meaningful. Click on the link below to learn more.

Magic of Everyday Moments

Free Webinars for Caregivers

RCADD (Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays) provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an autism diagnosis or other developmental differences. In addition to free virtual webinars, their website offers a wealth of resources that may be of interest to your family. Click on the link below to see what topics will be covered in these webinars through summer, 2024. There are opportunities to learn more about your child's diagnosis as well as how to create a supportive educational plan (Individualized Education Plan - IEP) for your child before attending preschool. 

2024 Virtual Webinar Series 

Your Sensory System

What does it mean when a someone is "over responsive" or "under responsive" to sensory experiences? This quick video may help explain: