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:

When Mealtimes Feel Difficult

The Chicago Feeding Group is hosting a virtual group for parents and caregivers who would like to support their children through feeding challenges. The group is held on Thursdays from 12:45-2 pm on November 2, 16, 30th and December 14th. To learn more please click on the link below.

Chicago Feeding Group Parent Support  

Helping Little Ones Feel Safe

Whether it is something we see on the news or in our very own neighborhoods and homes, children can be impacted by what they see, overhear and experience. Looking for ways to help a child feel safe during uncertainty or crisis? Please see below for some suggestions from Zero to Three

Understanding How Traumatic Experiences Affect Very Young Children 

Therapy Assistance Grants

The Chicago Autism Network is inviting families to apply for a therapy assistance grant through their website (link below). Those children who live in Illinois, meet income guidelines and have an autism diagnosis may be eligible for grant money to be used towards out of pocket therapy costs or help with insurance premiums. 

2024 Therapy Assistance Grants 

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

A New School Year Awaits!

The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD) has put together  Back to School Resources which include:

• A Back to School Social Story (Eng), Back to School Social Story (Español)- to help your child better transition to the new school year
• Visual Supports (Eng), Visual Supports (Español) to help with routines at home, bus schedules, and weekly school/no school schedules
• Tip Sheets for families and caregivers to learn how to use visual supports
• Structured activities Back to School Check List, Back to School Check List (Español) to help your child review basic skills prior to returning to school
• An entire IEP and Special Education Resource section to help with understanding of the IEP process and your child's Special Education Rights