Search the Community

Spring is here and that means summer is just around the corner! Yes, parents, it is time to plan for Summer Camp! This process can be overwhelming especially if you have a child with special needs. Well NPN is here to help. In this session, you will hear about summer options in the Chicago area for special needs kids.

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be included in your eticket

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about 2 hours before the meeting.

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about 2 hours before the meeting.

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners).

Get the support and resources your child needs at our IN-PERSON fair NPN will follow all IDPH and City of Chicago COVID guidelines. Check back for the latest updates. If your child has a physical, developmental or intellectual challenge, NPN's 11th Annual Developmental Differences Resource Fair can help. Our free fair puts you in touch with school options, therapy providers and more resources that will encourage your child to reach his or her highest potential. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis for you to benefit from the resources offered at this fair. Parents with concerns about their child's development due to COVID regression will find help here. Parents can chat with speech, occupational, physical and ABA therapy providers; schools; fun extracurricular options; and more at the exhibitor booths. Plus, get advice and strategies you can use immediately at free expert-led sessions. Exhibit Hall Hours 1:00 - 4:00pm List of Exhibitors Sessions - These in-person sessions will be recorded. RSVP today to receive a link to the live recordings after the event. 12:00 - 1:00pm IEP Questions & Answers with Mo Buti Mo Buti M.Ed-BD, M.Ed-ADMIN, QIDP, is an advocate and instructional expert who is devoted to supporting individuals and families affected by autism and other disabilities. Providing guidance and support to navigate the school district’s complex systems, she assists parents with every stage of the IEP process. This session will start with a short presentation from Mo, and then open up to questions from the audience. Prior to attending this session, we strongly encourage parents to watch our previously recorded session, IEP 101. Find more free IEP-related sessions in NPN's Video Library. One attendee at this session will win a free IEP evaluation session with Mo! Must be present to win. 3:15 - 3:45pm Paying for Services through Grants and Government Programs Kimi Matsumura is the founder and CEO of Chicago Autism Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families find and afford effective autism therapy and supports. Kimi will speak about Health Insurance Premium Payment grants (HIPP), Priority of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS), Supplemental Security Insurance for Children (SSI), local private grants, national private grants, and Medicaid. Attendees at this session will be able to sign up to receive Kimi's detailed slides to reference after the event. 4:00 - 5:00pm From Recreation to Competition: Enrichment Opportunities for Your Child Chicago has so many enrichment opportunities for your child and in this session you will hear from some of the best. Learn how your child can become a competitive or performing participant, or simply have fun. Our esteemed presenters are: Sam Mauceri, Director of Education & Access Programs, Chicago Children's Theatre Blair Sarkiss, Master Instructor, HMD Academy Chicago Tae Kwon Do Eileen Guinane, Special Olympics Administrator, Chicago Park District Special Recreation and Special Olympics Catherine Attfield, Studio Manager, Intrigue Dance & Performance Arts Center John Fitzpatrick, Owner and Head Coach, Chicago Blue Dolphins Laura Fillenwarth, Executive Director, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) Chicago This panel is presented to you by Chicago Children's Theatre and HMD Academy Chicago Tae Kwon Do MUST-KNOW INFO When: Saturday, May 7 12pm–5pm (exhibit hall hours are 1:00 - 4:00) Where: UIC Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago Who: Open to the public! Registration required. This event is designed for adults but we understand that arranging childcare can be difficult. Parents attending with children will not be turned away. Cost: FREE. $25 donation recommended. Donate here. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We rely on your financial support to bring free resources like this to Chicago families. Covid precautions: NPN will follow all IDPH and City of Chicago Covid guidelines. As the guidelines change periodically, check back for updates.

A night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about 2 hours before the meeting.

t’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about an hour before the meeting.

As the doctor held up our firstborn, the feeling of joy and overwhelming love was quickly followed by a heavy pit in our stomachs. My husband and I looked at each other and without words, we both had the same feelings and thoughts: While we were so happy, we also knew that raising a Black boy in America is a daunting task. Fast-forward two years and the words, “We recommend your child receive the diagnosis of Autism,” shattered our world. All of a sudden, we now had to raise a Black autistic boy in America. My husband and I were emotionally ill for weeks. My husband, especially, had a hard time accepting our new reality. His first reaction was to not follow through with the diagnosis. As a Black man, he had first-hand experience of the stereotypes and challenges our son would face. He knew that the world may never see him for who he is as a person; he knew he would be judged by the color of his skin and his diagnosis. He knew, because of this, people may give up on him or put him in a box and never give him a chance to show how great he really is. Ultimately, we followed through with the diagnosis because, without it, our son would not get the intervention he needed. We knew that without OT, speech, or ABA therapy our son’s development could stagnate and, as an adult, this would be more harmful. It’s an important reminder: Do not let fear stop you from making the hard — yet right — decision for your child. [Related: How to be an anti-racist parent] “The Talk” Every Black person in America knows what “the talk” is. It is not about sex. “The talk” has been something parents in the Black community have been doing for years. During “the talk,” we learn about our history; we learn some people still see us as inferior, some people hate us, and some people may use their power and position to hinder us from achieving our goals. We learn that the educational, financial, and housing systems in this country were set up to keep us out of the American dream. We learn that some community helpers, like police, overreach their power and sometimes hurt or kill us. So, we wondered: should we have “the talk” with our son? He has been taught to see the police as helpers, who will be kind to him if he gets lost or is in danger. The reality is, some police officers may see the color of his skin first and view him as a threat. The reality is, as our son gets older his meltdowns will probably be misunderstood. My husband and I decided to have “the talk” in phases. We took into account our son’s developmental understanding of social dynamics. We have talked about slavery, we have talked about the Civil Rights movement, and we have talked about racism. We have chosen to leave out certain details because ultimately it may be more confusing and traumatizing. We still need him to seek out the help of a police officer if he is ever lost or in danger, so we decided to be proactive and not reactive. At age 10, we took our son to our local CAPS meetings and introduced him to some of the officers present. We have also taken him down to the local precinct and introduced him to officers, as well. Our hope is that proactively communicating his diagnosis will help just in case, God forbid, our son ever has an encounter with police. [Related: Chicago venues that cater to kids with special needs] Angry Black Parent vs. Advocating Parent One of the nuances of raising Black children in America is that as parents, we have to fight stereotypes as well. Every single ER visit, we have been met with the questions, “Does Dad live in the home?” and “Do you have the same last name?” Our answer, which is “yes” to both, has always been met with surprise and sometimes shock. I even had a nurse say out loud, “Wow, that’s a first!” We have also shocked hospital staff with our organized documentation of our son’s medical history, our knowledge of his rights as a patient, and his benefits under his insurance plans. This is very important; we never want to be in a position in which racial stereotypes prevent our son from receiving the best healthcare. Make sure you are always prepared; do your due diligence. In addition, our approach when advocating for our son has always been from a place of knowledge. Our goal is that we, as parents, can avoid being racially stereotyped as the angry Black parents and change the narrative to “strong parent advocates.” My husband and I use this approach in other aspects of our son’s life as well. Raising children is hard; raising a Black autistic boy in America is even harder. My husband and I do not have all the answers, and we take each situation as it comes. Yes, we get angry and scared. Yes, it sometimes feels overwhelming. Yes, we have shed many tears. However, no matter how disheartening, exhausting, and stressful the journey may be, we never lose hope.

Meet other parents who are working hard to meet the special needs of their children. It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students, or business owners).

Our 10th annual fair is dedicated to providing Chicago families with school options, service providers and other resources that focus on serving families with children with developmental differences! Whether you have a diagnosis for your child and need comprehensive care or you are looking for services that can treat specific delays or behavioral issues, DDRF is your one-stop shop for solutions. RSVP below to expedite your check-in process. See our most current list of exhibitors (updated daily). See the program. Event Schedule: 10:00 - 11:00 Session 1: Managing Challenging Behaviors with Jacqueline Molina of Lumiere Children's Therapy. Sessions are for adults only whenever possible. 10:00 - 11:00 Session 2: Navigating Insurance with Alexandra Eidenberg of The Insurance People. Sessions are for adults only whenever possible. Note: Session 1 & Session 2 run at the same time. 10:00 Exhibit Hall Opens 12:00 - 12:30 Session 3: Guided Relaxation Exercise for Caregivers with Heather Bragg. This session leads caregivers in 5-7 minutes of quiet meditation and is not suitable for children. 1:00 Exhibit Hall Closes 1:00 - 2:00 Session 4: IEP 101 with Mo Buti of AiepA. Sessions are for adults only whenever possible. Note: Session 3 begins when the exhibit hall ends. Parents who wish to visit the exhibit hall should visit the hall before they attend session 3. The exhibit hall is open from 10:00am - 1:00pm.

Whether you are just starting to consider an IEP for your child or your child has had one for a few years, it is important to understand the terms, organize your documents and know how to advocate for your child. NPN has teamed up with autism expert and special education advocate Mo Buti to educate parents on the ins and outs of the IEP process.

Whether you are just starting to consider an IEP for your child or your child has had one for a few years, it is important to understand the terms, organize your documents, and know how to advocate for your child. NPN has teamed up with autism expert and special education advocate Mo Buti, to educate parents on the ins and outs of the IEP process. Your child has been evaluated and found eligible for special education services. Now, you will be attending your first Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. During this webinar, autism and special education advocate Mo Buti discusses what to expect during an IEP meeting, how to prepare for the meeting and key points in the IEP document.

Whether you are just starting to consider an IEP for your child or your child has had one for a few years, it is important to understand the terms, organize your documents, and know how to advocate for your child. NPN has teamed up with autism expert and special education advocate Mo Buti, to educate parents on the ins and outs of the IEP process. This 20-minute webinar will help parents of children with and without an Individualized Education Program (IEP) navigate what to do with reports obtained outside of school. Whether you have an assessment, a tutor's progress report, a doctor's report, or other forms of documentation, this webinar will inform you how to use this information to assist the school in determining appropriate services for your child. You will learn tools you can use right away including: Types of reports that can be used to obtain an IEP or used for appropriate modifications to an existing IEP Sample emails to school administrators The time frame schools legally have to respond to your requests How to be an advocate for your child with special needs

Whether you are just starting to consider an IEP for your child or your child has had one for a few years, it is important to understand the terms, organize your documents, and know how to advocate for your child. NPN has teamed up with autism expert and special education advocate Mo Buti, to educate parents on the ins and outs of the IEP process. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and you have found yourself wondering if the IEP actually meets your child's needs, then this webinar is for you! Special education advocate Mo Buti joins us for the second installment of NPN's IEP series with My IEP: Red Flags. You will learn about some possible "red flags," learn how to identify them and then what to do to resolve these concerns in a proactive way. This webinar will help you address what to do when there is: No homework Feedback on benchmarks Lack of communication And, much more!

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child receives every opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Preschool can play a significant role in achieving these goals. For children who may not fit into a standard preschool setting because of a disorder, diagnosis, or disability, a therapeutic preschool program can be life-changing. If your child would benefit from a therapeutic preschool, it is critical that you do your research. In my own experience, I found the following factors incredibly important. [Related: How to advocate for your special-needs child in CPS] Your goals as a parent A therapeutic preschool can provide support by meeting critical developmental milestones in areas such as speech and language, social skills, feeding, expanded gross and fine motor skills, and more. It is important that the program meets the unique goals you have in mind for your child. Flexibility of the program The more flexible a program is, the more it will meet your child’s needs. Does the program require you to make a year commitment or allow month-to-month? Does it offer both morning and afternoon sessions? Are you able to start at two days a week and increase if it is going well? Rigid rules and policies may not fit your child’s specific needs. Well-educated and experienced staff Top therapeutic programs tend to employ individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This additional education will manifest itself in better outcomes for your child. A multidisciplinary team This means a team of professionals with expertise in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, ABA therapy, and more. This diverse team allows children to receive the most well-rounded and comprehensive care and allows a program to treat the whole child. Student-to-teacher ratio A program with a low student-to-teacher ratio can provide more personalized care. A standard preschool program may have 8 to 10 children for just one teacher, while a good therapeutic program may have just 3 or 4 students per teacher. [Related: IEP 101 (video)] Reviews and results In my time as a speech-language pathologist, I have had a front-row seat in observing therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental delays. I have discovered that the gains children make vary greatly from program to program. The progress your child makes in a therapeutic program is a direct result of the effectiveness of the clinicians. Look for online reviews and references from satisfied parents so you know that your child is receiving the best care possible. Open-door policy The best therapeutic programs want parents involved in their child’s progress. An open-door policy that allows parents to drop in to observe their child’s day (such as through a two-way mirror) is the hallmark of a quality program. The results of a therapeutic preschool program can be truly transformative for your child. Ask questions. Ask around. Look online for reviews. Doing your research will pay off, as you will find the right program to become your “partner” in helping your child reach their full potential.

This 45-minute webinar offers information and resources about the special education process once your child enters school. Parents will learn special needs laws, terms and acronyms, timelines and strategies for advocating for your child. Watch the above video. Whether your child is in Head Start, Pre-K or Kindergarten, you'll benefit from this overview of the processes and procedures necessary for your child’s education. Topics include parent rights and responsibilities, the special education process, special education options, and where to find resources and support.

For most parents, back-to-school time means buying the kids a new backpack and shoes, and maybe taking them for a haircut. For parents of kids with special needs, however, going back-to-school can be much more stressful for both them and their children than just a shopping trip to the mall. Children who are not successful in school, either for emotional/behavioral or academic reasons, often feel happier and calmer over the summer break when they are not dealing with the demands of school. If this is your family’s situation, there are several things you can do to try to minimize the stress of back-to-school for you and your child. Review your child’s IEP Whether the IEP was drafted six months ago or just prior to summer break, it is helpful to refamiliarize yourself with the services and accommodations your child will be receiving in the upcoming school year. Check to make sure that the IEP still reflects your child’s needs or whether some aspects need to be modified due to changes over the past few months. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), an IEP meeting to review the IEP can be requested at any time during the school year. You do not need to wait until annual review time. Organize your child’s school records If you child has been in special education for more than a few years, chances are you have a lot of paperwork accumulated from the school and outside providers. Summer break is a great time to review your documentation and develop an organizational system. I use an accordian file for my own child, but many of my clients prefer a three-ring binder. Not unlike tax documents, we recommend that you maintain your child’s special education documents during the length of time they are in school. While a parent has a right to request a copy of their child’s educational records at any time under the Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA), it is still a good idea to maintain your own copy for comparison and easy access. Request a back-to-school IEP for the beginning of the year For both my own daughter and many of my clients, I frequently request that an IEP meeting be scheduled approximately 3-5 weeks into the school year to ensure that the services are being implemented smoothly and to review and tweak the IEP. For children undergoing a significant transition (e.g., to a new school or new placement), I would not hesitate to request a meeting to review that transition. Ideally, we recommend that this type of back-to-school meeting be included as a necessary accommodation in your child’s IEP, especially when experiencing a significant transition, but if that is not the case you can also simply contact your special education administrator and request it at the start of the school year. Schedule a special back-to-school meet-and-greet/tour for your child prior to the first day of school Many children with special needs need prior exposure to new experiences to help ease their anxiety. If this sounds like your child, we recommend reaching out the school to request a special meeting and/or tour with your child’s LBS and/or classroom teacher. This is especially important if s/he is undergoing a significant transition. However, for many kids, it is necessary even if they are just moving up a grade into a new classroom. Most Illinois school districts implement several days of institute training for school staff prior to the first day of school and it is simple for them to schedule time for your child to visit. As with the back-to school IEP meeting, it is recommended that you include this special meeting/tour in your child’s IEP accommodations in their IEP every year.

As special education attorneys, we frequently receive calls from parents who want to know whether their children with special needs are entitled to any services or accommodations at private schools. Unlike students in public schools, students with disabilities in private schools are generally not entitled to an IEP under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), however, there are a few options available that parents may want to explore. Individual Service Plans: The IDEA does establish a “proportionate share” arrangement between school districts and private schools. This means that public school districts must utilize a certain share of their funding for children attending private schools within the district’s boundaries. Through the proportionate share arrangement, private schools and the local districts conduct annual meetings and discussions regarding what types of special education and/or related services they will provide. The local school district will then draft an “individual service plan” or “ISP” for the child. An ISP is less detailed than an IEP, but will document the types of service provided, as well as the location and frequency of the service. To find out what type of service a school district will be providing to a private school student, a parent should contact the district administrative office of the school district in which the private school is located. If your child is not yet eligible for special education, the district in which the private school is located is also responsible for conducting the initial case study evaluation for potential eligibility. Part-Time Attendance: In Illinois, we have a unique section of our School Code, 105 ILCS 5/14-6.01, which allows students with disabilities in private schools to also enroll part-time in their local school district of residence to receive special education services. A request for part-time attendance must be submitted by a parent to the school district where the child resides. If a parent chooses part-time attendance, the resident district of the student is responsible for all evaluations and IEP services. However, the actual IEP services depend on the amount of time the student attends the public school and is generally determined by the public school, in conjunction with the IEP team. For example, if the child needs a specialized reading class for a learning disability, the public school has the discretion to determine what class the child will attend. The public school is not required to create special classes or services to accommodate the part-time attendance schedule. Section 504/ADA Accommodations/Services: Children with disabilities in private schools are entitled to receive reasonable accommodations/ modifications through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, if the school receives federal funding, and under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADA) even if the school receives no federal funding. While many private schools may also offer special services for children with disabilities, to attract new families and keep families together, they are not required to provide actual services under Section 504 or the ADA, just accommodations/modifications. Some private schools will create an “accommodations plan” for the child to document the accommodations, however they are not required to do so. Lara Cleary and Jennifer Hansen are partners with the law firm of Hansen & Cleary, LLC, a boutique law practice focusing on the representation of children and families, individuals with disabilities, medical and mental health practitioners, private schools, and other non-profit agencies in Chicagoland and throughout Illinois.