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This webinar is for Illinois families with students of ALL ages who have a disability. Special Education, Disability Rights, and Human Services Attorney Matt Cohen, will break down disability rights, IDEA, ADA, and how post-election results may impact students with disabilities, and what families can do to prepare. All families who have a student with a disability in the state of Illinois are welcome. This is a free, online event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ttjeanbaptiste@cps.edu.

Join us this Fall at Northwestern University for Imagine U: The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra, Go! (OCT 24. -NOV. 3). Check out this special preview video highlighting this production coming together. The Wong Kids is about Violet and Bruce Wong who just don’t fit in with the other Earth kids. Sure, they have superpowers; they’re just not very good ones. But when an evil beast called the Space Chupacabra appears, intent on universal destruction, the Wong kids must travel to far reaches of outer space to stop it ...if they can only stop bickering. Violet and Bruce ultimately realize that being different isn’t just okay; it might just be the most important thing ever. Using a mix of action-driven storytelling, puppetry, and visual magic, The Wong Kids transports its audience into the galaxy’s far reaches. Suggested Ages 7+ Approximate Run Time 70 minutes, no intermission Learn more about the play Learn more about the costumes and the sets No RSVP is required. Tickets are available, please go here for dates, times, and tickets. This is a repeating event, with shows until November 3, 2024. Special sensory showing, November 2, 2024. Discounted tickets for NPN members. Go here for more information. Lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: pete.brace@northwestern.edu.

This webinar provides a boundary setting approach that frees you from the frustration and anger at your children's reactions when you make simple requests, provide easy directions, and set limits. With this guidance, you'll experience a mindset shift, and become equipped to be the leader your children - all children, including neurodiverse children - will want to follow. It creates more peace and fun (yes, fun!) in your family life! You'll leave the webinar with: - compassion for what you’re up against, - understanding of the hidden reasons for your child’s default settings - know-how for factoring your child's settings in to your interactions, and - key principles to anchor you as you use the - scripts and - implementation plan provided - - knowing you can become a Serenely-Confident-Parent™! This is a recurring event being offered two other times: Wednesday, Nov 13th at 9:30amCT Saturday, Nov 16th at 10:30amCT This is a free, online event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com.

This playdate has been canceled and is in the process of being rescheduled. Please check the NPN calendar soon for the new date. We are sorry for this inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for Autumn Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the magic of autumn with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity: Children can dive into our Leaf Sensory Bin filled with dried leaves, acorns, and other textures, or enjoy the Apple Sensory Bin where they can scoop and discover hidden treasures. We’ll have a Pumpkin Painting station where little artists can decorate mini pumpkins with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough Station featuring autumn colors for creative molding and shaping. For imaginative play, kids can dress up our friendly scarecrow using old clothes and hay, and relax in our Autumn Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating fall-themed stories. Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect autumn treasures! We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and autumn fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. We ask non-members to contribute $20, which comes with a one-year NPN membership giving you free access to every playdate! Non-members, RSVP and then contribute HERE. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships and playdates.

Victoria Djembe & Chicago Warriors Drum Class! For the AUTISM and Disabilty Community! Learn fun African history along with basic sounds and rhythms of the Djembe and Dundun Drums. Class fee is $15. To RSVP and for info, email Adonis Haymer adonishaymer81@yahoo.com. Street Parking availalbe. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: adonishaymer81@yahoo.com.

Celebrate Diversity at NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Fair! As seen on WGN! Click here to watch. > Hear from adults and teens who are living and thriving with developmental differences, moderated by Kimberly Johnson, Board President of The Arc of Illinois > Talk with experts and find resources (see our growing list of exhibitors here) > Take professional family photos with Thomas from TK Photography > Taste delicious food & beverages, from Lifeway Kefir, Werewolf Coffee Bar, Al's Cookie Mixx, and more > Win a raffle prize courtesy of Building Blocks Toy Store, and more > Meet a supportive community, connect with other parents and families > Arrive at 2:00 for a special West African drum performance from Victoria Boateng > Plus the first 25 NPN member families to arrive receive a swag bag full of goodies! NPN Member Benefits > Additional free raffle ticket > Swag bag full of goodies if you are one of the first 25 NPN member families to arrive! Want to join NPN and get these awesome benefits? Join NPN for just $20 with promo code join45off Important Info Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024 Time: 2:00 - 4:00 PM Location: Wolcott College Prep Arts & Athletic Center, 1950 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622 Parking: Free parking in attached lot and easy, free street parking on surrounding blocks Questions? Email NPN Executive Director Amy Johnson at amy@npnparents.org Providers: click here to exhibit and to learn how you can partner with us at the fair! Thank you to our Sponsors

We regret to inform you that the support group for August has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience. 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. Do you live south of the Loop and want to bring NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group to your area? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss.

NPN is known for helping families find childcare, research schools, navigate developmental differences, and get parent-to-parent advice. Helping families navigate developmental differences is one part of our mission that is especially meaningful to me and the rest of the staff team. NPN’s Developmental Differences Resource Fair (DDRF) began about thirteen years ago. After listening to parents discuss the need for easy access to resources and information, NPN felt compelled to help. With guidance, direction and support from Lorell Marin from LEEP Forward/ Quantum Leep Academy, and leaders from respected providers such as Tuesday’s Child and others, DDRF was born. The goal of the first DDRF was to help parents of children with a range of developmental differences including developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, Autism, ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities, and more. That mission remains the same today. Traditionally, DDRF is an event with an exhibit hall of vendors (therapy providers, therapeutic schools, enrichment activities, medical professionals, and more) and educational breakout sessions for parents on topics such as IEPs, paying for services, managing challenging behavior, and more. This year’s event will be similar, with some exciting changes. DDRF will kick off with a drum performance from Victoria Boeteng at 2:00. Opening remarks will start at 2:30, followed by a lively, intimate, and casual panel discussion, hosted by advocate extraordinaire, Kimberly Johnson of Chicagoland Autism Connection and Board President of The Arc of Illinois. In the panel discussion attendees will hear from teens and adults who are living and thriving with developmental differences. Before, after, and between speakers, families will be able to talk with expert professionals at the exhibitor tables. (See our growing list of exhibitors here.)Throughout the two-hour event, families will have an opportunity to have a professional family photo, connect with old and new friends, win raffle prizes, and enjoy refreshments. I hope you will join us at DDRF this year. It is happening on Saturday, September 7th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Wolcott College Prep Arts & Athletic Center, 1950 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60622. There is a free attached parking lot and plenty of free street parking. NPN members have free entry. Non-members are asked to make a $10 donation, or join NPN for $20 and then attend DDRF for free. Registration is required. You can learn more and register here. Because NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DDRF is only possible through the support of our parent, business, and non-profit community. We are grateful for the support of our parent members and our sponsors. DDRF’s growing list of sponsors includes Black Bear Academy, Blue Bird Day, CST Academy, Dabney Behavioral Health, and Lyons Family Eye Care. We are also grateful for the support of the professionals and parents who make up our Developmental Differences Advisory Committee: Evelyn Perez-Horita, Family Child Advocate at North Shore Pediatric Therapy; Kimberly Johnson, Board President The Arc of Illinois; Laura Baginski, former chair of NPN’s Developmental Differences Parent Support Group; Lorell Marin, founder of LEEP Forward and Quantum Leep Academy; Michelle Paris, Founder and Clinical Director at Patterns and Threads: Psychotherapy & Consultation; and Tareema Jean-Baptist, Early Childhood Special Education Family PD Specialist Starnet Region V.

Join NPN and Dr. Shelley Upton with Chicago Psychotherapy PLLC as we talk through how and when to get your child evaluated for developmental differences for those children presenting as early as preschool years through those with lower support needs who are starting to present after they have begun their education journey. Dr Upton will also speak through her experience with IEP' and how an IEP evaluation and a clinical evaluation differ and how best to utilize them to support your child's needs. Dr. Upton specializes in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is skilled at conducting a variety of cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, and adaptive measures with both typically developing and neuro-diverse patients (e.g., ASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Dr. Upton also has experience in the administration of various specialty evaluations such as special education eligibility evaluations and evaluations for the purposes of procuring accommodations for high stakes tests (e.g., the ACT and SAT). She has an extensive background in working with neurodiverse clients across the lifespan and their families.

Join NPN and Dr. Shelley Upton with Chicago Psychotherapy PLLC as we talk through how and when to get your child evaluated for developmental differences for those children presenting as early as preschool years through those with lower support needs who are starting to present after they have begun their education journey. Dr Upton will also speak through her experience with IEP' and how an IEP evaluation and a clinical evaluation differ and how best to utilize them to support your child's needs. This will be a Live Webinar with an opportunity to ask questions. Dr. Upton specializes in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is skilled at conducting a variety of cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, and adaptive measures with both typically developing and neuro-diverse patients (e.g., ASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Dr. Upton also has experience in the administration of various specialty evaluations such as special education eligibility evaluations and evaluations for the purposes of procuring accommodations for high stakes tests (e.g., the ACT and SAT). She has an extensive background in working with neurodiverse clients across the lifespan and their families.

How do Parents Advocate for their Neurodivergent Students in a Classroom and Support Student Self Advocacy? School can be an amazing place to learn and be in community with others. It can also be a really tricky place to navigate for Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people. Although supporting students through a neurodiversity-affirming lens can lead to positive social-emotional and learning outcomes for all kids, awareness about neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirming practices within the schools is just emerging. So, how do you share this information with some members of your school team? How can students learn to self-advocate for themselves in the space? Stephanie Boron, M.S., CCC-SLP, will share information on how to make this process easier and more approachable for you and your child that fosters genuine collaboration with your school team. Stephanie Boron, M.S., CCC-SLP is a licensed and Certified Speech and Language Pathologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University. With a focus on creating safe and inclusive spaces, Stephanie specializes in neurodiversity-affirming, child-led evaluation and treatment, with a special interest in gestalt language processing (i.e., communication through scripting/echolalia). Stephanie has an online advocacy presence on Instagram @BeMeSpeech. Stephanie's own neurodivergent identity impacts her advocacy work. She is passionate about creating space for others to listen to and learn from neurodivergent perspective. As a strong believer that disability rights are human rights, I love getting to actively mentor the next generation of clinicians to empower their clients and advocate for change in their communities.

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. Do you live south of the Loop and want to bring NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group to your area? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss.

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. Do you live south of the Loop and want to bring NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group to your area? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss.