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Showing results for tags 'Developmental Differences'.
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This year's event is brand new and features discussion, support, connection, and joy! Catch a sneak peek of us on Fox32 Chicago, here and here! Parents will enjoy: Introductions to local providers - see the list here Keynote address, topic and speaker coming soon! Parent-led round table discussions Snacks, drinks, and a curated exhibit hall See the schedule here Discussion topics are to be determined, but may include: Emotional regulation tools Focusing on strengths rather than deficits PDA/School Refusal Sensory profiles and more! Important Information Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Time: 4:00-7:00 PM Location: Leep Forward/Quantum Leep Academy, 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 Tickets: Free for parents when you register using the green "Register Now" button on this page (mobile users scroll down). Providers: Email amy@npnparents.org to register. Special Note: To get the most out of this event, we encourage parents to attend without their children. However, parents who have registered in advance and arrive with their children will not be turned away. Contact: amy@npnparents.org Thank you to our Sponsors -
In this video, Sitaara sits down and unpacks the valuable insights shared by Tareema Jean-Baptiste, a seasoned advocate and this year's Developmental Differences Parent Forum keynote speaker, who has dedicated her life to supporting families of children with developmental differences. You'll learn actionable tips for advocating effectively, the importance of research, and how to maintain a positive mindset throughout the parenting journey. This was originally recorded for NPN's Chicago Style Parenting podcast and published in March 2026. -
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Join NPN and LEEP Forward / Quantum LEEP Academy for a Celebration of Creativity and Fun! 🪴 Embrace the magic of spring with hands-on, movement-filled, and creative activities designed to spark imagination, laughter, and connection. 🎨 Art & Creativity Stations Get crafty with spring keepsakes to take home and share! From colorful collages and nature-inspired art to playful painting and sensory playdough fun, there’s something for every little artist. 🤸♂️ Movement & Play in the Gym Jump, move, and groove through engaging games and activities and don’t miss our bounce house for extra giggles and energy bursts! 🍎 Snacks & Surprises Re-fuel with healthy, allergy-friendly snacks and enjoy a few festive surprises along the way. Come celebrate the season with us, where creativity, community, and fun come together for an unforgettable morning! LEEP Forward/Quantum LEEP Academy is located at 1447 W Montrose Ave. -
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A guided webinar to help you unhook from your own anxiety and build confidence for you and your neurodiverse child. Choose between two dates: Friday, March 27, 10am CT - 11 am CT OR Monday, March 30, 7:30 pm CT - 8:30 pm CT We catch our children’s anxiety, and they catch ours. It’s difficult to tell which is which. It might not even occur to us to try. What if you could understand what’s happening in your system and respond with steadiness instead of bracing? With compassion and encouragement instead of fear? What if you could guide both yourself and your child through the anxiety with more ease? Imagine how the “what if’s”, the catastrophizing, and even moments of clear and present distress could be transformed into strength, confidence, and, resilience. If you’ve been feeling like you’re walking on eggshells, braced for the next shift or meltdown, I want you to know there is another way to move through this within yourself and with your child. I invite you to a free webinar designed to shift how your family experiences these moments - not by fixing, but by anchoring. This month, we’ll explore what it takes to Unhook from Anxiety—to diffuse it, regulate our nervous system, and bring more ease into our family’s emotional world. In this session, we’ll dive into: ✅ How to distinguish between your child’s anxiety and your own so you don’t unintentionally make it harder for both of you— and become a steady source of understanding and encouragement. ✅ The ways unspoken anxiety harms your children and your relationship with them — and learn how to guide your anxiety to prevent it from being absorbed by your children. ✅ Simple tools to find stability early and often—so you can feel grounded without needing certainty or control to keep anxiety in its rightful place. Anxiety can be a space of growth, regulation, and connection—for both you and your child. Join me for this webinar where you’ll discover how to become your own best anchor, guiding you toward creating more ease and stability in your family. I'll save room for some Q&A at the end. This a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is a virtual event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com. -
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Ready for a morning of smiles, snacks, and FUN!? 😊✨ Join us for the Chinatown Early Childhood Playdate—a FREE inclusive event designed to help your little ones thrive and give parents the support they deserve. 🎨 Creative Play: Fun activities tailored for all early learners. 📊 Child Development: Developmental screenings available in English & Chinese. ☕ Parent Support: FREE resources, self-care tips, and delicious snacks! 🤝 Community: Connect with local families and build lasting friendships. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ttjeanbaptiste@cps.edu. -
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If you’ve learned a lot about anxiety—but still struggle to free yourself and your child from its grip—this workshop is where things shift from understanding to action. You’re not a bad parent. Your child’s anxiety isn’t your fault. And - there is much that can be done to help! We humans are operating with nervous systems designed for different times. This often results in responding to our own and our children’s anxiety in ways that unintentionally feed the anxiety instead of helping to move through it. This workshop is designed to help you catch anxiety early and respond confidently. The workshop includes live teaching and guided discussion, using worksheets (worksheets included) to help you identify what’s getting in the way, and what to do instead. Register now to reserve your spot. The cost is $150 per couple and $90 for single. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is a two-part event with the 2nd virtual seminar on March 18, 2026. -
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If you’ve learned a lot about anxiety—but still struggle to free yourself and your child from its grip—this workshop is where things shift from understanding to action. You’re not a bad parent. Your child’s anxiety isn’t your fault. And - there is much that can be done to help! We humans are operating with nervous systems designed for different times. This often results in responding to our own and our children’s anxiety in ways that unintentionally feed the anxiety instead of helping to move through it. This workshop is designed to help you catch anxiety early and respond confidently. The workshop includes live teaching and guided discussion, using worksheets (worksheets included) to help you identify what’s getting in the way, and what to do instead. 20% discount available for NPN members. Click here for redemption information. NPN Community Members upgrade to a Parent Membership to access NPN Discounts. Register now to reserve your spot. The cost is $150 per couple and $90 for single. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is a two-part event with the 2nd virtual seminar on March 18, 2026. This is an online event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com. -
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We catch our children’s anxiety and they catch ours. It’s difficult to tell which is which. It might not even occur to us to try. What if you could understand what’s happening in your system and respond with steadiness instead of bracing? With compassion and encouragement instead of fear? What if you could guide both yourself and your child through the anxiety with more ease? Imagine how the “what if’s”, the catastrophizing, and even moments of clear and present distress could be transformed into strength, confidence, and resilience. If you’ve been feeling like you’re walking on eggshells, braced for the next shift or meltdown, I want you to know there is another way to move through this within yourself and with your child. I invite you to a free webinar designed to shift how your family experiences these moments - not by fixing, but by anchoring. This month, we’ll explore what it takes to Unhook from Anxiety—to diffuse it, regulate our nervous system, and bring more ease into our family’s emotional world. In this session, we’ll dive into: How to distinguish between your child’s anxiety and your own so you don’t unintentionally make it harder for both of you— and become a steady source of understanding and encouragement. The ways unspoken anxiety harms your children and your relationship with them — and learn how to guide your anxiety to prevent it from being absorbed by your children. Simple tools to find stability early and often—so you can feel grounded without needing certainty or control to keep anxiety in its rightful place. Anxiety can be a space of growth, regulation, and connection—for both you and your child. Join me for this webinar where you’ll discover how to become your own best anchor, guiding you toward creating more ease and stability in your family. I'll save room for some Q&A at the end. Register now to reserve your spot. I look forward to connecting with you soon! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an online event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com. -
Mo Buti, advocate and instructional expert for people with autism and other disabilities, discusses important information that parents should know about IEPs and the IEP process. In this discussion, you will learn what an IEP is and who qualifies for one, the new law in Illinois regarding IEP drafts, what an IEP looks like, how to prepare for an IEP meeting, and so much more. Listen for practical, concrete advice on reading through the IEP draft, determining if the IEP is appropriate, and scheduling the IEP meeting. This session was recorded in February 2025 for NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. -
Chicago Children’s Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical and educational programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us. The Red Kite Friendship Tour is a 30-minute, multi-sensory, interactive theatrical experience designed by Chicago Children's Theatre specifically for youth on the autism spectrum. Featuring trained artists, these, shows—often featuring "Red Kite, Green Mountain"—encourage movement, interaction, and song in a supportive environment. No RSVP is necessary, but please go here for more information. 50% discount available. Click here for redemption information. NPN Community Members upgrade to a Parent Membership to access NPN Discounts. Free Parking is available to patrons in our parking lot, which is located along the south wall of our building and can be accessed from Racine Avenue. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: bkoucherik@chicagochildrenstheatre.org
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This year's event is brand new and features discussion, support, connection, and joy! Catch a sneak peek of us on Fox32 Chicago, here and here! Parents will enjoy: Introductions to local providers - see the list here Keynote address, Finding Joy in Grief, Tareema Jean-Baptiste, speaker Parent-led round table discussions Appetizers, drinks, and a curated exhibit hall See the schedule here Discussion topics include: Emotional regulation tools Focusing on strengths rather than deficits PDA/School Refusal Sensory profiles and more! Important Information Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026 Time: 5:00-8:00 PM Location: Leep Forward/Quantum Leep Academy, 1447 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 Tickets: Free for parents when you register using the green "Register Now" button on this page (mobile users scroll down). Providers: Email amy@npnparents.org to register. Special Note: To get the most out of this event, we encourage parents to attend without their children. However, parents who have registered in advance and arrive with their children will not be turned away. Contact: amy@npnparents.org Thank you to our Sponsors -
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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 e-ticket. 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. -
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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 e-ticket. 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. -
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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 e-ticket. 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. -
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We are sorry, but this event is cancelled. Please check back in August. 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 e-ticket. 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. -
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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 e-ticket. 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. -
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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 e-ticket. 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. -
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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). This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. Do you live south of the Loop and want help starting NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group in your neighborhood? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss! -
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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). This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. Do you live south of the Loop and want help starting NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group in your neighborhood? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss! -
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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). This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. Do you live south of the Loop and want help starting NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group in your neighborhood? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss! -
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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). This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. Do you live south of the Loop and want help starting NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group in your neighborhood? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss! -
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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). This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. Do you live south of the Loop and want help starting NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group in your neighborhood? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss!
