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Showing results for tags 'Developmental Differences'.
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If your family has struggled with sleep at any stage, the prospect of "fixing" the situation can feel impossible when you're in the thick of it. For children and families experiencing developmental differences, sleep can be an ongoing challenge. We asked Laura Van Zandt, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Pediatric Occupational Therapist with advanced certifications in Sensory Integration and DIR/Floortime, to speak to some of the ways sleep struggles appear and how parents can support their kids. Here's our conversation, excerpted below. 1. Supporting newborn and infant sleep can be daunting for all parents, but what clues can parents recognize as signs that their baby's sleep might be impacted by developmental differences? And then how does supporting sleep look through this lens? The good news is that many babies simply need time, age-appropriate routines, and consistency as their sleep matures; however, some infants may be communicating that something deeper is affecting their ability to sleep. When challenges have been ongoing, one of the first things I tell parents is to trust their instincts and to look at the whole picture. [...] Some helpful questions parents can begin asking include: Are feedings consistently difficult or stressful? Does my baby seem uncomfortable lying flat? Are they unusually sensitive to sound, light, touch, or movement? Do they only sleep when being held or moving, and seem unable to settle in any other environment? Are they incredibly difficult to soothe, even when all of their basic needs have been met? Are they spending very little time in calm, alert states because they're either constantly asleep, constantly crying, or frequently dysregulated? Do they seem uncomfortable during or after feeds, arch their back frequently, or have persistent digestive concerns? None of these signs automatically mean something is wrong, and no single behavior tells the whole story. Many of these behaviors can also occur during typical development. What we're looking for are patterns—concerns that are persistent, occur together, or seem to interfere with a baby's ability to comfortably eat, play, connect, and sleep. [...] 2. How do toddler sleep struggles look for kids with developmental differences, and is there a different toolbox parents need to fill to support their little ones through sleep challenges? Children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, anxiety, communication differences, genetic conditions, or motor challenges often experience bedtime differently than their peers. [...] We still use the foundations of healthy sleep—consistent routines, age-appropriate schedules, and healthy sleep habits—but rather than parents asking "How do I stop this behavior?" I like to shift the conversation to "What might my child be trying to communicate?" Once we understand the "why," our toolbox expands far beyond traditional sleep strategies. Those might include visual schedules, social stories, bedtime passes, sensory regulation activities, environmental modifications, communication supports, or teaching emotional regulation skills during the day rather than only expecting those skills at bedtime. One powerful strategy that I love incorporating is pretend play and role-playing. As an occupational therapist, I know that children don't just learn through being told what to do—they learn through play. Play is a child's natural language, and it's often where they process experiences, build confidence, and practice new skills in a safe, low-pressure way. 3. How can parents support children who need more help calming their bodies/nervous systems before sleep? The first thing I encourage parents to do is become curious about what helps their child regulate and to think beyond the bedtime routine. [...] For many families, this means creating a bedtime routine that supports the nervous system, not just checks off tasks. That might include dimming the lights, reducing household stimulation, slowing the pace of the evening, reading together, practicing deep breathing, gentle stretches, child massage, rocking, listening to calming music, or incorporating calming sensory activities that fit that particular child. The goal isn't to add more to parents' evenings—it's to choose a few strategies that help that individual child feel safe, connected, and regulated. 4. When might families consider chiropractic care for their children to aid in better sleep? I think this is such an important question because it's also an opportunity to talk about building the right team around a child. Sleep is influenced by so many different systems in the body, and sometimes supporting sleep means looking beyond sleep itself. When I consider referring out to chiropractic care I’m often seeing underlying factors that may be contributing to their child's discomfort, movement, regulation, or overall well-being. If those concerns are present, chiropractic care may be one piece of a comprehensive care team for some families. [...] As an occupational therapist, I often think about the nervous system as the foundation for everything we do. In some situations, families may choose to consult a pediatric chiropractor—particularly one with additional training in infant and pediatric care, neurodevelopment, or nervous system-focused approaches—as part of a broader evaluation. This may be appropriate for children with persistent body tension, asymmetrical movement patterns, torticollis, positional preferences, musculoskeletal discomfort, feeding difficulties that occur alongside movement or postural concerns, or challenges with regulation that appear to be influenced by physical discomfort. 5. If you could impart any piece of advice/comfort to parents of children with developmental differences struggling with sleep, what would it be? I know how isolating sleep struggles can feel. When you're up night after night, you're exhausted, you're questioning every decision you've made, and it can seem like everyone else has figured it out except you. Add developmental differences into the picture, and it's easy to wonder if sleep will ever get easier. But I want parents to know that there is hope. [...] I also remind families to celebrate progress instead of chasing perfection. Better sleep doesn't always happen overnight. Sometimes success looks like a child falling asleep ten minutes faster, waking one less time during the night, tolerating a new bedtime routine, or needing a little less support than they did the week before. Those small victories matter because they add up to meaningful, lasting change. About LauraLaura Van Zandt, OTR/L, is a pediatric occupational therapist and certified pediatric sleep consultant who helps families build healthy sleep through a developmental, family-centered lens. Combining evidence-based sleep strategies with expertise in sensory processing, nervous system regulation, and child development, she empowers families to achieve restful nights while strengthening connection and confidence. -
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I became a parent in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, returning to work when my child was just 12 weeks old as we navigated complex medical treatments. From the start, it was nonstop. While raising any child is a full-time job, raising a child with developmental differences is at a whole other level. The job on paper that everyone sees comes with scheduled meetings, performance reviews, and deadlines. The second full-time role, largely unseen by others, entails care plans, specialist appointments, and constant advocacy that demands your attention. Managing these two competing worlds, earning the income needed for my child’s care while remaining present in a rigid corporate environment, quickly became exhausting. Most days, I felt like I was failing at both, and I was barely holding on. Take a typical day. Mornings were a blur, a race to get out the door, followed by a commute where I tried to mentally switch gears for work before I even arrived. I’d walk into the office feeling like I’d already run a marathon, spending the day performing productivity while hiding just how exhausted I really was. By mid-afternoon, the anxiety would set in as I rushed out to grab my son for therapy, praying no one noticed I was leaving early again. I often finished my workday from clinic waiting rooms, before rushing home for the frantic bedtime routine and collapsing into bed, hoping for just enough sleep to repeat it all the next day. Juggling preschool, therapies, and a full-time corporate role was all-consuming. After over three years of trying to force it all to work, the cracks in that unsustainable path became impossible to ignore. Finding a way forward felt daunting, but once I gave myself permission to look for alternatives, everything shifted. Specifically, two changes transformed my reality. First, I found an incredible school that integrates therapies directly into the school day. This changed everything: instead of acting as the central coordinator between various providers and teachers, a unified team now collaborates to support my child in one place. It provided profound peace of mind knowing my son was receiving the best combination of academics and therapeutic care. That transition immediately saved me hours each week, ending the exhausting cycle of stitching together disjointed care schedules around a rigid career, a puzzle of constantly shifting pieces that had consumed my life. With that weight lifted, I gained the clarity needed to take a leap: I left my corporate role to launch my own business as a marketing consultant and freelancer. This shift let me apply the resilience and advocacy skills I’d built to fully own my schedule. Reframing my career provided the breathing room I desperately needed, proving that prioritizing my family didn't mean sacrificing my professional ambitions; instead, I built a sustainable work schedule that allowed me to continue growing my career while fully supporting my family. If you are currently in the thick of it, please know you are not alone. Finding a more sustainable path is possible when you lean into the support and resources available to you. By combining a flexible mindset with the same fierce advocacy you already use for your child, you can find a better operating model that allows you to thrive professionally without compromising on your family's needs. You have the power to stop choosing between the grind and your child; you can build a reality that serves both. About Blair KoorsenBlair Koorsen is a Chicago marketing consultant and a parent at Black Bear Academy, a Chicago school and onsite-therapy clinic that sponsors NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Fair and Preschool and Elementary School Fair. Her son attends Black Bear, where his therapy happens right alongside his classes. -
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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 Parent Workshop led by improvisational educator and LEEP Forward assistant clinician Will Nicholson: Improv Techniques to Support Parent-Child Connection Parent-led round table discussions Provider-led interactive sensory activities that parents can create at home Refreshments See the schedule here Discussion topics will include: Aggressive Behavior Connecting with Your Child Through Play Creating a Partnership with Your School Creating a Supportive Environment at Home Based on Your Child's Sensory Profile 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 By registering for this event, you agree that NPN can share your email address with our sponsors. Thank you to our Sponsors -
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Join Uniquely Sweet Cafe for an unforgettable evening of inspiring stories, heartfelt conversations, and community as we celebrate the lives, talents, and journeys of autistic individuals and their families. Autism Unplugged: Stories from the Spectrum brings together powerful storytellers, special guests, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with others who believe in building a more inclusive future. Following the program, continue the celebration at our Dance Party with DJ Dylan, featuring music, dancing, desserts, and time to celebrate together Every ticket purchased and sponsor investment directly impacts the opening of Uniquely Sweet Café, a mission-driven coffee shop dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities, life-skills development, social connection, and ongoing support for autistic adults. Join us for an evening that will inspire, entertain, and make a lasting impact. Prices vary. Early Bird Discount available until August 31, 2026. Go here to learn more and register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: cafe@uniquesweetsinc.org. -
Amy and Laura Van Zandt discuss sleep through the lens of developmental differences. They discuss why so many children with developmental differences struggle with sleep, some of the biggest misconceptions about sleep in children with developmental differences. They talk about why bedtime can be the hardest part of the day for children, and signs that parents can watch for to help tell the difference between "typical" sleep challenges and signs that something more may be going on. Additionally, Laura walks listeners through specific steps they can take tonight to help their child improve their sleep. This video was recorded in July 2026 for NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. -
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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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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 -
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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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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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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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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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 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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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). 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.
