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Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan? Are you having challenges receiving supportive services in school for your child? Are you overwhelmed with understanding what therapies your insurance will cover and will not cover? Did you know your child can receive accommodations even in college? Do you know your child's rights within the state of Illinois? Well NPN is here to help! In this session, you will learn when it is appropriate to seek legal advice, what rights your child has in the state of Illinois, what are your child's health care rights in the state of Illinois and so much more! Our expert will provide valuable information as well as be ready to answer your questions.

This webinar is for parents, caregivers, and families of special needs children. In this session, we will discuss what is special education, who is eligible for special education services, how to initiate services, and what rights children have within the State of Illinois. Parents will also be able to ask questions and hear directly from Kimberly Johnson, Parent Involvement Specialist CPS ODLSS. This is an online and free event. RSVP is necessary. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ttjeanbaptiste@cps.edu.

Spring is here and that means summer is just around the corner! Yes, parents, it's that time to plan for Summer Activities and Camp! This process can be overwhelming especially if you have a child with special needs. Well NPN is here to help. There are many options, whether it's art, music, drama, speech, executive functioning, or swimming! In this session, you will hear about summer activities, camps, and extended school year programs available in the Chicagoland area for special needs kids. Our Esteemed Panelists: Dana Hutchins, MS DT, Chief Clinical Executive Director, Quantum LEEP Academy, Cheryle Yallen, Executive Director, One In A Hundred Summer Camp, Sam Mauceri, Director of Education & Access Programs, Chicago Children's Theatre, Shannon Tovey, Human Resources Manager, SEASPAR, Joel Gutierrez, Senior Program and Event Coordinator, Chicago Park District, Bradley J. Dembs. J. D., Attorney & ESY Advocate, Matt Cohen & Associates

Choosing the right therapeutic preschool for your child can be an overwhelming task, especially in Chicago where there are so many options. With so many different therapeutic approaches, how do you know which approach works for you and your family? In this discussion, you will learn about a variety of therapeutic preschool approaches, hear examples of good questions to ask and things to think about when you are researching therapeutic preschools, how insurance coverage works, and walk away confident in your ability to choose a therapeutic preschool that is a good fit for your family. Our Esteemed Panelists: Lorell Marin, M.Ed., LCSW, BCBA, DT, Founder/CVO, LEEP Forward., Dr. Connie Weil, Clinical Director, Tuesday's Child, Kimberly Shlaes, Director of Preschool Programming & Developmental Therapy, PlayWorks Therapy Inc., Katelyn Suski, Director, Chicago Speech Therapy Academy, and Dr. Jennifer King, Director, Blue Bird Day Wheaton Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor LEEP Forward.

As the world begins to normalize neurodiversity, more and more educational options are becoming available for special needs kids. In Chicagoland, there are several private school options for diverse learners. In this session, you will hear from Lorell Marin, Founder, of Quantum Leep Academy, and Kaitlyn "Kait" Mullahey, Head of School, Fusion Academy Lincoln Park. Our presenters will discuss why parents should consider private school options for their diverse learners, what questions parents should ask on their search, what an academic curriculum with therapeutic support looks like, and how tuition coverage works.

Join Autism Eats for Lunch at The Isle. This event like all Autism Eats events is entirely autism family friendly and all behaviors are welcome. Price: $20 per adult; $10 per child RSVP Required: Please go here to RSVP. Lot and nearby street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: lzohn90@comcast.net.

Choosing the right therapeutic preschool for your child can be an overwhelming task, especially in Chicago where there are so many options. With so many different therapeutic approaches, how do you know which approach works for you and your family? In this discussion, you will learn about a variety of therapeutic preschool approaches, hear examples of good questions to ask and things to think about when you are researching therapeutic preschools, how insurance coverage works, and walk away confident in your ability to choose a therapeutic preschool that is a good fit for your family. Our Esteemed Panelists: Lorell Marin, M.Ed., LCSW, BCBA, DT, Founder/CVO, LEEP Forward. Dr. Connie Weil, Clinical Director, Tuesday's Child Kimberly Shlaes, Director of Preschool Programming & Developmental Therapy, PlayWorks Therapy Inc. Katelyn Suski, Director, Chicago Speech Therapy Academy Dr. Jennifer King, Director, Blue Bird Day Wheaton Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor LEEP Forward. By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor.

It was an early Sunday morning in March 2012. I did not get much sleep the night before, because I was 4 months pregnant with our second child, and our first child, Luke, had just received a diagnosis of autism and epilepsy. To say that I was stressed would be an understatement. Related: Your Child Received a Diagnosis, Now What? After speaking to my nursing pediatrician, it was recommended that I join a few community groups for support and resources. It was in this search that I found out about a resource fair that was created for parents just like me - parents that were overwhelmed, stressed, and on the hunt for resources and community. I was determined to provide my children with the best options available and realized that attending this fair might help me do just that. Overwhelmed with loneliness, desperation, and fear of our new normal we went to our first NPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair (DDRF) that morning. If I close my eyes right now, I can remember the moment I walked into my first NPN Developmental Differences Resources Fair. I can remember looking around and seeing so many resources and so many families, like mine, all in one room. Instantly, my stress levels decreased and I breathed a sigh of relief as the feeling of hope, which had escaped me for several months, came flooding back. I was able to connect with so many resources at once! The biggest takeaway was the connections with the other families I met; just knowing I was not alone gave me so much encouragement. The following year, I returned for my second DDRF. This time I was more confident, I knew exactly which resources I needed, and I was prepared with questions to ask. My biggest takeaway that second year at DDRF was that there is literally a resource for everything. Education, extra-curricular activities, therapies, government benefits, financial planning, whatever it is - there is a resource for it. I just had no idea where to look to find all of the information that I needed and had been too exhausted as a new mom to seek out the resources on my own. Related: Raising a Black Autistic Boy in America Fast forward to today and my son is now 12 years old and thriving! I have to say that being an advocate for my son and utilizing the resources that I found at NPN’s DDRF have made all the difference. I am proud to report that we have been able to change the trajectory of our son’s progress for the better. One of the best decisions I ever made was to pull my exhausted, desperate, hopeless, and stressed self out of bed that morning in March 2012, and take the first steps towards building our community and support network.

This session is for parents who are concerned about their child’s development and/or trying to make sense of the many therapies available to support their child. In this session, we will discuss ABA, speech, and occupational therapy, individual talk therapy, and family therapy. We will explore how all or some of these therapies might work together to meet your child’s needs and what an approach that incorporates multiple therapies might look like.

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. Register for upcoming dates in 2023 here: December - virtual 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!

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. Register for upcoming dates in 2023 here: October - virtual November - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. December - virtual 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!

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. Register for upcoming dates in 2023 here: August - virtual September - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. October - virtual November - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. December - virtual 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!

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.

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. Register for upcoming dates in 2023 here: November - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. December - virtual 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!

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. Register for upcoming dates in 2023 here: September - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. October - virtual November - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. December - virtual 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!

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. Register for upcoming dates in 2023 here: July - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. August - virtual September - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. October - virtual November - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. December - virtual 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!

Raising a child is expensive, especially when your child has special needs. Government benefits are helpful however understanding the process can be overwhelming. Well NPN is here to help! In this session, we will discuss what types of benefit programs exist, which benefits programs are available to you, and what is needed for the application process. You will walk away with clarity about government benefits and how to set your child up with financial support as they become an adult. This session is helpful for parents of special needs children from ages 3 to 22. Our Esteemed Presenter: Sherri Schneider, founder, Family Benefit Solutions, Inc For more than 25 years, Sherri has been tirelessly dedicated to helping individuals with special needs and their families. Her career began as a Case Manager in a Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) where she helped those with developmental disabilities and mental illnesses acquire the government benefits they so desperately needed, including SSI, Medicaid, and food stamps. She was instrumental in creating one of the first Community Living Facility (CLF) facilities funded under a Medicaid waiver. Sherri now meets privately with families to thoroughly assess their individual situations and pursue the appropriate benefit assistance program(s), personally guiding them through the application process. Based on her vast experience, she has skillfully established and maintained open, productive relationships with government agencies involved in the decision-making process. Professionals find her in-service expertise to be invaluable as they navigate the government benefit process.

Does your child struggle with focus, irritability, or sleeping? Have you noticed that your child has become more clingy, fidgety, or finicky with food? Are you concerned about a change you observe in your child's behavior? Trying to figure out what is the root cause of a change in a child's behavior can be overwhelming. Well, NPN is here to help. In this session, we will discuss anxiety and bring clarity around what anxiety symptoms look like, when a diagnosis is appropriate, and what supportive resources and treatments are available. This webinar is for children ages 2 - 8 years old who are neurodiverse or neurotypical. Our Esteemed Panelist: Dr. Chrisna M. Perry, Ph.D., Founder & Director, Comprehensive Learning Services Dr. Bill Pasola, Psy.D., Psychotherapist, Smart Love Family Services

Does your child have an IEP or 504 plan? Are you having challenges receiving supportive services in school for your child? Are you overwhelmed with understanding what therapies your insurance will cover and will not cover? Did you know your child can receive accommodations even in college? Do you know your child's rights within the state of Illinois? Well NPN is here to help! In this session, you will learn when it is appropriate to seek legal advice, what rights your child has in the state of Illinois, what are your child's health care rights in the state of Illinois and so much more! Our expert will provide valuable information as well as be ready to answer your questions. Our Esteemed Presenter: Anna Eisner Seder, Attorney, Matt Cohen & Associates Anna joined Matt Cohen & Associates in 2022. She practiced in the areas of product liability and commercial litigation for several years before taking time off to raise her children. From 2014-2017, Anna worked as an Adjunct Professor of Legal Writing at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Anna became interested in special education advocacy through volunteer work as well as through her own experiences as a parent. Anna looks forward to helping families obtain special education services and support and Section 504 accommodations. Anna earned a B.A. in Rhetoric and Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Spring is here and that means summer is just around the corner! Yes, parents, it's that time to plan for Summer Activities and Camp! This process can be overwhelming especially if you have a child with special needs. Well NPN is here to help. There are many options, whether it's art, music, drama, speech, executive functioning, or swimming! In this session, you will hear about summer activities, camps, and programs available Chicagoland area for special needs kids. Our Esteemed Panelists: Dana Hutchins, MS DT, Chief Clinical Executive Director, LEEP Forward. Cheryle Yallen, Executive Director, One In A Hundred Summer Camp Sam Mauceri, Director of Education & Access Programs, Chicago Children's Theater Shannon Tovey, Human Resources Manager, SEASPAR Joel Gutierrez, Senior Program and Event Coordinator, Chicago Park District Bradley J. Dembs. J. D., Attorney & ESY Advocate, Matt Cohen & Associates

As the world begins to normalize neurodiversity, more and more educational options are becoming available for special needs kids. In Chicagoland, there are several private school options for diverse learners. In this session, you will hear from Lorell Marin, Founder, of Quantum Leep Academy, and Kaitlyn "Kait" Mullahey, Head of School, Fusion Academy Lincoln Park. Our presenters will discuss why parents should consider private school options for their diverse learners, what questions parents should ask on their search, what an academic curriculum with therapeutic support looks like, and how tuition coverage works. Our Esteemed Presenters: Lorell Marin, M.Ed., LCSW, BCBA, DT, Founder/CVO, Quantum LEEP Academy Lorell Marin founded LEEP Forward in 2001 out of her desire to create innovative and inclusive learning environments for all children that focused on social-emotional development. She expanded this vision in 2018 to include a school focusing on diverse learners. Lorell holds a master’s degree in both Social Work and Teaching (specializing in Special Education ). Lorell believes passionately in the potential of all children. This belief has driven her to continue to build up her toolbox and evolve with her clients. Just as no two children are alike, neither can the approach we take to support them along their path. Kaitlyn "Kait" Mullahey, M.S., C.A.G.S., Head of School, Fusion Academy Lincoln Park Kait earned a Bachelor of Science from Le Moyne College in Psychology and Elementary and Special Education, and a Master of Science in Inclusive Education from Syracuse University. She then went on to earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law in School Discipline Reform and stands as a doctoral candidate in Loyola University of Chicago’s Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program. Prior to joining Fusion, Kait served as a high school English and special education teacher and personalized learning instructional coach in city schools in New York. She has also held the roles of director of student support and assistant principal on Chicago's South and West sides. Passionate about teacher preparation, Kait has also worked at Loyola University Chicago as a doctoral research assistant and adjunct professor at LUC and Roosevelt University. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: