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NPN's Annual Developmental Differences Resource Fair is all grown up! NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Forum at Quantum Leep Academy is a place where parents will connect, learn, and share information and support. Through a keynote address, parent-led round table discussions, and introductions to local providers, the forum is designed to help parents find support, connection, and joy. Discussion topics include emotional regulation tools, focusing on strengths rather than deficits, PDA/School Refusal, sensory profiles, and more. Appetizers, drinks, and a curated exhibit hall will round out the evening. Follow this link for the event schedule, a list of participating providers and more details. 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 RSVP: Free for parents with your RSVP (mobile users scroll down). This is the Parent Registration Page. Providers do not register here. Attendees: This event is designed for adults. 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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

This playdate has been canceled. We're sorry for the inconvenience. We hope you can come to a future playdate. You can find them all HERE. Join NPN and LEEP Forward / Quantum LEEP Academy for a Fall Celebration of Creativity and Fun! For children ages 5–10 and their families — siblings welcome! 🍂 Embrace the magic of autumn with hands-on, movement-filled, and creative activities designed to spark imagination, laughter, and connection. 🎨 Art & Creativity Stations Get crafty and create your own Halloween decorations or fall 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 Refuel with healthy, allergy-friendly snacks and enjoy a few festive surprises along the way. Come celebrate the season with us, where creativity, community, and Halloween fun come together for an unforgettable fall afternoon! LEEP Forward/Quantum LEEP Academy is located at 1447 W Montrose Ave.

Join Merit’s Wind Symphony for a free concert celebrating a Latin American tradition originating in Mexico, featuring music from Disney's Coco. Audience members are invited to move, dance, make noise, or partake in any way which helps them to enjoy the music. Families and those with sensory processing sensitivities welcome. Join us at Merit for this FREE concert: Hear familiar favorites from Merit’s Wind Symphony Children and adults of all ages and abilities welcome ✨ Experience a sensory-friendly style concert where the audience is encouraged to move around, make noise, take breaks, clap along, and more 👏 Celebrate neurodiversity at a performance that is made for everybody to enjoy ✨ Awesome opportunity for any child’s FIRST concert 🤗 Enjoy music to commemorate Dia de los Muertos and the diverse Latinx cultures represented in our Merit community ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Únete a la Merit's Wind Symphony en un concierto gratuito que celebra una tradición latinoamericana originaria de México, presentando música de Coco. Invitamos al público a moverse, bailar, hacer ruido, o participar de cualquier forma que les permita disfrutar de la música. Las familias y las personas con sensibilidad sensorial son bienvenidas. Acompáñanos en Merit para disfrutar de este concierto GRATUITO: Escucha los temas favoritos de Merit's Wind Symphony Son bienvenidos niños y adultos de todas las edades y niveles de capacidad ✨ Experimenta un concierto respetuoso con los sentidos (de estilo sensory-friendly) en el que se le anima al público a moverse, hacer ruido, tomar descansos, aplaudir, y mucho más 👏 Celebra la neurodiversidad en un espectáculo hecho para que todo el mundo disfrute ✨ Estupenda oportunidad para el PRIMER concierto de cualquier niño 🤗 Disfruta la música para conmemorar el Día de los Muertos y las diversas culturas latinas representadas en nuestra comunidad de Merit. This is a free event, but RSPV is required. Please go here to register. Street parking is available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: marketing@meritmusic.org.

LDA of Illinois invites you to attend our Fall virtual conference. On Friday evening, Oct. 3, at 6:45 p.m. we will have a panel on “I Have a Kid Who…” This is your opportunity to ask a question of an expert in the field. On Saturday, Oct. 4, everyone is welcome and educators can earn PD credits. We have a full day of sessions for you from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parents, grandparents, and adults with learning disabilities are free but must register to receive the Zoom link. Others pay a nominal fee ($20-$40). 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: admin@ldaillinois.org.