The Autism Program at CTF

September 2013 VOL 1, ISSUE 6

IN THIS ISSUE Activities & Events Page 2 ECI Autism Connect Page 3 Other Activities of Interest Page 4

Family & Community Resource Room

After a few weeks of unpacking and organizing, the new Family and Community Resource Room is up and going! We encourage you to come in and see all the exciting things we have to offer! We have structured teaching materials, a free-play area, and some structured play items. Weve added the new DSM 5 Desk Reference book and the video Neurotypical: Normal is a Cycle on a Washing Machine to our library. You will want to check out our back-to-school section. We have some examples of portable schedules and many visuals and tip sheets to assist in making back-to-school transitions easier! The computer in the resource room is always available for using Boardmaker and creating visuals tailored to your childs needs. Come in and browse around, ask questions, and utilize our resources!

TAP at CTF
6081 Development Drive Charleston, IL 61920

217.348.3869
Fax 217.348.3873

www.ctfillinois.org/tap
TAP AT CTF STAFF Reagan Carey Director of Autism & Therapy Programs Kristin Gharst Family Resource Coordinator Cheryl Sowers Family Resource Coordinator Cathy Testory YAC/Teen Connect Coordinator Josh Pulliam YAC/Teen Connect Group Leader

CTF and The Autism Program invite you to our Open House! Come and see our new facility, enjoy some refreshments, and visit with us!
September 16th 4:006:00 p.m. 6081 Development DriveCharleston
(located just off the Loxa Road, east of SBLHC) 217-348-3869

TAP Activities & Events

Play Groups to possibly start in the fall in Charleston and Effingham area! If you are interested in a play group for your child ages 2-6 years, please call Cheryl at 217-348-3869 x 206.

Young Adult Club of Champaign September 7thBreakfast and Shop at Farmers Market9:00 a.m.11:00 a.m. Farmers Market is located at Market at the Square at Lincoln Square Shopping Center in Urbana. We will eat breakfast at the Farmers Market and then check out the different vendors. If time remains, we can shop inside Lincoln Square. September 22ndALL ABOARD! Monticello Railroad Days11:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. Vintage passenger and freight train rides available! Cost: $18Adults ~ $10kids (ages 212). We will eat at the Monticello Railway Festival. Volunteer drivers are needed! If we do not have enough drivers, we will have to cancel the social. Teen Connect of Champaign September 21stALL ABOARD! Monticello Railroad Days11:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. Come and ride the vintage passenger and freight trains. Cost: $18Adults $10kids (ages 2-12). We will eat at the Monticello Railway Festival! Volunteer drivers are needed from Champaign to Monticello and back. For more information about YAC or Teen Connect Events please contact Cathy Testory at 217-722-4482 or cathytestory@ctfillinois.org September 14thSibshop UIUCChristopher Hall904 W. Nevada, Urbana1:00-3:00 p.m. Sibshops provide recreation, peer support, and information for brothers and sisters of children with special needs through playing games, sharing personal stories and feelings, and listening to quest speakers. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete paperwork. To register call Cheryl at 217-348-3869 x 206. September 26thDay Care Training6:008:00 p.m. TAP at CTF, located at 6081 Development Drive, Charleston This training will give you basic information about Autism Spectrum Disorder, practical implications, and strategies to try in your daycare. To register or for more information contact Cheryl at 217-348-3869 x 206 or email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org October 7thKeeping it Real: Facilitating Natural Communication When Communication Doesnt Come Naturally 8:009:00 p.m. Web Conference presented by Sarah Weiler, M.S., CCC-SLP/L. Learn the basic principles of DIR/Floortime, as well as the natural develpmental framework for language. Cost $15 (Scholarships available by contacting Integrated Therapy Services at 618-783-7529. Register at: www.KeepingItReal1.eventbrite.com Limited to 25 particpants. Access codes will be emailed to you once you register. Audio access also available. October 18thHealthy Minds, Healthy Lives: Promoting Mental Health in Children and Adults with Autism, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities or other Special Needs9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Cost: $15can be paid on site, the day of workshopcash or check only made payable to The Autism Program/UIUC. Pre-registration is required. Email theautismprogram@illinois.edu or phone 217-244-1395. 5 CPDUs for this training.

ECI Autism Connect

Bright MindsWeekly Play GroupsSeptember 9th6:007:30 p.m. 7704 Deerpath Road, Charleston. For more information contact Vivian Skelley at 217-8211752 or email embracingautism@gmail.com

Family Matters and the Association of Educational Therapists have teamed up to present: Getting a Handle on HomeworkWebinar September 10th12:001:00 p.m. To register and for more information: http://www.fmptic.org/events PUNS Listening Sessions for Families September 17th6:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, 830 S. Spring Street, Springfield October 29th6:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. The Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion October 30th10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois September 18th9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Using the Familys Stuff. I-Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street, Champaign. Topics include: showing families how to use play and toys as a means to interact, communicate, and encourage overall development; creative ideas for making or adapting inexpensive materials to use in play; strategies for using daily routines as a platform for increasing participation and independence and decreasing frustration. Cost: $10 cash or check/money order at the door. For more information contact 217-300-9661 or lgimble@illinoiseitraining.org Public Hearing for Champaign County Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) ProgramsSeptember 18th4:457:00 p.m. Champaign Public Library, 200 West Green Street, Champaign. Keynote Speaker: Melissa O. Picciola, Staff Attorney, Equip for Equality. This is an opportunity for Champaign County residents to speak to local legislators about your needs concerning ID/ DD planning and funding priorities for the FY15 funding cycle. Those in attendance will be offered the opportunity to provide oral comments; must fill out a speaker form at the site of the hearing from 4:455:15 p.m. Public input will be limited to 1 hour. The 2013 Fall Autism ConferenceEIUOctober 4th9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Are You in the Zone? Increasing Social Awareness for Individuals on the Higher End of the SpectrumFeeProfessionals-$50.00 ~~ Students$15.00 Lunch included. To register visit: www.eiu.edu/commdis/ or contact Sandi Thiele at 217581-2712. Stay in the know! The Autism Program at CTF is on Facebook! Most events and happenings are posted to our Facebook page. Like our page and keep updated on the latest happening at TAP! https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Autism-Program-atCTF/135948593121100
If you would like to see your autism-related event published in our newsletter on this page, please submit event information no later than the 25th of each month in order to go into the following months newsletter to cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org

Other Activities of Interest

Free movies at Culvers in Effingham Movies begin at dusk. Please park on the rock lot. September 6thPeter Pan(Costume Night) ~ September 13thAstro Boy September 20thWreck it Ralph (Costume Night) October 24th-25th9th Annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference: Stepping Stones of TransitionThelma Keller Convention Center, 1301 Ave. MidAmerica, Effingham. Registration deadline: September 27th Day 1 8:30 a.m.4:45 p.m. ~ Welcome Reception5:00 p.m.7:00 p.m. Day 28:00 a.m.12:45 p.m. To learn more and to register visit: www.illinoistransitionconference.org Kandid Klicks by Karrie When: Sept. 21st9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. & Sept. 29th1:005:00 p.m Where: Ballard Nature Center5253 E. US Highway 40, Altamont Call 217-343-7304 to schedule an outdoor family photo session. Deadline to schedule: September 11th. October 2nd-4th2013 Sharing a Vision Conference: Celebrating the Past. Embracing the Future Illinois Collaborative Early Childhood Conference Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield. Questions can be directed to Tracy Hodge at 630-369-7784. Register online: www.sharingavision.org

Upcoming Starnet Trainings

September 4th & 24thIntroduction to the Early Learning Scale (ELS) Assessment Instrument 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.Belleville, IL September 13thIllinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS) 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.Belleville, IL September 18thIllinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS) 8:303:30 p.m. Carterville, IL September 20thSpecial Education Law in Illinois 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.Fairview Heights, IL http://roe.stclair.k12.il.us/starnet/content.php?q=mainpage Click on Workshop Trainings or Webinar Trainings and find the workshop you would like to attend. September 10thWebinar: 4:005:30 p.m. Its All About Play September 24th7:009:00 p.m. Focus on Centers: Blocks For more information and to register visit: www.starnet.org or call 1-800-227-7537
It could save your life! TeleHealth The Autism Program and SIU School of Medicine TeleHealth presentations by Dr. Bennett:

Certified and Funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services

The Yellow Dot Program is a statewide initiative designed to provide vital medical information on vehicle drivers/ passenger. The information contained on the medical card assists first responders in the golden hour immediately following a serious crash. This could mean the difference between life and death. We have the information and materials needed to register for the program in our Family & Community Resource Room. The program is free and could save a life! You may visit www.yellowdotillinois.org for more information on the program.

6081 Development DriveCharleston 511 E. MainOlney 100 E. Market AvenueEffingham

8:30-9:30 am September 12DSM-5 and ASD October 3ASD Prevalence Study (not available in Effingham) October 17Gender Differences in ASD October 31Case Consultation (professionals only) TeleHealth presentations are open to parents & providers unless stated otherwise. To register call 217-348-3869 x 206 or email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org

The Autism Program at CTF is part of the Autism Program of Illinois. Funding provided in whole or in part by The Autism Program, Illinois Department of Human Services, Hope Institute Headquarters.