March 2014 Newsletter

The Autism Program
at CTF ILLINOIS
March 2014
VOL 2, ISSUE 3
IN THIS ISSUE
It’s Your Turn
Activities &
Events
Page 2
ECI Autism
Connect
Page 3
Other Activities
of Interest
Page 4
TAP at
CTF ILLINOIS
6081 Development
Drive
Charleston, IL 61920
217.348.3869
Fax 217.348.3873
www.ctfillinois.org/tap
TAP AT CTF ILLINOIS 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
CTFILLINOIS.ORG/TAP
Children with autism benefit greatly from social activities but it is sometimes difficult to find supportive and understanding environments in which to learn social
skills. During play group children learn concepts such as “turn-taking” and “wait”
in an environment that supports their unique and individual needs!
This month the children enjoyed playing at the sensory table and increased their
tolerance to texture by finding matching items in the rice, in a game called “lost
in rice.” They also enjoyed flying a parachute and taking turns hiding beneath it!
Play group meets the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. for children 25 years of age. We have openings for a few more children and siblings are welcome! Contact cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or 217.348.3869 x206 for more
information.
TAP & SIU School of Medicine—Telehealth with Dr. Bennett
Leventhal—8:30—9:30 a.m.—Available to parents and providers at
the following locations unless otherwise stated:
TAP at CTF ILLINOIS—6081 Development Drive, Charleston
Helen Matthes Library—100 East Market Avenue, Effingham
CTF ILLINOIS—511 East Main, Olney
March 13—New Case Consultation (professionals only)
March 27—History of Autism Diagnosis (not available in
Effingham)
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TAP Activities & Events
March 3—Day Care Training (for childcare providers)—Casey Senior Social Center—
114 South Central, Casey, IL—6:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. Childcare providers may be the first
professional to notice unusual patterns of development among the children they serve. This
early identification and intervention is the key to a more positive prognosis for individuals
with ASD. Daycare providers are in a unique position to refer “at risk” children for further
assessment. Topics covered will include: communicative deficits, sensory challenges, social
impairment, and behavioral issues. Visual supports will be provided free of charge to attendees. Training is free. Registration is required at: http://daycaretraining.eventbrite.com
March 13—Play Group —The Autism Program—6081 Development Drive, Charleston—1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. Play group meets the second Thursday of each month, for
children ages 2-5. Most of the play session is structured play activities that promote
positive interactions amongst the children. To register and for more information contact
Cheryl at cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or 217.348.3869 x 206.
March 14—Adult Social—Lunch at What’s Cookin’— 409 7th Street,
Charleston—11:00 a.m. This group is for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder ages 18
and older. We will use this opportunity to practice social etiquette while enjoying a meal
and time with others. Each person is responsible for his/her cost of meal, tip, and transportation to and from the restaurant. To RSVP or for more information contact Cheryl at
cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or 217.348.3869 x206.
Teen Connect of Champaign
March 18—Tour of Radio Station with Diane Ducey—Pines Shopping Center, Windsor
Road, Urbana (across from Meijer's)—5:15 p.m. Then we will walk to Monical’s Pizza in
the Pines Shopping Center for dinner at 6:00 p.m. Pick-up time is 7:30 p.m. If you can only
attend one or the other social that is perfectly fine. Please let Cathy know if you attending
by March 17.
Young Adult Club of Champaign
March 8—Sky Watch at University of Illinois through Champaign Urbana Astronomical
Society—7:00—8:00 p.m. We will get to see the planet, Jupiter through high telescopic
lenses. Dinner will follow afterwards. Call Cathy Testory for at the number below for more
information.
March 15—Winter Party for YAC members—411 West Hill Street, Champaign, IL.—
6:30—10:00 p.m.— Located by West Side Park and the old YMCA at the corner of Hill and
Elm Street. Board games, movies, snacks. Bring a snack to share with everyone.
For more information about YAC or Teen Connect events contact Cathy Testory at
cathytestory@ctfillinois.org or 217.722.4482.
April 3—IEP Clinic—6081 Development Drive, Charleston, IL.— 12:30—2:30 p.m. and
6:00—8:00 p.m. Register for the time that best fits your schedule. Family Matters has
many trainings that may be of interest to both families and professionals. Visit their website at http://www.fmptic.org/ for a list of trainings and to register.
Autism Awareness Egg Hunt and Other Activities—April 12—1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.—
Kiwanis Park, Charleston, IL. For all children with autism and their siblings. Activities
including the egg hunt will be available the duration of the event. For more information
contact cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or call 217.348.3869 x206.
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ECI Autism Connect
March 1—Soar Performance Art Camp—9:30 a.m. check-in. Camp begins at 10:00
p.m.—Corner of Monroe and 7th Street, Charleston, IL—Parents need to be back by
11:45 a.m. for mini-performance. Special Guest: Tim Howie, Dragonflies Drum Training.
Camp includes Autism Movement Therapy, Miracle Project, and Expressive Arts and Fitness
Training. Parent Support will be available during camps at Jackson Coffee House with The
Autism Program at CTF ILLINOIS. Contact Julia Boyd at 217.234.4793 for more information.
New Program at Bright Minds continues—7704 Deerpath Road, Charleston, IL.
Grades 1st-3rd—3:15 p.m.—4:30 p.m. and Grades 4th-6th—4:00—5:30 p.m. Contact
Vivian Skelley at 217.508.7171 or visit: www.embracingautism.org for more information.
During each session children will explore different subjects such as art, science, teamwork,
and seasons—Sessions meet Monday—Friday. Cost is $10 per session
Session 3: Join-In: March 17—31
Session 4: Spring Into Spring: April 1—15
Play Group at Bright Minds—Monday’s—6:00 –7:30 p.m.—Play Groups are for all children
with autism or other special needs and their siblings.
ISTAC –TATTAP—Parent Learning Community Webinars
Visit: http://autism.pbisillinois.org
March 5—Autism Seven Considerations—6:00—8:00 p.m.—This session will discuss the
language, what is included and how to collaborate with the school team to include in your
annual IEP.
March 21—Behavior Series: Part 3—Change the Environment-Change the Behavior—
4:30-6:30 p.m.—Parent will learn skills such as sensory modulation controls, rewards, visuals,
environmental organizations to reinforce, stop or deter their child's behavior.
March 22—Transitions Happen Every Year—10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.—Transitions include
new team members, new buildings and new environments. This session will explain how to
utilize a variety of tools to help smooth the yearly transition..
March 8—3rd Annual Benefit for camp New Hope Jeep Ride—1364 County Road 100
East, Neoga, IL. Sign up: 11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. at $15 Entry per Vehicle and Driver—$5
each additional rider and includes an evening meal. Those that do not ride are invited to
attend the events at the Smokehouse, which include auctions, Triple Play Band, and food.
Please contact Emma Dasenbrock at dazjeep@live.com or 217.821.0727.
March 27—Parent Night sponsored by Coles County Transition Planning Committee—
6:00—8:00 p.m.—EIASE Boardroom 5837 Park Drive, Charleston, IL. Learn about having
a successful IEP conference, transitioning from high school to the adult world (PUNS, PAS,
SSI, SSDI, etc.), services available after high school/aging out, receive a resource packet of
transition information. Childcare will be provided with prior notice for any age, transportation may be arrange with prior notice, a light supper provided, and door prizes. Contact Jan
Pearcy to register or more details at jpearcy@eiase.com or 217.348.7700 x 214.
March 28—Bowl for Kids’ Sake Fundraiser—Mattoon Lanes 4:00, 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.—
Free bowing, free food, free beverages, and door prizes. For sign-up information and
pledge sheets contact Toq Lawrence at tlawrencebbbs@consolidated.net or 217.348.8741.
Save the Dates—YMCA—Auti Open House/Open Swim
221 N 16th Street Mattoon, IL—This is a free event! For more information contact Jill Rohr
at jrohr@mattoonymca.org or 217.234.9494 x230.
April 11—4:30—6:30 p.m.
April 25—4:30—6:30 p.m.
PAGE 3
Other Activities of Interest
Every Tuesday—Story Time—Helen Matthes Library—100 East Market
Avenue, Effingham—Ages 0-5 years—10:00 a.m.—Stories, songs, and lots
of fun! No registration required.
Sibling Training about Disability Policy—Free Training for
Siblings and their Brothers and Sisters with Disabilities. Participants will
share ideas on long term services and supports, identify strategies to be
agents of change, receive a toolkit of strategies for civic engagement, and
learn how to effectively share your story and create change.
March 1—9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.—University of Illinois Chicago, 1640 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL.
March 15—9:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m.—The Autism Program of Illinois, 5520 South
Sixth Street Road, Springfield, IL
To register contact: Katie Arnold at kkeiling@uic.edu or 312.996.1002.
March 8—Family Scavenger Hunt—1:00—2:00 p.m.—Douglas Hart
Nature Center—2204 Dewitt Avenue East, Mattoon—Bring the entire
family for a scavenger hunt. Each family/team will collect as many items
on the fame list as they can, before time runs out. Winning team will earn a prize with
participation prizes for everyone. For more information call 217.235.4644 or email
douglashartnc@consolidated.net
Certified and Funded by
the Illinois Department
March 19—Parent Evening with Special Needs Attorney—St. Clair
County Regional Office of Education, Belleville, IL—6:30—8:30
p.m.—Participants will learn about Guardianship, Wills, Special Needs
Trusts, and SSI. Training will provide an opportunity to network with others while
learning the importance of planning for their child’s future. Contact Sheri Kraus at
618.825.3969 or skraus@stclair.k12.il.us for more information or to register.
March 21—Sexuality and Disability Consortium—9:00 a.m.—3:00
p.m.— 1640 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL.—Free and includes
lunch. Each person will get $10 to help pay for transportation. Learn about selfadvocacy. Call Lex at 312.996.2232 or email Carli at cfried6@uic.edu to register.
March 22—Called Out to Get REAL—9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.—East Richland High School, 1200 East Laurel Street, Olney, IL—A life-changing
interactive event with biblical truths for girls grades 6-12 and women of
all ages. Real talk on relationships, bullying, modesty, teen struggles, identity, eating
disorders, peer pressure, body image, hope, social media, and insecurities. Call
618.395.8411 or email CalledOutOlney@outlook.com for more information.
March 29—Sensory Friendly Movie—Mattoon AMC Theatre—10:00
a.m. Muppets Most Wanted. Ticket can be purchased on the day of the
screening for $5. Movie dates are subject to change. To verify showing
of movie, dates, and time please visit: www.amctheatres.com/SFF/
The Autism
Program at CTF
ILLINOIS is part of
the Autism Program
of Illinois. Funding
provided in whole or
in part by The Autism Program, Illinois
Department of Hu-
PAGE 4