The Autism Program at CTF

November 2013 VOL 1, ISSUE 8

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

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

Our Fall Festival was a fun-filled event for our community. As you can see from the pictures, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Children were asking when the next event was going to be and were excited to take home a pumpkin. Thank you to all the families for coming out and to our dedicated volunteers for the time you gave. Your help was very much appreciated. We also had many items donated for our event from the community. Look what we have in our lending library. The Reason I Jump is written by Naoki Higashida, a 13 year old boy with autism. This book provides insight on how the mind thinks, feels, perceives, and responds in an individual with autism. With the upcoming training on co-morbid conditions with Marjorie Hanft, some of you may want to borrow this book, Taking the Mystery Out of Medications in Autism/ Asperger Syndromes: A Guide for Parents and Non-Medical Professionals, by Luke Tsai, MD. This book may answer some of the questions you have about medications.

TAP Activities & Events

November 5thASDs & Secondary Conditions: The Expected & Unexpected Parts of the PuzzleThe Autism Program at CTF6081 Development Drive, Charleston6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. This is a free training presented by Marjorie Hanft, M.A. Marjorie is an instructor at EIU in the psychology department. The focus will be on ASD and co-morbid conditions, such as OCD, tic disorders, ADHD, Downs Syndrome, Fragile X, and other rare syndromes. Due to an overwhelming response this event has reached its capacity. If interested in this training and you did not get registered, please contact Cheryl at cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or 217-348-3869 x206. If we have enough interest we will provide another training. Play Groups begin November 14thThe Autism Program6081 Development Drive, Charleston1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m. Play groups will meet the second Thursday of each month, beginning November 14th for children ages 2-5. Most of the play sessions will be 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. Teen Connect of Champaign November 16thPottery Palace at Round Barn Center1808 Round Barn Road, Champaign10:00 a.m.11:30 a.m. We will eat Lunch at Zas restaurant and walk to Zas if the weather is appropriate. Drop off at Pottery Palace at 10:00 a.m. and pick up at Zas on Springfield Ave at 1:30 p.m. Ornaments are $5 and up depending on how much you want to spend. The studio fee is $8. If we have at least 10 people painting, we will receive a discount on the studio fee. Young Adult Club of Champaign November 23rdPottery Palace at Round Barn Center1808 Round Barn Road, Champaign10:00 a.m.11:30 a.m. We will eat Lunch at Zas restaurant and walk to Zas if the weather is appropriate. Drop off at Pottery Palace at 10:00 a.m. and pick up at Zas on Springfield Ave at 1:30 p.m. Ornaments are $5 and up depending on how much you want to spend. The studio fee is $8. If we have at least 10 people painting, we will receive a discount on the studio fee. November 30thVolunteer work at the Salvation Army Angel TreeMarket Place Mall Champaign10:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. We will work the table, accept the gifts and put them under the Christmas tree. This is an excellent way for us to give back to the community. Afterward we will go to the food court and have lunch. The whole family is welcome. Please let Cathy Testory know what hours you can work at the Angel Tree by November 20th. Even one hour would be greatly appreciated. Our efforts will help underprivileged children have a better Christmas.

For more information about YAC or Teen Connect Events please contact Cathy Testory at 217-722-4482 or cathytestory@ctfillinois.org
November 18thRegional Grassroots Employment ConferenceFirst Baptist Church 213 West Fayette, Effingham 10 a.m.6:00 p.m. Learn from experts and share what you and others have done to promote growth and development of customized employment and person-centered living in Illinois. Register at: www.iamcinc.eventbrite.com TAP & SIU School of MedicineTelehealth with Dr. Bennett Leventhal8:309:30 a.m. November 7thCase Consultation (professionals only; not available in Effingham) November 14thAdults with ASD (not available in Effingham) December 5thBroader Autism Phenotype (not available in Effingham) December 12thASD and the Legal System Telehealth is open to parents & providers unless stated otherwise at the following locations: The Autism Program at CTF6081 Development Drive, Charleston Helen Matthes Library100 E. Market Avenue, Effingham CTF511 East Main, Olney To register email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or call 217-348-3869 x 206.

ECI Autism Connect

Bright MindsPlay GroupsEvery Monday in November6:007:30 p.m.7704 Deerpath Road, Charleston Bright MindsChristmas Party for Students with Special NeedsDecember 5th5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.7704 Deerpath Road, Charleston. Crafts and a snack are included. For more information contact Contact Vivian Skelley for more information at embracingautism@gmail.com or 217508-7171. De-Stress Before the HolidaysNovember 4th7:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Personal Trainer/Tranquil Touch Technique, Julia Boyd and Dr. Nancy Selvidge will share tips and strategies to de-stress the body spiritually, mentally and physically. Get yourself emotionally ready for the holidays. Visit Julia Boyd on Facebook or jboyd@consolidated.net or call the office at 217-2354664. RSVP is required. Applied Behavioral AnalysisFree Parent TrainingNovember 5th6:30 p.m.8:00 p.m. Christopher Hall, 904 W. Nevada, Urbana. This training will focus on specific interventions that are appropriate for use in reducing problem behaviors. Information will be provided about proactive interventions such as visuals and reinforcement systems as well as reactive interventions. To register contact Linda Tortorelli at ltortore@illinois.edu or 217-244-0928. (Child care is available upon request) Camp New HopeNovember 8th and 9th8:00 a.m.1364 CO RD 100 E, NeogaVolunteers needed to assist with the assembly of new playground. Bring your tool box if you have one. Water, food, snacks, and soda will be provided for both days. For more information call 217-895-2341 or email slove@cnhinc.org What is in Your Childs Future? - November 13th6:30 p.m.8:00 p.m. Christopher Hall, 904 W. Nevada, Urbana. The training is free. Parents of children of any age are welcome to attend and those with children ages 12 and up are highly encouraged to attend. Professionals are also welcome. Learn how to create a vision for your child. Discussion will include how to get the most out of your childs school years, available resources, and strategies for making a plan. To register or for more information contact Linda Tortorelli at ltortore@illinois.edu or 217-244-0928. AutiswimNovember 17th4:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.YMCA221 N. 16th Street, Mattoon Fee: Free if sponsored$10 per family if no sponsor. For more details contact Jill Rohr at jrohr@mattoonymca.org or 217-234-9494 or Julia Boyd at jboyd@consolidated.net or 217-273-4793.

Holiday ParadeNovember 23rd1:00 p.m.Mattoon. All past and present dragonflies can participate in the parade. For more details, contact Julia Boyd at jboyd@dancelifecenter.com or 217-2734793.

SAVE THE DATETemple Grandin, Ph.D.Different Kinds of MindsFebruary 27,

20147:30 p.m.SIUE, Morris University Center. Dr. Temple Grandin will discuss the unique ways the autistic mind works and how this distinct type of thinking is essential and beneficial to society. Order tickets at: www.artsandissues.com 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-at-CTF/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

November 9thSensory Friendly FilmFree BirdsAMC TheatreMattoon 10:00 a.m. The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The lights are turned up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing! November 2ndSensory Friendly FilmFree BirdsOrpheum TheatreHillsboro, IL1:00 p.m. Cost of movie is $5. Popcorn and snack will be available for purchase. You may also bring your own snacks. For more information contact Kim Draper, TASC (The Autism Support Connection) at tascillinois@gmail.com or 217-710-3598. TASC Support Group meets November 7th6:00 p.m. at the Free Methodist Church in Hillsboro. November 14thEarly Math for ALL Young Children9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Mt. Vernon, IL November 14thBuilding Bridges: The Transition Process from Early Intervention to Early Childhood8:30 a.m.3:00 p.m.Danville, IL November 21stLooking at Children with New Eyes: The influence of Sensory Processing on Child Development, Behavior, & Learning9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Carbondale, IL For more details or to register, please visit: http://roe.stclair.k12.il.us/starnet StarNet Webinars: November 12thStuck on Stickers...STOP!4:00 p.m.5:30 p.m. November 26thFocus on Centers: Taking a Closer Look at Art and Music4:00 p.m.5:30 p.m. December 3rdUsing Technology for Communication with Families4:00 p.m.5:30 p.m. For more information and to register visit: http://www.starnet.org/training/workshops/listing1.php November 19thThe Fourth Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Council & Family Violence Coordination Council Present: Common Ground: Community, Kids, Courts & Education8:00 a.m.4:00 p.m.Thelma Keller Conference & Convention Center 1202 N. Keller Drive, Effingham, IL. For more information and for registration mail-in registration form visit: http://www.roe3.org/pd/4th_Circuit_Conference_2013.pdf or contact Cheryl Meyers at 217-347-7931 or Brenda Benton at 618-533-1530. Girls on the run 5KNovember 9thStarts at 9:00 a.m.YMCA221 N. 16th Street, MattoonFor more details and to register call Beth Gillespie at 217-234-9494 or visit: http://mattoonymca.org/2013/girls-on-the-run-5k/ $20 registration through November 7th or $25 the day of the event. Early Bird Community EventNovember 28th (Thanksgiving Morning)YMCA 221 N. 16th Street7:00 a.m.9:00 a.m. This is a two hour event that gives you an opportunity to experience the YMCAs most popular classes while burning off extra calories, so you wont feel so guilty about all the holiday food! The cost is free for Y members and $3 for non-members. Visit: http://mattoonymca.org/2013/early-bird-community-event/ for more information. Bare Bones 5 Mile Turkey TrotNovember 28th (Thanksgiving Morning)YMCA 221 N. 16th Street, Mattoon6:00 a.m. This a great way to start the day before the Thanksgiving meal. The run is a non-competitive road run. Cost: $20includes a t-shirt! Visit: http://mattoonymca.org/2013/bare-bones-5-mile-turkey-trot/ for more information or to register. The Effingham Park District sponsors athletic leagues for children with disabilities in an environment structured for the child to succeed. A buddy system is in place for all players through the use of volunteers. Anyone with a physical or mental disability who cannot safely or successfully participate in the traditional sport are eligible to participate. These leagues are free. All costs are covered by generous donation made by the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus and other private donations. Basketball Leagues begin Mondays December 2, 9, 16 & January 6, 13, 204:005:00 p.m. at Ron Diehl Recreation CenterAll ages welcome! Kickball continues at Gene Niccum Diamond Mondays through October 7th4:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. For more information visit www.effinghamparkdistrict.org or call 217-342-4415.

Certified and Funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services

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.