Next meeting:    December 3, 2009 **

** Unless otherwise noted, all meetings start at 7 pm and are held at the Elk Grove Public Library (1001 Wellington, Elk Grove -- map).

DATE:		PRESENTATION:
September 3, 2009		Financial Planning:  Protected Tomorrows
October 1, 2009		Avoiding Due Process
November 5, 2009		RDI (Relationship Development Intervention)
December 3, 2009		Holiday Stress Relief tips
January 7, 2010		IEP Notetaking: tips and techniques
February 4, 2010		Public school alternatives
March 4, 2010		Sexuality and abuse prevention
April 1, 2010		Executive Function  and school
May 6, 2010		Evaluating Clinical Trials
June 3, 2010		End of school year fun and games for parents

 

 

PRESENTATION DETAIL

 

  Financial Planning -- Thinking of the future for your child can be overwhelming... How can you prepare for their transition out of school?  How do you fund their future and their life beyond you?  Michelle Schwartz, Special Needs Coordinator for Protected Tomorrows, Inc. will address these and other related topics, including wills, trusts, guardianship, etc.  Issues regarding family communication will also be addressed.

 

 

 

 Avoiding Due Process -- Getting proper supports in place is every parent's goal when it comes to their child's IEP.  But how do you effectively advocate for your child?  Gemma Nissen shares her experience and tips on how to avoid the "Lose-Lose" situation of Due Process by building a positive and proactive relationship with your child's team.  Topics will include:  What is the parent's role in the IEP process?  What is mediation?  How to write a Parental Letter of Concern.  Mrs. Nissen, Educational Surrogate for the state of Illinois, has participated in over 100 IEPs within ten local school districts; acting as notetaker, advocate and parent support. Having a background in social work, Mrs. Nissen prides herself on empowering parents to be their children's own best advocate. 

 

 

RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) --  You may have heard about RDI.  But, what is it and how can it help?  Developed by Dr. Steven Gutstein, RDI is a unique treatment program that addresses the core deficits of ASD.  From the RDIconnect website:  "Through the unique framework of the Family Guided Participation Program, ... parents are empowered and trained to guide the cognitive, social and emotional development of their children".   Michelle Kator of ACP Consultants, Ltd. is a licensed clinical social worker with 15 years experience and RDI consultant in training.  She will explain aspects of RDI and how it may help for you and your family.   

 

 

Holiday Fun --   We all know the hustle and bustle of holidays can add stress to our lives.  But, at least for this night don't worry, be happy!  This evening will be devoted to socializing and sharing our best stress-relief tips with one another.  Play some table games, have some snacks, enjoy some conversation.  So give yourself a break come and share a little holiday cheer with your PIFFA friends!  Please RSVP..

 

 

 

IEP Notetaking --   So much can be going on at an IEP meeting.  There might be five (or fifteen!) people sitting in a conference room discussing various aspects of your child's academic and social program.  How can you participate, AND take notes, AND ask questions, AND keep up at these meetings?  One way is to bring a notetaker.  Learn techniques for taking notes at an IEP meeting and tips for finding a notetaker.  This is truly a pay it forward endeavor.

 

 

 

Alternatives to Public School --  Public school districts are mandated by law to provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children.  There are circumstances in which a public school may not be able to provide that.  What are some alternatives?  A panel of representatives from various therapeutic day schools will present information on their programs.  Confirmed for the panel are representatives from Chicago Education Project (Schaumburg) and Classroom Connection Day School (Bannockburn). [Other confirmations are expected]

 

 

 

Sexuality and Abuse Prevention --  Back by popular demand, Mary Wrobel returns to continue her discussion on personal care for individuals with autism.  This time she will focus on sexuality, including how to recognize and prevent abuse.  Ms. Wrobel is a speech/language pathologist and teacher with over 20 years experience, and author of Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty, and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism. 

 

 

 

 Executive Function and school -- Executive function is a skill which involves organizational and planning abilities, working memory and impulse control among other areas.  Impairment in executive functioning is a hallmark of individuals with autism and can make school difficult. Georgia Bozeday, Ed D. is Director of Educational Services at Rush Neurobehavioral Center, a former assistant superintendent and teacher.  Dr. Bozeday will describe how executive function impairments affect children in school and provide ideas for how to address them.

 

 

 

 Evaluating Clinical Trials --   You've seen them in various magazines, newspapers, emails and websites:  ads promoting clinical trials to investigate everything from medications to biofeedback.  How do you evaluate these programs, the team, the institution conducting the trials and the science behind it?   Tiffany Ream, MA, Clinical Trial Liaison from Alexian Bros. Center for Psychiatric Research, will provide tips for evaluating the value and safety of clinical trials for your child and family.