Baby Fold Clinical Director Releases New Book and App 👏

Baby Fold Clinical Director Releases New Book and Companion App

What if "noncompliance" isn't defiance at all? That question is at the heart of the newest work from The Baby Fold's Vice President of Clinical Operations, Dr. Jennifer Huffman. A board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist, global speaker, and self-identified autistic PDAer, Dr. Huffman has released a new book and companion app designed to help families better understand and respond to neurodivergent children in real time.

Her new book, Pilot's Drive for Autonomy: The Neurodynamic Navigator System™: A Clinical Neuropsychologist's Guide to Thriving with the PDA Profile, offers a new way of understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)—a neurodevelopmental profile in which everyday activities, like being asked to do homework or clean your room, can trigger intense anxiety and overwhelm.

The companion app, currently in pilot testing, puts real-time tools into the hands of parents and caregivers, helping them better understand what may be driving a child's behavior and respond with greater confidence, connection, and compassion.

We're proud to have Dr. Huffman's nationally recognized expertise helping shape our work at The Baby Fold while also advancing conversations that are making a difference for children, families, educators, and clinicians.

Healthy Start Earns National Accreditation

When a new baby arrives, there isn't a handbook. There are questions, sleepless nights, moments of joy, and moments of uncertainty. That's why The Baby Fold's Healthy Start program walks alongside expectant parents and families with young children, offering free, voluntary home visiting services that strengthen parent-child relationships and support healthy child development.

That commitment has now earned national accreditation from Healthy Families America (HFA), recognizing the program's delivery of high-quality, evidence-based home visiting services.

"This accreditation reflects the extraordinary dedication of our Healthy Start team," said Clete Winkelmann, CEO of The Baby Fold. "The process is intentionally rigorous, and for good reason—it sharpens best practices and ultimately ensures the strongest possible outcomes for the children and families we serve. We are incredibly proud of our staff for reaching this milestone."

"Healthy Start staff work alongside families during some of life's most formative and sometimes challenging moments," said Theresa Lawrence, Director of Early Childhood Services at The Baby Fold. "This accreditation affirms the quality, consistency, and heart our team brings to every home visit."

The Baby Fold's Healthy Start program serves expectant parents and families with infants under 3 months of age throughout McLean County, providing support from pregnancy through a child's early years. The program also offers doula services and welcomes both referrals and self-referrals.

While Students Were Away...

When students at Hammitt Schools headed home for a well-deserved break before summer school began, another kind of learning environment was taking shape behind the scenes.

Crews from Wm. Masters installed two new rooftop air conditioning units, helping ensure classrooms remain comfortable for students and staff during the warm summer months and beyond. At the same time, construction began on a brand-new sensory room, made possible through the generosity of Susan Hoblit and Larry Collins who recognized the important role sensory supports play in helping students learn, regulate, and thrive.

For students receiving special education services, the physical environment is an essential part of learning. Comfortable classrooms and thoughtfully designed sensory spaces help create the conditions students need to feel safe, focused, and ready to engage.

By the time students returned for summer school, they were greeted not only by familiar teachers and friends, but by a campus continuing to grow alongside them.

Thank you to both Wm. Masters for their outstanding work and to our thoughtful donors for making this exciting new sensory space possible. Together, you're creating an environment where every student can thrive!

A Turtle, a Tambourine, and a Summer Full of Learning

What do a turtle, a snake, and a tambourine have in common? At Hammitt Schools, they're all part of an engaging summer school program to help special education students continue building skills over the summer months.

This summer has been filled with memorable learning experiences. Students explored the animal kingdom during a special "Zoo to You" visit from Miller Park Zoo, where they encountered everything from reptiles to turtles just inches away.

They also discovered the power of music through interactive sessions led by local music therapists, using instruments, rhythm, and movement to encourage creativity, communication, and joyful participation.

When learning sparks curiosity and joy, students gain more than knowledge—they build confidence, discover new strengths, and continue growing in ways that last far beyond the school day.

Dine Out for Baby Fold Kids on July 4th!

Planning to grab a bite before the fireworks?

Join us at the Wendy's at 1600 E. College Avenue in Normal on Saturday, July 4, and make your meal count!

Simply show "The Baby Fold Fundraiser" flier when you place your order, and a portion of your purchase will help support the children and families we serve.

It's an easy (and delicious!) way to celebrate Independence Day while giving back to your community. We hope to see you there!

Now Offering Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities

Now is the perfect time to secure your sponsorship or vendor space for the 2026 Festival of Trees, November 19-21 at the Interstate Center in Bloomington!

Whether you're looking to increase brand visibility, connect with thousands of attendees, or support children and families across Central Illinois, Festival of Trees offers a meaningful way to make an impact.

Family Quick Tips from Baby Fold Therapists

Summer schedules can throw routines off track, making it easy to focus on behaviors instead of the needs behind them. Before reacting, consider what your child may need first.

Remember the "Big 3":

Hydration: Dehydration can contribute to irritability, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and emotional dysregulation.
Sleep: Consistent sleep routines help children regulate emotions, manage stress, and stay focused.
Healthy Snacks: Protein-rich snacks throughout the day help stabilize energy levels and support emotional regulation.

The next time your child seems unusually emotional, frustrated, or withdrawn, pause and ask have they had enough water, did they get enough sleep, and when did they last eat?

Meeting these basic needs may not solve every challenge, but it often creates the foundation for connection, learning, and regulation. Sometimes the most effective response to behavior begins by caring for the whole child.