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On the CASE 

 October 2016

In This Issue
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Evanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education (CASE) provides Community, Advocacy, Support and Education for families affected by special needs.


 

*We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.


 


From the Director's Desk


EXCITING NEWS!!
 We are launching our new  Evanston CASE Education and Advocacy Clinic The Clinic offers a comprehensive selection of services:
  • Parent Self-Advocacy Coaching
  • IEP Meeting Prep and Review Sessions
  • In-Depth Consultation
  • Records Review
  • IEP and 504 Meeting Advocacy Representation
Clinic services are offered by an experienced Special Education Advocate at $100 per hour.  To discuss our services or to schedule an appointment call (847) 556-8676 or email [email protected].  Go to www.evanstoncase.org to learn more.

We have also launched our free Drop-in Session program. last month and received positive feedback from parents who attended.  This program is suited for those who  have a concern or question that can be addressed in a brief (20 minute) consultation.  
Sessions are available this month on Thursday, October 13th from 11:30-1:00.  First come, first served.  To reserve a spot, call ahead (847) 556-8676.


The October 
Parent Connections 
Support Group meetings will be held:
Evening: Thursday, October 13th from 7-8:30
Brown Bag Lunch: Thursday, October 20th from 11:30-1:00
at the CASE offices 1940 Sherman Ave, Suite A in Evanston.

SAVE THE DATE!
Evanston CASE and the Evanston Public Library are holding our 2nd Annual Special Needs Resource Fair on Saturday, November 5th, 2016 from 11:00 to 3:00.  There will be 40 organizations that provide services and programming for children/teens who have special needs and their families.

I hope you find the contents of this newsletter useful.
 
Cari Levin, LCSW
Founding Director
Evanston CASE 
Jump for Autism Speaks
at Sky High Sports

Every Tuesday in October from 3pm until 6pm, Sky High Sports in Niles is offering jump hours for kids with special needs and their families. 
Sky High will, "...Turn off the music, dim the lights and dial down the distractions for the comfort of our guests."

Special jumpers are $5 with one parent or therapist free. Neuro-typical siblings, grandparents and buddies of the jumper are also just $5 for three hours. (Therapists, grandparents and others can't sign waivers for anyone under 18 years of age. Only parents and legal guardians can sign, so be sure to complete the on-line waiver before arriving.)

To learn more, click HERE
Fill out Safety Waiver in advance  HERE
"The Responsibility Agreement"
I don't often put products into this newsletter, but this one seemed to be worth the price.  For $2.99, download the "Responsibility Agreement."

Danny Raede is the co-founder of Asperger Experts. He was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was 12 and is a young man dedicated to providing advice from first-hand experience.

From the Asperger Experts:

Introducing "The Responsibility Agreement"...

"As I grew up, I got tired of people trying to micro-manage me.
I tried a new approach that gave me more of what I wanted (more video games, less nagging)... while AT THE SAME TIME giving my parents & teachers more of what they wanted (me to do the work without question, and to do it quickly as well).
It's called  The Responsibility Agreement, and what ended up happening was that once I implemented this approach, the fighting and micro-managing stopped overnight."

To learn more, click HERE
How to Recognize Anxiety 
From ChildMind.org

"...Anxiety disorders are cognitive, so they develop as our cognitive ability develops. Separation anxiety, for instance, develops early, whereas social anxiety disorder usually develops after puberty. A study of more than 10,000 kids, interviewed by trained professionals, shows that more than 30 percent had developed an anxiety disorder some time before they were 18. 
"Anxiety frequently recurs, too, and childhood anxiety is often a precursor for adult anxiety, especially for kids who don't receive treatment."  Read more HERE

For answers and strategies, Read HERE

"Speechless"
TV Show Committed to Awareness About CP
From Disability Scoop:

"As the debut of ABC's "Speechless" brings cerebral palsy to the forefront, those behind the show are looking to help people directly affected by the developmental disability."
"The creators of "Speechless" are partnering with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation to release materials online after each episode airs addressing the specific issues touched on in the show."

The series premiered on ABC, September 21st, but you can watch episodes and learn more HERE.
Classroom Accommodations for Slow Processing Speed
From Understood.com

Slow processing speed can cause kids to have trouble keeping up in class, participating in discussions and staying focused.  This article offers many practical accommodations that teachers can implement.  Even if your child doesn't have an IEP (they may be receiving supports through a 504 Plan) these accommodations would be appropriate.

To read the full list, click  HERE


Should You Get a Therapy Dog?
This is a decision not to be taken lightly, but there are many benefits to consider for both adults and children.

From CHADD.com
"Creating and putting in place a consistent routine with a pet can create better habits and skills for maintaining and following a schedule throughout the day - helping you or your child to practice daily life responsibilities like homework assignments and work deadlines."

"When you spend as little as 20-30 minutes with your pet there are chemical changes in the body that reduce stress. This includes increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain, making you feel less anxious and creating a calmer feeling. Playing your pet provides an outlet for relaxing and a way to burn off energy while increasing your attention and engagement."

Read more HERE