Easterseals Central Illinois to Host Free Virtual Trainings during Autism Awareness Month

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[March 17, 2021]  Every year, communities rally together during the month of April to support individuals and families living with Autism in Central Illinois, and across the globe. According to the CDC, 1 in 54 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a leading provider of autism services for children in our community, Easterseals Central Illinois has assembled our team of experts to provide several free trainings during the month of April.

Easterseals Central Illinois is proud to offer multidisciplinary, family centered care for children with developmental delays, disabilities and other special needs. Our experts are excited to offer a series of sessions that are designed to support families and professionals in several different areas. These trainings are for professionals, caregivers, community members or anyone interested in child development in general.

“This year our trainings are all being held virtually, which makes them even more accessible to our community and the families who need them the most. The great thing about these trainings is that they would be useful to any caregiver, not just someone caring for a child with autism” said Angie DeLost, Vice President of Program Services at Easterseals Central Illinois. “Our expert team is excited to share useful strategies that can improve the day-to-day lives of children and families. This is what they do every day in therapy, but these virtual trainings are letting them share their knowledge far and wide.”



Training Schedule:

  • Autism and Sensory Processing - Tuesday, April 6th at 7pm

  • Promoting Positive Food Experiences for your selective eater: A sensory-based approach – Wednesday, April 7th at 6pm

  • Autism New Diagnosis Orientation Training (Autism 101) – Wednesday April 14th at 5:30pm

  • How to teach appropriate behaviors –Thursday, April 15th at Noon

  • Self-Care for the Whole Family – Wednesday April 21st at Noon

  • Autism New Diagnosis Orientation Training (Autism 101) – Wednesday April 28th 5:30-7pm


TO REGISTER:

Visit eastersealsci.com/2021trianings or call (309)686-1177


Autism and Sensory Processing
Tuesday April 6th at 7:00pm


Join us to get a better understanding of sensory processing disorder and how to help children who struggle with sensory processing challenges.

Hosted by: Meghan Day, MOT, OTR/L

Attendees will learn about sensory processing and all 8 sensory systems. This training will cover sensory processing disorder and the various subtypes of sensory processing disorder. Each subtype will be discussed in detail including symptoms, behaviors associated with each subtype along with general intervention strategies. We will also look at how to use sensory tools and strategies to support children with encountering sensory challenges in their daily routines. This training is for parents, caregivers, teachers, other professionals and anyone involved in or interested in the care of children with autism and/or sensory processing disorder

Promoting Positive Food Experiences for your selective Eater: A Sensory-Based Approach

Wednesday, April 7th at 6:00pm

Hosted by: Alyssa Huschen, MOT, OTR/L and Michelle Bognanno, MA, CCC-SLP/L

Join us to learn how to make mealtimes more positive, productive and fun for the whole family

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You are not alone in dealing with a selective eater at home! Many parents encounter children with difficult feeding patterns, making mealtime a stressful experience for the whole family. This training helps parents and caregivers understand why their child may struggle to eat a variety of foods, and that they are not responsible for creating the problem. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to make mealtimes more positive, productive and fun for the whole family

Autism New Diagnosis Orientation Training

Two Options: Wednesday April 14th & Wednesday April 28th from 5:30-7:00pm

Hosted by: Jennifer Simpson, B.S., Manager of Care Coordination and Family Support

The Autism New Diagnosis Orientation (Autism 101) is designed to assist parents, extended family and friends in understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders -ASD.

Designed to be the first step in the family’s journey to secure introductory ASD information, the program will benefit any family with a child who has been recently diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. During the session, parents, family and friends of a child who has been recently diagnosed with ASD will learn:

What Autism Spectrum Disorders are and how they affect individuals.
What types of interventions are available for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
What community resources are available for parents, families and professionals living/working with individuals with ASD.

 


How to Teach Appropriate Behaviors

Thursday, April 15th at Noon

Hosted by: Megan McNamara, M.S., BCBA and Mariela Munguia, M.S., BCBA

Join us to learn how to teach appropriate behaviors when problems occur.

This training will go over strategies and techniques that attendees can easily implement in their daily lives. Attendees will also learn about functions of behavior, how to identify functions, strategies of reinforcement and receiving functional communication training.

Self-Care for the Whole Family

Wednesday, April 21st at Noon

Hosted by: Maggie Jones, LCSW Counselor

Join us to learn some practical self-care strategies you and your family can use every day

Self-care is essential for good mental health. Children and adults participating in this training will learn the importance of self-care and some practical strategies. This training is designed for children, parents, grandparents, caregivers

[Megan Pedigo
Director of Marketing
Easterseals Central Illinois]

 

 

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