The Autism Program at CTF

October 2013 VOL 1, ISSUE 7

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

Alex Myers collected over 341 lbs. of aluminum cans to win a Mongoose Bicycle and help Freedom House, a homeless shelter in Effingham! He had two minivans full and a truck pulling a trailer! When he heard about Recycling for Christ on the radio, he was up for the challenge. Alex loves to take meals to the shelter to help out the homeless. He is always wanting to help anybody that needs it. People in the community were a great help!. Alex has been working on his pedaling and riding a bicycle skills with his Physical and Occupational Therapist and is now riding his new bike with some assistance!

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

Play Groups begin October 10th 10:00-11:00 a.m. Play groups will meet the second Thursday of each month, beginning October 10th. Play groups are for children ages 2-5 who are on the autism spectrum. Play groups will meet at The Autism Program, located at 6081 Development Drive, Charleston. Most of the play sessions will be structured play activities that promote positive interactions amongst the children. Contact Cheryl at cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or 217-348-3869 to register or for more information.

October 11th 4:006:00 p.m. At The Autism Program 6081 Development Drive Charleston, IL ALL CHILDREN & FAMILIES WELCOME! Email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or call 217-348-3869 x 206 for more information!

TAP Activities & Events

October 7thKeeping it Real: Facilitating Natural Communication When Communication Doesnt Come Naturally 8:009:00 p.m. Web Conference presented by Sarah Weiler, M.S., CCC-SLP/L. Learn the basic principles of DIR/ Floortime, as well as the natural developmental framework for language. Cost $15 (Scholarships available by contacting Integrated Therapy Services at 618-783-7529). Register at: www.KeepingItReal1.eventbrite.com Limited to 25 participants. Access codes will be emailed to you once you register. Audio access also available. Teen Connect of Champaign October 12th Hardys Reindeer Ranch1356 County Road 2900 N. Rantoul, IL 11:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. We will do the Triple Play! $11 a person gets you the corn maze, hay ride, and cart rides. Reindeer Tour may be substituted for hay ride or cart ride at an additional $4. Extra money may be needed for souvenirs or concessions at the Banquet Hall. They will also have pumpkins for sale. Please let Cathy know ASAP if attending or if you can drive. Young Adult Club of Champaign October 13thHardys Reindeer Ranch11:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. We will do the Triple Play! $11 a person gets you the corn maze, hay ride, and cart rides. Reindeer Tour may be substituted for the cart or hay rides. Extra money may be needed for souvenirs or concessions at the Banquet Hall. They will also have pumpkins for sale. If attending or you can drive, please contact Cathy by October 6th. October 19thBowling and Dinner at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy6:00 9:00 p.m. Bowling is $5 a game and shoe rental is $3. Dinner will be $12 or higher depending on how much you want to spend.

We will be on the radio! We will be taking a tour of the radio station and making a commercial with Stevie Jay and Diane Ducey. The has not been yet confirmed.
For more information about YAC or Teen Connect Events please contact Cathy Testory at 217-722-4482 or cathytestory@ctfillinois.org October 18thBarbara DoyleHealthy Minds, Healthy Lives: Promoting Mental Health in Children and Adults with Autism, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities or other Special Needs9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Cost: $15can be paid on site, the day of workshopcash or check only made payable to The Autism Program/UIUC. Pre-registration is required. Email theautismprogram@illinois.edu or phone 217-244-1395. 5 CPDUs for this training. October 27thSibshop CTF511 East Main, Olney2:00-4:00 p.m. Sibshops provide recreation, peer support, and information for brothers and sisters of children with special needs through playing games, sharing personal stories and feelings, and listening to guest speakers. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to complete paperwork. To register email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or call 217-348-3869 x206. TAP & SIU School of MedicineTelehealth with Dr. Bennett Leventhal8:30-9:30 a.m. October 3rdASD Prevalence Study by Dr. Bennett Leventhal et al (not available in Effingham) October 17thGender Differences in ASD October 31stCase Consultation (professionals only) 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

The 2013 Fall Autism ConferenceEIUOctober 4th9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Are You in the Zone? Increasing Social Awareness for Individuals on the Higher End of the SpectrumFeeProfessionals-$50.00 ~~ Students$15.00 Lunch included. To register visit: www.eiu.edu/commdis/ or contact Sandi Thiele at 217-5812712. Last Chance TriMattoon YMCAOctober 6th221 North 16th Street 11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.Packet Pick-up and Race Day registration 13:40 p.m.Pre-race meeting at swim start (pool) 1:00 p.m.Race begins 3:30 p.m.Awards presentation For more information and to register go to: http://mattoonymca.org/wordpress/wp-content/ uploads/2013-Mailing-LCT-reg.pdf or to register online go to: www.mattoonmultisport.com AutiswimMattoon YMCANovember 17th4:306:30 p.m. Cost: $10 family$5 individual For more information contact Jill Rohr at: 217-234-9494 x 230 or jrohr@mattoonymca.org

October 11thThe United States of AutismApostolic Center, 205 Country Club Road, Mattoon8:3011:30 a.m. & 12:303:00 p.m. The "United States of Autism" movie shows Richard Everts' 40 day journey exploring families different experiences with having Autism impact their lives. Participants will be exposed to many different aspects of Autism and the effect educational experiences have on a familys life. To register for one or both showings visit: http://cedarwood.eiase.com/WorkshopQuery.php The movie is free and there are plenty of seats available. Compliments of EIASE. Listening Sessions for Families about the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) in Illinois. The Division of Developmental Disabilities wants your feedback! For questions please contact Rose Ann Kohrt, at 815-584-3347 x 282 or email Roseann.Kohrt@Illinois.Gov October 30th10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. October 29th6:00 p.m.8:00 p.m. The Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion Gateway Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville The Autism Speaks, School and Community Tool Kit is available in the Family and Community Resource Room at The Autism Program. Electronic copies can be downloaded at the following link: http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/ school_community_tool_kit.pdf 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-atCTF/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

October 2nd4th2013 Sharing a Vision Conference: Celebrating the Past. Embracing the Future Illinois Collaborative Early Childhood Conference Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield. Questions can be directed to Tracy Hodge at 630-369-7784. Register online: www.sharingavision.org October 3Free Webinar8:00 p.m.Get Kids to Listen Without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling with Amy McCready. Amy is a sought after keynote Speaker, writer, parenting coach, trainer and mother. For more information and to Register visit: www.positiveparentingsolutions.com October 5thSensory Friendly FilmCloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 AMC TheatreMattoon10:00 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! This movie also showing at the Orpheum Theatre in Hillsboro, IL at 1:00 p.m. sponsored by The Autism Support Connection (TASC). For more information about Hillsboro event contact tascillinois@gmail.com or call Kim at 217-710-3598. October 8th4:005:30 p.m. Blending: The Next Step Toward Inclusion featuring Sandy Ginther & Joan Leff. To register or for more information visit: http://www.starnet.org/training/workshops/listing1.php or call 1-800-2277537. October 22nd 7:309:00 p.m. Transitions Throughout the Day featuring Carol Weisheit. To register or for more information visit: http://www.starnet.org/training/workshops/listing1.php or call 1-800227-7537. October 29th4:005:30 p.m. Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion featuring Kitty Cunningham. To register or for more information visit: http://www.swcccase.org/starnet/ or call 708-342-5370. October 25th5:009:00 p.m. Effingham Elks Special Needs Awesome Party Dance (SNAP) held at the Effingham Elks in front of the Mall. Come and enjoy a night of fun with a DJ, fames, food and prizes for special needs children and children of all ages! 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 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 7th4:005:00 p.m. For more information visit www.effinghamparkdistrict.org or call 217-342-4415. It could save your life! The Yellow Dot Program is a statewide initiative designed to provide vital medical information on vehicle drivers/passengers. The information contained on the medical card assists first responders in the golden hour immediately following a serious crash. This could mean the difference between life and death. We have the information and materials needed to register for the program in our Family & Community Resource Room. The program is free and could save a life! For detailed information about the program visit: www.yellowdotillinois.org

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.