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In This Issue
Summer Break Strategies
Join a Meetup
Social Skills in the Summer
New Drama Camp
Parent Connections
We Need Tech Help!
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LogoEvanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education (CASE) is a community advocacy organization working to improve the range, quality and accessibility of special education services in Evanston/Skokie District 65 and ETHS District 202.

We provide information and support for parents of children with special needs through Parent Connections meetings and our CASEline number.
We are commited to advancing disability awareness in the Evanston community.

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On the CASE
June 2013

 

Hello Evanston CASE members,

 

You have ushered your kids through another school year and hopefully now you can look forward to some down time, stress reduction and fun.

 

In this month's issue:

  • Unstructured time brings its own challenges. Read the article below by Beth Arky of the Child Mind Institute entitled, "Strategies for a Successful Summer Break."
  • Parents can connect with others over the summer by participating in a Meetup. Join one in progress, or start your own. 
  • Summer can be a perfect time to help your child work on his/her social skills.  Read below about a few local programs that offer social skills training.
  • Autism Home Support offers new summer drama camp for kids with autism.
  • Parent Connections meetings will begin again in September.
  • CASE is looking for someone to help us with some technology upgrades.

Wishing you an enjoyable summer. 

 

Warm regards,

 

Cari Levin, LCSW

Founding Director

Evanston CASE 

 

Strategies for a Successful Summer Break 

Beth Arky of the Child Mind Institute writes about some tips for managing your kids' downtime to help make it relaxing for everyone.

 

She writes, "While all kids do better with structure and routine, those with mental health issues including anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders are especially dependent on the predictable "safe zone" that school provides. Without it, they're more prone to anxiety, oppositional behavior, and tantrums. For the parents who care for them, "vacation" can be anything but.

 

To read about Ms. Arky's 11 helpful strategies click HERE.


 

Join a "Meetup"  

 

What's a Meetup?  They are groups of people who get together around a common theme to socialize, do an activity, or share information. 

 

There are several Meetups in the Evanston/North Shore area that you might want to check out.

 

North Suburban Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Issues

Information Here

 

Fathers of Kids with Asperger's

Information Here

 

Chicago ADHD Parent Support Group

Information Here

 

CHADD of Lake County ADHD Support Group

Information Here

 

And you can start your own Meetup! 

Here's how

 

 Building Social Skills in the Summer 

 

Below is a listing of a few agencies that offer social skills training in groups over the summer.

 

The Glenview/Northbrook Youth Services has two programs to teach kids social skills through fun activities.

  

The Adventure Programs consists of three separate groups designed to help kids improve social skills. The program teaches children appropriate social skills techniques for interacting with peers.

The Explorers Program consists of three separate groups, offering children with high functioning Autism an opportunity to learn and practice social skills. Information Here

  

Social Endeavors located in Evanston offers Weekly structured playgroup designed to help children develop age appropriate social and communication skills. Information here

 

Kick Start, located in Northfield, offers several therapeutic social skills groups for preschool to school age children including a Messy Art group and a Sports Group.  Information Here

 

North Shore Pediatric Therapy located in Glenview offers a wide variety of social skills groups.  Information Here

 

If you know about a good program or private therapist that provides social skills training, let us know.

 

Drama Camp for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders  

Autism Home Support

"Drama Camp East"

 

For children ages 10-16, diagnosed with ASD or a related disorder

 

When: August 6, 2012 - August 17, 2012: 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday-Friday

Where: St. Joan of Arc School - 9248 N. Lawndale Ave, Evanston Cost: Early Bird Discount until May 15, 2012, $1,400 per camper, After May 15, 2012 the cost will be $1,600 

 

To view the flyer, click HERE
To register or for more information contact

MaryanneN@AutismHomeSupport.com or call 847-564-0822

 

Parent Connections 

CASE Parent Connections meetings will begin again in September.  If you would like to suggest a speaker or topic for next year's schedule, please contact us at 847-556-8676.

 

Tech Help!

CASE is looking for someone who could volunteer their time and expertise to help us with some technology upgrades we would like to make.  This includes creating and posting short informational videos on the CASE website, logo creation for our Parent Connections program and improving our website functionality.

 

If you or someone you know would be interested in helping us out, please call 847-556-8676.