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Your support will help to defray operating costs. |
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 Evanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education (CASE) provides Community, Advocacy, Support and Education for families of students with special needs.
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On the CASE
December 2014
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Hello Evanston CASE community,
As the holiday season approaches the refrain is "Happy Holidays." This is a wonderful sentiment in many ways, however the challenges it presents to our children/teens with special needs can be difficult to navigate. This newsletter contains strategies to help you cope with the impact of changed schedules, reduced structure and increased stimulation including recommendations for winter break activities, craft ideas and gift suggestions.
Also, please join us for our next Parent Connections Support Group meetings:
Evening Parent Connections Support Group Meeting
December 9th 7:00-9:00 pm at 1940 Sherman, Suite A.
Brown Bag Lunch Parent Connections Support Group Meeting
December 16th 11:30-1:00 at 1940 Sherman Ave. Suite A
Let us know you are coming by calling (847) 556-8676. Drop-in's are welcome.
Warm regards,
Cari Levin, LCSW
Founding Director
Evanston CASE
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Holiday Survival Tips
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From "MOMA OT" blog post
"The holiday season is often filled with shopping, unique food, and special time spent with distant loved ones. For many families, this is no big deal - chaotic, but manageable. But for families of children with autism and/or special sensory needs (especially sensory sensitivities), these events may often be met with dread, stress, and major meltdowns."
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| Local Winter Break Activities | |
AMC Theatre Sensory-Friendly Films Schedule
Skokie Public Library offers ongoing events for children with special needs:
- Club Wonder :A unique storytime for families of children with special needs taught by a therapy specialist and combining music, art, movement.
- Friend Squad: A supportive environment for youth ages 11-16 of all abilities to meet new people.
- Talking Books A monthly discussion of fiction and nonfiction works for those with visual impairments. Talking Books cassettes from the Library of Congress are mailed to registrants prior to the discussion.
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Recommended Gifts for Children With Special Needs
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Fat Brain Toys offers toys and games categorized by special needs, challenges and development goals. Explore their list HERE
Friendshipcircle.com "15 Great Online Toy Stores for Children with Special Needs" Click HERE
Parenting.com "10 Great Toys for Kids with Special Needs"
Click HERE
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Easy Craft Ideas for the Holidays
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If you're looking for simple ways to engage your child in celebrating the season, here are some simple craft ideas:
Hanukah Tissue Paper Sun Catchers
Directions HERE
Jeweled Christmas Tree Craft
Directions HERE
Pipe Cleaner Beaded Snowflakes
Directions HERE
Kid Friendly Felt Christmas Tree
Directions HERE
Snowmen Milk Jugs
Directions HERE
There are so many more ideas available online. I love Pinterest.com as a source for DIY projects you can do with your kids all year long.
Happy Holidays!
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"Saying Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia in Schools: An Interview with Michael Yudin"
Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitation Services
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What does this mean for your child? Watch an interview with Michael Yudin, the top official for special education at the Department of Education.
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Evanston Public Library Hosts Big Holiday Book Sale December 4-6
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Looking for great gifts or your next great read at crazy low prices?
This 3-day event, features a large collection of great books in excellent condition at prices buyers will love. Book lovers will find 1000's of very gently used children's and adult books, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, large print, and vintage selections in every imaginable category of fiction and non-fiction.
Book Sale Hours:
Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5: 10 am to 5:30 pm. (There will be an Early Bird Preview on Friday from 10 am to Noon, $5 admittance fee for Preview only.)
Sunday, December 6: 12 pm to 5:30 pm, all books half-price.
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10 Free Gifts Parents of Kids with Special Needs Should Give Themselves
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Don't forget to treat and take care of yourself during this holiday season, and all year round.
Posted on the Friendship Circle Blog -- "Caregiving is a round-the-clock job with few breaks. Caregivers have a tendency to put most of their energy into another person's well-being, while their own needs take second place...or third or fourth. But there are many gifts that caregivers can give to themselves to help sustain that energy. Fortunately, the most meaningful gifts usually don't cost a dime."
To read the post, click HERE
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