Meet local Parents of Children with Special Needs, regardless of diagnosis. Gather for support and advice. Find out that there are non-medical alternatives to helping your children.

Kids Communicate is a group for kids (Grades 3 - 7) who have Aspergers, or high functioning autism. The group is also for children who have challenges with verbal and/or written communication, but good intelligence. The group will focus on written/verbal communication and social interaction/social skills. (FREE / NO COST!) (See below for meeting dates and times). My daughter is going into 4th grade (June 2009) and has Aspergers. I wanted a group like this for her, so decided to start th …

This group is built around support groups for adults with Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder- NOS, nonverbal learning disabilities and other similar social-affecting learning disabilities. In addition to support groups in Chicago and Evanston, this site will also feature other support groups and social opportunities for adults on the autism spectrum in Chicago and its suburbs. I welcome relatives, professionals, and other friends of adults on the autism spectrum to joi …

Assistive / Educational Technology training sessions [Please note that you need to sign up for each individual training session you are interested in.] I will be providing training and information sessions for parents, educators and all who are interested in how technology can help children with learning and participation. I have worked as an occupational therapist and assistive technology consultant for 24 years. There have been some very significant developments in the assistive technology …

CHADD is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others. This group is facilitated by Eric Tivers, LCSW, MSSW. Eric Tivers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Certified School Social Worker in private practice. He specializes in working with individuals and families living with ADD, au …

Greetings Parents of kids with Autism, Asperger's ADD/ADHD, and other related differences, Are you looking for a way to help your child improve their social skills? Does your child get stuck on one topic? Does your child have huge meltdowns over not-so-huge problems? Would you like to see your child be a little more flexible? If you answered yes, have you heard about Superflex(TM) or Social Thinking(R)? Social Thinking(R) is an exciting and innovative approach helping kids develop “socia …

This is a therapist run, parent support group for children with asperger's syndrome. This is a safe enviornment to learn, connect, find support. IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY:  By joining this meetup group, you understand that information you have on your profile, including photo's will be viewable by other members of this group.  If you are interested in joining this support group, but are concerned about your privacy, please feel free to contact Eric.

Kaitlin's Hideout is a play center for children with autism and other special needs.  We are also a social, resource and support center for parents and caregivers. We are dedicated to helping families in any way we possibly can.  We encourage families to socialize here, support one another and share resources. Anyone who is looking for personnel "face to face" support and socialization is strongly encouraged to join. Many of us find it difficult to meet people going through what we are, and te …

ASPiE is a group for college students with ASD! We are looking for new members, which is why we started this meetup group. Please join us -- we would love to meet you! ASPiE is a peer support group geared toward college students with ASD. The group includes all students from colleges and universities in the Chicago area. Those who attend will have opportunities to meet students with similar interests, discuss college life in a supportive environment, hear about topics of interest (relationships, …

The New Children The children of the new millennium are here with abundant and amazing gifts. When not embraced by their peers and society at-large, the journey of both child and their family can be scary, isolating and confusing.  Come connect with others, find answers and support for your phenomenal child, and realize you are not alone. Indigo, Crystal, Rainbow, Star Children and the Children of Now are just a few accurate terms used to describe these incredible youth; however, we as a societ …

While there are groups in the Chicago area for Adults with Asperger's and for Parents of Kids on the Autism Spectrum, I couldn't find a group focused on Parents of Kids with Asperger's. There is so much variance among kids on the Spectrum, that I thought it would be great to meet parents dealing with the specific issues raised by Asperger's. The purpose of the group is to create a community where parents of "Aspies" can support one another and exchange ideas and opinions on everything from schoo …

The Northern Illinois center for Autism (NICA) is a 501c3 non profit organization that was developed by parents, guided by professionals and has grown over these past 5 years into an organization that has a networking membership of over 575 contacts. Serving well over 1,250 people annually, NICA continues to grow and assist people with autism, their family members and those in the community who support them.

Hello! My name is Julie and I am a mom of 3 beautiful boys! I was put on a path that was not exactly in MY plan. I am starting this group because I feel strongly that it is my purpose to reach out to others whom have been where I was or are right now where I was when I started this journey. I was told by "school specialist" that something was "off" with my 2 older sons. The moment I heard this for both of them, a strong energy arose in me and I knew the truth was that they are very special, but …

ASAN-Chicago brings together young adults and adults who are anywhere on the autistic spectrum-- and their friends-- to share ideas, to give advice and support, and to create a learning environment for self advocacy.  ASAN-Chicago is a group whose membership is open to people on the autistic spectrum who are 18+ (younger teens are also welcomed on a case-by-case basis) and are either medically or self-diagnosed. Cross-disability and other non-autistic allies are more than welcome to join us as l …

There is a lot of information out there regarding your child's health. How do you know what to do and who to trust? This group is meant to serve as a resource for parents who want to raise a happy and healthy family without the use of drugs or surgery. There will be monthly educational workshops for parents on subjects such as: - Nutrition - Exercise - Vaccines Awareness - Natural Remedies and Supplementation - Healthy Recipes and Cooking Classes - Juicing and Smoothies - Autism /ADD/ADHD This g …

I will be starting a group for fathers of children with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, Aspergers and any other related condition. We can meet once a month, twice a month. Leep Forward has generously donated their space for our meetings. I look forward to meeting more people who are either in the beginning of their journey to help their children, or years-in who can share their challenges and successes.

Are you the parent of an ADHD Child? Sometimes feel like you are alone? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or wish you had a network of people who understand? Please join us for an ADHD Support Group gathering

Is your partner extremely logical, literal and/or routine-based? Does s/he have engrossing hobbies and flashes of focused brilliance and insight, but difficulties navigating social situations? These are some of the most common expressions of Aspergers. Whether he/she is formally diagnosed with Asperger's or not, forming a partnership with an individual who displays these traits can be challenging for a non-Aspie (neurotypical) partner. I started this group because I was looking for support for p …

Both current and past UIC special educators (and non-UIC graduates), come meet fellow educators the 2nd Friday of every month at 5pm at Jaks Tap (901 W. Jackson Blvd- just a couple of blocks north of the Education building). See this as an opportunity to unwind from the work (or study) week, share stories, network, laugh, and get some ideas or advice. Let's face it, it truly is challenging being a teacher and it's better if we can just relax with a drink and support one another. So come, drop a …