Parent Support Groups / Parent Workshops

Parent Support Group

Do you feel isolated or exhausted? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Parent groups are a powerful outlet for support. Families who have children with special needs often experience emotions that need to be shared with those who understand their problem and provide a much needed outlet and a sense of community. Parents can share experiences, laugh together, brainstorm for solutions, and support each other.

Being able to talk openly with others in the same situation is often exactly the support you need. Our center offers parent groups that provide a dual role - parent support as well as educational resources. This type of group will give families opportunities to:

• share information, ideas and resources
• access support and advocacy
• reinforce positive coping behaviors
• refocus anger and emotion in positive ways
• increase parenting skills
• share experiences dealing with educational, medical and other service agencies
• expand opportunities to relieve loneliness and form new friendships
• access special topics and speakers

If you are interested in attending a parent support group, please call us for more information at 312-458-9865.

Undercover Speech Therapist Workshop

• Are you concerned about your child's speech skills?
• Is your child currently receiving speech therapy?
• Does your child have behavioral issues that may be related to communication difficulties
• Do you want to get better results in less time?

Learn the hidden approach the professionals use to most efficiently diagnose speech issues, formulate a plan, and get results.

A two-hour class, presented in the evening to accommodate working parents, is designed to help parents:

• Get Results Faster — by revealing the hidden incentives that children respond to in learning to speak
• Gain More Knowledge — by learning how professionals approach a speech and language delay
• Save Time — by focusing on the most effective approach for your situation and "doing fewer things better"

The class is very practical and focused on equipping parents to make immediate improvements with their child. We will illustrate different styles of communication, required actions to be successful, and the most common pitfalls that good, well-intended parents make in trying to help their child.

You do not have to be a professional to teach your child to speak or communicate well with others. Taking this class may be the first step for you and your child toward better communication.

Overview

1. Common myths and facts of getting your child to speak
2. The basics: How a Speech Therapist diagnoses the situation
3. The four most effective steps to influence speech behavior
4. How to work with different personal styles of children (and parents!)
5. Where to start

See also Therapy/Family Services and Therapeutic Play Interactions.