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Training Opportunities
Upcoming Opportunities
REGISTER TODAY- SPACE IS LIMITED The Big Book of Visual Systems Two-Day Workshop - October 28 and 30 Presented by: Patti Boheme & Carol Paske
The Little Friends Center for Autism is now accepting reservations for its upcoming The Big Book of Visual Systems Workshop, which will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on October 28 and 30, at the Little Friends Center for Autism, 140 N. Wright Street. This FREE, two-day workshop for parents and professionals will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of visual systems and is ideal for anyone who works with children and adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
To learn more about this training, please click here.
To download an application for this training, please click here
RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!!! An Update on Asthma and Food Allergies in Children - October 8 Presented by: Dr. Diane Ozog
Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness in children. It affects as many as 10-12 percent of children in the United States and, for unknown reasons, is steadily increasing. When children with Autism Spectrum Disorders are faced Asthma, it is even more challenging. As part of this unique presentation, Dr. Ozog will discuss current treatment options in the management of asthma in children. She will also provide an overview on the most common symptoms, while touching on tips for the prevention of this challenging condition. Dr. Ozog will also provide parents and professionals with an overview of food allergies, which are generally more common in children than adults.
About Dr. Diane Ozog Dr. Diane Ozog graduated from the University of the Health Sciences Chicago Medical School in 1982 and completed her pediatric residency at Cook County Hospital in 1984. In addition, she completed a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Memorial Hospital in 1987. Recognized as one of Chicago Magazine’s “Top Doc’s” in Allergy and Immunology in 2001, 2004 and 2008, Ozog established her practice in the western suburbs in 1990 and now has offices in both Lombard and Naperville.
To learn more or to register for this training, please click here.
JUST ANNOUNCED!!! Working with Folks with Asperger’s - “A Life Team Strategy” - October 7 Presented by: Brian R. King, LCSW
Brian King will discuss characteristics of Asperger’s and talk about his revolutionary LifeTeam Strategy, a five-part strategy for maximizing the positive resources and experiences in every facet of a person with Asperger’s life. This presentation will be helpful for anyone who lives or works with individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. It also may be helpful for individuals who have Asperger’s and are looking for information to help them better understand themselves and their world. Brian is a wonderful speaker and teacher who has new and positive insight into those who have Asperger’s.
About Brian King Brian R. King is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in a private practice in Naperville, in which he brings a unique three-fold perspective to the world of Asperger’s. Brian not only has two sons on the Autism Spectrum and a practice focusing exclusively on working with Asperger clients and their families, but is also blessed with Asperger’s himself. Brian has become known worldwide for his positive approach to Living the Asperger’s experience and is dedicating his time to serving as an ambassador between the Asperger and Neurotypical communities. His goal is to help both communities learn to better communicate, appreciate and cooperate with each other in a spirit of mutual respect.
To learn more or to register for this training, please click here.
NEW TRAINING ADDED Little Friends Center for Autism Fall 2008 Training Schedule
The Little Friends Center for Autism uses state-of-the-art training systems to conduct more than 100 trainings each year. The Center’s highly skilled autism experts provide training to parent groups, professionals and other community organizations on a number of topics, including behavior, communication and personal hygiene. Each year, thousands of parents and education professionals from across the nation benefit from the Center’s practical experiences in the field of autism, helping to further understand this complex disorder.
To view the Little Friends Center for Autism's Fall 2008 Training Schedule, please click here.
NEW DATE The Ultimate Toilet Training Workshop for Parents- November 15 Presented by: Patti Boheme and Mary Crissman
This workshop will provide parents and professionals with strategies for developing a toilet training program for home or school settings. At the completion of the workshop, participants will know how to begin a toileting program. Specific topics that will be addressed include emotional, communicative and developmental issues; rewards; toileting chairs; toileting readiness; bowel training and diet. Additionally, presenters will discuss how to overcome difficult problems when toilet training children with developmental disabilities and Autism. The Little Friends Visual Toilet Training Program will also be reviewed.
To learn more or to register for this training, please click here.
Discrete Trial Trainings for Parents and Professionals- November 7 Presented by: Mary Crissman
This presentation will discuss Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Discrete Trial (DTF) in teaching children across the Autism Spectrum. Discrete Trial may be used to teach: 1.) social/play skills (i.e. imitative play, turn-taking and imitating peers), 2.) receptive and expressive language, 3.) self-help skills (i.e. toileting, dressing and undressing and oral hygiene) and 4.) academics (i.e. matching identical items, identifying shapes, colors, letters and numbers). DTF may be customized to meet the needs of each child. DTF is highly structured and builds upon a child’s strengths. DTF allows those teaching children with autism to customize the program for each child, and also allows for program modification when necessary. Participants will also practice using Discrete Trial to teach important skills.
To learn more or to register for this training, please click here.
Parent 'Hot Topic' Day Workshops- November 4 and November 13 Presented by: Mary Crissman
November 4, 2008
Helping Individuals Improve Eating Routines 9:30 a.m.-noon
Helping Individuals Improve Sleeping Routines 1-3 p.m.
This workshop will look at a variety of problems observed with eating and sleeping routines. Participants will be taught to set up predictable routines and establish behavior and reinforcement programs. Several examples to modify the environment and establish new routines will be shared including looking at sensory issues.
November 13, 2008
Helping Individuals Improve Grooming and Bathing Routines 9:30 a.m.-noon
This workshop will look at advancing grooming and bathing routines towards gaining greater independence. Participants will be taught to set up predictable routines, establish behavior and reinforcement programs and utilize visual systems. Several examples to modify the environment and establish new routines will be shared.
To learn more or to register for these trainings, please click here.
Guardianship & Transition- Saturday, September 27, 2008 Presented by: Theresa Varnet, M.S.W., J.D.
This presentation will include an overview of legal issues that help with the transition process that are of critical importance when assisting parents plan for their disabled child’s future. Legal issues covered will include: guardianship and alternatives to guardianship, individuals with disabilities rights and the impact that a guardianship has on a parent’s ability to consent to authorize residential placement. Ms. Varnet will also cover eligibility criteria for government benefits and planning for residential supports.
About Theresa Varnet Varnet has been an advocate for persons with disabilities for more than 40 years. In addition to being a certified teacher, licensed social worker and a graduate of the DePaul University College of Law, she is the parent of a disabled adult daughter. She has served as Social Services Director in a residential school for profoundly retarded children, Coordinator for a Special Education Cooperative and as a Citizen Advocacy/Disability Rights Coordinator. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Academy of Special Needs Planners. Ms. Varnet is licensed in both Massachusetts and Illinois and divides her time between the Illinois office of Spain, Spain & Varnet P.C. and the Massachusetts office of Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple, P.C.
To learn more or to register for this training, please click here.
Year-Round Training Opportunities
The Little Friends Center for Autism hosts a number of training seminars for area professionals and parents throughout the year. Topics include communication, visual systems, toliet training and much more. To view the Center's Training Calendar, please click here.
Training & Workshops
The LFCA offers a variety of workshops to train your staff in specific techniques, methodologies, or skill areas for teaching children with autism. To download a list of our training descriptions, please click here.
Topics include:
- Bus Driver Training: Understanding Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities
- Characteristics and Behavioral Issues in Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome
- Communication Training
- Communicative Functions of Behavior
- Discrete Trial
- Helping Individuals Improve Eating Routines
- Helping Individuals Improve Grooming & Bathing Routines
- Helping Individuals Improve Sleeping Routines
- New & Practical Ways of Thinking about Sensory Issues
- Organizational Supports for High-Functioning Autism
- Parent’s Perspective
- Positive Proactive Programming for Individuals with Behavior Problems
- Sensory Processing
- Social Language Strategies Workshop
- Structured Teaching (TEACCH)
- Teaching Independent Skills Using Nonverbal Prompts
- Teaching Personal Boundaries to Individuals with Autism
- Teaching Play Skills with Board Games to Children with Autism
- Testing Children with Autism Using Visual Supports
- Toilet Training: Using Visual Supports
- Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders & Successful Treatment Strategies
- Visual Strategies
- Visual Systems for Now and the Future
- Walk in My Autism
Specialized Training Opportunities
Level 1 Core Autism Training Certificate The Little Friends Center for Autism, Level 1 Core Autism Training provides a solid base of knowledge in regards to understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders. The training is set up to increase insight and skill level in the core training areas for individuals who work and live with individuals with ASD. Upon completion of attending all of the trainings in the Level 1 Core Autism Training Series, participants are awarded a certificate of completion that lists each training attended.
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