The Autism Program at CTF

December 2013 VOL 1, ISSUE 9

IN THIS ISSUE Activities & Events Page 2 ECI Autism Connect Page 3 Other Activities of Interest Page 4

The holidays are upon us and that can bring about both expected and unexpected events and extra stress. We have visuals and several articles about autism and the holidays. Come and see us and take home some holiday tips! We wish you and your family Happy Holidays!

Adult Social
TAP at CTF
6081 Development Drive Charleston, IL 61920 217.348.3869 Fax 217.348.3873 www.ctfillinois.org/tap
TAP AT CTF STAFF Reagan Carey Director of Autism & Therapy Programs Kristin Gharst Family Resource Coordinator Cheryl Sowers Family Resource Coordinator Cathy Testory YAC/Teen Connect Coordinator Josh Pulliam YAC/Teen Connect Group Leader

A new social opportunity for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder is beginning! The first social is December 6th. (see information on page 2) Beginning in January the group will meet the second Friday of each month at 11:00 a.m. for lunch at an area restaurant. This is an opportunity to meet new people, make friends and practice social skills as related to dining, paying for meals, tips, conversation and other social etiquette. For more information and to confirm attendance, please contact Cheryl at 217-348-3869 x206 or email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org Each person will be responsible for his/her cost of meal, tip, and transportation. Local transportation is available through Dial-a-Ride Zip Line. (1-800-500-5505)

Come in and check out a book from our Family and Community Resource Room. Managing Anxiety in People with Autism by Anne M. Chalfant, Psy.D. is our most recent addition to the library. Anxiety is a huge challenge for many of us and especially for families and children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This book is full of practical information for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals on how to help individuals with autism deal with anxiety.

TAP Activities & Events

December 6thAdult SocialLunch at Whats Cookin 409 7th Street, Charleston11:00 a.m. This group is for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder ages 18 and older. We will use this opportunity to practice social etiquette while enjoying a meal and time with others. Each person is responsible for his/ her cost of meal, tip, and transportation to and from the restaurant. You must RSVP if you are attending. Please email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or call Cheryl at 217-348-3869 x206. December 12thPlay Group The Autism Program6081 Development Drive, Charleston1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m. Play group meets the second Thursday of each month, for children ages 2-5. Most of the play session is structured play activities that promote positive interactions amongst the children. To register and for more information contact Cheryl at cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or 217-3483869 x 206. Teen Connect of Champaign December1stHoliday Shopping at Marketplace Mall and Dinner at the Food Court. Drop off is at 1:00 p.m. at the Marketplace Mall. Shopping1:00 p.m.2:00 p.m. with an adult. Please bring a shopping list with who the gift is for and the amount to spend for each person. Window shopping is fine too. Dinner at the food court2:15 p.m.3:30 p.m. Pick-up at 3:30 p.m. at the mall. Young Adult Club of Champaign December 8thLunch and Nutcracker Ballet at Krannert Center, 500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana2:00 p.m. Student tickets$17.10 and Adult tickets are $34.20. Lunch location to be determined at a later date. December 14thHoliday Shopping at Marketplace Mall and Dinner at the Food Court. Shopping6:00 p.m.7:30 p.m. with an adult. Each member should bring a shopping list and the price of what they will pay for each item. Dinner 7:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. at the Food Court in the mall. Pick up time is 8:30 p.m. at the Food Court.
For more information about YAC or Teen Connect Events please contact Cathy Testory at 217-722-4482 or cathytestory@ctfillinois.org

TAP & SIU School of MedicineTelehealth with Dr. Bennett Leventhal 8:309:30 a.m. December 5thCase Consultation (not available in Effingham) December 12thCase Consultation
Telehealth is open to parents & providers unless stated otherwise at the following locations:

The Autism Program at CTF6081 Development Drive, Charleston Helen Matthes Library100 E. Market Avenue, Effingham CTF511 East Main, Olney To register email cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org or call 217-348-3869 x 206.

ECI Autism Connect

Bright MindsPlay GroupsDecember 2ndLast Play Group of the Semester 6:007:30 p.m.7704 Deerpath Road, Charleston. Bright MindsChristmas Party for Students with Special NeedsDecember 5th 5:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.7704 Deerpath Road, Charleston. Crafts and a snack are included. For more information contact Vivian Skelley at embracingautism@gmail.com or 217-508-7171. December 11thMomma & Poppa Lunch11:00 a.m.Niemergs Steak House1410 W. Fayette Avenue, Effingham. All parents/ caregivers of children with autism welcome to attend. Each person will pay for his/her own meal. For more information contact Cassie Heynen at CassieHeynen2@yahoo.com or 217-663-7080. December 14thHometown Holiday AuctionCross County Mall Mattoon. This is a fun event with live music, silent auction items, food and beverages. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Silent Auction begins at 9:30 a.m. and Live Auction begins at 10:30 a.m. Live entertainment by Motherlode! Contact Big Brothers, Big Sisters for more information at 217-348-8741. December 28thA Rollin Good Time at Silver Star Skate Rink10:00 a.m.Noon1505 North Route 45, Mattoon. Silver Star Skate Rink, Dragonflies-Dance and Drama Program for Autism and Special Needs, and staff and volunteers will host for all families of children, youth and adults with autism and special needs a rollin good time. Come out and burn off some holiday steam. The rink also has an indoor playground that is sensory heaven. Rates: $2 for entry, $1 for skates. Strollers are welcome and skates are not needed but will be available. For more information contact Julia Boyd at jboyd@dancelifecenter.com or 217-273-4793. SAVE THE DATETemple Grandin, Ph.D.Different Kinds of Minds February 27, 20147:30 p.m.SIUE, Morris University Center, (Meridian Ballroom), Edwardsville. Dr. Temple Grandin will discuss the unique ways the autistic mind works and how this distinct type of thinking is essential and beneficial to society. Purchase tickets at: www.artsandissues.com Stay in the know! The Autism Program at CTF is on Facebook! Most events and happenings are posted to our Facebook page. Like our page and keep updated on the latest happening at TAP!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Autism-Program-at-CTF/135948593121100

If you would like to see your autism-related event published in our newsletter on this page, please submit event information no later than the 25th of each month in order to go into the following months newsletter to cherylsowers@ctfillinois.org

Other Activities of Interest

One Stop Community ChristmasDo You Need Help for Christmas? December 2nd10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.Cumberland County Health Department 200 South Indiana Street, Toledo, IL December 2nd12:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.Chester P. Sutton Senior Center, 256 West Court Street, Paris, IL To sign up you MUST HAVE: Picture ID, a State Medical Card or Social Security Card for each child age 18 and younger who lives in your home. If you have questions, please call 217-234-3915. The Champaign County Park District has many opportunities for families. Check out the C-U Special Recreation Program Guide at http://www.champaignparkdistrict.com/funformation/cusr.htm December 4thMaking Early Childhood Appropriate for Every Child9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, (Lumpkin Family Center), Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL . To register and for more information go to: http://www.starnet.org/training/workshops/listing.php December 3rd4thThe Creative Curriculum for Preschool 5th Edition9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. both daysJohn A. Logan College, 700 Logan College Road, (Room H128), Carterville, IL. Go to: http://roe.stclair.k12.il.us/starnet to register and for more information. Follow-up WebinarDecember 16th3:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. (all trainings required for professional development credit). December 10thTools for Understanding, Supporting and Educating Under Privileged (Impoverished) StudentsGo to: swcccase.org/starnet to register and for more information. Questions: Call STARNET Regions I & III at 1-800-227-7537. December 12thResources and Support for Children with Autism9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Highland Community College, (Building H, Student Conference Center, Newell Room 201), 2998 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL. For more information and to register go to: http://www.starnet.org/training/workshops/listing.php December 13thFollowing Their LeadWorkshop9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 3202 East Empire Street, Bloomington, IL. Follow-up WebinarJanuary 16th4:00 p.m.5:30 p.m. To register visit: www.starnet.org Effingham Park DistrictBasketball LeaguesMondays December 2, 9, 16 & January 6, 13, 204:00 p.m.5:00 p.m. at Ron Diehl Recreation Center, 1906 South Fourth Street, Effingham, IL All ages welcome! The park district sponsors athletic leagues for children with disabilities in an environment structured for the child to succeed. A buddy system is in place for all players through the use of volunteers. Anyone with a physical or mental disability who cannot safely or successfully participate in the traditional sport are eligible to participate. These leagues are free. All costs are covered by generous donation made by the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus and other private donations. For more information visit www.effinghamparkdistrict.org or call 217-342-4415. December 11thChristmas Spirit Open House with Selvidge Chiropractic & Dr. Nancy's Naturals9:00 a.m.6:00 p.m.608 Broadway, Mattoon, IL. Free Adjustments, X-rays and/or ServicesGiveaways, refreshments and sounds of Christmas. For more information email dselvidge@aol.com or call 217-235-4664 or visit on the web at: http://www.drselvidge.com or http://www.drnancysnaturals.com

Certified and Funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services

The Autism Program at CTF is part of the Autism Program of Illinois. Funding provided in whole or in part by The Autism Program, Illinois Department of Human Services, Hope Institute Headquarters.