Training Opportunities

Upcoming Opportunities

Just Announced!!!
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.

Exciting New Training Opportunities
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.

One of our Most Popular Trainings
The Ultimate Toilet Training Workshop for Parents- October 18
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.

Register Today- Space is Limited!!!
Discrete Trial Trainings for Parents and Professionals- September 5 and 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.

Make Your Plans to Join Us!
Little Friends Center for Autism Annual Kinship Party Scheduled for September 12

To download an event flyer, please click here.

Designed for mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this event will provide moms with the opportunity to share stories, concerns and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Festivities will include story telling, idea sharing and lots of laughter.

Date:
Friday, September 12
Kicks off at 3:30 p.m.

Location:
Embassy Suites Hotel
707 East Butterfield Road
Lombard, Illinois

Cost:
FREE

Optional Overnight:
Please contact the Embassy Suites at (630) 969-7500 for hotel availability and rates.

R.S.V.P. TODAY 
For more information, please contact Carol Paske at (630) 479-3876 or via e-mail at autismkinship@aol.com.

Register Today!
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.

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.

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.