Our play group was created to give our children with autism and their typical siblings a place where they could be free to be themselves, play, and get to know each other. Rising Star Academy generously allows us to use their facilities. The accommodations are wonderful; they include 3 trampolines (2 are in floor), a very large foam pit, padded floors, soft sided climbing structures and numerous toys.
*We require one parent to stay while the children are playing.…
It's cold outside, so you know what that means…get out your swimsuit and goggles. What?
That's right – meet us at the YMCA pool on Saturday, January 18, from 6:00-8:00. Bring your swimsuit and towel.
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For children ages 7‐14 who have a sibling with special needs. Sibshops provide a fun and safe place for siblings to meet other children in the same situation, share experiences, feelings, and discuss joys and challenges. Class size limit is 20.
Participants must register by March 4th. Register below.
For additional information, contact Jacquie Mace at [email protected] or 309‐824‐4555.
In the event that we do not have enough children registered for a group, Sibshops will be canceled for that month.
Sponsored By Illinois Autism Training & Technical Assistance Project The Autism Society of McLean County.
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While visiting with family and friends can be a happy time, it can also be very, very hard for me. I have autism; this is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how my brain functions. I am not “bad;” I am not misbehaving. I am not intentionally trying to get away with something. I am communicating in the best way I know how. Words may not come easy for me; listening to everyone talk is like being in a foreign country with no interpreter to help me with the language. So I may “talk” through my actions instead.
I smile or laugh when I am happy. I may also smile and laugh when I am nervous, because my emotions are hard for me to understand and control. I may yell when I am happy, and I may yell and cry when I am upset. I may also scratch or pinch, not always only when I’m mad, because this is how I let people know I want them to back off, or how I say “I don’t like that!”…
Let's bowl!
ASMC is setting up the pins for another season of our annual bowling camp!
For parent registration, please click here: http://member.autismmclean.org/Sports/Bowling.php.
Contact Krissy Dodson with questions.
About the program:
This camp is open to any kid who wants to be there. As long as they want to play, they are welcome to join us.
Our mission statement is simple: provide our kids the same experience as any other kid who plays a sport. This means, of course, uniforms, practice, frustration, achievement, daydreaming, running, sharing, communicating, bonding, teamwork, turn taking, following directions and friendship.
Parents can help coach (which really means play and share the experience)
We look forward to seeing you there, and watching our kids succeed!…
The ASMC Holiday Party and Annual Meeting/Appreciate Dinner will be held at the Children’s Discovery Museum on Sunday, December 1st from 5:30p -7:30p.
Pizza and beverages will be provided – Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. A jolly, old elf may stop by to listen to Christmas wishes.
Please RSVP at http://autismmclean.org/2013-holiday-party.
The annual meeting/appreciation reception will take place while the children are playing and being supervised by our friends at SSID. The new ASMC Board of Directors will be announced.
Recognition of individuals/organizations who make a difference in the lives of people living with autism. Go to http://autismmclean.org/2013-annual-appreciation-awards to nominate an individual or organization for an award of appreciation.
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Boo! You’re invited to… SSIDs annual Halloween Dance. Who is SSID? Students Supporting Individuals with Disabilities is a registered student organization at Illinois State University that focuses on providing volunteer opportunities for students to volunteer with individuals with disabilities.
Join us for an afternoon of music, dancing, snacks, and crafts! There will be a contest for best costume, so please feel free to dress up!
All ages, disabilities and siblings are welcome!
If you have any questions, or to RSVP, please email Marlee Goldsworthy at [email protected].
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SSID is hosting a day in the park with the families from the Autism Society. Who is SSID? Students Supporting Individuals with Disabilities is a student organization at Illinois State University that provides volunteer opportunities for students to work with individuals with disabilities in the community.
We will be meeting by the Miller Park playground near the zoo to play games and have snacks. Parents are welcome to drop off their kids or stay. All ages and siblings are welcome.
Please email Marlee Goldsworthy at [email protected] to RSVP by September 22nd, or with any additional questions.
We hope to see you there!
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Are you ready for flag football?
ASMC is ready for another season of our annual football camp! The idea of organized sports seemed impossible, but at least we had catch, right? Special kids don’t have the same opportunities as “normal” kids. That’s just the way it is, right?
What kid doesn’t like to play tag, to run, be chased and play? I know our kids do. With our flag football camp, our kids will get the chance to play!
For registration, t-shirts, and more, please click here: https://member.autismmclean.org/Sports/Football.php.
Contact the ASMC Sports Director with any questions, comments, or concerns.
About the program:
This camp is open to any kid who wants to be there. As long as they want to play, they are welcome to join us.
Our mission statement is simple: provide our kids the same experience as any other kid who plays a sport. This means, of course, uniforms, practice, frustration, achievement, daydreaming, running, sharing, communicating, bonding, teamwork, turn taking, following directions and friendship.…
The Starplex hosts a sensory friendly movie monthly for children who might be overstimulated attending a typical movie experience. Starplex turns the lights up and the sound down so the movie is more enjoyable for children that can not handle or do not enjoy all that stimulation. Children are free to walk around and vocalize during the movie.
Special screenings will happen the 2nd Saturday of each month.
One free child admission with adult ticket purchase. Seating is limited – first come, first serve.
Please check out the Starplex site for more information.
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