This intensive two-day training is designed to teach participants to appropriately implement the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). It begins with an overview of designing effective educational environments. A historical overview of language training programs used with non-verbal individuals is discussed along with how to set the stage for an abundance of communication opportunities. Participants will learn how to implement the six phases of PECS, including attributes, through presenter demonstrations, video examples and role-play opportunities.

Easy Basics of Lacto-Fermenting

This class will be fun, upbeat and encouraging, especially if you feel like you are stuck in a rut! Like many other children, Jane's kids had many behavioral issues and were non-verbal when she began her journey!

Jane Casey is a determined and dedicated mother of 11-year old twins who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 2.5 years old. The boys have been on a gluten-free /casein-free (GFCF) diet for over 8 years. During that time, Jane has spent countless hours researching and trying any and every method that could possibly help her boys. One of the key ingredients she found in healing their guts and ultimately their brains has been to incorporate Lacto-fermented foods into their diets. This has enabled every other method of biomedical treatments and therapy to work more efficiently in healing Jane's children. Today at age 11, the kids are in a typical 5th grade class and have lost their autism diagnosis.

Augmentative Communication Technology

Hilary Hoffsetter and Shannon Brooke will speak about low- and high-tech assistive communication technology and systems that are available for any nonverbal individual, not just those with autism. Devices will be available to handle and try out at the meeting. Hilary and Shannon will also be discussing how to determine the type of assistive technology that is appropriate for the nonverbal person in your life and how to know when someone is ready for a new communication strategy.

Hilary Hoffstetter is the Northern Illinois Consultant for DynaVox/Mayer Johnson and Shannon Brooke is a Speech Language Pathologist from Easter Seals in Waukegan.

AMC Barrington 30
175 Studio Dr, South Barrington, IL 60010
Driving directions

AMC Cantera 30
28250 Diehl Rd., Warrenville, IL 60555
Driving directions

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.

AMC Barrington 30
175 Studio Dr, South Barrington, IL 60010
Driving directions

AMC Cantera 30
28250 Diehl Rd., Warrenville, IL 60555
Driving directions

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program.

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are $4-6 depending on location and can be purchased on the day of the event.