 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Summer Programs in Chicago
Summer Programs in
Downers Grove
We combine the talents of our highly skilled professional Clubhouse staff to support the families we
serve and meet the unique, often complex needs of their children. We believe that children enjoy the
greatest success when therapists, parents and other family members collaborate continuously to help
the child achieve developmental goals.
Connections:
This unique group is designed for
children with autism, PDD-NOS,
and severe sensory integration
disorders that impact their connection
to the world around them. The
Connections Group facilitates
interpersonal/communication skills,
develops play skills, regulates
sensory integration, and addresses
behavior management in a cohesive
group setting with Speech,
Occupational and Developmental
Therapists all working together.
The group also provides families
with opportunities for a unique support and networking system through consultation with a Clinical
Psychologist and support through other professionals and families.
Clubhouse Café Feeding Groups:
Their are picky eaters, and then there are PICKY EATERS!! Parents are often distressed by finicky eating,
especially when it starts to interfere with nutrition. Sometimes, feeding problems are the result of sensory
or motor-based feeding issues. This group meets in our bright and cheerful “Clubhouse Café,” where Speech
Pathologists and/or Occupational Therapists maximize the influence of peers to help children develop all new
eating habits.
Pragmatics in Action:
This program is designed for school-aged children who are experiencing difficulty with peer interaction
using appropriate social communication skills. Our Speech Pathologists and Clinical Counselors join
forces to help children develop important social and “friendship” skills, such as turn taking and reciprocity,
understanding the perspective of others, body language recognition. While the children work, parents meet to
share challenges and successes, brainstorm practical solutions to everyday problems, and provide each other an
understanding ear and a sturdy shoulder to lean on.
“Siblings R Special 2!”:
Meet other sibilings in a relaxed and fun setting. Being brother or sister to a special needs child can be a
joy . . . and a challenge at times, too. In this group, feelings about that relationship can be voiced,
recognized and honored. Our group allows siblings to have their own “special” time to address their concerns
and to be the center
of attention. Siblings share their common experiences, concerns and
stategies for coping.
Martial Arts:
This program uses the excitement of Tae Kwon Do as a tool for physical
and emotional development. Our martial arts instructor works together
with Physical and Occupational Therapists to create a dynamic program
appropriate for all children that empahasizes coordination, balance,
bilateral movement, motor planning, and strength. In addition, the
structure and “art” of martial arts provides the children with an engaging
format for development of focus, attention, and self-control skills.
WORKSHOP SERIES (offered periodically)
ABC (Adoption, Bonding and Communication):
Adopting a child can be a highlight in any parents life. However, the adoption
process and dealing with the unique challenges that face adoptive families can
be stressful. This group is designed to bring adoptive parents together to discuss
some of the worries they face as new parents, as well as those unique to adoptive relationships.
Sounds of Music:
A Music Therapist combines our own unique therapeutic activities with a nationally recongized music program
to work with all of the children in the community.
Yoga:
Stretch, exercise, relax, concentrate, concentrate . . . Yoga is a wonderful, gentle medium for children with
special needs to work on flexibility, stamina, strength, concentration, and self-control. And because Yoga
can be easily modified to work on the strengths and challenges of everyone, this group is an excellent
opportunity to bring together children of all abilities for fun and exercise.
Handwriting without Tears:
Learn cursive with a smile! For some children the most frustrating part of school is having a head full of
wonderful, creative ideas but no way to express them on paper. Whether due to fine motor or written processing
problems, learning to write can be a physically and emotionally painful experience for some children. This
unique handwriting program allows children to learn cursive handwriting through a technique that makes sense
to both the hand and the brain.
Signs of the Times:
Get your hands in motion! Get together with others interested in learning sign language and learn by doing! In
this interactive group we learn about deaf culture and using sign language to communicate through group “
discussion” and practice.
