GROUPS
This Group is open to McHenry County Caregivers of individuals with delays, disabilities, or other neurodivergent learning differences. There will be hot topic discussions, sharing, and networking opportunities. Register for the upcoming Get Connected! Caregiver Conference. For more information and questions contact Angela Krambeer at angela.krambeer@opad.org
Hang Out Jr. is a group designed to give elementary school-aged children with autism an opportunity to hang out in a supportive environment and practice social strategies. Our next Junior Hangout is March 14. For more Information contact Courtney Behrens at courtney.behrens@opad.org
This group is open to all Spanish-speaking caregivers of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. For questions or to RSVP contact Melissa Reynoso at 815-477-4720 ext 235 melissa.reynoso@opad.org
Hang Out Sr. is a group designed to give middle and high school-aged children with autism an opportunity to hang out in a supportive environment and practice social strategies. Next hangout is March 13. For more Information contact Courtney Behrens at courtney.behrens@opad.org
Sibshops are workshop groups for 8-14 year old siblings of kids with special needs. Groups meet monthly from October-May on the first Saturday of each month from 9am-11:30am! This group is open for registration and will occur as long as we can meet safely in accordance to the CDC and the McHenry County Health Department. Participants will be expected to answer basic COVID health questions and to wear a mask. For more information, contact Winter Noe at emmafisher@opad.org
For registration forms in English click here or Spanish click here.
PEERS is an evidence-based social curriculum for teenagers and young adults on the autism spectrum who are interested in making and keeping friends. Participants and caregivers each attend weekly 90-minute sessions addressing topics including conversational skills, finding friends, using humor, and handling conflict. Watch out for more information on our next meeting.
The purpose of Discovery Group is to offer an opportunity for adults on the autism spectrum to build friendships with one another. The group engages in discussions about life, goals, and strategies and occasionally hosts guest speakers. For more information, contact Darbi Carbone at darbi.carbone@opad.org!
Social Skills groups utilize multiple Social Thinking curricula and strive to teach children and adolescents on the autism spectrum the importance of understanding themselves and their peers! For more information, contact Courtney Behrens at courtney.behrens@opad.org
Child and Family Connections offers playgroups facilitated by a Developmental Therapist for you and your child, ages 4 and under. Enjoy some quality time with your child and watch them met and play with kids their age while you enjoy some conversation with people your age! Each sessions incorporates free exploration time, circle time, stories, music, a craft, and more. This is a lot of variety so kids can practice all of their developing skills, not only gross and fine motor, but also sensory and social skills.