Looking for Advice - Oswego, IL

Jackie, i am in plainfield and have a 7yr old daughter..I would love to get your nephew and my daughter together. 1-to let him know that all kids are not created equal and not mean, and 2.to continously expose my daughter to children/people that are different from her, so she learns at an early age not to prejudge, to be polite and to treat all with respect they deserve. I apolgize that this isnt what you were looking for, but if this would be any help, i'd be glad to do it..K.

If you have a local YWCA- the one here in Glen Ellyn- has a good support network for children with special needs. I do not know where Oswego is located.
B.

Hi!
I do not know how helpful this may be, but there is a website called Joniandfriends.org which is an organization for the disabled. The have a family camp in the summer and a family from my church with an autistic child are going. It's a great place because ALL the kids have a disability of one kind or another...might be helpful info on the website...

Investigate Easter Seals DuPage, a therapy clinic, with sites in Naperville and Villa Park. They offer wonderful services from individual and group therapy, kids groups and support groups for kids and parents. Definitely worth a call.
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L.
Mom of a one month and 22 month old little girls and a peds occupational therapist.

My son went to Communication Clubhouse in Lobard...it was FABULOUS. In fact, when I moved to Plainfield, I drove back there all winter long so he could continue there. My son was in for speech,but they deal with a wide variety of things. Not sure if they could help your nephew, but it's worth a call to them.

Well because he has autism, he qualifies for a lot of services, even if he is high functioning. His parents need to call their case coordination unit, which varies depending on wher they live. I believe for Oswego it is Kane/Kendall. They will provide a list of respite providers and othere services your nephew can be a part of. Alot of agencies shy away from peer groups becasue of the risks involved, but he could interact with other children that have similar difficulties. I work at a social service agency that serves children primarily with autism, hope this helps.

Oh...this just breaks my heart. I 'hear' the pain in your post, and I can totally relate. I have a special 10 year old niece who has some problems. A couple of years ago, we found out that a couple of little girls at her school were harassing her...chasing her, hitting her, etc. My niece is super tiny - size of a 5/6 year old and she's 10. She had a G-tube in her belly for her first 5 years of life. They have no idea why she isn't growing....numerous tests....she's had 2 major surgergies as well as 4 eye surgeries. It absolutely breaks my heart knowing that kids at school are going to be and are mean to her. I live in Bolingbrook, she lives in Columbus, Oh---which makes me feel even more helpless.

I'm sorry that I don't know of any groups/playgroups for your nephew. He's more than welcomed to come play with my son...but my son is only 14 months old :-(

Good for you to be trying to help him out....keep at it until you find something. Good luck!

A.