Connecting for Kids

Did your child recently receive an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis? Or, are you trying to navigate new territory with a child previously diagnosed? How can you best support your child in whatever stage they are currently in? 

Join Nathan Morgan, MSSA, LSW, of Milestones Autism Resources, as they present facts, debunk myths and provide the most up-to-date terminology currently available on ASD informed by their experiences as both a licensed social worker and autism self-advocate. Each autistic person is unique. Learn about differing strengths, lagging skills and accommodating ever-changing support needs.

Do you know how a parent’s role in the healthcare process changes during puberty?

 Join Nikki Montgomery, M.A., M.Ed., GPAC, Director of Strategy and Communications for Family Voices National, as she leads a discussion on how to begin to involve your child in planning and decision-making now to prepare for future self-advocacy. 

As part of her work with Family Voices, Nikki also leads the National Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities, and will be addressing how race, disability and special health needs can affect healthcare outcomes. 

Families will learn to grow their child’s independence and advocacy skills in order to more confidently navigate this adolescent transition.

Does your child feel the pressure to be perfect? Do they feel stress about academics or earning good grades? Is their self-esteem tied to being the best in an extracurricular or sport? 

Join Kate Boylan LPCC-SUPV, MS, of Larchmere Center for Well-Being, to discuss how parents can help alleviate this pressure through healthy communication and attachment. Learn how to boost your child’s self-confidence, foster pride outside of achievement and guide them in building relationships with peers.

 Are you a caregiver dealing with your own struggles while supporting a child facing similar challenges? Could you use some practical tips to help both you and your child? Join Sarah Saunders, MA, LPCC-S, of Purposeful Growth & Wellness, who will help families learn strategies to prioritize self-care, manage stress effectively and establish healthy boundaries. She will also discuss techniques for effective communication and collaborative problem-solving to create a supportive home environment. Attendees will leave with the tools and confidence to support themselves and their child more effectively. 

 Does your child avoid certain foods, textures or entire food groups? Or do you have a child with more complex feeding needs? Whether you’re worried about a child who won’t eat vegetables or a child diagnosed with a feeding disorder, this discussion will give you tips you can put to use during your next meal. 

Are you a Black American caregiver who needs help learning new and supportive ways to provide discipline for your child? Join Anna Jones, LISW-S, of Cleveland State University and Up the Steps, and learn: 

 How can you build social skills that honor the unique neurodiversity of your child? What are some of the common mistakes parents make when trying to teach social skills to an elementary-aged (6- 12) child with ADHD, anxiety or autism? Join Lisa Mortensen, of Spectrum Social Club, as she shares skill-building techniques that make it easier for a neurodivergent child. She will also discuss how to distinguish between things families need to adapt to and things they need to accept. 

 Do you find yourself in a never-ending struggle with your child over homework, chores and daily routines? Maybe you feel like you've tried everything and you could really use more support. 

Join Katie Greenleaf, MA, LPCC, of Anchored Unbound Counseling, Coaching and Consulting, for a discussion on using executive function strategies to create a supportive family environment that contributes to your child's success. She’ll also discuss the differences between counseling and coaching, and provide tools to help your family thrive amid life's daily stressors. 

Does your child struggle with behavior when they become overwhelmed or overstimulated? Join Christine Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, of Abilities First, LLC, for a special edition of Behavior Chat, where you will learn what a sensory bucket is and some tools you can use to empty your child’s bucket to promote positive behavior.

The content in this program is geared toward caregivers of children ages 18 months - 6 years (with or without developmental concerns).

In this podcast, designed for librarians and library staff, Kathy Nash, MEd., of Connecting for Kids, explains how to use movement, touch and sound to engage children who may otherwise have trouble participating in literacy activities. Throughout the podcast, Nash gives specific examples of multi-sensory engagement that facilitators can incorporate into storytimes and other inclusive programming.