April 10, 2015
Event focuses on families of children with autism
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Autism Acceptance Day event at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center offers fun for the entire family and some pertinent information and tools for families of children with autism.
The free event is slated for 1-4 p.m. on April 26 at Freeberg Hall, located in Camp 2 at Touch of Nature Environmental Center. The environmental center is about eight miles south of Carbondale off Giant City Road.
Children will participate in a wide variety of games and activities under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers.
Then, during the afternoon, family members and friends will hear from Jason Ketner, a speech therapist at the Language Learning Center in Carbondale. Ketner has specialized training in working with children with autism spectrum disorders. He will provide information regarding therapists, educators and participating in the development of children. There will also be information sessions featuring behavior analysts, a speech-language pathologist and autism service dogs.
Touch of Nature Environmental Center and the Carbondale Chapter of the Autism Society of Illinois are partnering to host this event. It is open to all ages and any family or friends with a loved one having autism are welcome to attend.
Organizers ask that those planning to attend RSVP if possible by calling 618/453-1121 by April 18 to allow them to properly plan for the group.
For more information, contact Vicki Lang-Mendenhall at vickil@siu.edu or by calling 618/453-1121.