The NIU Autism Caregiver Group will be kicking off the school year with a cookout designed to help families meet and connect with other families of children with autism. The picnic is 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, Welsh Park Picnic Shelter, 651 Russell Rd., DeKalb. (Rain location: NIU Wellness and Literacy Center, 3100 Sycamore Rd., DeKalb.)
If you care for a child with autism, and are interested in connecting with others who do as well, you are encouraged to join the group to enjoy one last outdoor cookout before the winter weather hits. The gathering will also offer an opportunity to contribute your input on what autism-related topics you would like to learn about this year at upcoming group events.
The group will also offer child activities at the park led by NIU undergraduates studying communicative disorders and pre-physical therapy. The Autism Caregiver Group will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats, but please bring a side or drink to share.
The NIU Autism Caregiver Group was founded by assistant professors Allison Gladfelter (speech-language pathology) and Christina Odeh (physical therapy) with interests in supporting families of those with autism. The group’s focus is to provide helpful information, resources and a supportive environment while also providing families with opportunities to connect with community professionals and therapeutic or recreational activities. To achieve this goal, the group offers activity-focused events that can be found on their website (go.niu.edu/asdcaregiver). At each event, the group provides developmentally appropriate child activities and refreshments.
So, if you are interested in joining the NIU Autism Caregiver group at this fall cookout event, please email Allison Gladfelter at agladfelter@niu.edu or call at 815-753-7737 to help ensure that sufficient food is provided and to let her know if you have any questions.
