Florissa

09/29/2025

✨ Kids are aware of so much more than we know, and they have a way of asking big/tough questions at the most unexpected times (hello, bedtime or car rides 🙃). It can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what to say in the moment.

A few gentle suggestions that can help:

💡 Listen first. Give them space to share what they’re thinking before jumping in.

💡 Keep it simple and honest. Use words that match their age and understanding.

💡 You don’t need all the answers. It’s okay to say, “That’s a really good question—let’s figure it out together.”

💡 Offer reassurance. Remind them their feelings and questions are safe with you.

🌱 The goal isn’t to have the “perfect” answer—it’s to show your child you’re there, you care, and you’re glad they came to you.

Sometimes the most powerful response is simply: “I’m really glad you shared this with me.” ❤️

09/20/2025

Yet another 🌟FREE🌟opportunity for caregivers!

Parenting a child with autism can include juggling roles as a caregiver, teacher, and advocate, facing daily concerns about communication, behavior, and social skills. If this is the case for you, know you are not alone.

Join the online Autism Parenting Summit (October 10-13, 2025) for expert insights on topics that really hit home.

https://autismparentingsummit.com/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Dr%20%20Temple%20Grandin%20Answers%20Your%20Top%20Questions%20at%20the%20Free%20Autism%20Parenting%20Summit&utm_campaign=Summit%20Oct%2025%20-%20Registration%20Email%20%233ome avers

Give autistic children the best start in life from our panel of experts. Sign up for FREE and learn how to help your child thrive.

09/19/2025

🌟 Serie de Seminarios Web en Español – Diciembre 2025
🌟 Spanish-Language Webinar Series – December 2025

RCADD le invita a participar en tres entrenamientos virtuales gratuitos y en vivo.**

RCADD invites you to join three free, live virtual trainings.

🔹 Comprendiendo el Autismo y Apoyos Visuales
Understanding Autism and Visual Supports
📅 Miércoles / Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 🕛 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. CST

🔹 4 Estrategias para Mejorar la Lectura en Niños/as con Autismo
4 Strategies to Improve Reading Skills in Children with Autism
📅 Jueves / Thursday, Dec. 18 | 🕛 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. CST

🔹 Adiós Pañales – Aprendiendo a Ir al Baño para Niños/as con Necesidades Especiales
Goodbye Diapers – Toilet Training for Children with Special Needs
📅 Viernes / Friday, Dec. 19 | 🕛 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. CST

👩‍🏫 Presentadora / Presenter: Angélica Dávila
Angélica Dávila fue diagnosticada con autismo en la adultez y creció con una hermana autista. Ha trabajado como Especialista Principal en Discapacidades para RCADD en la Universidad de Illinois en Chicago y ha facilitado talleres en conferencias locales y nacionales.

Angélica Dávila was diagnosed with autism as an adult and grew up with a younger autistic sister. She has served as a Lead Disability Specialist at RCADD at the University of Illinois Chicago and has presented workshops at both local and national conferences.

Registro / Registration:
https://cfl.uic.edu/overview/rcadd/ -for-any-rcadd-workshop

09/15/2025

🌱🏡 Parenting a youth with big emotions can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. 📚🤝

Join Virgdant Breton, LSW, for "From Chaos to Coping: How DBT Can Help Your Child Regulate and Grow" — a 🌟FREE🌟 parent workshop introducing practical tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help your child build resilience and strengthen relationships.

📌 >> Click here to register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9817522510663/WN_6YcxBRZzSVKOBQIOcUWSFA #/registration

Parenting a child or teen with big emotions can feel overwhelming and isolating. This engaging workshop introduces parents to the core concepts of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and how it helps adolescents build emotional resilience, reduce impulsive behaviors, and strengthen relationships. Lea...

09/12/2025

Wow, what a week! If you’re interested in learning more about FASDs, check out the 🌟FREE🌟 upcoming training:

Families Rising is excited to announce two upcoming two-day trainings on FASD this fall in Illinois presented by Barb Clark:

Springfield (October 14–15, 2025)

Chicago (October 16–17, 2025)

These trainings are 🌟FREE🌟 and open to professionals who work with children or adults, as well as caregivers and family members.

Barb Clark is a nationally recognized FASD professional, a caregiver to an individual with an FASD, and herself is diagnosed with an FASD.

https://wearefamiliesrising.org/event/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-the-time-is-now/

Up to 1 in 20 children may have an FASD. You may be thinking, “I don’t know any children with FASD!” But it’s very likely that you do. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed—in reality, they are twice as common as autism. Those with FASD often experience, invisible brain injuries, typically making traditional parenting, teaching, and therapeutic approaches ineffective.

It is essential for anyone in contact with this population, whether in caregiving, education, healthcare, or social services to understand:

- the root causes of learning and behavioral challenges

- the strategies that are more effective for these neural behavioral differences

https://wearefamiliesrising.org/event/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders-the-time-is-now/

A FREE two-day workshop for Illinois caregivers and professionals who serve children and adults Up to 1 in 20 children may have an FASD. You may be thinking, "I don't know any children with FASD!" But it's very likely that you do. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are frequently undiagnosed or...

09/12/2025

7 Considerations Of Autism: ASD and the IEP
RCADD Workshops
September 17, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM America/Chicago
Zoom Meeting https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/t_N5Z1pVRBCYfauNxIUG2w
Cost Free

Learn to advocate for a child with autism by becoming familiar with the state guidelines surrounding autism spectrum disorder and the development of the IEP. Workshop provided in English.

Note: Only a general certificate will be provided for this workshop geared towards families and caregivers. Closed captioning is provided for all workshops

09/11/2025

A reminder that your kids may be exposed to difficult events from peers and social media. They are watching how you respond and need your support and love. Thank you to Coach Will for his simple steps for parents.

09/10/2025

Listen to find out more about Florrisa and the recently awarded grant, Creating an FASD-Informed System of Care.

Dr. Laura’s audio is low but the content is good. 🎤🤗

The TALK-LINE interview for Sept. 10 featured Kreider Services Florissa Center clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Gumbiner discussing the role the Florissa Center plays in providing assistance to children with developmental, behavioral, learning, social, and emotional needs.

09/09/2025

A new semester of Neurodiverse Kids Play Group (9+years) starts September 11 and I have just a few more spots! This group is a FREE social opportunity for kids who love to play and connect with other neurodivergent kids! Register now to save your child's spot!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfObfY-nLfsi3V-DXtZBOgH7LaSg4oXJ6Qn7rzw_b9DC-UdbQ/viewform

09/09/2025

Have a neurodivergent teen in the Sauk Valley area? We have a place for them to hang out, play games, and unmask! Join us this week!

This is a relaxed, non-curriculum opportunity make connections with others. We talk about wins and struggles, explore special interests, help each other navigate teen-related communication and social exchanges, and enjoy time with others who "get it!"

Register here⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYK_QtIDrDB5tSiFnJ7kVIyS-LMgXr77I7zH4XYRopxzZKqw/viewform?usp=dialog

09/09/2025

It’s International FASD Awareness Day!

You may wonder why Florrisa is involved in this work. Our original evaluations more than a decade ago were mainly related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but over the years, we have grown to serve a wide range of childhood and adolescent needs.

There is a fair amount of overlap, and distinction, with FASDs and ASD. Both are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect brain function, development, and social interaction. However, you can see in the chart below there are also many distinguishing features (the non-bold items).

While common in the population, FASDs are commonly misdiagnosed or miss diagnosed. We are here to help.