On the cover:

How do you help kids with Asperger's and other Autism Spectrum Disorders be more socially astute than Cartman on "South Park"? Read more...

Even days later, people are still talking about Westchester mom Amber Miller's decision to run the Chicago Marathon while 39 weeks pregnant. Read more...

Kevin Byrne has had a lot of odd jobs, so moving into a plexiglass cube in the middle of the Museum of Science and Industry for a month is nothing unusual. Read more...

Dan Zanes and Justin Roberts are both performing at two different locations at the same time. Didn't they check each others' schedules? Read more...

Steve Dahlke of Rosemont creates ghoulish attractions out of gourds at this year's Screams in the Park. Read more...

A town hall Tuesday night at the Field Museum and nationally online celebrates the kids who speak out Read more...

Jennifer Siebel Newsom made a splash at Sundance with her documentary about the images our kids see in media - and how it affects how both girls and boys see women. Now the film is making it's national debut on OWN. Read more...

The Lincoln Park Zoo is celebrating the birth of a new titi monkey - adding to the scarce population of this Bolivian animal. Read more...
Pediatric professionals are taking the broader tack of sleeping safely rather than concentrating on SIDS. Read more...
Field has the best restrooms in the U.S. Read more...

Alena Murguia and her sons took in the opening night of "Mary Poppins" at the Cadillac Palace. Their opinions? You should see it. Read more...

Some tips for a safe Halloween for kids with all kinds of food allergies. Read more...

Brookfield Zoo kicked of their annual Boo at the Zoo Halloween event last weekend, and Chicago Parent was there. Dress up and come on down this weekend, Oct. 29 and 30. Read more...

Two years ago Chicago Parent wrote about Ariel Small. Now he's the subject of a documentary airing on PBS stations around the country. Read more...

The city of Highwood carved over 30,000 Jack-o-lanterns last weekend to break the Guinness record. Read more...

The Shedd Aquarium announced today that they have lost one of their original beluga whales. Read more...

The origins of the term go back to the 14th century in England, but in America - especially the American west - the practice took an odd turn. Hint: It kinda sounds like the beginnings of the mafia. Read more...