All the special needs resources you need in one place

The fair is geared to families with children through eighth grade, and includes all developmental delays, autism, physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders and ADD/ADHD.

“Having a child that has been diagnosed with any developmental difference can be overwhelming, and many parents don’t know where to start, let alone what kind of services are even available,” says Christa Reed, NPN’s associate executive director.

“NPN brings the right resources together under one roof, giving families a place to start or fill in the gaps,” she says. “This year we’re incorporating more focus on education and the dynamics of a successful inclusive classroom as well as alternative treatments and therapies.”

The specific workshops this year include Beyond Traditional Therapies: Alternative Treatments; You’ve Got a Diagnosis: Now What?; and Helping Your Child Succeed in the Classroom.

One of the presenting sponsors is Heather Bragg, founder of Learning Decoded. “I plan to present a step-by-step process that guides parents though understanding their child’s learning strengths and challenges, so they can support, teach and advocate for their child effectively,” she says.

NPN suggests making the resource fair an adult-only event, but families with children will not be turned away.

“The Developmental Differences Resource Fair not only gives parents information, but also the sense of community that can empower and support them as they work to empower and support their children,” Bragg says.

Chicago Special Parent will have a table at the fair to meet families.