A.N.S.W.E.R.S…!
Autism Needs Support Where Ever It Strikes!
Autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 150 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Children with these disorders can learn communication, academics, and independence. For more information contact the A.N.S.W.E.R.S office at (309) 636-7555.
Email address - answers4autism@hotmail.com
Website - www.answers4autism.org.
Pediatric Aquatic Therapy
Specialized therapy sessions prescribed by a physician for children with specific diagnoses and conditions. Therapy is provided by a licensed and/or certified therapist from occupational or physical therapy. Children who benefit from the intensive aquatic therapy may include children with: cerebral palsy, hypotonia, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and /or respiratory disorders. If interested in more details (program fees, days of week offered, registration, etc.) please call Brandon Schmitz, at (309) 686-1177 or stop by the pool office at Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, 507 East Armstrong Avenue, Peoria, IL. A $5 discount will be offered for additional siblings.
Asthma Education
This education program is open to parents, children, and adults. This service fosters a partnership between patients, doctors, and parents that results in preventing and controlling asthma symptoms. Children learn how to take an active role in their own healthcare. Individual or group sessions are available. For more information, please call (309) 655-3813.
Breast Health Breast Feeding Support Group
Join in a brown-bag-it breastfeeding support group each Wednesday at noon. Come and learn from the other moms and talk with lactation consultants from Peoria’s first Breastfeeding Resource Center! For more information or for directions call Polly at (309) 683-5302.
Breastfeeding Class
Expectant and newly delivered mothers increase their understanding of this natural process and insure a smoother start for mother and baby. Polly Kocher, certified lactation consultant, highlights fitting breastfeeding into busy lifestyles and problem prevention. Fee: $10. For more information or to register, please call 1 (888) ASK OSF (1 (888) 627-5673). Free breastfeeding support group meets Thursdays, noon – 2 pm at OSF Saint Francis Center for Health.
Eating Disorders – Patient Support Group
Patient Support Group & Family Awareness Group both meet Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 pm at 100 N. Main Street, 2nd Floor (East Peoria Professional Building). Call (309) 655-2730 for more information.
T.O.U.C.H.
The Organization for Understanding Children’s Hearts
T.O.U.C.H.’s mission is to provide emotional support for the parent, the child and the entire family. The group brings together parents who have common concerns, feelings and anxieties. They share information and encourage parents through their Parent’s Survival Kit, an annual fall picnic and by Heartline. Heartline provides a one-on-one connection with another parent whose child has been through a similar experience.
They also produce Keeping in TOUCH, a quarterly newsletter that updates parents on current events and provides a forum for insights and thoughts, and words of encouragement from former patients.
For more information about this support group or to receive any of the materials listed, please contact (309) 655-2650 or 1 (800) 443-9898, or visit their website at www.childhearts.org.
Mothering Multiples
Meets Mondays, 12:30 – 2:30 pm at OSF Saint Francis Center for Health, Cost: Free. For more information, contact Polly at (309) 683-5302.