Executive Functioning Focus of October SPARK Meeting

Special Education Parents Accessing Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 18, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Walter R. Sundling Junior High, 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine. The meeting will feature a presentation on executive functioning by Dr. Michael Frey of Comprehensive Psychological Services in Arlington Heights.

Over the past several years, an intense focus in the psychological community has been placed on executive functioning and its critical role in the development and behavior of children. Dr. Frey, a child and adolescent neuropsychologist, specializes in various neurobehavioral disabilities including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome, traumatic brain injuries, and oppositional defiant and bipolar disorder. His presentation will help parents understand their child’s symptoms, become familiar with executive functioning, and learn how to select interventions to address limitations in various aspects of these conditions, including concerns for sustained attention, planning and organization, and social skills.

SPARK is a committee of the Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSA that serves families of children with special needs in District 15. It was formed in response to the growing needs of families whose children learn differently or have special needs. It is comprised of parents who are trying to navigate the special education system who have realized the importance of networking with families of other special needs children and sharing resources related to special education.

SPARK has representatives at each District 15 school, and all parents, educators, and administrators are encouraged to attend it monthly meeting, which feature presentations by special education experts.

For a list of SPARK events scheduled for the 2011-12 school year, visit www.ccsd15.net | For Parents/Students | Parent Resources | SPARK. For more information, e-mail sparkdistrict15@gmail.com, or contact Ani Erickson, SPARK chair, at 847-907-4732 or Jen Kurrie, SPARK co-chair, at 847-963-8087.

-Story Submitted by Community Consolidated School District 15