Free Community Chats for Baltimore Area Families

Free Community Chats for Baltimore Area Families

Dealing with our son’s Autism can be challenging at times.  Some days I have so many questions and I hope for answers.  Lately he’s picked up screeching when he’s excited and I’ve been looking for a way to get him to stop it.  Most times it doesn’t bother me but there are times he does it and its nerve wrecking.  Sheppard Pratt Cares is hosting two free community chats for Baltimore area families.

Sheppard Pratt Health System will host the following free community talks in early June for those interested in learning more about a child’s behaviors, including identifying reasons behind them and how to properly respond, as well as how to set your child up for a successful transition to a new school.

These will be presented by Dr. Patti Hershfeldt, co-director of the mid-Atlantic Regional Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Center at Sheppard Pratt Health System, where she works to support and modify behaviors to help students achieve social, emotional and academic success in school.

Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

FREE COMMUNITY TALK: “Why Does My Child Do That? And Other Questions About Your Child’s Behavior”

To prevent behavior issues, we must first understand our children’s behavior. During this talk, we will begin to understand and identify reasons behind behaviors, and how we can properly respond. Some of the questions we will answer during the session include: 

• Why does my child behave this way?
• How can my response, as a parent, change my child’s behavior?
• What signs should I look for if my child is struggling emotionally?
  • Is he/she just sad or is there more to it?
  • Does he/she worry more than other children her age?

Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

FREE COMMUNITY TALK: “School Transitions: How You Can Help Your Child Succeed”

These questions are typical of anxious parents whose child is preparing to transition into middle or high school. During this free community talk, we will discuss important steps that we, as parents, can take to help our children make a smooth transition. Some of the questions we will answer during the session include:

•  Why is it important to get involved?
• What can I do to best support my child during these transition periods?
• How can I become more involved with my child’s education (even if I work and can’t always get there)?

Both talks are free, open to the public, and will take place at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt, located on campus at 6501 N. Charles St. in Towson. Follow the signs to the Conference Center, or call the receptionist for directions: 410-938-3900.

RSVP is encouraged but not required. Email [email protected] or call Chelsea at 410-938-3133 to reserve your seat.  For more information, visit www.sheppardpratt.org and click “Calendar of Events” at the top-left.