Autism

Every year on the 2nd of April people gather to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day or in brief WAAD. This is a tradition that has been celebrated for almost  17…

Dr Msuya, one of the best researchers in the field, answers a question that is commonly asked by parents - "Why did my child develop autism?" It's a question that…

People may have many fond memories. For others, it is their childhood, and for some, it is memories of their friends. The last one applies to a duo that met…

Michael McClure's story is touching and relatable to other people on the spectrum, and he shares this with others through his own personal experience. He hopes that his writing will…

There's been an ongoing concern related to the safety of individuals with autism, more especially when it comes to their interactions with Illinois law enforcement. As any other autistic mom…

Life skills are among the valuable lessons that children can be taught at school. Among these lessons is always agriculture, which is a vital part of our urban environment.  This…

Seasons come and go, bringing with them various changes in nature. One such change that is eagerly anticipated by many is the emergence of cicadas every spring. During spring, this…

It's Autism Acceptance Month, and nothing better exemplifies the infinite potential of individuals with autism than Marcus Moore's business (Selling Delicious Pretzel). Moore, who is on the spectrum, has his…

Chicago's municipal government, under the leadership of Mayor Brandon Johnson, has allocated funds from pandemic relief. These funds are meant to provide financial assistance to students with disabilities from economically…

Autism awareness is the focus in the Month of April, and this time around, there are great sports events to commemorate the season. For example The New York Red Bulls…

One of the main hurdles in Autism diagnosis is the extended time it takes for assessments to be completed. This delay primarily stems from the demand for evaluations surpassing the…

Based on CDC data, it is estimated that 1 in 36 children experience ASD. This rise in the number of cases has sparked an emphasis on spreading awareness and conducting…

Numerous children on the autism spectrum struggle with sensory processing difficulties and oftentimes find family outings to be distressing. During these excursions, neurodiverse families often rely on predictability and routine…

When big  organizations like Taureaux Tavern celebrate World Autism Month, the impact is far-reaching and powerful. In April this known place is offering a cocktail named "Uniquely You" and has…

There have been some misconceptions about Autism with some believing it is linked to vaccines while others argue that it is not a disorder but a unique gift that may…

As more and more individuals & organizations join hands to support the autism and special needs community, an impetus is created towards creating a more inclusive and understanding society. This…

Autism awareness and acceptance of individuals diagnosed with this developmental condition are among the main focuses during this month of April. With people acknowledging Autism awareness every month, society is…

Inge-Marie Eigsti, a psychology professor at UConn, is spearheading a group of researchers from Boston, Philadelphia, and Aarhus, Denmark in an effort to untangle the intricacies of language skills in…

It is a remarkable step forward to see the Autism stigma being broken by individuals like Tallulah Willis, who bravely share their personal journeys. At the age of 30, she…

A  multitude of studies have revealed that a significant portion, more than fifty percent, of young individuals diagnosed with autism are without employment. Almost half of 25-year-olds living with autism…

The initial school day is a crucial factor in determining a child's future academic experience. As a result, it's imperative to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to ensure…

It's reasonable to say a majority of the population is now aware of the existence of Autism & the fact that it is not limited to any specific gender or…

The past three months have seen an unexpected political shift as Trump's former adversary, Kennedy, has become a trusted ally and was appointed as head of the Department of Health…

The holiday season is around the corner, and families are preparing for celebrations, gifts, and fun activities. However, due to their neurodiverse conditions, not every child is able to fully…

Meet Victoria Boateng, a talented djembe and dunun drummer who at the tender age of 3, was diagnosed with autism. This condition made it difficult for Victoria to communicate, and…

Among the most esteemed Doctors is Angela Nelson, a prominent leader in the field of Autism research. In an interview with KevinMD, she took the time to share with parents…

Recent research on Autism has shifted the spotlight onto genetics and the intricate role of RNA in brain development. One of the recent research conducted by scientists at Northwestern Medicine…

If you’ve watched the news lately, you probably have already heard that police and fire department paramedics here in Chicago will no longer comprise the core of Chicago's Crisis Assistance…

There is a huge number of Autism cases out there in the world today, and parents everywhere are faced with the myriad problems that arise when ensuring care and support…

Dr. Berlinda Torres and Dr. Edwin Santa, both esteemed physicians, have made it their lifelong mission to use their expertise to help others, especially the disabled. This has been their…

As more Awareness is brought to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, one suburban organization has made it their mission to provide opportunities for individuals on the…

A children's store called Jadens Place, located in Chatham near the intersection of 87th and Stony Island, has brought a burst of positivity and joy to the community. Jaden's Place…

As Autism Research advances, new methods are on the horizon for potential treatment. Various experimental techniques are being explored, such as Gut Microbiota Transplant, which involves the transfer of healthy…

To create an equitable and inclusive society, we need to come together and support those affected by disabilities. This support can take various forms, including accommodations, financial aid, and, most…

A team of researchers from esteemed institutions such as Columbia and Vanderbilt universities and collaborators from various regions have been diligently working to unravel the mysteries surrounding autism. One of…

Schools are almost back in session, and many parents are in a mix between the state of excitement and anxiety. On the one hand, it's great that children will be…

Independence Day is around the corner, and one thing to expect is a sky lit up with dazzling fireworks displays throughout the Chicago region. However, these vibrant explosions can have…

Pucks for Autism Hockey Tournament, now in its ninth year, is doing a remarkable job of increasing public autism awareness and fundraising for families to create supportive environments for individuals…

For those who love watching television, especially TV shows on neurodiversity, you’ve probably noticed that TV shows and Movies have improved, at least in how they portray authentic Autism. Back…

Sarah could not believe her eyes as she watched her daughter graduating from high school and making her way across the stage. The overwhelming emotions that flooded her, from tears…

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has become an essential tool in many families with young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This evidence-based approach focuses on improving specific behaviors…

The talented and rising artist Muni Long has been making waves in the music industry with great music. But Muni has also been candid about her health journey and raising…

Many families around the world are facing challenges in raising a child with disabilities. These hurdles are not just limited to financial constraints but also extend to social reclusion and…

More Diagnosis of Autism is on the rise, and professionals are now turning to technology as a way to improve access to applied behavioral analysis services for those living in…

Students diagnosed with Autism deserve the same opportunities as their peers in education. This means that they deserve the right accommodations, such as specialized instruction and support services so that…

It's a sigh of relief as the new traffic bill passed by the state senate, pushed by State Sen. Julie Morrison, goes ahead to ensure better experiences for drivers with…

Early intervention and ongoing support help children and adults with autism reach their unique potential. Choosing evidence-based strategies that have been rigorously tested and published in peer-reviewed journals ensures the…

It's always been held that autism is a condition for kids. But as you've probably already heard, even adults are now being diagnosed with autism. Jennifer Taylor is just an…

Meet Malachi Rucker - the 11-year-old who devised an ingenious fashion hack to help those dealing with autism and sensory processing disorders. Malachi is fed up with being bullied because…

Statistically,  Autism awareness has improved remarkably over the past two decades, with more than 6000 Brits being diagnosed. However, with all that success, the majority of autistic adults in the…

World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 is a time to shine a bright light on autism as a growing global public health priority. To commemorate this, Autism Speaks started…

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting everyone differently. Some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have significant challenges, whereas others with the same diagnosis have lesser…

Autism impacts a person's capacity for language, social interaction, and appropriate behavior. It's a developmental disorder with varying symptoms for various people throughout their lives. While some people with autism…

Morgan Harper Nichols is a Black artist, musician, and author based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is known for her inspiring poetry and art that has touched the hearts of many.…

According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more children in the United States are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to…

Two bills have passed both the House and Senate in Illinois, paving the way for increased access to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).…

A new study published by researchers at Washington State University suggests that an eye test could be used to screen children for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that…

An increasing issue in diagnosing cases of autism has emerged in the United States in recent years. With an increasing number of children and adults suspected of being on the…

In Chicago, several organizations are dedicated to increasing autism awareness and improving the quality of life for those affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One such organization is The Answer…

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses. According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),…

This week, from the 9th to the 13th of February, we anticipate a special event in the city of Chicago. It's the 32nd First Look, that will take place at…

Autism awareness is an integral part of an inclusive society, as it helps promote understanding towards individuals with autism in offices, school and even social events. This is why two…

Autism rates continue to rise globally & this has prompted scholars and researchers worldwide to further investigate this issue. One such effort was made by a team from Isreael's Bar-Ilan…

We, at Illinois Autism Center, understand the significance of surpassing mere awareness and striving towards true acceptance and inclusion for individuals with autism. That is why we want to highlight…

Meet Alvin Green, the owner of Al’s Cookie Mixx - a cookie business that opened last fall.  What sets Al's Cookie Mixx apart from others is that it is run…

While volunteering at City Elementary on the South Side of Chicago, University of Chicago student Alli Marney-Bell was pleasantly surprised to discover the powerful impact of music on her students.…

It's another level of support and resources for parents with autistic children when they attend autism conferences. These gatherings can always serve resourcefully, especially in expanding understanding of autism &…

It's a remarkable initiative by Western Illinois University to establish sensory rooms at both its campuses. This initiative will provide accommodation to individuals with neurodivergent students, such as students diagnosed…

Sports are part of the fabric of our society. They bring people together, put a  smile on faces, and create lasting memories regardless of disabilities or ethnic background. Beck Saltzman,…

Recently, a new initiative has been launched to help ease communication between Orland Park police officers and individuals with autism, including those with communication needs. This initiative by the name…

As autism diagnoses continue to rise, the demand for applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services has increased, particularly in underserved communities. Telehealth is becoming increasingly popular to bridge the access gap…

Autism researchers have long been dedicated to investigating the origins of Autism. Current knowledge suggests that environmental elements, like air pollutants, play a role in the development of autism. This…

Awareness through works of care and charity helps eradicate misconceptions surrounding this Autism, & also helps raise funds that later could be used for the development of better treatment methods…

The rates of individuals impacted by Autism are on the rise with each passing year, and children are at the forefront of this growing epidemic. An issue that is growing…

Children are naturally adventurous & love exploring their surroundings. But not all children are the same. Some are more sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, both factors that hinder…

There are numerous therapists who specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). However, Noa Dotan has elevated her practice by combining CBT with animal-assisted therapy. Noa Dotan was the first animal…

Retired Army veteran Quinton McNair, was faced with unprecedented times, just like the rest of the world. With more free time on his hands due to the pandemic, he took…

The parents of two autistic boys on Long Island are claiming victory in a fight with local schools over their kids' right to wear GPS tracking devices to class. Dayann…

Meet Marie Myung-Ok Lee, an acclaimed author who collaborates with her 23-year-old son Jason, an autistic individual, to investigate the current portrayal of Autism in film and television. Through their…