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Autism-friendly 4th of July
How to have an autism-friendly Fourth of July

4th of July is a holiday which commemorates the American Independence Day. Commonly celebrated with barbecues and captivating fireworks displays, the day carries a spirit of exuberance and revelry. Nonetheless,…

Autism expo in Illinois
Discover the power of connection at the 3rd Annual Autism & Developmental Differences Expo!

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 event in Chicago restaurant
Taureaux Tavern Introduces Spring and Summer Menu Additions

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…

Neurodiverse family in Chicago, IL
Accessible Chicago: autism-friendly family fun for neurodiverse families

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…

Autism awareness day in Chicago
Autism Awareness Day 2024: 5 ways therapy helps children grow

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…

Chicago Fire FC autism event
MATCH PREVIEW, pres. by Toyota: Red Bulls Host Chicago for 10th Annual Autism Acceptance Match, pres. by Hackensack Meridian Health

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…

dtudent with disability in Chicago IL
Chicago’s low-income families of students with disabilities eligible for new $500 grants

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 friendly urban farming in Chicago IL
Urban farm helps students with autism

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…

Chicago police autism friendly
Senate passes bill mandating autism training for Illinois law enforcement officers

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…

NCSA Letter to IACC: Stop Sanitizing Autism

“The IACC was intended to encompass the representation of the entire population disabled by autism to tackle the serious national crisis engulfing our families and communities, but the unbalanced slate…

Autism awareness month in Chicago
3 helpful resources for Autism Awareness Month and Autism Acceptance Month

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…

Autistic girl in Chicago with a pet
How to handle Fourth of July fireworks for pets

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…

Autistic businessman
Man with autism starts his own business after no one else would hire him

The cause of making our society inclusive and equitable starts with recognizing that individuals with disabilities can contribute in one way or another. Yet this is more spoken than implemented.…

Pedal for autism
Illinois Center for Autism to Host Annual Pedal for Autism Fundraiser and Family Fun Fest

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…

Autism friendly cafe in Chicago
Chicago children’s store named after boy with autism aims to boost Chatham community

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…

Chicago bus
Suburban mom says son with autism placed on the wrong bus, causing frightening afternoon

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…

Empowering families: The Answer Inc.’s fundraiser for autism & developmental disabilities support

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…

activities for Autism in Chicago
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Chicagoland This Weekend

This weekend marks the beginning of spine-tingling Halloween celebrations across the Chicagoland area. Throughout October, there are amazing events suitable for children on the autism spectrum in Chicago and guarantee…

Ford event for Autistic people
Ford supports Chicago Department of Health leading on mental health emergencies

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…

chicago auto show for autism
Chicago Auto Show’s First Look For Charity Welcomes Turning Pointe Autism Foundation

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…

illlinois autism bill
Illinois Passes Legislation to Increase Access to Autism Therapy

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).…

Employment Opportunities
Naperville’s Students with Autism Learn Marketable Skills to Bolster Future Employment Opportunities

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…

autistic child fishing in Illinois
Robbie “Goose” Henderson, Angler with Autism, Headed to National Championship for Juniors in Bass Fishing

Robbie “Goose” Henderson, a 13-year-old angler with autism, is set to compete in the National Championship for juniors in bass fishing, and the Illinois Autism Center couldn’t be more excited…

Chicago boy wearing autism hoodie
Chicago 11-year-old creates hoodie to help autism patients self-soothe

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…

autism impaired driver in Chicago
New Driver Bill in Illinois

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…

funding Chicago ABA therapy program
Illinois law aims to help those with conditions such as autism better communicate with police

The last year saw the approval of House Bill 4825, allowing Illinois drivers to communicate any medical conditions, including autism, to the Secretary of State's Office. This measure aims to…

autism cafe in Chicago
Nationwide grant program is helping 3 Black chefs elevate their autism-friendly Chicago restaurants

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…

sensory friendly venues in Chicago IL
Sensory-Friendly Attractions and Activities in Chicagoland

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…

Autism awareness in Chicago IL
IceHogs 13th Annual Autism Awareness Night Returns Jan. 20

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…

autism rates soar in Illinois
Understanding the Rise in Autism Rates

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),…

Autism stickers in Lincoln Park, IL
Orland Park sticker program meant to help police respond to calls involving people with autism

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…

autism sensory room in Chicago
WIU to add sensory rooms

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…

ASD conferences in Chicago IL
Autism conference events in Chicago in 2024

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 &…

University of Chicago, autism
UChicago student volunteers foster creativity and belonging at South Side school

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.…

Gut of autistic person
Autism affects gut bacteria diversity, says study

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…

TikTok for autistic kids in Chicago
How TikTok helped me become closer to my brother with autism

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…

Virtual autism clinic ‘As You Are’ now available in Illinois, Indiana

The latest data from the CDC reveals that out of every 36 children, one is diagnosed with autism, resulting in a substantial prevalence of this condition among the younger age…

autism project in uConn
UConn’s Connect Project Explores Language Abilities in Autism

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…