Family

autistic Bulls player
Ex-Chicago Bulls guard Tony Snell desperately seeks NBA return by FRIDAY to provide for his two autistic sons

NBA player Tony Snell is among the highly skilled swingmen in the G League's Maine Celtics team. Despite being 32 years old, Snell has a strong desire to return to…

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…

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…

celebrity kids with Autism
These Celebrity Parents Have Gotten Real About Raising Kids with Autism

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…

Autism diagnosis in Chicago
Tallulah Willis shares autism diagnosis has changed her life

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…

autism-friendly in Chicago
Autism Friendly Parks in Chicago

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…

cookies by autistic kid in Chicago
This Chicago dad created a cookie line inspired by his son who has autism

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…

happy austistic kid in Chicago
Love on the Spectrum’ Is Showing Me Examples of How My Autistic Son Could Be as an Adult — and It’s Amazing

Most Parents whose loved ones have had Autism can relate to the Jessicas' story. On a cloudy Thursday afternoon, Jessica and her husband were at the Doctor's office, eagerly waiting…

Tennis for autistic Chicago kids
Adaptive tennis serves athletes with disabilities

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,…

What Parents Should Know
ABA Therapy Activities: What Parents Should Know

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of therapy that is used to address the pervasive symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affect everyday life. It is a…

DBT for schools in Chicago
Can Dialectical Behavior Therapy Be Helpful at School?

Research reveals that Socio-emotional learning programs in school are fundamentally created to promote self-awareness and foster empathy among students, thus helping them better understand their emotions and those of other…

parents of autistic kids
Parents of Children With Autism Win Fight Over Right to Wear GPS Trackers to School

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…

special education for Autistic kids in Illinois
Personal aides for students are the unsung heroes of special education in CPS

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…

autistic adult in Chicago, IL
How I Found Out I Have Autism

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…

Human Perspectives
Navigating the Autism Spectrum: Human Perspectives

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…

Children waiting to get tested for Autism in Chicago
Addressing the Wait List Crisis for Autism Diagnosis in America

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…

A Non-Profit Organization Helping Families Impacted by Autism in Chicago
The Answer Inc: A Non-Profit Organization Helping Families Impacted by Autism in Chicago

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…

autism rates soar in Illinois
Understanding the Rise in Autism Rates: Implications for Families and Society

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),…