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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.…

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…

animal assisted therapy
Animal therapy makes a difference for children from Sderot. Here is how

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…

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…

Autistic boy in Illinois
“Achieving My Best Life”: Helping Those Facing Autism, Other Cognitive Challenges

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…

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 public schools in Chicago
Sending an Autistic Child to Public School

School is a basic right for all children in the United States, and public schools are responsible for providing this education at no cost as mandated by law. The problem…

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 in females research
New Evidence Highlights a Serious Flaw in Our Perception of Autism

Autism diagnosis in females may have been greatly underestimated, according to recent findings. A study on mice revealed that both male and female brains may have a similar susceptibility to…

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…

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…

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-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…

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…

sleep and autism
Exploring connection between sleep and behavior

This week, one of the distinguished faculty members at the esteemed University of Oklahoma, Dr. Brenda Lloyd-Jones, graciously agreed to assist in providing insightful responses to viewers’ queries. Could sleep…

Charles Darwin had autism, leading psychiatrist claims

Charles Darwin probably had a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome which is related to creativity and originality, a leading psychiatrist claims. Darwin, the author of On the Origin of…

Careers in autism
Suburban Company Trains those on Autism Spectrum For fulfilling career

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…

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…

Autism awareness day in Chicago, IL
Autism Awareness Day highlights urgent need for timely screenings, therapies

Screenings, evaluations, and essential therapies often have long waitlists, which can have a significant negative impact on children who require these services. Take, for instance, two siblings, Ezekiel, aged six,…

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…

autism impaired driver in Chicago
Morrison: Drivers Can Now Disclose Medical Condition That Impedes Communication

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…

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…

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…

Navigating Late Autism Diagnosis as a Woman of Color
Navigating Late Autism Diagnosis as a Woman of Color: Morgan Harper Nichols’ Journey

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.…

Sensory and Autism-Friendly Locations in Chicago for Kids
Sensory and Autism-Friendly Locations in Chicago for Kids

The Windy City, Chicago, is home to a thriving artistic community., stunning architecture, and world-class attractions. But did you know it's also home to several sensory and autism-friendly locations for…

walmart donates to autism cause
Walmart welcomes back sensory-friendly shopping hours at stores nationwide

As you've probably read or heard, Autism impacts a person's communication and social skills.  But one other area that is not properly  addressed, and sometimes even goes unnoticed, is that…

autism therapy app
Researchers developing app to help diagnose autism in young children

More research related to Autism treatment continues to show that early diagnosis is the best way to go when treating children with autism. A child who is diagnosed at an…

social media for autistic persons
New report reveals autistic adults’ social media experiences and provides toolkits to better support the needs of neurodivergent users

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…

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…

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…

evidence-based interventions
Evidence Based Interventions

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…

telehealth and autism
Telehealth and ABA Services: Bridging the Gap in Underserved Communities

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…

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…

adult with autism working in Chicago bakery
Woman-owned Chicago bakery that employs adults with autism gets a sweet surprise

There are many who are doing amazing jobs and making a positive impact in their communities. "Good Morning America" chose to celebrate these small businesses and acknowledge their amazing contribution…

Autism telehealth service for Chicago residents
Autism providers look to telehealth to bridge access gaps

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…

helping Chicago migrant kids
How One Chicagoan Helps Migrant Kids With Disabilities

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…

Autistic Muni Long in Chicago
Muni Long Autism

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…

AI game for autistics persons
AI-enhanced autism therapy: How multi-stage ensemble learning is changing the game By Pooja

For those coming across this term for the first time, ensemble learning is a meta-algorithm that combines various algorithms to create more stable predictions. This approach has already been applied…

ABA therapy in a clinical setting
Barriers to Receiving Applied Behavior Analysis Services in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Long-term treatment benefits for children with ASD can be enhanced through early diagnosis and intervention, as findings consistently show in recent research. For instance, children who have been diagnosed under…

world autism awareness day
Three easy ways to get involved in World Autism Awareness Day

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 show on TV
Autism Representation Is Growing on TV

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…