Inspiration

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…

‘This is my dream’: Westminster man impresses as rock band frontman while living with Asperger’s syndrome

For 25-year-old Jack Gurecki, the singer and frontman for the rock band Ignite the Fire, the social landscape can sometimes be a minefield. After a performance, the Westminster resident must…

Cereal business in Chicago
Physicians open small cereal business in support of sons, others with autism

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…

Emotional Throw Up

Letting your child be unhappy Skylar was frustrated the other morning. She wanted a waffle, and she wanted her seat cleaned, and she wanted me to push in her chair.…

Travelling with Autism
Most families with autistic children don’t travel. Here’s how this one did it.

Holidays can be a good opportunity to strengthen familial ties and create enduring memories. If there is one family that can attest to this, it is Stuart Spielman, his wife…

Autism characters on TV
10 TV Characters With Autism Spectrum Disorder

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…

Autistic graduate in Chicago IL
Family of Girl with ‘Profound Autism’ Worried She Wouldn’t Get Proper Therapy — Now She’s Graduating High School

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…

Understanding Autism
Unveiling autism spectrum: Path to understanding and change

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…

Music therapy for autism in Chicago IL
Striking A Chord: How a music therapy program reunited two long-lost friends

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…

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…

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 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 job in Chicago
Aspire Accessories empowers artisans with autism

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

parents of an autistic kid in Chicago
The Crucial Role of Parents in ABA Therapy: Fostering Collaboration for Success

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…