Autism

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…

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…

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 prenatal risks
California Autism Twin Study Suggests Prenatal Risk Factors

As head of clinical programs at Autism Speaks, I oversee a number of vital resources for researchers studying the causes and treatment of autism. Today brought the publication of a…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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 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…

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 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…

The Four Kingdoms of Autism

In 2007, Caryn James wrote in The New York Times that “autism has become to disorders what Africa is to social issues.”1 This statement was intended to emphasize the emerging…

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…

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…

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…

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),…

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…

The Potential of Eye Tests
A New Frontier in Autism Screening: The Potential of Eye Tests

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…

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).…

Increase in Autism Diagnoses in the United States Attributed to Better Screening
Increase in Autism Diagnoses in the United States Attributed to Better Screening

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

randomized scientific trial for Autism in Chicago
Autism research needs more high-quality randomized studies, meta-analysis finds

Just as the saying goes, "prevention is better than cure," early intervention has significant impacts on the development & life quality of children diagnosed with autism. Michael Sandbank, a renowned…

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…

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…

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…

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…