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April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to reflect on our shared responsibility to respect neurodiversity, remove barriers to care, and ensure meaningful community inclusion for autistic individuals and their families. The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays exists because The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) listened to families and helped translate community advocacy into action.

In 2009, a Chicago area support group raised an urgent and honest call for autism services that were accessible, community based, and responsive to the realities families and educators face every day. That call reached the state level, and TAP was tasked with identifying a university partner able to support the development of sustainable, community rooted services. Through TAP’s coordination with the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Literacy, RCADD was created. What began as a response to community voice has become 16 years of continued service to autistic individuals, families, and the professionals who support them.

Over time, RCADD has become a stable and trusted point of access for families, educators, and caregivers, made possible through its partnership with The Autism Program of Illinois. RCADD provides free consultations, trainings, referrals, visual supports, IEP focused guidance, and access to a lending library designed to reduce barriers and strengthen everyday practice in homes, classrooms, and early learning environments. Being housed within UIC’s Center for Literacy allows RCADD to connect autism focused supports with broader family and early learning systems in ways that are practical, respectful, and deeply rooted in community need.

The impact of this partnership is best reflected in the experiences of those who rely on RCADD. One educator and parent shared,

“The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays is essential to my work. When I’ve needed guidance on complex issues, like how to behaviorally support a student or even my own son, the RCADD team has been there.”

Another educator reflected,

“The lives of my students have changed drastically since I’ve participated in RCADD. My students now always have materials and support that are at their level. Now they can learn with materials they enjoy.”

Visit our resource page to download an Autism and Self Advocacy Story.  Three reading levels are available in both English and Spanish.

Visit our resource page to download Autism Acceptance Cards.

It's Go Time: Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Developmental Delays

Thursday, 4/16/2026 12:00-1:15pm CST

Toilet training is a challenge for many children, especially those that are autistic or developmentally delayed.  This workshop is for all those involved in the child's life (caregivers, educators, therapists, etc.).  We will cover methods and strategies to prepare for and start the process of toilet training.

Consejos y Apoyos Estructurados Para la Casa y la Escuela

Viernes, 4/24/2026 12:00-1:15pm CST

Este taller presenta estrategias para la casa y el salón de escuela para asistir con las metas sociales, y el ocio de un niño con autismo o retrasos en el desarrollo. Este taller es para padres, educadores y profesionistas.  Taller impartido en español.

NPN DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES PARENT FEST

Sunday, April 18, 2025

5:00-8:00pm

Quantum Leep Academy

1447 W. Montrose, Chicago, IL

Keynote address, parent-led roundtable discussions, mingling with parents and providers in the curated exhibit hall, appetizers and beverages

Event Schedule

5:00-5:30 Keynote address, Finding Joy in Grief, Tareema Jean-Baptiste, presenter

5:30-7:00 Parent-led roundtable discussions

7:00-8:00 Provider introductions, mingling and resource/wisdom sharing with parents and providers

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Event is free!  Please RSVP prior to the event.

Chinatown Early Childhood Playdate

Ready for a morning of smiles and discovery? Join us for a FREE family playdate designed to help your child thrive! This inclusive event offers a perfect blend of fun for kids and essential resources for parents.

Come Play, Learn, and Shine! 

The Chinatown Early Childhood Playdate

DATE: Saturday, April 25th, 2025

TIME: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

LOCATION: Pui Tak Center, 2216 S. Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

What’s waiting for you:

Child Development: Developmental screenings available in English & Chinese.

Creative Play: Engaging activities for all early learners.

Parent Support: FREE Useful resources and self-care tips.

Community: Meet fantastic local families over delicious snacks!

Let’s build a stronger community together.

Register here to secure your spot!

Parent Training for Children with Disabilities

Naturalistic Interventions-Incidental Teaching

This is a research study to explore the effectiveness of Telehealth training in incidental teaching for parents.  Incidental teaching is a naturalistic approach to learning that is used within everyday activities.  This method uses the child's interests and is play based!  Our research will measure the effect on your child's social communication skills.

You and your child will participate in this study together!  This study is for parents who have a child between the ages of 18 months-5 years old.

Parents must be 18 years or older and speak English.

Children must have a diagnosed intellectual disability or developmental delay.

This study will take place over Zoom!

For more information, please contact Victoria Aragon at varago3@uic.edu/619-778-7819 or Emily Gregori at egregori@uic.edu

Indiana University Research Study

We want to hear your story as a black caregiver of a child with autism!

Purpose: Researchers are interested in understanding first-hand experiences of black caregivers and their families receiving an autism evaluation to help improve the process.

To be eligible: Identify as black and a caregiver of a child that received a diagnosis of autism between the ages of 2-8. Willingness to engage in a recorded Zoom interview. Able to complete an online demographic survey.

Participation: Complete short online survey. If selected, participate in a 45-60 minute recorded Zoom interview

Receive a $50 gift card after Zoom interview. 

Click here to complete short survey to be contacted to share your story!

UIC Cognition Behavior and Mindfulness Clinic Summer Camp

UIC Cognition Behavior and Mindfulness Clinic Summer Camp

Practicing Mindfulness and Social Skills with Peers in a Group Setting

The camp is planned to run Monday through Friday from June 15 through June 26, with the exception of June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Drop-off will be at 9:00 AM and pick-up will be at 12:00 PM each day at 1640 W Roosevelt Rd.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the form at the link below. This will help us gauge interest, plan group sizes appropriately, and determine eligibility. 

Interest Form:
https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ud6QtdZI5scu3A

Completing the form does not guarantee enrollment, but it will allow us to follow up with additional details as we finalize the program.  Families will be notified by April 15 regarding whether the camp will run and whether their child is able to participate. In some cases, we may contact you earlier if we need additional information about your child. For questions, please contact CBM Clinic's Intake and Eval coordinator via gmcdon5@uic.edu, or via (312) 996-7988.

Chicago Park District Summer Camp 2025

Camp runs June 22-July 31, 2026 (6 weeks).

View programs online beginning Monday, April 13, 2026.

Online Registration begins Monday, April 20 at 9:00am.

In-Person Registration begins Saturday, April 25 or Monday, April 27 (varies by park).

Click here for camp information.

Chicago Children's Theatre

Camp Red Kite

Camp Red Kite is a dynamic theatre day camp for young people on the autism spectrum. During three fun-filled weeks, campers ages 8-22 explore drama, music, and visual arts! Throughout each camp day, campers rotate through engaging arts classes with their age-appropriate small groups, growing their sense of community, imaginative thinking, and self-confidence.

Camp runs July 13-July 31, 2026

Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:30pm

Location: 100 S. Racine Ave, Chicago

For ages 8-22.

Financial assistance is available!

Click here for camp information.

Spectrum Sailing Camp- Jackson Park

Spectrum Sailing (501c3), the only National Autism Sailing Program, is excited to set sail in Chicago, IL on June 16-18, 2026.

Hosted by the Jackson Park Yacht Club, this 3-day progressive camp will give 20 autistic kids, ages 10-17, the opportunity to develop new skills, make friends, and build confidence, all while enjoying the adventure of sailing in a fun, supportive environment.

Location: Jackson Park, Chicago

20 kids will be selected via lottery.

Camp is 100% free for all participants

Apply here to be entered in the lottery.

***Also offered at Montrose Harbor.

Questions? Visit www.spectrumsailing.org or email info@spectrumsailing.org

Your feedback is important. This brief survey supports both The Autism Program of Illinois' (TAP) requirements and RCADD’s service reporting and quality improvement efforts. Your responses help us understand what is working well and how we can continue to improve services for the community. The survey is voluntary, confidential, and should take only a few minutes to complete. 

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Su opinión es importante. Esta breve encuesta cumple con los requisitos de TAP y también apoya los esfuerzos de RCADD para reportar servicios y mejorar continuamente la calidad de los mismos. Sus respuestas nos ayudan a entender qué está funcionando bien y cómo podemos seguir mejorando los servicios para la comunidad. La encuesta es voluntaria, confidencial y solo le tomará unos minutos completarla. 

Gracias por compartir su experiencia.

RCADD is part of UIC's Center for Literacy, which has been serving Chicago communities for over 30 years. Both are programs of the UIC College of Education.

The Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental delays. RCADD serves families currently enrolled in an Early Head Start or Head Start program as well as others throughout the Chicagoland area.

RCADD offers support at no cost to our patrons in the form of resources, referrals, training and ongoing consultations for families and professionals.

Disclaimer: The Resource Center for Autism & Developmental Delays (RCADD) provides educational resources, training, and information to support individuals with autism and developmental delays. Our materials and recommendations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. RCADD does not endorse specific products, services, or providers and is not responsible for third-party resources. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. 

Questions or comments? Contact us.