As we reflect on this past year, the Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays would like to recognize the families who turned to us for guidance, clarity, and support. Your involvement continues to shape the direction of our work.

We also acknowledge the educators who collaborated with us to create inclusive and responsive classrooms. Your efforts strengthen early learning environments across the city.

To the professionals who partnered with us, including care coordinators, clinicians, service providers, and agency teams, thank you for sharing your expertise and helping extend the reach of our services.

And to the broader Chicago community, we appreciate your continued engagement with RCADD as a trusted source of information and support.

Throughout FY25, RCADD provided steady and accessible support for families seeking strategies and information to navigate developmental challenges. Our workshops, consultations, and outreach efforts connected thousands of individuals with resources designed to support children at home, in early learning settings, and throughout the community.

Educators continued to rely on RCADD for tools and guidance that support inclusive practice. Partnerships with professionals and agencies expanded the availability of coordinated assistance. Updated training presentations and the release of the 2025 Spanish language webinar series helped ensure that information remains accessible to a wide range of audiences.

FY25 Total Impact
• 14 Demonstration Training workshops
• 788 workshop participants
• 781 consultations
• 20,000 plus outreach contacts
• 192 onsite Resource Room visits
• 8,241 virtual Resource Room visits
• 18,785 materials disseminated
• 98.22 percent of survey respondents reported that RCADD provided tools and information that were useful at home or in the
classroom

Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, our commitment remains centered on the people we serve. To the families who rely on RCADD, we will continue to be a dependable resource. To the educators working to create supportive learning environments, we will keep offering practical tools and training. To our professional partners, we look forward to ongoing collaboration across Chicago. And to the community, we appreciate your partnership.

As the year ends, we extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful and restorative season. We look forward to continuing this work
together in the new year, strong, connected, and committed to supporting children and families.

With appreciation,
The RCADD Team

RCADD will be on winter break starting Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, January 4.  We will reopen on Monday, January 5.

Comprendiendo el Autismo y Apoyos Visuales / Understanding Autism and Visual Supports (presented in Spanish)
miercoles, 12/17/2025, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. CST

Un resumen para padres, familias, y profesionistas sobre las características de los trastornos del espectro de autismo (TEA) con un énfasis en la detección temprana. Este taller también hablara sobre que son apoyos visuales y como se pueden usar para ayudar con la comprensión, expresión, y comunicación de niños/as con autismo.  Taller impartido en español.  Se entregará un certificado general de asistencia a quienes hayan asistido durante todo el taller.

4 Estrategias Para Mejorar la Habilidad de Leer en Niños/as con Autismo / 4 Strategies to Improve Reading Skills in Children with Autism (presented in Spanish)
jueves, 12/18/2025, 12:00-1:15 p.m. CST

El tiempo de lectura puede ser una experiencia frustrante para los niños que aprenden de manera diferente, así como para sus padres o cuidadores. Esta sesión presentará 4 estrategias que pueden disminuir efectivamente esta frustración y proporcionar un ambiente de aprendizaje agradable y productivo.  Taller impartido en español.  Se entregará un certificado general de asistencia a quienes hayan asistido durante todo el taller.

Adiós pañales – Aprendiendo a Ir al Baño para Niño/as con Necesidades Especiales / Goodbye Diapers- Toilet Training for Children with Special Needs (presented in Spanish)
viernes, 12/19/2025, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. CST

Aprender a ir al baño puede ser un proceso difícil para niño/as con necesidades especiales. En este entrenamiento, padres, cuidadores y educadores podrán aprender las respuestas a preguntas comunes sobre el uso del inodoro como: ¿Cómo sé si mi hijo está listo? ¿Necesito utilizar una recompensa o un motivador? ¿Cómo abordo los ciertos problemas como tener miedo de descargar el baño, usar demasiado papel higiénico y otros problemas?  Taller impartido en español.  Se entregará un certificado general de asistencia a quienes hayan asistido durante todo el taller.

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.