Please note: Spanish dates will be released in September.

Tenga en cuenta: las fechas en español se publicarán en septiembre.

Visit our resource page to download an interactive Juneteenth book.  The book is available in both English and Spanish.

Comprendiendo el Autismo y Apoyos Visuales
martes, 7/8/2025 12:00-1:15pm 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.

Understanding Autism "An Overview for Families and Professionals"
Wednesday, 7/16/2025 12:00-1:15pm CST

An overview for parents/caregivers, educators, and other professionals that addresses the core characteristics of autism spectrum disorders.  Workshop provided in English.

Not So Puzzling: Autism & Social Narratives
Thursday, 8/7/2025, 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. CST

Learn about social narratives, which are short stories that use words/pictures to understand a specific situation, event, place, or person. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how to write and use a social narrative.  Workshop provided in English.

SIBSHOPS

CHILD & TEEN SIBSHOPS

Saturdays - Ages 6-11
Zoom 10-11:30AM
June 21, 2025 

Fridays - Ages 12-17
Zoom - 5-6:30 PM
June 20, 2025

Contact: ahren.hoffman@aah.org, 872-843-0300 (Chicago) & kathryn.smart@aah.org, 847-723-2472 (Oak Lawn & Park Ridge)

The Arc of Illinois: Virtual Family Support Group

The Arc of Illinois: Virtual Family Support Group

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

5:00-6:00pm

The event is free and open to the public; registration is required.

This event is virtual.

Join us for a virtual Family Support Group- a space created just for parents, caregivers, and family members of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Click here to register.

STARNET Region V: Save the Date- Summer Moms' Retreat

Save the Date

STARNET Region V Summer Moms' Retreat

Saturday, August 9th until Sunday, August 10th, 2025

and Book Study

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

Only 25 spots (first come first serve)

Priority given to moms with children ages 0-8 with an IFSP, IEP, or 504, who live in the city of Chicago.

Must commit to Retreat and Book Study (package deal)

Registration will open on June 16th, 2025

Are you from the Latinx, Black, or Chinese community?

Are you a primary caregiver of a child with autism?

Is your child between the ages of 2 and 8?

If your answer is YES, consider participating in our research project:

A Pilot Study of the Parent Taking Action (PTA) eHealth Program for Latinx, Black, and Chinese Caregivers of Autistic Children

See flyers below for more information or to register.

PiXi Research Study for Parents

Are you a parent of a child under the age of 9 with a neurogenetic condition or a developmental delay?

We are interested in learning more about experiences of getting genetic diagnoses and early intervention services.  Please join us for a virtual interview.

Participation may include:

-Zoom interviews- Answering questions about your experiences learning about your child and early intervention (1 hour)

-Web based questionnaires (15 minutes)

Participants will be compensated.

Interested in learning more?  Reach out to Sam Scott at sjscott@rti.org or call us at 919-248-8533.

Pathways for Preschoolers

UI Health Research Study

You may qualify for a research study focused on understanding how different experiences impact the health and development of preschoolers.

Share your story with us!

You may be eligible to participate if:

-You are 18 years old or older, and your child is 30-47 months old.

-You or your child's doctor have concerns about your child's development, learning, or behavior.

-You identify as Black, Latino/a, and/or mixed race/ethnicity.

Have questions or want to join?

-Call us at 773-572-2251

-Email us at pathwayspreschoolers@uic.edu

Chicago Park District Summer Camp 2025

Camp runs June 23-August 1 (6 weeks).

View programs online beginning Monday, April 7, 2025.

Online Registration begins Monday, April 14 at 9:00am.

In-Person Registration begins Saturday, April 29 for most parks.

Click here for camp information.

The Answer Inc.'s Scholarships to Summer Camp for an Entire Week!

Horseback Riding Camp

Camp runs Sunday through Friday

June 8th to June 13th for adult campers (ages 23 and up)

June 15th to June 20th (for ages 9-22)

For children and adults living with developmental and intellectual disabilities only!

For more information call: The Answer Inc. at 708-296-5651 or email dvines@theanswerinc.org

Website: www.theanswerinc.org

There are LIMITED SCHOLARSHIPS...First Come First Served!

Chicago Children's Theatre

Camp Red Kite

Camp runs July 14-August 1, 2025

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 17-19, 2025.

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.

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

Urban Autism Solutions
Summer Ambassador Program

Urban Autism Solutions
Summer Ambassador Program

Spend summer at the farm – explore farming, learn about food, make friends, and have fun!

When: Tuesdays 1-2:30PM  July 10-August 14, 2025

Age: 10-14 with autism or related disability 

Register Here

Limes Smiles for Miles, Inc.

Summer Garden Camp Program

10 weeks summer garden program

Saturdays only, June 7 - August 16, 2025

1:00-4:00pm

Location: 2901 W. Warren Blvd., Chicago

10 weeks Summer Garden Camp Program is for children ages 3-6 years with autism and/or down syndrome.

Nutrition, STEM Learning, Early Intervention, Physical Development, Parent Group, and A Place of Our Own

Click here to enroll in program.

Questions? 773-217-5095

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.