Visit the seasonal activities resource page on our website to download materials that are Fall themed to use in at home and in the classroom.  Materials available in both English and Spanish.

7 Considerations of Autism "ASD & The IEP"
Wednesday, 9/17/2025 12:00-1:15pm CST

Learn to advocate for a child with autism by becoming familiar with the state guidelines surrounding autism spectrum disorder and the development of the IEP.  This workshop is for parents, caregivers, and family members only.  Workshop provided in English.  Please note: Only General Certificate of Attendance will be available.

Tips and Tools for Homes and Schools
Tuesday, 10/21/2025 12:00-1:15pm CST

Classroom & home strategies that address academic, social, leisure goals of a child with autism or developmental delays. Content focus on early education.  Workshop provided in English.

Visual Supports for Social Emotional Learning
Wednesday, 11/19/2025, 12:00-1:15 p.m. CST

Empowering young autistic learners with visual supports for social-emotional growth! Participants will discover practical strategies that foster communication, emotional understanding, and self-regulation. Intended for educators and caregivers alike, this workshop will provide tools to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where a preferred visual learning style is prioritized. Workshop provided in English.

SPARK Research and RUSH

Fall Fest

Join the SPARK team with Rush University Medical Center for a FREE autism research event, taking place from 10 AM - 1:30 PM. Families can choose to get support with registering for SPARK, the largest genetic study of autism ever!  Study enrollment will take roughly 30 minutes. Stay after your SPARK time to explore the many activities that Sonny Acres Pumpkin Farm in West Chicago has to offer.

When: Saturday, October 4th 
Time: Sign up for 30 minute time slot between 10 AM - 1 PM - this will be your arrival time for SPARK appt. 

Where: 29W310 North Ave, West Chicago, IL 60185 (Sonny Acres Farm)

RSVP required: Click here to register.

Questions? Contact 312-805-2352 or email SPARK@rush.edu

Unable to attend? Enroll in SPARK at home by visiting www.SPARKforautism.org/rush

ACEing Autism Fall Tennis Session

Session Details:

Dates: Saturdays, 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/28, 10/4, 10/18, 10/25
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm (ages 5-10); 4:00-5:00 pm (ages 11-18)
Location: Jonquil Park Tennis Courts (1001 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL)
Registration: https://aceingautism.org/programs/chicago-lincoln-park-il/ 

Full scholarships available!  Click here for more information and to apply.

SIBSHOPS Ages 6-11 for Fall 2025

SIBSHOPS - ZOOM & In-Person for Fall 2025

Advocate Children's Hospital

What are Sibshops? Peer support, educational and activity-based groups on Zoom for kids who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic condition.  Kids will enjoy activities, games and discussions with other siblings who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic illness.

Saturdays

Ages: 6-11

Time: 10:00am-11:30am

Program Cost: Complimentary

Zoom Session Dates: September 13 & November 15

In-Person Session Dates (10:00am-noon): October 18 (Park Ridge) and October 25 (Chicago)

Registration: All participants must pre-register by emailing ahren.hoffman@aah.org.

Front desk phone number: 872-843-0300

TEEN SIBSHOPS Ages 12+ for Fall 2025

TEEN SIBSHOPS - ZOOM & In-Person for Fall 2025

Advocate Children's Hospital

What are Sibshops? Peer support, educational and activity-based groups on Zoom for teens who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic condition.  Teens ages 12+ will enjoy activities, games and discussions with other siblings who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic illness.

Fridays

Ages: 12+

Time: 5:00-6:30pm

Program Cost: Complimentary

Zoom Session Dates: September 12, October 24, and November 14

Registration: All participants must pre-register by emailing ahren.hoffman@aah.org.

Front desk phone number: 872-843-0300

Every Step of the Way (ESW) Costumes for a Cause Annual Fundraiser

Every Step of the Way Annual Fundraiser

Costumes-For-A- Cause: Come in costume/Cosplay or come as you are

Trunk or Treat, Bingo Game, snacks/refreshments, photo booth, games, vendors, live DJ, and more!

Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:00pm-3:30pm

Location: Fosco Park District (1312 S. Racine Ave., Chicago, IL)

Early Bird Admission (if purchased by 10/3/25) for ages 15 and up: $15

General Admission for Children ages 14 years and under: $10

Register Now- Click here

Are you a primary caregiver of a child who is currently receiving Early Intervention services in Illinois?

You may be eligible to participate in a research study about your experience as a caregiver navigating Early Intervention (EI).

Participation in this study will include:

Two 1-2 hour audio/video recorded interviews via Zoom 1-3 months apart

Completion of a demographic questionnaire

$30 VISA gift card for each completed interview

Click here to register.

Principal Investigator: Mansha Mirza mmirza2@uic.edu ; 312-355-5427

Co Principal Investigator: Chelsea Wallaert cwalla28@uic.edu

PAID survey for parents of preschoolers!

Does your child with a disability or health concern have a sibling, aged 3-6 years?

An organization, the Sibling Support Project, needs help testing their new, bilingual sibling support app for preschooler siblings and parents! They are seeking 140 families of children with support needs and typically developing siblings, age 3-6. Those who have participated say it’s a welcome opportunity to spend a few minutes each day with their little ones in a fun, structured, supportive way.

You may be eligible to use the SibTime app in an 8-week pilot study. Participating families receive $200.

If your family is eligible and you decide to participate, we'll invite you to:

Complete two online surveys that ask questions about family relationships

Download the SibTime app onto your smartphone or tablet.

Use SibTime in English or Spanish, at the times and places that work best for you

Space is limited!

To learn more and confirm your eligibility, please reach out today.

sibtime@influentsin.com or 541-434-1517

Join a Research Study!

The study purpose is to know if we can improve children's speech-language treatment by providing client feedback to clinicians.

Who Can Join?

• Children aged 5-10 years who receive speech-language treatment services and one parent or guardian

What Will I Do?

Children will: complete weekly meetings with research staff to answer questions about their speech-language sessions.

Parents/caregivers will: complete weekly surveys about their child's speech-language sessions, and provide additional information at the start and end of the study.

Will I Get Paid?

Children are paid $5/meeting over 12 weeks for up to $60.

Parents are paid $5/weekly survey over 12 weeks for up to $60.

Interested in Finding Out More? Fill Out an Interest Form.

Scan QR code OR go to https://redcap.ahc.umn.edu/redcap/surveys/ and enter CWM793JN3

Please contact Dr. Kerry Ebert, Lead Researcher, University of Minnesota at 612-624-2528 or kebert@umn.edu.

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.