Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)

04/09/2026

The Autism Conference
Sharing Knowledge • Inspiring Action
April 29, 2026

While in-person registration is sold out, virtual registration remains open, giving you the opportunity to experience the same inspiring content, practical strategies, and meaningful learning from the comfort of your own space.

https://secure.touchnet.com/C20868_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4423&SINGLESTORE=true

Join us virtually for a day centered on sharing knowledge, inspiring action, and equipping educators, professionals, and families with valuable tools and insights they can put into practice right away.

The 2026 Autism Conference: Sharing Knowledge, Inspiring Action, on April 29, 2026, brings together educators, families, caregivers, and professionals for a day of meaningful learning and connection. The conference features keynote speaker Kate Swenson, bestselling author and creator of Finding Cooper’s Voice, whose powerful, deeply personal storytelling bridges family lived experience and professional practice while highlighting parenting, autism, and the importance of inclusive, supportive communities. The conference program includes a lived experience panel, repeated breakout sessions, and a mini-workshop on “Today’s ABA” presented by Dr. Adithyan Rajaraman, Ph.D., BCBA-D of FTF Behavioral Consulting, an experienced behavior analyst known for translating complex behavior-analytic concepts into accessible, practical lessons. Dedicated time to visit exhibitors and a parent panel are also included, providing additional opportunities for learning, networking, and connection across perspectives and stages of the autism journey.

https://secure.touchnet.com/C20868_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4423&SINGLESTORE=true

04/09/2026

Check out this 5 week virtual training from The Color of Autism Foundation. Sessions are weekly, every Saturday in May starting May 2, 2026. Last session is on May 20, 2026. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vu8OqEuNRXCZoFJIyjaVsg #/registration

Caregiving can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be.
Join a supportive space where you’ll learn, grow, and connect with others on a similar path.

🎓 What you’ll gain:
Communication tools
Advocacy strategies
Confidence and clarity

🗓️ Our 5-week virtual training kicks off soon!
🔗 Sign up via stories, link in bio and training highlight

03/31/2026

Who should I contact?
- Dr. Emily Gregori, PhD, BCBA-D
- egregori@uic.edu
- 312-413-8745

03/31/2026

03/30/2026

Comprendiendo el Autismo y Apoyos Visuales

April 3, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM America/Chicago
Location: Virtual Workshop: Zoom
Zoom Meeting : https://uic.zoom.us/meeting/register/t4SKDf9lRLy5vrEQaGgqFA
Cost: Free

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.

Todos los talleres son para familias/cuidadores, educadores y otros profesionales a menos que se indique lo contrario.

All workshops are for families/caregivers, educators and other professionals unless otherwise noted.

Se proporcionan subtítulos para todos los talleres. Los certificados de asistencia se entregarán electrónicamente a quienes asistan a la mayor parte del taller.

Closed captioning is provided for all workshops. Certificates of attendance will be provided electronically to those that attend the majority of the workshop.

03/27/2026

Regístrese hoy para nuestro seminario web gratuito en español titulado Comprendiendo el Autismo y Apoyos Visuales que tendrá lugar el próximo viernes 3 de abril de 12:00 a 1:15 p.m.

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.

Todos los talleres son para familias/cuidadores, educadores y otros profesionales a menos que se indique lo contrario.

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.

¡Regístrate aquí HOY! https://cfl.uic.edu/events/comprendiendo-el-autismo-y-apoyos-visuales-2/

03/21/2026

Wonderful opportunity to learn from Family Matters! Make sure to register for this event.

Do you have a child with a disability in Chicago Public Schools? Understanding your rights can make a huge difference in your child’s education. 💙

March 27, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIOZDTfR8Spe2JfN_PD6ozQcdwGqOvsnPoJsG3Fo2FPu7MxA/viewform

Join Chicago Public Schools Office for Students with Disabilities and Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) for a FREE virtual training on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and parent rights.

In this session, you'll learn about:
-Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
-Evaluations & eligibility
-Behavior supports
-Educational placement
- Your rights as a parent or caregiver

This training will help you feel confident advocating for your child and navigating the special education process.

March 27, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Virtual Event https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIOZDTfR8Spe2JfN_PD6ozQcdwGqOvsnPoJsG3Fo2FPu7MxA/viewform

📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer!

Empowered parents create stronger support systems for students. Share this with a parent who should see it! ❤️

03/19/2026

Express their interest by completing this form: https://redcap.uits.iu.edu/surveys/?s=L3N3TNYEMF8HH8MP

03/16/2026

TODAY! THIS AFTERNOON!
March 16: Can I Get Paid to Care for My Child?
12:00 - 1:30 pm

A FREE Virtual Learning Series for Families and Caregivers The series brings together trusted family-serving organizations to empower families with tools and resources that support the whole child-and themselves.

Zoom Webinar (Registration Required)
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zoWiLiB0TnyiOqFxvLze3g #/registration

03/16/2026

Managing Constipation

Free webinar at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time (US), April 1, 2026

Learn about evidence-based, effective nutritional strategies to manage constipation.

Resister here: https://autism.org/managing-constipation/

Kelly Barnhill, MBA, CN, CCN, is the Director of the Nutrition Clinic at The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development. She is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist with over a decade of experience working with nutrition in children with autism and related disorders. At the Johnson Center, she directs a team of dieticians and nutritionists that has served over 3000 children through this practice.

In addition to her clinical practice, Kelly also serves as the Johnson Center Clinical Care Director, overseeing management and implementation of multidisciplinary care across the practices within the organization. In 2008, Kelly accepted the position of Nutrition Coordinator for the Autism Research Institute. In this role, she designs and manages curriculum and training for hundreds of nutrition practitioners each year, as well as providing direct training for thousands of parents. Kelly is a sought-after presenter, speaking at several national and international conferences each year.

Her studies and work at JCCHD are the culmination of many years’ effort and expertise, with the last several years devoted to understanding the biological underpinnings of the disorder we know as autism. Her work has raised awareness of the need for these services for children with autism and related disorders. Kelly is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.

Ms. Barnhill also sits on ARI’s Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board.

03/13/2026

A Kind Reminder from RCADD

Our lending library supports children, students, families, and educators throughout our community. Right now, we are experiencing a high number of overdue library items, which limits access for those who need these materials most.

Please take a moment to check your home or classroom and return any overdue RCADD items. Every return truly makes a difference.

Drop off location:
RCADD, 1640 Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
A designated drop off location is available on the 6th floor and no appointment is required for drop offs.

Please do not worry if it has been a long time since you last visited. Returns are always welcome. If you would like to schedule a visit, need parking, or have questions, please call (312) 413 - 4441. *Parking passes are available only with scheduled appointments.

If an item cannot be returned, donations of any amount help us replace materials and sustain access for children and families:
https://cfl.uic.edu/donation/

Thank you for supporting community access to these vital learning resources.

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03/11/2026

Free Parent/Caregiver Study on Child Development at UIC CARES!

About the program:
Through weekly live Zoom meetings, participants will:

- Learn 12 practical behavioral strategies to support their child’s growth
- Practice Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) skills to increase flexibility as a parent/caregiver
- Build stronger parent–child interactions
- Learn weekly self-care strategies
- Connect with other local families
-Access free online resources for long-term support

Who can participate:
- Parents or caregivers age 18+
- English or Spanish speaking
- Have a child with a developmental, learning, or cognitive disability (as reported by caregiver)
- Able to attend 8 weekly Zoom sessions (60–90 minutes each)
- Have internet access and a device for Zoom
- Priority for participation will be given to families on Medicaid

Families who are interested can fill out this short form: UIC - CARES 2026 – Fill out form https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=R80C4lZ6qkuZ4-O3Gnx33TucHk2ibtNDgEKBk9-643RUOEdJNTk2TkE0QTBUNjA2N0pXOVJZWFVLTC4u

______________________
Nos comunicamos para compartir una oportunidad para padres y cuidadores de la comunidad. Nuestro equipo está llevando a cabo un programa gratuito diseñado para apoyar a las familias que tienen hijos con discapacidades del desarrollo, de aprendizaje o cognitivas.

Acerca del programa:
A través de reuniones semanales en vivo por Zoom, los participantes podrán:

- Aprender 12 estrategias prácticas de comportamiento para apoyar el desarrollo de su hijo/a
- Practicar habilidades de Entrenamiento en Aceptación y
Compromiso (ACT) para aumentar la flexibilidad como padre/madre/cuidador
- Fortalecer las interacciones entre padres e hijos
- Aprender estrategias semanales de autocuidado
- Conectar con otras familias locales
- Acceder a recursos en línea gratuitos para apoyo a largo plazo

Quiénes pueden participar:
-Padres o cuidadores mayores de 18 años
- Que hablen inglés o español
- Que tengan un hijo/a con una discapacidad del desarrollo, de aprendizaje o cognitiva (según lo informado por el cuidador)
- Que puedan asistir a 8 sesiones semanales por Zoom (de 60 a 90 minutos cada una)
- Que tengan acceso a internet y a un dispositivo para Zoom
- Se dará prioridad para la participación a las familias inscritas en Medicaid

Las familias interesadas pueden completar este breve formulario: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cus2c2dajLFRNwW