Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)

09/01/2026

08/28/2026

For our families looking to start the potty training process, or those that are in the thick of it, this is a free opportunity from our friends at Starnet Chicago. Register today for this virtual training session.

The Potty Dance: Unlocking Executive Functioning for Big Potty Wins 🚽✨

Potty training a child with unique needs can feel overwhelming—if progress feels slow, you’re not alone, and you’re doing an amazing job!

Join Starnet Chicago for a supportive, 2-part webinar series. Learn how to work smarter (not harder) by leveraging your child’s Executive Functioning:

🧠 Working Memory: Master the bathroom routine with clear, easy steps.

⏸️ Self-Control: Build confidence to pause play when nature calls.

🔄 Flexibility: Help your child adapt to new bathrooms with ease.

Set your child up for lifelong independence, emotional regulation, and resilience!

📅 Dates: Sept 10 & 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Live Webinar (For Families)
Use the links to register:
English: https://forms.gle/9T2THtGWQS9vi2v68
Spanish: https://forms.gle/C5K8Thad95fXgbAs8

08/28/2026

This is an excellent opportunity for siblings. Please check it out!

Advocate Children's Hospital announces their SIBSHOPS - Sibling Support In-Person Fall 2026 Groups

Sibshops are peer support, conversational, and activity-based groups for kids ages 6-11 or teens 12-17 who have a brother or sister with a disability or chronic condition.

Kids Sibshops are available in-person and by Zoom. Sessions start September 26th.
Teen Shipshops are available by Zoom. Session start September 25th.

Registration and consent are required for in-person Sibshops. Contact
Ahren Hoffman | Chicago
872-843-0300 (Main #) | 872-843-0393 (Direct #)
Email: [email protected]

Sibling Support Project: Advocate Children’s Hospital Sibshops are a registered
program with the National Sibling Support Project: www.siblingsupport.org

08/24/2026

A really great webinar opportunity from our friends at Starnet Chicago and Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center! Register today for all four sessions in September. Gain valuable information and strategies to help understand and support your child's behavior.

Advocating for the right behavior support can feel overwhelming — the acronyms, the timelines, the pressure to say exactly the right thing. Family Matters PTIC and Illinois STAR NET (Chicago Region V) invite parents and caregivers of children with disabilities to Demystifying Behavior Interventions: A Step-by-Step Series for Parents, a free four-part virtual series that walks through the special education behavior process one step at a time.

Across four Tuesday evenings, presenters Dr. Antoinette Taylor and Tareema Jean-Baptiste will break down what Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) really are, how to decode your child's behavior to find the right strategies, what support looks like in an early childhood classroom, and the laws that protect your child's right to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). You'll leave better equipped to articulate your concerns, push for timely and accurate assessments, and advocate for a plan that helps your child thrive.

Sessions run Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 6:00–7:30 PM on Zoom. Register once to join all four: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eg_MkdpqQ7CpaITfy4la-A

08/24/2026

To all caregivers that are interested in learning more about IEP's, we highly recommend you register for this webinar brought to you by our friends at Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center!

Join Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC) for “Understand Your Child’s IEP,” a virtual presentation designed to help parents and caregivers better understand their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This session will provide families with helpful information to better understand the IEP process and feel more prepared to participate in conversations and decisions about their child’s education.

Thursday, August 27
5:00–6:00 PM
Virtual via Zoom

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85716122050

Families, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning more about IEPs are encouraged to attend.

07/01/2026

Toileting Challenges in Autism: What Current Research Tells Us

1:00 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026

Learn about evidence-based, effective strategies to manage constipation, encopresis, and other toileting issues in autistic individuals.

Register for Free
https://autism.org/webinar/toileting-challenges-in-autism-what-current-research-tells-us/

07/01/2026

Launch of ARI's New Webinar Library

https://autism.org/webinars/

For more than a decade, ARI's free webinars have connected researchers, practitioners, and families to evidence-based information and resources from experts around the world. ARI webinars empower the community to develop appropriate strategies to support health, well-being, and overall quality of life by focusing on the unique needs and strengths of autistic people.

To make these webinars and their related resources more accessible to our viewers, we have designed a new webinar library featuring search capabilities and easy access to related resources, such as quizzes, cited studies, presentation handouts and more.

https://autism.org/webinars/

06/16/2026

Deadline to apply is fast approaching (June 30, 2026)! This scholarship is good for college, and vocational or trade school programs. Learn more about this scholarship: https://www.autismheroproject.org/scholarships

The The Autism Hero Project is accepting applications for the 2026 Evolving Heroes Education Scholarship until June 30.

The Evolving Heroes Scholarship seeks to remove financial barriers and help individuals on the autism spectrum learn and thrive.

Scholarship amounts are up to $2,500 per person.

Recipients can use the 2026-27 academic year grant for a wide range of educational and training programs, including:

- Trade schools

- Community colleges

- Four-year universities

Scholarship eligibility requirements include a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a qualified medical professional and residency in Illinois or Florida. The deadline to apply is June 30.

You can learn more about the Evolving Heroes Education Scholarship and find the link to apply at https://zurl.co/1CKCu.

06/16/2026

Coming up on Saturday, June 27 @ 10am-1pm in Humboldt Park. Chicago's Largest Playdate! Get assistance registering your child for preschool next year. Register here for the event: tinyurl.com/chiplaydatehp

🌳✨ Chicago’s Largest Playdate is back, and this time we’re bringing the celebration to Humboldt Park! 🎡

Join us on Saturday, June 27, from 10 AM - 1 PM for a massive citywide celebration. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled outdoor morning to play, learn, and make new friends while you connect with fellow Chicago parents! 🥰

Here is what we have lined up for you:

🖍️ Fun & Games (coloring, crafts, and outdoor play!)
🌎 Hands-On Activities (creative play and learning resources)
🌟 Special Guests!
🎒 Application Support (on-site help to secure your preschool seat)
🚆 FREE CTA Ride-Shares (Free CTA passes require registration!)

🗓️ Saturday, June 27
🕙 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 Humboldt Park
🎟️ FREE for ALL Families!

🔗 Don't wait—secure your spot and your ride today! Register here: tinyurl.com/chiplaydatehp