Conference 2025

The ASD Professional Learning & Universal Support Project (A+) at Illinois State University assists the Illinois State Board of Education in addressing the significant behavior needs of children and youth with Autism Spectrum (ASD) and related behavior and communication disorders. 

The goals of the A+ project include: 

  • creating a professional learning community for educators, related support personnel, and families supporting children and youth with ASD; 

  • promoting positive behavior growth and increasing the functional communication of children and youth with ASD across environments; 

  • increasing the access and inclusion of children and youth with ASD in schools and communities; and 

  • supporting the meaningful involvement of families in their children’s education.

The Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (ATTA)  creates resources and provides professional development that assists individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their transition from secondary education to postsecondary education or employment.

ATTA provides training and support to stakeholders as they work to provide an equitable experience for individuals on the spectrum.

Autism McLean (formerly Autism Society of McLean County) was founded in 2002. What began as a small group of parents needing to make a difference in our community has grown to more than 200 members today. With the increase in numbers, the demands for services and supports have also increased greatly. We strive to meet the demands by tapping into the strength of the community and fundraising with the help of our many volunteers. This alone can be a difficult task given that we are an all volunteer organization made up mainly of parents who have children with autism.
Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides leadership and resources to achieve excellence across all Illinois districts through engaging stakeholders in formulating and advocating for policies that enhance education, empower districts, and ensure equitable outcomes for all students.