Check out local community events that serve to support families and individuals affected by autism.
About Autism McLean
Founded in 2002 as a small group of parents needing to make a difference in our community has grown to more than 200 members today. We strive to meet the demands by tapping into the strength of the community and fundraising with the help of our many volunteers.
What we do
Parent-centered training, community events for the family, family and caretaker support, awareness, recreational opportunities, website for resources, community/school collaboration, making an autism-friendly community!
Autism Friendly Community
Autism Friendly Community (AFC) is Autism McLean’s community outreach program— helping McLean County to be truly autism-friendly: one business, one organization, one person at a time! We partner with local businesses, organizations and individuals to expand awareness and inclusion.
What’s happening?
Asking your help – Participate in Survey on Autism & Housing
Autism McLean members and supporters, If you are a parent or guardian of an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in McLean County (IL), please help us by taking the following survey. (See link below.) This survey is part of a research study commissioned through Autism McLean, and conducted by Dr. Frank Beck, Ph.D., and a team of graduate students from the Illinois State University Stevenson Center. The purpose of the study is to use applied research to determine local housing and housing-related service needs of adults with ASD in McLean County. The findings from the study will be summarized
COVID Needs and Supports Survey
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often thrive in a routine environment and can struggle with unexpected changes to their schedules. Lately, there have been many changes and many unknowns. As we adjust to coping with these changes and navigating school closures, abrupt changes in daily routine, loss of connections with teachers and friends, and distance learning, individuals with ASD may need additional support to process and adapt to the many changes. What are some of your struggles? For some, it might be trying to locate the right brand and type of chicken nuggets. For others, it’s a sensory overload!
April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day
April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day and was created to recognize and embrace the impact that autism has had on individuals, families and communities worldwide. Autism awareness is more important than ever – 1 in 54 American children are on the autism spectrum. ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Autism McLean 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
Children Discovery Museum – Sensory Friendly Night
When: Friday, July 10 Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM Where: Children’s Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort St., Normal, IL, 61761 Cost: Free It’s a family night of play designed specifically for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory processing differences at the Children’s Discovery Museum! Your family will experience all three floors of interactive exhibits in a comfortable and inclusive environment. Sensory friendly accommodations will be provided along with special sensory activities. This FREE event is presented in partnership with Autism McLean. Advance registration is required and space is limited
Please consider a donation
Autism McLean is here to serve as a voice for our children and adults with autism, to help create a system that will not only help support those that need to be supported, but to bring enough awareness of and about autism that our children will find acceptance and hope that with that they will find a meaningful place within our community. We are an avenue...YOU are what makes this organization what it is! Please consider a donation to help us achieve our mission!...
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