Sensory Bags

Sensory Bags

Sensory Bags and their enclosed items play a crucial role in enhancing the comfort and self-regulation
of individuals with autism and others with sensory differences. By making these tools readily available
and accessible, it opens up more opportunities for these individuals to participate and enjoy
community activities. This initiative is a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and understanding
in our society.

Individuals with sensory differences might have difficulty communicating when stressed or over
stimulated. They may express themselves through gestured, aggression, anger, echolalia (repeating
what you say or movie scripts), shutting down, hiding, crying, or other means. All of these examples
are a means of communication and not just bad behavior.

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An autism friendly community is a welcoming place for individuals and families impacted by autism.

Autism McLean and its partners identified six quality-of-life aspirations for being an Autism Friendly Community.

6 aspirations for being an autism friendly community:

AFC labeled

Welcome me
Expand awareness, informed service, social supports and civic engagement opportunities for people with autism

Learn with me
Create educational opportunities for people with autism

A Place for me
Ensure appropriate housing, neighborhood and transportation for people with autism

Wellness for me
Provide healthcare and wellness opportunities for people with autism

Work with me
Employ people with autism in meaningful jobs and careers

Recreation for me
Create play and leisure opportunities for people with autism

What does “autism friendly” mean?

There are many ways this can be expressed. The autism spectrum is broad and so are the ways to support and include people with autism.

What we’ve learned so far —

An Autism Friendly Community means:

  • Inclusion
  • Access to supports to meet each person’s unique needs
  • Access to resources
  • Choice and self-determination
  • Respect and awareness
  • Opportunity for friendship
  • Community engagement
  • Accessibility… and much more.
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Communication Board Initiative

Communication Board Initiative

Autism McLean is excited to announce our new Communication Board Grant Initiative.

Communication boards that are placed in locations where individuals with disabilities frequent can help them and their communication partners relate and enjoy the space more effectively

A communication board is a tool that helps individuals with speech or language difficulties express themselves. It typically consists of symbols, pictures, words, or letters that a person can point to – to communicate their thoughts, needs, or feelings. The boards we are offering would be considered a Low-Tech Communication Board

  • Low-Tech Communication Boards
  1. Printed or laminated boards with images, words, or letters.
  2. Can include categories like food, emotions, or activities.
  3. Used by pointing, eye-gazing, or touching

The boards can be customized by size and icons, logo’s, and fringe communication items.. We create the icons ourselves so there may be a bit of a delay if we don’t already have the needed icon(s). We can also add ASL Alphabet signs, American Alphabet, Social Story and or Spanish translations.…

Autism Conference 2025

Autism Conference 2025

Join us for our 3rd Annual Autism Conference!

The Autism Conference is an annual event sponsored by the Autism

Professional Learning and Universal Supports Project (A+), the Autism

Training and Technical Assistance Project (ATTA), and Autism McLean.

This year’s conference will be held in-person at Illinois State University in

Normal, IL and includes a virtual option.

Check back periodically as we release information about speaker line ups,

networking events, and more!

Parent Grants Available

A limited number of scholarships are available for current members of Autism McLean.

Please contact [email protected] for the promotional code.

To Register: https://www.autismplusil.org/conference-2025

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Stipends-Grants-Scholarships

Stipends-Grants-Scholarships

One of the primary purposes of Autism Mclean (AM) is to ensure that individuals with autism obtain access to the community. Because it is our goal to serve the entire spectrum and community of individuals with autism we have set aside stipend money for children, adolescents, and adults in the community to ensure they have the same opportunities for recreational and social activities as their peers.

Learn More …

Minecraft

Minecraft

Autism Mclean has a Minecraft Server!

Minecraft Realms

On this server, children with autism and their siblings can build whatever they dream up in a welcoming and Autism-friendly community without having to worry about limited materials or fighting monsters. The world, just like a child’s imagination, is infinite, so no need to worry about running out of space. Examples of builds members have made already are bridges, houses, zoos, castles, and super-secret bases. We would love it if you joined!

To sign up:

  • If you are on a mobile device, Nintendo Switch, PS5, or Xbox S or X you are on Bedrock Edition and ready to go.
  • If you are on a PC or older console you will need to check your version and if you don’t have Bedrock edition you will need to download it.
  • Get an Xbox Live account, if you don’t have one.  Use the default settings.  It needs to allow online play.  If your child is already playing Minecraft online with other people this is done.
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Getting Started Kit

Picture of the "Getting started" tote bag

Have you just received a diagnosis? Know someone who has? Our Getting Started Kit, can help get you started on your journey. Each kit has

  • A folder with fact sheets and local provider information
  • A First Steps booklet
  • Brochures from local organizations who can help
  • Small gift items for local organizations

All packaged in a reusable tote bag. Each kit has been assembled by an individual with autism.…

Resources with a Purpose

Resources with a Purpose

Local Agencies & Nonprofit Organizations serving McLean County (Illinois)

For local supports, guest speakers, and information about autism

Welcome me! Autism Awareness & Inclusion

Training and Employment

Local agencies can refer candidates that meet your employment needs and provide job coaches to work with the individual.

Creating natural supports in the workplace facilitates an inclusive culture where employees understand and respect the strengths and challenges of their co-workers with autism.

Job Accommodations

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Testimonials

Testimonials

Welcome me.

Serve and support people with autism. Expand awareness. Create social and civic engagement opportunities.

“The Normal Public Library created an autism café – a time and space for adults with autism to gather for activities each month.” (no longer active)

“The Bloomington Public Library has a lot of good movies and books. I like the soft conversations, quiet atmosphere, and friendly workers that are always willing to help out.”

“My son volunteers at the McLean County Museum of History, where he is valued by the employees.”

“My son, C…, volunteers in the Home Sweet Home warehouse. The staff adapts activities for him, and convey to him that he is valued.”

“Our daughter has her hair cut by Vicki at Hair Sensations where her service dog is genuinely and enthusiastically welcomed, which puts my daughter at ease and comfort.”

“Drivers’ License Bureau. When I went to go get my drivers’ license, they treat me like a normal person, as I would want them to.…