April is Autism Acceptance Month

Join us this month, so as a community, we can share our time, talent and treasure to foster more inclusion and bring more opportunities, community-based experiences, friendship, clinical services, workforce training and social skills programs for children, teens and adults with autism.

Ways to Give to Have Dreams

Visit our new Ways To Give page to learn how you can support Have Dreams throughout April during Autism Acceptance Month culminating on our Dreaming Big for Autism Day of Giving!

Watch our video to see the impact of your support!

Dreaming Big for Autism - 2024 Day of Giving

What: Our 24-hour online giving day benefiting Have Dreams

When: Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 12am – 11:59pm

Who: Our Have Dreams Community of families, friends, supporters, partners and volunteers

How: There are many Ways to Give to Have Dreams :

  • Online Donations:  havedreams.org/donate

  • Monthly Giving: havedreams.org/donate and select monthly giving

  • Donations by Check:  Designate to 2024 Day of Giving and mail to Have Dreams, 515 Busse Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL  60068

  • Employee Giving:  Payroll deductions, matching gifts, or employee recommended grants

  • Planned Giving: Donor Advised Funds, IRA Rollovers

Piggy Banks

Would you like to "Adopt a Pig" to support Have Dreams during Autism Acceptance Month in April? 

You or your family can go "hog wild" and fill up a Have Dreams Piggy Bank by collecting coins, donations through our QR code, or by organizing a small fundraiser. Do you have a local business that you frequent? You can reach out to them to see if they would be interested in Adopting a Pig during April, too. If you'd like to visit our "Pig Pen" or learn more, please reach out to David at dmurray@havedreams.org. 

Helpful Links

Free Support Group

In addition to our one-on-one counseling services, Have Dreams also offers a free, monthly support group. For more, please click here.

Parent Resources

Under the Parents Tab of our website, you can find downloadable Social Stories, Home Visuals, tips for navigating holidays and more.

Other Free Resources

Explore our free virtual training materials, adapted games, social skills activities, visual supports and more by clicking here.

Have Dreams Recommended Books

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD

Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, PhD

Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, PhD

Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism by Mary Wrobel

Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism by Mary Wrobel

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida

We'll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen (Author), Pam Devito (Illustrator)

We'll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen (Author), Pam Devito (Illustrator)

You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Margaret O'Hair (Author), Sofia Sanchez (Author), Sofia Cardoso (Illustrator)

You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Margaret O'Hair (Author), Sofia Sanchez (Author), Sofia Cardoso (Illustrator)

A Friend Like Anian by Meeka Caldwell

A Friend Like Anian by Meeka Caldwell

Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by Jennifer Elder

Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes by Jennifer Elder

All My Stripes: A Story for Children With Autism by Shaina Rudolph (Author), Danielle Royer (Author), Jennifer Zivoin (Illustrator)

All My Stripes: A Story for Children With Autism by Shaina Rudolph (Author), Danielle Royer (Author), Jennifer Zivoin (Illustrator)

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

My Brain Is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration by Prasha Sooful (Author), Geeta Ladi (Illustrator)

My Brain Is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration by Prasha Sooful (Author), Geeta Ladi (Illustrator)

A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold (Author), Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold (Author), Charles Santoso (Illustrator)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Life Animated by Ron Suskind

Life Animated by Ron Suskind

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit

In a Different Key: The Story of Autism by John Donvan and Caren Zucker

In a Different Key: The Story of Autism by John Donvan and Caren Zucker

What I Want to Talk About: How Autistic Special Interests Shape a Life by Pete Wharmby

What I Want to Talk About: How Autistic Special Interests Shape a Life by Pete Wharmby

Have Dreams Testimonials

  • "My brother Zach, who is on the autism spectrum, also attends another adult program at Have Dreams called LIFE SCILS. Every weekend, my brother asks me, 'On Monday, I will be seeing my friends at Have Dreams?' Every time he asks me this I feel so many emotions, since I remember so vividly how often my brother would acknowledge his own lack of friends when he would compare himself to neurotypical people like myself. Have Dreams provides community and friendships to individuals like my brother, who without Have Dreams, would be missing out this incredibly valuable aspect of life for all people: sense of community, happiness, and lasting friendships."

    Alex Bonk, Have Dreams Academy Program Supervisor

  • "Working at Have Dreams has made an impact on me because I am able to contribute to promoting inclusion, understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism within the community. We have been able to create inclusive environments and advocate for the rights and needs of people with autism, and ultimately fostering greater acceptance and support for people affected by ASD. This has allowed me to be part of a compassionate and dedicated team that is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by autism."

    Caroline McCarthy, Director of Training and Consultation

  • "One of our core missions at Have Dreams is to support members of the autism community in finding their voices and advocating for their needs. In my work one-on-one with neurodivergent clients, including adults who were diagnosed with autism later in life, it is a privilege to witness and support these individuals' journeys as they learn about their ASD and consider what they want (or don't want) others to know about their neurodiversity. It is a humbling experience to support these clients as they identify language to describe their experiences and gain resources and tools that can empower them to live in more authentic ways at home, at school, at work, and in the community. Thank you to the individuals that allow me to be a part of this journey with them and to the Have Dreams community of staff, donors, and supporters for the opportunity to do so."

    Lora Slutsky, Director of Clinical Services and Therapist

  • "I love coming to Have Dreams because it's exciting and we see success happen each day. I love guiding the staff and supporting their ideas. Each day we create new activities, curriculum, programs, clubs, etc. so we are always evolving as an organization. I learn something new everyday from our participants. Have Dreams is such a happy place where each participant feels supported, respected and challenged in so many ways. I smile walking in every morning because I'm greeted by the best staff and all our amazing participants."

    Andrea, Have Dreams Employee

  • "Have Dreams is staffed by dedicated professionals, who take obvious pleasure and self reward in enhancing the lives of all participants. Michael, now 33, and a Life Skills program nine-year attendee, is always eager to participate in the daily happenings at HD, with his favorite activities being Friday brunch, working at the on-site Walgreens Training Center, outings to restaurants, the beach, or a movie."

    Ann, parent of Michael, Life SCILS participant

  • "Have Dreams has been life changing for Jet and our family. From the social skills program, parent support group, to the teaching training program for his school, Have Dreams has made a huge impact on Jet's life, our family's life, and countless other families' lives. The Have Dreams staff, teachers, buddies, and volunteers have embraced us like their own family. Thank you!"

    Diane, parent of Jet, SCILS participant

  • "The work of Have Dreams brings hope and fulfillment to every person who walks through your doors. Thank you, Have Dreams!"

    Rosemary M., Have Dreams parent