April is Autism Acceptance Month

Join us this month, so as a community we can foster more inclusion, opportunities and friendship for children, teens and adults with autism.
Below are free resources to view, download or share.

Free Autism Resources for Schools •

Free Autism Resources for Schools •

The strategies I learned at the Have Dreams training have allowed me to better meet the needs of my students! I have implemented structure in my classroom using schedules, to-do lists, changing the environment, and so much more thanks to what I learned at Have Dreams. This has resulted in my students becoming more independent and confident as they go through their school day.
- Stephanie, Early Childhood Educator

Free Autism Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Monthly Support Group

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

Social Stories

These visual social learning tools can support the exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people with autism.

Home Visuals

Visual supports can be used for the parent/caregiver to communicate more effectively to their child or for the child to be able to communicate with others.

Other Free Resources

Explore our free virtual training materials, social skills activities, visual supports and more.

“Have Dreams has been life changing for Jet and our family, from the social skills program and parent support group, to the teacher training program. They have made a huge impact on Jet's life, our family's life, and countless other families' lives.”
- Diane, parent

Supporting Autistic Adults in the Workforce

Tips for Supporting Neurodiverse Employees

Daily Planner Sheet for Employees

“Have Dreams is a great program here in the Chicagoland area that provides job training and life skills for people who are neurodivergent. We have hired people from their program, and they all excel in their roles, providing serious value to Setna iO. They are treated equally to everyone else, and I would strongly recommend other businesses in Chicago to add people from this program to your company.”
-David Chaimovitz, Founder and CEO, Setna iO

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

All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann

All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann

Welcome to TJ’s Takes where Have Dreams Academy Graduate and current Have Dreams Training Assistant, TJ, gives you his thoughtful book reviews. To read more about TJ and see his “Takes”, click the button below!

Have Dreams Testimonials

  • "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

  • "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

Ways to Give to Have Dreams

Visit our Ways To Give page to learn how you can support Have Dreams throughout April during Autism Acceptance Month.

Watch our video to see the impact of your support!