Autism Speaks Chicagoland

10/21/2026

Congratulations to Kyle Gardner, Chair of the Autism Speaks Upper Midwest Leadership Council, on being recognized as one of 40 Under 40 Game Changers by WVON!

Kyle's leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to creating opportunities for others extend well beyond the business world. We are incredibly grateful for the passion, dedication, and vision he brings to Autism Speaks and the autism community.

Please join us in celebrating Kyle on this well-deserved recognition!

Kyle Gardner is helping early-stage consumer brands get the investment they need to grow.

As CEO and co-founder of Chicago-based Dobson Avenue Capital Partners, he works with founders to turn promising ideas into successful businesses, with a focus on underrepresented entrepreneurs. He also serves as chair of the Autism Speaks Upper Midwest Leadership Council, bringing his leadership to the autism community.

Learn more about Kyle’s story at 40gamechangers.com.

10/12/2026

🎲 The countdown is ON! Just over ONE MONTH until Chip In Casino Night! 🎰

Join us on November 14 as we celebrate 10 YEARS of Autism Speaks Chip In Casino Night with an unforgettable evening of casino games, incredible food from some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants, delicious cocktails, amazing auction items and so much more!

Whether you’ve been part of Chip In since the beginning or are joining us for the first time, this is a night you won’t want to miss.

Great food. Great fun. An even greater cause.

Every ticket helps support Autism Speaks and our mission to create a more inclusive world for autistic individuals and their families.

Don't wait - grab your tickets today and join us for our biggest celebration yet!

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
📍 City Hall | 838 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago

🔗 Get your tickets today: https://join.autismspeaks.org/event/2026-autism-speaks-chicago-chip-in-casino-night/e784142

10/02/2026

Chicago Marathon race week is almost here! 💙

Our TeamUp athletes are getting ready to take on 26.2 miles and we need YOU to help us make race weekend unforgettable! 💙 We’re looking for volunteers from October 8–11, with several opportunities to get involved and make a difference throughout race weekend:

🙌 Cheer on the team along the course
📍 Help at our Expo booth
🍝 Help us kick off race weekend at our Team Dinner
🏁 Support our Race Day Headquarters

Come bring the energy, cheer on our athletes and help us make race weekend one they’ll never forget.

Sign up to volunteer: https://signup.com/go/eWsmjCz

09/29/2026

♠️♥️ Chicago, it’s time to Chip In! ♦️♣️

Autism Speaks’ 10th Annual Chip In Casino Night is Saturday, November 14th at City Hall Events!

This special evening is more than a night of fun, connection, and celebration — it’s an opportunity to come together in support of autistic individuals and their families and help advance greater understanding, acceptance, inclusion, and support within the autism community.

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring great food and drinks, entertainment, casino-style gaming, and live & silent auctions - all while helping support the important work of Autism Speaks.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to connect with the Chicago community while supporting autistic individuals and the work being done to create more opportunities and resources, I’d love to see you there.

👉 Purchase your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/dGcPtT2j

Let’s come together, Chip In, and make a difference. 💙

09/09/2026

Thank you to our Empower Summit Sponsors & Expo Partners!

We are so grateful for their support as it allows us to advance our mission of creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We are able to carry on our work of advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families. 💙

09/05/2026

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN US!

The Empower Summit: Advocacy in Action is just 5 days away and we would love to see you there! Register by Tuesday at 10am to secure your spot to this incredible event: https://act.autismspeaks.org/site/Calendar?id=107383&view=Detail

📅 Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
📍 Location: Wintrust Financial - Rosemont
9700 W Higgins 2nd floor training rooms
Rosemont, IL 60018

09/03/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY!

Join us on September 10 in Rosemont for the Autism Speaks Empower Summit: Advocacy in Action - a day designed to inspire, educate, and empower autistic individuals, families, educators, professionals, and community partners.

Throughout the day you'll:
💙 Learn practical advocacy strategies for every stage of life
💙 Hear from leading experts and autistic self-advocates
💙 Discover resources to help navigate education, adulthood, and disability services
💙 Connect with organizations and community partners at our Resource Expo
💙 Leave with new tools, meaningful connections, and the confidence to advocate for yourself and others

Whether you're just beginning your journey or have been advocating for years, you'll walk away with ideas and resources you can put into action right away.

📅 September 10, 2026
📍 Rosemont, IL

Register today and join us for a day of learning, connection, and Advocacy in Action: https://act.autismspeaks.org/site/Calendar?id=107383&view=Detail

09/02/2026

Meaningful connection and a sense of belonging are important at every stage of life.

At the Autism Speaks Empower Summit, we’ll explore ways autistic adults can build friendships, strengthen social connections, and find opportunities to engage in their communities.

Join us for “Finding Meaningful Connections for Autistic Adults” and be part of a day focused on resources, advocacy, connection and redefining what’s possible.

📅 Thursday, September 10
📍 Rosemont, IL
🎟️ Tickets are available now!

https://act.autismspeaks.org/site/Calendar?id=107383&view=Detail

08/31/2026

Planning for adulthood can bring a whole new set of questions for autistic individuals and their families.

At the Autism Speaks Empower Summit, experts will share practical guidance on navigating the transition to adulthood—from planning for the future to understanding the supports and resources available along the way.

Join us for “Advocating Through the Transition to Adulthood with Autism” and gain information to help prepare for what comes next.

📅 Thursday, September 10
📍 Rosemont, IL
🎟️ Tickets are available now!

https://act.autismspeaks.org/site/Calendar?id=107383&view=Detail

08/28/2026

The IEP process can feel overwhelming but having the right information and knowing how to advocate can make all the difference.

Join us at the Autism Speaks Empower Summit on September 10 in Rosemont for “Learn from Experts: Advocating Through the IEP Process.” Hear from experts, gain practical guidance, and leave with tools to help you navigate the IEP process with greater confidence.

💙 Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or advocate, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

📅 Thursday, September 10
📍 Rosemont, IL
🎟️ Tickets are available now!

https://act.autismspeaks.org/site/Calendar?id=107383&view=Detail