Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports Project

10/08/2026

Great teamwork doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when every voice is heard, and everyone works toward the same goal.

Collaborative teaming helps create consistent, meaningful supports that carry across people, settings, and routines. When teams work together effectively, students benefit most, with more opportunities to participate and thrive!

How will we turn our shared ideas into everyday practice?

For an even deeper dive into Collaborative Teaching, join our Office Hours on October 19.
https://cibsaplus.jotform.com/build/262363884316968

10/08/2026

Friday called. It wants you at the ITAPs conference. 😉

APLUS is bringing three sessions to a great day of professional learning:

✨ Nikki: Beyond the Checklist: Using Illinois’ Seven Factors to Support Learners with ASD

✨ Chasity & Jessica: Understanding Autism and Current Trends

✨ Karli: Creating Pathways to Independence Through Structured Work Systems

Registration closes Thursday at noon, so if “I’ll register later” is your current plan, this is your nudge! ⏰

Check out the SLD projects post below for registration information. We hope to see you Friday!

We are thrilled to welcome back for a second year, Dr. Nakia Douglas, ISBE Director of Special Education, for an interactive conversation over lunch. Dr. Douglas did an exceptional job last year of making sure she answered all of your questions during this live Q & A session. Join us again on FRIDAY at 11:45am.

Can't make it for the whole day of virtual learning? THAT'S OK. You can register and attend any session that fits your schedule, INCLUDING this lunch session. And yes, you will earn PDHs for attending ANY session!

We hope to see you there.

REGISTRATION CLOSES TOMORROW AT NOON, so don't delay!

Register here: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0111-0030-16138fdc735c4b33ba7ef279e288c925

10/07/2026

Preparing students for life after graduation means creating opportunities to build skills, explore interests, gain confidence, and connect learning to future employment.

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re sharing resources that can support students, educators, families, and employers along the way:

What is one skill or experience you believe helps prepare students for life after graduation?

APLUS: https://bit.ly/4iVfIvE
ATTA: https://autismcollegeandcareer.com/employers
ICSPS: https://icsps.illinoisstate.edu/
ICTW: https://ictw.illinois.edu/
Project SEARCH at Drexel University: https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/community-projects/Transition-Pathways/Project-SEARCH/

10/01/2026

October is here! We are excited to keep sharing practical resources and strategies you can use with your students.

This month, we’re sharing a FREE, editable Glint resource designed to make visual supports easier to customize and use with your learners. Explore the resource and tailor it to fit the needs of your classroom.

Editable link: https://rb.gy/eotdcm

As we head into a new month, we’d love to hear: What is one success you've seen in your classroom this fall?

09/30/2026

September flew by, so we rounded up a few of our favorite September resources in case you missed them!

Catch up here: bit.ly/4hwr9r0

Want to keep exploring? You can find even more free resources anytime at www.autismplusil.org/resources

09/24/2026

Preparing for Parent/Teacher Conferences or IEP Meetings? Getting ready for constructive conversations with a family? Our Building Trust with Families and Plan a Clear Conversation are two resources that can help you set the stage.

When educators share what a student is doing well and listen to what matters most to families, it becomes easier to plan next steps together. Those conversations help autistic students feel supported at home and at school.

Use our Building Trust with Families and Plan a Clear Conversation resources to help prepare for collaborative, family-centered conversations: https://shorturl.at/AUAQh

Strong family partnerships can start with a simple question: “What would you like us to know about your child?” What is another question you ask families to help them feel heard?

Looking for more free tools and resources? Visit AutismPLUSIL.org/resources to explore our growing resource library!

09/22/2026

Fall is here! A new season brings new opportunities to create supportive learning environments where autistic students feel understood, included, and empowered to grow. Every small step can lead to meaningful progress.

How do you plan to support student growth this fall?

Share your answer in the comments! Everyone who responds will receive a free surprise APLUS resource to help kick off the new season.

Follow APLUS and explore www.autismplusil.org/resources for many more free resources!

09/17/2026

Plans change, and navigating that change requires cognitive flexibility. Change cards, contingency maps, social narratives, and power cards can make changes more predictable and give students a clear path forward.

Grab our free Change Alert card to add to your student support toolkit! https://bit.ly/4y4wTzs

What supports help your students when plans change unexpectedly?

Explore this resource and many more at https://autismplusil.org/resources.

09/15/2026

Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month! We celebrate the cultures, contributions, and experiences of Hispanic and Latino communities while recognizing that every student’s culture is an important part of their identity.

Creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments helps autistic students feel seen, valued, and supported.

How do you help students explore and celebrate diverse cultures in ways that are accessible and meaningful?

Download our free Multilingual Platforms resource for a more detailed look at inclusive communication and tools that can support multilingual learners. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QZ8OUCgvI6vnv3n92vR4fxCrq05yQuX3/view?usp=sharing

Explore this resource and many more at https://autismplusil.org/resources.

09/14/2026

Register here: https://cibsaplus.jotform.com/262363884316968

Join us today for A+ Office Hours as we discuss Student Profiles and Family Partnerships! Learn practical strategies for strengthening family partnerships and developing student profiles that capture each learner’s strengths, interests, communication preferences, and support needs.

What question would you like to discuss during Office Hours?