Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports Project

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Autism Professional Learning and Universal Supports Project

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The Autism Professional Learning & Universal Support Project (A+) at Illinois State University assists the Illinois State Board of Education in addressing the needs of children and youth with ASD and related behavior and communication disorders.

08/24/2026

Behavior is communication. When a student is struggling, it can help to ask what they may be communicating through their behavior rather than focusing only on what the behavior looks like.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about behavior as communication?

For more information and resources, be sure to check out our website at www.autismplusIL.org and make sure to check the comments for links to the FREE resources featured in this post!

08/21/2026

Strong partnerships start with positive communication. Reaching out early, sharing successes, and learning from families can help build trust before concerns arise.

What is the best advice you have received about building positive relationships with families?

Access Free Resources Here --> https://tinyurl.com/3dpebtbm

08/19/2026

Relationships are the foundation for so much of what happens in the classroom. When students feel known, valued, and supported by the adults around them, we create opportunities for stronger communication, greater engagement, and meaningful growth.

This moment, captured during one of our IEPA trainings, is a great reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply take the time to connect.

How do you build connections with your students at the beginning of the school year?

08/11/2026

Every student brings strengths to the classroom. Before focusing on challenges, identify interests, motivators, talents, and skills that can be used to support learning and connection.

What is one student strength you have discovered that changed the way you supported them?

08/06/2026

We’re growing our team and looking for an amazing educator to join the A+ Project!

Are you passionate about supporting autistic learners, empowering educators, and helping schools create meaningful, sustainable change? Illinois State University’s Autism Professional Learning & Universal Supports Project is hiring an Autism Coaching Specialist to serve Northern Illinois!

In this role, you’ll:

🔹 Partner with educators and school teams
🔹 Provide coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance
🔹 Develop and deliver engaging professional learning
🔹 Support the use of evidence-based practices
🔹 Help improve educational experiences and outcomes for autistic students

If you’re a collaborative, creative, and experienced professional who is ready to make an impact beyond a single classroom, we would love to hear from you!

Learn more and apply: https://jobsearch.illinoisstate.edu/jobs/autism-coaching-specialist-northern-illinois-normal-illinois-illinois-united-states

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them or share this post!

08/05/2026

Meet the Autism Plus team! Behind every training, consultation, and resource is a group of professionals passionate about supporting students and educators across Illinois.

We would love to get to know you, too. What is your role in education, and where are you joining us from?

07/14/2026

Days 1 & 2 of our 2nd Illinois Experiential Practicum for Autism (IEPA), hosted by District 87 in Bloomington, IL, have been one for the books!

Our participants are diving into observation, data collection, adapting curriculum, and building communication, social, and behavioral supports — all while leveling up their evidence-based practice skills.

Shoutout to our amazing coaches for always thinking outside the box and meeting every student right where they are.

Huge thank you to:
The parents who trust us with their children
Our participants for showing up eager to learn
District 87 for hosting us

More to come this week!

07/07/2026

🚨 A Rare Opportunity! 🚨

Due to a few unexpected cancellations, a limited number of FREE spots have opened up for our Illinois Experiential Practicum for Autism Workshop taking place July 13–17 in Bloomington, IL. This hands-on workshop is rarely available at the last minute, making this a unique opportunity for educators and school teams to participate.

Over five days, participants will:
✅ Work directly with students with autism in demonstration classrooms
✅ Learn and apply Structured Teaching strategies with guided coaching and feedback
✅ Collaborate with colleagues to design effective supports
✅ Leave with practical tools and an action plan to implement in their own schools

📅 July 13–17, 2026
📍 Stevenson Elementary School, Bloomington, IL

If you've been waiting for an opportunity to attend, now is the time! These openings are expected to fill quickly.

👉 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/near6867

Questions? Contact Nikki at [email protected].

07/02/2026

Happy Independence Day from the APLUS Project!

As we celebrate Independence Day, we're also celebrating the many ways children build confidence and independence through communication every day.

Whether your family is cooling off at the pool, exploring a hiking trail, discovering something new at a children's museum, cheering at a baseball game, or spending time at the park, every outing is an opportunity to practice meaningful communication. The more opportunities children have to communicate in real-life settings, the more they build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections with others.

This holiday weekend, pack one of our communication core boards alongside your sunscreen, water bottle, or picnic basket, and encourage communication throughout your family's adventures. Small moments of practice can lead to lifelong skills!

💡Pro tip: Cut out the middle square before laminating your core board — it creates a fun magnifying effect that makes searching and communicating even more engaging!

🔗 Grab your FREE Summer I Spy Core Boards using the link below and start your family's communication adventure today!

https://bit.ly/443nTxc

Address

100 S Fell Avenue
Normal, IL
61761

Website

http://www.autismplusil.org/

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