Autism

The new, voluntary Blue Envelope Program is now part of the Normal Police Department's operations. It's used to improve interactions — usually traffic stops — with people who have autism, cognitive delays, communication differences or other neurodivergent conditions.

The book, Pilot’s Drive for Autonomy: The Neurodynamic Navigator System, provides a guide to children diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance [PDA], a subtype of autism.

Bloomington resident Adrienne Overmeyer said Applied Behavior Analysis, a therapy commonly used to address challenging behaviors among autistic clients, helped her son become more independent.

A nonprofit is partnering with a Bloomington family to bring awareness of resources for families navigating autism. Leo Egbers was diagnosed with autism shortly before he drowned in a pond behind his home in 2024.

Events and volunteer coordinator Silvia Schuh said the tours, introduced in June, were brought back due to popular demand.

The governor’s office said the executive order is in response to rising concerns about efforts to create federal autism registries or databases without legal safeguards or accountability.

The event featured many volunteers and more than a dozen community organizations offering information and resources for people with autism.

KultureCity creates sensory accessibility and inclusion devices and strategies for those on the autism spectrum.

The Women to Women Giving Circle group on Tuesday hosted a panel of experts at the ISU Alumni Center to discuss autism care from early childhood through adulthood.

Easterseals Central Illinois is gearing up for its second annual Community Rally in April and invites all of Central Illinois to participate.