District 88 participates in National Autism Awareness Month

According to www.autism-society.org,to highlight the growing need for awareness about autism, the Autism Society has celebrated National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s.

The U.S. recognizes April as a special opportunity to share information about autism and issues within the autism community, and District 88 students and staff are helping spread awareness and understanding throughout the month.

Autism spectrum disorders continue to rise, impacting schools, families and communities, and Addison Trail and Willowbrook are offering programming and opportunities throughout April for students and staff to learn more about autism.

Addison Trail programs/events

  • On April 15, students and staff participated in a “Blue Out” day in support of National Autism Awareness Month. Participants were encouraged to wear the autism awareness puzzle-piece pin or the color blue. During that event, an awareness table was available, where students received blue ribbons and blue puzzle-piece pins after they signed their name on a puzzle piece and shared something about themselves. The goal was to show how each person is unique and a valuable piece of a larger puzzle.
  • LINK students have made puzzle-piece pins and magnets for staff to display throughout the month.
  • Addison Trail’s Commons area has been decorated in honor of National Autism Awareness Month.
  • Throughout the month, sensory tables and puzzles will be stationed throughout the school, LINK students will read announcements with autism facts, and autism fact sheets will be available for students to take.

Willowbrook programs/events

  • Puzzle-piece pins have been given to staff members to wear throughout the month.
  • Willowbrook’s Best Buddies and Social Network groups hosted a Movie Night on April 13 to celebrate National Autism Awareness Month. More than 30 students participated and enjoyed snacking on popcorn while watching the movie "Shrek."
  • Staff members were given the opportunity to buy an autism T-shirt, and they are encouraged to wear that T-shirt on Fridays throughout the month, when the school will “Go Blue.”
  • Signage about National Autism Awareness Month has been posted throughout the building, and students have decorated the bulletin board in the cafeteria.
  • The Special Education Department will host accommodations training for staff during the month.

District 88 is a comprehensive district, and we are proud to offer courses, programs and initiatives to help special education students succeed inside the classroom and beyond. We are focused on building futures for all students to accomplish our mission of working for the continuous improvement of student achievement. For more information about those services, go to http://dupage88.net/site/page/1189. If you have questions, feel free to contact Addison Trail Special Education Department Chair Lisa Bollow at Lbollow@dupage88.net or 630-628-3366 or Willowbrook Special Education Department Chair Sara Courington at Scourington@dupage88.net or 630-530-3682.

We are excited to participate in National Autism Awareness Month, and thank you for your continued support of District 88.