Chicago Autism Network's Virtual Fall Gala: A Night of Inspiration is a fundraiser to help support the local autism community. Featuring keynote speaker, *Dr. Fred Volkmar and musical guests, **The Naturals, this evening will also highlight the impact of Chicago Autism Network's programs and services over the past year. Each registered guest will receive a Gala Swag Bag, with small treats and gifts to help you enjoy the evening. Proceeds help us fund our Therapy Assistance Grant Program, which helps us offer financial assistance to local families who need, but can't afford autism therapy.

If you're interested in sponsoring our event, click here.

*Dr. Fred R. Volkmar, M.D. is a professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology at the Yale University Child Study Center, School of Medicine. A graduate of the University of Illinois where he received in undergraduate degree in psychology in 1972 and of Stanford University where he received his M.D. and a master’s degree in psychology in 1976 Dr. Volkmar was the primary author of the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-IV autism and pervasive developmental disorders section. He is the author of several hundred scientific papers and chapters as well as a number of books including Asperger’s Syndrome (Guilford Press), Health Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum (Woodbine Publishing), and the Handbook of Autism (Wiley Publishing). He has served as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and the American Journal of Psychiatry. He currently serves as Editor of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. He has served as co-chairperson of the autism/intellectual disabilities committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition to having directed the internationally known autism clinic he also served as director of autism research at Yale before becoming chairperson of the Department.

** The Naturals are a local music band comprised of autistic self advocates and autism parents/friends. They are popular performers at events throughout the Chicagoland area. For bios on the band members, visit creativeexchangemusic.com/the-naturals/.