SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus to honor National Cerebral Palsy Day, World Autism Awareness Month, World Autism Day and World Neurodiversity Celebration Month by outlining the group’s goals for improving the lives of people who have disabilities.

“One of my goals since becoming a senator has been to improve the lives of children and students, including those who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum,” Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) said. “The purpose of our Neurodiversity Caucus is to hear what problems families are dealing with and find ways to make them better.”

The Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group that is open to all state legislators. The caucus was founded this year by Loughran Cappel and State Representative Natalie Manley, with State Representative Nicole La Ha and State Senator Seth Lewis as co-chairs.

“I look at the passion and energy of my colleagues in this caucus, and I want to make their ideas a reality,” said Lewis (R-Bartlett). “This is a complex area to navigate, but it shouldn’t be.”

People who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum often have different ways of thinking, learning and interacting with the world. Additionally, they can also have a tough time accessing services, getting care and being employed. One of the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus’ missions is to increase awareness for people who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.

“Anyone with someone in their family who is neurodivergent knows how confusing the autism diagnosis can be,” said Manley (D-Joliet). “If you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism. Autism affects each person differently.”

The Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus has already brought forth legislation. Senate Bill 3904, which evolved from discussions within the Neurodiversity Caucus, would allow the Secretary of State to distribute license plates denoting that one of the vehicle’s occupants has autism, increasing safety for both police officers and residents during traffic stops. The measure was introduced in the Senate by Loughran Cappel and will be sponsored in the House by Manley.

“As a parent of someone with a disability, I think about what’s next, especially after the age of 22,” said La Ha (R-Homer Glen). “We see progress at home that doesn’t translate to the real world, but we will keep showing up and fighting. To every parent and guardian out there, do not give up.”

The Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus will continue to push for legislation that betters the lives of all individuals across the state.