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Northbrook resident Jane Williams describes growing up with autism, urges community acceptance
Summary
At the village board’s community moment, resident Jane Williams recounted being diagnosed with autism as a child, described early challenges and praised local schools’ services for children on the autism spectrum.
Jane Williams, a Northbrook resident, spoke at the community moment to describe her experience growing up with autism and to urge the community to increase understanding and acceptance.
Williams said she moved to Northbrook in 1992 and was first diagnosed with autism in 1991. She described a time when autism services were limited and children with certain behaviors were stigmatized; she said her family moved to the Chicago area seeking better services. Williams told trustees that the services available in Northbrook improved over time and said, "I am proud to call Northbrook home," adding that she is pleased to see better supports for the next generation.
Her remarks emphasized that people on the autism spectrum are "not bad people, we're not dangerous people, we're just community members like you," and she urged adults to make the community better for future generations. Trustees responded with appreciation and personal remarks from those who said family members would benefit from hearing her presentation.
Williams’s comments were offered as a community presentation rather than part of formal business; no board action followed.
