Manley’s IL Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus Receives Overwhelming Support at Debut Reception

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, hosted over 100 legislators and community leaders at the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus (ILNC) Celebration Reception, debuting the first of its kind bicameral, bipartisan caucus. Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, co-chairs the caucus with Rep. Manley.

“The overwhelming support from House and Senate members on both sides of the aisle is a testament to our commitment to helping the neurodivergent in Illinois and their families,” Rep. Manley said. “The mission of the caucus is to create a more equitable and supportive Illinois by advancing these four key cornerstones: support, access, resources and education.”

The ILNC was announced in April, during World Autism Month. The reception was held in Springfield on October 14, 2025.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function and behavioral traits. It recognizes that conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and others are not deficits or disorders to be “fixed,” but rather part of a wider spectrum of neurological development. Embracing neurodiversity means valuing different ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world.

“These four cornerstones of support, access, resources and education, form the framework of a state that sees, values, and includes every neurodivergent person,” Manley said. 

In coming weeks, the caucus will announce meeting schedules and structure, based on feedback provided during the reception.