Alton Schools Celebrate Neurodiversity at Autism Sports Day

ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 students came together for a celebration of neurodiversity at Autism Sports Day.

On Friday, April 10, 2026, elementary and middle school students traveled to Lovejoy Elementary School for a day of bounce houses, snacks, games and fun. This event was hosted by the Alton High School’s cooperative work training program, overseen by Joe Michalski and Tammy Wood. High school students played with and helped the younger kids throughout the day.

“It's kind of become our Super Bowl of events,” Wood said. “Our students who are working it, they get to see what their efforts are bringing to these kids. I think that’s the biggest thing, and just bringing in that sense of community.”

Wood explained that Autism Sports Day started as a way to give kids with special needs, specifically those on the autism spectrum, a fun day in “a smaller environment.” Over the last few years, it has grown considerably with more activities for the students to enjoy.

This year, the full petting zoo was unavailable because of the weather, but kids could still pet a pig and get their faces painted, snack on snow cones and cotton candy, and play on the playground. There were three bounce houses inside the gym for kids to enjoy.

But for Wood and Michalski, the most exciting part of the day is knowing the high schoolers played their role. The cooperative work training program encourages students to get a job in the community and learn about job skills, taxes, and “anything job-related,” Michalski said in a previous interview. They also try to give back to the community and the district.

“We just do a lot of community service projects in the community,” Michalski explained. “The premise behind the program is to provide students with a better understanding of what they want to do after they graduate and to put services in place to help them be able to make a successful transition from high school to either college, community college, trade school or employment.”

Wood echoed him, noting that the goal is to give the high schoolers “some transition skills” through community service and employment. She believes the Autism Sports Day is a fun opportunity for them to learn and help others.

“They're working together really well today,” she said. “That's what we want to see for our kids, but then also just helping others. That’s what we're out here doing.”

And for the younger students, the day was a fun chance to play and celebrate their differences and abilities. Wood thanked everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible for the kids.

“It’s one of these things where everybody comes together and has their part in it,” she added. “The whole district is working together to bring this on.”

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