Autism Acceptance event Saturday in Elgin

The second annual Heroes Unite Autism Acceptance event will take place Saturday in Elgin.

The event, from 1 to 4 p.m. in front of the Elgin Police Department at 151 Douglas Ave., will feature fun activities, sensory areas and raffles, and connect residents with educational resources. Community partners will also be on hand to help raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Similar to last year, one of the highlights of the event will be simulated traffic stop scenarios. The simulations give people with autism a chance to experience being "pulled over" by police while in a stationary vehicle. Police say the experience may help young people with autism feel more comfortable driving and put them at ease if they get pulled over in real life.

People are asked to register for the simulated traffic stop activity at https://forms.gle/Y8f9kePwkoAikSSP8. Four people can fit in the vehicle and family members are allowed to join the driver.

The event is open to community members of all ages and does not require registration, aside from the simulation.