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MEDICAID NOTICE: Lurie Children’s continues to serve all patients enrolled in Medicaid. As a safety-net hospital, we will continue providing high-quality care to every child who needs us.

AVISO SOBRE MEDICAID: Lurie Children’s continúa atendiendo a todos los pacientes inscritos en Medicaid. Como hospital perteneciente a la red de protección social, continuaremos brindando atención de alta calidad a cada niño que nos necesite.

Lurie Children’s Home Specialties & ConditionsDevelopmental & Behavioral PediatricsResources & Family Support Autism Resources

Autism Resources

Autism Resources for Families

RCADD (Resource Center on Autism and Developmental Delay)
Phone: 312.747.8571

New location (in-person services by appointment only)
1640 W Roosevelt, Room
650 DHSP
Chicago, Illinois 60608

  • Provides support for those who care for, teach and serve children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental delays. We serve as the link to relevant services, resources and trainings including assessments, support groups, recreational activities, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respite services, advocacy, social skills groups, trainings, upcoming community opportunities and assistance with understanding your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Autism Resource Center at Rush

Ascension Health Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center 
1786 Moon Lake Blvd.
Suite 202
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
847.755.8536
ahbhhheresourcecenter@ascension.org  

  • Provides brief counseling services for individuals (all ages, children through adulthood) with ASD or a DD who have public insurance/Medicaid (please contact for information about application process). Free services to the public include screenings for autism, resource assessments, behavioral consults, triage to services, and monthly recreational groups. Social skills groups for grades pre-k/kindergarten, 3rd-5th and high school. Occasionally, Young adult and Adult groups as well. Scholarships available.
  • Sign up for their emails to get updates about upcoming groups

Charlie’s Gift Center for Autism and Related Disorders
415 W. Eighth Street
Hinsdale, IL, 60521 
Contact Cara, at Charlie’s Gift, 630.323.7500 ext 250

  • The Family Enrichment Program houses various parent groups, educational workshops related to autism 

Chicagoland Autism Connection
9449 S. Kedzie Ave.
Suite #268
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
773.329.0375 

  • Parent Support Group/ social and recreational activities with families with children with autism. Formerly called “Chicago Southside Autism Support Group” 

Easterseals Joliet
212 Barney Drive
Joliet, IL 60435
815.725.2194

  • Center that provides various therapies, Social Skills Groups, Parent Support Groups, Sibling Support
    • Social Skills group run for 8 weeks; age group changes each session
      • Cost is $150 per session
      • Call Laura Gardner at 815.927.5466 for more information
    • Monthly parent support group with free childcare
      • English speaking group is the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
      • Spanish speaking group is the 1st Friday of the month from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
      • Let Laura know if you’ll be bringing children
    • Various summer programs, schedule for the summer is typically confirmed around April or May

Have Dreams
Park Ridge and Evanston locations

  • Have Dreams is a Chicago-area nonprofit serving children, teens and adults impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We offer after-school, workplace training and adult day programs, along with diagnostic and family support services. Serving ages 16 months to adulthood, we offer a broad range of programs to serve the full range of the autism spectrum.  

Little Friends Center for Autism 
140 N. Wright Street
Naperville, IL 60540  
630.305.4196

  • Center with various services including ABA, Social Skills Groups, Toilet Training Support. Also offer Parent and Professional Trainings throughout the year

Options and Advocacy for McHenry County - Autism Support Program
365 Millennium Drive
Suite A
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
815.477.4720

  • The Autism Support Program has parent support groups, provides support pre and post-diagnosis including resources, referrals, service plans, classroom observations, team consultations, and educational advocacy.
  • Also supports individuals with ASD through Game Nights and other social opportunities. 

The Answer, Inc.
7600 W. Roosevelt Rd
#12
Forest Park IL 60130
708.296.5651

  • The Answer, Inc. provides support, resources, education, recreation, and advocacy for families impacted by ASD and developmental disorders.
  • Services include support groups, case management, nutrition exercise and dance program, tutoring, bullying intervention, referrals, and first responder training.

Trinity Services
13318 West Lincoln Highway
New Lenox, IL 60451
815.462.4729 

Autism Caregiver Group - NIU Family Health Wellness and Literacy Center 
3100 Sycamore Rd
DeKalb, IL 60115
815.753.9126

  • This group hosts events and workshops with the goal of providing helpful information, resources, and a supportive environment while also providing families with the opportunities to connect with community professionals and therapeutic or recreational activities. Events will be posted on their website and most events will include developmentally appropriate child activities. 

Florissa
144 North Court
Dixon, Illinois 61021
815.288.1905

  • Florissa offers services for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for kids ages 0-18. They offer social skills groups, anxiety and depression groups, parenting groups, therapies, and early intervention services, as well as maintaining a Family and Community Resource Room with resources and information around ASD.  

Autism Speaks   
(888) AUTISM-2

  • Autism Speaks provides a wealth of information and resources for families, including video clips about autism and the 100-Day Kit, a free resource to guide families through the first 100 days following a new diagnosis. This kit can be downloaded or ordered through their website or by phone and personalized to include local resources for your family. It is available in Spanish on the Autism Speaks web site or by calling 888.772.9050.  
  • Autism Speaks also has a Tele-Learning program for families of newly diagnosed children 

Autism Society of America 
800.3.AUTISM

  • The Autism Society of America is the oldest support organization for autism and provides detailed information about autism spectrum disorders as well as resources for families, information and referrals, and advocacy for individuals with ASD.