Web Resources
Support Services
Behavioral & Counseling Services
A group of NIU professors and interns with interests in supporting families of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our focus is to provide helpful information, resources and a supportive environment. Meets monthly, the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
At BCS, we specialize in mental health and behavior health therapy. Our team consists of skilled therapists who practice evidence-based therapy and are skilled in working with clients of all demographics.
Organizations
The Color of Autism The Answer Linguis Systems Operation Autism for Military Families Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children
Dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
This organization is committed to educating and assisting African American families with children on the spectrum.
The Answer Inc. is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation and advocacy for families impacted by Autism and Developmental Differences.
Free downloadable resources for parents with children on the spectrum.
The National Autism Center is May Institute’s Center for the Promotion of Evidence-based Practice. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to disseminating evidence-based information about the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), promoting best practices, and offering comprehensive and reliable resources for families, practitioners, and communities.
Operation Autism is a web-based resource specifically designed and created to support military families that have children with autism.
This is a nationwide initiative aimed at communities with children ages 2 to 5. It was developed with input from parents, people who serve the autism community, and people with autism. See Amazing in All Children offers families ways to overcome common challenges and simplify everyday activities.
Advocacy
Illinois Network of Independent Living Center (INCIL) The Attorney General
Statewide Information Resource & Referral for Advocacy & Services for People with Developmental Disabilities
INCIL is the statewide association of which the 22 Centers for Independent Living are members. Through the centers, persons with disabilities in Illinois are empowered with the knowledge and skills to make their own life choices and pursue their own goals of self-sufficiency and full participation in their communities.
Advancing the Human & Civil Rights of People with Disabilities in Illinois
A helpful resource for Early Childhood Special Education.
Parent Training and Information Centers, (PTI’s)
Illinois is divided into two regions and is served by two PTI’s
Kids Health ABC Dentistry Kids Plus Pediatric Dentistry Great Clips Darien (Teresa De La Vega) Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (FVSRA) Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (HISRA) Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (MNASR) Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (NEDSRA) Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NISRA) Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association Oak Lawn Park District/Special Recreation Cooperative (RVSRA) River Valley Special Recreation Association (SEASPAR) South East Association of Special Parks And Recreation (SRACLC) Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SSSRA) South Suburban Special Recreation Association Red Kite Project Right Fit Sport Wellness, LLC Autistic Traveler Autism on the Seas
Region 1 includes the following counties (Cook, Dupage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake , McHenry, Will).
Region 2 includes remainder of the state.Health/Medical
Run by the American Academy of Pediatrics, offers helpful tips and resources for family, safety and health issues.
KidsHealth is the most-visited site on the Web for information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years.
Dr. Matt Karsten
Dr. Brodersen Schaumburg
Several Dentists specializing in the dental treatment of infants, children, and those with special needs.Haircuts
Recreational and Leisure Activities
Special Recreation Associations provide community-based special recreation services to children and adults with disabilities. Affiliates locally include:
NEDSRA provides special recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) was formed through a cooperative agreement with the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts to provide recreation programs and leisure services for residents with disabilities. Inclusion and specialized programs
Fox Valley Special Recreation Association provides a lifetime of opportunities for children and adults with disabilities through community therapeutic recreation.
The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is the result of a desire on the part of the Peoria Park District, the Morton Park District and the Chillicothe Park District to provide quality recreation programs and services.
LWSRA serves the following communities: Frankfort, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox,and Peotone.
The Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, teens and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities by providing quality therapeutic recreational programs. We serve members of the communities in the park districts of Des Plaines, Golf-Maine, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Skokie and the Village of Lincolnwood.
Each year NEDSRA implements more than 600 quality recreation programs and services for both children and adults with disabilities. Serving members of the following park districts:
NISRA provides year round recreation activities for people with disabilities. Since 1976, children and adults of all ability levels have enjoyed socializing, building skills and having fun in hundreds of weekly programs, special events, camps and trips. The park districts and cities that form the NISRA cooperative and support the activities of the Association are:
The Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) is an intergovernmental partnership of ten park districts, one city and one village in the northern suburban area of Chicago. Partner agencies include Deerfield Park District ,Glenview Park District, City of Highwood, Kenilworth Park District, Lake Bluff Park District, City of Lake Forest Recreation Department, Northbrook Park District, Northfield Park District, Village of Riverwoods
NWSRA strives for each participant to function at his/her highest level of ability. Serving the park districts of Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Mt. Prospect, Palatine, Prospect Heights, River Trails, Rolling Meadows, Salt Creek, Schaumburg, South Barrington, Streamwood, and Wheeling.
The Oak Lawn Park District is committed to promoting a strong sense of community by providing cultural and recreational opportunities in a fun and safe environment.
The River Valley Special Recreation is an association formed by member agencies to provide community-based therapeutic recreation to individuals with special needs. Our member districts are Bourbonnais Township Park District, Kankakee Valley Park District, and Limestone Park District
The mission of SEASPAR is to provide recreation programs and services for residents with disabilities. Partners include include Village of Brookfield,Clarendon Hills Park District, Darien Park District, Downers Grove Park District, Village of Indian Head Park, Park District of LaGrange, Community Park District of LaGrange Park, Lemont Park District, Lisle Park District, Village of Western Springs, Westmont Park District, Woodridge Park District
The Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County was formed in 1976 as a cooperative effort of Member Agencies with the purpose to provide year round community based recreation services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Member Agencies include Village of Lincolnshire, Grayslake Community Park District,Village of Hawthorn Woods,Village of Lake Zurich,Village of Libertyville,Mundelein Park & Recreation District,Vernon Hills Park District.
SSSRA is a therapeutic recreation program that is an extension of seven park districts and three recreation and parks departments. It is organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs, the opportunity to be involved in year-round. Member Park Districts and Recreation Departments include Country Club Hills Park District,Frankfort Square Park District,Hazel Crest Park District,Homewood-Flossmoor Park District,Lan-Oak Park District,Matteson Recreational Division,Oak Forest Park District,Olympia Fields Park District,Park Forest Recreation and Parks Department, Richton Park Parks and Recreation Department,Tinley Park-Park District.
Red Kite Project is tailored specifically to the unique interests and needs of children on the autism spectrum.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive and inclusive fitness and wellness programs that teach and promote the benefits of proper posture, daily exercise, efficient movement patterns and balanced nutrition as essential parts of a healthy lifestyle to youth and adults of all ages and with special needs, physical and mental challenges.
A source of information for traveling with autistic children. Here you will find strategies and ideas for planning and executing a memorable vacation for you and your entire family.
Since 2007 Autism on the Seas has developed cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with special needs including, but not limited to Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Down Syndrome.