After School Programs | Autism Resource Center



Child Psychology Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent

After School Programs

Take our Survey

The Autism Center for Excellence at Giant Steps Illinois
The Rec Center: After School Program for Children With Autism
2500 Cabot Drive
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 455-5730
DuPage County
Provides children with year round after school activities designed to supplement education. Programs will be customized to fit each student's needs within five service domains: cognitive, communication, social/emotional, motor and creative. Students will have access to the computer lab, sensory and motor rooms, dance and yoga studios, art and express yourself centers, piano and other music lessions, canine training, and fitness training and pool areas. Students can be enrolled at Giant Steps Illinois or in any local public or private school. Transportation to and from Giant Steps will be arranged by families and/or school districts.
When: Hours: Monday-Friday, end of the school day to 6 p.m.
Summer Program Hours: Monday-Friday, 1 to 6 p.m.
Weekend/Holiday hours: Periodic weekend programs available.
Ages: 5 to 22.
Private insurace accepted for add-on therapy services only.
Cost: $100 (one-time registration fee). Cost varies for 5-day, 3-day and 2-day program and if you would like any add-on services for your child (e.g. OT, social work, speech, music, ABA, academic tutoring). Please call Giant Steps for more information.
No wait list.

Charlie's Gift
Diana de León, Clinic Manager
1048 Ogden Ave., Suite 130
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 810-1200
DuPage County
email: ddeleon@charliesgift.org
Group focuses on building social, play and daily living skills.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. (7 weeks).
Ages: 8 to 15.
Cost: $300.
No wait list.

Chicago Park District
Vittum Park-Special Recreation Programming
5010 W. 50th St.
Chicago, IL 60638
773-798-1747
Homework Help and Reading Program
This program not only provides help with homework but also an adaptive reading program for comprehension, reading and ability levels.
When: 4-5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Ages: 8 years and up.
Cost: Free

LEEP Forward, Inc.
After-School Social Groups
Lorell Marin, MST, DT, Founder
2320 N. Damen Ave., Suite 2F
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 255-8155
email: leepforward1@aol.com
Cook County
The goal is to foster spontaneous, mutually enjoyed, reciprocal interactions between members of a peer group. Through discussions, modeling, and interactive activities such as gross motor and games, they build on each child's ability to initiate play, respond to friends' initiations, and maintain and expand interactions. They introduce vocabulary and concepts in the following areas: emotional regulation, monitoring internal states, self-concept and self-esteem, character development, social awareness, negotiation and compromise. Therapists utilize DIR/Floortime, PECS, social stories and Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking Curriculum.
Ages: 5-8.
Insurance not accepted.
Cost: depends on the size and needs of the group.
No wait list.

Tell Us About Your Experience
Using the Autism Resource Center's Web Site

Our mission at the Autism Resource Center is to assist you in finding appropriate services for your child. Your feedback will help us continue to provide such assistance, or guide us in serving you better. We'd like to ask you to take a just a few minutes to answer a brief survey. Take the survey

Although our Web site includes links providing direct access to other Internet sites, the Autism Resource Center at Rush University takes no responsibility for the content or information contained on those other sites, and does not exert any editorial or other control over those other sites.

The information on this Web site is provided for general reference purposes. It does not constitute medical or other professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your child and adolescent psychiatrist or other physician. Only a qualified, licensed physician can determine the individual treatment that is appropriate for your particular circumstances. All decisions about clinical care should be made in consultation with a physician. Inclusion of information on this Web site does not constitute an endorsement of views, persons, methodologies or products. The health care providers whose information is available on the Web site are not necessarily the agents or employees of Rush University Medical Center. In consideration for use of this Web site, Rush University Medical Center or any other party involved in producing or delivering this Web site will not be liable to you for any action or nonaction that you take in reliance upon the information provided on this Web site.

Autism is a complex disorder. Our Web site provides information and resources for families with a child with autism. If you feel your child is experiencing behavior and/or symptoms that may be associated with autistic spectrum disorders, please contact your pediatrician or a licensed physician. A comprehensive evaluation may be needed from a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist and other professionals.

The Autism Resource Center's referral and resource list is not an all-inclusive list and is subject to change. Each day the team will be adding new resources and building to our Web site. If you have trouble finding a referral within your area, we encourage you to call (312) 563-2272 for further information. We hope that you visit our Web site again for any future referrals.

Contact Name	Autism Resource Center
Contact Phone	(312) 563-2272



Autism Resource Center Resources After School Programs