Take Our Survey 

• AbilityLinks.org
  Free job opportunity website for all persons with disabilities and inclusive employers. Need help with finding a job, filling an opening or getting answers to your disability and employment questions? Visit AbilityLinks.org to post a resume, post a job or make a contribution to show your support for disability inclusion.
   
• "The ADA In Your Community" Survey
  How do people with disabilities rate their community's implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act? To find out this answer, the Illinois ADA Project, in conjunction with the DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center is conducting a survey. People with disabilities, their family members, and their advocates are invited to complete the ADA Survey so that your voices are heard when accessibility issues are being addressed in your communities. Print copies and alternative formats are available upon request. To request the ADA Survey in an alternative format, or for additional information, contact Alan Goldstein by phone: (312) 341-0022 or e-mail: alan@equipforequality.org.
   
• Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA)
  National consortium seeking to create meaningful futures for adults with autism that include homes, jobs, recreation, friends, and supportive communities.
   
• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  website includes facts, links to resources, press releases, "hot topics," research and more. This site is intended to assist parents and families in understanding mental disorders and problems affecting children and adolescents, especially the link marked complete listing of Facts for Families.
   
• The American Academy of Pediatrics
  Find out more about what AAP recommends for your children's health. website provides autism health topics, bookstore and publications, professional education and resources, advocacy.
   
• The Answer, Inc.
  Autism awareness and support group.
   
• The ARC of Illinois
  The ARC of Illinois and its chapters have been in the forefront of strong advocacy positions for people with disabilities and their families. The ARC continues to be a strong grassroots organization with a rich membership of self-advocates, parents and professionals working together to achieve common goals.
   
• Asperger Syndrome Education Network - ASPEN
  National organization provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by autism spectrum disorders and nonverbal learning disabilities with education about the issues, support and advocacy.
   
• Association for Science in Autism Treatment
  ASAT is an organization of parents and professionals committed to improving the education and care of people with autism.
   
• Autism and Special Needs Parent Support and Information Email Group (ASPIE)
  If you wish to subscribe to a FREE newsletter, which lists northwest suburban area events and news, e-mail: nestsubanp@gmail.com.
   
• Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC)
  website specializes in providing mainstream, hands-on advice and information to parents, educators and others about topics related to autism spectrum disorders. Their books are more practical than technical.
   
• Autism-Asperger's Digest
  Over 30 selections on a variety of topics: language/communication, play, managing behavior problems, reinforcement, motor skills, video modeling, social skills, curriculum planning, teaching strategies, incidental teaching, parenting and medical issues (240 pages, Cost: $24.95). Available through Future Horizons.
   
• Autism Education Network
  Provides free information about special education rights, treatment options and education methods. Additional information includes training to families and professionals regarding best practices in autism treatment.
   
• Autism Learn 101
  Carol Rudd 
  (631) 821-1902
  e-mail: carol@autismlearn101.com 
  Web site is dedicated to making visually structured activities designed to help develop multiple skills for persons with autism. Many of their activities contain different levels, creating a connected heirarchy. Learn by doing, then progress to each higher level to expand learned skills.
   
• Autism One
  Autism One is a nonprofit charity organization started by a small group of parents of children with autism. website educates families about prevention, recovery, safety, and change.
   
• Autism Research Institute
  Provides research-based information on the triggers of autism and on methods of diagnosing and treating autism. ARI is a worldwide network of parents and professionals concerned with autism.
   
• Autism Resource Network
  Offers a bookstore for parents and educators with reference books and educational toys, plus a quarterly newsletter.
   
• Autism Society of America
  ASA provides the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy.
   
• Autism Society of Illinois
  ASI is a statewide chapter of the Autism Society of America. Their online Autism Resources Directory provides links to organizations for assistance, advocacy, education, and support related to autism spectrum disorders. Their mission is to improve the lives of Illinois individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders. For more information, call (630) 691-1270 or toll free at (866) 691-5553.
   
• Autism Speaks - 100 Day Kit
  Tool kit provides comprehensive information packet available to families who have had a child diagnosed with autism within the past six months.
   
• Autism Speaks - School Community Toolkit
  Tool kit provides helpful information about students with autism and tools and strategies to achieve positive interactions and increase learning for all members of the school community.
   
• Autism Speaks - ATN/AIR-P Blood Draw Tool Kit
  Tool kit provides a variety of tools to help you and your child to prepare for future medical visits and reduce the stress and worry that may come with blood draws. The kit’s resources include ready-made visual supports, social stories, relaxation and distraction techniques, and tips designed specifically for children with ASD.
   
• Autism Speaks - Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit
  Tool kit includes sections on symptoms and causes; list of strengths and challenges; executive functioning and theory of mind; diagnostic vverview; how are AS and HFA different?; you, your family and AS/HFA; interventions and treatment options; AS/HFA and the classroom; transitioning into adulthood;resources by topic; safety tips; action plan for the next 100 days; useful forms; useful books and websites.
   
• Autism Speaks - ATN/AIR-P Parent’s Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis
  Tool kit is an informational guide to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). It is designed to provide you with a better understanding of ABA, how your child can benefit, and where/how you can seek ABA services.
   
• Autism Speaks - ATN/AIR-P Sleep Tool Kit-Parent Booklet and Quick Tips
  This informational booklet is designed to provide parents with strategies to improve sleep in their child affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The suggestions in this tool kit are based on both research and clinical experience of sleep experts.
   
• Autism Speaks - ATN/AIR-P Visual Supports and Autism Spectrum Disorder
  Tool kit provides a step-by-step, easy-to-understand introduction to visual supports and the ways that parents and other caregivers can begin using them. It also provides actual visual supports for parents to print, cut out and use, along with links to resources that provide more detailed information for those who want to go further.
   
• Autism Speaks - Tips for Successful Haircuts
  Autism Speaks has partnered with Snip-its and Melmark New England to develop a haircutting training guide to provide information to families and stylists as to how to make the haircutting experience more positive for children with autism.
   
• Autism Speaks - Talking to Parents About Autism Kit
  Tool kit for professionals contains the tools you need to initiate critical dialogue between parents to urge them to have their child screened. Contents include: message to educators; talking to parents about autism training video; and early childhood milestone map. Available in Spanish.
   
• Autism Speaks - Transition Tool Kit
  Tool kit serves as a guide that can provide you with options to think about and explore as you and your adolescent with autism begin to plan for adulthood. The kit is broken down into different sections. At the end of each section, resources are provided specific to that section, as well as forms to help you keep track of the many pieces that constitute a transition plan. Since the transition process is different in each state, they have developed timelines for each state, with state agency information that may be helpful to you throughout the process.
   
• Autism Speaks - Participant's Guide to Autism Drug Research
  The goal of this guide is to both answer common questions and pose additional ones that may be important for you to consider. The decision of whether or not to participate in autism drug studies should be guided by your goals and values as well as a clear understanding of potential risks and –benefits and possible demands upon you, your child and your family.
   
• Autism Speaks - Manual de los 100 Días
  Manual de 100 Días de Autism Speaks fue diseñado exclusivamente para familias que recientemente fueron evaluadas, para hacer el mejor uso de los 100 días después del diagnoses de autismo.
   
• Autism Speaks - Housing and Residential Supports Provides information you need, help you search for housing options, and keep you informed of promising developments, resources, and news in housing and residential supports
  .
   
• Autism Speaks - Individualized Education Program (IEP) Guide and Other School Resources
  A team of lawyers at Goodwin Procter LLP has generously put together a helpful guide to help families understand the IEP process as their loved ones head back to school: Individualized Education Program (IEP): Summary, Process and Practical Tips. This 26 page guide contains an IEP timeline and clearly lays out the steps to take throughout the IEP process. The guide also includes lots of tips, resources, and answers to FAQs.
   
• Autism Speaks - Autism: Should My Child Take Medicine for Challenging Behavior?
  Decision aid can help you work with your child’s health care provider when making important medical decisions. The decision aid can help you understand the possible risks and benefits of different treatments. It will help you decide what is most important to you and your family and help you choose an option. The goal for a decision aid is to help you work with your child’s health care provider to choose a treatment that matches your needs and values.
   
• Autism Speaks - Employment Tool Kit
  Tool kit helps you research, find and keep employment in the current, competitive labor market. Stories, tips and resources were developed from a collaboration of people, including adults with autism, dedicated to increasing the employment participation of adults on the spectrum.
   
• Autism Speaks - ATN/AIR-P Dental Professionals' Tool Kit
  Tool kit designed for dental professionals, discusses ways to help reduce children’s anxiety levels and increase compliance. It provides general and specific information that may help dental professionals better serve the needs of children with ASD. This tool kit is meant to be used in conjunction with other dental materials developed by Autism Speaks Family Services.
   
• Autism Speaks -ATN/AIR-P Parent's Guide to Toilet Training in Autism
  Tool kit provides caregivers tips to increase toileting success by teaching toileting skills, providing advice on preparing schedules and routines and promoting visual supports.
   
• AutismLink
  Provides support, diagnosis, therapeutic services, inclusion and information, free of charge to parents and family members of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
   

• Boardmaker
  Computer software program that features more than 4,500 Picture Communication Symbols. Boardmaker is a tool for creating symbol-based materials such as communication displays for worksheets and visual schedules and social stories for children with autism spectrum disorders. (Cost: $329).
   
• Bridges for Autism Foundation
  Committed to providing educational and financial resources to families with children on the autism spectrum. They award financial grants to individual families so that children with autism spectrum disorders can receive the necessary treatment and support to reach their greatest potential.
   
• CafeMom
  The largest online community for women created for parents of autistic children. In addition to the typical symptoms, treatments and advice most guides have, they are interviewing parents of autistic children to get their real world stories in an effort to help parents who are just finding out about the ups and downs of parenting an autistic child.
   

• Careers and the Disabled
  Published by: Equal Opportunity Publications, Inc.
  First and only career-guidance and recruitment magazine for people with disabilities who are at undergraduate, graduate, or professional levels. (Cost: 1-year subscription: $13).
   
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Provides a list of resources and websites related to autism spectrum disorders. Learn the Signs. Act Early - Information about childhood developmental milestone and delays. You will be able to track the developmental milestones your child should be reaching and download fact sheets on developmental milestones for children from 3 months to 5 years. Autism Spectrum Disorders, What Should You Know?
   
• Chicago Parent
  Chicagoland's Special Needs Publication. eBook available at chicagoparent.com. Get a free issue of Chicago Parent.
   
• Chicago Public Schools
  Office of Special Education and Supports
  Website designed to provide resources and information for parents, students, schools and community members to promote the success of all students with disabilities who attend Chicago Public Schools. Many parent resources.  Browse through more than 100 pages of free printable items suitable for task creation.
   
• College Autism Spectrum
  College Autism Spectrum (CAS) is an independent organization of professionals whose purpose is to assist students with autism spectrum disorders, and their families. They help students with ASD explore and navigate college options before, during and through the college process. In addition, they provide campuses and professionals with the tools and training to work effectively with students on the spectrum and to understand the challenges as well as the talents they bring. Download brochure here.
   
• Connect 4 Success
  Brian R. King, LCSW has created a website where you can find his articles as well the latest articles from around the Web. King will also post quotes to stimulate supportive and educational dialogue.
   
• Cooking Program for Kids on the Spectrum
  Multimedia publication created for parents and educators of children with autism. Let's Cook! Life Skills for Kids on the Autism Spectrum combines video, slides and downloadable visual aids in an entertaining and informative digital format that demonstrates how to help kids with autism learn an important life skill cooking. It features structured, predictable activities that help support children on the spectrum to engage and communicate in a natural social situation.
   
• Coulter Video
  Coulter Video is a production company specializing in educational videos. Dan Coulter is the producer of the DVDs "Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger Syndrome" and "Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Autism." You can find more autism/Asperger Syndrome videos and latest special needs articles on the website.
   
• DisabilityGoTo, Inc.
  Provides phone or off-site consultation, planning, advocacy services and support assistance to organizations serving people with disabilities and individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
   
• Disability.gov - Scholarships
  Students who are planning to attend college or enroll in other post-secondary education or training have many financial aid options, including scholarships, grants and loans. Be sure to consider both public (federal, state, and local government) and private financial aid sources.
   
• DisabilityInfo.gov
  Provides quick and easy access to comprehensive information about disability programs, services, laws and benefits. Includes information directly related to Autism and other developmental disabilities.
   
• Disability Scoop
  Disability Scoop is nationally focused online news organization serving the developmental disability community including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fragile X and intellectual disability, among others. Website provides the latest developmental disability news and original reporting on hot-button issues like behavior, medication, IEPs and more that impact the daily lives of people with developmental disabilities and those around them.
   
• Early Childhood Autism Academy Jewish Child and Family Services
  Serving children ages 3-8, the Academy is distinctive in its year-round program and full-day schedule of classroom activities and services and is an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) certified pre-school and early elementary program for children with autism and developmental delays.
   
• Enzymes Information
  Provides education and information about digestive enzymes and enzyme therapy.
   
• Enzymes Online Group
  Website discusses digestive enzymes (and many other types of supplements) and how their supplementation affect those dealing with conditions of the autistic spectrum/PDD, attention deficit, sensory integration, digestion/malabsorption, food sensitivities/allergies and other uses. Comments and questions are welcomed about using enzymes in any way, including but not limited to those dealing with restrictive diets, treatments, feeding issues, and intestinal health.
   
• FACELAND Software
  Helps children with autism, Aspergers and developmental deficiencies learn how to  recognize facial expressions that display the emotions of surprise, fear, disgust, anger, sadness and happiness. Don Johnston, a leader in assistive technologies for students with special needs, announces the release of FACELAND. Cost for FACELAND for Windows/MAC CD: $179. Volume discounts are available.
   
• Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD)
  FRCD conducts free seminars on the special education rights of children with disabilities in English and Spanish, provides information and training on the special education rights of children with disabilities at community locations throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area, and offers opportunities for parent leaders to become effective trainers in their own communities.
   
• First Signs
  Organization dedicated to educating parents and pediatric professionals about the early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders.
   
• From Advocacy to Action
  Pam Labellarte, Special Education Advocate
  Law Office of Charles P. Fox
  3710 Commercial Ave., Suite Six
  Northbrook, IL 60062
  (847) 205-9897
  Lake County
  e-mail: spedadvocate@earthlink.net
  Special education advocate and parent of two children with a disability. Provides the educational/transition process. Services include: education, peer counseling, 504 plan multiple disciplinary conference (MDC-3 year evaluation, manifestation determination-discipline and mediation).
  Cost: Get more information about fee schedule.
  No wait list.
   
• Generation Rescue
  Generation Rescue is an international movement of scientists, physicians and parent-volunteers researching the causes and treatments for autism and mentoring thousands of families in recovering their children from autism.
   
• The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding
  Website promotes social understanding between individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and those who interact with them in the home, school, workplace and community. Provides information and support through a website, phone, e-mail support, networks, a bookstore and resource library, workshops, presentations, conferences, social coaching and social understanding groups.
  
   
• Have Dreams
  Organization aspires to help children with autism improve their abilities to learn, function independently, and socialize so that they may realize their full potential and develop into contributing members of their communities. Provides instructional programming.
   
• Health Resources and Services Administration
  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 
  Federal agency for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable. Provides information about autism regarding grant programs, service delivery, data and health system supports.
   
• Homefirst Health Services - Autism Clinic 
  Homefirst provides a full range of services in family health care in the greater Chicago metropolitan area with four medical centers. Their doctors promote an integrative evidence based approach to managing illness. Mayer Eisenstein, MD, JD, MPH, offfers complimentary seminars on natural pharmaceutical alternatives and the vaccine law. The goal of Homefirst® is to introduce you to natural treatments and as such increase your quality as well as quantity of life.
   
• Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project
  Provides family education, support resources, activities and training and technical assistance to Illinois schools and families for children with autism spectrum disorders.
   
• Illinois Council of Developmental Disabilities
  The council's work is carried out across the state through a network of advocates that educates the public on system issues while encouraging change. ICDD listens to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by investing in new programs to improve the delivery of services and supports they deserve.
   
• Illinois Department of Developmental Disabilities
  Registering infants, children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities who have needs for services or supports with the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services database to receive now or within the next five years. To assist you with the process, call (888)-DD-PLANS and (866) 376-8446 (TTY).
   
• Illinois Department of Human Services
  Informs parents about services for children with delays from birth to their third birthday. Search for a DHS Office or Service Provider by selecting your county and ZIP code.
   
• Illinois Department of Insurance
  Many families report to us (and we experience it too!) that it is difficult or impossible to obtain insurance coverage for the various treatment interventions available to support their children’s needs. In Illinois, there is a law requiring that certain evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorders be covered, but all the loopholes make a tangled mess, indeed. Check out this link for more information.
   
• Illinois Early Childhood Intervention Clearinghouse
  Provides information on health, educational, disability and developmental concerns of infants and young children through books, journal articles, periodicals, videotapes, CD-ROMs, audiocassette tapes, bibliographies, workshops, etc. No fee, only cost is mailing books back to library.
   
•  Illinois Parents of Adults with Developmental Disabilities
  On-line group that gives Illinois parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, Down Syndrome or other disability, a online venue for networking, advocacy and information-sharing to know what's happening around the state. Group's primary focus areas are: employment, volunteering or other day programming, housing options, transportation, transition, and funding strategies that support these efforts.
   
• Illinois Special Education
  Dedicated to helping parents of Illinois special education children by providing workshops and resources.
   
• Illinois Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
  Provides reliable information and support.
  State Yellow Pages: Provides many useful resources, evaluators, educational consultants, academic tutors, support groups, grassroots organizations, advocates, attorneys and others who help parents get services for their children in your state.
   
• Institute on Disability and Human Development
  University of Illinois at Chicago
  Contact: Vladimir Cuk, MS, PR and Advocacy Coordinator
  1640 W. Roosevelt Road, Room 251
  Chicago, IL 60608-6904
  (312) 413-8833
  E-mail: idhd@uic.edu
  Organization conducts research and disseminates information about disability to academicians, policymakers, businesses, government agencies, service providers and the general public. The IDHD also provides an extensive array of clinical and community service activities and, through the Department of Disability and Human Development and other academic departments, offers interdisciplinary pre-service training. Training and Technical Assistance can be coordinated upon request. Direct services are provided by their two clinics: Assistive Technology Unit and Family Clinics.
   
• Interactive Autism Network
  Website designed to accelerate the pace of autism research by linking researchers and families.
   
• Interactive Metronome
  Demo available on website. Interactive Metronome is a brain-based treatment program developed to improve the processing abilities that affect attention, motor planning and sequencing of many children diagnosed with developmental and learning disorders, including autism spectrum disorder.
   
• JJ's List
  Website designed for people with disabilities to review businesses and services that are committed to serving people with disabilities in a welcoming, flexible and respectful way so that they can become an integral and natural part of community life. website was designed, developed and tested by people with disabilities.
   
• Learning Disability Forum
  Provides Illinois learning disability resources.
   
• MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger's
  Provides information and advice to families with children and adolescents with autism, Asperger's disorder and pervasive developmental disorder.
   
• Manitas por Autismo
  Spanish language website for families with children of autism. website provides Latino families hope, guidance and resources, promotes understanding of autism.
   
• Maximum Potential Autism Directory for Illinois
  Directory for ABA therapists, additional service providers, advocates, developmental pediatricians, early intervention offices and providers, occupational therapists, parent/family support groups, pediatricians, physical therapists, preschools, private schools, psychologists and speech therapists.
   
• nAblement
  nAblement is a unique channel of SPR Companies focused on supporting the training, mentoring, networking, placement and professional growth of qualified candidates with disabilities into technology roles. nAblement fosters its own client opportunites while also collaborating closely with each of the SPR Companies three strategic companies MPS Partners, Redpoint Technologies and Talent Acquisition Partners. Qualified candidates secure professional technology opportunities suited to their skill sets, and clients secure access to this valuable and underutilized segment of the workforce while extending their diversity profile.
   
• National Autism Association
  Website created to educate and empower families affected by autism and other neurological disorders, while advocating on behalf of those who cannot fight for their own rights. Two important grant-funded programs are Family First and Helping Hand. Visit the website for applications and for the location of statewide chapters and the Find a Friend program.
   
• The National Institutes of Health
  Search health topics: autism. Lists publications and provides links to other helpful organizational websites on autism.
   
• Neurofeedback Centers of Greater Chicago
  Recommended Chicagoland Specialists in Neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is an approach to improve performance and well-being by modifying brainwave patterns. For more information on Neurofeedback, this site will link you to your local professional's website, email address or phone number.
   

• Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA)
  Provides a full array of recreation services to children and adolescents with autism and other disabilities within 17 park districts in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Location varies for each program. Call for program brochure.
  (847) 392-2848

• Northwest Suburban Special Education District
  Participates in a collaboration of efforts with families, member districts, administration, staff and community agencies for the benefit of students with special needs who range in age from three to 21 (must reside within the eight member school districts 21, 23, 25, 26, 57, 59, 211 and 214).
   
• North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System
  Autism Toolkit for Healthcare Professionals.
   
• One Place for Special Needs
  One Place for Special Needs is a collaborative community for special needs parents and those that work with children, teens and adults who have disabilities. Everyone adds their own information to help each other, from connecting and networking with families to finding a health provider within your area.
   
• Parent's Guide - Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois
  An on-line document developed by the Illinois State Board of Education for parents and others to learn about the educational rights of children who have disabilities and receive special education services.
   
• Pay It Forward For Autism (PIFFA)
  Provides peer support and networking for children with autism and their families.
   
• Picture It
  Computer software used for students struggling to understand print.
   
• Planning Asperger Syndrome Success and Generating Experiences (PASSAGE)
  Support and educational group for teenagers and adults with Asperger's syndrome. Focus of PASSAGE is teaching skills for appropriate behavior for finding a job or internship.
   
• Prioritization of Urgency of Needs for Services (PUNS)
  Register with the PUNS database is the first and most important step you and your family can take to receive assistance now or within the next five years. What assistance can I receive if I sign up for PUNS?
  • Respite care
  • In-home supports
  • Job coaches
  • Residential living arrangements
  • Adaptive equipment
  • Other supports
    For more information and to sign up for services, click here.
     
• RAMP
  Local service provider for students with disabilities and their families.
   
• Rethink Autism
  Newly launched web-based autism treatment platform for parents and professionals. Website offers a dynamic interface that guides users through implementing science-based teaching strategies for children with autism. Everything is video-based and utilizes the principles of applied behavior analysis.
   
• Self Advocacy Council of Northern Illinois
  Support group for youths and adults with disabilities and the people that support them. Some topics planned are: self-directed IEP and transition plans, scheduling "Self Advocacy 101" workshop presentation, voting rights and how to affect legislation, social security and employment rights, the right to live in your own community, inclusion in education, recreation and the community, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Americans with Disabilities Act. Group meets on the second Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For additional information, RSVP or e-mail: mgolden@sacni.org.
   
• Social Thinking
  Website provides information about Michelle Garcia Winner's treatment approach "social thinking," along with upcoming workshops, books and products. To learn more about social thinking, visit Winner's website.
   
• Special Needs Freedom Guide
  The Estate Planning Law Group
  Wheaton, IL
  (630) 871-8778
  Parents will learn why preparing for your child's future is so important. As a parent, you have the responsibility to make sure that your child's future is well planned for, even after you are no longer here. To receive your FREE Guide, click here.
   
• Special Needs Parent Coach
  Website's goal is to give parents the practical strategies needed for successfully navigating life as a parent of a child with special needs. Offer programs and products in a variety of price ranges, reflecting their belief that every parent of a child with special needs should have access to the far-reaching benefits of low-stress, balanced living. website offers: teleseminars, webinars, workshops, coaching club and provides consulting services for schools, companies and or organizations.
   
• Special Olympics Illinois
  Provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
   
• Spectrum Training Systems
  Online bookstore - Educates parents, teachers, therapists and friends of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Over 250 books to choose from.
   
• Talk About Curing Autism (TACA)
  National organization with a chapter in Chicago. TACA is volunteer parents working to help other parents by providing information, resources and support to families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the time from diagnosis to effective treatments, and 95 percent of the services are free. Meetings take place from 4-6 p.m. every second Saturday of the month. For more information, contact Sara Difucci at (847) 669-2359 or e-mail: sara_difucci@tacanow.com.
   
• Teaching Children with Autism
  Website is a resource for parents, professionals, or anyone interested in teaching children with autism or other related developmental disorders. website developed to encompass a variety of instructional techniques and philosophies.
   
• Therapy Buzz
  Michele Springer, founder
  (866) 936-5255 or (847) 417-5548
  e-mail: mspringer@therapybuzz.com
  Therapybuzz.com allows parents, teachers, and other providers to collaboratively treat a child with autism in a secure environment. A web page can be created for the child to which notes can be submitted and documents (e.g. IEP's, treatment plans, progress reports, and test results) can be attached.
  Cost: Free service
  No wait list.
   
• Think College Illinois
  Website is meant to serve as a blueprint/toolkit for Illinois post secondary education (PSE) institutions in developing inclusive programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It is also meant to support existing programs in ongoing efforts to become more "inclusive" according to the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) standards. The background information and resources available on the site are intended to be used by students and families, as well as a general audience e.g. disability service providers.
   
• Unlocking Autism
  Assists parents of newly diagnosed children by providing direction through a parent-to-parent support hotline and educating parents about legal issues, biomedical treatments and behavioral therapies.
   
• Vitals.com
  210 Clay Ave., Suite 140
  Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
  (201) 842-0760
  Contact form: http://www.vitals.com/about/contact_consumer
  Vitals.com is a great source for comprehensive medical information on over 720,000 doctors nationwide. Website offers consumers free information on doctors' practices and specialties, consumer reviews, recommendations from other doctors as well as free physician profiles in the Chicagoland area. Find a doctor at vitals.com. 
   
•  WrongPlanet.net
  An online resource and community for autism and Asperger's website was created by two teens with Asperger's syndrome. The site features forums, articles, and a variety of great resources. 

The information on this website 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 website are not necessarily the agents or employees of Rush University Medical Center. In consideration for use of this website, Rush University Medical Center or any other party involved in producing or delivering this website will not be liable to you for any action or nonaction that you take in reliance upon the information provided on this website.

Autism is a complex disorder. Our website 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 website. 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.