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Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Tool Kit
Anyone can download the Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Kit for free! Families whose children have been diagnosed in the last 6 months may request a complimentary hard copy of the 100 Day Kit or the AS/HFA Tool Kit by calling 888-AUTISM2 (888-288-4762) and speaking with an Autism Response Team Coordinator.

Advanced Behavioral Solutions (ABS)
953 N. Plum Grove Road, Suite B
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 413-9001
Cook County
email: advancedbehavioral@msn.com
See below description for each social skills group for children and adolescents with high functioning autism/Asperger's disorder.

Young Social Skills Group at ABS
This group focuses on the ABCs of social skills for girls and boys with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) or PDD-like symptoms who experience difficulties in the areas of expressive communication and social interaction. Through the use of puppets, games, arts and crafts and role play, boys and girls will practice better conversational skills, learn to show interest in others, learn the nuances of verbal and nonverbal communication, develop appropriate assertiveness and cooperative play skills, and learn how to develop and build friendships and relationships. Educational information is also provided to parents to assist their child in social situations, school, and at home.
When: Meets on Wednesdays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Ages: 4-6 (boys and girls).

Social Skills Group at ABS
This group focuses on the ABCs of social skills for girls and boys with PDD or PDD-like symptoms who experience difficulties in the areas of expressive communication and social interaction. Through the use of games, arts and crafts and role play, boys and girls learn better conversational skills, learn the nuances of verbal and nonverbal communication, develop appropriate assertiveness and cooperative play skills, differentiate between being a leader versus a follower, learn appropriate telephone etiquette, and learn how to develop and build friendships and relationships. Educational information is also provided to parents to assist their child in social situations, school, and at home.
When: Meets on Tuesdays from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Ages: 7-11 (boys and girls).

Teen Social Skills Group at ABS
This group focuses on the ABCs of social skills for teens with PDD or PDD-like symptoms who experience difficulties with expressive communication and social interaction. This group focuses on improving communication, learning more effective ways of handling peer pressure, dealing with siblings and/or family conflict, learning better problem-solving and decision-making skills, exploring issues related to self-image, and learning more effective ways of handling stress in school, family and social situations. Educational information is also provided to parents to assist their teen in social situations, at school and at home.
When: Meets on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m.
Ages: 12-18 (girls and boys).
Out-of-network provider.
Cost: $140 for intake/assessment.
Cost: $40 per session (for all of the above groups listed).

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Pediatric Developmental Center
3040 N. Wilton, 2nd floor
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 296-5676
Cook County
email: Jennifer.Lira@advocatehealth.com
8- to 12-week social skills groups which target varying levels of skill.
Private and public insurance accepted.

Asperger Syndrome and Related Disorders Social Skills Group
Diane Gould, LCSW, BCBA
Elena Kaiser, MA, ATR, LCPC
5225 Old Orchard Road, Suite 45
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 917-5385 (Diane) or (847) 337-2377 (Elena)
Cook County
email: dgould847@aol.com (Diane)
Social skills group for young adults with Asperger Syndrome, PDD, high-functioning autism, and nonverbal learning disabilities. The group will work on social thinking, social skills, friendship and relationship skills, problem solving, communication skills, sexuality, flexibility and stress management. The group will include role playing, social outings, art therapy, relaxation training and hobby/interest sharing.
When: Call for upcoming dates (nine consecutive weeks).
Ages: 18-24.
Cost: $65 (per session). This group should be partially covered by most insurance companies.
No wait list.

Behavioral Care Associates
Virginia Seng, PhD
Amie Yanover, PsyD
999 Plaza Drive, Suite 300
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 619-1880, ext. 19
Cook County
email: ginseng825@yahoo.com
Social skills group for children and adolescents who have Asperger’s disorder, autism or a nonverbal learning disability who have difficulty reading non-verbal social cues, using pragmatic language (e.g. eye contact, turn taking, maintaining personal space boundaries) and maintaining friendships.
Ages: 5-7 (boys).
When: Meets on Thursdays, 4-4:50 p.m. (10-week group).
Ages: 8-10 (boys).
When: Meets on Saturdays, 9-9:50 a.m. (10-week group).
Ages: 11-13 (boys).
When: Meets on Saturdays, 10-10:50 a.m. (10-week group).
Ages: 14-16 (boys).
When: Meets on Saturdays, 11-11:50 a.m. (10-week group).
Ages: 14-16 (boys).
When: Meets on Tuesdays, 7-7:50 p.m. (10-week group).
Private insurance may be accepted.
Cost: $65 per session (50 minutes).
No wait list.

Center for Psychological Services
Therapeutic Group for Children with Asperger's Syndrome
Allison Fine, MS, LPC
10735 S. Cicero Ave., Suite 208
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 424-0001, ext. 2
Cook County
Therapeutic group activities specifically geared to improving interactions in social situations and enhance abilities for effective communication.
When: Meets on Sundays from 2-3 p.m.
Ages: 7-12 (expanding age group).
Private insurance accepted.
Cost: $240 (6 weeks).
No wait list.

Charlie's Gift
Center for Autism and Related Disorders
Susan Kahan
1048 W. Ogden Ave., Suite 130
Downers Grove, IL 60521
(630) 810-1200
DuPage County
email: charliesgift@att.net
Offers social skills groups for children through pre-teens. Groups include: "Friendship Clubs" and "Arts and Friends."
Ages: 3-18.
Private insurance accepted.
No wait list.

Communication Clubhouse
Diane Lee
2901 Finley Road, Suite 102
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 495-6800, ext. 117
DuPage County
Group focus is developing communication and social skills of children with a diagnosis of Asperger’s disorder or autism with established verbal communication skills.
Ages: 18 months to 13 years.
Private and public insurance accepted.
No wait list.

The Art of Play
Group incorporates art as a means of therapeutic intervention for children who have experienced loss or other trauma in life. Situations such as divorce, seperation, etc. are difficult subjects to approach with children. This group opens a dialogue by allowing children to create and then reflect upon the art products and processes to increase their awareness of self and others, cope with anxiety and manage stress.
Ages: 3-4.
When: Meets on Mondays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 5-7.
When: Meets on Mondays from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Cost: call for rates.
Deadline to register: Join at any time.

Slice O'Life
Group offers real life experiences in the community coupled with clinical training. Skills addressed include social referencing in new situations, problem solving and developing situation specific communication styles. This program is an opportunity to practice social skills in a therapeutic beneficial environment.
When: Meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 11-13.
Cost: call for rates.
Deadline to register: Join at any time.

The Discovery Clinic
Gene Newton, MA
1306 Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 901-0909
Cook County
Social skills groups for children and adolescents with Asperger's disorder that uses specific interests of a child to teach skills that are missing to foster success in life. Six to eight sessions.
Ages: 5-18.
Out-of-network provider.
No wait list.

Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago, Autism Program Service Center Presents: Getting Along Social Skills Group
Michelle Fieldman
1001 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 564-4060
Cook County
email: michelle.fieldman@eastersealschicago.org
Social skills group meets once a week for 9-consecutive weeks. Program developed to enhance adaptive social skills in youth with high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome. The children work with certified clinicians on a variety of topics, including understanding emotions, initiating play, receptive and expressive communication, and making new friends.
When: Fall sessions (get put on a wait list now).
Cost: free.  Registration is filled on a first come, first serve basis.

Easter Seals - Rockford and The Autism Program (TAP) Service Center Presents: Getting Along Social Skills Group
Contact: Ann Bormett
Where: Carlson Ice Arena
4150 N. Perryville Road
Loves Park, IL 61111
(815) 395-5561
Winnebago County
This social skills group is a program developed to enhance adaptive social skills in youth with high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome. Group will address: recognizing and regulating emotions, reading non-verbal cues, responding appropriately in conversation, monitoring personal space and understanding social rules. All children must attend the open house in order to participate. FYI: They are compiling a wait list for those who are interested in participating in one of their social skills groups. Groups meet once a week for 9 weeks. If you have a child that would benefit from this experience, please call Ann Bormet for further information. 
Ages: 6-9.
Cost: This group is FREE of charge and will be led by trained clinicians.

KGH Consultation & Treatment, Inc.
Melissa Menn, MSW
3100 Dundee Road, Suite 704
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 498-5437, ext. 20
Cook County
email: melissamenn@kghconsultation.org
Social skills group for students with high-functioning autism/PDD, Asperger's disorder, executive functioning deficits and/or non-verbal learning disability. Goals for this group include enhancing social and relationship development to encourage students to seek support from peers, to facilitate social conversations between students and facilitate social engagement (e.g. small talk) in various age-appropriate activities.
When: Call for upcoming dates.
Ages: 10-14.
Insurance not accepted.
Cost: $29 per session.
No wait list. Join at any time.

Summer Groups at KGH Consultation & Treatment, Inc.
Volcano Group
(847) 498-5437, ext. 12 (to register call Kim).
Does your child have intense feelings and explode like a volcano? This volcano group is appropriate for ADD/ASD or Asperger's students, who need support with anger management, peer conflict, and self-control. This group is facilitated by a licensed OT.
When: Meets on Mondays 5-6 p.m.
Ages: 5-10.
BCBS insurance accepted; billable to your insurance company.
Cost: $100 (hourly rate).

The Engine Group - Self Regulation
The Engine Group helps to teach self-regulation by the analogy that their body is like a car engine with different speeds. The program will introduce and teach them how to attain, maintain or change their alertness (or 'engine') so that it is appropriate for the situation or task. This group is appropriate for students who have self-regulation weaknesses, ADD/ADHD, Asperger's or behavioral difficulties. This program is led by a licensed OT.
When: Meets on Mondays from 3-4 p.m. 
Ages: 5-10.
BCBS insurance accepted; billable to your insurance company.
Cost: $100 (hourly rate).

Kids Communicate
Bridgette Nicholson
Where: Streamwood, IL
Cook County
email: bnicholson@customsolutions.us
Social skills group for children who have Aspergers or high functioning autism. The group is also for children who have challenges with verbal and/or written communication, but good intelligence. The group will focus on written/verbal communication and social interaction/social skills. Sessions will involve the following activities: exercise warm-up with music, drama, role play and acting, writing, creating PowerPoint presentations and giving presentations, creating videos and playing. Group leader is an OT and has 25 years of dealing with students who have special needs. Learn more.
When: call for new date and time.
Ages: Grades 3 through 6.
Cost: free.

Dawn La Brose, MSW, LCSW
Autism Consultant for Children and Adults
1101 Lake St., Suite 405A
Oak Park, IL 60301
(847) 338-2525
Cook County
email: dawnlabrose@comcast.net
Social skills training for adults and children individually and in a group setting. Adult groups will focus on conversational skills, non-verbal communication, boundaries, life skills, making friends and building self-esteem. Children will focus on following a schedule, turn taking, waiting, initiating conversation, making friends and building self-esteem.
Ages: 3 months and up.
Private insurance accepted (BCBS, PPO).
Cost: $95 (hourly rate).
No wait list. 

Learning Through Play Center for Child Development
Staff includes: BCBA, Art/Music therapists, DTs, LSWs, LCPC's
633 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 458-9865 or (773) 615-3202
Cook County
Social Engagement Playgroup: uses music and art to motivate children to participate in group activities, learn to communicate with others, and gain confidence in social situations. This class is for children with autism, sensory dysfunction, or social/language deficits.
When: Meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.

Structured Developmental Playgroup: uses specific strategies to help children transition easily from one activity to the next. This class is for children who are high-functioning ASD/PDD or developmental delays.
Ages: 2-5.
When: Meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m.
Insurance not accepted.
Cost: see website or call for information.
No wait list.

Life Team Partners, LLC
Brian R. King, LCSW
Allison Cotton, LCSW
1601 Bond St., Suite 300
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 995-9559
DuPage County
Specialized groups for children and adolescents with Asperger's disorder to enhance social-emotional awareness and promote relationship skills that are customized to their unique strengths and needs.
Boys' Elementary: (fourth- and fifth-graders).
When: Meets on Mondays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. or Saturdays, 1-2:30 p.m. (eight weeks)
Boys' Jr. High.
When: Meets on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (eight weeks)
Boys' High School.
When: Group meets on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (eight weeks)
Girls' Middle School.
When: Meets on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Girls' High School.
When: Meets on Saturdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Young Women's Group (call for information about date and time).
Women's Groups (call for information about date and time).
Insurance not accepted.
Cost: $40 (per session).
No wait list.

Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc
Teen Social Group
Facilitated by: Kathy Evangelista, MS, CCC-SLP/L & Karly Bartolucci, MS, CCC-SLP/L
1001 E. Chicago Ave., Suite 151
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 305-4196
DuPage County
email: kronan@lilfriends.com
The Teen Social Group is a structured group utilizing the Social Thinking concepts in which participants learn how to communicate effectively in a supportive social environment. Activities will include role play, video modeling, and community outings. Children must be able to participate in the group without their parents present. Children must not display aggressive or self injurious behaviors, and children must have cognitive skills which enable them to interact with like peers. Diagnosis: high-functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome.
When: Meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
Ages: 13-16 and 5-7 (boys and girls).
Insurance not accepted.
Cost: $720 (must be paid in full before the group begins). No refunds for missed sessions.
No wait list.

Other Social Groups at:
Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc.
140 N. Wright Street
Naperville, IL 60540
email: kronan@lilfriends.com
(630)281-1895
Du Page County
Social Detective Level One
When: Call for future dates.
Ages: 10-12.
Participants will learn to identify the facial expressions for happy, sad, and angry; what makes them feel emotion; how and what they can do when they feel that emotion. Each participant will receive a notebook for the feelings explored. Snacks will be provided. There will be activities to do at home.
Cost: $360 (due at first group)

Getting to Know Your Way Around the Kitchen
Participants in this group will learn basic kitchen skills such as pouring, scooping, spreading, measuring, and using small appliances in the process of making a snack. In addition to cooking projects they will work on kitchen safety, working as a team, and communicating with each other.
When: Call for future dates.
Ages: 13-15.
Cost: $360 (due at first group)

Friendship Group
Using "I Can Do It" from the Model Me video series, children will practice appropriate behavior during challenging situations such as losing, working as a team, trying something new, and going to and having a birthday party. The children make a simple snack that entails using small appliances, making choices, scooping and spreading. Our sessions end with playing a board game.
When: Call for future dates.
Ages: 6-7.
Cost: $360 (due at first group)

Friendship Group-Conversation Skills
This group will work on Conversation Skills such as when to start a conversation; when someone is interested in talking and when they are not; how to start a conversation, how to stay on topic; and how to maintain a conversation. The participants will learn to work together as they make a simple snack. Each session ends with the playing of a board game.
When: Call for future dates.
Ages: 9-10.
Cost: $360 (due at first group).
 

Ann Maxwell, PhD
125 S. East Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 383-3480
Cook County
email: apmaxwell@sbcglobal.net
Ages: 3-18.
Provides social skills groups.
Private insurance accepted.
No wait list.

North Shore Pediatric Therapy
1308 Waukegan Road, Glenview, IL 60025, Cook County
1700 W. Cortland, Chicago, IL 60622, Cook County
1442 Old Skokie Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, Lake County
(877) 486-4140
email: info@nspt4kids.com
Provides social skills groups.
Ages: varies.
Out-of-network provider.
Cost: $144.
No wait list.

Rush NeuroBehavioral Center
4711 W. Golf Road, Suite 1100
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 933-9339
Cook County
email: info@rnbc.org
Provides children with specific social skills necessary for developing successful and long-lasting social relationships. Children will be grouped with peers of the same age and who demonstrate similar social concerns.
Ages: 4-17.
Insurance not accepted.
Rates available upon request.
Wait list varies. Groups available throughout the year.

Social Skills Group for Young Adults
Linda Hoeck, MA, Autism Consultant
1641 Crowfoot Circle N
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(224) 489-6464
Cook County
email: lhoeck@comcast.net
Who can join the group? Young adults with social skill challenges (typically diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder) who would like to participate in the program. Targeted skills include: flexibility, self-management (daily responsibility and stress relief), conversation norms, relationships, observation skills/situational norms and problem-solving.
When: Call for future dates.
Ages: 18-25.
Cost: $210 (for seven weeks).
Space is limited to provide a small group experience.   

Genevieve Thorton, PsyD
Social Thinking Therapeutic Group for Teenage Girls
899 Skokie Blvd., Suite 204
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 559-3240
Cook County
Social skills group for teen girls who have a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome or non-verbal learning disability. Group will benefit from learning perspective taking skills and opportunities to practice skill acquisition in a supportive therapeutic environment. 5 person maximum.
When: Meets on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. (10 weeks).
Ages: 14-18.
Private insurance accepted. Scholarships available.
No wait list.

Transitions Developmental Therapy, PC
Bianca D. Rodriguez, DT
225 Enterprise Drive, Suite 2505
Westchester, IL 60154
(708) 296-5990
DuPage County
Group focuses on building and developing social skills.
Ages: 3-18.
Private insurance accepted.
No wait list.

Trinity Services Autism and Family Resource Center
Katie Decker
13318 W. Lincoln Hwy.
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 462-4273
Will County
email: kdecker@trinity-services.org
Empirically-based interventions are used to teach social skills to small groups of individuals with similar needs. The parent training component allows parents/guardians to promote generalization of the targeted skills.
Ages: 2-18.
Insurance not accepted.
Sliding scale fee available.
No wait list.

Turning Point Behavioral Health
Lori Gerber
8324 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077-2545
(847) 933-0051, ext. 461
Cook County
Asperger's disorder group focuses on building and developing social skills.
Private and public insurace accepted.
Possible wait list.

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Department of Disability and Human Development
Teen Dating Skills Group
1640 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60612
Contact: Nicole Quintero, PhD, BCBA-D
(312) 996-4664
email: nquintero@uic.edu
Eligible participants: teens on the autism spectrum, who are able to verbally communicate, and do not display aggressive behaviors. Group will focus on (but not limited to): building & maintaining close relationships; recognizing healthy relationships; and it is not the intention of this particular group to focus on physical intimacy.
When: call to inquire about upcoming dates.
Ages: 16-19.
 

University of Illinois Institute for Juvenile Research Developmental Disabilities Clinic
Lana Roth, LCSW
1747 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 413-4624
Cook County
Age group and duration of social skills groups vary.
Private and public insurance accepted.
3-6 month wait list.

Youth Services of Glenview
Sara Mischler, LCPC
3100 West Lake Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025
(847) 724-2620
Cook County
Social skills group for children and adolescents with non-verbal learning disability and/or Asperger's disorder. Children in the explorers program engage in a wide variety of activities designed to enhance their social outlets as well as build their ability to navigate peer interactions. Explorer kids work with staff from Youth Services to develop social goals and evaluate and modify these goals after every activity.
When: Explorer Groups meet year round, two Saturdays a month.
Three age groups: third through fifth grade; sixth through eighth grade; and ninth through 12th grade.
Insurance not accepted.
Cost: $300 (6 sessions).
Wait list: 3rd through 5th grade.

Although our website 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 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 website 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 website again for any future referrals.