School Consultation and Advocacy Resources for Autism Caregivers

A Place For Me

Elaine Reeves-Haywood
7548 S. Cregier Ave. Chicago, IL 60649
(773) 931-9394
elainer@aplaceforme.net

Offers consultation services for family and support for the child affected by autism. The facility will observe student in the school setting and make or assist with implementation of recommendations; assist parents and teacher in implementing various computer programs; assist individual and parent in understanding and implementing communication strategies for verbal and non-verbal child; and assist in using social stories and role play for teaching social concepts.


Advanced Behavioral Solutions

2060 E. Algonquin Road, Suite 720 Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 496-4693
advancedbehavioral@msn.com

Provides education/school consults to teachers on topics such as classroom behavior management, working with resistant staff or parents, DSM diagnoses and the schools role. Presentations to PTA/PTO groups on topics including: psychological diagnosis and treatment planning, tips for increasing home-school collaboration, managing stress. Offers administrative training such as: stress inoculation, time management and increasing staff cohesion. Get more information on workshops and consultation services. Fee for service.


Advocate and Instructional Expert for People with Autism

918 W Agatite, Apt. G Chicago, IL 60640
(312) 316-2884
mobuti@hotmail.com

Provide supports to assists parents with the IEP process, navigating special education, reviewing IEPs, providing input and recommendations, assistance with the placement process, reviewing letters to districts, input on services and strategies, presentation needs and much more. Insurance not accepted.


Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital

Department of Developmental Pediatrics
Marjorie A. Getz, PhD
1675 W. Dempster St. Yacktman Pavilion, third floor Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 318-9067 (Getz)

Provides independent educational evaluations, educational consultation and evaluation services.


Alfeld Educational Center 

Beverly E.S. Alfeld, MA, MFA
Academic Performance Specialist
698 Exmoor Terrace Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 459-9518
jamlady10@aol.com

Second location:
3202 Northwest Highway Cary, IL 60013

Parent advocate and parent of a special needs child in McHenry County. Educator with twenty-three years of experience in teaching and advocacy. Classroom evaluations, file review, and expert witness services. Available for weekend hours. Sliding scale available.


Alternative Teaching, Inc.

James Kling
Chicago, IL
(847) 289-8699
jim@alternativeteaching.org

Alternative Teaching provides in-home behavioral consulting services (including unlimited phone support) for parents and training for professionals who are working with children/adolescents with moderate to severe disruptive behavioral issues.


Aspire Kids

Robyn Schroud, associate director of inclusion
3235 W. Montrose Ave Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 878-7868, ext. 3223 
rschroud@aspirechicago.com

Staff attends school-based meetings on behalf of their families. They work with school staff and other community providers to advocate for the best interests of their clients. Advocacy work includes participating in a four-hour individualized education plan meeting at a Chicago Public School. Staff participates in the development of annual goals, the identification of modifications and accommodations, and work to help ensure that children receive the LRE placement and supports to which they are entitled.


Autism Services Group

(800) 773-1682

Provides home-based services including behavioral consultation; school consultation; advocacy; and training. Behavior analysis consultation assists parents in taking control of their child’s learning by accurately assessing areas of skill deficit and designing highly effective instruction that maximizes your child’s learning.


Behavioral Psychology Associates

Virginia Seng, PhD
999 Plaza Drive, Suite 300 Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 303-1880
ginseng825@yahoo.com

Review of school records, recommendations for school programs, available to attend school meetings for children ages 6-18 years. Private insurance accepted.


BrainTree Neuropsychological Services

Mona Stepansky, PhD, ABPP-CN and Courtenay Ainsworth, PhD
Pediatric neuropsychologists
1101 Lake St., Suite 306, Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 445-3771
monastepansky@gmail.com

Provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations that will render a diagnosis of autism and/or common differential diagnoses.


Bridge Educational Advocacy

Pepi M. Silverman
4839 N Claremont, Unit #2, Chicago, IL 60625
(847) 903-7778
pepi@beadvocacy.com

Bridge Educational Advocacy provides project-based services, school-based services, and ongoing support services in order to ensure that ALL learners receive appropriate support services to benefit from their instruction in school.


Catherine Jaselskis, MD 

950 Skokie Blvd., Suite 305 Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 559-0609

Review of school records, recommendations for school programs, available to attend school meetings. Ages: 3 years and up. Insurance not accepted.


The Center for Hope & Healing, LLC

Allison Lobel, PsyD, P.L.A.Y project consultant
16W241 S. Frontage Road, Suite 35 Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 468-2342
alobel@thecenterforhopeandhealing.com

Provides consultation to parents and teachers on challenging classroom behaviors. Review of school records. Available to do school observations and attend IEP meetings. Counseling for parents on IEP process. Limited private insurance accepted.

Jessica K. Paganis, MSW, LSW, P.L.A.Y Project home consultant
Suites 35 & 36
jessica@thecenterforhopeandhealing.com

Provides support in academic areas such as building social-emotional goals into an IEP for children ages birth - 14; creating appropriate behavioral intervention plans; facilitating peer/buddy playround support; clarifying classroom/teacher expectations; and improving strategies for sensory and movement breaks throughout the school day. The Center for Hope and Healing is committed to providing therapeutic interventions that optimize the social, emotional, developmental and behavioral needs of children and families affected by autism and related disorders. Business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays to be determined by parent and therapist. 


Chicago Child Psychiatry Associates 

Amer Smajkic, MD
233 E. Erie St., #802 Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 893-5701
asmajkic@mac.com

Provides school evaluations for ages 3-18 years. Private insurance accepted.


Chicago Children's Clinic, LLC

Robert Daniels, PhD
1731 N. Marcey St., Suite 505 Chicago, IL 60614
10024 Skokie Blvd., Suite 222 Skokie, IL 60077
778 Frontage Road, Suite 123 Northfield, IL 60093

(312) 587-1742
rdaniels@chicagochildrensclinic.com

Consultation services to help design education and treatment plans to ensure that children receive all accommodations and services to which they are entitled for children ages 6 months to 18 years. Insurance not accepted. 


Chicago Neurodevelopmental Center

Drs. Anne Howard, Andrea Victor and Rachel Tercek
601 Skokie Blvd., Suite 203 Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 272-2484

Provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for children with neurobehavioral challenges including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficits, learning disorders, and social-emotional challenges. Our psychologists also offer school-based consultation and can assist with special educational planning for children ages 3-18, as well as young adults. Insurance not accepted.


Chicago School GPS

312.324.4774
info@chischoolgps.com

We can help you navigate the confusing school search process to find the best suited public and/or private schools in the Chicago area for your child.  From pre-school through high school and beyond, school choices in Chicago are an ever-changing landscape and we continually explore all options to guide you to your school destination.  Whether you are seeking general, gifted or special needs options, use the expertise and experience of Chicago School GPS to make your school search journey an easier one. 


Comprehensive Psychological Services, P.C.

Michael J. Frey, PhD
3233 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 208 Arlington Heights, IL 60004
(847) 632-0334
shrinkcps@aol.com

Review of school records, recommendations for school programs, available to attend school meetings.


Day By Day Family Solutions 

Judy L. Katz, OTR-L, Special Educational Consultant
109 Pine St. Deerfield, IL 60015
(847) 899-1551
judy@daybydayfamilysolutions.com

Helping parents/family/caregivers learn how to teach your child with special needs to engage in day by day activities in your home, your community, your school.


Diane Gould, LCSW, BCBA

1866 Sheridan Road, Suite 207 Highland Park, IL 60035
(847) 917-5385
dgould847@gmail.com

Provides school-based intervention services using a functional analysis of child's behavior and a behavior support plan created for the school setting. Insurance not accepted. 


Equip for Equality

20 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300 Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 341-0022 or (800) 537-2632
contactus@equipforequality.org

Provides direct representation in negotiations, administrative hearings and federal and state court. Priority is given to systematic and high-impact cases that will benefit the larger disability community. The self-advocacy assistance program provides information and advice to individuals to enable them to advocate on their own behalf or on behalf of a family member. Referrals to other resources are also provided. Accessible formats, ASL, and services in other languages are available. Cost: state-funded


Evanston CASE

1940 Sherman Ave. Suite A Evanston, IL 60201 
(847) 556-8676 
mail@evanstoncase.org

Provides community, advocacy, support, and education services to improve the lives of Evanston families impacted by disability.  We serve parents and caregivers with children aged 3 to 22, with any disability, who attend Evanston public and private schools by providing consultation and coaching services. 


Family Resource Center on Disabilities

(312) 939-3513
info@frcd.org
The FRCD serves the following eight Illinois counties: Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will. 

The Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD) is the Chicago metropolitan area’s Parent Training and Information Center. The FRCD can help you learn about your rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), make informed decisions about your child’s individualized education program (IEP), obtain appropriate services for your child, communicate more effectively with school professionals and more. Get free IEP support from a certified FRCD Parent Trainer here.


Family Behavioral Health

Matthew Parvin, MD
24821 W. 135th St. Plainfield, IL 60586
(815) 254-7400
fbhsecure@fbhchicago.com

Review of school records, recommendations for school programs, available to attend school meetings. Ages: 2-18 years. Private insurance accepted.


From Advocacy to Action 

Pam Labellarte, special education advocate
231 Bingham Circle Mundelein, IL 60060
(847) 401-5053
plabellarte@gmail.com
Serving Illinois counties: Lake, McHenry, Cook, DuPage & Kane
Serving Wisconsin counties: Kenosha and Walworth

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).


HOPE Consulting, Inc. (Helping Others Progress and Excel) 

Amy Dodsworth-Sachs, BA, BCABA
1414 W. Ohio St. Chicago, IL 60642
(630) 921-1063
amydods@aol.com

Works with a variety of school districts, providing assessments, recommendations and trainings to district employees. Ages: 2-18 years. Private insurance accepted.


Jeanne D. Beckman, PhD

Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 446-1251
techpsych@techpsychologist.com

Beckman works with abled and disabled individuals and conducts in-depth evaluations for many disabilities, including low incidence and multiple handicaps. She assists families in writing specific goals and recommendations that are research-based and data-driven. She facilitates collaboration between the family, private providers, and schools to obtain appropriate accommodations and remediation in inclusive settings.


JJB Educational Consultants, Inc.

Jordan Burstein, IECA member
1441 Hemlock Knoll Terrace Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 940-8090
jordan@jjb-edconsultants.com

JJB Educational Consultants specializes in finding appropriate educational placements for students with autism spectrum disorders. As independent educational consultants, we find the best match for each family and student to provide a successful educational experience.


KGH Autism Services

(224) 326-2206
intake@kghautismservices.com
1161 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015

Specializing in developmental-based ABA therapy (NDBI, ESDM) for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with ASD, in the home or at their specialized center. Providing therapeutic preschool and kindergarten, SLP, OT, mental health, parent training, sibling support, social groups, community support, significant problematic behavior support (FA) from early childhood through young adulthood. KGH also offers a Teen & Young Adult Center with a teaching apartment for teaching life skills. Serving Chicagoland, North Shore, West Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, and Far North Suburbs. KGH has been supporting children and families for over 19 years.


Little Friends Center for Autism, Inc. 

140 N. Wright St. Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 305-4196
DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will and Cook County.

Review of school records, recommendations for school programs, available to attend school meetings for ages 3 to 18 years. Insurance not accepted.


Moran Center for Youth Advocacy

224-714-0518

Moran Center’s School-Based Civil Legal Clinic provides free information and legal assistance on a wide variety of non-criminal topics including adoption/guardianship, family law, housing, public benefits, immigration, consumer protection, etc. The civil legal clinic serves families with children attending Evanston/Skokie School District 65. You may complete an intake application online.


Orland Family Institute, LLC 

Martins Adeoye, MD
15030 S. Ravinia Ave., Suite 30 Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 364-0580 ext. 0 (Kim)

Review of school records and recommendations for school programs through age 18.  Private insurance accepted.


Oto Ling

Willard Hooks, PhD, CCC-A/SLP
1020 East Ogden Ave., Suite 212 Naperville, IL 60563-8609
(630) 305-8288
otoling@mac.com

Available for consultation to families, as a means of facilitating test interpretation, implementation of goals, and the specialized strategies. This service is for a fixed fee, at a two-hour maximum. Call for more details. 


PACTT Learning Center

Paula Jablonski, principal
7101 N. Greenview Ave. Chicago, IL 60626
learningcenter@pactt.org

ISBE approved. PACTT's consultation and outreach program provides in-service training in a large-group setting for schools and districts, as well as individual behavioral consultation for specific students.


Progress Center for Independent Living

Main Office: 7521 Madison St. Forest Park, IL 60130
708-209-1500
info@progresscil.org

Satellite Office in Blue Island: 
12940 S. Western Ave. Blue Island, IL 60406
708-388-5011

Provides assistance in advocacy, housing issues, independent living skills training, and resources for personal support workers. Also provide services and activities designed to prepare young people with disabilities for the transition to higher education and employment.


Project CHOICES

Project CHOICES assists school districts and communities in developing and expanding inclusive options for children and youth with disabilities. Funded by the Illinois State Board of Education. There are two components to the project: CHOICES, which supports school-age children; and Early CHOICES, which supports preschool-age children. Consultants work in teams of four geographical regions of the state. To request support and to learn more.


Resource Center for Autism and Developmental Delays (RCADD)

University of Illinois Chicago campus: 1640 W Roosevelt Road. (expected opening fall 2023) 

The Resource Center shares resources, referral information and trainings for families and educators of children with developmental disabilities. In-person location temporarily closed. Stay up-to-date with virtual resources on RCADD's Facebook page.


Rush NeuroBehavioral Center

4711 W. Golf Road, Suite 1100 Skokie, IL 60676
(847) 933-9339
info@rnbc.org

Review of school records, recommendations for school programs, available to attend school meetings. Bilingual therapy services offered (Spanish).


Rush University Medical Center

Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment, & Services (AARTS) Center
1645 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 603 Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-0819

Provides diagnostic assessments, medication management, individual and group therapy for autism spectrum disorders and other psychiatric conditions for individuals from early childhood through adults. Individual school and home consultation available (i.e. review of school records, recommendations for school programs, attendind school meetings).


The Special Educator 

Lisa Drucker
Serving Chicago and suburbs
(312) 204-7242
spedcares@yahoo.com

Ms. Drucker works with families and other IEP team members to facilitate appropriate goals and provide grounded expectations for students with autism.


Steinberg Behavior Solutions, Inc.

Sarah Steinberg, MS, BCBA
6719 N. Sacramento Ave. Chicago, IL 60645
(773) 330-1200
steinbergbehaviorsolutions@gmail.com

Sessions are conducted in the natural environment and home-based to facilitate generalization and incidental learning. Evaluations made using the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) approach along with a written comprehensive ABA program to target the child's skill deficits. Other services include: school consultations for children with and without diagnosis, school behavior plans, curriculum modifications, IEP representation, potty training, sleep consultations, feeding therapy, parent coaching, home behavior plans, and social skills.


Superhero Community Center

4205 Galleria Loves Park, IL

The Superhero Center for Autism is a non-profit organization offering support, education, and resources for individuals with autism and other special needs and their families. Offers support groups for superheroes, parents, and superhero siblings, as well as parents resources to help navigate through the special needs world including IEPs, therapy options, and daily life challenges. Sibling events ass well. View events here


Supported Futures

625 W Butterfield Road Oak Brook IL 60523     
(630) 518-9095  
info@supportedfutures.com

Supported Futures is special needs planning and advocacy firm specializing in creating care plans. Educational Advocacy is treated as a non-confrontational team approach.


Transitions Developmental Therapy, PC 

Bianca D. Rodriguez, DT
225 Enterprise Drive, Suite 2505 Westchester, IL 60154
(708) 296-5990
Linda Cervenka, SLT, CCC-SLP
225 Enterprise Drive, Suite 2505 Westchester, IL 60154
(708) 473-2576

Provides consultation and training services to parents and school districts to help design a treatment plan for speech and language development concerns for children birth - 16 years. 


Wanda Malone Educational Services 

Special needs parent; Educational Consulting/Bilingual (English & Spanish) IEP Coach/Advocate
admin@wandamaloneeducationalservices.com
630-803-8471 

Provides assistance to special needs families and the special needs community (ages 3 – 22) navigate the overwhelming IEP/504 process. I help special needs families and the entire IEP team navigate the IEP journey with a plan, creating functional goals and preparing the child for the future. Provides initial consolation call at no cost.  


WEE Speech, PC 

Julie Levin, Speech Pathologist
8833 Gross Point Road Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 329-8226
office@weespeech.com

Review of school records, recommendations for school programs, available to attend school meetings and consult with personnel for ages 0 - 18. BCBS provider. Credentialed early intervention providers.