The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) at Southern Illinois University is an interprofessional training and research center providing information and services to area residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. CASD offers ASD screenings, clinical services for children, adolescents and adults, webinars and support.

CASD faculty and students provide a variety of training and services, many at no cost to families and their children. Help is available in the following areas:

• Speech/language
• Social skills
• Emotional-behavioral concerns
• Toileting
• Sleep
• Picky eating and more

For more information, call (618) 453-7130 or email autism@siu.edu.

National PTA promotes family-school partnerships and building community at the local, state and national levels. Its website offers a variety of family-focused resources, including a Special Education toolkit, Parents’ Guide to Student Success, College and Career Readiness resources and more.

 

Kids in Need of McHenry County (KINMC) helps foster families with clothing, school supplies, playdates, birthdays and more. KINMC also provides a variety of supports and services for intact families, kinship placements and other families who are referred by case workers, social workers and other service agencies. Its programs include:

• The Second Bridge resource program and distribution center where families can shop for clothing and supplies for free
• A safe space for children to visit with their biological families and receive therapy, and caregivers can receive parent coaching
• Back-to-school and holidays events

Families can register for help on KINMC’s website.

The United Leukodystrophy Foundation (ULF) is a nonprofit providing leukodystrophy patients and their families with support and resources. ULF can help families with finding medical care, genetic counseling, networking and financial assistance. It also provides funding for medical research each year.

ULF is based in Dekalb, Ill. Its Services and supports also include:

• Leukodystrophy frequently-asked questions and a glossary of terms
• Clinical trials
• Virtual caregiver support groups
• The Hultman Memorial Fund for families facing financial hardship
• Webinars and an annual family conference

Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include:

• The Transition Toolkit covering self-advocacy skills, legal matters, housing, employment options and more.
• An IEP Transition Plan Checklist to help students with autism and their parents/caregivers create and review an Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition plan.
• The Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) free training course “Supporting Your Family Member in Employment” with information and insights into planning for employment.
• The Healthcare Transition Roadmap for help moving from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. The guide is aimed at individuals ages 12 to 21 but includes information for individuals with autism of all ages, such as finding specialists, understanding legal rights, self-advocacy tips and special guidance for LGBTQ+.

Living Fully at Home, LLC, provides resources, home safety evaluations and other services in the Chicagoland area to help people of all ages with disabilities and other challenges live safely in their home. Help includes both in-person and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant telehealth services.

Living Fully at Home, LLC, can help families and individuals of all ages who are:

• Managing chronic conditions or disability
• Returning from the hospital
• Recovering from an injury
• Facing challenges as they age
• Serving as a caregiver

Unique Sweets provides delicious treats and a safe space for people with autism and other disabilities to participate in life skills training. Team members participate in event planning, purchasing supplies, baking, decorating and packaging and receive a stipend to cover their expenses to get to the kitchen. Unique Sweets also hosts social events throughout the year to foster peer-relationships, social skills and community support.

Unique Sweets also offers:

• Life skills (virtual or in-person) peer-led cooking classes
• Social events and an annual Party With a Purpose
• Inclusive workshops, information sessions and social events with other organizations
• Referrals to other programs and services as needed

KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) St. Louis offers youth with disabilities and volunteer coaches free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs providing physical activity, fun and support for the overall health and well-being of all participants. Programs are open to all youth ages 5 to 21 with physical or developmental disabilities. Indoor and outdoor recreational activities are available year-round. Registration for programs takes place quarterly.

KEEN St. Louis programs are age appropriate and tailored to each athlete’s needs. Athletes can choose from a wide variety of camps, programs and day trips, including sports, yoga, swimming, dance and more. Fill out the New Athletes Enrollment Form online to learn more about becoming a KEEN St. Louis athlete.

 UI Health’s Lifespan Disability Clinic provides one-stop, comprehensive primary care for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Lifespan Disability Clinic is a welcoming space that aims to collaborate with each individual to achieve their personal goals, such as obtaining appropriate accommodations, coordinating care and supporting the transition to adulthood.

The Lifespan Disability Clinic has two locations. Services include:

• Primary care (routine health exams)
• Support for the transition to adulthood
• Care coordination
• Education and resources

Autism Eats provides autism-friendly non-judgmental environments for family dining, socializing and connecting with others who share similar joys and challenges. Autism Eats hosts dinners and events year-round. The also provide comprehensive autism awareness training and certification for restaurant management and staff.

Autism Eats dinner parties:

• Take place in private rooms of restaurants or function facilities.
• Serve food buffet or family style so there is no waiting.
• Adjust music and lighting to accommodate those with sensory sensitivity.