Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Autism Society of America

    The Autism Society of America provides advocacy, education, information and referral, support and community at the national, state and local levels through its nationwide network of affiliates.

  • Autism Society Quad Cities

    The Autism Society Quad Cities aims to create connections, empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. Its programs include educational workshops, grants, support groups for moms, support groups for young adults and the “Friendship Island” group for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder who are ages 12 to 18.

    The Autism Society Quad Cities serves Rock Island and Henry counties in Illinois.

  • Autism Society Southern Illinois

    The Autism Society Southern Illinois promotes individual choices and self-determination for those living with autism by providing supportive programs designed to help maximize opportunities and quality of life.

    It is based in Carbondale and provides support groups, education and training on autism-related topics, advocacy and recreation opportunities for families and adults with autism.

  • Autism Speaks

    Autism Speaks is is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Its website offers individuals with autism and their families information about autism, research and innovation, available resources and grants, advocacy and more. It includes:

    • Search features for finding information by topic, life stage, and the level of support needs (some support, moderate amount of support, intensive support) of the person with autism
    • A resource guide providing events, information and supports in your local community
    • Resources created specifically for self-advocates, parent/caregivers and professionals
    • A list of grants from national organizations offering support to families
  • Autism Support of Central Illinois

    Autism Support of Central Illinois aims to improve the lives of those affected by autism in central Illinois by providing access to resources, support, educational opportunities and recreational/social activities for families.

  • BACKBONES – Connecting People With Spinal Cord Injury

    BACKBONES connects people with spinal cord injury and their families to others with similar backgrounds, injuries and interests. BACKBONES provides inspirational stories and programs that include events, a youth program for teenagers (ages 15 to 18), leader development and monthly online meetups for people in the spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) community looking to connect with their peers.

  • BEACON for Illinois Youth and Families Seeking Behavioral Health Services

    BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It streamlines the process of finding and accessing behavioral health services  to help ensure that every child in Illinois can receive the support they need.

    BEACON is available to families, state agency staff and healthcare providers across Illinois:

    • Families can use BEACON to find services, get help navigating complicated systems and connect with state programs.
    • State agency staff can use the public portal to coordinate care across programs.

    To learn more about BEACON, you can:

  • Benefits.gov

    Benefits.gov is an online resource to help you find federal benefits you may be eligible for in the United States. The Benefit Finder questionnaire can help you find benefits you may be eligible to receive – such as healthcare and medical assistance, financial assistance, loans and disaster relief –  and direct you to the agency to apply.

  • Between Friends-Domestic Violence Prevention

    Between Friends is dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse by equipping our communities with the tools necessary for everyone to feel safe and equal in their relationships. Between Friends provides a 24-hour helpline at (800) 603-4357 and a safe, supportive environment where individuals and families in crisis can access programs including:

    • Relationship education to prevent teen dating violence
    • Counseling to empower clients to make their own decisions and choices
    • Legal assistance
    • Education and training
    • Resources for navigating conversations about an abusive relationship
    • Help for adult, teen and child survivors of domestic violence

    Programs are provided in multiple languages.

  • Bilingual Parents Video Library

    The Illinois Resource Center has put together a library of videos for bilingual parents with videos in French, Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and English.

    Each video showcases subjects and information relevant to parents, caretakers and community members, such as the role of Bilingual Parent Advisory Committees, financial aid for college, tenant rights, multilingual student rights and more.