Resources and Links

	Autism Solutions of Northern Illinois, Inc.    Toni Rocha and Corrina Milbrandt    Consultants/Family Support Specialists    (815) 979-6195   autism.solutions@yahoo.com Walk Now For Autism in Chicago!!!! - May 16, 2009, Autism Speaks Easter Seals CDC We exist for the children and families whose special needs demand our creative and caring solutions. We are the premier provider in Northwest Illinois of childcare, developmental, therapeutic, and parenting support services. http://autism.easterseals.com/ Therapeutic Day School FAQ
	R.A.M.P. Inc. Regional Access & Mobilization Project (RAMP) is North Central Illinois' Center for Independent Living. RAMP's mission is to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities.
	DHS Rehabilitation Services DHS’ Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state’s lead agency serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities. DHS Rehabilitation Services 420 Financial Court Rockford, IL 61107 Phone: (815) 484 8120
	Milestone, Inc. Committed to being a leader in the field of providing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.
	The Arc of Winnebago, Boone and Ogle Counties In1966, a group of parents of children with disabilities such as mental retardation, Down syndrome, autism, or cerebral palsy decided to start a local chapter of the national advocacy organization, The Arc USA, (at that time The Association of Retarded Citizens).  The Arc USA is the 6th largest national not for profit and the leader in advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Meeting in the homes of parents initially in Belvidere evolved to monthly meetings at the Centennial Methodist Church in Rockford. Parents came together for mutual support to promote the welfare of persons with mental retardation and to cooperate with public and private agencies having similar purposes.

	Rockford First Assembly A Support Group for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome More than a year ago, after discovering there was no autism support group in Rockford, Jim and Amy Ekstrom decided to begin one. Because of the need in the area, the group grew quickly. The Ekstroms are now hosting it at Rockford First Assembly. The group is for parents, grandparents, teachers or any adult who lives or works with an autistic person. Meeting the third Thursday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m., in Room 445.  Includes guest speakers, discussion, question and answer time, and development of support networks. Free and open to the community--if you know someone who could benefit from this group, please tell them about it! For more information, to email, click here A Special Needs Ministry Rockford First Assembly Church, 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL 61114 has aspecial needs ministry that meets at 9-10am on Sundays in room 118, located in the high school.  The contact is Yvonne Alexander. NORTHWEST ILLINOIS AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP Our mission is to provide information, resources and support forfamilies and communities affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders inNorthwest Illinois.
	Rockford Park District Guests with disabilities are WELCOME to participate in ALL Rockford Park District programs and services! The Community and Therapeutic Recreation Team offers Inclusion Services to assist our guests with disabilities to successfully participate in a Park District program of their choice. Call 987-1600 (voice/TTY) for more information.  Some of the needs of our customers have included learning disabilities, Down syndrome, behavior disorders, mental illness, stroke, cerebral palsy, spinabifida, Alzheimer's, hard of hearing, deaf, amputee, brain injury, attention deficit disorder, and autism.
	Hope Reigns Ranch Hope Reigns Ranch is a not for profit organization that invites the healing and restorative power of God’s love to help people to thrive, grow, reclaim their lives and discover their unique giftedness and talents. Our goal is to provide a safe and loving environment where all people and animals will experience compassion, community, challenges, and the wonder of nature through equine assisted therapy and activities, expressive arts, outdoor activities, education, and adventure…
	Heartland Community Church Lighthouse Special Needs Ministry (Click here for more information)
	University of Illinois College of Medicine, Psychiatric Services Geoffrey Magnus, LCSW offers groups and individual counseling for children with mild autism and Asperger's Syndrome.  You may find out more about his services by calling him at 815-395-5870.  The services are offered at University Psychiatric Services, 1601 Parkview Avenue, Rockford, IL. On Nov. 15, the cost of service was $150.00 for the initial evaluation and $30.00 for group meetings.  Contact his office to verify current pricing, and to find out more about their services.
	Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center The mission of both the Family Matters Family Support Program and the Parent Training and Information Center is to build upon families' strengths, empower parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes for students with disabilities, and to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities.  The Family Matters PTIC can assist you to learn about early intervention services for children from birth to three years of age, can inform you about special education services for school aged children, can help with transition issues for students who will be leaving the educational system and are preparing for the world of work, adult services or college, and can provide information about resources, best practices, specific disabilities, parent to parent connections, and training opportunities and conferences.
	Autism Awareness of Northern Illinois We are a fund within the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, a not-for-profit corporation. Our mission is to promote autism awareness and provide resources for educational projects and programs relating to autism in the Northern Illinois community.
	Mothers From Hell 2 Mothers from Hell 2 (MFH2) is a national group of parents, relatives, friends, and anyone who just plain 'gets it'  fighting chipped tooth and broken press-on nail for the appropriate education, community acceptance, desperately needed services, rights of and entitlements for people with disabilities.   (Hey, we're moms, we can rattle off really long sentences like that without stopping for air!)  Our name is not about our advocacy philosophy, but a name bestowed on us for daring to stand up for our kids.
	Autism Society of America ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.
	Autism Society of Illinois To promote through advocacy, public awareness, education and research,lifelong access and opportunities for persons within the autism spectrum disorder and their families in order that they may be fully included, participating members of their communities.
	Oasis As parents of children who are diagnosed with AS, we understand how essential is it that families of children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and related disorders, educators who teach children with AS, professionals  working with individuals diagnosed with AS,  and individuals with AS who are seeking support, have access to information.   Although recently reminded that there is no oasis or paradise for those with Asperger Syndrome,  we sincerely hope that they,  along with parents and professionals, will find a bit of shade and support via the information presented and links available at this site.
	Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic The Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic offers comprehensive,multidisciplinary evaluations for children with social disabilities,usually focusing on the issues of diagnosis and intervention. The clinic is headed by Fred Volkmar, M.D., and Ami Klin, Ph.D., two of the most respected experts in the field of autism, Asperger's Syndrome(AS), and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs). We are also conducting several large research projects on autism, AS, and other PDDs. The clinic is located in the Child Study Center at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
	Chicago Education Project The Chicago Education Project is a nonprofit organization comprised of two divisions: The Chicago School for Special Education and The Chicago Education Center. Located just outside of Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Education Project provides services to children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, behavioral disorders and special learning disabilities. The Chicago Education Project uses scientifically-based principles to create individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs of our students. Emphasis is placed on creating motivating environments in both our school and our clinic, in which children enjoy learning and are able to reach their full potential.
	SpecialEdMoms.com This site is for parents who are dedicated to raising and loving special needs children. You are already an expert on your child ... now take the time to become knowledgeable about special education law and become your child's best advocate! Understand what this means as it relates to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and No Child Left Behind.
	Little Friends Center for Autism Little Friends, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization serving children and adults with developmental, emotional or behavioral disabilities.Based in Naperville, Illinois, Little Friends operates 14 programs including early intervention, alternative schools, family support,vocational training, and community-based residential services.  Little Friends was founded in 1965 and now serves more than 800 people each year from throughout DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will and western Cook counties in Illinois.
	The Autism Program The Autism Program is a systems initiative, a network of resources for Autism Spectrum Disorders in the State of Illinois. The Autism Program provides the strategy and framework for the State of Illinois to address the complex issues involved in diagnosis, treatment and research for the thousands of children in Illinois with ASDs.  The Autism Program has developed an infrastructure to train, support, and coordinate the linkage of an informed provider network to help Illinois families.
	Pfeiffer Treatment Center Our mission is to normalize biochemistry in children and adults through research, development, education, and affordable clinical services.
	Pathways Medical Advocates Our mission is to inspire each individual to attain their maximum human potential by empowering them on their path with our consultative approach through functional medicine.  Inherent in every living being is a healing power that works toward self-repair, self-organization and self-actualization. Functional Medicine attempts to optimize this innate healing response using diet, exercise, lifestyle and specific medical interventions.  To diagnose a patient is to identify not just the constellation of symptoms but to ascertain the cause of the person's symptoms. Once the cause is identified the treatment regime is likely to become clear. The only purpose of diagnosis is effective treatment and prevention. Effective treatment leads to restoring quality of life and healthier way of being.
	Family Support Network The mission of the Family Support Network is to unify individuals with disabilities and their families to advocate for funding, services, and community resources that strengthen and support the individual and the family directly by responding to their individual needs and empowering them to live in their own homes. The Family Support Network further seeks to ensure the continuation of all individual supports throughout the life span of the individual.
	AUTCOM, The Autism National Committee AUTCOM is the only autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches. Our organization was founded in 1990 to protect and advance the human rights and civil rights of all persons with autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and related differences of communication and behavior. In the face of social policies of devaluation, which are expressed in the practices of segregation, medicalization, and aversive conditioning, we assert that all individuals are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
	About.com About.com has resources for special needs kids, and a section devoted to autism.  This link takes you to a page that suggests the first five things you should do when you get a new diagnosis of autism.
	Kyle's Treehouse Kyle's Treehouse Foundation is a new 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to empowering all people touched by autism to make effective choices.Through our Web site, Kyle's Treehouse provides information about autism, comprehensive and objective overviews on a wide range of treatment options, and emotional support for those caring for an autistic child.
	The Northwest Illinois Association The Northwestern Illinois Association (N.I.A.) is a Regional Special Education Cooperative serving children with special needs ages birth-21years.  These students reside in our member school districts located in the 10 northwestern counties of Illinois (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo  Daviess, Kane, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago).  Thepersonnel of the NIA and of member districts and participating special education cooperatives work together to develop comprehensive services for children with special needs. Typically school districts provide the teacher, classroom, and basic educational materials and equipment for these children. The NIA provides specialized related and supported services for these programs and organizations. Note:  Northwestern Illinois Association (NIA) has moved. Their new address is 3626 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108. The phone number is the same, 815-964-0937
	SchoolBehavior.com, Awareness, Empathy and Skills Knowing that most educators welcome practical knowledge and tools that they can use, this site was created to help educators learn about neurobehavioral disorders -- the "hidden" disabilities that can impair a student's academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning and that can occasionally create chaos in the classroom.
	Autism Risk and Safety Management Research indicates that persons with developmental disabilities, including a rapidly rising autism population, are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals than others. Police and first response professionals will meet children and adults with autism in field situations. Dennis Debbaudt's training will make these interactions safer and less stressful. See the Newsletter
	Autism One Autism One is a nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) started by a small group of parents of children with autism to address three areas: education, advocacy, and fundraising. Parents are and must remain the driving force of our community, the stakes are too high and the issues too sacred to delegate to outside interests.
	AutismLink.com AutismLink.com has a list of over 7100 providers of service all over the Country. If you're a parent looking for therapy or support, or a provider wants to add yourself to our database, we welcome you to visit.  It's all provided free of charge. You can search by zip code to find the providers closest to where you live. (Speech therapy, equestrian, Dandoctors, OT, ABA, etc. etc.)  We also have a mentoring program, so if you're new to the diagnosis and you need some help, we match you up with someone in your area who has volunteered to be a mentor to help you through the diagnosis and in finding services. IF you want to *BE*a mentor, you can sign up on the website as well. (I know we all remember what it was like getting the diagnosis -- its always nice to help someone who is new to autism and is struggling.)
	The Hope Institute The Hope Institute for Children and Families (HICF) provides homes in which to grow, schools in which to learn, clinics in which to become healthier, research into emerging practices, and training for providers and parents. Hope is a place where respect for the individual leads to discovery of the untapped potential in each child, youth, and adult.Hope is a place where maintaining strong connections to family and community is a priority.
	The Autism Acceptance Project The Autism Acceptance Project will bring forth a different and positive view about autism to the public in order to create tolerance and acceptance in the community and to empower parents and autistic people.
	The Autism Solution Center Autism is treatable! At the Autism Solution Center, Inc., our goal is to make sure that this phrase becomes a well-known fact. We are passionate in our role as advocate and educator. We are dedicated to providing critically necessary, early intervention and life-long services to those with ASD’s, and support and services to their families and caretakers. We strive to educate our communities about all aspects of autism and its treatability.
	Autism and ABA Much publicity has recently surrounded the Applied Behavior Analysis approach to the treatment of Autism. But what exactly is ABA? How do you know if an intervention program works? How do you select a behavior analyst in the first place, making sure you don't inadvertantly choose someone who is not properly trained in the ABA methodology? What rights do clients of these services have to effective treatment? Recognizing the confusing number of claims and choices which clients and parents of autistic children face, this CCBS Autism Section addresses the sequestions (and more) to give consumers of ABA services the information needed to choose wisely. PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System www.PECS.com - Pyramid Educational Consultants Home of PECS and the Pyramid Approach to Education