Autism and Disability Resources

Scroll for links for Autism and Disability Resources, both locally and nationally

Autism Resources

Local Resources in the CU Area: 

The Autism Program (Champaign): Providing a resource and referral center for parents and professionals. Developing and evaluating model programs in training, treatment, and family support. Facilitating collaborations between agencies, schools, and individuals that enhance the community’s capacity and quality of services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families.

There are many different types of materials are available in the TAP Resource Room.  All of our materials are free, and can be customized to meet individualized needs. TAP staff and student interns are available to meet in person or via phone/email to collectively brainstorm creative problem-solving solutions. Many of our materials can also be translated to Spanish. These materials include:

• • Books and DVD’s for checkout

  • Teaching kits containing structured teaching activities for checkout

  • Learning aids

  • Flyers, articles, brochures, and booklets from local, state, and national organizations which are free to the public

Midwest NeuroFitness: Midwest Neurofitness is unique among behavioral health care providers in Central Illinois. In addition to traditional professional counseling practices, we offer EEG neurofeedback and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). We use Psychotherapy, Neurofeedback, QEEG and EMDR to treat the following issues: ADHD, Autism, Sleep Disorders, Depression, PTSD, Head Injury, Migraines, Anger, OCD, ODD, Learning Disorders, and more

Social Thinking® Groups at Social Champaign: Small groups of all ages from elementary school, middle school, high school, and college/young adult are learning to understand the underlying concepts beneath social skills with Social Thinking® Does your student get stuck on one topic? Social Thinking® is an exciting approach to help people with Asperger’s, High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, and other related social learning challenges develop “social smarts” by becoming “Social Thinkers.” If interested, please contact Joan Storey Gorsuch, B.F.A., M.Ed., Social Thinking® Mentor for placement in a social group, which are formed by age and perspective taking level. Joan completed the Mentor Training program directly with Michelle Garcia Winner at her clinic in San Jose, California. Ongoing groups for a variety of ages from first grade to young adult.

• Contact: Joan Storey Gorsuch jgorsuch@j.s.gorsuch@gmail.com 217-766-8807

Developmental Services Center: DSC serves approximately 1,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, cognitive disabilities, Down syndrome, or other disabling conditions. Individuals seeking services may experience functional or environmental challenges that require extra support to live more independently. One service that may be especially helpful to children with autism is the P.L.A.Y Project, a program that supports with play and language skills in children 18 months to 6 years of age.  This program is implemented in the home and no formal diagnosis is needed, just a delay in language and play skills.

• • • For more information about the services DSC can offer to individuals and families with ASD you can reach them at (217) 356-9176 or visit their website 

    • Contact: Heather Johnson at  217-356-9176 Ext 314 or hjohnson@dsc-illinois.org

Behavioral Perspectives: Behavioral Perspectives (ABA) services assist parents throughout Champaign, Illinois and surrounding areas. Our mission is to embrace teamwork to promote positive outcomes.

• • • Contact 1-888-308-3728 or check out their website for more information

The Place for Children with Autism: Provides APA therapy in a preschool-like setting for ages 2-6. Centers provide: a pre-school-like learning environment; structured days from 8:30AM-3:30PM with optional extended hours; individualized lessons based on the needs of each child; organized group, social, and extracurricular activities; BCBA on-site; RBT credentialed and Safety Care trained staff.

• • • Lincoln Square Mall 301 S. Vine Street, unit 10 Urbana, IL 6180

    • Contact (224) 436-0788 or info@theplaceforchildrenwithautism.com

Total Spectrum: In-home and center-based ABA services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• • • Contact (844) 263-1613

Continuum Behavioral Health: Continuum Behavioral Health addresses the needs of those who present with signs or symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental disabilities. We are unique in our ability to provide a seamless continuum of care starting with diagnosis and extending through assessment and treatment. We are a team of highly trained specialists dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families.  We offer a variety of behavioral and educational services in the home, school and community.  We will configure a program specifically designed for your child with your goals, objectives and budget in mind.  

• • Contact us at:  (630) 286-0026

Prairie Wind Speech, Inc.: Serving the communication needs of children and their families in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding communities.

Tracy Gunderson MS, CCC-SLP

Cheryl Yepez MA, CCC-SLP

1803 Woodfield Dr. Savoy, IL

217-355-5905

Family Matters: Parent Training and Education Center: The mission of the Family Matters 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.

Respite Program for Adopted Children: The Adoption Preservation program at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois wants to inform families with adopted children of the Respite program. The program is open to families with an actively open adoption preservation case at Lutheran Social Services. To be eligible for respite services, the family must currently be receiving therapeutic services and the family has to have obtained guardianship or adoption through the Department of Children and Family Services. Parents must identify their own respite provider. Lutheran Social Services of Illinois provides a stipend for the provider at an over-night rate. If you are interested, contact your therapist at Lutheran Social Services to discuss eligibility.

• • • Contact: Steve Holcomb, 217-671-0300 x214  Service Coordinator

University of Illinois Psychological Services Center: Provides autism diagnostic assessments.

• • • Contact: Autism clinic at (217)300-6773 or (217) 333-0041

    • 610 E. John Street, Champaign, IL

Online Autism Resources:

Elemy-At Elemy, we use ABA therapy to improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement. Our approach is personalized — we observe children right at home, customize each care plan, and give families the tools needed for success.

• • Parent Guide

  • Resources

  • Symptoms and Signs (ASD high functioning)

ASAN-Autistic Self Advocacy Network: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. ASAN believes that the goal of autism advocacy should be a world in which autistic people enjoy equal access, rights, and opportunities. We work to empower autistic people across the world to take control of our own lives and the future of our common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure our voices are heard in the national conversation about us. Nothing About Us, Without Us!

Interactive Autism Network: What happens when someone with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) leaves school and makes the transition to adult services, college, work, job training, or a new living situation? What does research say about the issues that affect adults with ASD and their families? There are resources here for links on the adult transition to society. 

The Autism Society: Everyone deserves to live fully. At the core of the Autism Society’s work is our goal to influence meaningful change in support of the Autism community.

AANE-Autism/Asperger Network: The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) provides individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy

Guide to Sensory-Friendly and Accessible Event Planning: Events shouldn’t be — and don’t have to be — a non-option for individuals with any of these disabilities. People, businesses, and organizations can create welcoming atmospheres for all guests with a little extra work. Sometimes, even simple fixes can help, such as changes to the event decor, dimmed lights, or softer music. For instance, you can easily swap your usual floral arrangement, which may carry a pungent aroma, in exchange for forever roses to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities. For questions, contact: info@lejardininfini.com 

AmeriSleep Blog on Sleep Problems with Children with ASD:  Over half of children with Autism, up to 80%, may have one or more persistent sleep disorders. These difficulties can be severe and can be a significant obstacle for both bedtime routines and overall daily functioning. Here is a guide looking into potential links between autism and poor sleep, ways to improve sleep routines, and more. *this link is not intended for promotion of any product, just as a resource for individuals. 

Disability Resources

Comprehensive Guide for Medicare Coverage for those with disabilities under 65

• Helpful for understanding eligibility, coverage, and, most importantly, how to navigate the enrollment process.

Community and Residential Services Authority

• The mission of the Community and Residential Services Authority (CRSA) is to actively advocate, plan and promote the development and coordination of a full array of prevention and intervention services to meet the unique needs of individuals with a behavior disorder or a severe emotional disturbance and their family.

The Arc of Illinois

• Illinois’ largest statewide advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• A guide that helps deaf and hard of hearing students learn about online accommodations colleges offer to comply with the American Disabilities Act, popular listening devices and applications, and scholarships

Caregiver Burnout 

• Most caregivers don’t worry about their own health- they’re solely focused on the person for whom they’re caring. But those who provide care to an older or disabled loved one tend to live with high chronic stress and skimp on self-care — factors that raise the risk for negative emotional and physical health outcomes.

 Guide To Social Security Disability Benefits ​​ 

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits to people in need of financial assistance due to a life-altering injury or mental condition that prevents them from holding a full-time job and supporting themselves.