Autism resources in Illinois.

This developmental pediatrics program in Chicago offers autism diagnosis and developmental evaluations for children from birth to age 18, plus speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies. It's a full team ready to assess your child and guide you forward.

Illinois' free statewide program evaluates babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 for developmental delays and, if your child qualifies, sets up therapies and support at no cost through a family service plan. One call connects you to your local Child and Family Connections office.

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offers comprehensive autism diagnostic evaluations and treatment for children, teens, and adults. It's a trusted hospital-based option when you need a thorough assessment and a plan for next steps.

Comer Children's Hospital provides autism diagnosis for infants and toddlers under age 3 as well as ongoing care for older children, using gold-standard tools like the ADOS. A caring team helps you understand your child and plan therapies.

Part of the University of Illinois, this state-partnered division helps families across Illinois navigate Early Intervention and connect children with special healthcare needs to evaluations and services. Their helpline can point you to the right local office.

Every state has a federally funded Parent Training & Information Center offering free help with IEPs, special-education rights, and early intervention. This hub's directory locates the center that serves your state.

Equip for Equality is Illinois's federally mandated disability rights legal organization, and their free Special Education Rights Parent Helpline lets you talk through IEP, 504, discipline, and evaluation concerns. They can also provide limited legal help at IEP meetings, mediations, and hearings.

Family Matters is Illinois's only federally funded Parent Training and Information Center, and as of October 2025 it serves families across the entire state. Their team offers free one-on-one coaching, IEP guidance, and workshops to help you understand your child's special education rights.

The state education agency's special education portal hosts A Parent's Guide to your child's educational rights and responsibilities, plus tools for IEPs, evaluations, and resolving disagreements with a school. It's the official Illinois source for how special education is supposed to work.

You matter too. Psychology Today's therapist finder filters for 'caregiver stress' and 'autism family,' and Open Path Collective offers reduced-cost therapy sessions nationwide. You cannot support your child well without also supporting yourself.

The largest statewide autism network in the country, TAP connects families to screening, diagnostic evaluations, therapy (ABA, speech, OT/PT), and support groups through more than 20 centers across Illinois. A great first call when you're not sure where to start.

A university clinic at the University of Illinois Chicago providing autism diagnosis, psychological and speech-language evaluations, counseling, and behavior services for individuals ages 3 and up. Care is offered in English and Spanish by a bilingual, multidisciplinary team.

A University of Illinois Chicago program offering free care coordination for families of children with special healthcare needs in every Illinois county. Care coordinators help you find specialists, therapy, and services and navigate the paperwork that comes with them.

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (onset before age 26) save money tax-free without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility. This center compares every state's ABLE program so you can pick the best one for your family.

Equip for Equality is Illinois' federally designated disability rights protection and advocacy agency, offering free legal advice, self-advocacy help, and representation. Reach out if your child faces discrimination or you need help enforcing their rights.

Run by the Illinois State Treasurer, IL ABLE lets your family save and invest for disability-related expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Earnings and withdrawals for qualified costs like housing, therapy, and daily living are tax-free.

Illinois' Medicaid agency offers this waiver to help families cover things like assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications, and behavior treatment so your child can stay at home. It serves kids and young adults ages 3-21 with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The nation's oldest grassroots autism organization. Their National Helpline connects families to information and referrals, and their affiliate finder points you to a local chapter in your area for in-person support and events.

The largest national community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local chapters offer advocacy, family support, and lifelong services. Use the chapter finder to locate the office nearest you.

Dial 2-1-1 (or visit 211.org) to reach a free, confidential referral line for local health and human services in almost every US community — including disability services, respite, food, housing, and financial assistance.

A grassroots nonprofit serving families in Southern Illinois with support groups, education, advocacy, and recreation opportunities for children and adults with autism. Reach out to find local meetups and family programs near you.

A Chicago-area nonprofit that hosts monthly parent support meetings, a social and recreational club, and seasonal family events for children and adults with autism. It is a welcoming place to meet other families who understand.

A statewide nonprofit that helps Illinois family caregivers find a break, with respite referrals, training, and an emergency respite fund that offers stipends up to $500 for planned or unexpected situations. Call their toll-free line to talk through your options.

A state agency that safeguards the rights of adults with disabilities, home to the Office of State Guardian, the nation's largest public guardianship program. They can guide your family through guardianship questions and connect you to legal help.

A free statewide program that helps families understand the sometimes confusing world of transition, adult services, waivers, and PUNS, with real people to talk through your next step. A trusted first call when your child is aging out of school services.

An Illinois nonprofit that has helped families set up and manage special needs (pooled) trusts for over 30 years, so savings won't jeopardize a loved one's benefits. They draft trust agreements and administer accounts that meet Social Security and Medicaid rules.