Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago is very pleased to partner with The Autism Program (TAP), a state-wide network of resources for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The Autism Program of Illinois provides the strategy and framework for network partners to reach into the community and address the complex issues involved in diagnosis, treatment and research for the thousands of children in Illinois with ASDs. The TAP program offers the following resources to those affected by autism:

Family Orientation Program
A full day, multi-family training

Day Care Provider Training
Training for day care providers on learning styles, communicative deficits, sensory sensitivities, social impairment and behavioral issues

Early Intervention Training
Provides information for Early Intervention (EI) providers about the clinical diagnostic process and how a clinical diagnosis differs from an educational diagnosis

Law Enforcement and Other First Responder Training
A specific training to address growing concern among law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, emergency room personnel and families of individuals with autism regarding special issues related to autism. Information on the characteristics of autism and basic response techniques are provided as well as assistance with necessary communication skills relating to individuals who are nonverbal or who lose communication skills when under stress

Social Skills Groups
A nine-week program for families to enhance adaptive social skills in youth with high-functioning autism and Asperger's Syndrome

Family and Community Resource Rooms Chicago and Rockford
Our Resource Rooms contain evidence-based information on autism as an outreach service for families, teachers, service providers and anyone who works with or has an interest in individuals with autism

Comprehensive Developmental Screenings and Diagnostics (Rockford Only)

New Diagnosis Family Orientation

New Diagnosis Family Orientations are held monthly at Easter Seals' Rockford and Chicago Autism Therapetuic Schools and is conducted by our Training Specialist, Colleen Shinn. Colleen is a trained Occupational Therapy Assistant with expertise in the field of autism and related pervasive developmental disorders. Colleen has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She also has over ten years of affiliation with Easter Seals and is fluent in sign language.

Our helpful PDF covers many common topics including:
Autism an epidemic?
What exactly is autism?
Did you know?

Download the Autism 101 Fact Sheet

A basic rule for treating autism is the earlier the intervention, the better. Autism is a lifelong spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and in varying degrees. Getting the right help at the earliest stage of life can help a child gain the skills he or she needs to be successful.

If you're worried your child may have autism - or feel something just isn't quite right - you should: First and foremost, follow your instincts. Don't assume that your child will catch up.

Please download our brochure of considerations

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