IEP Information

Ogle County Support Group

The mission of the Ogle County Support Group is to create a more rewarding and successful life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through knowledge and the access and availabilities of community resources and supports.

Illinois Life Span Program

Welcome to the Illinois Life Span Project website - your information and referral resource for advocacy and services.

AboutAutismLaw.com

A website dedicated to legal issues related to autism.

What Are Your Child's Rights? There are a number of laws that give your child with autism rights to an appropriate education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law most commonly used to provide a special education. Most children with an autism spectrum disorder are covered under IDEA. However, some children with Asperger's or other pervasive developmental disorders who are high-functioning receive services through section 504.

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.

A.I.T. For You: Berard Auditory Integration Training

Auditory Integration Training (AIT) is a ten day, noninvasive educational and therapeutic technique which helps people to hear all frequencies more evenly, to improve in the processing of auditory input, and to decrease hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to specific environmental or speech sounds.

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.
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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.

About Autism Law

This website, provided by special education attorney, Dave Sherman and the law firm of Sherman & Ziegler, is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.

The Autism Talk

If your child has been diagnosed with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS or another of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), you may be asking yourself, “Should I tell them ?”  There is no magic moment when your child will be ready to know about their autism. Some people choose to keep this information from their child. Some people share almost as early as their child is able to understand the words. When to share is a personal decision that only a parent can gauge in their child.

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-21 years.  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).  The personnel 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.

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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 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, Dan doctors, 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 these questions (and more) to give consumers of ABA services the information needed to choose wisely.

NICHCY  Behavior at School

NICHCY is pleased to connect you with sources of information for helping children with disabilities with respect to behavior at school. School presents a unique challenge for children with behavior issues. Teachers need tools to use to help provide support and guidance, and administrators need methods for creating a positive learning atmosphere within the entire school. We've included resources in this Connections page that, hopefully, will give teachers and schools the tools they need to create safe and positive learning environments for all children, while providing the informed and positive behavior support that some students need to flourish.

All Things Aspergers

All Things Asperger's is a website dedicated to helping families, professionals and individuals dealing with Asperger's, High Functioning Autism, and related diagnoses. This site is focused on providing you with the education and networking you will need to be more successful in dealing with Apserger's and HF Autism.

Special Ed Advocacy Center

The Special Ed Advocacy Center (SEAC) provides free legal services to low-income parents and caregivers of children with disabilities seeking to obtain appropriate educational services for their children provided under current law. Parents and caregivers are often not adequately informed of their rights, and may not be able to read or understand the numerous documents they are asked to review and provide informed consent to. When disputes arise concerning an educational issue, parents and caregivers often feel helpless.  The SEAC is a non-profit, §501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization that is a resource for parents and caregivers to help them understand and obtain legally entitled educational services that include a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, and a specialized educational program to meet their unique needs.

email: seac@specialedadvocacycenter.org

Relationship Development Intervention

While they clearly have benefit, even the most widely used and most intensive intervention methods have not demonstrated their effectiveness in producing a high quality of life for people on the autism spectrum. We do not know whether any intervention programs, even those that claim to be "proven," actually lead to the child's ability to develop friendships, live independently and obtain satisfying employment. We all hear about children who are "recovered" or who "look normal" but we never really know what happens to them in real life and whether the "miracle" of their progress was really due to any specific program or treatment.  We believe that to produce successful adults, a clinical intervention program must develop effective ways to address the debilitating core deficits of autism. These core deficits: rigid thinking, aversion to change, inability to understand other's perspectives, failure to empathize, and absolute, "black-and-white thinking," continue to plague people on the autism spectrum throughout their lives.  The problem is, faking never ceases to be work.

ZAC Browser

ZAC is the first web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS. We have made this browser for the children - for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC.

MortgageLoan.com

This guide is for persons living with a disability and in need of useful information and assistance in buying a home. The guide also turns to you who have a family-member, friend or other relation with a disability and want to learn more about homeownership. After reading this guide on housing and mortgages you will know more concerning: Deciding to buy your own home The process of buying a house Housing & Mortgages terminology (common words and terms you need to understand when buying a home) Getting started Financial assistance for people with a disability

Autism Assistance Resources and Information

Blog:  My goal is to help other parents and caregivers of children with Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, related disorders and other disabilities find grants and other resources to help their children thrive. My ultimate goal is to help all families coping with autism by making it easier, faster and more convenient to find information and resources that will be of service and of benefit to them.

Do2Learn: Educational Resources for Special Needs

Our goal as parents, educators and health professionals is to help each person communicate, survive and adapt to the bigger world around him, while respecting that all perceptions are valuable. Our hope is that this site will provide tools and solutions based on scientific research and clinical experience to help those with special learning and treatment needs. Our tools are designed to help them understand our world by: breaking tasks into smaller, more easily handled parts putting complex tasks together slowly, with guides to keep order repeating activities often, letting the user set his own pace allowing interactive customized worlds and tasks providing a range of ways to learn including tactile, visual, and audio material

Community Building with PATH

When people first learn about PATH, they tend to think of it as a planning tool –after all, that’s part of the title: Planning Alternative Futures with Hope (Pearpoint, O’Brien & Forest, 1995). If they are involved in supporting people with disabilities, they are likely to be interested in the prospect of a colorful, engaging, positively-oriented alternative to traditional individual program planning, education planning, and service planning processes.   PATH is certainly a powerful planning tool, but in addition, and, perhaps even more importantly, it is a very powerful tool for invitation, community-building and commitment-building.   Information about Community Building with PATH What is a microboard? What is a HSC? Steps for a microboard Seven Steps Development Outline