Special Needs/Autism

● Be An Advocate! ●
The attached article includes some great tips on how to best advocate for your loved one with special needs.
View Advocate Article -
Access Services of Northern Illinois
Provides individual service coordination for children with specific developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and intellectual disability, over the age of 3 years, but focusing on transition services for adolescents. No fees. M-F 8-4:30.
  • 7399 Forest Hills Road
    Loves Park, IL 61111
  • Phone: 815-282-8824
- http://www.accessni.com
Child and Family Connections of Access Services of Northern Illinois
Access point for Early Intervention services for children 3 years of age and under with suspected developmental delays. Home based evaluations and services. No fees.
  • 1752 Windsor Road Suite 102, Box 16390
    Loves Park, IL 61111
  • Phone: 815-654-6170, Toll Free 800-921-0094
  • Fax: 815-654-6197
- http://www.accessni.com/cfc
Easter Seals
Provides educational, community resource,&family support services for children with developmental delays. No fees. M-F 8:15-4:45. Individual programs include:
Easter Seals Autism Therapeutic School accepts students 3-21 years from NW Illinois with primary diagnosis of autism, cognitive delay, behavioral disorder, or emotional disorder, must be approved by school district of origin as part of individual education plan;
The Autism Program Service Center (see below);
Family Support Services provides a variety of information and support services to help families of children with disabilities. Assistance from staff is unique to each family and is based on the family’s needs and priorities for their child. Services may include parent support groups including Northwest IL Autism Support Group, Ogle County Autism Support Group, Down syndrome Support Group, and Family Support Information Group, as well as parent trainings, consultation, and technical assistance. Services can be provided in the family’s home or another location convenient for the family;
Prevention Initiative partnership with Rockford Public School District #205 that provides parent group services and home visitation to families to promote independence, parenting skills, and resource connections in order to foster the development of children from birth to 3 years (see Parenting Resources category for more details); and
Teen Family Support Program (see Pregnancy Resources and Infants category).
  • 650 North Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61103
  • Phone: 815-965-6745
- http://www.eastersealschicago.org
The Autism Program Service Center- Rockford, a program of Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago
Our program provides diagnostic, educational, and community resource and information for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorders. Screening and Diagnostic services carried out by diagnostic professionals including a psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist and a comprehensive team approach including use of the Autism Observation Diagnostic Scale. Our staff also provide clinical services including Family Focus Consultation, Social Skills Group, Family Consultation and Educator Consultation. These services are designed to support parents and providers to help understand ASD, wrapping the support around the care provider to help identify and meet the needs of the individual with ASD and the family. Our staff also provides training to first responders, early intervention providers, day care providers, parents, family members and educators. We also can adapt our training to meet the needs of the participants. Finally, our Autism Family and Community Resource Room is an inclusive, one-top, trusted resource with ASD information and services across the life span. No fees. Call for current waiting times. M-F 8:30-5. Weekend and evening appointment available by appointment.
  • 1601 Parkview Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: 815-395-5566
- http://www.eastersealschicago.org
GiGi's Playhouse- Rockford Down Syndrome Awareness Center
Offers programs for children and adults, including their families, with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. Programs include literacy, crawlers, 0-2, walkers, hop-skip and jumpers, playhouse pals, kids club, open play, and parent orientation. Works to educate people about and empower people with Down Syndrome and other disabilities. Developmental therapists, OT, PT, speech therapy involved, but not in place of therapy services. No fees. M-F 10-2 and other select times.
  • 8801 North 2nd Street, Suite 2
    Machesney Park, IL 61115
  • Phone: 815-654-7529
View GiGi's Brochure - http://www.gigisplayhouse.org/location-rockford.asp -
RAMP No Limits
Provides multiple services to promote independent living for indviduals with a disability. Provides youth education and advocacy- including individual education plan (IEP) specialists, individual and systemic advocacy, peer support, community education, deaf services, information and referrals, equipment loaning, accessibility assessments, independent living skills training, community re-integration program, brain injury case management, and personal assistant services.
  • 202 Market Street
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: (815)968-7467, TTY: (815)968-2401
  • Fax: (815)968-7612

  • 530 S State Street, Suite 103
    Belvidere, IL 61008
  • Phone: (815)544-8404, TTY: (815)544-8404
  • Fax: (815)544-1896
- http://rampcil.org/index.asp
The Arc of Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties
Serves children, adults, and families with disabilities through service coordination, skills training, social activities, and advocacy. Provides home-based service facilitation if approved by Illinois DHSDD. New programs include behavioral modification and group and individual counseling for children and adults with special needs. Referrals may be required from Access Services of Northern Illinois to access certain services. No or sliding scale fees depending on programs. M-F 8:15-5.
  • 1222 East State Street
    Rockford, IL 61104
  • Phone: 815-965-3455
  • Fax: 815-965-3673
- http://www.arcwbo.org
Barbara Olson Center of Hope
Provides a variety of vocational, employment, educational, social, and habilitative services for teens 16 years of age or older and adults with developmental disabilities living in Winnebago and Boone Counties and surrounding areas. Services include parent and auxillary groups, nursing services, transportation, school transition services, behavior management, social and recreational opportunities, and outreach and advocacy. Programs include Hope Industries, Workshop, Vocational Development, Education and Training Center with a variety of multiple training opportunities, Community Employment Services, Sensory Integration, Moments Remembered, and Volunteer Center.
  • 3206 North Central Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • Phone: 815-964-9275, TDD: 815-964-9388
  • Fax: 815-964-9607
- http://www.b-olsoncenterofhope.org
University Psychiatric Services (UICOM at Rockford)
Offers social groups for children and adolescents age 5-18 years of age with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. Additional services include individual psychotherapy, family therapy, medical psychiatric evaluation and treatment, and school/IEP consultation. Staff consists of licensed social workers, therapists/counselors, and child and adolescent psychiatrists. Insurance/payment required, however sliding scale fees may be arranged on an individual basis. Medicaid not accepted.
  • 1601 Parkview Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: 815-395-5870
- View Website
Illinois Crisis Prevention Network
Trinity Services, Inc. and The Hope Institute for Children&Families are collaborating on a community based program called the Illinois Crisis Prevention Network. At the direction of the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Illinois Crisis Prevention Network consists of highly trained professionals with extensive experience in the social service community. The teams are made up of skilled clinicians who work with individuals with severe behaviors and are struggling to maintain in their current home or placement. These behaviors can be difficult for families or staff to work with, disrupt their environment and can take an emotional toll on everyone living or working there. Team members can provide strategies to reduce or eliminate these behaviors, training for staff or caregivers to cope and work effectively with the clients and help locate resources in the community. The ultimate goal is to move from crisis management to crisis prevention.
  • Rockford Office:
    1214 East State Street
    Rockford, IL 61104
  • Email: info@icpn.us
Office of Social Security&Disability Administration
Rockford regional office to apply for disability benefits. M-F 9-4.
  • 502 East Jefferson Street
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: 877-628-6570
    Toll Free: 800-772-1213
    TTY: 815-987-4215
- http://www.socialsecurity.gov
● Physical Special Healthcare Needs ●
Center for Sight and Hearing
Offers evaluation and treatment of vision and hearing impairments for children and adults. Also offers communication assistive technology, interpretting services, instruction in Braille and sign language, and vocational assistance. Routine eye exams offered for children with special needs. Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance accepted. Audiology Clinic open M-F 8-4:30. Vision Clinic open M-Th 9-4:30. Emergency interpretting services available 24/7.
  • 8038 MacIntosh Lane (street)
    P.O. Box 5944 (mailing)
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: 815-332-6800, TTY: 815-332-6820
  • Emergency interpretting service: 815-966-2058
  • Fax: 815-332-6810
- http://www.rockfordcenter.org
Milestone, Inc. Dental Clinic
Pediatric services include Milestone Dental Clinic and RocVale Children's Home. Milestone Dental Clinic is available to any children and adults with a diagnosis of developmental disability. Dental clinic open M-Th 8-6.
  • 275 North Phelps (dental clinic)
    Rockford, IL 61108
  • Phone: 815-484-8678
- http://www.milestone-inc.org
Tebala Shriners
Local Shriners association providing screenings and connections to the Shriners Hospital of Chicago for children from birth-18 years of age with orthopedic, spinal cord injury, burn, and cleft lip/palate problems. No fees. M-F 10-4.
  • 7910 Newburg Road
    Rockford, IL 61108
  • Phone: 815-332-2010
  • Fax: 815-332-5923
- http://www.tebala.com
UIC-Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC)
DSCC can help families arrange, coordinate and pay for a child's specialized medical treatment when the child has an eligible medical condition and certain financial criteria are met. Any Illinois child from birth to age 21 may qualify for no-cost diagnostic services. Telemedicine consultations with UIC ear, nose, and throat physician available on specific clinic days. Call for more information. A child must have, or be suspected of having a treatable chronic condition in one of the following categories to be medically eligible for services: Orthopedic; Heart Defects; Hearing Loss; Neurological; Craniofacial or Cleft Palate Defects; Hemophilia; Cystic Fibrosis; Certain Metabolic Conditions; Eye Impairments; and Urinary System Impairments. No fees. M-F 8-4:30.
  • 4302 North Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61103
  • Phone: 815-987-7571
    Toll Free 800-651-9319
  • Fax: 815-987-7891
- http://www.uic.edu/hsc/dscc
● Therapy Services ●
Swedish American Pediatric Therapy Services
Provides pediatric physical; occupational; aquatic; speech&language; and oral motor/feeding therapies. Medicaid accepted. Need referral from primary care physician. Open M-Th 8-5, F 8-12.
  • 209 9th Street, Ste. 302
    Rockford, IL 61104
  • Phone: 815-489-4470
View SAH Pediatric Therapy Brochure
- View website -
Rockford Memorial Hospital Department of Child Development and Behavior
Provides services to children with developmental and behavioral challenges including: medical diagnostic; NICU follow-up (RMH NICU graduates only); child psychology; and pediatric physical, occupational, developmental, speech, and aquatic therapy services. Medicaid accepted. Need referral from primary care physician. Not taking new patients for child psychology at this time. M-F 8-4:30.
  • 2400 North Rockton Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61103
  • Phone: 815-971-4920 (child development services)
    815-971-5022 (therapy services)
- View website
Speech Therapy at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center - Center for Health
Pediatric outpatient speech therapy focuses on the development of communication and language skills necessary for social, academic, and functional communication. We also address the development of oral motor skills, as well as those functions that support speech and feeding. Bilingual services. Medicaid and private insurance accepted. Physician referral required. Hours: M-Th 8am-6pm&Fri 8am–5pm.
  • 5510 East State Street
    Rockford, IL 61108
  • Phone: 815-395-4505
  • Fax: 815-395-4507
- http://www.osfsaintanthony.org
Rebound Therapy
Provides pediatric services including: physical therapy; occupational therapy; speech&language therapy; sensory integration; auditory training; custom orthotics; aquatic therapy; and group therapy programs. Medicaid and private insurance accepted. Early Intervention home-based services offered. M-F 7:30-5.
  • 3616 North Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61103
  • Phone: 815-877-5932
  • Fax: 815-877-6302
- http://www.reboundtherapycenter.com
The Speech Garden, LTD
Private speech therapist office. Does not accept Medicaid. Pending insurance, may need referral from primary care physician. T-F 8-5.
  • 1740 South Bell School Road, Suite C-1
    Cherry Valley, IL 61016
  • Phone&Fax: 815-332-1988
  • email: speechgarden@frontier.com
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center
Offers equine (horse) therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and carriage driving programs for individuals with various disabilities and their families starting at 4 years of age. Also offers traditional speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy services at the Poplar Grove site.
  • 4950 Route 173
    Poplar Grove, IL 61063
  • Phone: 815-765-2113
  • Fax: 815-765-0003

  • 7319 Maxon Road
    Harvard, IL 60033
  • Phone: 815-943-8226
  • Fax: 815-943-8426

  • volunteerinfo@braveheartsriding.org
  • generalinfo@braveheartsriding.org
- http://www.braveheartsriding.org
● Applied Behavioral Analysts ●
Applied Behavioral Analysis is the most evidence based therapy available for children with autism. Click on the link below to learn more information. Click on the "Find a Certificant" link on the left side of the page to search for local certified therapists.

Rates and insurance coverage vary between individual therapists. Children with Medicaid (The Medical Card) need to apply for a Medicaid Waiver through Access Services of Northern Illinois (see above) and enter into a lottery system in order to receive coverage for services. Some therapists offer selected free services. - http://www.bacb.com/index.php
Applied Behavior Consultation- Aleta M. Woods, M. Ed, BCBA
View Flyer -
Forest City Behavior- Erin Wade, Ph.D, BCBA-D
- http://forestcitybehavior.org
● Special Education ●
Winnebago&Boone County Public Schools Special Education Departments
View Special Education Departments Attachment -
The Autism Program of Illinois IEP Chat
The IEP (Individualized Education Program) Chat offers an opportunity for informal communication between parents, educators, and other support personnel. It provides information about training, resources, and an easy way to connect with families and educators who have found effective strategies to navigate the IEP process.
- http://www.theautismprogram.org/autism-resources/iep-chat
The Northwestern Illinois Association- A Special Education Cooperative
Offers a variety of direct and consultative services to member Northwestern Illinois school districts (over 70 served). Services for children 3-21 years include: assistive technology; audiology; vision; consultation team for children with autism spectrum disorders; orthopedic and multiple impairments; physical therapy; occupational therapy; supported employment; early childhood&life skills supervision; and inclusion facilitation. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Classroom in Eligin. Professional development programs are offered for educators, paraprofessionals, and parents. Parents should register their children through their home district first to access services. The Autism Library is offered free of charge through the Rockford Office. M-F 8-4:30.
  • 245 West Exchange Street, Suite 4
    (main administrative office)
    Sycamore, IL 60178
  • Phone: 815-895-9227
  • Fax: 815-895-2971

  • 3626 East State Street
    (Rockford regional office)
    Rockford, IL 61108
  • Phone: 815-964-0937, ext 214 for The Autism Library
  • Fax: 815-964-2210
View Autism Library Brochure
View Autism Team Brochure
- http://www.thenia.org -
● Special Needs Activities/Recreation ●
Special Olympics
Regional office providing multiple programs and competitions for special needs athletes.
  • 904 Myrtle Avenue
    Dixon, IL 61021
  • Phone: 815-288-2939
  • Fax: 815-288-2939

  • Rockford Office
  • P.O. Box 17017
    Rockford, IL 61110
  • Phone: 815-965-3795
- http://www.soill.org/area/index.php?area=01
Northlands Association for Special Recreation
Cooperative Program between the Belvidere, Freeport, and Rockford Park Districts offering therapeutic and recreation programs to children with disability-related special needs. Programs offered through member district at resident rate. See below for specific contact information for Rockford and Belvidere Park Districts.
Belvidere Park District- Special Recreation
Offers specialty/therapeutic programs for children with special needs via NASR as noted above.
  • 1006 West Lincoln Avenue
    Belvidere, IL 61008
  • Phone: 815-547-5711
- View Website
Rockford Park District- Therapeutic Recreation Department
The Therapeutic Recreation team of the Rockford Park District is committed to providing community based recreation to promote the development, maintenance, and expression of a meaningful leisure lifestyle to people with disabilities. We deliver our services promoting and/or providing access, inclusion, specialty recreation, leisure education, and skill development.
  • 401 S. Main Street, Suite 108
    Rockford IL 61101
  • Phone: 815-987-1606
    TTY: 888-871-6171
  • Fax: 15-987-1607
View brochure
- View Website -
● Child Care/Respite ●
Family Support Services Respite Program (Easter Seals)
Serves up to 10 families a month for a total of 20 hours per family. Families chosen on a first come/first serve basis with a wait list used if necessary. Provides a respite worker based on your input and needs for your child. All respite workers have the Illinois State Board of Education Paraprofessional certificate. Eligibility criteria: birth-21; medical diagnosis of a developmental disability; denial from DHS-DORS program or Milestone (listed below) and cannot be used in conjunction with either program; live Winnebago, Boone or Ogle counties. No income guidelines.
  • 650 North Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61103
  • Phone: 815-965-6745 x218
- http://www.eastersealschicago.org
Genesis Daycare
Accepts both typically developing children and children with certain special healthcare needs, including physical and cognitive disabilities (call to discuss).
  • 724 Harrison Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61104
  • Phone: 815-397-4867
Milestone, Inc. Individual and Group Respite Care Programs
Families are eligible for the Individual Milestone Respite Program if:
o They live in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle County;
o The family has a loved one living with them who has a developmental disability (Cognitive Disability, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, or Epilepsy);
o The family does not receive other state services such a Home Based Support, Person Assistants, Child Care Grants, or Office of Rehabilitation Services (they may receive up to 20 hours of ORS Respite).
All families who participate in the Milestone Individual Respite Care Program are eligible to participate in Milestone's Group Respite sessions free of charge. Group Respite is held twice a month at the Milestone Training Center. The Respite Program is conducted in a large gym. A wide variety of different sensory, fine and gross motor activities are provided.
  • 4450 N.Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103
  • Phone: 815-639-2973
- View website
Rockford Home Services Program (Department of Rehabilitation Services Office)
The DRS Home Services Program is designed to prevent the unnecessary placement of persons with disabilities into nursing facilities. Staff works one-on-one with individuals who have disabilities and their families to empower them to reach their employment, education, and independent living goals. The program provides services to individuals with the most significant disabilities so they can remain in their homes and live as independently as possible. Individuals are empowered to live self-directed lives, be actively involved in their communities, and retain control over the services they receive. Services are provided through Medicaid waivers from the federal government. Key services provided by HSP include personal assistant services, home modifications, and nursing care. HSP also employs counselors who help customers develop a service plan based on an individualized assessment of their needs.
  • 107 N. 3rd Street
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: 815-987-4964, TTY: 888-340-1006
  • Fax: 815-967-3768
- View website
● Residential Services ●
Goldie B. Floberg Center
Residential program for children age 5-18 years with a primary diagnosis of autism and/or developmental disability. Serves both ambulatory and non-ambulatory children. Offers Applied Behavioral Analysis by certified therapists for residents. DHS funds placement if approved. M-F 8:30-5.
  • 58 West Rockton Road, P.O. Box 346
    Rockton, IL 61072
  • Phone: 815-624-8431
  • Fax: 815-624-8461
- http://www.goldiefloberg.org
Milestone, Inc. (RocVale Children's Home)
Pediatric services include RocVale Children's Home, Milestone Dental Clinic, and Milestone Respite Program. RocVale is a residential facility for children with a primary diagnosis of developmental disability and requires a referral via Access Services of Northern Illinois. Offers many programs and services, including 24 hour medical staff, dietician, behavioral specialist, and consulting psychiatrist and psychologist. Children attend school in their primary district. Funding arranged via Access Services of Northern Illinois. Multiple adult residential and vocational services are also available. Main office open M-F 8-4:30.
  • 4450 N. Rockton Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61103
  • Phone: 815-639-2955 (Children's Services)
    815-639-2960 (Adult Services)

  • 4060 McFarland Road
    (main administrative office)
    Rockford, IL 61111
  • Phone: 815-654-6100 (ask/press number for social services)
- http://www.milestone-inc.org
Walter Lawson Children's Home
Residential program for non-ambulatory children with severe intellectual disabilities. Skilled Pediatric Nursing Facility (IDPH and ISBE certifified) with on-sight school. Daytraining program for young adults 21+. Birth-any age. Medicaid funded. Open 24/7.
  • 1820 Walter Lawson Drive
    Loves Park, IL 61111
  • Phone: 815-633-6636
View Walter Lawson Brochure 1
View Walter Lawson Brochure 2
- http://www.wlch.org -