Easter Seals Disability Services

Autism Services

As many as one in 150 children are now diagnosed with Autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Autism has been called the epidemic of our time. 

What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.  It is a spectrum disorder which means it includes a large range of symptoms and behaviors.  Typically, children display repetitive behaviors and difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and play activities. 

Download Autism Brochure:
Peoria
Bloomington-Normal

Early identification is essential for future success.  The characteristic behaviors of autism may or may not be visible in infancy (18 to 24 months), but usually become obvious during early childhood (24 months to six years).  Research indicates that early diagnosis is associated with dramatically better outcomes.

Red Flags - the following characteristics may indicate a child is at risk for atypical development and is in need of an evaluation:

• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or later
• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months
• No babbling by 12 months
• No back-and-forth gestures,such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
• No words by 16 months
• No two-word phrases by 24 months
• Any loss of language or social skills at any age

Early Evaluation - To schedule a Developmental Screening for children from birth to age three, call Easter Seals in Peoria at (309) 686-1177; and Bloomington at (309) 663-8275.  Screening and Evaluation Services are also available for older children at the same numbers.

Download the Easter Seals Living with Autism Study Findings.

Autism Services for Children at Easter Seals of Central Illinois:

Autism Diagnostic Clinic - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - A two-day clinic, that includes a play-based assessment, speech and language evaluation, neurodevelopmental examination, and psychological/behavioral assessment

DIR Intervention - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal -  A set of programs designed to provide individualized interventions for young children with autistic spectrum disorders.

Behavioral Services for Autism - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - Services that reduce difficult or unpleasant behavior, and/or teach complicated skills, depending on the needs of the child.

New Diagnosis Training & Orientation - Peoria - Assist parents, extended family and friends in their journey to create optimum growth, independence and joy for their child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Lorraine & George Shadid Autism Resource Center - Peoria - A resource room that is an outreach program for families and professionals working with children with Autism.

Center for Autism Resources and Education - Bloomington-Normal - A resource room that is an outreach program for families and professional working with children with Autism.

Autism Family Resources - Decatur - A resource room for children and families living with autism and professionals working with children with autism.

Social Skills Groups - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - A program that initiates a conversation, share, solve a conflict, and cooperate are presented by the leaders and then practiced by the group members as they participate in games and fun activities.

Autism Swim Program - Peoria - Warm water playgroup for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder five to seven years of age.

Speech Therapy - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Decatur - Ongoing therapy to enhance receptive and expressive communication, and oral-motor skills. 

Occupational Therapy - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - Ongoing therapy to assist in the improvement of fine motor, self-help, sensory processing, visual-motor, motor planning, play and independent living skills.

Developmental Therapy - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - Provides parent education, creating learning environments and identifying activities that promote a child's skills in all areas of development.

Sensory Integration Therapy - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal -  Therapy that involves our brain’s ability to take in, organize, and interpret information using all of our senses.  This process involves our senses of taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing, in addition to our sense of movement, body position, and force of gravity.

Support Groups - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - Programs and support services for families who have children with disabilities or special needs.

Individual & Family Counseling - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - Counseling services for children and families with disabilities or special needs.

SIBShops - Peoria, Bloomington-Normal - Programs for brothers and sisters of children with disabilities or special needs.

Additional Information - More information and resources regarding autism can be found at autism organizations in both Peoria and Bloomington.

• In Peoria - Peoria Regional Chapter of the Autism Society of America (Meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:15 p.m. at the Peoria Service Center) -
• In Bloomington - Autism Society of McLean County
• Tri-County Autism Meetings

For more information on services in your area contact the Peoria Service Center at 309.686.1177, the Bloomington Service Center at 309.663.8275 or the Decatur Service Center at 217.429.1052.