Autism support groups in Chicago

In Chicago, support happens through a mix of statewide organizations, hospital and clinic programs, and grassroots community groups. The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) is a statewide network that connects families to services and support (https://www.theautismprogram.org). For the funding-and-planning side of support, Illinois Life Span offers guidance on PUNS, waivers and lifelong planning that many families find steadying (https://www.illinoislifespan.org) — worth knowing about because so much stress in the early years comes from not understanding the systems. UIC's Institute on Disability and Human Development is another statewide hub (https://ahs.uic.edu/disability-human-development/institute-on-disability-and-human-development/).

Locally, many Chicago-area hospitals, park districts, libraries and faith communities host parent groups and social programs, and there are active online communities for Chicago and Chicagoland families. Because groups form and dissolve over time, we point you to the durable statewide organizations above as reliable starting points, and encourage you to ask them and your child's providers for current local group recommendations.