Consensus for Autism
Consensus is a critical component of positive change. There is no doubt that major, system level change is required to provide appropriate diagnosis, treatment, education and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. Consensus for Autism is an integral part of The Autism Program system development initiative. The Program is designed to build consensus through a focus on best practice and through a network or regional centers, affiliates and collaborators who are able to bring together stakeholders from across Illinois.
The Autism Program’s leadership is resulting in growing unity within Illinois’ autism community. The Autism Program has been a voice for consensus within a community that is all too often polarized on etiology, treatment and educational options. This fall the TAP administrative and clinical team developed The Autism Program Guiding Principle: Consensus Statement. This document sets the stage for ongoing system development by providing a baseline consensus statement that unites parents and providers and paves the way for change and growth.
The Guiding Principles has provided a foundation for community planning meetings. The meetings held so far are impacting more than 148,000 individuals with developmental disabilities across 7 counties in Central Illinois. Agencies, parents, school districts and providers have created community plans to build services and are serving on a variety of work groups that will create new services.
Consensus for Autism is creating positive changes in communities across Illinois. Thank you for your contribution to consensus and to your part in creating and maintaining an effective system of care for Illinois. The following agencies have already demonstrated their support for this initiative. Please contact Farah Salim at fsalim@thehopeinstitute.us if you would like to join the momentum.
Consensus for Autism also has developed a Family Connection intiative in which families who have used or are currently using the services, supports and resources provided by TAP Service Network partners are paired with local legislators. Families are encouraged to share their story and offer a first-hand account to paint a clearer picture of living with autism to those who might not otherwise have a frame of reference. If your family would like to participate, please check out the Fact Sheet and/or email Farah Salim at fsalim@thehopeinstitute.us for more information.
Supporters of The Autism Program Guiding Principles: Consensus Statement
- A.N.S.W.E.R.S.
- Advocates for Access
- Antioch Group
- The Arc of Illinois (Approx. 70 Chapters statewide)
- Asperger Syndrome Support Group
- Association for the Developmentally Disabled of Woodford County
- Autism Society of America - Peoria Regional Chapter
- Bradly University
- Bridgeway, Inc.
- C.W.T.C. - Community Workshop & Training Center
- Charleston Transitional Facility
- Catholic Charities
- Child and Family Connections #14
- Children's Home Association of Illinois/Kiefer School
- City of Chicago
- City of Peoria Workforce Development
- Clearbrook
- Community Alternatives Unlimited
- Developmental Disability Services of Metro East
- Easter Seals Central Region
- Easter Seals Children's Development Center Rockford
- Easter Seals for DuPage and Fox Valley Region
- Easter Seals Joliet Region
- Easter Seals LaSalle and Bureau Counties
- Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago
- Easter Seals National Headquarters
- Easter Seals Peoria-Bloomington
- Easter Seals Southern Illinois
- Easter Seals Southwest Illinois
- Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association
- Illinois Center for Autism
- Illinois Central College
- Illinois Central College Child Care Connection
- Kreider Services, Inc.
- LaRabida Children's Hospital
- Littly City Foundation
- Methodist Medical Center - Behavioral Health Services
- PARC
- Peoria County Regional Office of Education
- Peoria Production Shop
- Peoria Public Schools
- Project Org & Design Studio, Inc.
- Resource Link at Children's Hospital of Illinois
- Service of Will, Grundy & Kankakee Counties, Inc.
- Special Education Association of Peoria County
- Suburban Access, Inc.
- T.C.R.C - Tazewell County Resource Center
- Tazewell Mason County Special Education Association
- The Hope Institute for Children and Families
- Trinity Services, Inc.
- Woodford County Special Education Association
- Have Dreams
- Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
- TAP Training Center at the University of Illinois Chicago
- The Autism Program at The Hope Institute for Children and Families - Springfield
- TAP Training Center at Southern Illinois University
- TAP Training Center at Illinois State University
- TAP Training Center at the University of Illinois Champaign - Urbana
The Autism Program Guiding Principle: Consensus Statement