The Autism Project in Illinois
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. In 2003, The Autism Project was created in Illinois to assist families of children with autism get access to the appropriate interventions, and to provide training to educators, Early Intervention professionals, and medical providers. In the spring of 2015, the state cut funding for The Autism Project.
Why autism matters
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This is up 30% from 2012. Being diagnosed with ASD puts you at a high risk of additional medical conditions and challenges.
What does The Autism Project do?
TAP is a collaboration of local agencies that provides a variety of resources and services.
Family and Community Resource Rooms– available to families, caregivers, teachers, and interested community members.
Screening and Diagnosis– Children will be screened for the possibility of ASD or other developmental delay.
Social Skills Groups– help children learn the social rules we typically take for granted, and develop a greater level of comfort in communicating with others.
Family Services– Trained professionals can provide family treatment, consultation, and specialized resources and supports to address concerns.
Support Groups– Parent Support Groups and Sibling Support Groups, educational workshops for parents whose children have been newly diagnosed with an ASD
Specialized Consultation– advice, recommendations, and referrals to specialists and other agencies as appropriate, available to parents and caregivers, educators, health care, child care and other providers.
Training Programs– for parents and caregivers, educators, Early Intervention professionals, First Responders, day care providers, and others.
Telehealth Presentations– short lectures and workshops on ASD-related
issues for Service Network Partners and community professionals, topics ranging from Differential Diagnosis, Genetic Testing, Clinic/School Teamwork, and others.
Funding cuts
In April of 2015, the state cut funding to TAP, with the Central Illinois office closing just two weeks ago on September 30th.
In Springfield, the center stopped accepting low income
children into its diagnostic and treatment programs in early August. And by the end of the month, the program no longer could afford to continue serving families without private insurance or other means to pay.
According to TAP’s director Russell Bonanno, “Medicaid doesn’t cover most services from The Autism Program, and families covered by Medicaid often can’t afford to pay privately for services that can cost up to $100 or more per hour”.
Simply put, families are going without services.
What you can do
- Contact your legislators
- Let them know how important TAP services are
- Ask that they support bill SB 2046
- Ask them to work together to pass a responsible, balanced budget.
- Visit http://www.save-tap.org/ for more ways to support TAP and help restore funding.