º£½ÇÔ­´´

AARTS (autism) Center at Rush 

1645 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 603 Chicago, IL 60612
312-942-0819
Maria Aguilar: Maria_Aguilar@rush.edu

The AARTS Center at Rush provides SibShops to children ages 5-9 and 10-14. Groups occur during break times (summer, Thanksgiving, winter) and are free of charge. All participants must pre-register for Sibshops.

Sib Shop - Pediatric Development Center
913 W. Wellington Ave. Chicago, IL 60657
Ahren Hoffman: 872.843.0300 
ahren.hoffman@aah.org 

Available for children between the ages of 6 -17 years old who have a brother or sister with special needs or chronic illness. Sibshops are
ONLY for children who are typically developing. Advocate Children’s Hospital offers up to two different age groups per month for kids to meet peers, have discussions, and participate in activities via Zoom and/or in-person. Sibshops are are currently a complimentary community program of Advocate Children’s Hospital. All participants must pre-register for Sibshops.

Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital 

Children's Health Resource Center - Sibsensations: Program for brothers and sisters of children with special needs
Park Ridge: 1700 Luther Ln Park Ridge, IL 60068
Oak Lawn:  93rd St. & Kilbourn Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Kathryn Smart:  847.723.CHRC (2472)
kathryn.smart@aah.org 

Available for children between the ages of 6 -17 years old who have a brother or sister with special needs or chronic illness. Sibshops are
ONLY for children who are typically developing. Advocate Children’s Hospital offers up to two different age groups per month for kids to meet peers, have discussions, and participate in activities via Zoom and/or in-person. Sibshops are are currently a complimentary community program of Advocate Children’s Hospital. All participants must pre-register for Sibshops.

1815 S. Wolf Road Hillside, IL 60162
(708) 236-0979
Debby Mayo: dmayo@aspireofillinois.org

Quarterly sibshops: activities, games and sharing for children five and older who have brothers or sisters with special needs.

Robin Schroud, associate director of inclusion & community initiatives
3235 W. Montrose Ave Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 878-7868 ext. 3223

Free sibling support group where the brothers and sisters of children with disabilities, ages 3 - 16, are provided an opportunity to share their common experiences and feelings.  The casual atmosphere and recreational activities promote informal sharing and friendships among participants. These workshops typically feature crafts, games, stories, discussion and snacks.

Jessica K. Paganis, MSW, LSW, P.L.A.Y Project Home Consultant
16W241 South Frontage Road, Suites 35 & 36 Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 468-2341
jessica@thecenterforhopeandhealing.com

Group peer support group and education for siblings of children affected by developmental disorders. Call for meeting days and times. The Center for Hope & Healing is committed to providing therapeutic interventions that optimize the social, emotional, developmental and behavioral needs of children and families affected by autism and related disorders.

Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana is dedicated to helping people with disabilities become as independent as possible, while also providing support and resources for family members. Youth services include: Social groups for ages 6-22 (divided by age) for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are eligible to participate. We also offer a Dream Teens program for students ages 14 to 22 and Sibshops. 

Diagnostic º£½ÇÔ­´´: 630.261.6287 or mscholtes@eastersealsdfvr.org
All other services (English):  630.282.2022
Spanish services or if you live in Hanover Township:  847.742.3264
Center locations: Villa Park, Naperville, and Elgin. 

Easterseals Autism º£½ÇÔ­´´ include Behavior therapy, Feeding Therapy, Speech Therapy, Assistive Technology Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Nutritional therapy.  Additionally, they offer diagnostic evaluations, parent training and parent/sibling support groups. Serving children birth – 18. Some Medicaid plans accepted, as well as sliding scale; .

JCFS Sibshops
Primary Contact: Tammy Besser
255 Revere Drive, Suite 200, Northbrook, IL 60062
(773) 467-3751

JCFS offers in-person and virtual ShipShops for siblings ages 6-12. Teen Sibshops and alternative locations available upon request. View  

Debbie Tamez
Kankakee School District 240 Warren Ave., Kankakee, IL 60901
815-802-7787
debra-tamez@ksd111.org

Sibshop meets the 2nd Saturday of each month except for the summer break we take in July. We meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Avis Huff school 369 N. 5th Avenue in Kankakee. Lunch is provided at no cost. 

Little Friends Center for Autism: Sibshops (Sibling Support Group)

140 N. Wright St. Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 281-1895

Workshop geared toward girls who have a brother or sister with autism. During the sibshop, participants will meet other children who experience similar joys and challenges of having a special needs sibling. It will be a safe place to make new friends, discuss feelings and have fun. Participants will be encouraged to share their emotions and help one another to handle difficult situations. Fun activities and snacks will be provided. Group leader: Jennifer Gazda, LSW (runs Sibshops regularly, also a parent of a daughter on the spectrum).

815-407-1819
10 Montrose Dr. Romeoville, IL 60446

NWCSRA provides Sibshops - Age Group: 5-12 Siblings of children with special needs have unique needs too. This class will be a place where your child can connect with others like them, have time dedicated to them, talk about their brother/sister and most of all have FUN! 

365 Millennium Dr., Suite A Crystal Lake, IL 60012
(815) 477-4720, ext. 233

This program connects families to diagnostic locations, provided resources and referrals, helps to create a service plan for the families short and long term goals, provides consultation and advocacy, offers parent support group opportunities and support individuals with an ASD through Game Nights and other social opportunities. Sibshops for siblings available.

Web-based support group and webinar resources for siblings and familiares of individuals with autism. Virtual Group https://www.samssibssticktogether.com/sams-sibs-stick-together-room/ Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month and is a support group specifically for adults 18 and older, addressing the needs of siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

First launched in 1996 as a listserv, SibNet is the first Facebook group of its kind, dedicated to connecting adult siblings of people with disabilities, and other developmental and health concerns. Created by the , SibNet is a warm, thoughtful, and informative community where adult brothers and sisters from around the world share information and discuss issues of common interest. In 2012, the Sibling Support Project invited the to co-host SibNet. While we appreciate the interest of parents, spouses and partners, other relatives, and professionals, SibNet is a dedicated space for brothers and sisters, only.

Don Meyer, donmeyer@siblingsupport.org 

SibTeen is a place where teenage sibs of people with disabilities can connect with others who "get it." It's a fun, thoughtful, and inviting group where members share unique concerns, joys, frustrations, and information with others who truly understand! SibTeen is a closed group. This means that others can see that you belong to SibTeen, but only SibTeen members can see what you’ve posted to SibTeen. PARENTS AND OTHERS PLEASE KNOW THIS: SibTeen is a group JUST for teenage siblings who have brothers and sisters who have special needs and a few moderators. 

Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters
3800 N. Lakeshore Dr., #3E, Chicago, IL 60613
708-989-3619
info@sibsnetwork.org

Sibshops are peer gatherings that include open and lively conversations, recreational and educational activities which gives the siblings a chance to meet with other kids their age with similar family dynamics.

The Sibling Leadership Network is dedicated to advancing causes important to the millions of siblings of people who have disabilities. The more members they have, the greater impact they will have. As needed, they will contact you from time to time regarding initiatives, policy decisions, and sibling related-events that they think are important to brothers and sisters. To join, . Free to join; donations accepted.

Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) 

17934 Gages Lake Road Gages Lake, IL 60030
(847) 986-2567
sgeier@sedol.us

SEDOL Sibshop are at Laremont School for children who have a sibling with a cognitive, physical, and/or medical disability.

290 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 816-4866

Special recreation cooperative that serves seven communities: Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Grayslake, and Hawthorn Woods. Provides programming for individuals, families, and SibShops for siblings of individuals with disabilities.  

4205 Galleria Loves Park, IL

The Superhero Center for Autism is a non-profit organization offering support, education, and resources for individuals with autism and other special needs and their families. Offers support groups for superheroes, parents, and superhero siblings, as well as parents resources to help navigate through the special needs world including IEPs, therapy options, and daily life challenges. Sibling events ass well.

2915 Maple St., Franklin Park, IL 60131
(847) 455-2100

Special recreation cooperative.

(872) 228-7272
3dlegacyalliance@gmail.com 
Chicago - West Side

Provides consultation, IEP/504 Support services and family events, as well as violence prevention & reduction program for students K-12 incorporating social emotional skill developement. 

Ascension: Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center

1786 Moon Lake Blvd. Suite 208, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
847-755-8536
ahbhhheresourcecenter@ascension.org

Provides parent support groups (virtual) in English. Also provides resource navigation.

(AANE)

(617) 393-3824

AANE offers a variety of support groups for parents and community connection sessions, along with two Online Google Group Discussion Forums, one for Parents of Children and one for Parents of Teens to help you feel less alone and more empowered. Click to view programs for  or to view 

Debra Vines, founder, executive director
4415 Harrison St., Hillside, IL 60162
(708) 296-5651
The Answer Inc: dvines@theanswerinc.org

Co-ed monthly support group. Professional childcare available and refreshments served. During the first hour, a volunteer presents on a specific autism or special needs topic, also providing updated resources and available services. The second hour is used to share experiences and provide support to one another.

Support Group Just for Men
(708) 296-5651
dvines@theanswerinc.org

Virtual support group that caters to the needs of the fathers dealing with individuals with autism or other mental impairments. This group is male run and an important component to The Answer, Inc.

Always There Phone Line
Debra Vine, founder, executive director
(708) 296-5651

24-hour free phone support line that will provide counseling services, referrals to collaborating partners or just an understanding ear to listen to you.

Support Group for Grandparents – runs twice a month. Get notified when openings are .

: Navigating A New Autism Diagnosis – An Autism Speaks Community

For individuals and caretakers that need support navigating a new diagnosis of ASD. The general purpose is to be informative and supportive. All posts will be moderated before they are posted to the group to make sure that they are within the group rules. Group members must be 18 years of age or older. 

Autism and Special Needs Parent Support Group 

Stacie from 
staciegrn72@gmail.com 
Yorkville, IL

Kids are welcome to meetings. For more details, please e-mail Stacie at hawkie6@aol.com or call (630) 842-5689. Meets the second Wednesday of every month.

CAYR Connections aims to provide accessible, neuro-affirming resources for neurodivergent individuals and neurodiverse families in the greater Chicago area. Connecting to community events for ND adults, kids and families, caregiver support, and the Chicago Neurodiverse Social Club.

Free parent group that links families, primarily in the NW suburbs, to parent meetup and child playdate events. Events occur several times per month.  

 

Chicago, IL 60680
kimi@chicagoautismnetwork.org 

Chicago Autism Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping locals find and afford effective autism therapy & supports. Offers free monthly virtual parent workshops; registration details can be found on webpage. 

hello@chicagofeedinggroup.org 
Chicago, IL

is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with children who struggle to eat and professionals who work with children with pediatric feeding disorder. The Chicago Feeding Group offers education, support, and forums to build connections in Chicago and around the world. They host low-cost workshops and webinars for therapists, parents, and students highlighting current research and intervention for pediatric feeding disorder. They sponsor online support groups for families with children who are struggling to eat. for family as well. 

6040 State Route 53, Suite B Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 524-4000
info@coreconnectioncc.com

We provide individual counseling, parenting and family support, social & cognitive skills groups, & emotional regulation groups which include:  Social CBT, Social Theatre â„¢ and Zen Zones which blends the Zones of Regulationâ„¢ curriculum  with Yoga Kids.

 
1939 West 13th Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60608-1226
312-491-4110

include screening and diagnostics (ages 3-12), parent training, individual therapy, parent support groups, and resource support. available children ages 5-21. 

General line:  630-282-2022
Erin Skaggs 630-261-6201 (Naperville location) 

Easterseals Autism º£½ÇÔ­´´ include Behavior therapy, Feeding Therapy, Speech Therapy, Assistive Technology Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutritional therapy and diagnostic evaluations. Some Medicaid plans accepted, as well as sliding scale; . Parent support groups (no cost). Serving children birth – 18. 

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Serving Will, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford & Iroquois Counties
212 Barney Drive Joliet, IL  60435
815 741-5531

Support group provides a time of education, sharing, caregiver support, and to enjoy the company of other caregivers. The clinic also provides parent inclusive childcare during meetings. º£½ÇÔ­´´ available in English and Spanish.

Tiffoni T. Stepney, Founder & Board President
3400 W. 111th Street Chicago, IL 60655 
(773) 231-6376
everystepoftheway2022@gmail.com

Specializes in supporting families of adults with mild to profound intellectual disabilities ages 20 and up. ESW provides virtual support through individualized resources and/or referrals to clients that desire information in regard to recreation, education, health, social & daily living skills, & behavioral intervention. ESW provides free intake sessions, as well as free or low-cost ongoing individualized support.  See upcoming news and events here. 
https://everystepoftheway2022.square.site/esw-news-and-events

Family ECHO: Autism is a virtual learning program for families and caregivers raising children with autism. This series is designed to educate families so that parents and caregivers can learn to better support and care for their child with autism. As a collaborative environment, Family ECHO: Autism connects families with an interdisciplinary panel of experts. The series is designed to increase autism knowledge, build leadership skills for managing interdisciplinary care teams and provide strategies that can be applied for families and their teams. In a series of 75-minute sessions, you will learn, engage and build skills. See .

(217) 717-8016
mmutti@fmptic.org 

Supports with families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, birth to 26 across the state of Illinois. Provides education, support, resources, and community linkages for families navigating the Special Education system, experiencing key educational transitions, and seeking needed supports and services in the school and community. Offerings include: Individualized 1:1 support for families, Educational workshops and webinars, IEP reviews and guidance and Resources and tools to empower families and strengthen school partnerships.

Lora Slutsky, lslutsky@havedreams.org 
847-905-0702

Free virtual ASD parent/caregiver support group; occurs monthly. Contact for registration. 

IPI@JCFS.org
(773) 467-3751
Center Director: 773-765-3142

Integrated Pediatric Therapies hosts a variety of parent support groups to help families in the community connect with one another, offering a safe space to share life’s challenges and triumphs. Contact Integrated Pediatric Therapies for current offerings.

IPADDUnite is a Facebook group for parents/caretakers of children, teens and adults adult family member with a developmental disabilities. IPADD's purpose is to give Illinois parents, self-advocates, adult sibs and others who care a dedicated online platform for networking, advocacy and information-sharing so we know what's happening around the state, and can take action in our own local communities. We all learn from each other. 

Lake County Office: 377 N. Seymour Ave. Mundelein, IL 60060
(847) 949-4440
McHenry County Office: 5400 W. Elm Street, Suite 106
(855) 246-8531
info@lccil.org

Provides information & referrals service, independent life skills training, peer mentoring, advocacy and transition services.

LULA is a Chicago-based peer support group for women parenting or supporting an individual with Autism.

This is a play/support group for parents who have children with sensory issues,autism, aspergers, etc. I have found that it can be tough going through this as a parent and very confusing. I would love to meet other parents going through the same thing and give the kids a playgroup with buddies that are like them.

Western suburbs

Yue Xu, employment specialist
Felicia Li, employment specialist
218 W 26th St, 2nd floor Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 285-2287

Bilingual group for English, Mandarin, and some Cantonese speakers. Group meets once a month - they do not have set date. Discussions will be around the benefits people with disabilities who work, benefit planning such as Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, and respite services.

(based in UK)

for children of autistic parents & .

This online group has been formed as an outlet to share resources, kvetch, ask questions and get advice about your child with special needs (all levels from learning disability to severe challenges, developmental and medical). Parents and professionals who live in Chicago north and northwest suburbs are welcome, but please, no soliciting of services. 

Group of parents and professionals in N.W. Indiana who have, or work with, children diagnosed with autism, ASDs (autism spectrum disorders) or PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified). Their goal is to provide accurate information, support, resources, and hope for Indiana families of children with autism. Their objectives are 1) to promote understanding and use of applied behavior analysis (ABA)/applied verbal behavior (AVB) as effective treatments for autism, 2) to facilitate early identification and diagnosis, 3) to educate medical, educational, political and lay communities about autism, and 4) to help Indiana families stay informed regarding legislative issues affecting individuals with autism and their families. All monthly meetings have been cancelled until further notice. email inquiries to karen@infeat.org.

365 Millennium Dr., Suite A Crystal Lake, IL 60012
(815) 477-4720, ext. 233

This program connects families to diagnostic locations, provided resources and referrals, helps to create a service plan for the families short and long term goals, provides consultation and advocacy, offers parent support group opportunities and support individuals with an ASD through Game Nights and other social opportunities in English and Spanish. Sibshops for siblings available.

9100 S. Burley Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617
(312) 600-5479
admin@pexc10thward.com

Nonprofit organization providing virtual support groups and resource events to parents and caregivers of individuals with varying disabilities. The Support Group operates monthly, inviting various organizations to present on a variety of topics for families of those with Special Needs. To join the support group, visit the or email.  For residents of the 10th ward within the Far Southeast side and surrounding areas, PExC also provides access to their Therapeutic Sensory Gym and Resource Center (by appointment only), offering non-clinical parent-child sensory visits, limited printing and laminating, as well as access to computers for connecting to and applying for resources. Geared toward the school age population: ages 3 to 22yrs.  

Parent to Parent

Kara Wilson 
Matteso, IL
708-794-6509

Call for next meeting dates.

Free Guided Ebook from The Autism Therapy Group with supportive, real-life tips for families raising a child with autism.

Apollo Recreation Center - Support Group
12521 S. Kostner Ave. Alsip, IL 60803
(708) 389-9423

Free support group for parents or caregivers of individuals with special needs. Topics and speakers vary each meeting.

290 Oakwood Road, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 816-4866

Special recreation cooperative that serves seven communities: Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Grayslake, and Hawthorn Woods. Provides programming for individuals, families, and SibShops for siblings of individuals with disabilities.  the special recreational service of central lake county provides recreational program and services to individuals with special needs or disabilities, and their families who resides in the boundary of members agency communities.

Facilitator: Cheryl Rhodes, LMFT
Monthly Support Group (currently virtual): The Partner Support Group is for those in neurodiverse relationships with a spouse/partner who has a confirmed or suspected autism spectrum profile. The group meeting is a positive and supportive time to share experiences, gain information and understanding about how neurodiversity affects couple relationships.

4205 Galleria Loves Park, IL

The Superhero Center for Autism is a non-profit organization offering support, education, and resources for individuals with autism and other special needs and their families. Offers support groups for superheroes, parents, and fsuperhero siblings, as well as parents resources to help navigate through the special needs world including IEPs, therapy options, and daily life challenges. Sibling events ass well.

13318 W. Lincoln Hwy. New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 462-4273
kdecker@trinity-services.org

Parents should call ahead to register. Upcoming topics include: applied behavior analysis, increasing appropriate behavior, functional language training, managing challenging behavior.

Info@werockthespectrumshorewood.com 

Hosts monthly parent support group/monthly meet-up to talk about resources, connect and ask questions; open play for kids $5. Contact for more information and upcoming dates. 

8324 skokie blvd skokie il 60067

NAMI Support Group; For parents of children and adolescents with brain disorders, behavior problems or school difficulties. No formal diagnosis necessary. Sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). For more information please call  office at (847) 716-2252 or visit website.