Resources for Families
A short, curated list of outside help: national organizations, Illinois programs, books families recommend, and resources for providers. These groups are independent of Rise Up For Autism.
New diagnosis? Start here.
These three pages cover what most new families ask first: what an evaluation involves, what your insurance covers, and how to get started.
What to expect at an evaluation
Our neuropediatric team evaluates ages 2 to 12, usually within 10 business days.
See how it worksWhat your insurance covers
We check your benefits for free within 2 business days, including BCCHP Medicaid.
See insurance and financial helpHow to get started
Schedule an intake call or a tour. No diagnosis or referral required to begin.
See how to enrollNational
National organizations
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Disability rights and resources run by autistic people, for autistic people and their families.
Visit Autistic Self Advocacy Network (opens in a new tab)Autism Society of America
National information, local affiliate programs, and a helpline for autism support at every age.
Visit Autism Society of America (opens in a new tab)Organization for Autism Research
Practical, research-based guides for families, schools, and caregivers.
Visit Organization for Autism Research (opens in a new tab)Illinois
Illinois & local resources
Illinois Early Intervention
The state program for developmental support and services for children under 3.
Visit Illinois Early Intervention (opens in a new tab)Illinois Department of Human Services
State disability services, waiver programs, and support coordination for Illinois families.
Visit Illinois Department of Human Services (opens in a new tab)Blue Cross Community Health Plans (BCCHP)
Illinois Medicaid managed care plan information, including behavioral health benefits.
Visit Blue Cross Community Health Plans (BCCHP) (opens in a new tab)Reading
Books families recommend
Uniquely Human, by Barry Prizant
A neurodiversity-affirming look at autism as a different way of experiencing the world.
Visit Uniquely Human, by Barry Prizant (opens in a new tab)NeuroTribes, by Steve Silberman
A history of autism research and the disability rights movement that shaped it.
Visit NeuroTribes, by Steve Silberman (opens in a new tab)The Reason I Jump, by Naoki Higashida
A nonspeaking autistic teenager explains his own experience, in his own words.
Visit The Reason I Jump, by Naoki Higashida (opens in a new tab)Clinicians
For providers
Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
Certification standards and ethics guidance for BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT credential holders.
Visit Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) (opens in a new tab)Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT)
Plain-language summaries of autism research for clinicians and families.
Visit Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) (opens in a new tab)Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
The professional association for behavior analysts, with conferences, journals, and standards.
Visit Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) (opens in a new tab)These are independent organizations and resources, not services we run. We share them because families and providers have found them useful.