Chicago Guide: PHPs, Inpatient, Oupatient Programs

When I worked at an autism center, I was fortunate enough to connect with hospitals and agencies that have PHPs (Partial Hospitalization Program), inpatient, and outpatient programs. Below is a list of hospitals and agencies I learned about during my time at the autism center. These are a mixture of PHPs, inpatient, and outpatient programs.

Amita Health
Address: 1650 Moon Lake Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
*Click here for other locations.
Phone: (855) 383.2224
*Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient

Compass Health Center
Address: 2500 W. Bradley Place Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60618
*Location in Northbrook
Phone: (773) 649-5403
Email: info@compasshealthcenter.net
*Partial Hospital Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). On their website, I read that they service children, adolescents, young adults, and adults.

Edward Hospital – Main Campus
Address: 801 S. Washington Street, Naperville, IL 60540
*Location in Elmhurst
*Linden Oaks Behavioral Health – Main Inpatient Campus
Phone: (630) 527-3000
*From their website: “Intensive outpatient program for adolescents with Asperger syndrome who also struggle with anxiety and mood disorders”

Riveredge Hospital
Address: 8311 W. Roosevelt, Forest Park, IL 60130
Phone: (708) 209-4181
Email: Message them here
*Inpatient, PHPs, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Outpatient. They have an inpatient and an IOP program for adults.

Chicago Guide: Residential programs for adults

In this guide, I gathered up agencies in the Chicago and surrounding areas that provide residential services to adults with autism or developmental disabilities. My hope is that this guide will help you and your family members decide on the best placement, if you are looking for this option for your loved one. Side note: there are more agencies than the ones listed below. Tell me in the comments about agencies you know of that have residential services! 

Clearbrook
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Contact: 847-870-7711 or info@clearbrook.org
Lamb’s Farm
Location: Libertyville, IL
Contact: 847-362-4636 or info@lambsfarm.org

Misericordia
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: 773-973-6300

Envision Unlimited
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: 312-346-6230 or  info@envisionchicago.org

Rimland
Location: Evanston, IL
Contact: 847-328-4090 or fill out contact form

Riverside Foundation
Location: Lincolnshire, IL
Contact: 847-634-3973 or send them a message

Helping Hand Center
Location: Countryside, IL
Contact: 708-352-3580 or info@hhcenter.org

Guide: Colleges and Post-Secondary Programs for Students with ASD

In this guide, I included colleges, post secondary options, and also programs that help students with autism in the transition to college.

Some of these are in Illinois and others are in different states. If there’s a program or college you’d like to mention, comment below.

1. Eastern Illinois University’s STEP (Students with Autism Transitional Education Program)
Location: Charleston, IL
Contact: 217-581-2712 or STEP@eiu.edu
The STEP program supports students with autism, focusing on three main skill areas: academic; social; daily living. According to their website, “STEP provides additional support and services beyond providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities as required by the ADA.”
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2. Elmhurst College – The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)
Location: Elmhurst, IL
Contact: 630-617-3752 or elsa@elmhurst.edu
The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA) is a four-year post-secondary certificate program for young adults ages 18-28. The program follows the calendar year of the college and focuses on three main areas: academics and career exploration; independent living skills; social and recreational skills
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3. Options for College Success
Location: Evanston, IL
Contact: 847-425-4797 or info@optionsforcollegesuccess.org
They are a non-profit organization serving individuals 18 and older with special needs. According to their website, they focus on six areas of a student’s life: academics; career; independent living skills; finance; social skills; social activities
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4. P.A.C.E. at National Louis University 
Location: Chicago, IL
Contact: 312-261-3770 or paceprogram@nl.edu
PACE is a three year post-secondary certificate program for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities. The program helps to meet their transitional needs.
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5. College Internship Program 
Locations: Lee, MA; Melbourne, FL; Bloomington, IN; Berkley, CA; Long Beach, CA
Contact: 877-566-9247 or admissions@cipworldwide.org
CIP is a transition program for young adults with autism and with learning differences. They provide real life experiences in the areas of social skills, executive functioning, sensory processing, and wellness.
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6. College of Adaptive Arts 
Location: San Jose, CA
Contact: 408-538-3809 or info@collegeofadaptivearts.org
CAA offers classes in the arts, health, and wellness. They are a nonprofit that is, according to their website, “paving a new path for turning adults with disabilities into successful contributing citizens through the arts”.
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7. Adelphi University – Bridges to Adelphi 
Location: Garden City, NY
Contact: 516-877-4181 or bridges@adelphi.edu
According to their website, this program “offers individualized comprehensive academic, social and vocational services that are designed to make that transition easier”. Participating involves meeting with an academic coach and a learning strategist to develop an individual plan to address the challenges all college students face.
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8. Autism Spectrum Navigators at Bellevue College 
Location: Bellevue, WA
Contact: 425-564-2764 or asn@bellevuecollege.edu
This program provides advocacy and access services for students with autism, leading them to successful academic outcomes. Areas that the program focuses on are: executive functioning; social interaction; self-advocacy; self-regulation; career preparation.

 

Chicago Guide: Employment Opportunities for Adults with ASD

There are organizations in the Chicago area that have employment opportunities for adults with an autism spectrum disorder.

If you are an adult with autism or know an adult with autism, contact these organizations or spread the word to see if they have the opportunity you or someone is looking for.

For each one below, I shared briefly on what I like about them.

1. Urban Autism Solutions
I like how they have opportunities that utilize the skills of adults with autism. There’s two things about them that have caught my eye. If you know me, you know I love dogs and fresh produce. Check out their Washdog business by clicking here and learn more about Growing Solutions Farm by clicking here.
*Side note about their farm: it is open every Wednesday (10am-1pm) from June through the end of October.

2. AutonomyWorks 
A father of a young man with autism wanted to create job opportunities for people with ASD.  From their website: “We leverage the talents of people with autism – attention to detail, focus through repetitive tasks, and dedication to quality – to provide our clients with essential services.” Learn more about their story and business by visiting their website!

3. HarrysButtons.com at Easterseals
I love their buttons and have a few of them myself at home! You might also find a photo of their buttons on my Instagram feed. I like how they can create a button with any custom artwork you like. Learn more about their buttons here. Also check out the other products they offer.

4. Aspiritech
I loved reading about their history – how these parents of an adult son with Asperger’s Syndrome set up to start a company to provide employment opportunities to adults with autism.  Read their history here and browse their website to learn about what they do!