For Everyone

Our Resource Room provides parents and professionals access to a variety of books and resources regarding topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our staff can consult, create, and individualize visual supports and other free learning aids. We also provide information on other helpful community resources.  We provide additional services to the community as outlined below.

For Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

We can support self-advocates with creating supports, getting connected to programs and services, and provide individual consultations.  We also offer programs throughout the year for individuals with autism.  The target age and the type of program varies.  Please check out current programs for more information.

For Parents and Care Givers

• New Diagnosis Family Orientation Program: This two-session, multi-family group program is designed to provide introductory information about Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program provides an opportunity for families to ask questions and to meet other families who are on the same journey.
• Residential Treatment Parent Support Group: Provides support to caregivers of children or adults living outside the home. Dates and times vary; contact TAP for more information.
• Family Assessment Portfolios: We offer free Family Assessment Portfolios (FAP), a customized resource that prepares children in transitioning from early childhood special education to kindergarten. A FAP introduces the child to educators in a personal and easy-to-use format, promoting communication and collaboration between the family and school.
• Individual Consultation: We provide free consultations to support families with whatever challenges they may be facing.  Sometimes the best idea is to just sit down and talks things out with another person and we’re here to do that with you.  During the consultation we’ll connect you with whatever services you need.

For Professionals

All of the programs listed below are available upon request, and TAP can  provide the training on site at your location or at our office in Doris Kelley Christopher Hall on the campus of U of I. To request a training, please call Linda Tortorelli 217- 244- 0928 or email ltortore@illinois.edu

• First Responder Training: This training is appropriate for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and emergency room personnel. The curriculum provides information on ASD and basic response techniques. Current trends in law enforcement are addressed, and communication resources are provided to all attendees to more effectively interact with individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Early Intervention Training: This training provides information on screening, diagnostics, and intervention tools that currently comprise “best practice” in the area of ASD. The differences between a clinical diagnosis and an educational diagnosis are discussed. Attendees will also learn about the intervention needs and learning styles with ASD.
• Special Training Topics: We can design and present a customized training session to meet your needs.

For UIUC Students

TAP has a range of interns each semester.  The primary duties of TAP interns and graduate student staff include:

• Serving as an ambassador of the TAP Resource Center
• Assisting visitors in accessing TAP and family resiliency-related resources  and referrals inside and outside the resource room,
• Maintain the TAP collection, and
• Communicating with TAP staff
• Helping to facilitate TAP programming

For more information about TAP internships, please see our internship page.