Little Friends

read moreLittle Friends has moved to our new location at 27555 Diehl Road, Warrenville! This facility is home to our Center for Autism, Krejci Academy, Mansion High School, Respite Family Services, as well as our Residential and Administrative offices. Community Day Services, Inklude Studios, and Colorburst Screen Printing remain at our Downers Grove location, 2302 Wisconsin Ave.

read moreAt Little Friends, we empower people of all ages experiencing autism, intellectual and emotional disabilities and their families to live, learn, work and thrive in their communities. Our groundbreaking programs and nationally-renowned staff provide lifelong opportunities for growth, so those we support can work, learn, play and experience the joy of life's everyday moments. Founded in 1965, Little Friends has grown to a multi-faceted human services agency operating three schools, vocational training programs, community-based residential opportunities, and the Little Friends Center for Autism, a valued resource for diagnosis, comprehensive evaluations, therapies, and trainings for parents and professionals.

read moreLittle Friends' Community Day Services Program, housed at Spectrum Vocational Services in Downers Grove, has provided individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to achieve career and personal goals for nearly 50 years. Spectrum's Community Based Program allows individuals to choose from two tracks of services. In some cases, a combination of both tracks can be implemented into an individual's weekly routine to best meet his or her needs. Spectrum's Work Services Track is a vocational program for men and women with developmental disabilities.

read moreLittle Friends strives to help our residents enjoy the freedom to shape their own lives and make decisions about their own homes, friends and how they spend their time. Our breadth of experience in the field of autism has provided us with the tools to adapt each environment to meet the unique needs of our residents. Intermittent or 24-hour support is provided based upon each individual's needs. Those we serve also receive help accessing resources such as Medicaid, food (LINK) assistance and Social Security.

read moreThe Work Services program of Little Friends provides vocational opportunities to people with developmental disabilities. Individuals learn appropriate work habits, attitudes, behaviors and valuable life skills while working on subcontracted jobs and contributing to their community. Our program works closely with local businesses to support their operations while providing work opportunities to the people we serve. We have partnered with Spectrum for over 20 years and have received nothing but reliable, timely and efficient service.

read moreApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment that ensures learning for children with autism. Our ABA treatment team has been working together since 2002 to develop effective programming to teach core skills to children. We have watched children as young as 18 months go through our program who are now driving and preparing for college. All of the children we serve make progress working towards their own personal potential. We are accepting children as young as 18 months into our daytime ABA clinic along with after school hours.

read moreThe most powerful social lessons aren't taught. They're experienced through lasting friendships. With our Social Skills Groups, your child will learn critical skills like eye contact, conversation and more. A licensed therapist or special educator will facilitate participants as they develop life long skills that will help them develop meaningful relationships for life. Social groups are underway now! See our current groups below which your child can join. The focus of this Google Hangout group for teens on the spectrum is to discover their place in the world as well as their unique gifts and talents.

read moreOur Supported Employment Program helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain jobs in the community. Katie was asked to become a member of the cleaning crew at the Little Friends Administrative building. The hours are 7am - 9am. Keep in mind that Katie was a difficult person to wake up in the morning, so now she would have to get up at 5:30 am in order to get her "morning routine" accomplished. My husband and I explained all this to her and she was insistent that she "could do it". Well, it's been approximately a year since Katie began cleaning at the Admin Building and we can honestly say she has "blossomed".