Illinois Center for Autism

Illinois Center for Autism’s Story
The Illinois Center for Autism was established in the fall of 1977 to provide a Children’s Special Day School Program. At that time, it was serving eight children with autism. In 1980, the Illinois Center for Autism received funding to initiate a Client and Family Support Program. In 1987, ICA received the funding necessary to begin programming for adult clients who had no day-training program.

In 1989, with the support of the Department of Rehabilitation and the St. Clair County 708 Mental Health Board, ICA succeeded in developing a transitional services program designed to teach functional communication and social skills as well as employment related skills.
When possible, clients work off site in the community. In 1992, ICA opened a gourmet Italian take-out eatery called “Pasta Fare”. This establishment provides an ideal site for vocational training. Clients are involved in all aspects of the business, learning to apply their functional academic, social and communications skills in a work setting. Clients are transitioned into the community for further competitive employment opportunities. In 2003, Pasta Fare was expanded to a fine dining establishment as well as an Italian take-out eatery.
In 1995, ICA entered into its first partnership with a public school to run satellite classrooms in the public schools. ICA is now operating six classrooms in satellite programs located in Granite City, Bethalto and Caseyville. In addition, Petals Remembered was opened to the public. Petals Remembered specializes in preserving flowers into a decorative floral arrangements.
A proud member of the United Way, ICA has not only been able to prevent the unnecessary institutionalization of hundreds of people with autism, it has also helped them to become productive members of society. The future holds great promise for ICA and the people it serves.

1. www.illinoiscenterforautism.org