Illinois Center for Autism

The Illinois Center for Autism was established in the fall of 1977. At that time, it was serving 8 children with autism. In January 1978, the Illinois Center for Autism was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Initially, ICA's mission was to prevent the unnecessary institutionalization of children with autism. It soon became evident that its mission could not be achieved unless it also helped the children's families. The first wing of the permanent building was completed in 1985. ICA received accreditation in 1992 from the North Center Association (NCA). In 1997, in celebration of twenty years of dedication, research and progress,ICA hosted an International Symposium on Autism. For the first time, seventeen world re-nowned leaders in the field of autism presented at the same conference. Not only has ICA 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.