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Elim Provides Groundbreaking Autism Education Program

Oct 06, 2009

As the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders has grown 10 times more prevalent in the past decade, Elim has been on the educational forefront, introducing specialized programming for both adults and children with autism.

The Autism Comprehensive Education (ACE) program was introduced in 2004 and serves thirty children ages 4- 17. The ACE program was designed around specific educational strategies shown to be effective for individuals with autism.

In 2008, Elim launched its Autism Comprehensive Training & Services (ACTS) program to serve the growing numbers of adults with autism. Through this program, Elim became among the first in the state of Illinois to design a program for adults with autism. Through these two programs, staff members strive to help each individual become as independent as possible. Individualized goals are set and peer interaction, community integration, and functional life skills are stressed.

As a result, staff and families have been thrilled to see significant improvements in the both the children and adults’ functional living skills, academic progress, and healthy behaviors.
Bob and Anne Payne enrolled their son, Jeff, in the ACTS program two years ago. They have been thrilled to see how well the program fits their son’s needs saying, “The program works because staff works so hard to find the level where Jeff can participate. Staff has geared the work for HOPE Packs at Jeff’s level so that he’s able to accomplish and contribute meaningfully. He benefits from the great relationships with Elim’s staff and knowing that he does great work.”
Both ACE and ACTS are expected to increase their enrollment in the future in order to meet the demand caused by this rising epidemic. Because of this, funding is always needed in order to continue helping these precious individuals to reach their full God-given potential.