NORMAL - Central Illinois children with autism now have more options at an Illinois State University clinic, thanks to its joining a broader state group.

The Autism Program of Springfield - which began three years ago with sites in Chicago, Springfield and Carbondale - has added program sites in Champaign and Normal.

ISU has operated autism services through its psychology department for several years. But a $100,000 interdisciplinary grant from the Autism Program expands services to include work with special education professionals, as well.

Two ISU colleges - Arts and Sciences and Education - will oversee the new ISU-based Autism Program Outreach Center.

"The services have been greatly expanded," for Central Illinois residents, said Stacey Bock, an ISU special education professor.

Bock and ISU psychology professor Karla Doepke will co-direct the Normal outreach center

More staff as well as home and school visits will be added to the services, she said.

And, the expansion means staff will be able to work more on socialization and behavior issues for students, said Bock.

A new bridge program will send specialists on home and school visits, providing more attention to each student, said Bock.

The program, which the Illinois General Assembly has assigned $2.5 million for 2006, works with 11 universities and 22 Illinois school districts, special education cooperatives, and community agencies.

On the Net

http://www.theautismprogram.org