About Us

Committed to Being a Trusted Resource

We recognize it can be difficult to find the right services for a loved one with autism or developmental disabilities. This understanding has grown over five decades as Little Friends staff have walked along side families guiding them to resources and helping to provide care during uncertain times.

Our knowledge and expertise allow Little Friends to serve as a trusted resource to families and we do not take this responsibility lightly. Our professional staff work to earn this trust as we continue to expand and provide therapeutic and educational programming along with vocational and residential opportunities, continuing this legacy.

With a foundation based upon providing dignity and respect for those we serve, we strive to improve communication skills, life skills, develop independence and confidence, provide a life of quality and meaning, in a safe, healthy, and happy environment.

Empowering people of all ages experiencing autism, intellectual and emotional disabilities, and their families to live, learn, work, and thrive in their communities.

To, as an organization, be recognized as one of the premier providers of services in the state of Illinois addressing the needs of children, adults, and families challenged by autism, intellectual/developmental, and emotional disabilities. To provide whole person care through direct services and alliance partners the most robust offering of clinical and research support in the field of autism.

Little Friends was established in 1965, when teachers, parents, and advocates began a school for children with special needs. Since then, Little Friends has grown to a multi-faceted human services agency providing a variety of services for children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and social emotional needs.

Today, Little Friends services include educational and vocational training programs, community-based residential living, our Center for Autism, and respite family services. Our agency serves individuals and families throughout nine counties and over 50 school districts across Illinois. Little Friends is proud to be accredited by The Council on Quality and Leadership, the leading international authority dedicated to the measurement and improvement of personal quality of life.