Programs & Services

Have Dreams autism programs are based on Structured Teaching developed by Division TEACCH, at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

At the core of all of our autism programs are goals for socialization, independence and communication. Participants are paired with a typically developing peer who has been trained as a social buddy and/or a staff member to facilitate social development. Opening and closing activities involve the whole group. Participants learn new concepts and are able to rehearse and expand social skills and language in a comfortable and familiar environment.

Have Dreams also uses sports as a way to instill social and communication skills. Through the Johnny Bach Sports Education program we provide children with autism the opportunity to particpate in activities they would otherwise be unable to access. We have themed units of learning for a variety of sports and feature a Special Olympics Aquatics and Track and Field teams.

Social Buddies

The Social Buddy program allows local children and teens to act as peer mentors for the Have Dreams participants. We provide training for these volunteers to actively assist program staff during program activities on-site. Social Buddies are asked to commit to volunteering for one class per week for the session. Have Dreams staff also mentors our young volunteers who are interested in pursuing careers in autism and special education. Social Buddies must be 8-17 years old, to apply please contact Have Dreams at 847-685-0250.

Locations

Have Dreams has locations in Park Ridge and Evanston, Illinois serving over 140 children and families with autism.

Program Schedule

Park Ridge 2012 Program Schedule Winter/Spring Session (20 weeks) January 9 - March 17 March 26 - June 2 No Programs: 4/6, 4/7, 5/25, 5/26, 5/28 Summer Session (10 weeks) June 11 - August 18 No Programs: 7/4, 7/5 Fall Session (14 weeks) September 4 - December 10 No Programs: 11/21, 11/22, 11/23, 11/24

After School and Weekend Programs

Social Skills Programs 1 & 2 SS 1: Ages 6-10 SS 2: Ages 8-11 This is a center-based program in which children are engaged in social learning opportunities and activities. Thematic units are integrated in each learning center. Learning centers include games, reading, art, gross motor activities, cooking and music.

Wee Dream Preschool Program

Ages 18 mo-2

Teen and Young Adult Program

Ages 14 & older A program developed for teens and young adults to develop daily living skills and independence in a structured environment.

Special Olympics

Have Dreams Special Olympics Programs Aquatics Northwestern University Spac Pool, Evanston., IL Saturdays 12:00-1:30 PM (ages 8 & older)

Tutoring - Specialized Individual Therapy

Have Dreams offers two areas of specialized therapy programs.

Diagnostics & Assessment

Have Dreams offers comprehensive diagnostic and autism assessment services. For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact Dr. Jeff Salt at 847.685.0250 or jsalt@havedreams.org.

Consultation Services at School & at Home

Have Dreams offers school and home consults for individuals and families. For more information please contact Have Dreams in Park Ridge at 847.685.0250.

Support for Families

Have Dreams offers various supports for families living with autism, including: