Autism Center at Western Illinois University Secures Grant from Tracy Family Foundation

Western Illinois University’s Autism Center Receives ,000 Grant to Expand Services

MACOMB, IL – In a wonderful announcement for families in west central Illinois, the Western Illinois University Autism Center of Excellence (WACE) has secured a generous ,000 grant from the Tracy Family Foundation. This crucial funding aims to extend the center’s capacity to better meet the needs of families navigating autism services in the region.

Since its establishment in the fall of 2023, WACE has become a beacon of hope for parents seeking evaluations for their children, providing no-fee autism assessments for kids up to eight years old. The absence of out-of-pocket costs significantly alleviates the financial stress on families, making critical early intervention services more accessible. In its inaugural year alone, WACE has fielded over 60 requests for autism evaluations across its expansive 145-mile service area around the university.

WACE stands out as a collaborative initiative among WIU’s Speech Pathology and Audiology and Psychology departments, blending the expertise of faculty and graduate assistants from these disciplines. In the first year, the staff successfully identified 96% of children requiring speech therapy and discovered that 43% could benefit from family therapy, again underscoring its vital role in early diagnosis. With 21% of evaluated children meeting the criteria for autism, WACE has proven to be an essential ally for families seeking early intervention.

Innovative Assessment Model

The grant from the Tracy Family Foundation will greatly enhance the clinic’s operations, enabling a new two-part assessment model that focuses on a team-based screening prior to comprehensive evaluations. Leigh Ann Fisler, an Associate Professor of Psychology and WACE Co-Coordinator, expressed enthusiasm about this approach: “We are committed to optimizing everyone’s time and resources to serve more families effectively.”

With these changes, WACE anticipates nearly doubling the number of families they can assist compared to their first year. The mission remains clear: to provide zero-cost evaluations devoid of financial barriers.

Nicole Pierson, an instructor in Speech Pathology and Audiology and fellow Co-Coordinator, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We feel strongly that we want to keep this a no-fee clinic because we want it to be accessible to all who need it.”

Supporting Local Families

The motivation behind this ambitious vision came, in part, from Terry Jenkins, the mental health program manager at the Tracy Family Foundation. During a site visit, Jenkins inspired Fisler and Pierson to imagine the broader impact WACE could have on local children and their families. “He connected us with funding and offered his support and encouragement every step of the way,” noted Pierson. Jenkins recognized the necessity for services within the region, stressing that WACE must evolve beyond merely addressing symptoms but strive for comprehensive solutions in early autism identification.

“This investment and commitment from WIU demonstrate a profound understanding of the needs for autism assessment in west central Illinois,” Jenkins remarked. His praise for the team’s dedication highlights the bright future ahead for WACE.

Looking Ahead

With the Tracy Family Foundation’s backing, WACE is now equipped to expand its reach across ten counties, from McDonough to Pike. The infusion of funds will bolster both the scope and effectiveness of the services provided.

Dan Teefey, President of the Tracy Family Foundation, emphasized the pressing need for local comprehensive autism assessments, stating, “Many families must search outside their local region or endure long wait times. WACE is pivotal in alleviating this burden and ensuring families receive timely interventions.”

In addition to the Tracy Family Foundation’s support, WACE has recently secured additional grants from the Galesburg Community Foundation and the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. Altogether, they have garnered ,000 in grant funding over the past few months.

For families seeking more information about the WIU Autism Center of Excellence and the services it offers, visit their website at wiu.edu/autismclinic.

This new grant not only represents a financial boost but a significant step towards guaranteeing that families receive the support they need, without the added worry of costs. The commitment to accessible, high-quality care shines a light on the critical need for resources in the autism community, making a positive impact on lives throughout the region.

Stay Informed

As the WACE programs continue to expand, stay tuned for more enabling developments aimed at supporting families navigating autism diagnosis and intervention. Let’s continue to advocate for accessible services that meet the needs of all children and families in our communities.