TAP Training Center at the University of Illinois Chicago

The Autism Program is a network of services and supports for childen with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. All of the services and supports are intended to model best practice standards for diagnosis, treatment and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, based on current leading research and expert consensus. The Autism Program consists of three Regional Centers and two affiliate sites which includes TAP Training Center at the University of Illinois Chicago.

The Institute for Juvenile Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago and The TAP Training Center at the University of Illinois Chicago are located at the UIC Chicago Westside Research Office Building.

TAP at UIC offers diagnostic assessments and parent training in the Colbeth Clinic at the Institute for Juvenile Research.

Family consultation and training is available for the parents of children who have undergone a comprehensive evaluation through The Autism Program as well as for parents of children who have been referred to The Autism Program for parent training by their providers.

Parent training involves six sessions focused on parent education, the formation of appropriate and achievable goals, guidance on problem issues and the modeling of effective interventions. School visits and home visits are also offered to each family receiving this service.

Structured Teaching and discrete trial teaching are used during the parent training sessions. Goals include social, academic, leisure skills, and developing and following schedules for activities of daily living or a series of activities (as pictured).

Staff work with children as a demonstration for parents. Parents are also asked to work with their child. Tasks used have visual clarity and a clear visual ending to enhance learning and participation (as pictured).

Structured teaching (TEACCH) and discrete trial teaching are used during parent training sessions. Tasks are developed based on the goals of each child.

Jessica Schultz, M.A. is a Family and Professional Educator and Early Childhood coordinator with The Autism Program Metro-Chicago Regional Training and Service Center. She completed her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Professional Psychology at Roosevelt University - Chicago, IL. Ms. Schultz provides services to families through consultation and parent training, in addition to individual therapy with children. She also provides consultation to classrooms affiliated with TAP and participates in diagnostic assessments. Her interest in autism spectrum disorders began as an undergraduate student at Illinois State University, working with Dr. Karla Doepke with whom she completed an independent study working one-to-one with young children, using Discrete Trial Teaching. Prior to joining The Autism Program staff, Ms. Schultz worked in a special education cooperative as an assistant in an autism classroom and then as acting teacher. She has nearly six years experience working with persons with autism spectrum disorders and has training and experience in the implementation of a variety of interventions including Discrete Trial Teaching, Structured Teaching, and communication systems.

Lana Roth, LCSW is Coordinator for The TAP Training Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Ms. Roth earned her Master's Degree in Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago. She is currently Resource Coordinator involving intake and scheduling responsibilities as well as providing resources for individuals and families. Prior to her position with The Autism Program , Ms. Roth held a number of clinical and administrative positions in residential, school, hospital and partial hospitalization settings.

Dawn La Brose, MSW, is a Family and Professional Educator with The Autism Program Metro Chicago site at the Institute for Juvenile Research and the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed her Masters of Social Work at Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 10 years she has had experience working with children, adults and families of those with special needs. She has worked in various settings including classrooms, hospitals (outpatient), recreational facilities, after school programs and respite agencies.
 
For eight years Dawn was a Fellow Teacher in cross-categorical classrooms at Keshet Day School working with adults and children with developmental disabilities. She designed and implemented curricula for individuals and groups with developmental disabilities. She also developed behavior plans and implemented IEP goals. For the past 9 years Dawn has worked at HAVE (Helping Autistic Voices Emerge) Dreams a non for profit organization serving children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.