• Staff

  • Founders
  • Executive Team
  • Board of Directors

Chicago Autism Resource and Education (C.A.R.E.) is a 501(c)(3) organization led by an all-volunteer board made up of individuals who strive to help provide resources and education to families and caregivers of individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

C.A.R.E. was founded by Jean and Ron Thomas in 2014. They have three children, two of which have been diagnosed with Autism. Over the years the Thomas family has encountered many battles, some with schools, some with therapists and medical professionals, all leading to an array of knowledge and experience that in turn can be shared with the Autism community.

C.A.R.E. was formed to educate caregivers, parents, guardians and loved ones with the knowledge to become their own advocate for their child or adult living with Autism.

What is Autism?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the name for a group of developmental disorders. ASD includes a wide range, “a spectrum,” of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability. People with ASD often have these characteristics:

• Ongoing social challenges that include difficulty communicating and interacting with others.
• Repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or activities; symptoms that typically are recognized in the first two years of life.
• Symptoms that impair the individual’s ability to function socially, at school or work, or other areas of life.

Some people are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled. Treatments and services can improve a person’s nature and ability to function. Families with concerns should talk to their pediatrician about what they’ve observed and the possibility of ASD screening. The number of people with Autism is skyrocketing and more and more diagnoses are happening every day.