630.355.6533 Careers Locations Donate Contact

60th Anniversary

Serving children, adults, and families challenged by autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities since 1965.

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.

I love my school

“I love my school because I have great teachers and friends.”

I like to socialize and laugh

“I like to socialize and laugh with my friends every day.”

Little Friends staff are remarkable people

“As parents, we feel truly thankful and blessed for the opportunities that Little Friends has provided and offered. Little Friends staff are remarkable people who are dedicated to what they do and those they serve.”

Good times with friends and people who care

“For my son, this has not been just a school but the place where he spends good times with friends and people who care about him.”

How grateful we are

“How grateful we are to all the angels who work with our son at Little Friends. This is his home.”

Krejci means so much to Us

“Krejci means so much to us because it’s been the one place that has truly helped my child excel and grow; the place that he is not judged or made to feel different but accepted. I am so appreciative of the patience, care, and hard work from all the Krejci staff.”

Positive Impact on our Family

“Respite has had such a positive impact on our family. We love that our kids can socialize with other families that share our similarities. It gives me comfort knowing he is in good hands”