Testimonials
I wanted to make you aware of a great resource for families in the Champaign-Urbana area. Her name is Julie Duvall, and I can tell you that in the very brief period of time I have known her, she is without a doubt one of the most dedicated and compassionate people you could know in the Autism community and Champaign Urbana is lucky to have her and the CU Autism Network in the area.
-Doug Good, CEO, The Place for Children with Autism
I'm not sure what magic Julie did, but I know after she had her meeting with the daycare staff, the confidence level of my son's daycare teacher escalated so much and we could just tell that his teacher was really enjoying my son being in her classroom and getting him more involved in the daily routines. My son has now successfully been in the same daycare for over a year, he has transitioned from the 3 year old room to the 4 year old room almost flawlessly and is now able to be at daycare for the first hour of his day without his ABA therapist being present. I'm really thankful that we had the Champaign Urbana Autism Network to turn to for help and I'm really thankful that Julie was willing to invest so much time into our family. She continues to check-in on our family's progress and she's even given me updates when she's run into my son at daycare. I would encourage anyone who needs support navigating transitions for themselves or their child to reach out to the Champaign Urbana Autism Network.
-Ashlee Beal, Parent
I had the privilege of working with the CU Autism Network on the beautification cleanup of Thomas Paine Elementary School. They did an outstanding job working together with staff and students. Had everything prepared in advance to make this an easy and time efficient project. All students contributed and had a responsibility in the beautification process. I highly recommend working with CU Autism Network.
-Jeff Hamilton, Cross Categorical Teacher at Thomas Paine Elementary School
When we saw our son Aidan wasn't hitting developmental milestones as a baby, we had an assessment done and immediately went into action, knowing Aidan would need special care. I like having other mothers that I've met in this organization to talk to about the challenges of raising a kid with special needs.
As a local radio personality, I've been involved in the Autism Walk since it started and like to get messages on the radio during the month of April (Autism Month) to create awareness and support in our community.
Stepping up and getting involved makes it easier for organizers to focus on bringing us more opportunities to share in sensory friendly events like the visits with Santa in December, skating with lights up and sound down at Skateland and the upcoming Walk & Resource Fair April 15th at the Savoy Rec Center 11:30-2:30.
"The Champaign Urbana Autism Network has been instrumental in our journey, providing the networking, social events, and resources to stay engaged in sensory friendly activities so we can support each other! So grateful for this group!"
-Diane Ducey (Stevie Jay Broadcasting, heard on ESPN 93.5, US1059, Q96 & Christian FM 95.3)
"I like doing things with my friends at C-U Autism Network. They know my name and make me feel included when I go to their events."
-Aidan Anderson, Student
"I'm not a real social person, but I know how important it is to get out and do things, so we stay connected with other families like ours."
-Mike Anderson, Parent