Easter Seals received a $35,000 grant from the Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust through the Ameren Cares program in support of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Diagnostic Clinic. The clinic, with sites in Peoria and Bloomington, annually provides early identification, screening, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to more than 1,000 central Illinois children.

The Ameren Cares program connects Ameren Illinois with the communities it serves through charitable giving and volunteering. Ameren Illinois has supported Easter Seals since 1991, providing nearly $300,000 since 2006.

“Ameren Illinois has been a proud supporter of Easter Seals for more than 20 years,” said Stan Ogden, VP Customer Service and Metering Operations of Ameren Illinois. “We are especially gratified to provide resources to the Autism Spectrum Diagnostic Clinic project and enable Easter Seals to assist families and children faced with autism.”

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neuro-developmental disability that typically appears during the first two years of life and affects a person’s ability to effectively communicate and interact with others.

The Easter Seals ASD Clinic provides a unique regional service, and delivers over 35% of all comprehensive clinical ASD evaluations in Illinois. A clinical evaluation of ASD is the gateway for appropriate schools services, private health insurance reimbursement of services, and expanding community services. Easter Seals, accredited by CARF International, is the largest provider of early intervention services and direct autism services in downstate Illinois.

For information on the autism diagnostic clinic call Easter Seals at 309-686-1177.