The Alexander Leigh Center for Autism (ALCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, full-day, year-round therapeutic day school approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The day school serves children from the ages of 3-22 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), OHI, multiple disabilities, developmental delay, and/or intellectual disabilities. The students who come to ALCA typically require one-to-one support and intensive therapies to make measurable gains. Our student population comes from local public school districts where the student requires a more intensive placement to meet their educational and behavioral needs.
Our History
ALCA was founded in 2004 by Dorie Hoevel and Kelly Weaver at a kitchen table over Chinese food. Best friends and both mothers of a child diagnosed with autism, they agreed their children needed more individualized support than what was available. With no formal background in the field of education and fueled by passion and perseverance, these two dedicated mothers set out to establish a school specifically designed to meet the needs of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Together, they created a place where children with autism can reach their full individual potential in a caring and safe environment.
Our Mission
Our school works each day to meet the individualized needs of each of our students. We help them develop life skills and vocational opportunities with a goal of successful adult life experiences. We grow along with our students and plan for their future and ours. Our vision is to create strong community relationships and partnerships that provide job training and help to secure employment for our students. As our students become older, we will help to secure residential assistance and/or on-site housing. Sustainable business endeavors keep our school and adult programs thriving in perpetuity.
Our Vision
Helping Children With Autism and Those That Love Them to THRIVE!
ALCA’s focus is to teach our students the skills necessary to achieve functional independence. We provide an environment where children on the autism spectrum can develop to their full potential academically, emotionally, socially, communicatively, and physically. It is our belief that addressing these characteristics through a child-centered team approach following a therapeutic, holistic, interdisciplinary model – with an emphasis on generalization of skills to home and the community – provides the best path for success.
