University News
Western Illinois University Autism Center Receives Continued Support from Tracy Family Foundation Grant
November 6, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University Autism Clinic of Excellence (WACE) has been awarded a $61,868 grant from the Tracy Family Foundation (TFF). This is the second year that the Tracy Family Foundation has provided funding to support the work of the clinic. This significant investment by the Tracy Family Foundation will continue to support the clinic's daily operations and aid in its expansion to better serve this rural region of Illinois.
WACE is a collaboration between WIU's Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) and Psychology departments, staffed with faculty and graduate assistants from both departments. Currently, WACE operates a two-part diagnostic model, which begins with a group screening day and then routes families appropriately for either a comprehensive autism evaluation, a speech and language evaluation or other behavioral health interventions.
"We are really proud of the diagnostic model that we have created here, as we are working more efficiently to move through our waitlist at a faster pace without sacrificing any quality of services offered," WIU Speech Pathology and Audiology Instructor and WACE Co-Coordinator Nicole Pierson said. Assessments are provided at no cost to ensure they are accessible to all families.
The newest endeavor of this clinic is becoming an Extensions of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism hub in partnership with the University of Missouri. ECHO utilizes a telehealth model to amplify best practices in rural and underserved communities by offering case-based learning sessions to bridge the gap between field experts and community professionals. The WIU ECHO Autism hub will be open to educational professionals in the western Illinois region in order to build capacity for supporting autistic children in their educational environments. This hub is expected to launch in January 2026.
Earlier in 2025, WACE was also awarded $7,500 from the Fellheimer Trust to fund a graduate assistant for this clinic. In total, WACE has received $69,368 in grant funding for the 2025-2026 academic year. During the previous academic year, WACE received grant support from the Tracy Family Foundation, Galesburg Community Foundation and The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri.
"We are so grateful for the tremendous generosity of all of these foundations that support the vision and mission of WACE," WIU Psychology Associate Professor and WACE Co-Coordinator Leigh Ann Fisler said.
To learn more about WIU's Autism Center of Excellence, visit wiu.edu/autismclinic.
Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
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