The Autism Program of Illinois announces partnership with AMC Theatres

The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) today announced that it will once again participate in a partnership with AMC Theaters designed to promote Autism awareness among moviegoers across the state of Illinois. April is Autism Awareness Month, and during the month special public service announcements will appear on 167 screens at select AMC Theaters across Illinois.

The public service announcement, entitled “29,000”, informs viewers that 29,000 Illinois children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The PSAs direct viewers to a new website, www.29000.org, to increase awareness and promote early intervention for children with an ASD.

The 29000.org website was created to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. It will also be featured on the TAP website and the organization’s social networking page on Facebook.

Bronwyn Rains, director of The Autism Program, The Hope Institute for Children and Families said, “The numbers which the CDC released last week now indicate that more than 30,000 school age children in Illinois have an ASD. We want everyone to know the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention for these children. We are pleased to once again partner with AMC Theaters to help get this important message out.”

“AMC is an excellent partner and strategically selected theaters that are in or near communities where we have TAP Centers. This promotes many layers of awareness, including seeing the advertisements in theaters, visiting the website and having the option for direct contact at centers in participants’ own communities,” said Ms. Rains.

The participating theaters are

• 600 North Michigan 9, Chicago


• River East 21, Chicago


• Showplace Cicero 14, Cicero


• Showplace New Lenox 14, New Lenox


• Webster Place 11, Chicago


• Showplace 12, Edwardsville


• Showplace Carbondale 8, Carbondale


• Savoy 16, Savoy


• Showplace Mattoon 10, Mattoon


• Showplace Springfield 8, Springfield


• Showplace Pekin 14, North Pekin; Willow Knolls 14, Peoria


• Showplace Rockford 16, Rockford

The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) is the nation’s largest statewide autism services and resource network. Administered by The Hope Institute for Children and Families, TAP has 13 regional centers across Illinois, and more than 30 partners, including universities and nonprofit organizations providing diagnosis, treatment and support to children with an ASD and their families.

Learn more at The Autism Program of Illinois' website.

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