Best Special Needs Schools in Lisle, Illinois (2026)

Giant Steps began in 1996, when a group of families went looking for a different kind of school for their autistic children. Today our licensed therapeutic day school in Lisle serves more than 160 students from dozens of Illinois school districts, ages 5 to 22, from kindergarten through transition. Every student has primary special education eligibility under autism and comes to us through a district IEP placement. LBS1-certified special education teachers lead each classroom with senior program assistants and paraprofessionals, and related services happen inside the school day: occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, social work, music therapy and behavior plans designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts using ABA. Academics follow the Illinois Learning Standards, and each student has a personalized sensory diet. We run 176 regular school days plus a 29-day Extended School Year for students who qualify. Our S.T.R.I.D.E. transition program for ages 18 to 22 teaches daily living and job skills through on-site roles like running the cafe cart and community volunteering at places such as the Morton Arboretum and West Suburban Humane Society. Adults over 22 can continue in our Canopy program, and Christine's Dream offers equine-assisted learning.

• Private therapeutic day school for students with autism (K-22)
• Autism
• Multidisciplinary team
• Community-based instruction

Welcome to SASED, the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County, dedicated to maximizing student outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Established in 1957, SASED serves a diverse population of students from Pre K to age 22, providing a supportive and inclusive educational environment that fosters growth and development. SASED offers a comprehensive range of programs and services tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Key offerings include specialized educational programs, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. The school employs evidence-based methodologies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Orton-Gillingham approach to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, SASED provides mental health resources to support students' social-emotional development, ensuring a holistic approach to education. What sets SASED apart is its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with a low student-teacher ratio that allows for personalized attention and support. The campus is equipped with specialized technology to aid learning, and vocational training programs are available to prepare students for future employment. SASED also emphasizes community integration and offers summer programs to maintain engagement and learning throughout the year.

• Special education school
• disabilities
• Private school