The document describes a study on autism in Illinois designed to review relevant legislation, conduct on site visits to a number of programs, collect information about prevalence rates, describe the existing system, identify service deficits and gaps, develop a model comprehensive continuum of services from conception through adulthood, and formulate a statement of actions necessary to implement the model. Chapters address the following topics (sample subtopics in parentheses): description of the population (historical overview, current theory on diagnosis and etiology, Illinois population, prevalence rates); current service system (characteristics of the system, the Department of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities, the public education system, joint responsibilities); proposed continuum of services; prevention; preschool education (early identification, content of educational intervention, range of programs); education of the school age child (physical settings, educational programs and philosophy, personnel, teacher preparation, costs, staff ratio considerations and characteristics, assessment and curricula planning resources, parent involvement and counseling); residential programs; and the autism service center concept. Additional chapters cover a sample budget for providing a psychoeducational program for five autistic children, a summary of the autism study findings, a summary of Title XX provisions, a chart with legislative information, a copy of the autism bill of rights, and a list of references. (SBH)