Blog

Every person carries a world within them, full of potential, emotion, and the need to be understood. That is why Little Friends is doing more than offering services—they’re creating space for people to be seen, heard, and supported just as they are.

They’re working with children, adults, and families navigating autism, developmental and intellectual disabilities, emotional challenges, and physical disabilities. With each person, they focus on care that respects their pace, voice, and goals.

What they’re offering isn’t just therapy—it’s connection, trust, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging.

Little Friends has been a steady presence

This work begins early, with children as young as three, and continues through adulthood, offering lifelong support. For 60 years, Little Friends has been a steady presence in Naperville and surrounding communities, walking beside families every step of the way.

It all started in 1965, when Dottee Krejci sat down with parents whose children weren’t getting the help they needed in public schools. Inspired by one mom’s loving nickname for her child—“little friend”—Dottee helped launch a new kind of support. That name stuck, and so did the spirit behind it.

Today In a world that often forgets the small, everyday things that bring comfort—Little Friends is remembering.

Sensory input support

They aren’t just building programs; they’re shaping environments where health, dignity, and joy can grow. A dental clinic, not just for checkups, but designed to soothe those who struggle with sensory input. A medical space that doesn’t feel clinical, but kind. A hair salon where a child who usually flinches at the buzz of clippers is met with patience and grace.

These aren’t side offerings. They’re statements: You matter in all the small ways, too. Being seen means more than just a diagnosis—it means being understood as a person with preferences, fears, and the right to beauty, ease, and care.

“When we ask parents what’s hardest,” said CEO Mike Briggs, “they often say it’s not therapy or schooling—it’s simple things like doctor visits, dental checkups, or haircuts.”

Little Friends is focusing on exactly that—everyday moments that often become overwhelming. By creating calm, sensory-friendly spaces for health and personal care, they help families transform stressful routines into experiences of comfort, trust, and dignity.

Proud to spotlight the work

At the Illinois Autism Center, we’re proud to spotlight the work of organizations like Little Friends—because when one group rises to meet the needs of our community, we all move forward. Their sensory-friendly clinics, their lifelong approach to support, and their unwavering belief in human dignity set a standard we all strive for.

If you’re a family in Illinois navigating autism or developmental challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us at the Illinois Autism Center. And let Little Friends’ story be a reminder: the world inside your child matters—and some people see it, respect it, and know how to help it shine.