$1.5 million grant awarded to Positive Development by Meridian provides essential care and therapy to children with autism at Metro East facility.

Positive Development, the leading provider of developmental care for neurodivergent children, and Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (Meridian), a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, are excited to announce the opening of a new facility dedicated to providing essential services to 200 neurodivergent children and their families in Swansea, Illinois. The facility fosters increased access to diagnosis and care for these children, who often have to wait up to a year or more to receive needed therapy.

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Positive Development's state of the art sensory wall caters to the needs of autistic children. (Photo: Business Wire)

Positive Development’s new facility features sensorimotor equipment to meet the needs of any child. This includes suspended equipment such as swings, a loft and climbing equipment, toys to promote cause and effect, constructive or pretend play as well as many objects for motor planning and postural support. The center also has a kitchen and dining area designated for daily living skills practices and feeding therapy. Families in Swansea and the surrounding communities will have access to Positive Development's team of specialists to support their speech and language, occupational and mental health needs – including Parent Support services that are core to every child’s individualized developmental care program.

“This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration among payers, providers and the state of Illinois and our shared commitment to make an impact in an area of great need,” said Mike Suiters, CEO of Positive Development. “We’re humbled by Meridian’s substantial investment in Positive Development to increase access to developmental care services for neurodivergent children in the Metro East area. This grant from Meridian is helping us enhance the lives of autistic children and their families.”

The facility was made possible through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and Meridian’s Pay for Performance (P4P) reinvestment program, which awarded a $1.5 million grant to open a new center in the metropolitan area.

“HFS is committed to connecting Illinois Medicaid customers to quality healthcare services and improving health equity and access across the state, particularly in historically underserved areas,” HFS Director Theresa Eagleson said.

“Our managed care partners have demonstrated their shared commitment to this effort, and the services this facility will provide will improve outcomes and make a big difference in the lives of neurodivergent children and their families.”

“Meridian shares the vision of HFS and Positive Development to expand access to care and improve health outcomes for neurodivergent children in underserved areas of Illinois,” said Cristal Gary, Plan President and CEO for Meridian. “With more than 1,400 members seeking care for neurodivergent family members, we are thrilled to be able to contribute to Positive Development’s work and will continue to work together to expand developmental services to these children and their families.”

For families interested in finding out more about the Metro East facility, they can complete this short contact me form. To learn more about Positive Development and its mission to provide neurodivergent children and their families the opportunity to thrive, visit positivedevelopment.com. Or find Positive Development on:

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About Positive Development

Since 2020, Positive Development has been on a mission to deliver developmental care to as many neurodivergent children and families as possible. Positive Development’s team represents dedicated parents, devoted family members, impassioned self-advocates, and pioneering clinicians. Together, they have experienced the transformative power of high-quality developmental care firsthand – personally, professionally, and scientifically. As the largest provider of developmental care in the country, Positive Development is committed to broadening access to this life-changing approach while establishing best practices in clinical support. Our dedication to outcomes measurement and evaluation will be of benefit to all families we serve.

About Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc.

Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and its family of health plans provide government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs. This includes Meridian's Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid plans, and YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois. YouthCare is a specialized program designed to address the healthcare needs of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) youth in out-of-home placement and former foster youth. Meridian connects members to care and offers comprehensive services to support lifelong health and wellness. Meridian is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Learn more at ILmeridian.com.

About Illinois Department of Health and Family Services

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is responsible for providing healthcare coverage for adults and children who qualify for Medicaid, and for providing Child Support Services to help ensure that Illinois children receive financial support from both parents. The department is organized into two major divisions, Medical Programs and Child Support Services. In addition, the Office of Inspector General is maintained within the agency, but functions as a separate, independent entity reporting directly to the governor's office.

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