Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis
Supporting Children’s Development with ABA Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy uses individualized teaching strategies to help children with autism develop communication, social, and daily living skills while reducing challenging behaviors.
At Westside Children’s Therapy, we provide a warm, compassionate center environment that helps our children to thrive, and feel more confident in everyday life. Our therapists work closely with our families to support their child’s development in all of their environments with the ultimate goal of helping children at Westside to live a more joyful and meaningful life.
What To Expect From ABA Therapy at Westside
At Westside, ABA therapy starts with a thorough assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst™ (BCBA™) to understand your child’s strengths, needs, and goals. From there, a personalized treatment plan is created to guide their progress. Therapy sessions are led by caring Registered Behavior Technicians™ (RBTs™) and closely supported by the BCBA™. Our team tracks progress and makes thoughtful adjustments along the way, so every session helps your child grow skills, build confidence, and make meaningful connections at home, in school, and in the community.
Clinic-Based Care – Access to a full team of pediatric specialists in one setting.
Qualified Experts – Programs led by BCBAs™ and delivered by trained RBTs™.
Social Growth – Children build social skills through meaningful peer interaction.
Real-Life Readiness – Therapy develops skills for home, school, family, and community life.
Evidence-Based Treatment – A structured, medical setting ensures effective, data-driven care.
Team Collaboration – Interdisciplinary teams work together to support every child’s progress.
Clinic Setting
Clinic settings offer a structured, resource-rich environment that enhances the effectiveness of therapies like ABA, Speech, OT, and PT by providing consistent routines, specialized equipment, and collaborative care among therapists. Being in the same location promotes continuity, while the opportunity for socialization with peers helps children build real-world social and communication skills. This integrated setting supports faster progress and a more well-rounded therapeutic experience.
Costs
The cost of children’s therapy can vary depending on the type of service—such as ABA, Speech, OT, or PT—and your specific insurance plan. To get a clearer understanding of your coverage, give us a call for a free insurance verification check today. Our team is also happy to walk you through additional payment resources that may be available to support your family.
Staffing
At Westside Children’s Therapy, families can feel confident knowing their child’s ABA therapy is provided by a highly trained team. Our BCBAs™ are licensed in Illinois and create individualized treatment plans, while RBTs™ deliver therapy under their supervision. Many of our ABA staff are also enrolled in credentialing and training programs to further strengthen their expertise. This team-based model ensures every child receives consistent, evidence-based ABA therapy in Illinois, focused on building skills, independence, and a better quality of life.
Wondering if your child may benefit from an autism evaluation?
This quick questionnaire offers guidance on whether a full diagnostic evaluation may be the right next step based on your child’s communication, social, and behavioral skills.
What Can My Child Learn In ABA?
Self-Care Skills
- Brushing teeth, washing hands, and bathing
- Dressing independently (zippers, buttons, shoes)
- Toileting routines
- Feeding skills (using utensils, trying new foods, preparing simple snacks)
Social & Communication Skills
- Asking for items or help politely
- Taking turns in activities
- Saying “hi” and “bye”
- Following group instructions (lining up, raising hand)
Home & Daily Living Skills
- Cleaning up toys and belongings
- Doing simple chores (wiping tables, putting laundry in a basket, helping set the table)
- Following a bedtime or morning routine
- Managing personal items like a backpack or lunchbox
Community Skills
- Ordering food at a restaurant
- Paying at a store or handing over money
- Practicing grocery shopping (finding items, staying with caregiver)
- Riding in the car or using public transportation routines
Safety Skills
- Learning to wait before crossing the street
- Understanding “stop” and “no”
- Asking for help when needed
- Identifying safe vs. unsafe situations (not touching hot surfaces, staying with a parent in public)
Organizational & Executive Functioning Skills
- Following schedules or checklists
- Transitioning between activities smoothly
- Planning steps in a task (first/then)
- Building independence with homework routines
Find an ABA therapy location near you
FAQs
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Why is Westside considered the best provider?
There are many reasons parents throughout the Chicago suburbs trust and recommend Westside for ABA therapy. Above all, is our parents’ feedback.
Every parent is sent a survey at the beginning, middle, and end of their therapy services. It asks: “On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to refer Westside to your friends and family.”
Here is what parents say:
Average Beginning Score: 9.71/10
Average Middle Score: 9.83/10
Average End Score: 9.89/10 -
What does ABA Therapy cost?
Cost varies by insurance plan, number of therapy hours and other factors. Call us at 815-469-1500 for an insurance benefits check.
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Which insurances do you accept or covers ABA?
We work with a wide variety of insurance companies and HMO networks. We are always expanding our insurance network – click here to view the list of our currently accepted insurance companies.
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How often will my child need ABA Therapy?
The frequency of behavioral therapy depends on: (1) Our clinical analysis and recommendation, and (2) Approval from your insurance.
Getting Started
If you are interested, submit an inquiry below. Our Patient Coordinator will call to help you determine a plan forward. If you are still unsure, you can call us anytime at (815) 469-1500 for more information.