ABA Therapy

picture of children during an aba therapy session at Westside, photo used for 7 common misconceptions of aba therapy blog

7 Common Misconceptions of ABA Therapy

ABA Therapy, Children Activities

ABA therapy has developed into the most popular form of treatment for the symptoms of Autism. While ABA has been put in a negative light in the past, its course of treatment has changed drastically over the years, developing a list of misconceptions about ABA therapy. 

picture of an aba therapy reading nook, for the Oak Lawn Illinois Westside Children's Therapy

RISE: Westside’s School-Readiness ABA Therapy Program for Kindergartners

ABA Therapy, Children Activities

You child has graduated from IGNITE. Now it is time to RISE to the next level. In IGNITE, your child with autism was given the skills that would allow them to function in a pre-school setting alongside children ages 2-6. 

photo of a sensory gym that is used in an aba therapy session in Westside Children's Therapy in Illinois

What does an ABA Therapy session look like?

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

ABA therapy sessions are tailored to each child’s specific skills and interests. The below text is a real example of what part of a child’s session looked like. For privacy reasons, the child’s name, therapists’ names and Westside location will not be named. 

Two kids work with their therapists in Westside's IGNITE ABA Program.

IGNITE: Westside’s school readiness ABA therapy program for preschoolers

ABA Therapy, Children Activities

Is your child not quite ready to be in a school setting all day? Let Westside IGNITE your child’s readiness to be ready! Pretty soon, your child will be able to make that transition into a traditional school setting and be able to thrive.

featured image for the when to stop aba therapy blog on the Westside website for Illinois

When To Stop ABA Therapy

ABA Therapy

My child is in ABA Therapy, how long will they be? 

The best time to start ABA therapy is early and between the ages of 2 and 6. But there does not need to be a lifelong commitment to ABA therapy. There are several indications that will flag when ABA Therapy should stop.

picture of a therapist and a child during in-clinic therapy, as opposed to in-home therapy. This picture is taken at Westside in Illinois

In-Clinic Therapy vs. In-Home Therapy

ABA Therapy

Your family just learned that your child has an autism diagnosis. Now is the time to decide what your next course of action is, and also if in-home therapy or in-clinic therapy is right for your family

aba therapy program picture - activity time

FOCUS: Westside’s Newest ABA Treatment Program

ABA Therapy

Building independence in the community

It’s time to get FOCUSed! As the need for Westside’s services continues to grow, especially in ABA treatment, we are always making sure that we are expanding with it.

Child drawing in aba therapy session

11 Things to Consider When Choosing an ABA Provider

ABA Therapy

How your family and child are treated? It is important to find a therapist that both you and your child feel comfortable with and can trust. At Westside, we pride ourselves on being an ABA provider that treats clients and their families like our own family.

child-diagnostic-evaluation-wheaton

How Many ABA Therapy Hours Does My Child Need?

ABA Therapy, Parent Education

When a child is diagnosed with autism, the doctor may recommend Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as research has shown this to be an effective intervention. As parents begin to seek out providers, they will learn that ABA therapy is not a small commitmen

ABA Therapy Gym at Westside's Willowbrook Clinic

How Most Insurance Companies Cover ABA Therapy Services

ABA Therapy, Costs, Insurance

The most effective path for a family on Medicaid to receive ABA Therapy for their child with autism remains purchasing a private insurance plan during open enrollment. This can be done by connecting with a personal insurance broker. They will help you find an insurance plan.

photo of a child with a therapist during counseling. This photo is used for the How To Know If Your Child Needs Counseling blog article.

Does My Child Need ABA Therapy: 6 Essential FAQs Answered

ABA Therapy

ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement and other behavior techniques to help children on the spectrum improve their communication skills and overcome behavioral challenges.