Pediatric Therapy Services and Autism Evaluations in DeKalb, IL

2568 Sycamore Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115

   779-260-5655
   dekalb@westsidect.com
   779-220-2189

8 AM-7 PM      Mon-Fri

Fast Access to Care for Children Ages 5 & Under

At Westside’s DeKalb pediatric center, families can access ABA, speech, and occupational therapy, along with fully remote, no-cost autism evaluations, so children get the right support in place without a months-long wait. The earlier care begins, the stronger the foundation for lasting growth.

Answers, Faster • Built for the Early Years • All Care, One Place • Unified Team

Get Started

When Should You Consider an Autism Evaluation?

Early identification is important, especially for kids under age 5. Potential signs of autism or another developmental difference include:

  • Delayed speech or limited vocabulary
  • Repetitive behaviors (e.g., lining up toys, repeating words/phrases, etc.)
  • Limited eye contact or difficulty engaging with others
  • Strong reliance on routines or becoming upset with small changes 
  • Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by sounds, textures, or lights

If you’re considering an autism evaluation in DeKalb, our team is here to support you. We offer virtual diagnostic testing so you can get answers sooner, and from the comfort of home.

The Westside Way at DeKalb

At our DeKalb clinic, relationships come first. Our team takes the time to know your child, partner with your family, and celebrate every milestone along the way. You’ll find a collaborative team that brings genuine enthusiasm to every session and creates a place where kids are excited to walk through our doors.

Our Pediatric Therapy Services in DeKalb

Families looking for pediatric therapy in DeKalb can access focused, individualized support in one place. Our team works closely with each child to build skills at a pace that feels manageable, helping them grow in confidence and independence over time.

  • Getting clear answers early can make a meaningful difference in your child’s development. Our SAIL program offers fast, no-cost evaluations with results in just a few days, supporting families seeking an autism evaluation in DeKalb. We guide you through what the results mean and help you understand the next steps.

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  • Our ABA therapy in DeKalb focuses on helping children build positive behaviors, strengthen communication, and improve social skills in real-life situations. Through structured, individualized sessions, therapists support steady progress at a pace that works for your child, helping them gain independence and confidence in daily routines.

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  • Our speech therapy sessions help children develop clearer communication, from language understanding to expressive skills. Using engaging, real-life scenarios, therapists support children in building confidence as they learn to express their needs, interact with others, and navigate everyday conversations more comfortably.

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  • Our occupational therapy focuses on helping children build independence in daily activities. From fine motor skills to sensory processing and self-care routines, sessions are designed to reduce frustration and build confidence. We help children feel more comfortable managing everyday tasks at home, at school, and in different environments.

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4.8
Based on 17 reviews
Joe S. profile picture
Joe S.
9 months ago
Our son was going here for the past Three years. He was doing so well. Allison was a great BCBA. Then some of the upper staff was changed and policy’s changed. Then after having one conversation about our sons behavior that was recently destruction of their property. We were told he’s no longer Welcome there. If we had a prior talk maybe it would or would not have made a difference. In this situation. But that’s why he goes to try to help his behavior. These children get enough rejection. But to be told this was very sad and discouraging just because of no warning!
Duaziah G. profile picture
Duaziah G.
1 year ago
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Duaziah, we are so pleased to hear that you had a wonderful experience with our Westside team. Thank you for your support!
Lydia V. profile picture
Lydia V.
2 years ago
Westside has been a breath of fresh air for us. They have made a huge positive difference in our daughter's life. They are the first special needs orientated group that we have encountered that actually have the skills needed to make improvements in her life! I just can't say enough about our positive experience here.
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Lydia, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re beyond grateful to hear that Westside has made such a positive impact on your daughter’s life. It’s truly our mission to bring the right skills and care to every child, and knowing that your family is experiencing that means the world to us. Your words are a reminder of why we do what we do, and we’re honored to be part of your journey. Thank you for the support!
Viridiana F. profile picture
Viridiana F.
3 years ago
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Viridiana, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our Westside team. We are committed to providing top-notch care to every child we work with, and your feedback validates our efforts. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!
Michelle L. profile picture
Michelle L.
3 years ago
The therapist my daughter had at her evaluation was super friendly and had alot of knowledge. I can't wait for our daughter to keep going here and explode with her vocabulary in the future.
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Michelle, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We are thrilled to hear about your experience with us, especially during your daughter's evaluation. Our team is dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for children, and it's wonderful to hear that you are looking forward to the future progress of your daughter's vocabulary. We share your excitement for her journey and can't wait to continue working with her to achieve those language milestones. Thank you for your support and feedback!
Lama A. profile picture
Lama A.
3 years ago
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Lama, thank you for sharing your fantastic review with us! We're delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with our Westside team. We are dedicated to providing top-notch therapy services, and your feedback reaffirms our commitment to excellence.
Maggie M. profile picture
Maggie M.
3 years ago
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Maggie, it's incredibly rewarding to hear that you've had a positive experience with our Westside team! Your support motivates us to continue delivering excellent results and making a positive impact. Thank you for your feedback!
Brooke W. profile picture
Brooke W.
3 years ago
I couldn’t be happier with my kids’ therapist. I truly feel she cares and tries her absolute best every session.
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Brooke, we are absolutely delighted to receive such a heartwarming review! Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with our Westside team. We deeply appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that you couldn't be happier with the care your children are receiving. Our dedicated therapists are committed to providing the best possible support, and it's truly wonderful to know that you feel their genuine care and effort during each session. Thank you once again for choosing Westside Children's Therapy. We are honored to be a part of your children's journey to success!
Kristen R. profile picture
Kristen R.
3 years ago
Great place and play-based for kids. My son loves it and his therapist is amazing!
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Kristen, thank you so much for your wonderful review of Westside! We're thrilled to hear that your son is enjoying our play-based approach, and it's delightful to know that he has connected with his therapist. We are fortunate to have an incredible team who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of the children we serve. Your support and kind words mean a lot to us, and we look forward to continuing to provide the best possible care!
Mary Evelyn S. profile picture
Mary Evelyn S.
3 years ago
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Mary, we are so delighted to hear that your Westside experience has been a positive one! We take immense pride in providing the best possible care for children and their families, and your feedback reaffirms that we are on the right track. Thank you for your support!

Begin Care at Our Children’s Therapy Clinic in DeKalb

Getting started with pediatric therapy should feel simple and supportive. Here’s what to expect:

1. Contact our team
You can call 779-260-5655 or email dekalb@westsidect.com, or submit a contact form, and a team member will be in touch to schedule intake.

2. Intake call
We’ll discuss your child’s needs, verify insurance and answer any questions you may have.

3. Service matching
From there, we can recommend the right pediatric therapy services & create a custom plan for your child.

FAQs

How long does it take to get an autism evaluation in DeKalb, IL?

With our SAIL program, most families complete the full evaluation process in 2 to 3 days—compared to the months-long waits typical at many providers. The entire process is conducted virtually, so there’s no need to travel or take time off work for in-person appointments. 

How much does an autism evaluation cost?

At Westside, autism diagnostic testing through our SAIL program is completely free. There’s no cost to the family and no obligation to continue with any services after testing is complete. We believe early answers shouldn’t come with a financial barrier.

Which ages does Westside treat at its DeKalb clinic?

We work with children of different ages at our DeKalb clinic. Our services are designed to support the developmental needs from early childhood through the teen years. We adjust services based on individual needs and age, but our goal is the same. We prioritize the child and help them build skills to support everyday life.

What should I bring to my child’s first appointment?

Carry medical records, reports, previous evaluations, and insurance details. We recommend writing down your concerns or goals so that nothing is left out during the discussion. Arriving a few minutes early helps your child adjust and avoid feeling overwhelmed in the new space. Also, bring along your child’s favorite toy to comfort them.

How are therapy goals set and tracked for each child?

We begin with an evaluation to understand your child better, including their challenges and strengths. Based on this initial assessment, we develop therapy goals and revisit them regularly. Our therapists observe your child’s communication and movements. We adjust plans based on your child’s response to therapy and development.

How often will my child need therapy sessions?

The frequency of the sessions depends on the child and their needs. Some children benefit from multiple sessions per week, especially at the beginning, while others do well even when they come less frequently. We aim to support your child without overwhelming them or you, and we develop a suitable routine to do just that.

Can therapy be customized for my child’s specific needs?

Yes, and it should be. Every therapy plan can be fully personalized to fit the child. We tailor our approach to best match your child’s strengths, areas for improvement, and developmental goals. We are flexible and adjust activities, pacing, and even goals as your child responds over time.

How do I schedule an appointment for my child in DeKalb?

You can schedule an appointment by contacting our DeKalb clinic directly by phone or email. Our team will help you find a convenient time and walk you through all the steps of children’s therapy in DeKalb. We are here to help you make the process easy and stress-free so your child can receive the support they need.