What is applied behavior analysis (aba) therapy?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for children is a therapy approach grounded in decades of research. It aims to explore why certain behaviors occur and uses that insight to improve those behaviors and teach new skills consistently. The goal is to break down complex skills into manageable tasks, making learning easy for your child.

Who can benefit from ABA therapy?

ABA therapy service is commonly recommended for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. However, other children, who struggle with communication delays, behavioral challenges, or other daily difficulties, may also benefit from it. If you notice significant concerns, you may consult a pediatrician, and they can help determine whether ABA therapy is needed for your child.

Why is Westside considered the best ABA provider?

When you're looking for ABA therapy for your child, you want to know they're truly seen—not just assigned to a program. At Westside ABA therapy center, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) take the time to really know your child: what motivates them, what challenges them, and what makes them light up. Every plan we build is tailored to your child, starting with a thorough assessment and continuously updated as they grow. We use naturalistic, play-based ABA—which means therapy that fits into real life, not the other way around. And because we believe progress made in the clinic should carry into your home and your child's classroom, we work closely with families every step of the way. We also have speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists right here under the same roof — so if your child needs more than one type of support, those teams talk to each other. You won't have to be the one connecting all the dots.

What does ABA Therapy cost?

The costs for ABA services for autism vary by insurance plan, number of therapy hours, and other factors. Call us at 815-242-3798 to check your insurance benefits.

Which insurances do you accept or covers ABA?

To ensure families can access our ABA therapy for autism in Illinois, 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.

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.

ABA Therapy Services for Children in Illinois - Westside Children’s Therapy

For families, finding a safe and supportive space for ABA therapy in Chicago shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Every child deserves care that is both reliable and individualized. At Westside Children’s Therapy, our licensed therapists provide thoughtful, consistent support using evidence-based approaches tailored to each child’s needs.

Supporting Children’s Development with ABA Therapy in Illinois

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 with ABA services for children that help them thrive and feel confident in everyday life. Our therapists work closely with families to support their children’s development across all environments, with the ultimate goal of helping children live more joyful and meaningful lives.

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Why Families Choose Westside for ABA Therapy

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.

Our Clinic-Based Children’s ABA Therapy Program

Our ABA therapy clinics in Illinois are carefully designed with your child’s needs in mind. We offer seamless ABA therapy services, supported by additional interventions such as speech and occupational therapy, to ensure holistic care. Here, your child receives everything they need under one roof: licensed therapists, a stimulating environment, and specialized support.

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 to socialize 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 better understand your coverage, give us a call today for a free insurance verification. Our team will also be 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.

start the pre-screening

What Can My Child Learn Through ABA Therapy?

Our ABA services focus on helping children build skills that matter in everyday life. We aim to support progress not just in the clinic, but at home, in school, and in social settings. This includes developing practical skills like getting dressed, asking for help, and interacting with peers. As these abilities grow, children often become more confident and independent in their daily routines. Our goal is to help your child navigate everyday life with greater ease and confidence over time.

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

Start Your Child’s ABA Therapy Journey at Westside

Taking the first step can feel like the hardest part, and we understand that. That’s why we aim to make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your family. Getting started with Westside is simple. You can contact us by phone or simply submit an inquiry, and our compassionate Patient Coordinators will reach out to you and walk you through the process.
We listen to understand your child’s needs and help you understand the best way forward. From the very start, we explain what you can expect.
At Westside, there’s no pressure, just real conversations to support your child’s ABA journey. Get in touch with us to get started!

Find an ABA Therapy Location Near You

Locations

FAQs

What is applied behavior analysis (aba) therapy?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for children is a therapy approach grounded in decades of research. It aims to explore why certain behaviors occur and uses that insight to improve those behaviors and teach new skills consistently. The goal is to break down complex skills into manageable tasks, making learning easy for your child.
Who can benefit from ABA therapy?

ABA therapy service is commonly recommended for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. However, other children, who struggle with communication delays, behavioral challenges, or other daily difficulties, may also benefit from it. If you notice significant concerns, you may consult a pediatrician, and they can help determine whether ABA therapy is needed for your child.
Why is Westside considered the best ABA provider?

When you’re looking for ABA therapy for your child, you want to know they’re truly seen—not just assigned to a program. At Westside ABA therapy center, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) take the time to really know your child: what motivates them, what challenges them, and what makes them light up. Every plan we build is tailored to your child, starting with a thorough assessment and continuously updated as they grow.

We use naturalistic, play-based ABA—which means therapy that fits into real life, not the other way around. And because we believe progress made in the clinic should carry into your home and your child’s classroom, we work closely with families every step of the way. We also have speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists right here under the same roof — so if your child needs more than one type of support, those teams talk to each other. You won’t have to be the one connecting all the dots.
What does ABA Therapy cost?

The costs for ABA services for autism vary by insurance plan, number of therapy hours, and other factors. Call us at 815-469-1500 for an insurance benefits check.
Which insurances do you accept or covers ABA?

To ensure families can access our ABA therapy for autism in Illinois, 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.
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.