What Is Family-Centered ABA Therapy? How It Helps Parents and Siblings Too
QUICK ANSWER Family-centered ABA therapy treats the whole family as part of the team. Along […]
Therapy
Trusted ABA Therapy Clinic in Illinois
Care that's built around your child and your family.What Is ABA Therapy?
Applied behavior analysis therapy for children with autism is a research-backed treatment that uses positive reinforcement to build communication, self-care, and social skills. It’s based on the science of learning and behavior and focuses on increasing independence and promoting safer behaviors.
At Westside, our ABA team is passionate about changing kids’ lives. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), speech therapists, and occupational therapists work together so no part of your child’s progress falls through the cracks.
There is no one-size-fits-all number of ABA hours at Westside.
We believe therapy should fit the child, not the other way around. Every child is different, which is why our ABA recommendations are individualized based on your child’s needs, goals, and the level of support that will make the greatest impact.
Parents Ask
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How does ABA therapy help children with autism?
ABA helps children with autism learn new skills and work through challenging behaviors using positive reinforcement. Over time, children make progress in communication, independence, and social connection. Goals are based on your child’s specific needs, not a standard curriculum.
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Is ABA therapy only for children with autism?
ABA is best known as an autism intervention, but the approach can support any child who benefits from structured learning and skill-building. It is also used for children with developmental delays, ADHD, and other behavioral needs.
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What does ABA therapy actually look like day to day?
At Westside, ABA does not look like a child sitting at a table running drills. Sessions are built around natural environment teaching. Your child learns through play, movement, peer interaction, and activities that feel meaningful to them. Our clinics host talent shows, animal visits, and seasonal events. We want kids to look forward to coming in.
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What is the difference between a BCBA and an RBT?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a licensed clinician who evaluates your child, creates their treatment plan, and supervises therapy. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) carries out the plan during sessions under the BCBA’s direction. At Westside, BCBAs stay actively involved in each child’s care throughout.
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Skills Children Build Through Our ABA Therapy Services
Our ABA therapy for autism in Illinois focuses on helping children build skills that matter every day. Through clinic-based therapy, we help children develop skills that support their success at home, at 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
Find an ABA Therapy Location Near You
LOCATIONSWhat Happens During an ABA Therapy Session?
Westside’s ABA therapy services are fully tailor-made. Every session begins with a plan built around your child’s specific needs and goals. An RBT works one-on-one with your child, using the strategies their BCBA has designed.
Learning Skills in Real-Life Moments
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is one way we help children practice skills through everyday activities and interactions. Instead of only practicing a skill during a structured exercise, an RBT might work on communication while your child chooses a toy, taking turns while playing with peers, or following directions during a daily routine. These natural opportunities help children learn when and how to use their skills beyond therapy, including at home, school, and in the community.
During a typical session, you can expect:
✓ One-on-one support: Your child works directly with an RBT.
✓ Learning through everyday activities: Sessions include a mix of play, activities, and routines that give your child opportunities to practice skills.
✓ Ongoing progress tracking: RBTs collect data throughout each session so your child’s BCBA can see what’s working and make adjustments.
Depending on your child’s treatment plan, sessions may focus on transitions, language, following instructions, social interaction, self-care, communication, or building safer behaviors. Parents also receive regular updates as their child progresses.
Parents Ask
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What does an ABA therapist do during a therapy session?
An RBT teaches the specific skills your child’s BCBA has identified for treatment. They may demonstrate a skill, give verbal or visual prompts, reward successful attempts, and repeat activities to help your child learn. As your child improves, the RBT gradually provides fewer prompts so they can complete the skill more independently. They also record how your child responds throughout the session so the BCBA can monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
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How long does an ABA therapy session usually last?
Most ABA therapy sessions run anywhere between 2 and 4 hours. The exact time depends on your child’s individualized treatment plan, authorized hours, and age. Those just starting children’s ABA therapy often have shorter sessions that gradually grow longer as they adjust to the new environment and routine.
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How does an ABA therapist track my child’s progress during sessions?
At our ABA therapy clinic, an RBT records how your child responds to specific activities and goals each session. For example, they may track how often your child completes a self-care task independently, uses a communication skill, or responds appropriately during a social interaction. The BCBA reviews this data over time to identify patterns, measure progress toward treatment goals, and decide when to adjust a goal, teaching strategy, or level of support.
How Much ABA Therapy Does My Child Need?
This is one of the first questions most families ask, and it deserves a real answer. No single number of therapy hours works for every child.
When a BCBA at Westside develops a treatment plan, they look at the whole picture. That includes the number and complexity of your child’s goals, any behaviors that may be getting in the way of learning, co-occurring medical needs, and what level of family involvement will best support progress at home.
We do not believe that more hours automatically means more progress. What matters is whether your child is moving toward goals that improve their quality of life and help them thrive at home, at school, and in their community.
Across the ABA industry, some providers routinely recommend 30-40 hours of therapy per week for most children. While that level of support may be appropriate for some children, we don’t believe a single number of hours works for every family.
At Westside, we take an individualized approach. Our goal is to recommend the level of support each child truly needs, not the maximum amount of therapy possible. As a result, Westside’s ABA program generally averages around 15 hours per week.
Traditional intensive ABA*
25-40 hours per week
Westside average
15 hours per week
At the same time, we believe consistency matters. Once a family and clinical team have developed a treatment plan together, children are most likely to make progress when they receive enough therapy to build skills, maintain momentum, and achieve the goals that matter to them. For that reason, we work closely with families to create treatment plans that are both clinically appropriate and realistic for family life.
Most importantly, we never make these decisions in isolation. Parents and caregivers are essential members of the care team, and we partner with families every step of the way to create a plan that reflects their child’s needs, their family’s goals, and the life they want to build together.
*Hours vary by child based on individualized treatment plans. Source: Autism Speaks
Want a deeper explanation of how therapy hours are determined?
→ Read: How Much ABA Therapy Does My Child Need
Treatment plans are never fixed. Your child’s BCBA continuously reassesses their development and adjusts hours and goals as they grow. Your family is part of every decision along the way.
Parents Ask
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How long does ABA therapy take to work?
Most families notice meaningful changes within 3 to 6 months, though the timeline depends on your child’s goals, therapy hours, and how consistently you reinforce skills at home. Progress is not linear. Some skills develop quickly; others take longer. Your child’s BCBA tracks progress closely and keeps you updated throughout.
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Does my child need 40 hours of ABA therapy per week?
Not at Westside. We believe the 40-hour-per-week model is outdated, and it stems from older research; more recent evidence shows that quality and fit matter as much as quantity. That’s why we take an individualized approach to recommend the level of support each child truly needs, not the maximum amount of therapy possible. As a result, Westside’s ABA program generally averages around 15 hours per week.
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How do I know if ABA therapy is working?
Your child’s BCBA tracks progress during every session and reviews it regularly. You will see that reflected in updated treatment plans and goal benchmarks. Families at Westside have direct access to evaluations and progress notes, and we make time for real conversation along the way, not just formal check-ins.
Our Approach to ABA Therapy
ABA at Westside is built on the idea that real progress happens when children feel safe, engaged, and respected. We build cooperation through trust, not force.
Consent-based care: We build cooperation through trust, never force. We honor what a child communicates, even when they cannot yet use words.
Engaging environments: Our clinics host talent shows, animal visits, and seasonal events. We want kids to look forward to coming in.
Family involvement: Siblings are welcome. Families receive photo updates throughout the day. You stay informed, not just at scheduled check-ins.
Full transparency: You have immediate access to your child’s evaluations and progress notes. Before therapy begins, you will know the week-by-week cost. No surprises.
Why Choose Westside as Your ABA Therapy Clinic in Illinois
Every ABA therapy service approaches care a little differently. For families seeking ABA therapy in Chicago and across Illinois, Westside brings together individualized treatment, expert care, and ongoing support for your child. Here’s what that looks like:
ABA Therapy That Grows With Your Child
Your child’s ABA plan isn’t set in stone. Their BCBA starts by getting to know their strengths, needs, and goals, then builds treatment around them. As your child learns new skills and their needs change, their BCBA can adjust goals, strategies, and recommended therapy hours to keep their care moving forward.
Multidisciplinary Pediatric Therapy
Many children benefit from more than one type of therapy. With Westside ABA therapy plans, you get access to occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, and feeding specialists, coordinating care across multiple disciplines so recommendations don't conflict.
A Front-Row Seat to Their Progress
Get a window into your child’s day with photo updates that capture what they’re learning, doing, and enjoying in therapy. You’ll also have access to progress notes and evaluations, with regular BCBA meetings to celebrate progress, talk through goals, and discuss what comes next.
Making Memories Along the Way
There’s always something to look forward to at Westside. Kids can perform in talent shows, dress up for seasonal celebrations, join family activities, explore community festivals, and take part in sensory-friendly events. It’s a fun way to try new experiences, connect with peers, and practice skills out in the community.
Quality Care Closer to Home
With 30 locations across the state, families can find Westside ABA services for children closer to home. Our network provides access to ABA therapy in Illinois and connects families with Westside’s broader pediatric therapy team.
What Parents Say About Our ABA Therapy
Find an ABA Therapy Location Near You
LOCATIONSScheduling ABA Therapy: What to Expect
We know families have work schedules, siblings, school routines, and all the unpredictability that comes with real life. If you need a shorter week, different timing, or flexibility around certain commitments, we work with you to find an arrangement that makes sense.
After-school slots are in high demand, and we are upfront with families about that. But we do not give up. We actively work to find availability and reach out as soon as something opens up.
Have questions about scheduling, after-school appointments, or balancing therapy with your family’s routine?
→ Read: Scheduling ABA Therapy: What to Expect
Parents Ask
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Can ABA therapy be done after school?
Westside offers after-school slots, though they fill up quickly. We are upfront with families about current availability and work to accommodate your schedule. When an opening comes up that fits your needs, we will reach out.
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Can my child attend school and ABA therapy at the same time?
Yes, and many children do. A schedule where a child attends both school and therapy is common and often works really well. As school readiness grows, the balance gradually shifts. Our team coordinates directly with your child’s school to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
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What if I need to change my child's therapy schedule?
Life happens. If your family’s needs change, we work with you to adjust whenever we can. We want to be flexible partners, not rigid appointment holders.
Family Support: How We Keep You Involved
The best progress doesn’t stay in the clinic. It follows your child home, into the car, to the dinner table, and out into the community. That’s why parent training is built into every ABA program at Westside, not an afterthought. Your BCBA will meet with you regularly (based on your child’s authorized hours) to make sure you have the strategies, confidence, and context to keep the momentum going.
Those sessions are practical by design. We’ll walk you through the behavior strategies your child is working on, how to generalize new skills into everyday routines, and how to respond when challenging behaviors come up outside of therapy. Siblings are always welcome when it makes sense, and we meet every family where they are with empathy, honesty, and a plan that actually fits your life.
Learn more about how our ABA services for autism help families build confidence outside therapy sessions.
→ Read: Family Support: How We Keep You Involved
Parents Ask
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How involved do parents need to be in ABA therapy?
As involved as makes sense for your family. We share guidance on how to reinforce skills at home, and we welcome your participation whenever you want it. We do not expect families to run therapy sessions at home. But the more connected therapy is to your child’s real world, the more it tends to stick.
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Will I know what's happening during my child's therapy sessions?
Yes. Families at Westside receive photo updates throughout the day and have direct access to evaluations and progress notes. We also make time for real conversation. We want there to be room for questions, collaboration, and shared problem-solving, not just formal check-ins.
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What if I have concerns about my child's therapy?
Talk to us. If something comes up, we want to hear about it. We try to be real with families about what we can offer, what challenges may come up, and what is going well. You should never feel like you are navigating this on your own.
Transitioning to School: Our Goal Is Graduation
School is ultimately where we want your child to flourish. That is the goal we are working toward from day one. But we do not expect every child to be fully ready on a predetermined timeline, and families will never feel pressured to move before it makes clinical sense.
Graduation means equipping your child with the skills to succeed in school and then helping them get there at a pace that works. When the time comes, we coordinate directly with schools to support this transition.
Learn more about how we prepare children for school and support families through the transition.
→ Read: Transitioning to School
In many cases, a schedule where a child attends both therapy and school works well, with the balance gradually shifting as readiness grows. The specific arrangement depends entirely on your child and your school’s situation.
Parents Ask
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When does a child graduate from ABA therapy?
No single milestone marks the end of ABA services for autism. Graduation looks different for every child. At Westside, the goal is for your child to have the skills they need to succeed in school and everyday life. When they get there, we help coordinate the transition rather than just ending services.
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How does Westside support the transition to school?
We coordinate directly with your child’s school to share relevant information and make sure there is continuity of support. We also work with families to plan a schedule where therapy and school attendance overlap during the transition, if that is what makes sense.
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Will my child need ABA therapy forever?
Not if we can help it. Our goal is to help your child gain the skills they need and return to the classroom, not to keep them in therapy indefinitely. Your child’s BCBA will be honest with you about where your child stands developmentally and what the path to transitioning out of services looks like.
Coordinated Care Across Services
Children rarely have needs that fall into just one therapy category. Our ABA team works alongside Westside’s speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, and feeding specialists. We handle the coordination so you do not have to.
See how our ABA team collaborates across disciplines to support your child.
→ Read: Coordinated Care Across Services
Parents Ask
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Does my child need ABA therapy or speech therapy, or both?
Many children benefit from more than one type of therapy. ABA focuses on behavioral skill-building and learning. Speech therapy focuses on communication and language development. These often go hand in hand, and Westside offers both. Your child’s evaluation will help point toward the right combination.
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Can my child receive ABA and occupational therapy at the same time?
Yes. Many children at Westside receive multiple services at once, and our teams coordinate so goals align and therapy time is well spent. You will not need to manage communication across separate providers.
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What is the difference between ABA therapy and occupational therapy?
ABA focuses on behavioral learning, building communication, social, and adaptive skills through positive reinforcement. Occupational therapy focuses on a child’s ability to do everyday activities, including fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care. Both can help children with autism, and they often work best together.
Services We Offer
Understanding the Cost of ABA Therapy
We provide a clear cost breakdown before therapy starts. That includes what insurance typically covers, your estimated out-of-pocket responsibility, and the week-by-week cost. If your child receives multiple services, we make sure the full picture is clear across all of them. No surprises.
SEE AN INTERACTIVE ESTIMATE
Get a closer look at insurance coverage and what to expect before therapy begins.
→ Read: Understanding the Cost of ABA Therapy
Connect with a Billing Specialist
Fill out the form below to receive a cost estimate based on your insurance coverage and the therapy services you are interested in.
Parents Ask
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Does insurance cover ABA therapy?
Most major insurance plans are required to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. Coverage varies by plan and provider. Westside works with families to verify benefits before therapy begins so you know what to expect. Visit our accepted insurance page to learn more.
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How much does ABA therapy cost per week?
The cost depends on the number of hours per week, your insurance coverage, and any out-of-pocket portion. Before your child begins therapy at Westside, we walk you through a clear week-by-week cost breakdown, so your family can plan ahead.
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What if I can't afford the cost of ABA therapy?
Reach out to our team. We want every family to understand their options before walking away from services that could make a real difference for their child. We can help you work through insurance, funding sources, and scheduling arrangements that fit your situation.
Meet Our Clinical Team
Ashley Fitzenreider
Regional ABA
Ashley Fitzenreider
Regional ABA
Ashley Fitzenreider earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) with about 15 years of experience in the field of ABA.
Ashley began her career supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities before transitioning to a therapeutic day school autism program and later providing home-based ABA services in close partnership with children and their families. She has been with Westside Children’s Therapy for the past eight years, starting as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and growing into her current role as Senior Regional ABA Director. Her clinical specialties include Functional Communication Training (FCT), Verbal Behavior, treatment planning and clinical recommendations, medical necessity reviews, and mentorship and supervision of BCBAs.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family—her husband and two kids, Cameron and Savannah. She loves cooking, trying new restaurants, kayaking, and boating, and she and her family take as many trips as they can to their home up north in Wisconsin throughout the year.
Brenda Boehm
Regional ABA
Brenda Boehm
Regional ABA
Brenda Boehm holds an MA in Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). She has worked in the ABA field since 2000, beginning her career in Wisconsin and building more than two decades of experience supporting children with autism and their families.
Her work has included serving as a Clinic Director in Australia, launching both home-based and center-based ABA programs in Malaysia for families in Malaysia and Singapore, and starting centers in Wisconsin and Illinois before joining Westside as a Regional ABA Director in 2026.
An experienced ABA leader, Brenda brings a strong track record in multi-site leadership and clinical operations, with a focus on clinical quality and operational performance. She is passionate about building mission-driven teams and driving excellence through data-informed decision making, OBM principles, and strategic leadership.
Outside of work, Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage sons, walking her dog, playing cards (especially Euchre), and visiting family in Wisconsin.
Kimberly Winkleman
Regional ABA
Kimberly Winkleman
Regional ABA
Kimberly Winkelman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with more than a decade of experience supporting children and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Kimberly is licensed as a behavior analyst in both Illinois (IL LBA) and Wisconsin (WI LBA).
Kimberly began her career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2012 and has held a variety of clinical, leadership, and family-support roles throughout her career. Since joining Westside Children’s Therapy in October 2021, she has served as Clinic ABA Director and currently serves as Regional ABA Director. Her experience also includes working as a Family Support Coordinator, where she partnered closely with families to identify needed services and provided education and training on autism and ABA, as well as serving as a Lead BCBA.
Before transitioning into ABA, Kimberly worked as a special education teacher, teaching life skills, providing individualized instruction, and co-teaching classes across all grade levels. This educational background continues to inform her family-centered approach and commitment to helping children build meaningful skills and greater independence.
Kimberly is passionate about collaborating with families and care teams to create supportive, individualized approaches that help children thrive. She values compassionate care, practical strategies, and empowering families with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children.
Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys hiking, traveling, and reading. Most importantly, she loves spending time with her husband and their two sons.
Our Insurance Providers
We do not accept Medicaid at this time.
Explore Our ABA Resources
Looking for more in-depth information about ABA therapy? Explore our parent guides below.
Therapy is a relationship, not just a service.
If something comes up, we talk about it. We try to be real with families about what we can offer, what the timeline might look like, and what challenges may arise. We are here to support you, the whole family.
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