ABA Therapy Services in Illinois | Westside Children’s Therapy

At Westside, our ABA team brings a passion for changing kids’ lives. BCBAs, RBTs, speech therapists, and occupational therapists work together so no part of your child’s progress falls through the cracks.

We believe therapy should be more than an hour in an isolated room. It should be a relationship built on trust that helps children grow with confidence and look forward to coming back.

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a research-based treatment approach most commonly used with children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA focuses on understanding how behavior works, how learning takes place, and how the environment shapes both.

ABA therapy helps children build skills across communication, social interaction, self-care, and learning, while also reducing behaviors that get in the way of everyday life. It is one of the most studied and widely recommended approaches for children with autism.

At Westside, ABA therapy is delivered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who design individualized treatment plans for each child. Sessions are led by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who work under close BCBA supervision.

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Parents Ask

How does ABA therapy help children with autism?

ABA helps children with autism learn new skills and work through challenging behaviors using positive reinforcement. Children make progress in communication, independence, and social connection over time. Goals are based on your child’s specific needs, not a standard curriculum.
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.
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.
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.

TAKE OUR AUTISM SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE

What Skills Does ABA Therapy Teach?

Our ABA services focus on helping children build skills that matter in everyday life. Through clinic-based therapy, we help children develop skills that can be used in everyday life, supporting 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

LOCATIONS

How Much ABA Therapy Does My Child Need?

This is one of the first questions most families ask, and it deserves a real answer. There is no single right number of therapy hours 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 could be appropriate for some children, we do not believe there is a single number of hours that is right 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 fewer than 20 hours per week. Today, that average is 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, these decisions are never made 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

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

How long does ABA therapy take to work?

Most families start noticing meaningful changes within 3 to 6 months, though the timeline depends on your child’s goals, hours of therapy, and how consistently skills are reinforced at home. Progress is not linear. Some skills come quickly, others take longer. Your child’s BCBA tracks progress closely and keeps you updated throughout.
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 fewer than 20 hours per week. Today, that average is around 15 hours per week.
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.

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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.

What Parents Say About Our ABA Therapy

I am a father of a seven year old autistic son who has been receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy at Westside Children’s Therapy. Not only as a parent, but a practicing physical therapist, I couldn’t be happier with the treatment my son is receiving. From day one, Shari took an interest in his life and her passion has brought the best out of him. The treatments at Westside Children’s Therapy are cutting edge and the family environment are second to none.
JASON HAFNER MPT, LAT
Great people to help terrific kids and their families!
P. GUERRA
My daughter bonded with everyone there. She will ask every day if she’s going to see her speech therapist and her ABA therapist. My daughter gets really excited when we pull up to Westside Children’s Therapy. I’m so blessed that she is getting the help that she needs.
K. PALMER
Absolutely amazing! Everyone is so nice and helpful from the front desk to the therapists. Even if you don’t work with them, they’re still wonderful to you. My son loves coming here every week and can’t wait to come back. Great people!
N. OHLUND
My son has been receiving therapies from Westside Children’s Therapy since 2011. We love Westside! When you walk in the door you are greeted with a warm smile and hello. It’s like you are visiting your family and friends. My son is receiving ABA, PT, OT, ST and Feeding Therapies. I like the fact that all therapies are in one location, where the therapist can communicate about my son and we can get a well-rounded therapy session. All of our therapist are great and they really care about my son and it shows in how he responds to them, which means a lot. I highly recommend Westside Children’s Therapy to anyone who is in need for therapy services.
K. BELL
This place is absolutely AMAZING! All of the therapists that either had worked or currently with my son at Westside are wonderful and have went above and beyond figuring out my 13 yo boy with significant needs. He has made so many gains in his overall well being and has utilized the services with Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies. Above all that, his behavior has been changed for the better since he started ABA Services with a wonderful BCBA (Cory) and her team (Chris).
M. MARQUARDT
The therapists at Westside are amazing! The love and support that they have given my family has been outstanding. My son has made so much progress because of them. Thank you Westside for all of you!
P. DEBOER
I love the therapists at Westside Children’s Therapy. They are knowledgeable and compassionate. We have been receiving superior services from them for many years.
J. ERICKSON

Find an ABA Therapy Location Near You

LOCATIONS

Scheduling 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.

Parents Ask

Can ABA therapy be done after school?

After-school slots are available at Westside, 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.
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.
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 a built-in part of 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.

Parents Ask

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. Siblings can be part of things too. 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.
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.
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.

TAKE OUR AUTISM SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE

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.

When the time comes, we coordinate directly with schools to support the transition. 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.

Graduation means equipping your child with the skills to succeed in school, and then helping them get there at a pace that works.

Parents Ask

When does a child graduate from ABA therapy?

There is no single milestone that marks the end of ABA therapy. 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.
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.
Will my child need ABA therapy forever?

Not if we can help it. Our goal is to get your child the skills they need and back into the classroom, not to keep them in therapy indefinitely. We work to build independence, not dependency. 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.

Parents Ask

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.
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 with each other so that goals are aligned and therapy time is well spent. You will not need to manage communication across separate providers.
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 be helpful for children with autism, and they often work best together.

Services We Offer

ABA • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Feeding Therapy • Counseling • Diagnostics

Understanding the Cost of ABA Therapy

We provide a clear cost breakdown before therapy starts. That includes what insurance typically covers, what your estimated out-of-pocket responsibility may be, and what the week-by-week cost looks like. If your child receives multiple services, we make sure the full picture is clear across all of them. No surprises.
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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

Does insurance cover ABA therapy?

Most major insurance plans are required to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. Coverage varies depending on your 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.
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.
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.

Our Insurance Providers

We do not accept Medicaid at this time.

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.

Interested in Getting Started?

Complete the form below to start the process.

ABA Therapy at Westside

At Westside, our ABA team brings a passion for changing kids’ lives. BCBAs, RBTs, speech therapists, and occupational therapists work together so no part of your child’s progress falls through the cracks.

What Is ABA Therapy?

Find an ABA Therapy Location Near You

How Much ABA Therapy Does My Child Need?

Traditional intensive ABA*

Westside average

What Parents Say About Our ABA Therapy

Find an ABA Therapy Location Near You

Scheduling ABA Therapy: What to Expect

Family Support: How We Keep You Involved

Transitioning to School: Our Goal Is Graduation

Coordinated Care Across Services

Understanding the Cost of ABA Therapy

Connect with a Billing Specialist

Our Insurance Providers

Therapy is a relationship, not just a service.

Interested in Getting Started?

From First Concerns to Ongoing Autism Support, We've Got You