Lakeview ABA Therapy for Children With Autism

Yes, ABA therapy can be helpful for toddlers and children who have not received an autism diagnosis. It is a suitable therapy practice for those with learning disabilities or behavioral issues. We encourage you to consult your pediatrician for a diagnosis if your child is showing signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clarity on your child’s health can support insurance queries and direct individualized treatment.

We treat and support toddlers, children, and young adults through tailored care depending on their developmental phase. At Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center, we offer a whole-person growth plan with multidisciplinary offerings. You will find pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, teletherapy, ABA therapy/autism, and social work under one roof. 

ABA therapy can benefit any child who needs extra help with communication, behavior, or daily skills. It is most often recommended for children with autism or related developmental differences. You might consider an ABA evaluation if your child:

• Has trouble communicating wants, needs, or emotions
• Shows frequent frustration, tantrums, or self-stimulatory behaviors
• Struggles to follow directions or routines
• Finds it difficult to make or keep friends
• Needs support with daily living skills like toileting, eating, or dressing
• Has been diagnosed (or is being evaluated) for autism or developmental delays

ABA therapy helps by teaching new skills step by step, using positive reinforcement and a personalized plan designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Progress is data-driven, measurable, and focused on goals that matter most to your family.

Navigating insurance coverage can feel confusing, but we’re here to make it simple. Most families find that ABA therapy is at least partially covered under their plan — though exact benefits depend on your provider and policy type. Here is a quick overview of how coverage typically works in Illinois:

• Illinois-regulated plans cover ASD diagnosis and treatment (including ABA) for toddlers, children, and teens under 21.
• Illinois Medicaid covers ABA for families who qualify based on income or disability category.
• Self-funded employer plans vary by employer; check your Summary Plan Description.

What’s Next? Share your insurance card with Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center, and we will verify any ABA benefits, authorizations, and costs. 

Each child is unique, and their therapy time depends on your family’s goals and needs. Most families spend 10–15 hours per week on focused support or 25–40 hours per week on a more intensive program. A BCBA will discuss a schedule with you after evaluation.

These factors are taken into account: 

• Developmental stage in communication, play, self-care, and learning
• Safety or behavior concerns that limit or affect daily life
• Targeted settings for integration and confidence (home, school, community)
• Family’s schedule and capacity

After discussing recommended hours, we review progress every 6–8 weeks. Your child’s schedule can then be adjusted for effective and maintainable sessions.

Studies have shown that ABA therapy can enhance the social, emotional, communicative, and daily living skills of children with autism. Key contributors to success include: 

• Clear data-driven goals
• Child-led pace, tailored to individual needs
• Family involvement and applying skills beyond therapy
• Regular sessions and therapy intensity without overwhelming the child 
• Age of the child upon treatment start (early intervention is best)

If progress stalls, you can discuss these adjustments with your therapist:

• Adapting goals, frequency, or teaching strategies
• Adding or partnering with speech or occupational therapists
• Trying safe alternatives, such as naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions

Effectiveness is individualized. Always prioritize your child and their care. No therapy should cause distress or tension. A trial period with clear measures can show if ABA is the right fit for your child.

We encourage parent and caregiver involvement, as it is key to your child’s success with ABA therapy. We will equip you with actionable tips and strategies for progress and home integration.  

Clear goals from the start give us a good starting point for tracking data. We will show you quick graphs and make adjustments when necessary. With caregiver and teacher input, we discuss skills across all scenarios in your child’s life.

Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center offers: 

• Holistic care: Our therapists collaborate across speech, occupational, and physical therapy, feeding, and social work for whole-child growth.
• Kind, child-led attitude: Playful sessions match your child’s capacity for learning, limits, and confidence.
• Family support that has a lasting impact: Practical at-home strategies make therapy progress part of daily life — including mealtimes, play, errands, and bedtime.
• Evidence-based results and progress: Simple graphs and easy-to-understand updates are the basis for changes and therapy adjustments.
• Flexible sessions: From our clinic near Lakeview, home, school, or in the community, sessions are flexible for your family’s needs. 
• Gentle start: Quick intake, careful evaluation, and scheduling for quick uptake and action within weeks.
• Insurance made easier: We verify benefits, secure authorizations, and file claims.

Waitlists are common, but we’re eager to get started teaming up with and helping your family. We can begin therapy once your consultation, benefits check, and assessment are complete.

Our clinic is easily accessible from Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Logan Square. We also meet you at convenient locations — at home or school.

Our care is holistic and well-rounded. Beyond ABA, we also offer:

• Speech Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Social Work Services
• Feeding Therapy & Lactation Consulting
• Preschool readiness programs

Our therapists strategize for children who need full-spectrum support under one roof, so ABA, speech, OT, and PT work together.