Open Enrollment is from Nov 1st, 2024 – Jan 15th, 2024
Enroll Now

ABA Therapy in Chicago, IL

Rise Up For Autism offers early intervention, center-based ABA therapy services in Chicago and across the surrounding suburbs. The aim of our therapy is simple: to improve your child’s quality of life and help them build vital communication, socialization, and independent living skills.

Two people stacking colorful building blocks at a table.

We Accept Most Insurance

Financial Assistance and Payment Plans Available

  • blue cross
  • aetna
  • uni healthcare
  • phcs

Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

Teacher smiling and bending forward while interacting with two young children seated on a colorful foam puzzle mat.

We understand that an autism diagnosis can lead to complex feelings, questions, and a deep desire for the best future for your child. Autism cannot be detected through any medical tests, so psychologists and doctors will observe your child's behavior and their progress in reaching certain developmental milestones in order to determine a diagnosis. They will assess communication and social challenges and interview parents about restricted interests or maladaptive behaviors, among other diagnostic criteria. From there, your child will receive a diagnosis of ASD 1, 2, or 3, which indicate how much support they will need moving forward.

While we specialize in support services post-diagnosis through ABA therapy, we are also here to guide families in Illinois through the initial step of obtaining an accurate Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Our dedication to your child’s well-being extends beyond therapy; it begins the moment you start seeking answers.

  • RBT Certified Therapists
  • 100+ Families Helped
  • Proud Partner of Joliet School District 86
  • Free Consultation
  • Flexible Full Time and Part Time Therapy Options
About Us
  • Brick building with a sign "Midwest Orthodontics" and various advertisements in the windows.
  • Bright, child-friendly room with bookshelves, colorful alphabet mat, and small chairs and tables.
  • Two women reading a picture book to a young child in a classroom with a 2024 calendar in the background.
  • Children's playroom with a green table, small colorful chairs, and a bright alphabet-themed rug.
  • Two children and two adults interact around plastic basins on stands in a small room.
  • Child's play area with colorful table and chairs, toys, alphabet decor, and a foam mat with letters.
  • Colorful indoor playroom with tents, tunnels, and a trampoline.
  • Two young children playing at a water play station with two kneeling adults supervising.
  • Children's reading area with colorful alphabet mat, two small chairs, and an open picture book.
  • A child and a woman play with a colorful multi-level toy car track set.
  • Colorful indoor playroom with ride-on toy car, slide, and interconnected play tunnels.
  • Adult and child in a room with a tree decal on the wall, colorful foam mat, and a small red table with a blue toy caterpillar.
  • Children's play area with a red table, orange and yellow chairs, and a mural of a tree on the wall.
  • People engaged in an arts and crafts activity at a green table, with papers and scissors.

Your Premier Chicago ABA Therapy Center

At Rise Up For Autism, we specialize in center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children between the ages of 2 and 6, which research indicates is the ideal time to begin therapy. With multiple locations in Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, and Tinley Park, our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) creates a warm and enriching environment to help children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reach crucial milestones, ensuring they are ready to enter traditional schooling. We offer the following expert ABA services:

Steps Towards ABA Therapy

  • Initial Consultation

    Start with a complimentary consultation with our Outreach and Family Support Coordinator, who can answer any questions you may have.

    Begin Enrollment
  • Benefit Check

    We verify your benefits, provide comprehensive coverage education, and discuss potential financial support and payment plans.

    Get Insurance Info
  • Assessment

    Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA).

    Get Help With Diagnostic
  • Therapy

    We implement a custom, 1:1 treatment plan, emphasizing communication, socialization, and daily living skills.

    Our Services
Find Out How to Enroll

Cultivating Progress: The Power of ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the gold standard of therapy for children with autism and has been proven to be effective in helping children build essential skills and reach developmental milestones. By using evidence-based procedures and techniques, ABA therapy breaks down complex tasks and goals into smaller, manageable steps. A trained ABA therapist then uses shaping, modeling, and positive reinforcement, like rewards, to encourage desired behaviors and teach new skills.

ABA has been proven to improve attention, focus, social skills, and memory, as well as teach children other coping strategies and communication to reduce challenging behaviors such as tantrums and non-compliance. Our focus is on helping your child make positive progress to help them succeed in the future.

ABA therapy is widely recognized as the most scientifically validated therapy available for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Does ABA Therapy Work for Autism?

Simple Answer: Yes

Extensive research indicates that children who have undergone two or more years of intensive behavioral intervention have shown remarkable progress. ABA therapy remains one of the few evidence-based approaches to autism treatment, recognized and covered by both Federal/State agencies and commercial insurance. With the help of expert BCBAs and RBTs, ABA therapy can greatly improve the lives of children with autism and their families.

Goals of ABA Therapy

The focus of ABA therapy will depend on the specific needs of your child, but often include:

  • Communication Skills

    (expressive and receptive language)

  • Social Skills

    (initiating conversation, responding to questions from peers, interactive play)

  • Independent Living Skills

    (toileting, feeding, bathing)

  • School Readiness Skills

    (attending transitions, group instruction, routine, academic foundations)

  • Reduce Challenging Behavior

    (tantrums, non-compliance, self-injury, elopement)

A Day at Our Center

  • Parents bring their children to the clinic at their designated start time, where they are warmly greeted by their 1:1 therapist and BCBA. Our clinicians prompt the child to put their belongings in their cubby and then transition to the designated therapy area.
  • ABA therapy is provided in a mixture of both 1:1 therapy sessions and group activities that mirror a school setting.
    • 1:1 ABA therapy sessions focus on improving various skills, including requesting toys, labeling, matching objects, following instructions, and practicing hygiene routines.
    • Group activities such as circle time, music, art, and dance occur each day to mirror a traditional school setting. These social activities promote social communication, attending, transitions, and fine and gross motor skills.
  • Data is meticulously collected during each session to monitor progress and adjust goals.
  • To promote skill generalization beyond the clinic, parents participate in parent training at a minimum of 1 hour a month to learn techniques that have been effective in increasing their child's skills.
  • At the end of each day, parents pick up their child with strict ID verification ensuring their safety, and are provided an update on the day.

Sign Up Today

Are you and your family ready to take the first step? Schedule a free consultation and start their therapy journey today.

How We Are Different

  • Expert BCBA and RBT Specialists

    Our clinicians are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who provide specialized, individualized support and therapy for individuals with autism.

  • Center-Based

    A center-based learning environment with other peers promotes structure, routine, and plenty of opportunities for social interaction throughout the day. Choose from our full or half-day therapy options.

  • Early Intervention

    Countless studies have shown that starting ABA therapy at an early age will result in the best outcomes, which is why we encourage parents to enroll their children at 2-6 years old.

  • School Readiness

    Whether your child will move on to a traditional school setting or any other educational program, we make sure they have the skills and behaviors necessary to succeed.

Begin Enrollment

Our Families Love Us

5

My child has benefited greatly from the ABA therapy program offered by Rise Up for Autism in Chicago. The center's caring and organized approach, along with the team's competence, have equipped my 6-year-old with the necessary tools for success.

Deuzt C.

5

Rise Up for Autism's team has been an extraordinary asset to our family. They deliver exceptional ABA therapy and have facilitated remarkable progress in our son's communication and social abilities.

Bonnie B.

5

Choosing to start our child at Rise Up for Autism for ABA therapy was the best decision we made. The personalized therapy plans, caring staff, and a welcoming atmosphere have made a significant impact on our child's growth. We are very grateful.

Liam S.

5

Rise Up for Autism's center-based facility in Chicago is highly recommended. For my three-year-old, it offers the ideal educational setting, and the therapists are not only highly qualified experts but also show a great deal of empathy and understanding.

Eric F.

5

Our experience with Rise Up for Autism has been truly exceptional. The dedication of the staff, the personalized approach to therapy, and the progress our child has made are beyond remarkable. We couldn't be happier with the support and care they provide.

Page A.

5

Our journey with Rise Up for Autism has been great! The therapists' dedication to our child's unique needs is evident and we've witnessed remarkable progress. We look forward to what's ahead!

Dennis G.

5

Chicago's Rise Up for Autism is fantastic! The counselors are skilled and compassionate. For my 4-year-old, the setting—which is comparable to school—has been beneficial. I value their commitment to assisting kids.

Gary G.

5

I'm really happy about Rise Up for Autism in Chicago! The therapists are doing a wonderful job treating my 6-year-old daughter, and I can tell that she is making progress in areas that will be important when she starts school.

Mary M.

5

My child has benefited greatly from the ABA therapy program offered by Rise Up for Autism in Chicago. My 6-year-old has all the tools he needs to achieve thanks to the team's experience and the center's organized, caring attitude.

King P.

5

Chicago's Rise Up for Autism is amazing! My three-year-old is in a friendly environment thanks to the kind personnel. The center's emphasis on tailored programs and an environment akin to a school has helped my child's progress.

Carla F.

A family of four walking on a rustic path in a wooded area, all wearing white t-shirts and blue jeans.

Leading Experts in ABA Therapy

Dr. Carly Lapin

Dr. Carly Lapin

CEO, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Kelly Finnegan

Kelly Finnegan

Co-Founder, Director of Business Administration

Anna Pajor

Anna Pajor

Director of Human Resources, SPHR

Jennifer Vorce

Jennifer Vorce

Regional Clinical Director, BCBA, M.Ed.

Meet Our Team

Serving Families Throughout Illinois

View Our Locations
Child and adult sorting colorful pom-poms into labeled containers.

Let’s Get Started!

Contact Rise Up For Autism today to provide your child with the care and support they deserve.

  • Please complete this required field.
  • Please complete this required field.
  • Email must be formatted correctly.
  • Please complete this required field.
  • Incorrect number format
  • Please complete this required field.
Type of insurance *
    • Please complete this required field.
    Have you recently lost private insurance through your job or for any reason (e.g., covid, laid off, etc)?
    • Please complete this required field.
    Have you recently moved to Illinois within 60-days?
    • Please complete this required field.
    Have you recently had a baby or got married within 60-days?
    • Please complete this required field.
    • Please complete this required field.
    Thank you! Your submission has been received!
    Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.