Welcome to The Place for Children With Autism
When ABA therapy is recommended for your child, it often brings up as many questions as answers, like:
- What will my child’s day actually look like?
- Who will be working with my child?
- How will I stay informed and involved?
You’re not alone. Below, we walk through what ABA therapy looks like at The Place—how days are structured, how care is delivered, and how we support both your child and your family at every step.
At a Glance: Our Program at The Place
Who We Serve
Young children ages 2–7 across all 18 of our Illinois locations, with after-school support available for children up to age 10 at select centers.
Our Unique Focus
Early intervention ABA therapy that helps children prepare for success in school and beyond.
How We Help
Full-time, center-based ABA therapy offered Monday through Friday
Part-time, after-school programming for school-aged children at select locations
We also offer speech therapy through The Place for Speech and collaborate with school staff and outside specialists for added support!
What Your Child’s Day Will Look Like
Our team builds up a consistent rhythm and provides a balance of 1-on-1 support & small-group activities, including art, music, movement, and social play! Your child’s sessions and activities will be tailored to their individual needs and goals.
Why this works:
- Familiar routines build confidence and readiness to participate
- Skills are practiced in real-life moments through play and interaction
- Your child gets focused support while also learning how to connect with other kids
Sample Daily Schedule
Session 1: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Play-based therapy
Gross motor activities
Circle time
Sensory gym
Lunch, Social Skills Groups, & Group Activities: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch with peers
Guided social interaction
Group-based learning and play
Session 2: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Play-based therapy
Gross motor activities
Circle time
Sensory gym
A Peak Inside Our Preschool-Like Centers
Built with kids in mind, each space feels calm and safe while inspiring play and exploration.
Your child will have:
✓ Sensory-friendly spaces with calming zones
✓ Playful spaces that support motor skills, self-regulation, and social interaction
✓ Nutrition and feeding zones to support sensory and dietary needs
✓ Large indoor sensory gyms where they can move and play
✓ Therapy rooms in different sizes to match comfort level
Your Care Team
All our clinicians complete a rigorous in-house training and certification process, uphold the BACB® Code of Ethics, and participate in continuous learning to maintain excellence in care.
Who Will Be Working with Your Child
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
RBTs are trained therapists who work directly with your child each day and provide individualized, 1:1 ABA sessions. They build a strong, trusting connection so your child feels secure and happy to build new skills.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
BCBAs are master’s-level clinicians who oversee your child’s treatment. They create your care plan and monitor progress. Your BCBA will regularly observe ABA sessions to ensure therapy is effective and of high quality.
Additional Support and Oversight
Clinical Lead Supervisor
Clinical Lead Supervisors are senior clinicians who support the therapy team. They help guide clinical decisions and ensure care remains aligned with best practices.
Operations Supervisor
Operations Supervisors manage the day-to-day running of the center. They ensure schedules run smoothly, the environment is safe, and families feel welcome the moment they arrive.
What True Partnership Looks Like
At The Place, you’ll never be left out of the loop or forced to navigate this journey alone.
Results You Can See
We track your child’s skill progression daily to understand what’s working and what needs to change so goals can be met.
Shared Decision-Making
We meet with you regularly to discuss progress, celebrate growth, and make decisions about next steps as your child’s needs evolve.
Mutual Understanding
Your BCBA will take time to get to know your family—your values, priorities, and what matters most to you—so care is fully aligned and respectful.
Collaboration and Training
We offer guidance, training, and take-home resources to help you continue your child’s progress at home and in the community.
Logistics Support
Our team assists with scheduling and insurance coordination to reduce stress and keep things clear and manageable.
Spanish language support is available for families who prefer to communicate in Spanish.
Your First Day at The Place
On your child’s first day, the focus is on comfort, connection, and helping your child begin to feel at home.
Families Can Expect
- Friendly faces greeting you in a fun space designed for kids
- Time for your child to ease in and explore before starting activities
- A team member keeping you in the loop and answering any questions
What You’ll Bring
- Change of clothes (labeled with your child’s name)
- An extra pair of shoes for inside the center
- Diapers, wipes, or pull-ups (if applicable)
- Comfort item (personal item or blanket that helps them feel safe)
- Snack and lunch
- Communication device (if your child uses one)
- Any required paperwork (we’ll confirm before your first day)
Down The Line: Preparing for School and What Comes Next
As children develop, we help parents think ahead and prepare for what’s next, whether that’s school, a part-time schedule, or a transition out of ABA.
This may include:
- School IEP support, ensuring your child’s goals carry over into the classroom environment
- New environment preparation, helping kids feel secure in new classrooms, teachers, & routines before they start
- Gradual shifts in schedule or services to prepare for part-time or after-school support
After-school programming is available up to age 10 at our Jefferson Park, Elgin, and Lake in the Hills locations.
A Place Families Trust
Choosing the right therapy provider for your child is one of the most important and overwhelming decisions a family can make. As an accredited Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE), our team provides thoughtful, ethical care you can count on.
Our Child-Centered Approach
Embracing Individuality
We’re dedicated to unlocking every child’s unique strengths, not fitting them into a specific mold.
Joyful Learning
We set the foundation for lifelong learning and exploration by making ABA something kids look forward to.
Real-World Foundation
Every day, kids have the opportunity to apply skills that prepare them for life outside the center.
What Parents Are Saying
My son is thriving! The Place has helped my son so much. When he started, he was nonverbal. Now he is saying full sentences.
– Josie
Words cannot express how grateful I am for The Place. My child made incredible progress while attending their program. The staff is amazing and so incredibly caring.
– Kathrina
Our daughter received ABA therapy at The Place, and we couldn’t be happier with her progress. She has truly thrived thanks to the personalized treatment plans and the incredible care from her entire team.
– Alice
FAQs
What is ABA therapy?
ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a structured, supportive approach to helping children learn new skills and navigate everyday life. It works by breaking learning into manageable steps and using positive encouragement to help children build skills over time.
What is center-based therapy?
ABA therapy can take place in different settings, including in-home, community-based, and center-based programs. Each option offers unique benefits, depending on a child’s needs and how they learn best.
Families are often drawn to center-based ABA when they’re looking for:
- Opportunities for peer interaction and social learning
- Built-in routines that support focus, confidence, and consistency
- A structured, school-like environment that helps prepare children for classroom settings
Center-based ABA can be especially helpful for children who benefit from learning alongside peers and practicing skills in a group environment.
Do you take insurance for ABA therapy?
Yes! Most families use insurance to help cover ABA therapy. We are currently in-network with:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Endeavor Health
- Advocate Aurora Health
- Health Alliance
- ComPsych
- Aetna
Our team verifies your benefits, explains coverage in clear terms, and walks you through what to expect before therapy begins, so there are no surprises.
How many hours of ABA therapy will my child receive?
For children enrolled in our full-time, center-based program, hours are determined by several factors working together:
- Your child’s developmental needs and current skill level
- Clinical recommendations from your child’s BCBA
- What insurance authorizes
- What is appropriate for your child’s stamina, age, and ability to engage throughout the day
Our team works closely with families to recommend a schedule that supports growth without overwhelming your child.
How are my child’s goals decided?
Goals are created through a thoughtful assessment that looks at your child’s communication, social skills, learning style, and daily routines. Your child’s BCBA also spends time getting to know your priorities as a family—what matters most to you, your culture, and what success looks like in everyday life.
What happens if something isn’t working?
If a goal, strategy, or approach isn’t supporting progress, it’s adjusted. Your child’s team regularly observes sessions and looks closely at progress to make thoughtful changes—not wait months to respond.
How involved will I be in decisions about my child’s care?
Parents are active partners. You’ll have regular meetings with your child’s care team to review progress, discuss concerns, and make decisions together. Your insight as a parent is always part of the process.
Can goals change as my child grows?
Absolutely. As children gain new skills, goals naturally shift. Some goals are mastered and replaced, while others evolve to support new challenges like group participation, independence, or readiness for school!
We Change Lives Every Day
Enrollment is now open!
If you’re exploring ABA therapy or have questions about whether The Place is the right fit, reach out today.