Now Enrolling Ages 2-6!

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Helping young children with autism thrive

We offer center-based ABA programs for children 2-6 years old diagnosed with autism.

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See what life is like at Stride

Welcome to Stride Autism Centers – a leading center-based ABA program, providing up to full-day in Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa! Get an Inside look at our ABA centers and hear firsthand from our compassionate therapists.

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Our philosophy

We believe every child with autism deserves an independent and joyous future. That’s why we built Stride. Our best-in-class clinical team uses evidence-based therapy to empower preschool learners and their families.

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Our approach rooted in ABA therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most rigorously studied and widely accepted treatment for children with autism. ABA helps young learners better communicate, develop social and play skills and build self-care skills like potty-training and handwashing.

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71%

Of clients mainstream into general education classrooms after Stride.

94%

Of parents report meaningful improvements in their child’s ability to initiate communication.

2.9X

Higher staff retention than industry benchmark.

What our caregivers say

Cindy Stebbins
This place is amazing we had a non verbal son there from age 3-5 has been the most amazing journey for all of us he’s doing amazing we would not be where we are without the Stride center in Johnston amazing staff
Abigail Calderon
Stride was an amazing choice for my child. I can’t thank the center enough for sculpting my child’s life for the better! All staff were very kind and welcomed my family with open arms. Facility was always clean and well cared for. It truly was an excellent experience to have Stride as our ABA specialist.
Teachers’ Aide
We had a delivery that was accidentally shipped to them and two nice ladies didn’t call to let me know instead they were proactive and delivered the inventory themselves! Talk about a center that goes above and beyond! Thank you I really appreciated both of you.💪🏼
Erika Martinez
El mejor centro para los niños no tengo palabras estoy tan agradecida con el apoyo
Yamileth Camacho
Me and my child had a great experience with stride , he made so much progress in the time he was there and I could tell he was so loved by all the staff they were all truly great . I’m so glad I chose stride for him .
Ginnette Harvey
A wonderful team and incredibly positive experience for our family. My son has made incredible progress over the last year and we could not be happier with our decision to enroll our son in the program.
Samantha Micek
Stride is our village. Our second family. All the fear and uncertainty for my son’s future went out the window as soon as we had our first session. They’ve truly changed our lives!!
Day Negrete
A Place That Truly Changed Our Lives

We absolutely love Stride. The staff and BCBA are beyond amazing—each person there is truly passionate and compassionate, and it shows in everything they do. It takes a special kind of heart to do this work, and the team at Stride genuinely cares.

Our daughter Ela spent over a year at Stride, and the bond she formed with the staff is something we will cherish forever. I cannot speak highly enough of this facility. They helped Ela go from crawling to walking, gaining independence we never thought possible. Her progress in fine motor skills was remarkable—things I never imagined she could do, she did with their support.

Stride didn’t just help Ela; they helped us as a family. They guided us through every step, encouraged us when we felt defeated, and gave us the strength to keep advocating for her. Ms. Victoria played a huge role in this journey, and we will be forever grateful. I built a beautiful relationship with her, and her kindness and dedication meant the world to us.

Ela was always well cared for. She had her own room, her own staff, and we never had any worries or concerns. Unfortunately, due to life changes and a longer commute, we had to make the difficult decision to leave.

Saying goodbye to Stride was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do—as a family and especially for our daughter, Elanor. Watching her cry, seeing her grasp the magnitude of this life change, broke our hearts. The bond she formed with the staff was so strong, so genuine, that leaving felt like losing a part of our extended family.

If I could, I would take the entire staff with me. I would recreate the facility just to keep Ela surrounded by the love, care, and support she received every single day. Stride wasn’t just a therapy center—it was a home, a safe haven, and a place where miracles happened.

Elanor and I will forever be grateful. We love you, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you’ve done. You helped our daughter walk, grow, and thrive. You lifted us up when we felt defeated. You gave us hope, strength, and a community that we will always cherish.

Thank you for being part of our journey. You’ll always be in our hearts.
Cheyenne Rodabaugh
My son has been at Stride for over a year now and we have nothing but pure appreciation for everyone at his clinic. In the year that he has been there we have seen huge leaps in all aspects of his development and still do every day!
Ashley Bennett
Stride has helped my boy improve in many ways. Thankful I found out about Stride. The staff is so nice and always willing to help.

Founded by a family just like yours

Stride is more than a company; it’s a mission born from experience. Our founder Brad Zelinger has dedicated over 30 years to supporting his sister, who lives with an autism-related disorder. Witnessing the challenges she’s faced, and knowing how much she would have benefitted from ABA therapy, fuels our commitment to providing exceptional care.

We’ve assembled a team of the most experienced, compassionate, and empathetic clinicians, because we believe every child deserves the best.

See Brad’s Story

Our founder and his sister circa 1990
Graphic Style Three

See if You’re Covered

  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (BCBSIL)
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Anthem
  • Wellmark (BCBS of IA)
  • UnityPoint Accountable Care
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Cigna
  • Iowa Medicaid
  • Iowa Total Care
  • Amerigroup (IA Medicaid)
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Anthem
  • Nebraska Blue (BCBS of NE)
  • Nebraska Total Care
  • Healthy Blue
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Iowa Total Care
  • United Community Plan
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Nebraska Medicaid

Other major insurers accepted

  • Anthem
  • Avera
  • South Dakota Medicaid
  • Sanford
  • Wellmark (BCBS of SD)

Other major insurers accepted

  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (BCBSIL)
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Anthem
  • Wellmark (BCBS of IA)
  • UnityPoint Accountable Care
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Cigna
  • Iowa Medicaid
  • Iowa Total Care
  • Amerigroup (IA Medicaid)
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Anthem
  • Nebraska Blue (BCBS of NE)
  • Nebraska Total Care
  • Healthy Blue
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Iowa Total Care
  • United Community Plan
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Nebraska Medicaid

Other major insurers accepted

  • Anthem
  • Avera
  • South Dakota Medicaid
  • Sanford
  • Wellmark (BCBS of SD)

Other major insurers accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Stride Autism Centers and our ABA therapy program for preschool-aged children. Click here to learn more.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps young learners build meaningful skills through positive reinforcement and individualized teaching. At Stride, we tailor goals to each child—focusing on communication, social and play skills, and self-care (like potty training and handwashing)—and partner closely with families to support progress at home and school.

Stride Autism Centers is dedicated to serving children ages 2 to 6, a critical time for early intervention and skill development. If your child is within this age range, we’re ready to help.

It’s easy! Complete this inquiry form and we’ll contact you to take the next step. To learn more about the Enrollment Process, click here.

Find a clinic near you

Stride is the leading provider of center-based ABA across Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. We have 23 award winning centers and are growing. Enter your zip code below and we point you to the clinic closest to you.

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Get Started with Stride Today

Stride Autism Centers is dedicated to delivering meaningful outcomes for both the learner and their family. Our dedicated team, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), is here to provide the compassionate care needed to promote your child’s growth and independence.

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