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.

98%

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

Michele Brandenburg
We have really enjoyed bringing our granddaughter to Stride, we have learned so much about her and what her needs are. How to communicate with her and we love all the people that work there. They are so helpful and answer any questions we have. They have guided us when we didn’t know where to turn. They have all made a big impact on our daily life.
Amelia Jones
Stride was incredible! The staff is so kind and knowledgeable. They really brought my child out of their shell and helped us navigate our journey with autism!
Brittney Matamoros
My child has attended Stride for 2 years now and all I have to say is good things, everyone is so friendly, caring and accommodating. They’ve helped tremendously in his progress all around. He absolutely enjoys attending stride and seeing different RBT’s. I would 100% recommend it to any families looking for ABA services and I am so grateful we came across the opportunity to have him attend Stride!
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!!

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)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL – Loyola Physician Partners
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • America’s PPO
  • 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

  • America’s PPO
  • Anthem
  • Avera
  • South Dakota Medicaid
  • Sanford
  • Wellmark (BCBS of SD)

Other major insurers accepted

  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (BCBSIL)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL – Loyola Physician Partners
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • America’s PPO
  • 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

  • America’s PPO
  • 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.

Find the Nearest Stride Center

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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Get started today!

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