ABA Therapy near Des Moines

The genesis of Stride came from an intensely personal desire to assist people with autism. Our founder’s sister lives with Rett Syndrome, a severe autism-related disorder. As they grew up together, he was able to clearly see the essential role that early therapeutic intervention and personalized care have in generating much needed opportunities for both independence and social engagement.

We meticulously designed our comprehensive full-day program for preschool-age children based on a careful examination of the most up-to-date autism therapy research. Our center specializes in attending to the particular needs of preschool children because that’s where we know we can make the largest positive impact. The quicker your child gets the assistance they need the better they’ll be as they move through life. By aiding them with intensive ABA therapy when they’re young, we have the greatest probability of success in building a strong foundation from which they can grow and thrive.

Our Des Moines Autism Program

Stride’s Des Moines Program is designed as a full-day experience for children between the ages of 2 and 6. A usual day at our center revolves around two core approaches:

One-on-One Therapy

At Stride, your child receives multiple hours of intensely focused attention configured just for them. To help reduce potential distractions and allow your child to get the most possible benefit from working with their therapist, we use thoughtfully-designed instruction areas.

These particular sessions let your child focus on personalized goals that will address their needs in an encouraging and productive manner. Stride’s BCBAs can make a difference in a variety of areas, whether helping to bolster children’s self-care capabilities and verbal and nonverbal communication skills, decreasing maladaptive behaviors, or addressing anything else pinpointed by the team and your family.

Group Activities

Socialization and communication tend to present some of the most difficult challenges for people with autism. To help meet these challenges head on, Stride provides children with the wonderful opportunity to interact and play with their peers in an environment that is simultaneously well controlled and refreshingly organic. As they partake in fun activities such as free play and art projects, the children are able to experience invaluable “teachable moments” that enhance their learning.

Our spacious playground areas are great for all kinds of group activities, and we incorporate circle time on a daily basis. With this group socialization and learning, our primary objective is to increase your child’s overall readiness for school while providing them with the specific tools and ample practice needed to successfully develop positive relationships with their fellow classmates.

No time is wasted during our program, with each full day used to its fullest in addressing your child’s needs. If you’d like to get a general idea of how a typical day at Stride is structured, please take a look at the sample schedule provided on Our Program page.

How Our ABA Therapists Can Help Your Child

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is central to our program because it has been thoroughly evaluated, and demonstrated to be efficacious for those on the autism spectrum. ABA begins with an in-depth assessment of your child so we can attain a clear understanding of the type and scope of their particular needs. Following the assessment, our team devises an individualized program and implements it fully in our safety conscious, enjoyable and pleasant setting. All of this serves to help your child improve their skills and avoid detrimental behaviors that can make life more difficult. We want nothing more than for your child to succeed both in school and in society as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment.

At Stride Autism Centers, ABA therapy is used to help children with autism develop new skills, improve communication, and reduce challenging behaviors through individualized treatment plans that are both fun and effective.

How does Stride Autism Centers support social skills development?

Stride Autism Centers blends one-on-one therapy with group activities, which provides children with both individualized attention and opportunities to develop social skills in a structured setting.

Through play-based interactions and guided group activities, our therapists help children learn to communicate, share, take turns, and build relationships with their peers.

Is ABA therapy effective for young children?

Yes, ABA therapy is highly effective for young children, especially when intervention begins early. At Stride Autism Centers, our ABA therapy is tailored for children aged 2-6, focusing on developing foundational skills like communication, play, and adaptive behaviors that are critical for early development and long-term success.

What can I expect during my child’s first few weeks at Stride Autism Centers?

During the first few weeks at Stride Autism Centers, your child will undergo an assessment period to help our team understand their strengths and areas of need.

Based on this assessment, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts will create a personalized treatment plan. The first weeks also involve building a trusting relationship between your child and their therapist, ensuring they feel comfortable and secure in their new environment.

Is there a waitlist for enrolling my child at the Orland Park location?

No, there is currently no waitlist for enrolling your child at our Orland Park center. We understand how important early intervention is, and we strive to make our services accessible to families without unnecessary delays. Contact us today to get started.

How do I get started with Stride Autism Centers?

Getting started is easy! Simply fill out the contact form on our website or call us directly. Our team will guide you through the enrollment process, answer any questions, and schedule an initial consultation to better understand your child’s needs and discuss how our services can best support your family.

If you believe that our program might be a good fit for your child, we’d appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. Please get started here, or call us at (515) 207-5251.