We’re uniquely
mission driven
Our mission
To provide the best possible support to children with autism and their families by attracting, developing and retaining world-class clinicians and therapists. Stride has an unwavering commitment to meaningful outcomes.
Every family impacted by autism deserves the best guidance and treatment along the difficult road ahead. Our goal is to make that available to as many families as possible.
Stride is rapidly growing in the Midwest with locations currently in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.
How we’re different
Unwavering commitment to evidence-based ABA treatment
Stride
Our methods rely upon heavily researched, evidence-backed approaches that work.
Others
Some programs use emerging or unestablished methods with little to no clinical research supporting the effectiveness.
Exclusive Focus on Pre-School Learners
Stride
Stride exclusively works with preschool-aged learners to ensure our clinicians have expertise through dedicated focus.
Others
Autism practices serve children and adults of all ages, adding complexity and inhibiting clinical specialization.
Center-Based Model for Pre-Schoolers
Stride
The core deficits of autism are social and communicative in nature. Stride’s centers offer children numerous opportunities to play and socialize with their peers.
Others
Home-based treatment limits opportunities for children to build play and social skills during sessions.
Collaborating with Parents Every Step of the Way
Stride
We work hand-in-hand with parents to give you the tools, tips and techniques to promote your child’s progress away from the clinic.
Others
Parents receive sporadic updates from therapists and treatment programs exclude resources for parents to engage their children outside the clinic.
Industry Leading Clinicians Develop and Supervise Entire Program
Stride
PhDs leading the field of ABA have developed Stride’s clinical protocols and provide continuous oversight.
Others
Recent graduates with limited experience create and implement your child’s treatment program, with little supervision.
In-House Diagnostics Provide a Seamless Transition to Treatment
Stride
Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of diagnosing and treating autism as early as possible. Our Licensed Clinical Psychologists can diagnose autism, enabling faster access to ABA therapy, if appropriate.
Others
Diagnostic waitlists can take up to a year, delaying intervention when it matters most, yet most treatment programs cannot provide a diagnosis themselves.
Best-in-Class Clinical Training for All of Stride’s Staff
Stride
ALL of Stride’s employees receive extensive, in-person training from Stride’s clinical leadership prior to working with your child.
Others
Employees meet the minimum threshold of a GED and limited online training to work with your child one-on-one.
Culture of mentorship empowers and supports our clinicians
Stride
Senior clinicians with decades of experience spend significant time mentoring our staff to equip them with the skills and perspective to drive great outcomes.
Others
Therapists and BCBAs often feel overburdened, under-resourced, and isolated, without clinical experts to learn from or turn to with questions.
Unique Partnerships with Leading Academic Institutions
Stride
Deeply committed to continuous clinical improvement, we have close connections with leading academic institutions. These partners audit our programs on an ongoing basis to ensure clinical compliance.
Others
Most programs have no ties to academia, limiting their exposure to evolving techniques and learnings.
Owned by a Family Just like Yours
Stride
Our founder’s sister has a severe autism-related disorder.
Others
Many clinics are owned by private equity investors who are motivated by short-term financial returns rather a personal connection to autism.
Committed to Underserved Communities
Stride
We locate our centers in communities that need us most and we don’t exclude clients on Medicaid (in states where Medicaid covers ABA).
Others
Many clinics are located in wealthy areas and exclusively accept private insurance.
“All parents try to provide the best possible life for their children, but achieving that goal with a child with special needs requires more… more time, more effort, and more emotional fortitude. I intimately understand these challenges because my sister, Marissa, has a severe autism-related disorder.
Over the last three decades, I’ve witnessed how my parents vigorously advocated for her opportunities yet struggled to pave a path for her success. Convinced I could help, I created Stride to better serve children like Marissa and families like ours.”
Brad Zelinger
Founder & CEO
