Now Enrolling Ages 2-6!

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What We Offer at South Loop

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

One-on-One Support for Young Learners

Personalized Treatment Plans for Ages 2-6

Parent Training and Support

Discover Stride: Center-Based ABA Therapy That Works

Discover Stride: Center-Based ABA Therapy That Works

Our center is located in a professional healthcare services building in the heart of South Loop, offering easy access for families across Chicago. We’re just steps away from some of the city’s most iconic gardens and parks, creating a calming environment for your child.

South Loop ABA Therapy

Our South Loop location is easily accessible to families across Chicago. The center is close to parks and open spaces where kids can unwind before or after therapy. Many families also enjoy visiting nearby restaurants or cafés as part of their routine as we are located in the Burnham Park Professional Center.

Oak Park

6400 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707, USA

(708) 933-5166 Get Directions

Hickory Hills

9620 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills, IL 60457, USA

(708) 933-5166 Get Directions

Downers Grove

718 Ogden Ave suite 201, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA

(630) 228-1461 Get Directions

Orland Park

18080 Wolf Rd, Orland Park, IL 60467, USA

(708) 933-5166 Get Directions

What Sets Stride Autism Centers Apart?

Exceptional care teams

Our therapists are highly trained, compassionate, and deeply invested in each child’s growth.

Proven, research-backed approach

We use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to build real-life skills, foster meaningful progress, and make learning feel like play.

Individualized support

No two kids are alike. We personalize every plan to reflect your child’s goals, strengths, and personality.

Fully Accredited by Leading Autism Organizations

Stride Autism Centers are fully accredited in Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska by leading autism organizations, including the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ), Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), and Authorized Continuing Education (ACE).

Meet Our South Loop Team

Maithri Malladi, BCBA

Clinic Director

Maithri Malladi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who serves as the director of our autism center in the South Lo...

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Alexis Zavala

BCBA

Alexis Zavala is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at our South Loop clinic.

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About Stride Autism Centers

At Stride Autism Centers, our mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate ABA therapy for young children with autism. We focus on building real-life skills through personalized care, play-based learning, and strong partnerships with families.

Read Real Testimonials From Families Like Yours

Insurances We Accept

Photo of a play area with a whiteboard, swing set, table, chairs, shelf, and toys.
Photo of a room with a rectangular table, chairs, and a wooden shelf. There are also toys scattered on the table and the floor.

What Is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-backed approach that helps children with autism build everyday skills in areas like communication, social interaction, and self-care. At Stride Autism Centers, we break big goals into small, achievable steps and use play and positive reinforcement to encourage progress. Our goal is to help each child grow more confident, independent, and ready for the world around them.

 

Ready to Learn More?

Contact us today to schedule a tour or ask any questions you may have. Our team is here to help.

What to Expect

We understand that receiving an autism diagnosis for your child can be overwhelming. At Stride, our team of clinicians is here to support you every step of the way, from understanding the diagnosis to starting an effective therapy program. We are committed to helping you navigate this journey with compassion and expertise.

Here’s a Step-by-step Guide to Our Process at Stride:

Give Us a Call or Submit our Online Form

Give us a call at Stride or submit our online form, and our staff will be ready to
assist you. Whether you have questions or are ready to schedule a free
consultation, we’re here to help. Call us at (312) 554-5578

Free consultation

During the free consultation, one of our experienced intake specialists will take the
time to understand your child’s unique needs, answer any questions you have, and guide you through our enrollment process.

Insurance Support

From verifying your benefits to securing authorization, we’ll ensure a smooth
experience, so you can focus on your child’s well-being.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Our board-certified staff will conduct a comprehensive assessment. Through observation, play, and conversation,
we’ll get to know your child better and design an individualized ABA therapy program tailored to their needs.

ABA Programs Begins

Your child’s ABA therapy journey starts with our dedicated team, closely monitoring their progress.

At Stride Autism Centers, we are dedicated to providing top-quality ABA services,
empowering your child to reach their fullest potential. Take the first step towards a brighter future by contacting us today.

News & Insights

ABA Therapy

Common Questions About Our Center

ABA is the gold standard for treating autism and is the most widely studied and effective treatment available. ABA is recommended by major American medical associations and the US Surgeon General. CBT is generally not the best fit for preschool-aged children with autism, especially those with minimal communication skills.

Some children with autism have symptoms that can be supported by occupational therapy (OT), such as sensory sensitivities or gross motor challenges. Stride partners with local OT providers, as applicable, to ensure proper coordination of care. That said, ABA is typically the therapy that makes the biggest difference for children with autism.

Decades of clinical studies have shown that young children with autism who received intensive ABA therapy demonstrated:

  1. Larger increases in IQ and adaptive functioning
  2. Fewer challenging behaviors and social problems
  3. Increased likelihood of fully joining regular education without assistance

ABA uses positive reinforcement to promote increases in desirable behaviors. As a result, we see its application across a wide range of uses. From school settings where teachers reinforce participation and task completion to marketing executives who develop loyalty programs, ABA is everywhere.

Your involvement is key to your child’s success. We provide regular updates, training sessions, and opportunities to collaborate so you feel empowered to support your child at home.

We’re here to make the process as simple as possible. Contact us through our website or call the center closest to you. Our team will walk you through assessments, insurance details, and the next steps. Learn more about the Enrollment Process.

If your child has autism or is showing developmental delays, ABA therapy could make a big difference. Reach out to us, and we’ll help assess your child’s unique needs and potential benefits.

ABA can be helpful until therapy goals are met or if progress is not being made. Stride specializes in supporting preschool children ages 2 through 6 with the goal of making significant and meaningful progress that reduces the need for continued ABA post-Stride. For children who can benefit from continued ABA after the age of 6, Stride can provide a referral to other organizations that can provide care in-home or after school.

Absolutely. Every child is different, and we take the time to create a therapy plan tailored specifically to your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals.

Research shows that the earlier we intervene and begin therapy, the better the outcomes. This makes intuitive sense as kids have greater plasticity in their behavior the younger they are.

As kids grow older, they develop compensatory habits that make it more difficult to teach new, positive skills. For these reasons and more, Stride specializes in supporting preschool-aged children (ages 2 to 6) with autism. Typically, the earliest someone can be diagnosed with autism is 18 months old. Beginning ABA shortly after that is optimal for families who want their children to realize their potential.

If your child has autism or is showing developmental delays, ABA therapy could make a big difference. Reach out to us, and we’ll help assess your child’s unique needs and potential benefits.

Costs can vary, but most insurance plans cover ABA therapy when medically necessary. We’ll work with you to confirm coverage and help minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

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