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.
Leading Autism Center in Cedar Rapids, Coralville-Iowa City, and Hiawatha, IA
Now Enrolling!
Every parent dreams of seeing their child flourish. At Stride Autism Centers in Cedar Rapids, Coralville-Iowa City, and Hiawatha, IA, we’re here to light the way. Our evidence-based ABA therapy helps autistic children ages 2 to 6 develop communication, social skills, and confidence through play-based learning. Your child’s potential is limitless, and we’re honored to help them discover it.
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Learning Through Play
Mastering turn-taking while waiting to play with a toy
Building language skills by requesting their favorite snack
Developing patience during circle time
See the Joy in Action
Find a Center Near You
With three locations serving Cedar Rapids, Coralville-Iowa City, and Hiawatha, IA, quality ABA therapy is within reach for families throughout Iowa’s central region. We’re here to make accessing exceptional care as convenient as possible for your family.
Stride Autism Centers serves families throughout Iowa’s central region with three welcoming locations, including our new Cedar Rapids location as of May 2026:
Why Families Turn to Stride for ABA Therapy
Center-Based Therapy That Builds Social Skills
Unlike home-based therapy, our center-based program gives your child numerous opportunities to play and interact with peers in a supportive environment. Through circle time, free play, and group activities, your child practices essential social skills that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
Personalized Programs That Meet Your Child Where They Are
Every child on the autism spectrum is different, and we celebrate that. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create individualized programs based on your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. We focus on building communication skills, self-care abilities, and positive behaviors through evidence-based techniques that work.
A Team That Works Hand in Hand With You
We collaborate closely with parents and caregivers, giving you the tools, tips, and techniques to support your child’s progress at home. We’re not just your child’s therapists — we’re your partners in this journey.
Fully Accredited by Trusted Autism Organizations
When you choose Stride, you’re choosing quality you can trust. Our accreditation by the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ) in Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska reflects our commitment to evidence-based ABA therapy and meaningful outcomes for every child we serve.
About Our Space
Every Stride center is state-of-the-art and designed to help kids feel comfortable and confident. Our vibrant learning environments feature individualized instruction spaces, sensory-rich playgrounds, circle time areas, and free play zones, all designed to support every aspect of your child’s development.
Meeting Every Child Where They Are
Your child is one of a kind, with their own personality, interests, and way of experiencing the world. At Stride, we celebrate what makes your child special while gently supporting their growth and development. Wherever your child is on their journey, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) create individualized programs that respect their pace and amplify their strengths.
Our center-based model combines the structure of one-on-one therapy with the richness of group experiences. This dual approach helps your child master new skills in focused sessions, then practice those skills with peers in naturalistic settings.
Outcomes That Matter
Stride families see meaningful progress, including developmental gains that are two times the national average. We’re dedicated to maintaining the highest clinical standards, ensuring your child receives exceptional care from professionals who never stop learning.
Stride Autism Centers is fully accredited by the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ), a proud member of the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), and an Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) provider.
Parent Voices
Our son attended Stride for one year and we honestly wish he could have stayed longer, but he was ready for kindergarten! Enrolling him in Stride’s ABA program was one of the best decisions we have made. All of his therapists were amazing and our whole family has learned so much from them. The skills and friends that he made in the short year he was there are priceless and we will be forever grateful to all of the staff at Stride!
Our child just completed 3 years here. To say that the staff is awesome is not doing them justice. The growth we have seen in our child cannot be measured, and it’s all thanks to this staff. They care for all the children more than just teaching them. They listen to parents, and they communicate extremely well. I would recommend Stride to anyone in need of these services.
I had the opportunity to visit Stride Autism Center with my son, 2 yeas ago . and until now and I must say that it was an incredibly positive experience. From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome. Their friendliness and willingness to assist were truly remarkable.
One of the standout aspects of Stride Autism Center is the genuine care and dedication of the therapists and professionals working there. They go above and beyond to ensure that each child receives the best possible support and guidance. My son was exceptionally happy during his time there, and he formed a special bond with the therapists. It was evident that they genuinely love what they do and have a deep understanding of autism and its complexities.
The therapists at Stride Autism Center employ a variety of effective techniques and strategies tailored to meet each child's individual needs. They create a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages learning, growth, and development. It was heartwarming to witness the progress my son made under their guidance.
Furthermore, the center fosters open communication and collaboration with parents. They regularly update parents on their child's progress, discuss treatment plans, and provide valuable guidance for continuing therapy at home. This inclusive approach ensures that parents are actively involved in their child's journey and promotes a seamless transition between therapy sessions and daily life.
Overall, my experience with Stride Autism Center has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff's warmth, expertise, and commitment to the well-being of each child are commendable. My son's happiness and affection for the therapists are a testament to the positive impact they have on his life. I highly recommend Stride Autism Center to any parent seeking a caring and effective autism therapy center
One of the standout aspects of Stride Autism Center is the genuine care and dedication of the therapists and professionals working there. They go above and beyond to ensure that each child receives the best possible support and guidance. My son was exceptionally happy during his time there, and he formed a special bond with the therapists. It was evident that they genuinely love what they do and have a deep understanding of autism and its complexities.
The therapists at Stride Autism Center employ a variety of effective techniques and strategies tailored to meet each child's individual needs. They create a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages learning, growth, and development. It was heartwarming to witness the progress my son made under their guidance.
Furthermore, the center fosters open communication and collaboration with parents. They regularly update parents on their child's progress, discuss treatment plans, and provide valuable guidance for continuing therapy at home. This inclusive approach ensures that parents are actively involved in their child's journey and promotes a seamless transition between therapy sessions and daily life.
Overall, my experience with Stride Autism Center has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff's warmth, expertise, and commitment to the well-being of each child are commendable. My son's happiness and affection for the therapists are a testament to the positive impact they have on his life. I highly recommend Stride Autism Center to any parent seeking a caring and effective autism therapy center
The services and support our daughter received while at Stride were life changing for her. She acquired skills that will allow her to live a safe and independent life. She made her first group of friends and met her best friend at Stride. The therapists love these kids and pour everything into them to help them succeed! I couldn’t have asked for a better “family” and support provider for our daughter.
Stride has been a life saver for our son & our family. Because of their dedication & commitment to excellence, our son has gained skills that have helped him succeed & grow.
I would recommend stride to anyone with an autistic child. My son was in for a year and truly thrived! We absolutely loved the staff and they built such a great relationship with my child. 100/10
His only been there 2 weeks so far we love it. He loves it he goes in happy not crying or missing mama like the first day! Thank you staff!
We have had a wonderful experience with Stride. Since starting at the Center less then 6 months ago, we have seen tremendous growth in our son. With the help of staff we have set specific goals and watched our son reach them. Hearing our son responded with a "yes", learn his birthday, participate in art activities, and build relationships with the staff brings me so much joy. As a mother that is very new to the world of ASD, I appreciate how staff will listen to our present concerns and questions. They always have suggestion and feedback to help with home life. If our concern is one they are not familiar, multiple times, I have seen the staff go above and beyond to reach out and find new ideas and options to try. The best part is how much our son loves Stride and wants to go. I feel truly blessed to have found a ABA Therapy program that provides quality therapy, in every aspect. To say I am likely to referrer someone to Stride is an understatement. Families that have children on the spectrum need a resource like Stride, and I am so glad this is the agency we chose to connect with.
Explore Images of our ABA Therapy Centers
Insurances We Accept
Connect With Our Team Today
Our compassionate intake specialists are ready to answer your questions, walk you through the enrollment process, and verify your insurance coverage. Contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Your child’s brightest future starts here.
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
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:
- Larger increases in IQ and adaptive functioning
- Fewer challenging behaviors and social problems
- 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.
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.
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.
