Now Enrolling Ages 2-6!

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What We Offer at Our Center

Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA) Therapy
One-on-One Support for Young Learners
Personalized Treatment Plans for Ages 2-6
Parent Training and Support

What We Offer at Our Autism Center in Johnston, IA

Where to Find Our Autism Center in Johnston

Stride Autism Centers offers compassionate ABA therapy in Johnston so you can access support near your home. Our Johnston location features an outdoor area, perfect for your kiddo to enjoy sunshine and quality outside time.

Conveniently Located ABA Therapy

Stride Autism Centers is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality ABA therapy to families. In addition to our Johnston location, we have multiple centers throughout Iowa. Explore our other locations to find a center that’s convenient for you and your family.

Photo of a reception area with a table and chair. The wall behind the chair has a signage that reads "Stride Autism Centers." There's also a wooden door and window with blinds.

Urbandale, Iowa

3001 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA

(515) 481-5586 Get Directions

Clive, Iowa

9902 Swanson Blvd, Clive, IA, USA

(515) 481-5586 Get Directions

Des Moines—Park Fair

100 E Euclid Ave, Suite 29 in Des Moines, IA 50313

(515) 481-5586 Get Directions

Waukee, Iowa

Waukee, IA, USA

(515) 481-5586

Top Reasons Families Choose Stride

Compassionate, Experienced Specialists

Our team brings compassionate care and clinical excellence to their work each day. At Stride Autism Centers, every staff member contributes to creating a safe, nurturing space for your child to thrive.

Proven Progress and Trusted Outcomes

Families trust our methods and results. Our structured, play-based strategies can help your child reach purposeful milestones that enrich their future.

Individualized, Evidence-Based Support

Each child is unique and has specific needs. We tailor our science-based therapy to fit your child’s strengths, pace, and goals.

A Fully Accredited Center Approved by Leading Autism Organizations

Stride Autism Centers is fully accredited by the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ) in Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska. We are also a proud ACE provider and a member of CASP.

Meet Our Johnston Team We Trust

Headshot of a woman with curly hair, wearing a v-neck blouse and a cardigan, flashing a smile while looking straight at the camera.

Caitlin Pena, BCBA

Clinic Director, Johnston

I’m a BCBA. I received my undergraduate degree in health and human physiology from the Uni...

Read Full Bio

About Stride

At Stride, our mission is to help children develop foundational skills that prepare them for a joyous, more independent future. We support your kiddo through play-based learning, personalized care and a strong partnership with your family.

Hear From Families Like Yours in Johnston

Insurances We Accept

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What Is Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy?

ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement to encourage growth and breaks down positive behaviors into smaller, more manageable steps. It involves one-on-one therapy, group activities, free play, and circle time socialization. Compassionate therapists get to know your child and focus on their areas for improvement, helping them grow in the areas that will positively impact their future the most.

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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