Now Enrolling Ages 2-6!

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Refer a Child to Stride Autism Centers

Helping Children Access Early Intervention ABA Therapy-Faster

At Stride Autism Centers, we partner with physicians, psychologists, schools, therapists, and community providers to help children access high-quality ABA therapy as quickly as possible.

Our center-based ABA therapy programs are designed specifically for children ages 2-6 and focus on building communication, social, play, adaptive, and school readiness skills through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Make A Referral

Why Refer to Stride?

Specialized Early Intervention

Our programs are designed exclusively for young children during the years when intervention can have the greatest impact.

Quick Access to Care

We work to minimize delays by providing prompt outreach, insurance verification, scheduling support, and assessment coordination.

Family-Centered Approach

We believe parents and caregivers are essential members of the care team. Families receive ongoing communication, education, and support throughout their child's journey.

High-Quality Clinical Care

Our clinical team focuses on outcomes that matter most to families—improving communication, social engagement, independence, school readiness and readiness for everyday life. That commitment to quality is reflected in our national accreditation through the Autism Commission on Quality (ACQ).

Find a center near you

Stride is a leading provider of center-based ABA across Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. We have 25 award winning centers and are growing. Enter your zip code below and we point you to the clinic closest to you.

Find the Nearest Stride Center
A cheerful child making a thumbs up
A clean, graphic icon design representing the specialized ABA therapy services offered by Stride Autism Centers®.

Not Yet Diagnosed?

Many children are referred to Stride before receiving a formal autism diagnosis. Our Intake team can help connect families with trusted diagnostic providers and guide them through the evaluation process so they can take the next step toward care.

Need assistance?

Contact Our Intake Team

In 2025, Stride clients achieved more than 2,100 program goals and mastered over 34,000 individual skills.

98% of parents

report meaningful improvements in their child's ability to initiate communication.

80-100% greater developmental gain

is what Stride clients achieve compared to national (CASP) averages.

2x the gains

national averages for school readiness and beyond

Get Center Based Care

Insurance & Locations

  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (BCBSIL)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL – Loyola Physician Partners
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • America’s PPO
  • Anthem
  • Wellmark (BCBS of IA)
  • UnityPoint Accountable Care
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Cigna
  • Iowa Medicaid
  • Iowa Total Care
  • Amerigroup (IA Medicaid)
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Anthem
  • Nebraska Blue (BCBS of NE)
  • Healthy Blue
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Iowa Total Care
  • Tricare
  • United Community Plan
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Nebraska Medicaid

Other major insurers accepted

  • America’s PPO
  • Anthem
  • Avera
  • South Dakota Medicaid
  • Sanford
  • Wellmark (BCBS of SD)

Other major insurers accepted

  • Anthem
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (BCBSIL)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL – Loyola Physician Partners
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • America’s PPO
  • Anthem
  • Wellmark (BCBS of IA)
  • UnityPoint Accountable Care
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Cigna
  • Iowa Medicaid
  • Iowa Total Care
  • Amerigroup (IA Medicaid)
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Anthem
  • Nebraska Blue (BCBS of NE)
  • Healthy Blue
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Iowa Total Care
  • Tricare
  • United Community Plan
  • UnitedHealth Group/Optum
  • Nebraska Medicaid

Other major insurers accepted

  • America’s PPO
  • Anthem
  • Avera
  • South Dakota Medicaid
  • Sanford
  • Wellmark (BCBS of SD)

Other major insurers accepted

A BCBA and a kiddo.

Who Should Be Referred?

Children may benefit from a referral to Stride if they:

  • Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Are between the ages of 2 and 6
  • Are experiencing delays in communication, social interaction, play, or adaptive skills
  • Are experiencing challenging behaviors
  • Are seeking Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services

Learn About Our Program

Our Referral Process

Family Outreach

Our team contacts the family the same business day to discuss services, confirm insurance, and answer questions as they complete the intake process.

Assessment & Authorization

Our clinical and intake teams guide families through any required assessments and insurance authorizations.

Treatment Planning

Our clinical team reviews assessment results with the family and develops an individualized treatment plan designed around the child’s strengths, needs, and goals.

Therapy Begins

Once approved, the child begins receiving individualized ABA therapy at one of our centers.

For Referral Partners:

We value collaboration and believe children achieve the best outcomes when providers work together.

Our team is happy to:

  • Coordinate with pediatricians, psychologists, and specialists
  • Share updates on referral status
  • Assist families pursuing diagnostic evaluations
  • Provide information about services, insurance acceptance, and availability

If you have questions about making a referral, contact our Team at:

Phone: (515) 207-5251

Fax: (877) 372-2427

Email: [email protected]

Strong partnerships help children access care faster and create a better experience for families. Whether you’d like to discuss a referral, learn more about our programs, or connect with our team, we’d be happy to start a conversation.

Make a referral today!

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