Action Behavior Centers (ABC) is a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Chicago. We proudly serve families at our ABA centers in West Loop, Lincoln Park, North Center, Logan Square, Park Ridge, and surrounding areas. Our autism services include online screening tools, face-to-face ADOS-2 evaluations, and center-based ABA therapy.
The ABA therapy provided here has been a game changer for my son, who in his own words said "I've learned how to make friends and finally enjoy school." The staff are delightful and knowledgeable, and patiently worked with us as we navigated our own journey through the world of ABA. The staff at ABC gave our family the tools we needed to improve our son's life and ours. It's definitely a team effort and parents need to be willing to put in the investment of learning too, but it's absolutely worth it. We even miss coming here as we had such positive interactions with the staff! Thank you, ABC!
This place is a heaven sent! My son was diagnosed with autism 3 years ago. And he is 6 and now has graduated from this wonderful place! Now heading to first grade! Our son and family has always felt supported here. He never wanted to miss a day! We are definitely going to miss this place! Thank you to the ABC Staff for all that you’ve done for my son! If you’re looking for ABA therapy for your loved one look no further, this is the place to go!
Guiding families through autism screening and early intervention
Whether your child has an autism diagnosis or you're just beginning the journey, Action Behavior Centers is here to support your family. We offer comprehensive autism evaluations, including the ADOS-2, at our centers in Chicago, Lincolnwood, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and nearby areas.
The ADOS-2 helps identify behaviors commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. After the assessment, scores are calculated and shared with your child’s pediatrician or referring provider to support the diagnostic process and next steps. If autism is diagnosed, your child can start personalized ABA therapy right away. Our Chicago-area centers have immediate openings. Get started today!
Take the M-CHAT-R
Online autism screener for toddlers
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) helps parents assess their child's risk for ASD. The M-CHAT-R can help parents decide if their child needs a more thorough evaluation.
Take the M-CHAT-RTake the CAST
Online autism screener for older children
The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is an online questionnaire designed for parents. It asks about symptoms related to autism, such as issues with communication.
Take the CAST
Autism evaluations
Diagnostic assessment for children 18 months–6 years
If a screening tool or your child’s doctor suggests possible autism, the next step is to complete an evaluation administered by a qualified clinician.
Schedule an assessment
ADOS-2
Diagnostic assessment for children
18 months–6 years
If a screening tool or your child’s doctor suggests possible autism, the next step is to complete an evaluation administered by a qualified clinician, like the ADOS-2.
(123) 333-4444What makes our ABA therapy services unique
Center-based ABA therapy in Chicago
Designed for children ages 18 months to 8 years old, our vibrant centers offer a supportive environment where children with autism receive 1:1 ABA therapy, engage in school-readiness activities, and learn practical social and communication skills.
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Immediate access to care
Early intervention makes all the difference. With conveniently located autism therapy centers near you, your child can start ABA therapy right away.
Diagnostic support
You don’t have to wait for answers. If your child has many of the early signs of autism, we can help them get evaluated.
Family Guidance
Parents and caregivers play an important role in their child’s growth. Every care plan includes twice-a-month Family Guidance sessions led by a BCBA, giving parents practical strategies they can use during therapy and in daily routines at home.
Insurance made simple
We accept most major plans, guide families through paperwork, and can provide financial assistance for out-of-pocket expenses.
Coordinated care
We collaborate with your child’s speech, occupational, feeding, and physical therapists to provide sessions directly in our centers. This allows your child to access other services in a familiar environment while minimizing unnecessary transitions and travel.
School readiness support
Center-based ABA therapy helps children build the skills they need for school, such as communication, social interaction, and executive function. For school-age children, ABC Academy continues that support by bridging the gap between therapy and the classroom.
Insurance coverage for ABA therapy can vary by state and by health plan. Use the tool below to find state-specific insurance coverage for autism therapy in your area. Don’t see your insurance listed? Contact your local ABA center to verify in-network ABA coverage. We accept 120+ insurances and are adding more every day.
Help your child thrive with ABA therapy.
Complete our online interest form to get matched with a center. We will be in touch soon!
Frequently asked questions
View all FAQs
What are the hours for your ABA therapy centers in Chicago?
- West Loop – Randolph Street
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Lincoln Park – Lincoln Avenue
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - North Center – Western Avenue
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Logan Square – Belmont Avenue
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM - Park Ridge – Cumberland Avenue
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Some centers may offer extended hours based on availability and family needs. We recommend contacting your preferred location directly to confirm scheduling. Each Chicago center provides full-day ABA therapy and diagnostic support services for children with autism.
Who can diagnose autism?
In the U.S., autism is diagnosed by qualified medical and mental health professionals through a comprehensive evaluation. This process may include direct observation, developmental history, caregiver interviews, and standardized diagnostic tools to determine whether a child meets criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many children can be evaluated as early as age 2.
Professionals who may diagnose autism include:
- Developmental pediatricians
- Child psychologists or neuropsychologists
- Child psychiatrists
- Pediatric neurologists
BCBAs may support the evaluation process, but a formal autism diagnosis is typically made by one of the specialists listed above.
Screening tools, such as the M-CHAT-R or CAST can help identify signs that a child may be at risk for autism. However, a full autism evaluation is required to make a formal diagnosis.
What is the best treatment for autism?
At Action Behavior, we provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, a gold standard treatment for autism. ABA therapy for autism is evidence-based, which means it has been tested and shown to be effective through multiple scientific studies.
Our internal data show that children with autism who require comprehensive ABA therapy (25 or more hours per week) experience, on average, an 86% reduction in challenging behaviors such as aggression, elopement, property destruction, and self-injury. Most of this progress happens within the first year of treatment. Even as therapy hours are gradually reduced by about 20% over time, children continue to show lasting improvements. See more of our outcomes research here.
What is ABA therapy and how does it work?
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a gold standard in care for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps children build practical skills and reduce behaviors that may make learning harder. Through ABA therapy, children can improve communication, develop self-care routines, and better manage emotions.
At Action Behavior Centers (ABC), our Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) and Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) use positive reinforcement and individualized strategies to support growth. Families are active partners in therapy, working with our clinical team to set goals and track progress.
Your child is accepted here
At Action Behavior Centers, we provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, a gold standard approach for helping children with autism. Our evidence-based therapies are carefully crafted to meet your child’s needs and unlock their strengths and abilities.
