Action Behavior Center: Mokena Arbury Hills

Yes! Decades of research show that applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is an effective, evidence-based treatment for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies demonstrate that children who receive intensive ABA (typically 20–40 hours per week over two or more years) make significant progress in communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. Many are able to participate in school and community activities alongside their peers.

While every child responds differently, ABA therapy remains one of the most studied and proven approaches for supporting growth and development.

Every child’s applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment is personalized. BCBAs® assess each child’s strengths and needs, collaborate with families, and set measurable goals.

Examples of measurable goals include:

• Increasing spoken requests for toys from five to 10 times a day
• Initiating play with peers at least three times daily
• Following handwashing steps in four out of five opportunities
• Identifying 10 new household objects by name

Every child’s journey is unique, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is personalized to meet your family’s priorities. At ABC, we focus on helping children diagnosed with autism build practical, everyday skills while supporting families along the way.

ABA therapy can help your child grow in:

• Communication: Using words, gestures, or devices to express needs and connect with others
• School readiness: Learning to imitate, follow routines, and build pre-academic skills
• Behavior support: Finding safe, effective ways to meet needs while reducing unsafe behaviors like aggression, self-injury, or elopement
• Social skills: Playing with peers, sharing, and taking turns
• Self-care: Practicing routines like brushing teeth, washing hands, and cleaning up toys

ABC’s clinical research shows strong outcomes: 86% of families report major reductions in challenging behaviors within the first year of therapy, along with continued progress as goals evolve.

Yes! Every autistic child is unique, and some children experience more significant progress with applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy than others. However, studies show that children who receive two or more years of intensive behavioral interventions, including ABA therapy, can often participate in school and social activities at the same level as their peers.