The Place for Children with Autism

The Place for Children with Autism: In-Clinic ABA Therapy for Children with Autism

The Place for Children with Autism is an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy provider for children with autism. Its model is delivered in-clinic, in a daycare- or preschool-like environment, with individualized attention and group activities. The organization presents itself as a trusted provider in the Chicagoland area and operates several centers across Illinois.

Core Services

The program is structured around daytime ABA therapy as well as after-school hours. Offerings include speech therapy, with speech-language pathologists who work on expression and connecting with others, and behavior therapy aimed at reducing challenging behaviors and teaching positive alternatives. Additional targeted skill areas include:

• Social and communication skills: independent and group peer play, turn-taking, sharing, social cues, and social problem-solving.
• Independent living skills: potty training, dressing, toothbrushing, and self-advocacy.
• School readiness: participation in daily activities, following instructions, independent task completion, and transitioning between activities.
• Safety skills: danger awareness, street and car safety, among others.

The center also offers diagnostic evaluations and autism screening tools for families who do not yet have a formal diagnosis.

Therapeutic Approach

The organization describes a personalized treatment approach, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, that leverages the early developmental years to prepare children for school. The team provides one-on-one ABA therapy and can coordinate additional treatments, such as occupational therapy and physical therapy, under one roof. Care is provided full-time in centers with group activities in a preschool-like environment. The company states that all of its clinicians follow a strict code of ethics and that care is based on positive reinforcement, not punishment.

Coverage and Locations

The network of centers spans Chicago and other Illinois communities. In Chicago, locations include Bronzeville, Hermosa, Jefferson Park, Mount Greenwood, Pilsen, Portage Park, River North, and Rogers Park. Outside the city, locations include Aurora, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Cicero, Elgin, Joliet, Lake in the Hills, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and Waukegan. The company presents itself as a trusted ABA therapy provider in the Chicagoland area and notes that it combines the resources of a national company with attention to local communities.

Diagnosis and Access to Treatment

To begin any ABA therapy, a formal evaluation and a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are required. If the child has not yet been evaluated, the organization connects the family with a qualified provider to get an appointment with little to no wait. It also offers screening tools to determine whether further evaluation is needed. The enrollment process includes a meeting with clinicians to discuss the child's needs, set goals, and develop a customized treatment plan, as well as the opportunity to tour a center and meet the team.

Insurance and Financial Assistance

Illinois requires commercial insurance plans to cover ABA therapy. The organization states that it accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Northshore, Medicaid and HealthCare.gov, Health Alliance, and ComPsych, although coverage depends on each plan. A dedicated client account support team helps assess coverage, calculate out-of-pocket costs, and find financial assistance opportunities. The company also has a dedicated grants and resources department.

Family Involvement and Outcomes

Parent involvement is considered a central part of treatment, as parents reinforce at home the skills worked on in therapy. The organization requires monthly family training meetings in which progress is reviewed, concerns are addressed, and basic ABA principles are taught. According to the company itself, 95% of surveyed parents agree or strongly agree that their family's quality of life has improved since starting treatment, compared with an industry average of 84%. The company states that ABA therapy is recognized by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the U.S. Public Health Service, and that it is the only evidence-based therapy recognized by the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Institute of Mental Health for the treatment of autism.