Early Intervention ABA Therapy in Chicago: Building a Brighter Future for Your Child

Applied Behavior Analysis

The Moment You Know You Need Answers

It often starts with a feeling—a sense that your child experiences the world differently. Maybe communication feels like a struggle, with more frustration than words. Perhaps social moments with other children seem overwhelming, or daily routines end in meltdowns. Whether you have recently received a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or are just beginning to navigate your concerns, we understand how isolating this journey can feel. You want to provide the best possible support for your child, but the path forward isn’t always clear.

At Eyas Landing, we are here to walk that path with you. We believe that early intervention is the most powerful gift you can give your child. During these crucial early years, your child’s brain is developing at a rapid pace.

Our approach is designed to harness that potential, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. You are not alone; together, we can build a strong foundation for your child’s success.

What is Early Intervention ABA Therapy? Turning Play into Progress

You might hear the term “therapy” and picture something clinical or rigid. For young children, effective therapy should feel like guided play. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment that uses the science of learning to build essential life skills. Our Early Intervention ABA program is specifically designed for toddlers and young children (typically ages 0-6).

We break down complex skills—like communicating a need, taking turns with a toy, or trying a new food—into small, manageable steps. By using positive reinforcement and following your child’s natural interests, we make learning motivating and fun.

Child using a communication device to express his feelings.Our partnership focuses on building skills that matter to your family:

  • Communication: We help your child find their voice, whether through words, signs, or picture systems. The goal is to reduce the frustration of being misunderstood and open the door to connection.
  • Social Skills: Through structured play, we practice skills like making eye contact, sharing with a friend, and understanding social cues to help your child build meaningful relationships.
  • Daily Living Skills: We provide support for developing independence in important routines like potty training, getting dressed, and participating in family mealtimes.
  • Behavioral Support: We look beyond the behavior to understand the “why.” Instead of just managing tantrums, we teach your child safer, more effective ways to communicate their wants and needs.

A Note for Parents: Many families worry that ABA will change their child’s personality. Our philosophy is the opposite. At Eyas Landing, our approach is child-led and relationship-based. We celebrate your child’s unique spirit. If they love dinosaurs, we use dinosaurs to teach counting, colors, and sharing. It’s therapy that honors who they are.

Why Choose Eyas Landing? A True Partner for Your Family in Chicago

Finding the right therapy provider in a city like Chicago can be overwhelming. You need more than just a service; you need a team that sees your child’s potential and supports your entire family. Here is why families trust Eyas Landing:

  • We Meet You Where You Are: Flexibility is the foundation of our care. We offer therapy where it makes the most sense for your child and your schedule—in your home, at our state-of-the-art West Loop clinic, within your child’s daycare or school, or through TeleHealth.
  • Comprehensive Care Under One Roof: Your child is more than a single diagnosis. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) lead the ABA team and collaborate directly with our on-site occupational, speech, and physical therapists. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures we are treating the whole child.
  • You Are the Expert on Your Child: We see you as a vital partner in your child’s progress. We work with you to set goals that are meaningful for your family’s daily life and provide parent coaching to empower you with strategies you can use confidently at home.
  • Immediate Availability: We know that when it comes to early intervention, every moment counts. Our team works diligently to get your child started as quickly as possible, ensuring they don’t miss a critical window for development.

A child with a therapist learning a community skill of crossing a street.Therapy That Fits Your Life

Children thrive when they feel safe and comfortable. That’s why we deliver services in the environment that best suits your child’s needs.

  • In-Home Therapy: Ideal for practicing daily routines in a familiar setting, from morning schedules to bedtime rituals.
  • Clinic-Based Therapy: Our West Loop clinic is a fun, structured environment with sensory gyms and learning centers designed to foster school-readiness skills and peer interaction.
  • Community & School Support: We can join your child at their daycare or preschool to help them navigate classroom expectations and social play in real time.

Your ABA Questions, Answered

Is my child too young for ABA?
No. Early intervention is most effective when it starts early, sometimes as young as 18 months. The earlier we begin building foundational skills, the greater the impact on long-term development.

Will ABA try to “cure” my child’s autism?
ABA is not a cure. It is a therapeutic approach to help your child maximize their potential, build independence, and live a happy, fulfilling life. We focus on equipping your child with tools for success while celebrating their unique strengths.

How many hours of therapy are recommended?
This is not a one-size-fits-all answer. After a comprehensive evaluation, your Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will recommend a specific number of hours based on your child’s individual needs and goals.

Let’s Begin Your Child’s Journey Today

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Taking this first step can change the trajectory of your child’s life, and the supportive team at Eyas Landing is ready to guide your family every step of the way.

Whether you have a formal diagnosis or are just starting to explore your concerns, we are here to provide answers and create a plan for progress.

Ready to see your child thrive?

Stories of ABA Hope and Progress

“Before we found Eyas Landing, our son was non-verbal and his frustration was heartbreaking. After six months of in-home ABA, he is now using words to ask for his favorite snacks. The therapists didn’t just work with him; they taught us how to connect with him on a new level. We feel so much more hopeful.”
Megan R., Chicago Parent

“We were nervous about starting therapy so young, but the team made it feel like pure playtime. Our daughter lights up when her therapist arrives. The progress we’ve seen in her ability to handle new situations and play with other kids is more than we could have imagined.”
David L., West Loop Parent

A smiling child playing with playdough during a therapy session.

ABA can provide support for children
across their developmental lifespan.

ABA can provide support for children
across their developmental lifespan.

Our ABA Therapy Team:

Together, the ABA Therapy team seamlessly collaborates with each child’s entire therapeutic team to address best practices and individualized treatment plans. This collaboration between our highly-educated, compassionate staff maximize therapeutic outcomes and help support our clients to reach their fullest potential. At Eyas Landing, we value evidence-based practice, client-centeredness, community, diversity, collaboration, and flexibility.

Next Steps to Starting ABA Therapy

Evaluation And Outcome Measures

Initial Evaluations are completed with standardized measures, clinical observation and parent report components. Re-evaluations are completed every six months to determine progress. Eyas Landing therapists proactively collaborate with families and other professionals to increase positive outcomes

Plan Of Care

Eyas Landing treatment plans are individualized to meet each child’s unique strengths, interests and goals. Goals are reviewed weekly and daily treatment notes are emailed directly to parents. Eyas Landing therapists are skilled in utilizing the client’s interests and motivations to increase participation in challenging therapeutic activities.

Billing Options

Eyas Landing offers a variety of billing and payment options to support your child’s treatment. There is a dedicated and knowledgeable on-site staff that are here to answer any of your questions. Eyas Landing is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO plans. Eyas Landing also accepts most out-of-network PPO plans, including United Healthcare and Cigna. Claims are submitted directly to your insurance company and staff can assist in disputing any denied claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Therapy for Kids:

Do I need a doctor’s referral?

While you don’t always need a referral to contact us, many insurance plans require one for coverage. We can help guide you through this process.

Where does therapy take place?

Flexibility is our foundation. We offer sessions in our West Loop clinic, in your home, at your child’s school or daycare, or via telehealth. We work with you to decide the best environment for your child’s goals.

How do I know if my child needs ABA therapy?

If your child is not meeting milestones (like babbling, using first words, or combining words), is difficult for others to understand, or gets frustrated when trying to communicate, an evaluation is a great first step.

Trust your instincts—you know your child best.

Smiling child expressing positive emotions during a supportive learning environment

Client-Focused ABA Approach:

  • Neuro-Affirming Care

  • Intentional Relationship Model

  • Compassionate Care ABA

  • Play-Based Therapy

  • Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBIs)

  • Social Skills Programs
  • Emotional Regulation Programs

  • Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness & Coping Skills Strategies

Therapy gym with sensory equipment used in center-based, in-home, and school settings

Center Based, In-Home or School ABA Therapy:

  • Large Sensory Motor Gym

  • Small Private Rooms

  • Classroom-like Environment

  • In School Therapy Support
  • Therapy in Daycare Support

  • In-Home Therapy

Center-Based ABA Therapy in Chicago

Kids love our sensory friendly clinics equipped with the best sensory equipment and engaging therapy resources.

Our Play-Based Therapy Clinics are located in:

  • Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood
  • Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood

In-Home ABA Therapy in Chicago

Eyas Landing therapists offer in-home therapy for early intervention and family convenience.

Our in-home therapy services are offered in the following Chicago neighborhoods:

  • Lincoln Park
  • Lakeview
  • Gold Coast
  • Roscoe Village
  • North Center
  • Ravenswood
  • Ukrainian Village
  • West Town
  • Streeterville
  • Loop / Downtown Chicago
  • Bronzeville
  • Wicker Park
  • Logan Square
  • Bucktown
  • West Loop
  • South Loop
  • River North
  • Hyde Park
  • Near North Side
  • Oak Park