Specialties & ConditionsDevelopmental & Behavioral Pediatrics Resources & Family Support
Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics: Resources & Family Support
Below, you'll find information on resources and community organizations related to your child's developmental health. Some of these resources can be utilized both while you're waiting for an appointment with a developmental pediatrician or after your child is seen by one. This page is intended to provide information about community resources and does not serve as official recommendations by Lurie Children's.
Therapy Resources
Note: The following therapy providers are not affiliated with nor endorsed by Lurie Children’s. It is the responsibility of the individual making the appointment to verify whether their insurance is accepted at a particular facility, as well as determine the quality of the service provider.
(Note: We recommend calling your child's insurance plan to ask the insurance plan what providers are in-network for Applied Behavior Analysis "ABA" Therapy. This kind of therapy is provided by a therapist with a BCBA credential and a support team. It may also be called "adaptive behavior support services" under insurance. If you cannot find a provider close enough to home, or if there is a long wait list for ABA therapy, consider filing an appeal. See this website for further support in filing an appeal with your child's insurance.
ABC Pathways
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community
- In-home therapy for Cook, Will, McHenry and Kankakee counties Residents
- Wait time less than 2 months
- Ages Birth-13 yo
- 708.510.7122
- Email: contact@abcpathways.org
- Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Adaptive Steps
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community, Meridian, Molina, and Youthcare
- In-home therapy for Schaumburg and surroundings
- Ages 2-21 yo
- 847.200.5078
- Email: matt@finnihealth.com
- No bilingual staff available
Aspire ABA Services
- Aurora, IL
- 630.888.1443
- No waiting list as of 9/12/2025
- English Only
Attain ABA Therapy
- Currently accepting most Medicaid plans
- In-home therapy for Cook, DuPage, & Will County Residents
- Ages 2-21 yo
- 866.625.4740
- Illinois Website
- Waiting times between 4-6 weeks
- Multilingual staff available
Autism Learning Space
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community and Meridian
- Offers center and home based therapy in Oak Park and Aurora
- Ages 2-21 yo
- After School waiting time 4-6 months
- 708.270.1665 *Oak Park
- 630.888.1443 *Aurora
- Website
- Bilingual staff: English, Spanish, and Arabic
BASES Autism Services
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community plan
- Offers center-based ABA in Elk Grove Village
- Ages 2-21
- 630.999.8227
- Website
Behavior Care Therapy
- Currently accepting BCBS MCO, Aetna Better Health MCO, YouthCare, and Meridian
- In-home based service
- Long wait time with Medicaid
- Ages 2-21 y/o
- 773.945.6826
- Areas served: Schaumburg, IL and surrounding areas
B.e.t.h. Services
- Currently accepting BCBS MCO
- Offers center-based ABA in 12745 Central Ave. Crestwood, Il 60418
- 1-2 months waiting list
- Ages 3-18 yo
- 708.722.BETH
- English only
Beyond Limits
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community plan, & Meridian. Provider is willing to call other Medicaid plans to verify benefits
- Providing to Cook county and Bensenville areas
- Waiting list: Case by case
- Ages 2-5
- 773.831.9950
- Website
BPI
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community, and Meridian
- Offers center and home based ABA in Aurora, Oswego, Yorkville, West Chicago, and Crystal Lake
- 312.919.5531
- Website
- Languages: English and Spanish
Brighter Care ABA
- Currently accepting most Medicaid plans (except straight Medicaid)
- Providing in-home ABA therapy to Chicago and surrounding suburbs
- 2 weeks wait time (estimated)
- Ages 0-21
- No restricted areas at the moment
- 773.675.1337 ext 104
- Website
- Languages: English and Spanish
By Your Side
- Accepts Blue Cross Community
- Center-based but can do some home-based services in Darien, Morton Grove, Crystal Lake, Oak Brook, Plainfield, Schaumburg, St. Charles, and Tinley Park
- Multi-disciplinary therapies, including OT, Speech, AAC Device Evaluations, also have "academy therapy" School-readiness program
- Ages 3-19
- Waiting list depends on desired schedule, several months waiting list for after school therapies and short list for morning therapies
- 866.326.4295
- Website
- No bilingual staff
ChildFirst Behavior Therapy
- Will be accepting Blue Cross Community, YouthCare and Meridian
- Center-based but can do some home-based services in Arlington Heights
- No age limit
- 224.206.5001
- Website
- Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian translators available
Colorful Minds ABA
- Currently accepting Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield Community, Meridian, Molina, YouthCare
- Providing in-home ABA therapy and Center-based ABA services children in Chicago and surrounding suburbs
- Ages 2-8
- 312.584.0559
- Contact Email: info@abacolorfulminds.com
- Limited bilingual staff
Creative Communications, LLC
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community Plan, Aetna, Cigna and other major networks
- Small private practice ABA provider on northside of city of Chicago
- Contact Email: daniel@ccaba.net
- Website
- Has interpreters for Spanish-speaking families
Early Ascent Pediatric Therapy
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community Plan, Aetna, Molina, Meridian, and YouthCare
- Small private practice ABA provider, home-based therapy serving Will and DuPage Counties
- No waiting list at the moment
- Email: admin@earlyascentaba.com
- 312.728.7192
- Website
- Has interpreters for Spanish-speaking families
Early Autism Services
- Currently accepting most Medicaid plans
- Ages 18 months-10 years old
- 312.965.2997
- Website
Emergeny Learning Centers
- Currently accepting Meridian, BCBS Community, YouthCare, and Molina
- Home and center based in Naperville
- Ages 2-18 yo
- To contact/inquire email: psparks@emergentlc.com
- 314.820.0723
- Website
- English only
Functional Skills Group
- Accepts Blue Cross Community and Meridian
- Center-based and home-based ABA on southwest side of Chicago (91st and Cicero, soon to be 148th and Cicero)
- 773.449.0859
- Email: Tinesha@TheFSGroup.org
- Website
- Servicing the south side of Chicago and its surrounding areas and southern suburbs
Gazelle ABA
- Currently accepting Meridian, BCBS Community, YouthCare, and Aetna
- Home based ABA servicing the south side of Chicago and its surrounding areas, NW suburbs & southern suburbs
- Ages 2-22
- 773.969.6362
- Website
- Languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, and Hindi
Genesis ABA Therapy
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community Plan, no waiting list
- Providing in-center ABA therapy to Will County Residents
- 779.324.0635
- Website
- Bilingual (English/ Spanish) provider available
Infinite Behavioral Interventions
- Currently accepting Aetna. Soon will be accepting Blue Cross Community Plan, no waiting list
- Providing in-home ABA therapy to DuPage and Will County Residents
- Bilingual (English/ Spanish) provider available
- 779.875.0067
- Contact: Armandoj@ibitherapies.com
- Website
Instructional ABA Consultants (IABA)
- IABA offers center and home-based ABA support in multiple Chicagoland locations - Glenview, Naperville, and Oak Lawn
- Center based programming is targeted for children 18mos - 6 years of age
- Home based programming is offered for children 6-21 years of age
- Wait List of approximately 1 year (as of 11/2023)
- Website
- Bilingual Services available
Joyful ABA
- Accepts BCBS Community, Meridian, and County Care Medicaid plans
- Serving South Suburban Chicago
- Offers Kindergarten Readiness program for ages 3-6 years old
- 872.200.1366 / 872.200.1365
- Janine@joyfulaba.org / Leslie@joyfulaba.org
- Website
Key Autism Services
- Accepts Blue Cross Community, Meridian, Youthcare, AllKids and Molina
- Has home-based and center-based ABA therapy for children / Center-based therapy also has options for Speech and OT
- Ages 1-18
- 888.329.4535
- Website
- Center locations in Norwood Park and Palos Heights
Launch Better ABA
- Accepts Blue Cross Community, County Care, Meridian, Youthcare, AllKids and Molina
- Has home-based therapy for children ages 1-18
- No waiting list as of 01/09/2025
- 248.376.6738
- Website
- Bilingual providers available: Russian, Hebrew, and Spanish speakers on the team
Oak Park Autism Clinic INC
- Accepts Blue Cross Community and Meridian
- Has home-based and center-based ABA therapy for children ages 2-18
- No waiting list as of 9/12/25
- 331.269.2932
- English only
Orion ABA
- Currently Accepting Meridian, Youthcare, Blue Cross Community
- Offers Home and Center-based ABA support
- All ages (children + Adults)
- 630.303.6825
- Contact Email: info@orionabainc.com
- Website
- Services available in Spanish and Urdu
Owl Light Therapy Inc
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross Community, Meridian, and Molina
- Center-based, therapeutic preschool program at this time
- For children ages 1-5 (discharged when child enters kindergarten)
- 866.695.2221
- Website
- Services available in Spanish and Arabic
Playful Minds Therapy
- Currently accepting all MCOs for home and center based ABA therapy
- Center in Bensenville, Illinois / Serves across the Chicagoland area (NW of city)
- Patients under 12 yo only
- 312.600.5599
- Website
- Bilingual staff English/Spanish
Positive Behavior Supports, Corp.
- Currently accepting all MCOs for home based ABA therapy
- 855.832.6727
- Website
- No age restriction and provides services in English/Spanish
- Serves across the Chicagoland area, up to Wisconsin and West to Rockford, Kankakee and as South as Springfield
Progressive Behavior Solutions
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community
- Home and center based ABA therapy in the Chicago area and North Suburbs
- Waiting list depends on requested scheduled
- Ages 2 y/o and up
- 773.780.1448
- Email: abaservices@pbsmidwest.com
- Bilingual staff available: Spanish, Polish and Hindi
Project Org
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community
- For children ages birth-13 yo
- 773.783.0001
- Website
PYRAMID Behavioral Health
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community , Aetna Better Health, and Meridian
- Currently, there is no waiting list for ABA, OT or Speech therapy services
- For children ages 2-12 yo
- 630.701.2825
- Website
Rimya Services
- Accepts Meridian, County Care, Molina, Straight Medicaid, and Aetna
- Home and Center Based (Cook and DuPage counties residents only)
- For children ages 2-19 yo
- 800.206.8136
- Website
- Services available in English & Spanish
Silveira Behavior Consultants
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community and Meridian
- Home and Center Based Cook County
- For children ages 2-14 yo
- No waiting list as of 1/10/2025
- 312.414.8000
- Website
- Bilingual staff available: Spanish, Urdu, Hindi, and Farsi
Spectrum of Smiles
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community , Aetna, Meridian, Molina, County Care, YouthCare & straight Medicaid
- Home and Center Based
- For children ages 2-21 yo
- Southside Chicago locations as well as Highland, IN
- No waiting list
- 773.322.1909
- Website
- English only
Starlight ABA Services
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community , Meridian, and straight Medicaid
- Home and Center Based in both DuPage County and Will County, Illinois
- For children ages 2-22 yo
- No waiting list as of 6/23/25
- 815.656.7827
- Contact: info@starlightautismtherapy.com
- Bilingual staff available: Spanish and Arabic
The Clubhouse
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community (straight Medicaid in progress).
- For children ages 2-16 yo
- Two months waiting list for after school hours
- Downers Grove - 630.495.6800
- Chicago, IL (Albany Park) - 773.205.8505
- Chicago, IL (Irving Park) - 312.955.0089
- Website
- Bilingual staff available: Spanish
TherapyWorks
- Currently accepting Blue Cross Community, CountyCare, Molina and Meridian
- Offer center-based ABA therapy for children ages 2-16 years old; Also has Speech, OT, PT, Feeding Therapy, Summer Camps
- 312.780.0820
- Website
- Current openings/ no wait time for in-clinic ABA, speech, and PT. OT has short wait.
Total Spectrum
- Accepting all IL Medicaid MCOs
- Offer both center-based, and home-based ABA therapy
- Ages 2-16 years old
- Website
- Locations in Lombard, IL, Aurora, IL, and Arlington Heights, IL
Have Medicaid and encountering wait lists or limited providers?
If you want to learn more about accessing ABA by purchasing a supplemental insurance plan through the Affordable Care Act, we recommend you attend one of the virtual workshops held by The Place for Children with Autism around October/ November (ACA plan enrollment is usually in December for the following calendar year):
You can learn more about the Affordable Care Act here
And more about the HIPP Grant for covering monthly private insurance premiums when you also have Medicaid here
Lurie Children's Locations
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 312.227.3720
- 225 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago 60611
- Location Page
Lurie Children’s Outpatient Center in Lincoln Park
- Accepts: Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 312.227.6240
- 2515 N. Clark St. Chicago 60614
- Location Page
Lurie Children's Outpatient Center in Northbrook
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 312.227.1040
- 1131 Techny Rd. Northbrook 60062
- Location Page
Lurie Children's Outpatient Center in Westchester- Rehabilitation Services at Westbrook Towers
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 11301 W. Cermak Rd. Tower Three, Suite 100 Westchester 60154
- 312.227.7900
- Location Page
Lurie Children's Outpatient Center in New Lenox
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 312.227.1040
- 1870 Silver Cross Blvd. Pavilion B Suite 100 New Lenox 60451
- Location Page
Lurie Children’s Outpatient Services in Grayslake
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 312.227.1040
- 1475 E. Belvidere Rd. Pavilion C Suite 285 Grayslake 60030
- Location Page
Chicago Locations
Advocate Illinois Masonic
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 773.296.7340
- 3040 N. Wilton St. Chicago 60608
Advocate Illinois Masonic
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Audiology
- 773.296.7450
- 836 W. Wellington St. Chicago 60657
John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- *Not accepting new patients for occupational therapy
- 312.864.1111
- 1901 W. Harrison St. Chicago 60612
La Rabida Children's Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross Community, CountyCare, Meridian, Molina, NextLevel
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- *Not accepting new patients for speech therapy
- 773.256.5777
- 6501 S. Promontory Dr. Chicago 60649
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Molina
- Offers Speech-Language Pathology
- 312.567.5550
- 2525 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago 60616
Midwest Ortho at Rush
- Accepts County Care
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 312.432.2513
- 1611 W. Harrison St. Chicago 60612
Presence Resurrection Medical Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 773.792.5181
- 7435 W. Talcott Ave. Chicago 60631
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 312.238.1000
- 355 E. Erie St. Chicago 60611
Rush University Medical Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 312.563.2454 (Physical Therapy>10)
- 312.942.5847 (Physical Therapy<10)
- 312.942.1204 (Occupational Therapy)
- 1725 W. Harrison St. Chicago 60612
Rush University Medical Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology
- 312.942.5332
- 1611 W. Harrison St. Chicago 60612
Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Next Level
- Offers Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 773.522.2010
- 1401 S. California Blvd. Chicago 60608
Shriners Hospital (Accept Shriner’s patients only)
- Accepted insurance unknown
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 773.622.5400
- 2211 N. Oak Park Ave. Chicago 60707
St. Anthony’s Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy
- 773.484.1000
- 2875 W. 19th Street Chicago 60623
University of Chicago Medical Center - Comer Children’s Hospital
- Accepts CountyCare, Aetna Better Health
- Offers Physical Therapy
- 888.824.0200
- 5721 S. Maryland Ave. Chicago 60637
University of Illinois at Chicago
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina, NextLevel
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 312.355.4394
- 1801 W. Taylor St. Chicago 60612
North Suburb Locations
Advocate Condell Medical Center - Pediatric Rehab
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.990.5350
- 801 S. Milwaukee Ave. West Tower Lower Level, Libertyville 60048
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital-Yackman Specialty Clinic
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.723.4532
- 847.723.7500 (Audiology)
- 1675 W. Dempster Ave. Park Ridge 60068
North Shore University Health Systems - Evanston Athletic Club
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Aquatic Therapy
- 847.570.7170
- 1729 Benson Ave. Evanston 60201
North Shore University Health Systems - Park Center Therapy Clinic
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Aquatic Therapy
- 847.657.3520
- 2400 Chestnut, Suite A Glenview 60025
North Shore University Health Systems - Pediatric Clinic
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.663.2300
- 9977 Woods Dr. Skokie 60077
Northwestern University Speech-Language Clinic
- Offers Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.491.5012
- 2315 Campus Dr. Evanston 60208
Northwestern Medicine – Lake Forest
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.234.5600
- 1000 N. Westmoreland Road Lake Forest 60045
Pathways Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.729.6220
- 2591 Compass Road #100 Glenview 60026
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Outpatient Center - Northshore
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.272.7426
- 900 N. Skokie Blvd. Northbrook 60062
Northwestern Suburb Locations
Advocate Lutheran General
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.723.2210
- 1775 Dempster Street Park Ridge 60068
AMITA Health – St. Alexius Medical Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 847.843.2000
- 1555 Barrington Road Hoffman Estates 60169
Mercy Javon Bea
- Accepts Blue Cross, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 815.971.5022
- 8201 E. Riverside Blvd Rockford 61114
Northwestern Medicine – Crystal Lake
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 815.459.3810
- 394 Federal Drive Crystal Lake 60014
Swedish American Health System Pediatrics Therapy Services
- Accepts Blue Cross, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Aquatic Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology/Feeding Therapy
- 779.696.4470
- 209 9TH St. Suite 302 Rockford 61104
Western Suburb Locations
AMITA Health Mercy
- Accepts Blue Cross, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.907.0263
- 1325 N. Highland Ave. Aurora 60506
CHAT (formerly Center for Speech and Language)
- Accepts some Medicaid. Wait list may apply.
- Offers Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.652.0300
- 310-D S. Main St. Lombard 60148
Central DuPage Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.933.1500
- 25 Winfield Rd Winfield 60190
Easterseals DuPage Center
- Accepted insurance unknown
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.620.4433
- 830 South Addison Villa Park 60181
Easterseals Lee A. Daniels Center
- Accepted insurance unknown
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.357.9699
- 1316 Bond St. Naperville 60563
Edward Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross Community
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.527.3375
- 801 S. Washington Street Naperville 60540
Elmhurst Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross Community
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 331.221.5840
- 155 E. Brush Hill Road Elmhurst 60126
Gottlieb Rehabilitative Services
- Accepts Blue Cross, Aetna Better Health, Molina
- Offers Speech-Language Pathology
- 708.681.3200
- 555 W. North Ave. Melrose Park 60160
Helping Hand Rehabilitation Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Musical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 708.352.3580
- 9649 W. 55th Street Countryside 60525
Loyola Center for Children’s Health
- Accepts Blue Cross, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 888.584.7888
- 1S224 Summit Ave. Suite 101 Oakbrook Terrace 60181
MacNeal Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 708.783.3134
- 3249 S. Oak Park Berwyn 60402
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.909.8000
- 26W171 Roosevelt Rd. Wheaton 60187
Midwest Ortho at Rush Oak Brook
- Medicaid plans only accepted if referred by a Rush doctor
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 312.432.2591
- 2011 York Rd. Oak Brook 60523
Northern Illinois University (NIU)
- Accepts Aetna Better Health Meridian
- Offers Speech-Language Pathology
- 815.753.1481
- 300 Sycamore Road DeKalb 60115
Northwestern Medicine - Aurora
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.938.6400
- 2635 Church Road Aurora 60502
Northwestern Delnor Hospital
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.933.1500
- 302 Randall Road, Suite LL 10 Geneva 60134
Rush Copley
- Accepted insurance unknown
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.978.6200
- 2000 Ogden Avenue Aurora 60504
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Outpatient Center – Burr Ridge
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 630.388.6700
- 7600 S. County Line Rd. Burr Ridge 60527
South Suburb Locations
Advocate Christ - Oak Lawn
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 708.684.9890
- 4440 95th St. 7th Floor Oak Lawn 60453
Advocate Christ – Palos Heights
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 708.684.3200
- 12350 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights 60453
Easterseals Rehabilitation - Joliet
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 815.725.2194
- 212 Barney Drive Joliet 60435
Easterseals Rehabilitation - Peoria
- Accepts Blue Cross, CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 309.686.1177
- 507 E. Armstrong Ave. Peoria 61603
Loyola Center for Health at Hickory Hills
- Accepts Blue Cross, Aetna Better Health, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 888.584.7888
- 9608 S. Roberts Rd. Hickory Hills 60457
Milestone Therapy
- Accepts CountyCare, Aetna Better Health (Out of network for Blue Cross and Meridian but may be able to get approval)
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 708.679.2633
- 20201 S. Crawford Ave. Olympia Fields 60461
OSF Healthcare
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Aquatic Therapy
- 309.655.6961
- 507 E. Armstrong Ave. Peoria 61603
Central, Northern, and Western Illinois Locations
Carle Therapy Services
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 217.431.7600
- 2300 N. Vermilon Street Danville 61832
Carle Therapy Services
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 217.383.3311
- 611 W. Park Street Urbana 61801
Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities
- Accepted insurance unknown
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology/Feeding Therapy
- 309.762.9552
- 1504 13th Ave. Moline 61265
Children's Hospital of IL at OSF St. Francis Medical Center
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Molina
- Offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology/Feeding Therapy
- 309.655.9691
- 200 Pennsylvania Peoria 61605
Easterseals Rehabilitation Center
- Accepts CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Aquatic Therapy
- 309.686.1177
- 507 E. Armstrong Ave. Peoria 61603
Easterseals Central Illinois, Bloomington
- Accepts CountyCare, Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 309.663.8275
- 2404 E. Empire St. Bloomington 61704
FHN Rehabilitation
- Accepts Meridian
- Offers Aquatic Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 877.600.0346
- 1045 W. Stephenson St. Freeport 61032
HSHS St. John’s Hospital- Women and Children’s Clinic
- Accepts Aetna Better Health, Meridian, Molina
- Offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Aquatic Therapy
- 217.544.6464 ext. 30200
- 400 N. Ninth St. Springfield 62702
Kids at Koke Mill - Koke Mill Medical Center
- Accepts Blue Cross, Meridian
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 217.862.0400
- 3132 Old Jacksonville Rd Springfield 62704
Milestone Therapy
- Accepts CountyCare, Aetna Better Health (Out of network for Blue Cross and Meridian but may be able to get approval)
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 815.928.6815
- 350 N. Wall St. Kankakee 60901
Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development
- Offers Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology/Feeding Therapy
- 815.434.0857
- 1013 Adams St. Ottawa 61350
Northwest Indiana Locations
Children’s Therapy Plus, Inc.
- Offers Aquatic Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 219.662.7654
- 6504 E 129th Ave Crown Point 46307
Community Hospital-Pediatric Therapy Services
- Offers Aquatic Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 219.703.2755
- 9950 Calumet Ave Munster 46321
Franciscan St. Margaret Health- Dyer
- Offers Audiology
- 219.865.2132 ext. 42004
- 24 Joliet St. Dyer 46311
Franciscan St. Margaret Health - Pediatric Outpatient Rehab at Omni Health & Fitness
- Offers Aquatic Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 219.322.2037
- 221 US Route 41 Schererville 46375
Jacob’s Ladder
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 219.764.4888
- 844.896.0235
- 1595 S. Calumet Rd. Suite #3 Chesterton 46304
Midwest Ortho at Rush - Munster Indiana Office
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
- 708.492.5460
- 9200 Calumet Ave. Suite 300 Munster 46321
Milestone Therapy
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 219.513.8311
- 2906 Highway Ave Highland 46322
Milestone Therapy
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 219.513.8311
- 370 W. 80th Place Merrillville 46410
Wee Care Therapy Ltd.
- Offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
- 219.322.1415
- 440 Edmond Dr. Dyer 46311
- For Behavior Management Interventions (such as ABA therapy): Behavioral Management Interventions for Children with Autism
- For Speech/ Occupational/ Feeding/Physical Therapies: Therapy for Children with Autism
Additional Resources
Free workshops and recordings on your child’s special education rights
- FRCD Upcoming Webinars | Family Resource Center on Disabilities
- Recorded Special Education Webinars | Family Resource Center on Disabilities (frcd.org)
What is an IEP?
- Resources - Equip for Equality
- Understanding IEPs (understood.org)
- https://www.understood.org/en/articles/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans
Parent guide on the Illinois State Board of Education's website
If you feel like your child's needs are not being properly met by the school
- Contact the school (in person AND via email is best, as it shows date and time of your communication). Ask for a meeting with the appropriate school professional. This could be the case manager, the school social worker, the teacher and/ or the principal.
- Ask for a copy and review your child's Individual Education Plan (IEP). This is the document that outlines what kind of support the school must provide to your child. If you would like to change the IEP, state that in the communication (email is best) with the school.
- If the school is not responsive, you can also call your district's Office of Special Education to discuss your child's case.
- For Chicago Public Schools the office is:
Chicago Public Schools-Office of Diverse Learners
42 West Madison
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Phone: 773.553.1800
- For Chicago Public Schools the office is:
- You can also refer to this advocating guidance: https://www.cps.edu/services-and-supports/special-education/understanding-special-education/know-your-rights/
For more guidance as to appropriate next steps, you can also call into one of the parent resource helplines created to support parents of children in special education. Additionally, some families consider hiring a special education advocate.
- Family Resource Center on Disabilities
11 E. Adams St. Suite 1002
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312.939.3513
https://frcd.org/ - Equip for Equality- Special Education Helpline
Our toll free Helpline can help you with getting appropriate education services for your child. Call or email us today so we can help answer your questions, provide support and assist you with learning about your legal rights. Contact our Helpline at 1.866.KIDS.046 (866.543.7046) or specialed@equipforequality.org.
https://www.equipforequality.org/ - Stand Up for Each Other (SUFEO) Chicago
@ Civitas ChildLaw Clinic (Loyola University Chicago)
Free information and services for K-12 students facing suspension, bullying, or exclusion from school.
Helpline: 773.800.0338
SUFEO (Stand Up For Each Other!): School of Law: Loyola University Chicago (luc.edu)
Visual supports can be very helpful with children who are visual learners, who have communication problems or who become anxious about what is happening around them. These tools help a child to know what to expect and can help prevent challenging behavior.
There are many resources on the internet that can help you create visual support systems for your child. While many of the internet resources mention “autism,” it is important to note that a child does not have to have autism to benefit from these supports.
Visual supports are particularly helpful for any child with communication delays and for young children experiencing challenging behaviors.
Want to learn more about how you can start using visual supports with your child?
- Start by reading the tip sheet here from Vanderbilt University.
- Watch a helpful video from Autism Speaks on the use of visuals (First/ Then and Visual Schedules). Again, this is not only for children with autism.
- Find and print off visuals here (daily schedules, managing anger/ frustration, identifying emotions, rewards charts, First/ Then options) from Chicago’s local Resource Center on Autism and Developmental Delay’s resource website.
- Other helpful websites for sample visual supports include:
- Indiana Institute on Disability and Community’s Visual Support Resources
- Easter Seal’s School Closure Kit (which includes visuals to support e-learning)
- Remember- you can always ask the professionals in your child’s life (teachers, therapists, pediatrician) for feedback or help with using visual supports. You can also contact UIC’s Resource Center on Autism and Developmental Delay (phone: 312.746.5447), and their professionals can help you with creating the right visual supports for your child. It may take time and practice to figure out which visual supports are most helpful.
Social Stories for Traveling:
- Autism Speaks: “Taking an airplane – A guide for people with autism”
- Airport Social Stories
- Autism Social Stories: Preparing for an Airplane Trip
App about Preparing for Airplane Travel:
Resources for the Airport
Tips for traveling
This list of recreation activities is by no means meant to indicate a recommendation by Lurie Children's, but merely lists resources available in the nearby community. It is the responsibility of the caregiver to verify cost as well as to determine the quality of the service provider.
City of Chicago Resources
- Chicago Park Districts Special Recreation office
Locations: Special Recreation Locations & Contacts | Chicago Park District
How to search activities available in your area/ for your child’s age:
Scroll down, Click on “Special Recreation” and then search for activities in your area for your child’s age: Programs & Memberships | Chicago Park District
- KEEN Chicago - many activities for children with developmental differences.
Check out their website or call for more information https://www.keenchicago.org/ - Adaptive Climbing Chicago
Brooklyn Boulders Chicago
100 South Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: 312.268.0002
Email: chicago@adaptiveclimbinggroup.org
Adaptive recreational activities good for individuals with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. - Five Keys Yoga, LLC
2225 W. Wabansia Ave., Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 847.899.0441
Singing, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and deep relaxation for children with autism and developmental differences to promote regulation of behaviors and emotions. - YMCA Chicago
inclusion@ymcachicago.org
Membership centers include facilities with pools, fitness centers, sports programming, and traditional day camps. Contact the Inclusion Department for information on programs and supports.
Locations: Buehler YMCA (Palatine), Camp Duncan (Ingleside), Camp MacLean (Burlington, WI), Camp Nawakwa (Lac du Flambeau, WI), Elmhurst YMCA, Foglia YMCA (Lake Zurich), Fry Family YMCA (Naperville), Greater LaGrange YMCA, Hastings Lake YMCA (Lindenhurst), Indian Boundary YMCA (Downers Grove), Irving Park YMCA, Kelly Hall (Garfield Park Chicago), Lake View YMCA (Chicago), McCormick YMCA (Logan Square, Chicago), Rauner YMCA (Lower West side, Chicago), Sage YMCA (Crystal Lake), South Side YMCA (Chicago).
Suburban Resources
- Play Next Generation Kids Klub
- Offers a variety of inclusive, sensory friendly classes and play experiences designed for children of all abilities.
- Special Recreation Associations
- What is a special recreation association (SRA)?
- A special recreation association (SRA) is a cooperative formed by 2 or more park districts or municipalities to provide recreation for their residents with disabilities. Similar to the park district and village recreation departments, programs are offered year-round in the park district facilities as well as private facilities such as theaters, bowling alleys, churches, etc. (Information from Special Recreation Association Network of Illinois)
- SRAs often offer swim classes, sports, summer camps, and many other recreation options for children with developmental differences
- Contact your local SRA for more details. Where to find your special recreation association: https://www.specialrecreation.org/find-my-services.html
- What is a special recreation association (SRA)?
Swim Classes
Swim Classes in the Chicago area for children with Developmental Differences
- Bear Paddle (Multiple Chicagoland Locations)
Free Swim Lesson & Skills Assessment
https://www.bearpaddle.com/ - British Swim School
Gold Coast: 1030 N Clark St. Chicago, IL 60610
Skokie: 3919 Oakton St. Skokie, IL 60076
708.613.5179
Fees: Small groups $32.50 per class (30 minutes), Semi-Private $55, and Private $85 - Chicago Blue Dolphins
2222 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
Call 773.342.7250 to register; more info at chicagobluedolphins.com
Fees: Classes will begin as private ($75/class) then transition to small group classes ($49-$37.50/class) - Chicago area YMCAs
Goldfish/Adaptive Swimming Classes
Call your local YMCA to inquire or see link for current offerings: https://www.ymcachicago.org/locations/ - JCC Chicago All-In Swim
Bernard Weinger JCC
300 Revere Dr. Northbrook, IL 60062
Go to https://www.jccchicago.org/programs/aquatics-sports/aquatics/all-in-swim/ for more details and to register.
Fees: $250.00 month, based on one class per week - Keen Chicago
*FREE* Swim Classes and other Sports for participants with developmental differences
Programs | KEEN Chicago - Chicago Park District
Search Special Recreation offerings: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/special-recreation-programs
*Free* Parent/Tot and Family Swims: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs-memberships/programs-overview/aquatics-programs/open-swims
For general questions, comments and inquiries, please call our general Special Recreation phone line at 312.742.5798, or contact by email at Special.Recreation@chicagoparkdistrict.com - Suburban Park Districts
For suburban residents (outside of city of Chicago), contact your local Special Recreation Association to find out if any additional swimming programs are offered in your area https://www.specialrecreation.org/find-my-services.html
The Children's Waiver Program provides additional funding for therapy, respite care and other supports for children 3-21 who qualify. In order to apply for this funding; families must register with the PUNS database.
- To find out how you can register with PUNS and apply for the waiver contact the Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities Hotline at 888.337.5267.
- Alternatively, you can also find your local office information at the Department of Human Services website
- Click on "Office Locator" page
- Then choose Office type- Developmental Disability Services, then choose your county
- You can also contact the The ARC of Illinois- Illinois Lifespan Program for more information at 815.464.1832.
Historically there have been very long waits to receive services, but there are changes the state is making to reduce wait times starting in 2025, so now is a good time to place your child with developmental differences on the PUNS list.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Children can qualify for SSI based on diagnosis and family income. Autism is one diagnosis that qualifies a child to receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income). If a family meets the income requirements, it can be a very helpful resource to receive SSI. Some families use SSI for therapies not covered by the child's insurance plan and this can be very helpful.
Here is more information about SSI for Children.
Income Requirements
For overview of income requirements, see section on “DEEMING ELIGIBILITY CHART FOR CHILDREN”
If you would like to start the SSI application, follow these two steps below (call to your local SSI office is needed even after filling the online form):
- First fill out the Child Disability Report online. If you have trouble, skip this online step and call your local office as stated below.
- Then call your local SSI office to get next steps in completing the process. To find your local office information visit the Social Security Office Locator
Wandering Prevention & Home Safety
- Autism Speaks Safety Toolkits
- Apply for a Big Red Safety Box to prevent wandering and elopement.
- Additional Toolkits and other safety plan resources
- Lurie Children’s Stop the Falls Coalition
Car Seat Safety
- Lurie Children’s Buckle Up Program
Firearm Safety
- Download the Firearm Safety Toolkit
- To order firearm locks, free of charge, please visit Illinois Department of Public Health’s gun lock request form and place an order, which you will receive within 5-7 business days.
Learn more about other Lurie Children’s Injury Prevention Initiatives