Frequently Asked Questions
At a.c.e. therapies, we provide individualized support through ABA, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. We offer a one-to-one ratio for ABA therapy with a Registered Behavior Technician supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Group interactions to build social, play, and communication skills with peers and prepare for programs outside of therapy are integrated into our programming.
Not interested in therapy? We often host educational events for caregivers, fun group activities for children and adults, and other accessible activities tailored to the needs of your loved one that the entire family can enjoy.
The first step is to give our team a call at 708-792-0162. We’ll take the time to learn about your child’s needs and guide you through every step of the intake process. We work closely with schools, doctors, and other providers to make sure therapy is coordinated and truly supports your child’s growth. During intake, we’ll help gather your insurance information, diagnostic reports, SLP/OT prescriptions, and the intake packet, so we can provide you with a verification of benefits. Intake takes about 6 weeks total, but we will keep you informed every step of the way.
For ABA services, a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD – F84.0) is required. The diagnosis must come with a report from an approved provider, such as a neurologist, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist. A diagnosis is not required for Speech or Occupational Therapy services; however, we do require a prescription from your child’s doctor.
We’re proud to accept Meridian and BCBS Community Health Plans (Medicaid) for ABA therapy at our Naperville and Merrionette Park locations, along with BCBS (PPO), Cigna, Aetna, Magellan, and United Healthcare (Optum, UMR, UBM) at all locations.
We do require a set number of hours based on clinical needs determined by our team. This could range from 10-40 hours per week. We work to accommodate your needs and don’t believe in a one size fits all solution. Alternatively, many of our accessible activities and events are open to families outside of a.c.e. therapies as well.
Our ultimate goal is to help children gain the skills they need to thrive independently in daily life, not to keep them in therapy longer than necessary. You can trust that we provide support based on your child’s needs, not on keeping hours. That being said, we pride ourselves in offering individualized treatments and every child’s journey is unique. Some children make progress quickly, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We regularly review goals and progress to ensure therapy remains effective, and we are always transparent with families about expectations and next steps.
At a.c.e. Therapies, we provide ABA Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy for children, teens, and young adults starting at age 2 and up.
We support learners across a wide range of diagnoses and developmental needs, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Profound Autism
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Developmental Disorders & Delays
- Speech & Language Disorders: Dysarthria, Apraxia, Fluency Disorders, Aphasia, Dysphagia
- Cognitive-Communication Disorders …and more.
OT supports individuals in developing, recovering, or maintaining daily living & work skills. OT helps with:
- Daily Living Challenges
- Difficulty with self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, or feeding
- Motor Skill Delays
- Issues with coordination, balance, or fine motor tasks like writing
- Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Over or under responsiveness to sensory stimuli
- Cognitive Impairments
- Problems with memory, attention, or problem-solving impacting routine tasks
- Emotional & Behavioral Concerns
- Emotional regulation difficulties or behaviors that interfere with daily functioning
- Environmental Adaptation Needs
- Requirements for home or workplace modifications to enhance independence
ABA therapy helps with developing essential skills & reduces harmful behaviors. ABA helps with:
- Communication & Social Skills
- Problems interacting with others
- Challenging Behaviors
- Frequent tantrums, aggression, self-injury, or difficulty following directions
- Daily Living Skills
- Struggles with self-care tasks like toileting, dressing, or eating that leads to behavioral responses
- Safety Concerns
- Wandering, unsafe behaviors, or poor awareness of danger
- Learning Difficulties
- Trouble focusing, learning new skills, or applying them in different settings
- Emotional Regulation
- Difficulty handling frustration, transitions, or changes in routine
SLPs assess & treat communication & swallowing disorders. SLP helps with:
- Speech Difficulties
- Trouble pronouncing sounds clearly or speaking understandably
- Language Delays
- Difficulty understanding others or expressing thoughts
- Voice or Fluency Issues
- Ongoing hoarseness or stuttering that disrupts communication
- Social Communication Problems
- Struggles with turn-taking, eye contact, or reading social cues
- Cognitive-Communication Challenges
- Issues with memory, attention, or organizing ideas while speaking
- Feeding & Swallowing Concerns
- Coughing during meals, slow eating, or signs of choking or weight loss
At a.c.e. therapies, our services are delivered by highly qualified and licensed professionals with extensive training and experience in their fields. All of our clinicians hold relevant degrees, complete ongoing continuing education, and maintain current certifications and licenses to ensure the highest standards of care. Our team includes:
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
- Licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs) holding state licenses and accredited degrees in occupational therapy.
- Licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and licensed by the state.