Center for Autism
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About
Little Friends Center for Autism (LFCA) strives to provide a fulfilling life for those we serve through comprehensive therapy services and evidence-based treatment strategies. We understand the range of emotions that may come with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, and we are here to help families along the way. Our Center is home to dedicated staff who provide exceptional care and services to foster growth and empower those we serve. In addition to our therapeutic services, we offer a wide range of training available to other professional organizations.
Here at LFCA, we are committed to providing more than exceptional services. We provide services that are tailored to the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each child and family. Using a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and other individualized supports, we help children and young adults build the skills needed to achieve greater independence and success throughout their lives.
Our programs focus on developing communication, daily living, social, and vocational skills, with specialized support during important life transitions, including the move from school into adulthood. We believe that meaningful progress happens through collaboration, and we recognize the vital role families play in every stage of the journey.
We take a team-centered approach to care, partnering closely with families to ensure services are personalized, coordinated, and responsive to each individual’s needs. Whether you are seeking support following a new diagnosis, navigating the school years, or planning for the future, our experienced clinical team is here to guide you every step of the way.
From your initial inquiry through ongoing services, our staff provides continuous communication, support, and collaboration to help your child and family achieve meaningful outcomes and reach their fullest potential.
Therapies
Our center offers several therapies to best fit the needs of each individual. These include:
Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA, is a science dedicated to the understanding and improvement of human behavior. ABA therapy is considered one of the most studied and effective treatments for individuals with autism. With early intervention, individuals learn essential communication, academic, and social skills to help them succeed in daily life.
ABA therapy utilizes behavioral principles and focuses on positive reinforcement to increase the likelihood of positive behavior change. It applies our understanding of how behavior works to real-life situations. ABA has helped many kinds of learners gain different skills. Our experienced staff at Little Friends Center for Autism, including our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), have child development backgrounds that will make a difference for those we serve.
The basic building blocks for communication and socializing are an important focus with helping individuals diagnosed with autism journey through life. The LFCA team of speech and occupational therapists aid the diagnostic and therapy team by evaluating and addressing the specialized needs of individuals across the lifespan.
Our skilled therapists will develop a plan and goals to meet each child’s unique needs. Our speech pathologists can add to a diagnostic evaluation by assessing various aspects of speech including receptive (comprehension), expressive (communication), and pragmatics (understanding social cues). Using a variety of therapy materials and evidence-based approaches building language and speech through therapy targets include: Vocabulary Skills, Receptive Language & Following Directions, Expressive Language & Answering Questions, Picture Exchange Communication System-PECS
Occupational therapy enables participation and improving performance in all the things one needs and wants to do throughout the day (occupations). When it comes to the children we see at Little Friends Center for Autism, we focus occupational therapy around play to motivate and help them best learn, since play is such a big part of a child’s day.
Through play, we address cognitive skills related to problem-solving and attention, work on fine and gross motor abilities and increase social participation. A personalized plan based on the needs of the child and family is developed and implemented by our therapists. At LFCA, occupational therapists conduct evaluations through interviews, assessments, observations, and speaking with the parents and child about priority goals in order to develop a comprehensive picture. Treatment plans and goals are established to best serve the individual’s needs in a collaborative effort with the family.
Little Friends Center for Autism offers an in-home toilet training program. Families work directly alongside our expert staff in their own home using principles of behavior analysis to accomplish this skill. Toilet training can be so frustrating for parents of a child with autism but when done in a supportive and structured way desired outcomes can be achieved, often in just a weekend! We understand the challenges of toilet training for those with special needs and have successfully helped children and young adults achieve this life-changing skill. Being toilet trained is a quality-of-life issue for all ages and is an essential step towards greater independence.
Lisa Cisek, M.Ed., Registered Behavior Therapist, has successfully toilet-trained hundreds of children from 3 years old to 20 years old using principles of behavior analysis. Over her 25 year career, Lisa has provided behavioral support teaching language and learning skills, academics, functional communication, and functional living skills working with children and supporting their parents.
For parents and professionals, understanding autism is critical. Our instructors offer realistic, usable advice on topics ranging from autism treatments to proactive behavior management. No matter how experienced, every parent and professional can learn from our programs and connect with other caretakers. We offer on-site training as well as in-services for schools and other organizations.
Enrollment & Funding Process
Eligibility
Individuals do not need an autism diagnosis to receive services at our center. However, a doctor’s prescription is required for most therapies to qualify for coverage under most insurance plans.
Access to Services
Little Friends Center for Autism accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and United Healthcare PPO. Our billing specialist can assist with verifying benefits to identify your plan’s coverage and any additional expenses. Patient/family responsibility is accepted by credit card, cash, or check. We do not accept Medicaid for therapeutic services. Toilet training and social skills groups are not covered by insurance.
Illinois requires commercial insurance plans to cover ABA therapy. The patient owes whatever amount the insurance company does not cover. On average, insurance covers 90-95% of the total expenses. Without that level of help, ABA may be unaffordable. While most commercial insurance plans cover ABA therapy costs, there are some self-funded insurance plans that do not. Even though insurance generally covers most of the costs, patients still owe out-of-pocket expenses in the form of deductibles, copays, or coinsurances.
For speech and occupational therapies, cost varies by insurance plan, number of therapy hours, and other factors. Our office manager can help verify benefits before services begin, so you and your family know what costs might be involved before therapies begin.
