CST Academy: Pediatric Therapy at 8 Locations Across Chicagoland
Every location pairs your child with a BCBA, speech therapist, and OT who coordinate your child’s care daily. Not sure where to start? Answer a few quick questions and we will point you in the right direction.
Already know your neighborhood? See our 8 Chicagoland locations
Our Services
18 months to 7 yearsApplied Behavior Analysis
Evidence-based therapy addressing specific behaviors and building positive skills through structured, individualized sessions.
2 years to 12 yearsAutism Evaluations
Comprehensive diagnostic assessments by licensed professionals to clarify your child’s strengths and support needs.
2 years to 6 yearsTherapeutic Learning Program
Integrated classroom-based program combining therapy with structured learning activities at our Chicagoland clinics.
18 months to 18 yearsSpeech Therapy
Specialized treatment for speech and language development, from early communication skills to complex language.
18 months to 18 yearsFeeding Therapy
Targeted support for eating challenges, sensory sensitivities, and swallowing difficulties with compassionate guidance.
18 months to 14 yearsOccupational Therapy
Help with daily living skills, fine motor development, sensory processing, and independence in self-care activities.
18 months to 14 yearsPhysical Therapy
Support for gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and movement patterns to maximize physical function.
How It Works
Initial Call
Reach out to discuss your child’s needs and get your questions answered by our team.
BCBA Consultation
Meet with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to understand your family’s goals and therapy approach.
Comprehensive Assessment
Complete evaluation to identify your child’s strengths, support needs, and personalized treatment plan.
Therapy Begins
Your child starts with a skilled therapist matched to their needs, on a schedule that works for your family.
See Where Your Child Will Grow
Take a 60-second tour of our clinics. Purpose-built therapy rooms, sensory gyms, and collaborative spaces where your child’s entire care team works together every day.
Why Families Choose CST Academy
| Feature | CST Academy | Typical Provider |
|---|---|---|
| All therapies in the same building | – | |
| Integrated care coordination | – | |
| Autism Assessments | – | |
| Parent training and coaching | – | |
| Insurance accepted | – | |
| Specialized staff training | – |
Request Your Consultation
Let’s start with a conversation
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We will call within 24 hours to discuss your child’s needs and answer your questions.
What Families Are Saying
My son has attended CST Academy as soon as he hit 2 years old and has just recently graduated this August. He’s received everything from Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapy services as well as Applied Behavior Analysis. I am so so thankful for CST and its staff. His therapists were all so wonderful and extremely helpful with my son’s development (and mine as a parent) as well as preparing him for his transition to Chicago Public Schools. I highly recommend CST to parents looking for these types of services for their child.
We could not be more grateful for the incredible experience our son had at CST Academy! He started attending when he turned 3, and after years of love, care, and support from the team, he graduated this August. The Applied Behavior Analysis therapists, in particular, were outstanding. She always went above and beyond, creating a warm and encouraging environment where our son felt safe and empowered to learn.
My two young sons have attended CST for Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational Therapy, and Speech. I have had experience with most of the big autism companies in the area, and can tell you CST is the best. They hire the best therapists from the Board Certified Behavior Analysts to the Registered Behavior Technicians. Both our kids were always so happy to get dropped off. I’ve always been impressed with their ethics, warmth and child led approach.
Insurance Coverage
We verify your benefits, manage pre-authorization, and handle billing so you do not have to.
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Currently in-network for most plans. Accepted at all locations.
Aetna
Coming soon. We’re working to add Aetna coverage to expand access.
Illinois law requires insurance plans to cover autism treatment. We handle all verification and billing to make the process simple for families.
Our Chicagoland Locations
Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 620-7800
Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 620-7800
Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 620-7800
Chicago, IL 60656 (773) 620-7800
Wilmette, IL 60091 (773) 620-7800
Northbrook, IL 60062 (773) 620-7800
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (773) 620-7800
Gurnee, IL 60031 (773) 620-7800
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Monday to Thursday 8 AM to 6 PM, Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ABA therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children with autism develop communication, social, and daily living skills. At CST Academy, our approach is play-based. Your child learns through activities they enjoy, guided by a board-certified behavior analyst who tracks progress after every session and adjusts the plan weekly.
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to start ABA therapy?
Yes, insurance requires a documented autism diagnosis before ABA therapy can begin. If your child has not been evaluated yet, CST Academy provides diagnostic evaluations at our Chicago clinic locations. Once your child is evaluated, your nearest CST location gets started right away.
How many hours a week will my child be in ABA therapy?
Children in our ABA program typically attend 20 to 35 hours per week. Your child’s BCBA recommends the right frequency based on assessment results, treatment goals, and your family’s schedule. Sessions are play-based and structured around routines your child already knows, so even higher-hour programs feel sustainable.
How long before I see results from ABA therapy?
Most families notice early changes within the first two to three months: new attempts at communication, calmer transitions, or smoother mornings. Deeper gains in social confidence, self-regulation, and independence typically build between months 6 and 12 of consistent therapy.
Is parent involvement required during ABA therapy?
Parent coaching is a core part of every ABA program at CST Academy. You learn the same strategies your child’s therapists use so that progress at the clinic carries over to home, school, and everyday life. Families who participate in coaching consistently see stronger, more durable results.
What other therapies does CST Academy offer besides ABA?
CST Academy provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, and a Therapeutic Learning Program alongside ABA. All therapies are available at our locations, and your child’s therapists coordinate at one building so progress in one area reinforces every other area.
How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?
If your child has fewer words than other kids their age, is hard to understand outside the family, or gets frustrated when trying to communicate, a speech-language evaluation can give you a clear answer. Our SLP team can tell you after one assessment whether therapy is the right starting point. Most families tell us they wish they had called sooner.
Does my child need a diagnosis to start speech therapy, OT, or PT?
No. Unlike ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and feeding therapy do not require a diagnosis or a physician referral. Any family with concerns about their child’s communication, motor skills, sensory processing, or feeding can schedule an evaluation and start therapy based on the results.
Does insurance cover therapy at CST Academy?
Illinois law requires insurance plans to cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. CST Academy is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, and Aetna coverage is coming soon. For speech, OT, PT, and feeding therapy, coverage varies by plan. Our team verifies your benefits and walks you through your costs before therapy begins, so there are no surprises.
Where is CST Academy located?
CST Academy operates 8 locations across Chicagoland: Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park in Chicago, plus Park Ridge, Wilmette, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, and Gurnee in the suburbs. Autism evaluations are available at our Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Lincoln Park locations. All locations share the same phone number, (773) 620-7800, and are open Monday through Thursday 8AM to 6PM, Friday 8AM to 5PM.