Do you offer ABA therapy for autism in Bucktown?

Yes. Our Bucktown clinic at 1657 W Cortland Street provides center-based ABA therapy for children with autism, plus autism testing, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health services — all under one roof on Chicago's Near Northwest Side.

What insurance do you accept for ABA therapy?

We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and accept many major plans, including Optum, United Healthcare, Tricare, Multiplan, and NorthShore.

What ages do you work with?

We support children from as young as 18 months through the teen years. Early autism testing is available for children 18 months to 4 years.

How soon can my child start?

We work hard to keep wait times short. After you reach out, our team walks you through a benefits check, paperwork, and an assessment.

Where do I park, and how do I get to the Bucktown center?

We're on the corner of Cortland and Paulina, just west of I-90/94 at the Armitage exit. Free parking is available in the gated lot behind the building off Paulina, plus non-permit street parking on Paulina and metered spots on Cortland.

Is therapy provided in the clinic or at home?

Our Bucktown location is a dedicated pediatric therapy center with private one-on-one therapy rooms and sensory and gym space. Most care is delivered in the clinic, with support coordinated for home or school when it's the right fit.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children build communication, social, and daily-living skills.

Do you provide autism evaluations or a diagnosis?

Yes. We offer early autism testing for young children and can guide your family through the evaluation process.

Which nearby neighborhoods do you serve?

Families come to our Bucktown clinic from Logan Square, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Humboldt Park.

ABA & Pediatric Therapy in Chicago (Bucktown), IL

ABA Therapy & Pediatric Therapy in Chicago (Bucktown), IL

ABA therapy for autism, autism testing, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health for children in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood — also serving families in Wicker Park, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and Humboldt Park.

Free consultation & tour · Typical reply within 4 hours

Meet our interdisciplinary team

Expert Pediatric Therapists Dedicated to Supporting Children in Chicago (Bucktown), IL

We know how important it is for you to feel confident in your child’s care, which is why we want to introduce you to the licensed professionals in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood who will be supporting your family every day.

Stephanie McIlhattan

BCBA, Clinical Director

Ryan Emry

M.S., BCBA, Regional Director

Liza Bodner

BCBA, Vice President of Clinical Quality & Training

Mary Grace Domagola

M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist

Maria Dominguez

M.S., BCBA

Suzanne Hemwall

M.A., Lead BCBA

Yurie Kim

O.T.D, OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Arielle S.

Family Child Advocate

Aundrea (Drea) Skoullos

M.S., CCC-SLP, CLC, Speech-Language Pathologist

Stephanie Sorensen

M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist

Molly Sullivan

MS, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

Raina Yoo

M.F.A., Assistant Clinical Coordinator

Supporting Every Part of Your Child’s Growth

Every service below exists to close a real gap in your child's day — at home, at school, with friends. Here's what we work on, and why it matters.

Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA Therapy for Autism)

Building the skills your child wants, and the ones that open new doors

Our BCBAs build programs around your child's strengths, interests, and what matters most to your family, then adjust constantly as they grow, learn, and surprise everyone. Great ABA is playful, connected, and shaped by your child’s voice, and that’s the standard we’re known for.

Explore ABA Therapy at NSPT →

Children learning in a Blossom Prep therapeutic classroom at NSPT Arlington Heights

Mental Health and Behavioral Support

Supporting big feelings, building emotional tools that last

Our mental health clinicians support children ages 3+ in understanding their emotions, building regulation strategies, and feeling more at home in their own minds, while keeping families informed and connected throughout.

Explore Mental Health and Social Work →

Physical Therapy

Moving through childhood with strength and confidence

Our physical therapists support children who are building gross motor skills, coordination, strength, and balance — because every child deserves to move through the world on their own terms.

Explore Physical Therapy →

Autism Testing · Immediate Availability

A full picture of your child's strengths, and a clear path forward

Our in-house neuropsychologists provide comprehensive autism evaluations for children 18 months and up. No referral maze. No 9-month wait.

A full picture of your child's strengths and support needs, delivered with care and honesty.

Autism Testing and Diagnosis →

Speech-Language and Feeding Therapy

Finding their voice: in words, meals, and in connection

Whether your child is building their first words, expanding their language, or exploring new foods and textures, our speech-language pathologists meet them exactly where they are and open doors to richer communication.

Explore Speech and Feeding Therapy →

Occupational Therapy

The everyday moments that matter most to your family

OT builds the daily living skills that shape a child's confidence — getting dressed, holding a pencil, navigating sensory experiences.

Our occupational therapists work alongside your child to make those moments feel more manageable and more theirs.

Explore Occupational Therapy →

A childrens therapy space at the NSPT Arlington Heights pediatric therapy clinic

Pediatric & ABA Therapy That Knows Bucktown

Our Bucktown center sits at Cortland and Paulina, easy to reach for families across the Near Northwest Side and from neighboring Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. Whether you're coming from near the 606/Bloomingdale Trail, Humboldt Park, or the Kennedy Expressway, getting your child to consistent, weekly therapy shouldn't mean a long drive—and here it doesn't.

We work hand-in-hand with the schools your kids actually attend. That means coordinating with Chicago Public Schools and nearby early-childhood programs on IEP goals, evaluations, and the language that shows up in your child's school day. You'll see support that lines up with what their teachers and therapists are already doing, not generic recommendations.

And because Bucktown is built for families—the 606/Bloomingdale Trail, neighborhood parks, and a walkable Milwaukee Avenue—we focus on the real-world skills that let your child take part: regulating on a busy playground, joining a group, ordering for themselves on a Saturday outing. Therapy that travels off the mat and into their actual life here.

Talk to our team

Insurance & getting started

North Shore Pediatric Therapy is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and accepts most major plans — including Optum, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare, Multiplan, and NorthShore. Before your child begins, we run a complimentary benefits check on your behalf, so you understand your coverage up front.

Not sure about your plan, or whether you need a referral?
Call us at 877-486-4140 and our team will walk you through every step.

What families say about NSPT

Success looks different for every child... But we bet we have a story that matches your child's needs. Like James, who started with us as non-speaking and lacking the ability to initiate and maintain social interactions. Today, he can speak complete sentences, clearly state his needs, and navigate social interactions with his friends!

Our infant daughter was in physical therapy with Anna Zahn for about five months. Anna was consistent, patient, and wonderful with our daughter. Anna was also clear in her communications with us as parents which helped us understand our daughter's progress and needs, as well as how we could help our daughter at home. While we are proud that our daughter graduated PT, we will miss Anna's warmth and kindness.

Emily

I love this place! Christa is an amazing person, so sweet and kind and very professional in her work. All staff are very kind with children. I feel happy to find this place for my daughter. Thank you!!!

Maria Di Rita

I cannot say enough nice things about the staff! My son worked with Khadija as his ABA therapist and is finishing up this week with his OT, Sabrina. They were really instrumental in helping us navigate a new diagnosis. Both were so easy to approach with questions. From Leeann at the front desk to the RBTs (Alex, Rabbia, Molly, and many others), we always felt so welcomed. It seems like the staff genuinely enjoy their jobs, consistently offering feedback and suggestions on how to help my son.

Jennifer Peyer

We have been working with the amazing team at NSPT for many years. They have been essential in understanding and supporting our child. I recommend their services to anyone looking for their specific type of support.Posted to

Monica Terése Carranza

They are so sweet and kinds persons with professionalism and really worried about the kids and how help they to get new skills and moving forward with knowledge.

Alejandra M.

NSPT is fantastic! All of the staff are wonderful, accomodating, and make you feel welcome and comfortable. Alan is fantastic - he has helped our family tremendously and has such patience and purpose in everything he does.

Alex Ehrhardt

North Shore Pediatric Therapy has been amazing. They have done a great job adjusting to the specific needs of my autistic child.

Matt Nakanishi

My 12 yr old son has a lovely support team in Robert (Social Work) and Lindsay (OT)! He gains so much from his sessions & I gain so much from the communication and brainstorming! Thanks!

Jennie Meyer

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Paperwork & insurance
We'll review and confirm your insurance benefits, and we'll work with you to gather additional paperwork required.
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Treatment personalization
We'll schedule an assessment date for your child with one of our clinicians. This assessment will serve as the basis for your child’s personalized treatment plan. After, we'll meet to discuss recommendations and your child’s treatment plan and start date.
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Start making progress!
We will greet and welcome your child to our warm and supportive environment where our staff will provide 1-on-1 care to meet our treatment goals.

ABA Therapy & Pediatric Therapy in Chicago (Bucktown), IL

Insurance Accepted

Why Early Support Matters

“I wish I had called NSPT first.”

Expert Pediatric Therapists Dedicated to Supporting Children in Chicago (Bucktown), IL

Stephanie McIlhattan

Stephanie McIlhattan

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Ryan Emry

Ryan Emry

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Liza Bodner

Liza Bodner

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Mary Grace Domagola

Mary Grace Domagola

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Maria Dominguez

Maria Dominguez

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Suzanne Hemwall

Suzanne Hemwall

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Yurie Kim

Yurie Kim

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Arielle S.

Arielle S.

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Aundrea (Drea) Skoullos

Aundrea (Drea) Skoullos

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Stephanie Sorensen

Stephanie Sorensen

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Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA Therapy for Autism)