Day of the Week | Hours |
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Monday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | Closed |
Thursday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Friday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Saturday | Closed |
Sunday | Closed |
Day of the Week | Hours |
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New Parents Start Here: 312-854-7385
Clients, Billing & General Inquiries: 312-654-2864
Professional Intake Fax: 800-513-7781
Chicago Loop, Streeterville, Gold Coast, West Loop, Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Logan Square, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, River North
Our Expert Team in Chicago
Caravel Autism Health, a leader in the field, is devoted to helping families navigate the challenges of early childhood autism. Our team of clinical experts specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of young children on the autism spectrum. Caravel's research-based and data-driven programs are designed to provide better outcomes that help children with autism reshape their development and embrace new ways of interacting with the world.
Caravel Autism Blog: Insights for Parents
How do I get started?
Give us a call at 312-854-7385 or complete this form.
What testing do you require initially?
Prior to beginning treatment, a diagnostic evaluation is required. Additional testing is based on individual need and is only used if the testing will help us to design a program or treatment. In general, testing is used to help diagnose disorders and determine levels of intellectual functioning, language ability or adaptive skills. Caravel provides diagnostic evaluations or if you have one from another professional source, that can usually also be used. Testing can also be helpful to chart the effectiveness of therapy.
What are the out-of-pocket expenses that a parent/guardian must pay for to get started?
An evaluation and any diagnostic testing will be billed to insurance (and/or Medicaid where permissible). Testing may be a part of the initial assessment or follow-up assessment. Please check with your insurance company. Typically, your family would be responsible for a potential deductible and/or co-pay. In some states, if you have Medicaid there would be no charge for the assessment beyond what is reimbursed by Medicaid. Any questions regarding financial responsibility may be discussed prior to an appointment with our billing staff. If testing would pose a financial hardship for the family, this should be discussed with billing. We work with parents/guardians to meet the needs of their individual case. Expenses can be spread over time.
Where does therapy treatment take place?
Therapy treatment typically takes place in a local Caravel clinic. Under limited and clinically appropriate circumstances, we recommend that some children receive therapy in a home-based setting.
What does ABA teach?
ABA therapy programs are wide-ranging and covers all areas in which your child needs to be successful. Goals are created and broken down into small steps. The steps are then organized into a logical order and taught one small step at a time. Areas may include communication, behavioral, functional and social skills.
Is there a reason so many hours are recommended?
Research shows that the greater the amount of hours, the better the outcome for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with an autism characteristically do not learn naturally throughout their days like typically developing children do. Learning is a full-time job for children that typically occurs without being noticed. Children with an autism need to be taught to learn. This means many hours of practicing these skills. Parent/guardian training and involvement is also an essential part of a successful ABA program. Tools and techniques of ABA should be incorporated into daily life. The amount of ABA therapy needed will depend on a variety of factors to be determined in the diagnostic evaluation.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
Parent/guardians are trained to do individual therapy with their child. We recommend that parent/guardians engage their child in a few hours of therapy a week to be familiar with what their child is learning. Parent/guardians are encouraged to join team meetings and training provided by clinic staff or outside professionals.
How is my child's progress evaluated?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is data-driven, so your clinical team will consistently record data and write session notes during each therapy session, documenting your child's responses using our proprietary computerized data system.
How do you coordinate with private therapists that the family employs who are not a part of your organization?
Our clinicians often work closely with other professionals because we realize that different experts can add valuable insight into treatment. If suggestions can be added to a treatment plan without crossing ethical or professional boundaries, we will bring these suggestions into therapy.