The Role of ABA Therapy in Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Public Spaces
Public spaces such as grocery stores, parks, schools, and restaurants can be overwhelming for individuals
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education in Peru, Illinois, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive ABA therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our spacious 7,000-square-foot clinic offers evidence-based therapy programs designed to promote growth, independence, and social skills in a structured and supportive environment.
Located near Illinois Valley Community College, Peru Mall, and Baker Lake Park, our clinic serves families from Peru, LaSalle, Oglesby, Spring Valley, and surrounding communities. We work closely with local schools to ensure smooth transportation for therapy sessions and provide essential parent training and school consultations to support families beyond the clinic.
By focusing on collaboration and accessibility, we empower both children and caregivers to confidently navigate the autism journey. Families searching for ABA therapy in Peru, IL, can trust our dedicated team to deliver personalized, high-quality care that fosters meaningful progress and long-term success.
Leslie has worked with Cultivate for over 5 years. She started as a Registered Behavior Technician back in 2019 and has worked through Cultivate’s apprenticeship program, providing clinical services as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 4 years and then supporting her team as a Lead BCBA until 2025. As of fall 2024, Leslie has began her doctoral training at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Leslie’s focus of care includes behavior management, independent living skills, family centered care and support as well as meeting each child at their level to reach their most individualized potential.
Leslie grew up helping raise two siblings who are both very differently impacted by autism spectrum disorder and has had the lifelong opportunity of learning what it is like from the families perspective. Her siblings did not receive the magnitude of support that they needed which unfortunately did not lead to very positive outcomes so Leslie takes this personal experience deeply into consideration when working with families knowing the significance that our impact has on not just our kiddo’s lives but their entire families and that it is long lasting. This has helped shape Leslie’s family centered care mentality that Cultivate supports so much. Leslie intends to continue to strive to support families through our services by supporting our BCBA’s and Technicians as we continue to build an amazing team.
Our ABA clinic provides a structured and nurturing environment for children to develop essential developmental and age-appropriate skills. Through a combination of play–based and adult–directed activities, children learn communication, daily living, pre-academic, and social readiness. Our experienced team facilitates these sessions, helping your child build independence and confidence in a setting that mirrors real-world scenarios. Clinic–based service models include regular parent and caregiver training to maximize learning opportunities outside of structured ABA Therapy sessions.
Our In-school ABA therapy services provide vital support within both public and private school settings. In addition to providing direct services to your child, our team works closely with teachers and school staff to develop strategies that help with skill development and promote positive peer interactions. By integrating ABA principles into the school day, we enhance students’ learning experiences and support their success. When appropriate, in-school service delivery models include regular parent and caregiver training to maximize learning opportunities outside of structured ABA Therapy sessions.
Social group services focus on developing interpersonal skills through structured and safe peer interactions. In these sessions, children engage in activities that help to encourage cooperation, communication, and relationship-building. Team members guide structured activities to help children practice and refine their social abilities in a supportive and controlled environment. When appropriate, social skills service delivery models include regular parent and caregiver training to maximize learning opportunities outside of structured ABA Therapy sessions.
If you’ve noticed differences in how your child communicates, interacts, or plays, getting clarity early can make all the difference. At Cultivate, we help families take those first important steps by offering trusted autism screenings, such as the M-CHAT-R (for toddlers) and the CAST (for older children).
These screenings can provide valuable insight and help determine whether pursuing a formal diagnostic evaluation is the next step. Our team can help directly connect you to our diagnostic partners to ensure families have clear pathways to the support they need.
Are you ready to begin ABA therapy in Peru? Our dedicated team is here to help your child build the skills they need to thrive. Contact us today at 855-444-5664 to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation. We look forward to partnering with your family on this important journey!
At our Peru, IL location, Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education provides individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental differences. Our services focus on helping children build real-world skills that increase independence, communication, and confidence.
We offer:
Each child’s treatment plan is created and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and is designed around your child’s specific strengths, challenges, and family goals. Our approach is practical, supportive, and centered around meaningful progress in everyday life.
Families in Peru choose Cultivate because we balance clinical excellence with personal connection. We believe ABA therapy should feel supportive—not overwhelming—and that families should always feel informed and involved.
We are accredited by the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) and are active members of the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP). That means we follow high ethical and clinical standards while delivering evidence-based ABA therapy.
What truly sets us apart is our responsiveness. Our BCBAs closely monitor data, maintain approachable communication with families, and adjust programming as needed to ensure steady progress. We prioritize consistency, collaboration, and long-term skill generalization.
ABA therapy hours are determined after a comprehensive assessment by a BCBA. During this evaluation, we look at:
Based on these findings, we recommend a therapy schedule that supports measurable growth. Some children benefit from part-time ABA services, while others require more intensive therapy to build foundational skills.
Our goal is to recommend a schedule that is both clinically appropriate and sustainable for your family.
At our Peru ABA clinic, your child’s care team includes:
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) – Master’s-level clinicians who are nationally certified and licensed in Illinois (LBA). They oversee assessments, create treatment plans, and supervise therapy.
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) – Certified professionals who provide direct ABA therapy under BCBA supervision.
Ongoing professional development and supervision to ensure consistent, high-quality care. Every provider meets national certification standards and follows evidence-based ABA practices.
Yes. Caregiver guidance is an essential part of our ABA therapy model in Peru.
While your child participates in one-on-one therapy sessions, caregivers meet regularly with the BCBA to:
This ensures therapy continues beyond the clinic and supports generalization across home, school, and community settings.
Your child may benefit from ABA therapy if they experience challenges with:
If your child has received an autism diagnosis or if you have developmental concerns, our Peru team can complete an assessment to determine whether ABA therapy is appropriate.
A typical ABA session in our Peru clinic includes a balance of structured learning and natural interaction.
Sessions may involve:
Some instruction may occur at a table for skill acquisition, while other goals are targeted through games, movement, and hands-on activities. Every session is guided by data and individualized to your child’s treatment plan.
Progress is measured through ongoing data collection during every session. Our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) record detailed information about:
Your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) reviews this data regularly to ensure therapy remains effective. If progress slows or plateaus, adjustments are made promptly.
Families receive clear updates and opportunities to discuss goals and outcomes.
Absolutely. We support children at all levels of communication, including nonverbal learners.
Our team may implement:
We also collaborate with speech-language pathologists to ensure communication strategies align across providers.
We do not provide formal autism diagnostic evaluations at our Peru location. However, we offer free developmental screening tools such as:
If further evaluation is recommended, we can connect families with trusted diagnostician partners who provide convenient virtual autism evaluations.
At our clinic in Peru, IL, we provide specialized autism behavior support services, focusing on ABA therapy to help children thrive. With our spacious facility and experienced therapists, we create a comfortable environment where your child can actively participate in their treatment sessions.
We prioritize school readiness, social skills development, and peer interactions to ensure a holistic approach to your child’s growth and development. Our Peru center offers multiple play areas that cater to fine and gross motor skill activities and provide stimulating activities that promote learning and fun.
The family of a child on the autism spectrum deserves support and guidance, too. We offer sessions for family members, where we can guide you in caregiving and any other concerns you have. With Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we can put together the best developmental plans for your child.
We also offer Peru in-home ABA therapy options to encourage independence in your child. With your help, we can make it easier for your child to do chores, perform hygiene routines, and so much more. We help foster communication with siblings and other family members so that everyone can be part of the developmental process.
For many children on the autism spectrum, it is much easier and much more fun to learn from their peers than only from a therapist. We offer social group services to encourage children to play and interact with others of their age.
ABA therapy services are the gold standard options for children on the autism spectrum. At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education in Peru, IL, we can help. Call us today to learn more.
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we know that hearing your child has autism can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to worry about their future and independence. We get it – that’s why our approach is built on compassion, teamwork, and a commitment to expert care. We believe supporting a child with autism is a team effort. By partnering closely with your family, we create a care plan as unique as your child. We use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as our guide – an evidence-based approach designed to spark real change and help your child develop important, everyday skills.
Our team is here to empower you, too. We want you actively involved in your child’s growth. By building trust and keeping communication open, we create an environment where kids can truly spread their wings and reach for the stars. At Cultivate, we’re committed to weaving equity, inclusion, and diversity into everything we do. We understand each family has its own story and challenges, so we’re always ready to adapt our services to fit your needs.
Our mission is simple but powerful: collaborating to improve lives with engaging, individualized, and compassionate care. We’re here to equip you with the tools and support to navigate life’s twists and turns confidently. Because with the right support, every child has the potential to bloom in their own unique way.
(December 12, 2025) – Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, a leading national provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, has…
Explore More
Every child grows and learns in their own unique way. But as a parent, it’s natural to notice certain behaviors,…
Explore More
(November 25, 2025) – Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education (Cultivate BHE) is excited to announce the relocation of its Barrington center…
Explore More
(October 14, 2025) – Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education proudly announces that it has earned full reaccreditation from the Behavioral Health Center of…
Explore MorePublic spaces such as grocery stores, parks, schools, and restaurants can be overwhelming for individuals
A Path to Community Integration and Independence In the heart of Kentucky’s commitment to providing
The ABA Therapy Timeline: Understanding Milestones & Progress When we start working with new families,
Wondering whether your 18-month-old is hitting the right developmental milestones, or if certain behaviors might
