Address: 2923 N California Ave Suite #230, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
Phone: +13128723697
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8AM–6PM
Tuesday: 8AM–6PM
Wednesday: 8AM–6PM
Thursday: 8AM–6PM
Friday: 8AM–6PM
Saturday: Closed
Jennifer Piltawer
My son was diagnosed with ASD when we went to Caravel for assessment; I was a bit turned off initially because the provider immediately began discussing the services they provided. It felt like they were attempting to sell me on something. I left Caravel with the information in hand and I immediately called my child's pediatrician (Dr. Tarnowski). I asked if this situation was typical; she answered with a yes. They were just discussing the options with me; I did not need to choose Caravel if I didn't feel comfortable. Now that I had the diagnosis, I could look around for treatment that would fit our child and family. However, my sons pediatrician mentioned that she had several patients that worked with Caravel and the families are very happy with the care and attention their child receives. My son (and family) have been working with the Chicago branch of Caravel Autism Health for over 2 years. The 1:1 ABA therapy has been a huge benefit to our son AND entire family. Our child meets with a behavior technician (BT) 1:1 in our home 3 days/week. and goes to the Caravel Chicago clinic 2 days/week to practice for his upcoming CPS 1st grade experience in fall 2021. They have worked to create a school experience in the clinic; prior to COVID, he had simulated school days with other children in the clinic. I must say, our team is absolutely incredible. They are accommodating in so many ways. For example, we were having issues taking our son to the store so they developed a plan with us and actually went to several stores with us to practice the technique. We've also been to the park to practice listening to parents while walking down the street and making friends at the park. They involve our other kids in play therapy so our son can learn how to interact with other children. The BTs are kind and show interest in what is best for my child. Tori has been our lead BT since we started with Caravel (she runs the show in our home); she's incredible! She meets with the BTs in our home and at the clinic on a frequent basis. She basically ensures the BTs know exactly what to do in order to meet the goals. She also meets with me (the parents) often to discuss any new goals I am interested in pursuing with my child but also spends time discussing whatever new 'programs' they are going to begin with my son--new programs are made whenever he meets his current goals. If I express any concerns about my child, they discuss ideas with me and build it into the new programs--it really is incredible. Our family has seen enormous growth in our child since working with Caravel--he's actually learning letters and numbers, he's asking kids at the park if they want to play, he's now speaking in full sentences, he tells us how he's feeling instead of hitting/acting out; the therapy has worked wonders for my child. Most importantly, my child is happy. He LOVES every member of the team. I also want to mention a very important member of our team; her name is Ericka and she pretty much oversees everything--she and Tori (our lead BT) discuss programs and bounce ideas off one another. They work incredibly hard and never forgot anything I mention to them--if I have a concern related to my child, they figure out a program that will work for him/our family or find resources that will help. When Dr. Nan left Chicago to be near her family, we were very concerned; however, Ericka has more than filled her shoes. For example, the team has been speaking with my son's (CPS) school and worked to have an aid stay with him each day and worked with his IEP team during virtual kindergarten to get him the extra help he will need when he enters full-time 1st grade. They have been working diligently to help my child attend virtual kinder while tending to his Caravel programs. I look at my child and the life of our family today and I am so grateful for the members of our Caravel team. I honestly don't think it gets any better than this.
Felicia Haywood
Dr. Nan Huai never saw my child based her diagnosis off of other Dr reports and her interview with me...Then referred my son out to somewhere else. Billed my insurance company for services my son never received. I found this to be fraudulent and uneffective for my son. He never received the assistance that he needed. This is not the place for people who really need assistance, They just bounced you around and changed your insurance.
Thanks! Your review is awaiting moderation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.
Thanks! Your question is awaiting moderation.