Chicago is one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States. With over 100 languages spoken, vibrant immigrant communities, and a deeply rooted history of racial and ethnic diversity, the need for culturally responsive healthcare and educational services has never been greater. This is especially true in pediatric developmental services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech-language therapy.

Cultural competence — the ability to understand, respect, and effectively interact with individuals from different backgrounds — is not just a buzzword. In ABA and speech therapy, it plays a direct role in treatment effectiveness, family engagement, and long-term outcomes. For many Chicago families, culturally competent therapy means the difference between progress and misunderstanding, connection and confusion.

This article explores why cultural competence matters in ABA and speech therapy, how it affects outcomes for children, and what providers and families can do to ensure care reflects the city’s diversity.

Why Cultural Competence Matters in Developmental Therapy

Children do not develop in a vacuum. Language, behavior, learning styles, and family interactions are shaped by cultural norms, religious values, socioeconomic factors, and home languages. When therapy ignores these influences, it risks alienating families or misinterpreting behaviors.

In ABA therapy, cultural differences can affect everything from reinforcement preferences to daily routines and definitions of independence. In speech therapy, linguistic diversity directly impacts how communication milestones are assessed and supported.

Cultural competence means therapists take all of these factors into account — and adjust their approaches to serve families respectfully, effectively, and equitably.

The Chicago Context: A Multicultural City With Unique Needs

Chicago’s neighborhoods are a tapestry of global influence. From the Polish and Mexican communities on the South and West sides to the Chinese, Indian, African American, Arab, and Eastern European populations spread throughout the metro area, service providers must be prepared to navigate a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

According to recent census data, more than 35% of Chicago residents speak a language other than English at home. Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Urdu are just a few of the languages therapists may encounter. In addition, many families maintain strong cultural ties to traditions that influence parenting styles, discipline, education, and communication norms.

This environment presents both an opportunity and a challenge for ABA and speech therapy providers. It demands sensitivity, flexibility, and ongoing training to provide inclusive and effective care.

What Cultural Competence Looks Like in ABA

In ABA therapy, cultural competence involves more than translating instructions or hiring bilingual staff. It includes:

Understanding family values and beliefs about behavior, disability, and education. For example, in some cultures, direct eye contact may be considered disrespectful, and not a sign of avoidance.

Respecting traditional caregiving structures. Some families involve extended relatives in decision-making, and parent training may need to include grandparents, aunts, or older siblings.

Customizing reinforcement systems to reflect the child’s environment and interests. A behavior plan built around screen time may not apply to a household with limited technology use, and food-based rewards may not align with religious or dietary practices.

Adjusting expectations for communication styles and social behavior. Some cultures prioritize group harmony over assertiveness, which can influence how a child interacts or asks for help.

Involving families in meaningful ways. Families from historically underserved communities may be hesitant to speak openly due to past discrimination or fear of judgment. Creating a safe, inclusive space for dialogue is key.

ABA providers serving Chicago must recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work — especially when interpreting behavior or choosing treatment goals.

What Cultural Competence Looks Like in Speech Therapy

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a central role in helping children communicate — but communication is inherently cultural. Language structure, gestures, tone, and social rules all vary across cultures.

Culturally competent speech therapy includes:

Differentiating between a language difference and a language disorder. A bilingual child learning English may mix grammar rules or have an accent. This is not a speech delay — it’s part of normal second-language acquisition. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary or inappropriate services.

Providing therapy in the child’s dominant language when possible. This supports deeper comprehension, stronger engagement, and smoother generalization of skills.

Understanding family preferences about language use at home. Some families want to maintain their heritage language while also learning English. Others may prefer to focus on English acquisition. SLPs should honor these goals without judgment.

Using culturally relevant materials and examples. Books, flashcards, and visual aids should reflect the child’s background, interests, and real-life experiences.

Involving interpreters when needed, and ensuring clear communication with caregivers. Language should never be a barrier to participation in a child’s care.

SLPs in Chicago must also be aware of dialectal differences, such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), and avoid pathologizing speech patterns that are linguistically valid within cultural groups.

The Impact on Families and Outcomes

When ABA and speech therapy providers are culturally competent, families are more likely to feel:

Heard and respected in treatment decisions

Comfortable asking questions or sharing concerns

Willing to participate in home programs or parent training

Trusting of the therapist’s expertise

In contrast, lack of cultural sensitivity can lead to low attendance, confusion about goals, limited progress, or even withdrawal from services altogether. In diverse communities like Chicago, closing this cultural gap is not optional — it’s essential for achieving equitable outcomes.

What Providers Can Do to Improve Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is not a box to check — it’s a continuous learning process. Providers in Chicago can take meaningful steps by:

Pursuing ongoing training in cultural humility, anti-bias practices, and linguistic diversity

Hiring diverse staff who reflect the community’s demographics

Partnering with community organizations and schools to better understand local needs

Creating intake forms and materials in multiple languages

Asking open-ended questions during assessments to understand family values and routines

Consulting with cultural liaisons or interpreters when needed

Avoiding assumptions about parenting styles, education levels, or family goals

Making space for dialogue about cultural concerns and expectations

The goal is not to be an expert in every culture but to remain open, respectful, and committed to learning from each family served.

What Families in Chicago Should Look For

When choosing an ABA or speech therapy provider, families in Chicago should feel empowered to ask questions such as:

Do you have experience working with families from diverse backgrounds?

Do you offer bilingual therapy or access to interpreters?

How do you make sure therapy reflects our cultural values and language needs?

What training does your staff receive in cultural competence?

How are therapy goals developed with family input?

Families should never feel pressured to change their home language or cultural practices in order to “fit” a therapy model. A good provider will adapt therapy to the family — not the other way around.

Community Resources Supporting Culturally Responsive Therapy

Chicago is home to many organizations that support culturally competent care, including:

Erikson Institute – offering training in child development with a focus on diversity and equity

UIC’s Speech and Hearing Clinic – known for supporting multicultural and bilingual clients

Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis – providing professional development on inclusive practices

Local nonprofits such as El Valor, Esperanza, and Chinese American Service League – offering family support and referral networks

Collaboration between therapy providers and these organizations can strengthen service delivery and connect families with holistic care.

Final Thoughts: Building Trust and Equity Through Culture

Chicago’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. ABA and speech therapy services that honor this diversity can deliver stronger outcomes, build trust, and create lasting change in children’s lives.

Cultural competence means more than being nice or using a translator. It means building relationships, challenging biases, and recognizing that every child’s identity is shaped by the language, traditions, and values of their home. When providers meet families where they are — with humility and care — therapy becomes more than a service. It becomes a partnership.

If you’re a family in Chicago looking for therapy services that respect your culture and language, you deserve to feel seen, supported, and understood.

Looking for culturally responsive ABA or speech therapy in Chicago? We connect families with providers who prioritize inclusion, family-centered care, and language accessibility.