ABA Therapy Questions

ABA is the only research-supported treatment for improving the behavior of children with autism. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 identified Applied Behavior Analysis as the only scientific-based practice that meets the qualifications of reliably yielding positive results when applied in the approved manner. Plus, ABA is the only therapy for autism endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General. According to The National Academic Press to achieve the best results, ABA therapy should begin as soon as the diagnosis is received. Talk to your child’s doctors about ABA therapy.

Yes, your child will need a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to confirm an autism diagnosis to receive covered therapy. Your insurance provider is your best resource to help you find a medical professional to complete this assessment. Qualified diagnostic experts may include a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or psychologist.

Start by calling our office. During this call, we begin by gathering information about your child to understand better how we can best support you. Then, an assessment is scheduled. We will also inform you of any required paperwork and verify your insurance.

During your assessment, one of our clinicians will do various things to get detailed information about your child and family. This can include asking questions to gather information, observation, and direct testing. Next, an individualized treatment plan will be written. Once written, you will receive a follow-up call from our team to discuss your child’s assessment results and recommended treatment hours.

After the assessment, we work to identify your child’s clinical team. When it comes to identifying a therapist to work directly with your child, we do our very best to accommodate all your preferences. Once we have determined that team, you will hear from your BCBA, who will talk you through the first days, weeks, and months of therapy.

Relationships are key to successful ABA therapy. During your initial therapy sessions, our staff works diligently on developing special bonds with your child (and your family) so that your child is excited to work with our clinicians. Our clinicians are also there to talk through your child’s treatment and answer any questions you may have.

You should expect to see a variety of teaching strategies used across a variety of settings (home, community) during therapy sessions. We aim to structure sessions that promote engagement and learning to teach skills that enhance your child’s life. We understand that your child has a unique way of interacting with themselves and those around them, and we want to make sure that everything we teach your child is meaningful based on the people they live with and in their environment.

Our clinicians have intensive data collection methods that can provide updates on each treatment goal. We provide progress updates, but you can also ask questions anytime. Your feedback is very important to us, which is why you will receive a survey at least twice a year related to your child’s progress and your happiness with treatment. Most importantly, you should begin to see meaningful change in your child over time.

ABA therapy is most effective with intensive treatment, ranging from 10-40 hours per week. Once your child’s recommended treatment hours are determined and agreed upon, a schedule is set that makes up those hours. The plan may range from 4-5 days a week, for 3-6 hours per session.

A teammate. An advocate. An expert on your child. We encourage parent involvement every step of the way, and we understand and respect that you know your child more than anyone. We work as a team to reach the greatest possible outcomes, and parent involvement is critical to your child’s success. As part of our collaboration, we provide you with the training and education in the areas needed to assist with your child’s success.

• 1:1 direct therapy
• Communication training
• Social skills training
• Toilet training
• Feeding programs
• Daily living skills training
• Behavior management
• Family training
• Coordination of Care with your child’s medical/educational team

We place a call to your insurance provider during the assessment process to confirm your coverage for ABA therapy. Additionally, our team can explain the benefits and patient cost-share (e.g., copays, co-insurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums).

Yes! We use a wide variety of approaches, working to find the right toilet training program for your child and your family. We ensure your child’s toilet training experience is positive and successful.

Yes. We understand that mealtimes can be stressful for your family and child. We use a variety of approaches, each ensuring positive strategies are used to minimize stress. By working closely with you, we can develop goals to help expand food choices and preferences.

BCBAs are graduate-level professionals instructed in science-based strategies of behavior change. RBTs are certified to deliver ABA services under the supervision and guidance of a BCBA. Both BCBAs and RBTs have practice standards and ethical codes.

Behavioral Framework provides services from the first diagnosis up to 21 years of age.