Applied Behavioral Approaches

FAQs

  • What is ABA?

    Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the science of behavior. It consists of evidence-based interventions that apply the principles of behavior (e.g. reinforcement and consequences) to decrease behaviors that are harmful and increase desirable behaviors. ABA, although often described as the "gold standard" for autism treatment, is  not limited to autism programs.

  • How does ABA therapy work?

    ABA is a flexible treatment that addresses various goals, but the goal of any ABA program is to help each individual work on skills that will help them become more independent and successful.


    Goals can include such skill areas as communication, language, social, self-care, self-control, play, leisure, and motor.   


    Each program begins with the BCBA conducting a detailed assessment of the child's skills and preferences. This information is used to write specific treatment goals, which are based on the age and developmental level of the child. Therapy can be provided in a variety of locations (e.g. in the home, at school, or in the community) and can involve 1:1 teaching and/or group instruction.

  • How much ABA therapy does my child need?

    How much ABA therapy a child needs cannot be determined prior to the initial evaluation because ABA is customized for each child. Every child comes with their own unique strengths, needs, and preferences; therefore, they have their treatment plans and no two children’s ABA sessions will be the same.

  • What does ABA look like?

    An ABA therapy session can change from session to session, but traditionally it is delivered in a 1:1 ratio consisting of your child working with a therapist. Skills are broken into smaller (i.e., discrete) components and taught utilizing prompting procedures, repetition, and positive reinforcement. Additionally, you’ll see toys, play, and social interaction among peers.

  • Do you provide in-home ABA services?

    Currently we do not provide in-home ABA services.

  • Do you accept insurance?

    Yes, we are in network with several commerical insurance carriers as well as Medicaid and Tricare. Please click here for a list of insurance carriers that we’re in network with.

  • Does my insurance cover ABA therapy?

    Most likely yes. However, many commercial insurance policies usually only cover ABA therapy if a child has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. While children without an ASD diagnosis, such as those with an intellectual disability, can benefit  from ABA therapy, insurance typically will not pay for ABA treatment. Your policy may have a copay or co-insurance. Therefore, it is important to check prior to staring services.

  • Do you attend IEP meetings?

    We are strong believers in the multidisciplinary approach and will actively collaborate with other professionals to best serve your child. Thus, if scheduling allows, we can attend one annual IEP meeting at our hourly rate. Please ask your child's case manager/teacher to add us to the meeting notice. This method of communication clarifies our role as part of the team and not attending in the role of an advocate. Please keep in mind that insurance often does not cover the cost of us attending IEP meetings and this would be an out-of-pocket expense. 

More questions?

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