ABA FAQ

What is ABA?

Applied behavior analysis is the science of behavior change. We focus on behaviors of social significance and increase or decrease those behaviors to foster as much independence as possible. ABA can teach new skills, shape current skills, and reduce challenging behaviors.

What can ABA teach my child?

ABA can teach any skill your child needs to learn. In kids with autism or other delays, most often this is some combination of the following, based on the child's current skills and needs: functional communication, social skills, instruction following, gross and fine motor skills, imitation skills, play skills, visual/perceptual skills, self care, and problem behavior reduction.

How does it work?

ABA works because we use the scientific method! We have independent and dependent variables, ongoing data collection, graphs, the whole 9. Using this method we can isolate literally any skill that needs to be taught, and we can be sure the treatment is working. We teach children in a 1:1 format, and we introduce learning in small groups as that becomes appropriate. We are systematic about when skills are introduced and how they are taught to give kids the greatest chance for success. We do all of this in a happy, positive environment with non-stop teaching that is often disguised as the most fun they've ever had! 

Why is ABA the best treatment for autism and other delays?

1. See previous answer! 

2. There is more scientific evidence of the effectiveness of ABA than for any other treatment available. What this means is that every intervention we use has been proven effective by the available research. We can tailor these interventions to each individual child while keeping the methods intact.

How do I get ABA therapy for my child?

Despite the fact that ABA can help everyone, ABA services typically are only covered by insurance when there is a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental delay. If you suspect that your child may need a diagnosis, the first step is to get a referral from your family doctor to a clinical psychologist who can conduct a diagnostic assessment.

Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor can then write a prescription for ABA services. When you have both of these things, your child is ready to have a behavioral assessment with a licensed, Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The BCBA will ask for the initial diagnostic report, a copy of the prescription for ABA services from your doctor, and your insurance information. These will be submitted to your insurance company for prior authorization to conduct the assessment. You may also be asked to fill out an intake questionnaire about your child, but that information remains confidential.

Once the assessment is approved, the BCBA will contact you to set up the assessment appointment. The assessment usually takes 4 hours, and results can be scored immediately. The BCBA will meet with you to discuss the results and what short- and long-term goals you'd like to work on. The BCBA can then create your child's treatment plan and determine the recommended number of hours of services that will best suit your child, which will be approved by you and submitted for approval from the insurance company. If you choose to seek services with a center other than the one that conducted the assessment, you'll bring all of the aforementioned documents to that center and they would be the ones to create the recommendations for your child.

Once services are approved, your child is ready to begin ABA therapy. 

Can I do ABA at home with my child?

Absolutely! Doing ABA at home in addition to in a clinical setting is strongly encouraged. In fact, the best results happen when ABA techniques are used in every setting the child is in regular contact with. To facilitate this, family/caregiver trainings are always available and strongly encouraged! During these trainings, which can occur in the clinic, at home, or in the community – any place where behaviors of concern occur – you will be given tools and suggestions to teach your child new replacement behaviors when and where they are needed. This way, the skills she is learning in the clinic can generalize to the other settings with which she is in regular contact. This enables you to see the same results at home and in the community that we see in the clinic.

How long will my child be in ABA therapy?

This question cannot be answered accurately; there is no way to predict this. The goal for every child in ABA therapy is to graduate and move on to an independent life. In some cases, this requires a longer commitment that others. The important thing to remember is that we are constantly measuring progress, so every small success can be celebrated as a victory. We focus on what your child can do today and how we can use that to teach him something new tomorrow. You will receive continual support from your ABA center throughout your child's time in therapy, as well as throughout your child's transition out of therapy.

Always chugging forward!

What if my child does not have a diagnosis but still needs help?

It is very common for typically developing children to have challenging behaviors that could benefit from ABA techniques. In these cases, focused at-home trainings can greatly benefit the kids and their families. Parents will be given the tools and techniques to help their kids learn new replacement behaviors when and where they are needed. Consultations are available for families with typical kids who need help learning a few new skills. Contact us today to see if we can help.