Frequently asked questions about ABC

Yes! Every autistic child is unique, and some children experience more significant progress with ABA therapy than others. However, studies show that children who receive two or more years of intensive behavioral interventions, including ABA therapy, can often participate in school and social activities at the same level as their peers.

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Parents and caregivers are essential partners in therapy. Every program includes twice-a-month Family Guidance sessions led by your BCBA®. In these sessions, families:

• Set personalized family goals
• Learn strategies for everyday challenges like meals and transitions
• Practice skills through role-play, coaching, and real-time feedback
• Review data and celebrate progress together

At ABC, we believe compassionate care means empowering parents to feel confident in supporting their child’s growth at home, in school, and beyond.

Your child’s program is personalized from day one. After a BCBA® completes a skills-based assessment, your child begins therapy sessions in your home at times that work for your family.

During sessions, you can expect:

• Morning check-in: Review daily goals with your child’s therapy team
• One-on-one therapy: Using proven ABA strategies like Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
• Progress tracking: Real-time data collection to monitor growth and adjust goals as needed
• Parent updates: Clear communication so you always know how your child is doing

At-home ABA therapy helps children learn and strengthen skills in:

• Communication: Using words, gestures, or nonverbal communication
• School readiness: Practicing imitation, matching, and categorizing
• Behavior support: Reducing aggression, self-injury, and property destruction by teaching safer alternatives
• Social skills: Learning to play, take turns, and hold conversations
• Self-care: Building independence with routines like handwashing or cleaning up toys

Every child’s goals are individualized and updated as they grow. ABC’s clinical research shows that 86% of families report significant reductions in challenging behaviors within the first year of therapy, with continued progress even as therapy hours gradually decrease.

Working in the home allows therapists to connect closely with families and build strong relationships. At-home ABA therapy may be right when:

• Parents want to see progress happening at home in real time
• Families prefer strategies built naturally into meals, routines, and play
• A child’s health needs make home the safest setting
• Older children have outgrown center-based early intervention

Some children begin therapy in an ABA center and later transition home, while others start at home from the beginning. Either way, your BCBA® partners with your family to make sure growth happens where it matters most.

Home-based therapy may be the best fit for children who:

• Need highly focused support to reach developmental goals
• Learn best in their natural home environment
• Benefit from strong one-on-one attention with trained professionals

ABC at Home provides ABA therapy for children 18 months through 13 years old. Programs are personalized to meet each child’s developmental stage, whether that means supporting toddlers just beginning therapy, helping school-age children balance therapy with classroom learning, or guiding preteens as they practice independence skills at home.

Action Behavior Centers offers evidence-based ABA therapy at home for children diagnosed with autism in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas. Therapy is provided by caring Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) and Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®).

At-home ABA therapy is personalized to your child’s needs, delivered in the comfort of your home, and designed to help children develop meaningful skills for everyday life.

ABC Academy was intentionally designed with flexibility in mind. Many children attend part of the school day at their local elementary school and spend the rest of the day at ABC Academy. This allows children to:

• Continue building foundational skills through ABA therapy
• Practice classroom routines in a smaller, supportive setting
• Generalize what they learn in therapy to real-world school situations

Our clinical team partners with families and schools to make sure children get the right balance of therapy and school participation.

Think of it like building a house:

• Early Intervention: This stage is like laying the foundation and framing. We focus on core skills such as asking for help, making choices, and building communication so children can get their basic needs met.
  
• ABC Academy: This stage is like decorating the inside and adding the finishing touches. Here, children build on their early skills, expand their language, and practice independence in settings that look and feel like school. The goal is to gradually reduce the level of support children need so they are ready to succeed in a classroom.

We have a clear process for helping children prepare for school. This includes using data to track progress, making changes to their ABA therapy schedule, and helping them spend more time in school or group settings as they get closer to transitioning to the classroom.

At Action Behavior Centers, we consider school readiness to be a child’s ability to participate in a general education classroom with some independence. This means they can join classroom activities and follow routines with less support.

Our team uses a mix of tools to measure school readiness:

• Progress on the child’s individualized ABA goals
• Standardized school readiness assessments
• Observations of how the child participates in structured and group activities

This information helps us decide when a child is ready to transition to a school setting with confidence.

ABC Academy is designed for school-age autistic children 5–12 years old who benefit from continued ABA therapy alongside their school experience. It bridges the gap between early intervention and school by giving children opportunities to practice communication, social, and independence skills in a school-like setting.

At Action Behavior Centers, therapy is always delivered in a one-on-one setting: one child working with one Registered Behavior Technician® (RBT®). Each therapy team is led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®), who supervises a group of nine RBTs and oversees the progress of about eight children.

This caseload is intentionally smaller than at many other ABA providers. We believe it’s important to always have an extra set of hands on deck so children receives the highest level of care, attention, and supervision every day.

Every ABC teammate receives thorough training before working with children diagnosed with autism:

• RBTs®: Complete a 40-hour in-house training program, including hands-on practice and competency assessments. They also pass the national RBT certification exam and receive ongoing supervision from their BCBA.
  
• BCBAs®: Hold a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, complete supervised clinical experience, and pass the national BCBA exam. At ABC, BCBAs also receive ongoing mentorship, participate in clinical councils, and stay updated on the latest research.
  

This combination of rigorous training and ongoing development ensures families receive care from skilled, compassionate professionals.

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): A master’s-level clinician who designs, oversees, and adjusts each child’s therapy plan. BCBAs meet regularly with families during Family Guidance sessions to review progress and set individualized goals.
  
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT): A therapist who works directly with children to implement the goals designed by the BCBA. RBTs provide day-to-day therapy using positive reinforcement, data collection, and skill-building strategies.

BCBAs and RBTs work hand-in-hand to provide personalized, consistent care.

We understand that every child is unique, and building trust takes time. If your child doesn’t feel comfortable with a therapist, families can speak with their child’s BCBA® to adjust the approach, introduce gradual transitions, or explore working with a different team member. Our goal is always to create a positive, supportive relationship where your child feels safe, motivated, and ready to learn.

Yes. Every Action Behavior teammate completes a rigorous hiring process that includes background checks, reference checks, assessments, and multi-step interviews. Once hired, teammates also receive ongoing training and professional development to ensure they are up to date with the latest research and clinical best practices. This process helps us maintain a trusted team of professionals dedicated to supporting your child and family.

Action Behavior Centers accepts Medicaid in many of the states where we operate. At this time, we accept Medicaid at our ABA therapy centers in Arizona, Colorado, and North Carolina. We are always expanding our network of accepted providers. Please contact us to confirm your specific plan.

Yes. ABC has a dedicated team of insurance specialists who handle:

• Verifying your benefits
• Explaining deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
• Submitting paperwork and prior authorizations
• Answering your financial questions

Our goal is to remove barriers so families can focus on milestone moments, not paperwork.

In most cases, yes. Families are responsible for their deductible and any copays or coinsurance until the plan’s maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) is reached. After that, insurance typically covers 100% of additional ABA therapy costs for the year.

If your insurance company approves fewer hours than recommended, ABC will:

• File an appeal on your behalf
• Explore financial assistance options to help close the gap
• Work with your family to make sure your child receives the highest possible level of support

The number of therapy hours covered depends on your child’s needs, your plan benefits, and medical necessity. A BCBA® will recommend hours based on your child’s needs and our insurance specialists will confirm how many of those hours are covered.

Some insurance plans require prior authorization before therapy begins. ABC’s specialists manages this process for you.

Steps include:

1. Your child’s BCBA® completes a thorough clinical assessment and recommends therapy hours.
2. Our insurance specialists compile documentation and submits the request to your insurance company.
3. Your insurance company reviews the request (typically within 7–14 business days.)
4. If approved, therapy begins. If denied, our insurance specialists help appeal the decision.

The cost of ABA therapy depends on:

• Your child’s individualized needs and therapy hours
• Your insurance coverage and benefits
• Where you live

Insurance typically covers most, if not all, of the cost after deductibles and maximum-out-of-pocket (MOOP) expenses are met. Our insurance team verifies your coverage and provides a clear estimate of:

• Out-of-pocket costs
• Recommended therapy hours
• How many hours your insurance plan covers

If your plan requires a copay or coinsurance, you can pay conveniently through our patient portal. During admissions, we’ll provide a fee schedule and estimate of your expected out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises.

At ABC, we believe every autistic child deserves access to ABA therapy, regardless of their family’s financial situation. We offer financial assistance, including sliding-scale payment options based on income level and a Charity Care program for qualifying families. Many families qualify for services at little to no cost once insurance and financial assistance are applied.

Most health insurance plans cover ABA therapy, and we are proud to be in-network with the largest health insurers in our service areas, including:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• United Healthcare
• Cigna
• Optum
• UMR
• Beacon Health
• Medica
• Ascension
• PHCS
• Options

Every child’s journey is unique, and ABA therapy is personalized to meet your family’s priorities. At ABC, we focus on helping children diagnosed with autism build practical, everyday skills while supporting families along the way.

ABA therapy can help your child grow in:

• Communication: Using words, gestures, or devices to express needs and connect with others
• School readiness: Learning to imitate, follow routines, and build pre-academic skills
• Behavior support: Finding safe, effective ways to meet needs while reducing unsafe behaviors like aggression, self-injury, or elopement
• Social skills: Playing with peers, sharing, and taking turns
• Self-care: Practicing routines like brushing teeth, washing hands, and cleaning up toys

ABC’s clinical research shows strong outcomes: 86% of families report major reductions in challenging behaviors within the first year of therapy, along with continued progress as goals evolve.

ABC centers are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. For children ages 5–12, ABC Academy provides after-school support. Hours and locations vary by state, so families can check their local ABC Academy for details.

Every therapy plan includes two Family Guidance sessions per month. Families meet with their child’s BCBA® to:

• Set personalized goals
• Learn strategies for managing daily routines and transitions
• Practice skills through coaching, discussion, and role-play
• Review data and celebrate progress

At Action Behavior Centers, we use both Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and Discrete Trial Training (DTT):

• DTT: Breaks down skills into small, step-by-step tasks using prompts, responses, and positive reinforcement.
• NET: Teaches skills in play and daily routines to help children apply what they learn to real life.

Both methods are individualized to fit your child’s needs and learning style.

Children learn best through play. ABC uses everyday activities to teach new skills, such as:

• Building with blocks or puzzles
• Pretend play (cooking, shopping)
• Matching, sorting, and counting games
• Singing, dancing, or interactive storytime
• Turn-taking games like rolling a ball or “Simon Says”

Progress is tracked using digital tools, graphs, and regular assessments. Families receive:

• Written progress reports
• Visual graphs of skill growth
• Updates during Family Guidance sessions
• Direct communication from their child’s clinical team

Every child’s treatment is personalized. BCBAs® assess each child’s strengths and needs, collaborate with families, and set measurable goals.

Examples of measurable goals include:

• Increasing spoken requests for toys from five to 10 times a day
• Initiating play with peers at least three times daily
• Following handwashing steps in four out of five opportunities
• Identifying 10 new household objects by name

Most autistic children participate in ABA therapy 20–40 hours per week, with sessions lasting several hours each. The exact number depends on your child’s needs, goals, and progress. Plans are reviewed regularly to ensure therapy is the right fit over time.

Compassionate care means treating each child with respect, kindness, and understanding. ABA therapists focus on strengths, listen to families, and use supportive strategies to help children learn new skills in positive ways.

No way! At ABC, learning happens through a variety of engaging activities. While table time can be part of learning school readiness skills, children also enjoy:

• Circle Time with songs and group learning
• “Eats and Crafts” spaces for hands-on activities
• Group exercise, sensory rooms, and play-based learning

Therapy is designed to be fun, active, and motivating.

Yes! Decades of research show that ABA therapy is an effective, evidence-based treatment for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies demonstrate that children who receive intensive ABA (typically 20–40 hours per week over two or more years) make significant progress in communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. Many are able to participate in school and community activities alongside their peers.

While every child responds differently, ABA therapy remains one of the most studied and proven approaches for supporting growth and development.

The earlier, the better. Research shows that children who begin ABA therapy around age 2 are more likely to meet important developmental milestones and start school on time. Early diagnosis and early treatment are key to maximizing growth.

ABA therapy at ABC is provided by trained professionals, including:

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®): Master’s-educated experts who design and oversee ABA treatment
  
• Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®): Therapists who work directly with children to deliver individualized goals under BCBA supervision

Positive reinforcement helps children stay motivated and excited about learning. Each child’s rewards are personalized and may include:

• Praise and encouragement
• High fives
• Time with favorite toys or activities
• Stickers or tokens to earn a reward

Target behaviors are the specific actions that therapy focuses on addressing, like skills to build (sharing, making eye contact) or behaviors to reduce (aggression, running away).

Our clinicians work toward two core goals:

1. Understanding behavior: Identifying why a behavior happens and what the child is trying to communicate or achieve.
2. Teaching new skills: Building abilities such as communication, social interaction, self-care, and school readiness skills.

By teaching effective alternatives, many challenging behaviors naturally decrease.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a gold standard in care for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps children build practical skills and reduce behaviors that may make learning harder. Through ABA therapy, children can improve communication, develop self-care routines, and better manage emotions.

At Action Behavior Centers (ABC), our Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) and Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) use positive reinforcement and individualized strategies to support growth. Families are active partners in therapy, working with our clinical team to set goals and track progress.

At Action Behavior, we provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, a gold standard treatment for autism. ABA therapy for autism is evidence-based, which means it has been tested and shown to be effective through multiple scientific studies.

Our internal data show that children with autism who require comprehensive ABA therapy (25 or more hours per week) experience, on average, an 86% reduction in challenging behaviors such as aggression, elopement, property destruction, and self-injury. Most of this progress happens within the first year of treatment. Even as therapy hours are gradually reduced by about 20% over time, children continue to show lasting improvements. See more of our outcomes research here.

The first signs of ASD typically appear before age 2. There is not currently a blood test, brain scan, or physical examination that can diagnose autism. Instead, a licensed professional, such as a pediatrician or child psychologist, can make an accurate diagnosis after observing a child’s behavior during a formal assessment.

Diagnosing ASD involves several steps:

1. Identification: Parents, caregivers, or doctors may begin to recognize signs of autism in a child’s behavior. Early signs may involve not making eye contact or not speaking.
2. Screening: Parents or doctors can use screening tools, such as the M-CHAT-R or CAST, to see whether their child should receive a more formal evaluation.
3. Developmental evaluation: A trained clinician or specialist completes an evaluation using directly administered, play-based tests. One commonly used test, the ADOS-2, is a gold-standard tool that can reliably identify ASD symptoms.
4. Diagnosis: The child's doctor or psychologist will review all test results and data collected to determine if the child meets the criteria for an ASD diagnosis.

• Bring copies of your child’s medical or developmental history, if available
• Share notes on behaviors you’ve observed at home or school
• Ensure your child is well-rested and has any comfort items (snacks, toys) that may help them feel at ease

The evaluation is designed to be play-based, so your child does not need to study or practice ahead of time.

Your child’s evaluation may include:

• A parent interview about developmental history
• Direct observation of your child in play and structured activities
• Use of standardized assessments such as the ADOS-2 or IDE
• A review of results with recommendations for next steps

Evaluations typically last 2–3 hours and are designed to be natural and comfortable for the child.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can often be reliably diagnosed by 18 to 24 months of age. The diagnosis of ASD is based on observing a child's developmental trajectory and behavior, and involves a two-step process: developmental screening followed by a formal evaluation by a qualified professional.

• Early signs of autism: While a reliable diagnosis isn't typically made before 18 months, many parents and caregivers notice early indicators of differences in social interaction and communication by 12 to 18 months. These early signs might include not responding to their name, lacking consistent eye contact, or limited pointing and gesturing.
• Autism diagnosis: A formal, reliable autism diagnosis can often be established by a qualified professional (such as a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist, or clinical psychologist) when a child is between 18 and 24 months old. This is based on specific clinical criteria outlined in the DSM-5.¹

Waiting is not recommended. Early diagnosis means children can start therapies like ABA sooner, which can improve communication, social interaction, and independence. Research shows children diagnosed and treated between 18 months and 5 years often make the most progress.

If your child receives an autism diagnosis, you are not alone. We encourage families to:

• Talk with their pediatrician about next steps
• Begin early intervention services like ABA therapy
• Connect with support resources, such as school services and community groups

At ABC, our team partners with families right away to begin therapy and provide compassionate guidance.

Only a qualified healthcare professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or pediatric neurologist, can make an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis.

Screeners like the M-CHAT-R or CAST can show risk, but an autism evaluation is required before a formal diagnosis can be made. At ABC, evaluation results are sent directly to your child’s doctor for review.

An IDE is a comprehensive autism evaluation performed by a licensed psychologist. It usually takes 2–3 hours and includes interviews with caregivers, play-based activities, and standardized assessments to give a complete picture of a child’s development.

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a gold-standard diagnostic tool used by clinicians to evaluate for autism. It is a natural, play-based assessment that looks at a child’s communication, social interaction, and behaviors.

The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a 39-question parent screener for older children. It looks at behaviors and developmental patterns that may suggest autism and provides families with guidance on whether they should complete a full evaluation.

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a parent questionnaire designed for toddlers. It helps identify early signs of autism and helps parents decide if their child needs further evaluation.

Yes. A formal autism diagnosis is required for insurance coverage, school-based services, and access to ABA therapy. ABC provides autism evaluations, including the ADOS-2 and Initial Diagnostic Evaluations (IDEs), to help families get started.

If your child is showing early signs, you can start with an online autism screener. If results indicate possible autism, the next step is an in-person assessment. At ABC, we offer the ADOS-2 and Initial Diagnostic Evaluations (IDES) to help families complete this step. After the evaluation, results are sent directly to your child’s doctor, who will make the official diagnosis and recommend next steps.

Autism is relatively common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. age 8 and younger are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Boys are about four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.¹

The number of diagnoses has increased over time, but this is largely because:

• Doctors have better tools to identify autism
• Awareness has grown
• The definition of autism has broadened

As a result, more children are being identified and getting access to support earlier.

Early signs of autism may include:

• Limited eye contact
• Not responding to their name
• Repetitive movements or behaviors
• Delayed speech or limited communication

Screening tools like the M-CHAT-R (for toddlers) and the CAST (for older children) can help parents identify autism risk. If screening results suggest concerns, a more thorough autism evaluation is recommended.

In the past, terms like Asperger’s syndrome or “high-functioning autism” were used. Today, these are all grouped together under the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Doctors now describe differences using three support levels.

Yes. The DSM-5, the diagnostic manual doctors use, describes three levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD):

• Level 1 (requiring some support): May struggle with conversation, social interactions, or flexibility in routines.
• Level 2 (requiring substantial support): Noticeable challenges in communication, social skills, and coping with change. Interests may be narrow or repetitive.
• Level 3 (requiring very substantial support): Significant challenges in communication and daily living. May have little or no spoken language and engage in repetitive behaviors that interfere with everyday activities.

Autism is a lifelong condition, but with early intervention and support, many children make tremendous progress in communication, learning, and independence. While a child does not “outgrow” autism, they may need less support as they grow older.

No. Autism is called a “spectrum” because it can affect children in many different ways. Some children may have strong language skills but struggle socially, while others may be nonverbal but excel at problem-solving or memory tasks. Each child’s strengths and challenges are unique.

Yes, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is officially classified as a developmental disability. This classification is recognized globally across medical, legal, and educational systems. Medically, ASD is listed as a neurodevelopmental disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)¹. In the United States, ASD is included under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)². This legal classification is critical because it ensures that children with autism qualify for necessary school-based services and accommodations, such as specialized instruction, therapy, and individualized education plans (IEPs).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects every individual differently. There is no single cause of autism, but decades of scientific research suggests that autism results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors that influence brain development early in life.

• Genetics: Scientists have found hundreds of genes linked to autism, many of which affect how the brain develops and how brain cells communicate.¹ Autism also runs in families. About 20% of younger siblings of autistic children receive an ASD diagnosis, a rate seven times higher than that of the general population.² Children with chromosomal conditions, like fragile X syndrome, receive ASD diagnoses more often.³

• Environmental factors: Genes play a major role in autism, but research shows that certain environmental factors during pregnancy may also influence how autism develops. They may interact with genetic risk in ways that shape early brain development. Studies have found associations between autism and advanced parental age, maternal infections with fever during pregnancy, and prenatal exposures, including certain medications, toxins, or high air pollution levels.⁴

Scientists are learning more every day, and at ABC, we’re committed to sharing research-backed information families can trust.

For preschool and school-age children, autism signs may also show up in how they play, talk, and handle daily activities.

By 4 years, most children:

• Pretend to play (like cooking or shopping) and seek out playmates
• Comfort others and change behavior depending on the setting
• Form sentences of four or more words and repeat parts of songs or stories
• Recognize colors and draw a person with several body parts
• Catch a ball, hold a crayon correctly, or unbutton clothing

By 5 years, most children:

• Follow game rules and take turns
• Answer questions about books and recognize rhymes
• Help with chores like matching socks
• Count to 10 and write or recognize letters
• Hop on one foot and button clothing independently

When children have difficulty meeting these milestones or show differences in social interaction, communication, or behavior, parents may consider seeking a developmental evaluation.

Not necessarily. Every child with autism is unique. Some may need support throughout their lives, while others may grow to live very independently. The level of support needed can also change over time as children learn new skills and gain confidence.

Autism can look different for every child, but there are some common signs parents may notice in toddlers. Developmental milestones are important markers that show how children grow and learn compared to others their age.

By 18 months, most children:

• Look to see if a caregiver is nearby
• Help with simple tasks like getting dressed
• Use a few words and follow simple directions (“Give it to me”)
• Push a toy car, scribble, or try to feed themselves

By 2 years, most children:

• Notice when others are upset
• Use short two-word phrases (“More milk”)
• Point to objects in books, wave, or blow kisses
• Run, kick a ball, or walk up stairs

By 3 years, most children:

• Join other children in play
• Ask and answer questions, say their name, and speak clearly most of the time
• Draw circles, string beads, or dress themselves with some help
• Calm down within 10 minutes after separating from a caregiver

If your toddler is not meeting several of these milestones or has lost skills they once had, it may be helpful to talk with your pediatrician or seek an autism evaluation.

We recommend choosing an ABA center close to home with hours that fit your family’s schedule. In some of our regions, we have multiple centers within a certain geographical area. Our admissions team is happy to help guide this choice.

In most cases, no referral is required. However, some insurance plans may request one. Our admissions team can confirm your specific requirements and help gather any necessary documents.

Yes. Families are welcome to schedule a tour to meet our teammates, see therapy spaces, and ask questions before starting services. You’ll walk away with resources to support your family.

Timelines vary depending on insurance approval and scheduling, but families often begin autism services within just a few weeks. Because ABC offers immediate access to care, we work to get children started right away.

With your permission, your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) will collaborate with your child’s entire support team. This may include pediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists, or other medical professionals. By keeping everyone on the same page, we ensure that all diagnoses and goals are considered when developing your child’s individualized ABA treatment plan.

Use our interactive map or browse by state and city on our website to find the ABC location closest to you. Find a location here.

Yes! We’re expanding to serve more families across the U.S., with new centers opening regularly. Check our website for updates.

Our centers are open year-round. During the summer, children continue ABA therapy while enjoying creative seasonal activities designed to make learning fun.

Yes, your child can still go to ABA therapy while attending school. However, the specific laws about school attendance can differ based on where you live. In many states, schools are required to allow children to miss class for ABA therapy. Regular therapy is important for your child's progress, so work with your child's school to create a schedule that works for everyone.

Getting started is simple:

1. Complete our interest form: Fill out our online form so we can learn about your child.
2. Insurance approval: Our team reviews your insurance benefits and financial options.
3. Intake appointment: A BCBA® meets with your family, assesses your child’s needs, and creates an individualized plan.
4. Therapy begins: Services start in one of our autism therapy centers or in your home, depending on the program chosen.

We’ll guide you through each step so your child can begin services as quickly as possible. Visit our admissions page to learn more.

We serve children with autism from 18 months to 13 years and offer personalized ABA therapy to meet their needs. Therapy program options may differ based on your region.

Ages served:

• Autism assessments: 18 months–6 years
• Center-based ABA therapy: 18 months–8 years
• ABC at Home: 18 months–13 years
• ABC Academy: 5 years–12 years

• In-center ABA therapy for children ages 18 months to 8 years. Center-based ABA therapy helps children diagnosed with autism build communication, social, and independence skills in a fun and exciting environment.
• At-home ABA therapy for children ages 18 months to 13 years. In-home ABA therapy gives children the chance to learn in a familiar environment. Children work with an ABA therapist to learn how to apply new skills to everyday situations like meals, playtime, and routines.
• ABC Academy is an intentionally designed ABA therapy model for school-age children ages 5–12. It was created to bridge the gap between early intervention and school by providing ongoing support for children who are enrolled in school part-time or full-time.
• Autism diagnostic support includes online screeners and face-to-face evaluations to assess children ages 18 months to 6 years for autism-related behaviors.

For more information, visit our autism services page.

Our specialty is ABA therapy, guided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®). To make accessing services easier, we maintain a list of approved speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy providers that we work with. These professionals can deliver sessions at our centers during the therapy day, so your child can receive multiple therapies in one familiar setting without extra transitions or travel. Families are welcome to choose their own outside providers. We’ll work closely with them to support continuity of care, ensuring your child’s growth and progress remain our shared goal.