Center-based ABA therapy
At Action Behavior, we provide center-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to support children ages 18 months to 8 years old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our center-based ABA services are delivered in an exciting therapy environment designed for learning.
Families love working with Action Behavior Center
Center-Based ABA Therapy for Autism
Action Behavior Centers (ABC) offers individualized center-based ABA therapy to support children with autism. Our therapy rooms are fun and engaging and sessions are led by a caring team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and Behavioral Therapists (BTs).
Center-based ABA therapy is best for children who:
- Need consistent therapy to reach specific behavioral or developmental goals
- Benefit from an environment that is distraction-free and tailored to their needs
- Thrive with one-on-one, personalized attention from trained professionals
What to expect during a center-based ABA therapy day
At Action Behavior Centers, center-based ABA therapy for autism is engaging, playful, and tailored to your child’s needs and goals. Before we focus on specific therapy goals, our first priority is helping your child feel safe, welcome, and excited to learn.
The early sessions are all about building trust, discovering what your child enjoys, and creating a strong bond between the child and their therapy team.
Each ABC center has a supportive team made up of one Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and nine Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Our RBT-to-child ratio is smaller than most, allowing us to give each child the one-on-one attention they deserve. Having extra support on hand ensures therapy stays flexible, focused, and responsive to your child’s needs.
Here’s a look at what your child’s day in center-based ABA therapy might include:
1. Morning Check-in
Children are greeted by their therapists and helped into their daily routines. BCBAs and RBTs review goals and plan activities for the session.
2. One-on-one therapy time
Children head to their therapy space or playroom, where they’ll participate in evidence-based ABA techniques like Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Natural Environment Teaching (NET). These sessions focus on core skills such as communication, independence, and social interaction.
3. Real-time progress tracking
Therapists keep detailed records of how your child is responding to therapy goals. For example, a goal like responding to their name may start at 20% success and gradually increase over time as your child gains confidence.
4. Therapist rotation
To help your child generalize what they’re learning, they’ll rotate between therapists on their team. This helps your child apply new skills across different settings, like at home, school, or in the community.
5. Ongoing parent updates
Throughout the day, caregivers receive secure photos and written updates that highlight learning moments, play, and progress. We want you to feel connected and in the loop.
6. Pick-up time
At the end of the day, children are released to an approved caregiver. Safety is a top priority at ABC, and we require proper identification for anyone not listed on your child’s file.
Is ABA therapy all table work?
Not at ABC! While sitting at a table may be part of a therapy session—especially for school readiness—most learning happens through play, movement, and hands-on experiences. We create a fun, natural environment where your child can build skills in ways that feel exciting and safe.
Our centers include spaces like:
- Eats & Crafts rooms for mealtime routines, creativity, and sensory activities
- Circle Time zones for singing, dancing, and learning in groups
- Sensory rooms to help build coordination, focus, and calming strategies
Family involvement in center-based ABA therapy
At Action Behavior Centers, we believe that caregivers are key partners in every child’s progress. That’s why we include biweekly Family Guidance sessions as part of each therapy plan.
These ABA parent training sessions are led by your child’s BCBA and are focused on helping you feel confident and supported. During Family Guidance, we will:
- Set 2–4 personalized goals that matter to your family
- Share strategies for common challenges like potty training, mealtime, and transitions
- Teach simple ways to apply ABA techniques at home
- Empower you with tools to help your child grow outside of center-based ABA
How to Enroll in ABA Center-Based Therapy
If your child already has an autism diagnosis and you want to get started with center-based ABA therapy, you can complete our brief online interest form or contact us. If your child has many of the early signs of autism and does not yet have a diagnosis, we offer the following diagnostic support services:
Schedule an Assessment
The first step is to schedule a comprehensive assessment, where our team will evaluate your child’s unique needs and goals for therapy. This helps us understand their strengths and areas for growth to create an effective treatment plan.
Verify Insurance & Complete Paperwork
Our team will assist in verifying your insurance coverage to ensure that your therapy sessions are covered. We’ll also help you complete the necessary enrollment forms and gather any required medical documentation to get started.
Begin Center-Based Therapy
Once the paperwork and insurance details are finalized, your child will start their personalized, one-on-one ABA therapy sessions in a supportive, structured environment designed to help them grow and reach their full potential.
Frequently asked questions
Does Insurance Cover Center-Based ABA Therapy?
Are parents involved in center-based ABA therapy?
Absolutely. Parents and caregivers are a huge part of their child’s success. Although ABA therapy takes place at the center, we offer many ways for families to stay involved:
- Join biweekly Family Guidance meetings with your child’s BCBA
- Learn helpful strategies to practice at home
- Participate in local center events
We believe therapy works best when everyone is on the same team!
How long will my child need center-based ABA therapy?
Every child is different, so the length of therapy depends on their individual needs, strengths, and goals. Some children may make progress after a few months, while others benefit from more long-term support. At ABC, we continuously monitor each child’s progress and update their therapy plan as needed to make sure they’re moving forward at the right pace.
How is play-based early intervention used in center-based ABA therapy?
At Action Behavior Centers (ABC), play-based early intervention is a key technique in our center-based programs. We use natural and engaging play activities to help young children develop communication, social, and cognitive skills. Examples of play-based moments and games during the session include:
- Building with blocks
- Pretend play, like cooking or grocery shopping
- Matching and sorting games
- Interactive storytime
- Turn-taking games such as rolling a ball or playing “Simon Says”
How do I know if my child is making progress in center-based ABA therapy?
Progress in center-based ABA therapy at Action Behavior Centers (ABC) is closely monitored using detailed data collection tools, including digital tracking software and session-by-session behavior charts. Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) conduct regular formal assessments and skill evaluations to measure your child’s development. We maintain consistent communication with parents through scheduled progress meetings, written reports, and direct messaging to share updates. Therapy plans are reviewed and adjusted regularly based on your child’s responsiveness, ensuring they stay on track to meet their individualized goals efficiently and effectively.
What types of positive reinforcers are used in center-based ABA therapy?
At Action Behavior Centers, we use clear and consistent tools to track progress. Your child’s therapy team collects data during every session using digital software and skill-tracking systems. BCBAs also complete regular assessments to measure how your child is reaching certain goals.
You’ll stay informed through:
- Written progress reports
- Visual graphs that show skill growth
- Regular updates during parent meetings
- Direct messaging from your clinical team
Therapy plans are always evolving based on what your child needs to keep growing.
How is play-based early intervention used in center-based ABA therapy?
Yes! Play is a big part of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI). Children learn best when they’re having fun, so we use natural play opportunities to teach skills in communication, independence, and social interaction.
Examples of play-based techniques we use include:
- Building with blocks or puzzles
- Pretending to cook or shop
- Matching, sorting, and counting games
- Group songs or interactive storytime
- Turn-taking games like rolling a ball or playing “Simon Says”
These activities help children practice important skills in a way that feels fun and natural.
How do therapists use positive reinforcement in center-based ABA therapy?
Our therapists use positive reinforcement to help children stay motivated and excited about learning. Reinforcement is chosen based on what each child enjoys most. Examples may include:
- Encouraging words
- High fives
- Time with favorite toys or games
- Stickers or tokens to earn a special treat
Help your child thrive with ABA therapy.
Complete our online interest form to get matched with a center. We will be in touch soon!
