ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is the most strongly supported evidence-based therapy for autism and other developmental disabilities. Decades of research have shown that it has a profound positive effect on helping children and adults reach their goals of independence and personal fulfillment. ABA works by systematically assessing skill deficits and teaching critical skills that increase a person’s ability to succeed in their environment in meaningful ways.

For more information: BehaviorSpan - Why ABA

Yes, as an essential service, ABA is completely covered under Medicaid (no cost to families). It is also covered under private insurance, often with little to no cost for families, depending on the specific insurance policy.

As early as possible. Ideally, we like to start children before the age of 2. The sooner we begin therapy, the sooner we can ensure they are learning and mastering developmental milestones and foundational skills that will help them succeed and learn throughout life.

We serve children ages 1–6.

This varies by provider. The more frequent the sessions, the better. At BehaviorSpan, we focus exclusively on children who can benefit from intensive services—up to 40 hours per week—with an average graduation time of 1.5 years.

At BehaviorSpan, ABA treatment is provided by a team of up to seven people. This includes:

• Registered Behavior Technicians working directly with the child,

• A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) who programs and monitors progress,

• The Clinical Director who supervises all BCBAs and ensures quality,

• A support team that reviews data, performs audits to ensure service quality, writes reports, and conducts assessments and probes to track progress.

Parent involvement is one of the most important factors in determining a child’s success. We will work with you every step of the way. When your child isn’t learning in our center, they will rely on you to help them practice and apply the skills they are learning. Your role is to show them that their new skills make the world a better place for them.

There is a wide variety of ABA providers, differing in the populations they work with, the settings where they provide services, and their levels of experience. Here are the most important things to consider:

1. Specialization in the treatment you need: For example, BehaviorSpan is highly specialized in treating children ages 1–6 with intensive center-based ABA. By focusing specifically on this age group, modality, and target population, we are able to dedicate all of our resources to becoming the best we can possibly be at helping those children.

2. Focus on progress and outcomes: As with many fields, there is a wide range of provider experience, strategies, and even motivation. You want a provider that is obsessed with driving progress and achieving the best outcomes for their clients. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the outcomes their clients experience—they should be able to answer confidently.

• How long does it take you to successfully graduate a client on average?

  • Good answer: Being able to respond without hesitation, ideally less than two years.

• How many targets do your clients work on at a time?

  • Good answer: Above 30 (BehaviorSpan works on 40–50 at a time).

• How many targets do they master in a week?

  • Good answer: Being able to answer confidently, with at least 5 mastered per week (BehaviorSpan averages 8+).

It’s crucial to understand that there is a lot of variety in ABA providers and their quality. Ask tough questions and compare providers before making a choice. The right provider can make a significant difference in your child’s life. If BehaviorSpan can’t serve your child, we are committed to helping you find the right provider.

Click here or call us at 720-206-9644.