faqs aba

Frequently Asked Questions 

ABA Connect offers behavioral therapy for children with autism as well as support for their families. We provide personalized programs for kids struggling with social situations, emotional regulation, and challenging behavior. Our therapists encourage and engage children in a natural play environment, making learning fun.

ABA Connect — where play meets progress! 

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis and is an effective form of therapy to help children with autism. It focuses on teaching language acquisition and behavior skills tailored specifically to your child’s needs. 

ABA Therapy is widely recognized as the most effective treatment model for children with autism. It is recommended by reputable organizations such as the American Academy of Neurology, U.S. Surgeon General, American Academy of Pediatrics, Autism Society of America, American Psychological Association, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and many more. 

By utilizing ABA Connect services, we can provide your child with an individualized approach that supports their development and helps them achieve their goals.

To qualify for ABA therapy, you need to obtain an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or pediatrician. If you don’t have a diagnosis yet, don’t worry. Simply contact our office at 833-225-9393, and we can provide diagnostic support for you. We have an ADOS Administrator who can assess your child and deliver the results to their doctor. The final determination for eligibility will be made by your child’s doctor based on the assessment results. Feel free to reach out to us for further assistance.

The difference between one-on-one ABA and group ABA is the format in which therapy is delivered. One-on-one ABA involves individual sessions with an ABA therapist who focuses solely on your child’s needs, tailoring the therapy to their specific goals and challenges. This format allows for personalized attention and targeted interventions.

On the other hand, group ABA involves therapy sessions conducted in a small group setting with other children receiving ABA therapy. Group sessions provide opportunities for social interaction and practicing skills in a more naturalistic environment. While the therapist still addresses individual goals, there is also an emphasis on peer interaction and group activities.

The choice between one-on-one ABA and group ABA depends on your child’s unique needs, learning style, and therapy goals. A qualified professional at ABA Connect will assess your child and recommend the most appropriate format to maximize their progress and development. We value individualized care and will work with you to determine the best approach for your child’s ABA therapy.

Choosing between at-home ABA and ABA in a clinic setting depends on your preferences and your child’s needs. At-home ABA therapy offers the convenience of receiving therapy in the familiar environment of your own home. This setting allows for easier generalization of skills to daily routines and promotes a comfortable and secure learning environment for your child.

With at-home ABA, you have the opportunity to actively participate in your child’s therapy sessions, gaining hands-on training and skills to support their progress outside of therapy hours. You can collaborate closely with the ABA therapist and observe firsthand how they work with your child.

On the other hand, ABA in a clinical setting provides a structured and dedicated environment designed specifically for therapy. Clinics are equipped with resources and materials to facilitate learning and offer social opportunities with peers who are also receiving ABA therapy. Group activities and interactions can help develop social skills and promote generalization in a different context.

Ultimately, the choice depends on what works best for your family and your child’s unique needs. ABA Connect can discuss both options with you, assess your child’s requirements, and help you make an informed decision. Our goal is to provide effective ABA therapy that maximizes your child’s progress and supports their overall development.

Though ABA is widely accepted and scientifically proven to help kids with autism, not all therapy providers are the same. Many ABA clinics offer a traditional table-time approach to learning appropriate behaviors. These drills can often be boring at best and counter-productive at worst.

ABA Connect is different. At ABA Connect, we focus on play-based therapy in a naturalistic environment. For example, if you have an early learner, our autism clinics resemble a preschool or other realistic environment where kids of similar age would gather to learn and play. 

Choose ABA Connect if you’re looking for a kind, compassionate approach to behavior therapy. One in which the humanity and individuality of your child are respected. Not only will you see great results, but your child will have fun while they’re learning!

At ABA Connect, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the unique needs of your child and family. Our one-on-one sessions with an ABA therapist provide individualized support and guidance. We utilize effective instructional methods such as Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to foster skill development.

We understand the importance of family involvement, which is why we provide dedicated family support and training. Our programs are tailored to each client, ensuring personalized attention and progress. Additionally, we offer consultation services with schools, daycare centers, and preschools and collaborate with other autism specialists like speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists.

In ABA intervention, a wide range of skills are targeted to promote your child’s overall development. These include language and communication skills, social skills, functional play skills, motor abilities, school readiness, basic academics, and functional life skills. Our team will work closely with you to develop an early intervention program that addresses your child’s specific needs and maximizes their potential for success.

At ABA Connect, we focus on developing five essential types of skills in our therapy programs:

  1. Communication Skills:

We prioritize effective communication to reduce frustration and tantrums. Through language acquisition and functional communication techniques, non-verbal children can learn to express themselves and engage with others.

  1. Social Skills:

We model and teach appropriate interactions with peers, fostering self-awareness, self-esteem, and turn-taking skills. Your child will gain the confidence to navigate social situations and accept the choices of others.

  1. Behavior Management Skills:

Managing challenging behaviors and transitions can be overwhelming. Our therapy equips your child with self-calming and coping skills, enabling them to confidently navigate difficult situations.

  1. Life Skills:

We promote independence by developing essential life skills such as toilet training, dressing, hygiene, meal choices, and chores. Your child will gain the necessary skills for everyday tasks, fostering greater independence.

  1. School Readiness Skills:

Preparing for school success is crucial. At our clinic locations, we focus on school readiness, providing structured learning experiences at tables with peers. We also emphasize sustained attention, a vital skill for academic achievement.

Our highly trained therapists teach your child these skills and equip you with strategies to reinforce and generalize them in your home environment.

During ABA sessions, your child will work closely with a dedicated team of professionals at ABA Connect. Our team consists of highly trained and experienced therapists, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). 

The BCBA is a licensed professional who oversees your child’s therapy program, conducts assessments, and designs individualized treatment plans. They guide and supervise the RBTs, ensuring that therapy goals are met effectively.

The RBTs are trained therapists who work directly with your child during sessions. They implement the behavior intervention strategies outlined in the treatment plan, monitor progress, and collect data to evaluate your child’s development. They play a crucial role in creating a supportive and engaging environment for your child’s growth.

Absolutely! At ABA Connect, we recognize the significance of social interactions and peer-to-peer relationships for children with autism. We strive to create opportunities for your child to interact and engage with other children at our clinic locations.

During ABA sessions, we incorporate activities promoting social skills and encouraging peer interactions. Turn-taking, sharing, greetings, and collaborative play are some of the skills we target to enhance your child’s social development.

We understand that practicing these skills in a supportive and structured environment is essential for your child’s growth. Our therapists facilitate group activities and create opportunities for your child to interact with their peers effectively. These interactions not only foster socialization but also provide valuable learning experiences.

To start your child’s ABA services with us, there are a few steps you need to take. First, we require relevant client information to ensure a smooth process. You can conveniently submit this information through our secure Online Intake Form. The form collects important details such as contact information, insurance numbers, and other relevant information about your child. 

Additionally, we ask for your child’s autism diagnosis paperwork. If you need help obtaining an autism diagnosis, simply contact our office at 833-225-9393. We have an ADOS Administrator who can assess your child and deliver the results to their doctor. 

Submitting client information through our secure Online Intake Form is essential in initiating your child’s ABA services. It allows us to gather the necessary information to provide them with the best possible care. Your privacy and the confidentiality of the information provided are of utmost importance to us.

If your child doesn’t have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis yet, don’t worry. You can reach out to our office at 833-225-9393, and we’ll provide you with diagnostic support. We have an ADOS Administrator who can conduct the necessary tests for your child. If you choose to pursue this route, the ADOS Administrator will deliver the results to your child’s doctor, who will then make the final determination.

The primary test we administer for determining whether or not a child has autism is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). The ADOS-S aids in diagnosing and assessing the severity of symptoms in children aged six years and younger.

A commonly used diagnostic tool to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the ADOS-S is comprised of five modules designed for individuals of varying ages and communication levels. The appropriate module is selected based on the child’s age and communication abilities and may require parental involvement. The ADOS-2 includes structured and semi-structured activities that assess communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors.

Your child will participate in various fun activities during the assessment, which takes approximately an hour. Depending on the child’s age and communication level, you may be asked to join as a parent.

Not required but in addition to the standard ADOS-2, ABA Connect incorporates additional components into its testing process.

This supplementary testing provides ABA Connect and the families they serve with deeper insights into the child. Further testing helps ABA Connect therapists deliver the best treatment plan for each child’s needs.

We have three experienced ADOS administrators on staff in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, who are all licensed to conduct the necessary testing for determining if a child meets the requirements of an ASD diagnosis. It’s important to note you will still need a doctor’s involvement to go this route.

After the evaluation, the clinician will answer questions and discuss the next steps with you. The scored results and observations are sent to your doctor for review.

Based on the results, your doctor will determine whether your child has met the criteria for autism spectrum disorder. Then, the doctor will write a referral to start ABA therapy as treatment for your child’s new diagnosis.

The cost of ABA therapy can vary depending on several factors, such as the duration and intensity of the sessions, as well as the specific needs of your child. Insurance coverage for ABA therapy also varies depending on your insurance provider and the terms of your policy. 

At ABA Connect, we accept all major insurance plans and are committed to helping families navigate the insurance process. We will work closely with you to verify your insurance coverage and determine the extent to which ABA therapy is covered. Our dedicated team will assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and guide you through any necessary paperwork or authorization requirements.

It’s important to note that many insurance plans now offer coverage for ABA therapy due to its proven effectiveness in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We encourage you to contact our team at 833-225-9393 or your insurance provider directly to discuss your specific coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Our goal is to make ABA therapy accessible to all families in need, and we will work diligently to maximize your insurance benefits and minimize your financial burden. We are here to support you every step of the way and ensure that your child receives the high-quality ABA therapy they deserve.

At ABA Connect, we understand that every child is unique, which is why our therapy is tailored to meet your child’s individual needs. Our highly skilled behavior analysts will develop personalized programs using evidence-based procedures to teach skills that will enhance your child’s success in various settings. We offer flexible options such as full-day, half-day, and social skill programs based on your child’s requirements.

It’s important to note that the appropriate amount of ABA therapy may vary for each learner. Your dedicated BCBA will assess your child’s progress and determine whether to increase or decrease therapy hours accordingly. As your child develops new skills and demonstrates prosocial behaviors, the therapy hours will be gradually reduced until they no longer require additional support. Our clinical staff is committed to developing and implementing effective treatment plans that prioritize your child’s progress and overall well-being.

When your child participates in ABA therapy during school hours, we understand that it may result in missed school days. At ABA Connect, we want to assure you that therapy sessions are considered excused absences, and we will provide a doctor’s note to support your child’s return to school.

As a parent, your involvement is crucial in supporting your child throughout the ABA process. Here are some ways you can actively contribute:

  • Engage in regular communication with your child’s ABA team and provide input on goals and progress.
  • Familiarize yourself with ABA techniques to support your child outside therapy sessions.
  • Implement strategies consistently across different environments to reinforce learning.
  • Use positive reinforcement to acknowledge and encourage appropriate behaviors.
  • Take advantage of parent training opportunities to enhance your understanding and skills.

By actively participating and implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive environment that fosters your child’s progress and development in the ABA process.

Your child must have an ASD diagnosis to start ABA services

If it’s determined your child doesn’t have autism, your pediatrician may offer other valuable resources to support you in the challenges you’re facing.