Applied Behavior Analysis
Learn more about ABA
Atlas Autism Health focuses on helping children learn the ways that they are naturally wired to learn, through play, relationships and social interactions.
Atlas Autism Health focuses on helping children learn the ways that they are naturally wired to learn, through play, relationships and social interactions.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which is based on the science of learning and behavior, uses a systematic approach to helping your child develop and learn. Principles of ABA can be applied in many areas to help your child, such as (but not limited to) increasing language and communication, improving social and play skills, increasing adaptive skills such as toileting, dressing and feeding, and reducing unwanted behaviors such as tantrums, aggression, or other dangerous behaviors.
There are many strategies that fall under the ABA umbrella, such as Natural Environment Teaching, Discrete Trial Training, Early Start Denver Model, and Pivotal Response Training. At Atlas, we focus on naturalistic, play-based ABA and will individualize the strategies and approach we use for your child based on his/her needs.
ABA is recommended and endorsed as an effective intervention for ASD by the US Surgeon General, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Research Council, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Academy of Neurology, among other national medical organizations and associations.
ABA-based intervention has proven to be the only gold standard therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder. ABA is considered an evidence-based best-practice treatment by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association.
The Council of Autism Service Providers' practice guidelines advise that children who are under 3 years of age with an ASD diagnosis have greatest outcomes with 25-40 hours a week, and children who are approaching the age of 3 have greatest outcomes with 30 or more hours a week.
When a child is recommended to receive comprehensive ABA treatment (25 hours or more), it is common for this to be challenging for parents to commit to. This is understandable, but research shows that time spent away from therapy can lead to greater skill deficits or behavioral challenges. Receiving intensive services as soon as recommended will give the child a greater chance at reducing the amount of services and time spent in therapies as the child gets older.
A wide body of research shows that intensive ABA services as early as possible leads to the most effective clinical outcomes for children with autism.
ABA therapy is considered a medically necessary treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This means that insurance providers are required to cover the cost of ABA therapy to some extent. However, the amount of coverage can vary widely.
Medicaid covers the full cost of ABA therapy, while commercial insurance providers may only cover a portion of the cost (require a co-pay). Some insurance providers may limit the number of ABA therapy sessions that are covered each year. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand what your coverage includes. If your insurance provider does not cover the full cost of ABA therapy, there may be other options available to help you afford this important therapy.
Atlas is here to help you navigate your insurance and understand your coverage.
