ABA Frequently Asked Questions

ABA therapy focuses on behavior and learning. The overall goal of ABA is to figure out the way a child behaves the way they do and then focus on ways to encourage good behavior and habits while correcting harmful behaviors and habits.

ABA therapy is considered the gold-standard treatment for children and teens with autism. It shows high rates of success in helping those on the autism spectrum to improve communication and socialization abilities and achieve more independence. It also helps reduce undesirable behavior.

ABA therapy can help increase language and communication skills, attention, focus, social skills, memory, and academics. It will also help decrease unwanted behaviors. It’s the most effective way to help your child or teenager by giving them guidance and direction on an individual basis.

Medical research in 2021 shows that modern approaches to ABA therapy are very successful for most people with autism. ABA therapy is endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Surgeon General as a valid, evidence-based therapy for autism.

ABA works with people of all ages, but it is best to start as early as possible. Most children are between 2 and 6 years old when they begin ABA treatment. But not all children are diagnosed that early. Even if they are diagnosed later, ABA therapists will adapt their treatment based on the child’s needs at the time of diagnosis.

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors will look at the child’s developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), ASD can sometimes be detected by 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered reliable. In some cases, a child is not diagnosed until later in life. Some people are not diagnosed until they are adolescents or adults.

Early signs of ASD may include:
● Avoiding eye contact
● Having little interest in other children or caretakers
● Limited display of language (for example, having fewer words than peers or difficulty with use of words for communication)
● Getting upset by minor changes in routine

Autism can be diagnosed by a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician. Your family doctor can provide initial guidance on whether you should seek an official diagnosis and who to see.

Some experts recommend up to 40 hours of ABA therapy each week. In most cases, therapists work with patients between 10 and 20 hours per week. The range can vary based on your child’s individual needs.

We do not currently have a waiting list. Call us for more information and we will be happy to talk to you about your needs.

Families can inquire about beginning ABA therapy at ABA Centers of Florida by scheduling a consultation. We will walk you through the process and work on getting your child enrolled.

Yes. You will need to provide us with your official diagnosis report from a qualified professional, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician. You will also need a referral letter from a doctor (primary care or other) recommending ABA therapy as a treatment.

We help patients of all ages.

Yes, all our treatment plans are designed and overseen by BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) and carried out by RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians).

Most major insurance companies provide coverage for ABA therapy as a treatment for autism. Call us, and we can tell you what benefits your insurance offers in this area.

We currently do not have a waiting list and would be pleased to discuss the different treatment options we can provide. Just give us a call to get started!

All our ABA therapy practitioners are Board Certified Behavior Analysts or Registered Behavior Technicians and have met or exceeded professional standards overseen by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB).