FAQs

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is the science of behavior. It consists of evidence-based interventions that apply the principles of behavior (e.g. reinforcement and consequences) to decrease behaviors that are harmful and increase desirable behaviors. ABA, although often described as the "gold standard" for autism treatment, is  not limited to autism programs.

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) in ABA refers to how services are delivered, not a separate therapy modality. It emphasizes:

• Recognizing that past traumatic experiences can influence behavior and emotional responses
• Prioritizing safety, trust, choice, and empowerment in interventions
• Avoiding practices or environments that might re-trigger distress
• Tailoring goals and strategies with respect for individualized needs and histories. 

ABA is a flexible treatment that addresses various goals, but the goal of any ABA program is to help each individual work on skills that will help them become more independent and successful.

Goals can include such skill areas as communication, language, social, self-care, self-control, play, leisure, and motor.   

Each program begins with the BCBA conducting a detailed assessment of the individual's skills and preferences. This information is used to write specific treatment goals, which are based on the age and developmental level of each individual. Therapy can be provided in a variety of locations (e.g. in the home, at school, or in the community) and can involve 1:1 teaching and/or group instruction.

An ABA therapy session can change from session to session, but traditionally it is delivered in a 1:1 ratio consisting of your child working with a therapist. Skills are broken into smaller (i.e., discrete) components and taught utilizing prompting procedures, repetition, and positive reinforcement. 

For young learners, you’ll see toys, play, and social interaction among peers. For school-aged learners and adults, ABA therapy focuses on functional, real-world skills and individualized goals that enhance independence and quality of life. ABA for adults may also support workplace behavior, leisure skills, and strategies for navigating complex social and community contexts.

How much ABA therapy a child needs cannot be determined prior to the initial evaluation because ABA is customized for each individual. Every child comes with their own unique strengths, needs, and preferences; therefore, they have their treatment plans and no two children's ABA sessions will be the same.

Currently we do not provide in-home ABA services to children, but we do provide services in community-based residential living settings (i.e., group homes) for adults.

Yes, we are in network with several commerical insurance carriers as well as Medicaid and Tricare. Please click here for a list of insurance carriers that we’re in network with.

Most likely yes. However, many health insurance plans do cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy when it is medically necessary and the individual has a documented Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis from a qualified professional. Most insurers require this formal ASD diagnosis before they will authorize ABA services.

Coverage and age limits vary by plan and state:

• In Georgia, state-regulated private insurance and Medicaid typically provide coverage for ABA therapy for individuals up to age 21 under the autism insurance mandate, often with annual benefit caps.
• Many other states also limit mandated coverage to individuals under age 18 or 21, though some plans extend beyond those ages depending on policy type and state law. 
• Coverage details — including session limits, age caps, copays, and prior-authorization requirements — differ by insurer and plan, and self-funded employer plans may not be subject to state mandates.

Important notes:

• Because insurance benefits vary widely, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to verify your specific ABA coverage, including age limits and any pre-authorization requirements.
• Coverage for school-based consulting, IEP meeting attendance, and adult behavior support services may not be included under typical ABA therapy benefits and is often considered a separate, out-of-pocket expense.

We believe in a multidisciplinary approach and actively collaborate with educators and other professionals to support student success. As part of our school-based consulting and for individual families, we are available to attend Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings at an hourly rate of $150/hr, provided scheduling allows. To facilitate this, please ask your child’s teacher or case manager to add us to the meeting notice. Our role at the IEP meeting is to contribute professional insights and support the team’s understanding of behavior and intervention strategies — not to act as an advocate for the family. Because IEP attendance is typically not covered by insurance, this service is generally an out-of-pocket expense.

We support adults with autism, intellectual, and related developmental differences in building functional, real-world skills — such as daily living, communication, self-management, and community participation. Our services are designed for individuals whose needs align with community- and home-based behavior support goals. We are not equipped to provide intensive crisis intervention for adults with highly aggressive, violent, or active suicidal behaviors; those individuals are best served by programs with specialized clinical and crisis resources.

Applied Behavioral Approaches is enrolled as a Medicaid provider, but is not currently an approved direct provider under the New Options (NOW) or Comprehensive Supports (COMP) Medicaid waiver programs. Although we cannot bill Medicaid waiver funds directly at this time, we can work in partnership with waiver-approved providers or support participants who choose participant-directed services to use waiver funding for behavior supports.