Autism Therapy Programs

Though some predatory companies claim otherwise, there is currently no cure for autism spectrum disorder. While that may seem discouraging, there are effective autism treatments to help improve your child’s overall functioning by reducing challenging behaviors and supporting their development and learning.

Experts have cited early intervention and ABA therapy as one of the most effective treatments for ASD. ABA therapy can significantly impact your child’s life by helping children improve their communication abilities, feel more comfortable in social situations, and reduce challenging behaviors.

If your child has received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, it’s important to consult experts who can help you create a personalized treatment plan. Building a team of professionals will ensure that your child’s unique needs are met and provide the best possible support. Remember, there is hope for your child’s future, and with the right strategies and support, they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Step 1: Contact an ABA Services Provider

After receiving an autism diagnosis, you should contact a clinical professional to set up an initial consultation for ABA therapy. For this meeting, you should be prepared to answer several specific questions about your child and your family. This information will be used when developing the most appropriate treatment plan.

Step 2: Assessment for a Customized Treatment Plan

Once your insurance benefits have been verified, you will schedule an assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BCBA will determine which assessments are the most appropriate for your child.

After all assessments are complete, the BCBA will develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Included in this will be assessment results, treatment goals, therapy schedule, as well as teaching procedures, and data templates used to track progress during therapy.

Once a plan is ready, the BCBA should schedule a meeting with the family/caregivers to review the treatment plan and make any final tweaks before the first therapy session.

Step 3: Begin Therapy Sessions

Usually, “direct” Applied Behavior Analysis therapy is performed via recurring, 1:1 sessions with behavior technicians or RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians). The BCBAs are also intimately involved with all of the programming and treatment planning evaluation for tweaks and improvements. At a minimum, the BCBAs should be supervising the 1:1 sessions at least once per week.

Throughout therapy, the entire team will provide updates and feedback regarding your child’s progress. Generally, the BCBA will set up monthly meetings to provide formal updates regarding progress and the treatment plan, as well as implement family training.

There is no single correct answer for how long it will take to see improved outcomes from Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. ABA is considered an evidence-based practice (“EBP”) treatment by the U.S. Surgeon General and by the American Psychological Association. 

More than 20 studies have established that intensive and long-term therapy using ABA principles improves outcomes for many, but not all children with ASD. “Intensive” and “long-term” refer to programs providing 25-40 hours per week of therapy for 1-3 years. These studies show gains in language development, social functioning, intellectual functioning, and daily living skills. Studies with adults show similar results.

At Ascend Autism, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is responsible for evaluating your child and determining the most appropriate treatment plan for their needs, as well as making any necessary updates to the treatment plan over time.

A BCBA is an individual with expertise in the field of behavior analysis. They are responsible for designing targeted intervention and assessment plans while also overseeing and providing support to the behavior technicians.

All BCBAs are required to possess a Master’s Degree in ABA, Psychology, or Education. They are also required to complete over 1,500 hours of direct fieldwork with ABA programs, spending about 50% of those hours learning how to work on ABA programming and data analysis. During the fieldwork, existing BCBAs supervise BCBAs-in-training to help guide them through their fieldwork. After all coursework and fieldwork are complete, BCBAs are required to pass the BCBA examination through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services.

A BT or RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of behavior-analytic services and practices under the close supervision of a BCBA. Behavior Techs typically work one-on-one with the child in therapy sessions but do not design the intervention or assessment plans.

Following successful performance as a BT and interest in furthering their ABA knowledge, many pursue the additional step of becoming an RBT. RBT is a nationally recognized certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To achieve the certification, one must complete 40-hours of standardized training, pass a competency assessment, and a proctored exam. RBTs are required to complete annual competency assessments to maintain their credentials.