ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is an evidence-based approach that focuses on understanding why behavior occurs and using principles of learning and motivation to encourage positive behaviors and reduce challenging ones. Careful individualized assessment allows our therapist to use these behavioral approaches to improve things like communication and social skills as well as help your child gain coping skills and learn ways to replace challenging behaviors that may be interfering in their day-to-day life.

ABA therapy focuses on essential skills that your child may be struggling to learn due to their autism diagnosis. ABA therapy focuses on improving positive behaviors like communicating wants and needs to others, following daily instructions, engaging in meaningful play activities, and social interactions with others. ABA therapy also works on decreasing behaviors that may be interfering in your child’s day such as tantrums, flopping on the ground, or aggressing toward others. ABA therapy addresses these types of behaviors by teaching your child better ways to cope and express their emotions. All of your child’s ABA therapy goals will be individualized to their needs, skills, and interests

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will complete your child’s initial assessment and continue to oversee and monitor your child’s ABA therapy. BCBAs are graduate-level clinicians who have completed advanced education in Applied Behavior Analysis, extensive supervised hands-on experience, and passed a national certification exam. BCBAs are required to have regular ongoing continuing education and in New Jersey, they are also required to go through an additional licensing process. A few Registered Behavioral Technicians (RBTs) will also work with your child one-on-one. RBTs have completed specialized training in behavior analysis, passed a competency assessment and a national certification exam, and work under the supervision of a BCBA. At Totalis Behavioral Health, all BCBAs and RBTs are supervised by a senior clinical leader and receive ongoing support and continuing education.

ABA therapy sessions are structured yet flexible, and they combine planned activities, formal instructional times, and naturalistic teaching moments during play. Throughout therapy sessions, RBTs follow your child’s interests and motivation to create learning opportunities during typical daily routines like snack time, getting dressed, or playing with a sibling. Structured learning activities can target specific skills, and play-based learning also helps develop social and communication skills. Sessions include positive reinforcement for desired behaviors and data collection to track progress. Sessions are designed to be engaging and enjoyable while maximizing learning opportunities.

ABA is generally a pretty intensive treatment. Treatment hours are individualized based on your child’s assessment results, age, and clinical recommendations. Typically, young children receive between 10-40 hours per week. Treatment intensity is reviewed every six months; some children will remain in therapy for a shorter duration and others will benefit from ABA therapy for many years. Your BCBA will discuss the recommended hours during your initial assessment and as part of ongoing progress monitoring.

Absolutely! Parents are essential partners and your involvement in ABA therapy is crucial for success. Your involvement typically includes participating in initial assessments and goal-setting, attending regular parent training sessions, and collaborating with your clinical team through regular progress monitoring meetings. In addition, research shows that therapy outcomes are greatly improved when families help implement behavioral strategies across their child’s day. You’ll learn techniques to support your child most effectively and generalize the skills gained while working with their therapists.

Totalis Behavioral Health provides in-home ABA therapy throughout New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware. An ABA clinic will be opening in Southern New Jersey soon.

Our clinicians are experts in pediatric care, so the majority of our clients are 18 months to adolescence. ABA therapy can be effective at any age, however. Please contact us if you have questions about ABA therapy for your child outside of that age range.

In general, yes, as a medically necessary treatment, your health insurance will cover ABA therapy. Insurance typically requires a formal autism diagnosis and may require prior authorization. We can work with you to determine more about the specifics of your insurance coverage for therapy

As of right now, Totalis Behavioral Health is an out-of-network provider. We have several potential options to work with your insurance company, and we can also explore private pay. Please contact us to talk more about your payment options for ABA therapy.

First, we will have you fill out an intake form so we can get to know your child and family. Next, we will work with you to determine what coverage you have for ABA therapy through your insurance or other payment options and have you review and sign a client agreement. Next, a clinician will conduct an initial assessment with your child where they get to know you and your child, work with you to develop treatment goals, and make a recommendation for weekly hours of ABA therapy. Once that treatment plan is approved, therapists can be assigned to your child and ABA therapy can begin!