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What exactly is ABA therapy?

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.

What types of goals will my child have in ABA therapy?

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

Who will be working with my child?
Your child’s ABA therapy team will include a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). The BCBA will complete your child’s initial assessment, develop an individualized treatment plan, oversee therapy, and monitor your child’s progress. BCBAs are graduate-level clinicians who have completed advanced education in Applied Behavior Analysis, supervised clinical experience, and national certification requirements. In New Jersey, BCBAs must be licensed by the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners, ensuring they meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards. BCBAs must hold BACB certification AND NJ licensure (LBA).
 
RBTs work directly with your child one-on-one to implement the treatment plan under the BCBA’s supervision. RBTs complete specialized training, competency and certification requirements, and receive ongoing supervision. At Totalis Behavioral Health, our clinical team also receives ongoing support and continuing education from senior clinical leadership to help ensure consistent, high-quality ABA therapy.
What does a typical ABA therapy session look like?

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.

How much ABA therapy will my child receive?

Your child’s therapy hours are individualized based on their assessment results, age, and clinical recommendations. Hours typically range from 10-40 per week for young children. Your BCBA will give a clinical recommendation of hours based on individualized assessments, strengths and needs, and other factors such as educational and other therapeutic services. Your BCBA will discuss this recommendation with your during the initial assessment and review them every 6 months to ensure they match your child’s progress and needs.

Will I be involved in my child's therapy?

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.

Where are you located?

Totalis Autism Services provides in-home ABA therapy throughout Gloucester County, NJ and surrounding areas.  Our ABA clinic is located in Williamstown, NJ.

What ages do you accept?

Our ABA therapy services generally support children from 18 months through adolescence. Our center-based ABA therapy is typically for children ages 18 months to 6 years, while our in-home ABA therapy is typically covered by insurance for children from 18 months up to the age of 21. Totalis’ clinicians are experts in pediatric care and can support clients in-home through adolescence. If your child falls outside these typical age ranges, please contact us to discuss their individual needs.

Will my insurance pay for ABA therapy?

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

Is Totalis Autism Services an in-network provider with my insurance company?

We are in-network with Horizon BCBS, Aetna, and Ambetter commercial health insurances. We are also a Medicaid-approved provider and are in-network with Horizon, Aetna, Fidelis, and Wellpoint’s NJFamilyCare plans. If you don’t see your plan listed, please reach out, as we’re always working to expand our coverage options. We can also talk with you to determine out-of-network or self-pay options.

How do we get started with 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!