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Everything you need to navigate your child's autism journey, all in one place

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Early signs, how ABA works, getting started with Behavior Frontiers, insurance support, at-home strategies, downloadable checklists, and answers to the questions parents ask us most. Built on 20+ years of clinical experience and research-backed care.

Is My Child Showing Signs of Autism?

Every child grows at their own pace - but some delays may signal autism or another developmental difference. Trust your instincts: the sooner you explore, the sooner support can begin.

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6 Months

Lack of eye contact or limited smiling during play
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9 Months

Not turning toward their name or responding socially
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12 Months

No babbling or first words like 'mama' or 'dada'
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18 Months

Few single words and limited pretend play (e.g., feeding a doll)
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24 Months

Limited two-word phrases or little interest in playing with other children
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3 Years

Difficulty with short conversations or group play
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4+ years

Challenges forming friendships or adjusting to new routines
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All Ages

Strong reactions to sounds, textures, smells; repetitive actions like rocking or lining up toys
Read: Early Signs of Autism
Download: Guide to Early Signs of Autism

Understanding Autism & ABA Therapy

ABA is the only autism treatment proven effective by science. Endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Institutes of Health, ABA has 60+ years of research and numerous peer-reviewed studies behind it.

What is autism?

A neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a child communicates, learns, and interacts socially. Autism is a spectrum - unique to every child.

What is ABA therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis is an evidence-based method to help people learn. It uses only strategies proven through data and research, and progress is measured every step of the way.

Skills ABA addresses

Communication, social skills, learning, adaptive skills, motor skills, cognitive skills, self-help, and independence - the foundations for life.

Why early intervention matters

For kids under 6, ABA is designed to close the developmental gap. Earlier starts maximize long-term success. See: Why Early Intervention Matters →

What does ABA look like?

1:1 sessions in your child's natural environment - home, center, community, school. Sessions blend structured teaching (DTT) with naturalistic play (NET), typically 1.5-3 hours each.

Benefits of ABA

Closes developmental gaps, builds language and social skills, improves classroom placement, increases lifelong independence, and supports happier family life.

The goal of ABA

Help your child catch up, prepare for school, build socially meaningful skills, and reduce the need for restrictive supports later. For caregivers: build skills you'll use long after services end.

How many hours per week?

ABA is dose-dependent. Research shows children receiving 25-40 hrs/week make significantly larger gains in IQ, language, and daily living skills than those receiving fewer hours.

What outcomes can we expect?

Across studies, intensive ABA has produced +22 IQ points, +9 in adaptive skills, and -11 in autism severity. A landmark study showed 47% of children who started early intensive ABA 'lost' their diagnosis.
Read our ABA Blog

Science Says

Real numbers from peer-reviewed research on intensive ABA - and what our team delivers day in, day out.

+22

Average IQ point gain with 26-40 hrs/wk of ABA (vs. +11 with 5-12 hrs)

+9

Improvement in adaptive skills with intensive ABA (vs. +2 with low hours)

-11

Drop in autism severity score with intensive ABA (vs. -6 with low hours)

47%

Of children in a landmark study who lost their autism diagnosis after early intensive ABA

ABA therapy is the most thoroughly researched method of autism therapy proven to work, backed by 60+ years of research.

Endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Evidence-based ABA approaches we use

DTT

Discrete Trial Training - structured, repetitive teaching of specific skills

NET

Natural Environment Training - teaching during everyday play and routines

VB

Verbal Behavior - teaching language as a tool to request, label, and communicate wants and needs

PRT

Pivotal Response Training - play-based teaching that targets motivation and initiation to drive broader, natural gains

Getting Started With Behavior Frontiers

Every evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist through our trusted partner network, and tailored to each child based on their age, developmental history, and presenting needs.

STEP 01

Intake Process

A friendly walk-through of your child's history, your goals, and your insurance - we handle the paperwork so you can focus on your family.
STEP 02

What is an FBA?

A Functional Behavior Assessment - the foundation of your child's plan. We observe, ask questions, and design a treatment plan tailored to their strengths and needs.
STEP 03

Your First Session

Your child's Behavior Technician spends the first sessions building rapport - through play, getting to know what motivates your child, and easing them into therapy.
STEP 04

Progress Review & Plan Adjustment

Thanks to our PrioraCare platform, our clinicians can track your child's progress live, and adjust their therapy plan in real time, so there's no time lost.

Your Care Team

Designed around your child, supported by clinical expertise.
  • BCBA - Board Certified Behavior Analyst who designs and supervises your child's plan
  • Behavior Technician (BT) - delivers 1:1 sessions, builds rapport, runs the lessons
  • Clinical Director - oversees quality of care across your team
  • Caregiver Training - your partner through our 90-day Caregiver Training Program
How we track your child’s progress

PrioraCare™

Our proprietary platform lets clinicians track each child's progress in real time and adjust strategies immediately - leading to more meaningful growth, faster. You'll always know how your child is doing.
Learn About PrioraCare

Insurance & Coverage

We're in-network with most major insurance plans - so families can focus on therapy, not paperwork.

125+ Plans Accepted

We're Here to Support Your Family

How insurance works for ABA

A plain-language primer on benefits, prior authorizations, deductibles, copays, and what families typically pay out of pocket. We verify benefits and walk you through every step.
Visit the Insurance Page

Have dual insurance?

Coordination of Benefits (COB) can be confusing. Our flyer walks through how primary and secondary plans work together - what's covered, in what order, and what to expect.
Download Flyer

Caregiver Training: Your Role is the Multiplier

Research is clear - children with autism have the best chance for a good outcome when family members are involved in treatment. That's why we built a structured program around you.

Young boy playing with a woman who is smiling, with a yellow rubber duck in the background.

Our 90 Day Caregiver Guidance Program

Behavior Frontiers runs a 90-day Caregiver Training Program plus ongoing monthly meetings - so the skills your child learns in session show up at home, at school, and in everyday life.

Training in core ABA strategies you'll use every day

Work alongside your child's BT during sessions to practice live

Generalize skills across home, community, and family routines

Monthly check-ins with your BCBA to review progress and adjust

Supporting Your Child At Home

Every evaluation is conducted by a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist through our trusted partner network, and tailored to each child based on their age, developmental history, and presenting needs.

Smiling child with curly hair holding a red pencil and writing in a notebook at home.
Here’s what to expect:

Reinforce skills everywhere

If your child learns to ask for 'bubbles' in therapy, encourage 'bubbles' at the park. Skills generalize when they show up across settings.
1

Keep routines consistent

Use the same visual schedules and supports at home that your team uses in session. Share them with grandparents, teachers, and babysitters.
2

Practice together

Role-play greetings, sharing, and turn-taking with siblings or family. Repetition in real life makes new skills stick.
3

Use reinforcers

Connect effort to what your child loves: bubbles, songs, favorite toys, or a special treat. Motivation drives learning.
4

Celebrate small wins

Every new word, shared toy, or brave first bite is real progress worth cheering for.
5

Reinforcing ABA Therapy Skills at Home

Our 5-step checklist - print, post on the fridge, and you're set.
Download Checklist

Downloadable Resources

Parent-tested checklists and guides from our Bright Futures and ABA Success Series. Filter by category, or browse them all.
Support at Home

Reinforce ABA Skills at Home

Reinforcing ABA skills at home
Download PDF
Support at Home

Emotional Regulation Tips

Emotional regulation tips for autism
Download PDF
Insurance

Insurance Coverage Coordination

Insurance coverage and COB rules
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Thanksgiving Checklist

Thanksgiving tips for kids with autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Sensory Friendly Superbowl

Sensory-friendly Super Bowl tips
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

New Years Resolutions

New Year goal-setting for autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Holiday Tips

Holiday tips for kids with autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Halloween Checklist

Sensory-friendly Halloween guide for autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Fourth of July Tips

Fourth of July tips for autistic kids
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Fall activities

Fall tips and activities for autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Daylight Savings Tips

Daylight saving sleep tips for autism
Download PDF
For Success at School

Back to School Tips

Back-to-school prep tips for autism
Download PDF
For Success at School

Navigating the School Year

School success tips for autistic kids
Download PDF
Everyday Life Tips

Travel Tips for Kids with Autism

Summer travel tips for autistic kids
Download PDF
Everyday Life Tips

Water Safety Tips

9 water safety tips for autistic kids
Download PDF
Getting Started

Early Intervention Research

High-intensity ABA improves outcomes
Download PDF
Getting Started

Early Signs of Autism

Milestones from 6 months to 4+ years
Download PDF
Getting Started

Early Intervention Research

High-intensity ABA improves outcomes
Download PDF
Getting Started

Early Signs of Autism

Milestones from 6 months to 4+ years
Download PDF
For Success at School

Back to School Tips

Back-to-school prep tips for autism
Download PDF
For Success at School

Navigating the School Year

School success tips for autistic kids
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Thanksgiving Checklist

Thanksgiving tips for kids with autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Sensory Friendly Superbowl

Sensory-friendly Super Bowl tips
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

New Years Resolutions

New Year goal-setting for autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Holiday Tips

Holiday tips for kids with autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Halloween Checklist

Sensory-friendly Halloween guide for autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Fourth of July Tips

Fourth of July tips for autistic kids
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Fall activities

Fall tips and activities for autism
Download PDF
Holiday & Seasonal Tips

Daylight Savings Tips

Daylight saving sleep tips for autism
Download PDF
Insurance

Insurance Coverage Coordination

Insurance coverage and COB rules
Download PDF
Support at Home

Reinforce ABA Skills at Home

Reinforcing ABA skills at home
Download PDF
Support at Home

Emotional Regulation Tips

Emotional regulation tips for autism
Download PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

ABA therapy, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is an evidence-based behavioral therapy approach that helps children with autism build the skills they need to thrive - including communication, social, language, emotional regulation, school readiness, motor or movement, and daily living skills (like toilet training and feeding). Every care plan is play-based, personalized, and guided by a licensed BCBA, adjusting over time based on your child's progress. Along the way, challenging moments like tantrums or meltdowns become learning opportunities that build confidence and independence.

Our center-based ABA programs are designed for toddlers and young children up to age 6, focusing on early intervention, school readiness, and comprehensive skill building across all domains. For children, teens, and young adults, we also offer in-home ABA services for anyone under 25. While ABA therapy is most effective the younger you start, it supports meaningful growth and progress at any age.

Yes, most insurance providers require a formal autism diagnosis to approve ABA therapy. If your child doesn't have one yet, we may be able to help! For families ready to move forward with ABA therapy, we offer access to our trusted network of diagnostic partners, with wait times as little as 4 weeks and a single intake specialist guiding you the whole way. Contact us to see if this option could be a fit for your family.

Yes - for families ready to move forward with ABA therapy, we can connect you with our trusted network of diagnostic partners to help you get a diagnosis in as little as 4 weeks, compared to the 6-month to 1-year wait time families often face elsewhere traditionally. While we don't perform evaluations in-house, your intake specialist will manage the referral and seamless transition into ABA therapy from start to finish, so there’s no re-explaining your situation to a new party every step Contact us to see if this option could be a fit for your family.

Most insurance plans cover ABA therapy as a medically necessary service. We're in-network with 125+ providers, including most major commercial and Medicaid plans, and our team will conduct a courtesy benefits check and walk you through what's covered. 

Yes, we do! We’re in-network with most major commercial and Medicaid insurance plans. Contact us to learn more - our team can help verify your benefits and walk you through what’s covered before starting.

Yes, we do! We’re in-network with most major Medicaid and commercial insurance plans. Contact us to learn more - our team can help verify your benefits and walk you through what’s covered before starting.

The cost of ABA therapy depends on your insurance plan and your child’s recommended hours - there's no one-size-fits-all number. Contact your insurance provider and ask about your specific ABA therapy benefits, copays, and deductibles. Once you contact us, our team can also help you understand your coverage and walk you through what to expect.

Getting started is easy! Simply contact us, and we’ll walk you through the entire process, including a courtesy benefits check, insurance authorization, assessment and care plan development with one of our expert BCBAs, and more.

Yes, ABA therapy is available in various formats that fit your family best. Our center-based ABA programs are for our early learners under 6, and they run full-day (ex: 8am-4pm), Monday through Friday (similar to preschool or daycare in format), with your child attending one of our state-of-the-art centers each day. For our in-home ABA care, sessions are scheduled around your child’s recommended treatment hours and your family’s routine - whether that’s mornings, during the day, or after school. Contact us to find the right fit for your child.

The number of recommended therapy hours is based on your child’s individual needs, goals, and assessment results. Just like a doctor carefully determines the right amount of medication for you or your child to thrive, our clinical team designs a personalized plan that provides the right level of support for meaningful, lasting progress. For many young children, this often means a comprehensive program ranging from 30-40 hours per week, always tailored to what will benefit your child most. 

Yes! If your child is under 6 years old and you're interested in making the switch, our team will walk you through the specifics and help make that transition as smooth as possible. 

Family involvement is a core part of the care plan. From the start, we guide you through our caregiver training program so you feel confident supporting your child at home, with ongoing check-ins and ideas to build on as your child grows. You'll also receive an update after every session, so you're always in the loop on your child's progress and milestones - no matter how big or small.

Families choose Behavior Frontiers because we don't just provide therapy - we show up as true partners in your child's autism journey. Since 2004, our clinician-founded and led programs have spanned center-based, in-home, and school settings, meeting your child wherever they are. Our proprietary clinical outcomes and reporting software, PrioraCare, makes progress visible in real time, so you're always in the loop - and families stay because they feel it from day one: the warmth, the celebration, and the genuine belief that their child has everything it takes to thrive.

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Still Have Questions?

We're here. Reach out and a member of our intake team will walk you through next steps - no pressure, just support.

Talk to our intake team

Call 888.922.2843 or send us a note and we'll respond within one business day. In-network with most major insurance plans.

Call 888-922-2843
Get Started
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