Getting Started With ABA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the leading approach to improving the developmental deficiencies associated with autism.  ABA therapy is likely able to improve the quality of life of your child and help them reach their full potential.  Endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, ABA therapy focuses on human behavior and is able to increase desirable behavior and minimize unwanted behaviors.

How will ABA therapy help my child?

ABA therapy will address the developmental deficiencies identified during an initial assessment of your child’s functioning across dozens of areas.  With children on the autism spectrum, this often includes areas of verbal communication, like the ability to converse with parents and peers, request items, and communicate emotions and needs. Nonverbal communication, like making gestures and understanding social cues, can also be developed.

Other important target areas of ABA include social skills, play skills, potty training, self-care skills (brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.), and day-to-day living skills (getting dressed, table manners, etc.).

Does ABA therapy work for Autism?

ABA therapy is the gold standard for a clinically validated and heavily researched approach to helping children with autism.

When is the best time for my child to begin ABA therapy?

Simply stated: the earlier, the better.

Plenty of clinical research has demonstrated that children who start ABA therapy as early as possible (~2 years old) make the most significant improvements in their areas of deficit. In fact, children who received early intensive ABA therapy progressed to the point of being virtually indistinguishable from their peers.

Do you use any other methodologies besides ABA?

We support the use of any evidence-based methods used for treatment within the scope of behavior analysis practice, but ABA therapy is our primary modality.

Our doctor said that my child was a little slow in developing and that I should just wait...Is that ok? 

It is possible that your child will develop in their skills and overcome their developmental deficiencies, but time in precious when it comes to overcoming the disabilities associated with autism.  A child that begins therapy young (2-5 years old) while still in the traditional “brain development” stage will have a higher likelihood of achieving full developmental capability than a child that starts therapy at a much later age.  There’s no strict rule of thumb on age other than starting early intervention as soon as possible.

My child is getting help from other providers such as a Speech Therapist and/or an Occupational Therapist… isn’t that enough?

We view these providers as valuable resources, but not ones that necessarily provide the level of intensity necessary to impact a person diagnosed with autism. Many Speech or Occupational therapy programs provide an hour or two of therapy per week as opposed to 40 hours per week with an intensive ABA program.

If your child is receiving speech or occupational services from another provider, we seek to partner with them in order to provide a comprehensive treatment plan.

Does my child have to have a formal autism diagnosis to get treatment? Who can provide a diagnosis?

Children are not required to have a diagnosis for treatment but do need a formal diagnosis in order to receive coverage from insurance providers. A diagnosis comes from a Developmental Pediatrician or a Child Psychologist.

Are your employees Board Certified Behavior Analysts?

We employ Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and RBT/QBT's who have received formal training and have the experience in this field. BCBAs are required to have a Masters Degree and complete thousands of hours of supervision.

Do you perform background checks on your staff?

Every employee is required to complete and pass a variety of background checks, assessments, a multi-stage interview process, and reference checks.

What is the age range of children you serve?

2 years to 18 years old

Is your therapy one-on-one with the children?

Therapy is one-on-one: one child, one technician.

Do you have a summer program?

We run year-round and our team carries out therapy in the summer months with additional fun & innovative activities.

Do you offer parent coaching & support?

Yes. Parental involvement in treatment is crucial for any client who is participating at New Hope Health Co.. All parents with children in our program will attend recurring parent coaching and support sessions and complete several hours of online training videos.

I want to bring my child to participate in ABA services, but they attend school during the day. I know they need ABA therapy, but doesn’t the law say that if they are over six years old they have to be in school?

In 2009, HB (House Bill) 192 was placed into effect which allows families who have children that are over 6 and enrolled in school to access services (off campus).

I have more questions and would like to talk with someone on your clinical staff. Who should I contact?

If you would like to speak to someone regarding services, check out our contact page. The best way to reach us is by phone or by filling out the contact forms.

Questions about Insurance

Will my insurance cover ABA therapy?

Each insurance plan is different and must be thoroughly evaluated to determine whether or not coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis is provided. Our staff is happy to navigate the insurance process and provide you with specific information on your plan’s benefits & eligibility. Read more about Insurance.

Are you in-network with any insurance companies?

We are a contracted in-network provider for most of the commercial insurance companies.  We are in the process of expanding our network and encourage you to contact us for the latest information.

If you are not in-network with my insurance company, do I have to wait in order to get insurance benefits?

We do accept out of network insurance, and we do not require patients to pay out of pocket and submit to their insurance.

Do you take Medicaid plans or CHIP?

Yes.

Can I just make a co-pay like I do at the doctor’s office?

All clients of insurance companies we work with will need to pay any co-pays and co-insurance required by your plan. We will guide you through the process to make sure it’s easy and straightforward.

Our experience working with insurance companies will give you an advantage in understanding up front what to expect with your deductible, maximum out-of-pocket expense, and co-pays. We work with families to create payment plans that work with their budget.

We never want cost to be a factor that will prevent a child from receiving ABA therapy. We will work with you.