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Frequently Asked Questions

We know that online information about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and ABA therapy can be confusing. To help make things clearer, we’ve put together a list of the questions parents and caregivers ask us most often. We hope it brings clarity and support!

Have further questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Care Team today!

Questions About ABA Therapy

Where does ABA Therapy take place?

Research shows structured, real-world ABA leads to better learning. At AD Therapy, we deliver services in-home, online, and in the community and use tailored session plans plus caregiver coaching so skills learned in therapy transfer to daily life.

What does ABA Therapy do?

ABA therapy, when done correctly, decreases excessive undesired behavior like aggression and other potentially dangerous behavior. It also helps improve an individual’s attention, understanding of communication, social skills, safety skills, self-care, and regulation of emotions. Additionally, ABA therapy increases language and expressive communication skills.

What is ABA Therapy?

Therapies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA therapy was first developed in the 1970’s and benefits from decades of research to support its effectiveness for making meaningful changes in individual behavior. These changes occur by modifying an individual’s environment to support and reinforce behaviors and essential skills. This promotes and ultimately leads to development and independence.

ABA therapy evolves and is inclusive of ethical obligations and improved practices. These ensure it is applied in a compassionate, trauma-informed, and least intrusive manner, as well as with a responsibility to obtain consent from clients whenever possible. There are many teaching methods and approaches which fall under the umbrella of ABA. It is endorsed by the U.S Surgeon General and is the current therapeutic gold standard to improve the lives of those affected by autism.

How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost?

With a diagnosis from an M.D. or Ph.D. in place, ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder is typically covered by health insurance plans. The amounts and details of coverage can vary between insurance providers and plans.
Though insurance can be confusing, understanding insurance coverage for ABA therapy services can help you navigate the essential aspects of coverage for your child’s ABA therapy. Our Advance Therapy team is also here to help!

When Should My Child Start/Stop ABA Therapy?

How many hours per week will my child be in therapy at your learning center?

At Advance Therapy, we focus on providing comprehensive, individualized care for every child entering our program. Depending on your child’s unique needs, ABA therapy may range from 6–20 hours per week. As your child progresses and meets their goals, the recommended therapy hours gradually decrease.

Our mission is simple: to help your child build the skills that matter most, gain independence as quickly as possible, and eventually no longer need ABA therapy. We take pride in every milestone—and we look forward to celebrating your child’s graduation from therapy.

When should my child start?

Your child should begin ABA therapy as soon as possible after receiving an autism diagnosis. Research indicates the earlier kiddos begin receiving therapy, the greater the likelihood of learning and retaining long lasting and life changing skills. Additionally, the sooner therapy begins, the sooner a child begins catching up on critical skills promoting desired levels of independence and development as he/she grows older. Every child learns at a different pace and faces unique barriers impacting the rate of learning.

Advance Therapy Austism Services provides therapy with children as young as 18 months old and our team creates personalized therapy plans to promote continued growth and advancement for each kiddo.

When Should We Consider Stopping ABA Therapy?

Deciding when your child’s ABA therapy should come to an end is a highly individualized process—there’s no single timeline or set of criteria that applies to every child. At Advance Therapy, you’ll work closely with your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to review progress, reassess goals, and determine the most appropriate time to reduce or conclude services.

Here are some common indicators that it may be appropriate to end ABA therapy:

Your child has met all primary treatment goals, as well as additional goals added during the course of therapy.
Your child has gained independence in key skills including communication, social interactions, daily living skills, and behavior regulation.
Skills are consistently demonstrated across real-life environments—home, community, school, and with different caregivers.

It’s important to remember that ending ABA therapy is a flexible, collaborative decision. Ongoing communication with your child’s BCBA will help you understand progress, review next steps, and determine when your child is ready to transition out of therapy with confidence.

How Much Does ABA Therapy Cost?

At what age does ABA therapy stop?

Some children need short term ABA therapy and can stop after just a few years. Others may need continued ABA therapy throughout childhood and well into adulthood to support their development.

What is the 80/20 rule in ABA?

The 80/20 Rule in ABA Therapy is a strategy where 80% of therapy tasks focus on skills the individual has already mastered, while 20% involve new or challenging skills. This balance helps build confidence, reduce frustration, and enhance learning effectiveness.

What is the Parent/CareGiver Role in ABA Therapy?

How are parents and caregivers involved in therapy?

Caregiver involvement is essential for getting the best possible outcomes from ABA therapy. Research consistently shows that when caregivers participate in the learning process, children experience greater success across communication, social, and daily living skills.

At AD Therapy, caregivers are encouraged—and often required by insurance payors—to participate in coaching and education sessions at least twice per month. These sessions help ensure everyone supporting your child is working together toward the same goals.

Throughout therapy, caregivers receive individualized goals designed to support both their child’s progress and their own confidence in using ABA strategies. Coaching sessions with your child’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are highly collaborative and focused on what matters most to your family.

Caregiver coaching also plays a key role in helping children use their new skills across different settings—home, community, school—and with different people. Most children need some guidance to transfer skills outside of therapy, and caregiver involvement is the most effective way to make this happen.

What is the best parenting style for autism?

While every child is unique, research shows that an authoritative parenting style—characterized by warmth, structure, and clear boundaries—is often most beneficial for autistic children.

What is 90% of autism caused by?

Research tells us that autism tends to run in families, and a meta-analysis of 7 twin studies claim that 60 to 90% of the risk of autism comes from your genome. If you have a child with autism, you are more likely to have another autistic child. Your other family members are also more likely to have a child with ASD.

About Autism

What Causes Autism In Children?

It’s not completely clear what causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, and research into this question is ongoing. However, improved diagnostic evaluations and ASD awareness are helping more kids receive a diagnosis and the help they need.

Why Do Many Children With Autism Experience Speech Delays?

Though it isn’t formally a diagnostic factor for autism, a delay in speech development is a common early sign of autism spectrum disorder. But why are speech development challenges common in ASD?
Though it’s not clear why speech delays are common in children on the autism spectrum, multiple factors are likely at work. One factor is differences in brain function and development in children with ASD. Challenges in socialization also likely have an impact on speech development, since language skills grow primarily through social interactions.
Sensory processing difficulties may also be a factor. Some children with ASD have difficulty processing multiple stimuli at once. For instance, what they see in a social situation may be difficult for them to synchronize with what they hear, contributing to impaired language development.

Why Is Autism Prevalence Increasing?

Autism spectrum disorder has become increasingly common, but why? Two key factors are likely at play here: changes in screening and diagnostic tools and greater awareness.
ASD is diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). These criteria have changed since previous versions of the DSM, broadening the definition of ASD and likely including children that may have been missed previously, leading to a greater prevalence of autism diagnoses. Also, effective screening tools have made earlier and more accurate ASD identification possible.
Heightened awareness among the general public has likely been a factor in the increased prevalence of autism. Medical professionals are also more watchful for autism today, leading to more screenings, diagnoses, and earlier intervention.

What are the 5 main symptoms of autism?

Main signs of autism

finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling.
getting very anxious about social situations.
finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own.
seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to.
finding it hard to say how you feel.

What is level 1 autism?

Level 1 autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder requiring support, is considered the mildest level of the spectrum. Individuals at this level may have challenges with social communication, understanding social cues, engaging in back-and-forth conversations, and adapting to changes in routines. They may also show repetitive behaviors or specific interests.

Most individuals with Level 1 autism have average or above-average intelligence and can manage daily activities with minimal support. It’s also important to note that people who were previously diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome now fall under the Level 1 autism classification.

Have more questions? Call us today!

Our Care Team loves to answer any questions you have. Reach us by phone during business hours or by filling out our HIPAA-compliant contact form anytime.