FAQ | Behavioral Effect

Welcome to Our FAQ

We understand that enrolling your child in an ABA clinic or obtaining a diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Below are some of our most frequently asked questions.

*Please note that some answers are answered according to, The Behavioral Effect operation and that other ABA clinics may operate differently.

Does my child need a Diagnosis to get into ABA?

Yes. A formal diagnosis is required for ABA services to be covered by private insurance. Specific diagnostic tools are to be used during the evaluation process. Common assessment tools used to diagnose autism include:ADOS-2, ADI-R, and CARS-2

Do you accept Private pay?

We do not accept private pay for ABA services. However, we do accept private pay for speech and occupational therapy services.

What is ABA therapy?

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It’s a research-based approach that helps us understand why behaviors happen and how we can encourage positive changes. ABA looks at how the environment affects behavior and uses this information to teach new skills and improve everyday functioning.

Who provides ABA?

A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy services, with the assistance of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who works under the BCBA’s supervision.

Will my insurance cover everything?

Coverage depends on your individual insurance plan. Our team will help you verify your benefits and confirm eligibility for services. If your plan includes a deductible, you’ll need to meet that amount before your insurance begins some of the services. Some plans don’t have a deductible but may require a daily copay, which will go toward your out-of-pocket costs.

Can a referral from my PCP get my child into ABA?

Why does my insurance require specific diagnostic assessments?

A referral from your primary care provider (PCP) alone is not enough to begin ABA services. Most insurance companies require a formal diagnostic assessment confirming an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This assessment must be completed by a qualified professional, developmental pediatrician, or pediatric psychologist

Some insurance companies require diagnostic assessments that include detailed cognitive or developmental information. A simple signature or assessment score is often not enough for authorization. In these cases, before we submit your authorization request, our administrative team will guide you on which assessments may be needed and help you determine the next steps

Can my child attend school or do they have to be in ABA all day?

The recommended number of therapy hours will be determined by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) based on a thorough evaluation of your child. Parent preferences, such as continuing school will also be considered. If your child is attending school, ABA sessions can be scheduled in the morning or afternoon, ensuring that the total combined hours of school and therapy do not exceed eight hours per day.

Can you diagnose my child?

We cannot provide a formal diagnosis for your child. A diagnosis must be completed by a qualified professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, or pediatric psychologist.

What will my child’s day be like?

How many therapists will be working with my child?

Staff and patients are divided into groups, each supervised by a BCBA. Each group usually has 6–8 therapists working together to provide individualized care.

How many therapists will be working with my child?

Staff and patients are divided into groups, each supervised by a BCBA. Each group usually has 6–8 therapists working together to provide individualized care.

Will you potty train my child?

We assist with daily living skills, including potty training, as part of your child’s individualized ABA therapy plan.

Every child’s day will be different because ABA is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Each therapy plan is individualized to meet the unique needs of the learner. Treatment goals may include areas such as communication and language, social skills, self-care, motor skills, and academic skills.

What sort of training do your therapists receive? How often ?

Our therapists complete a two-week in-house training course and a 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course. After certification, they participate in quarterly training sessions, team meetings, and annual training to maintain the highest quality of care. In addition to training, therapists receive ongoing supervision from on-site BCBAs, who provide direct oversight and feedback to support their work with each child.

Can my child receive ABA therapy for Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or Attention Deficit Disorder?

Currently, most insurance plans only cover ABA therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which falls under diagnosis code F84.

Can you go to my child's school and home?

As of now we only provide services in facility. We do not go to schools or do in-home.