Question 1

What is ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically validated, evidence-based approach to understanding and improving behavior. ABA focuses on teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It uses positive reinforcement and data-driven strategies to help children with autism develop communication, social, academic, and daily living skills. Each ABA program is individualized and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who creates personalized treatment plans based on your child's unique strengths and needs. Research shows that intensive, early ABA intervention can lead to significant improvements in communication, social interaction, and adaptive behavior skills.

Question 2

How much does ABA therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of ABA therapy varies based on the intensity of services needed, typically ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 per year for comprehensive programs. However, most families don't pay out-of-pocket because ABA therapy is covered by insurance. At Hannah's Gift, we accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, and Medicaid. We handle all insurance pre-authorization and billing processes for you. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your coverage before services begin, so you'll know exactly what to expect. For families without insurance coverage, we offer payment plans and sliding scale options based on income. The investment in ABA therapy provides long-term benefits that can significantly improve your child's independence and quality of life.

Question 3

How long does ABA therapy take to show results?

Accepted Answer

Many families begin seeing positive changes within the first 2-3 months of starting ABA therapy. However, the timeline varies depending on your child's age, skill level, and the intensity of services. Research indicates that children who receive 25-40 hours per week of comprehensive ABA therapy for 1-3 years show the most significant gains. Some skills, like communication and daily living activities, may improve quickly, while others like complex social interactions may take longer to develop. The key to success is consistency and early intervention. At Hannah's Gift, we provide regular progress reports every 2-4 weeks so you can track your child's development and celebrate achievements along the way. Our BCBAs continuously adjust treatment plans based on data to ensure your child is making meaningful progress toward their goals.

Question 4

Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ABA therapy is covered by most insurance plans. All 50 states now mandate insurance coverage for autism treatment, including ABA therapy, thanks to autism insurance reform laws. At Hannah's Gift, we accept Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, and all Medicaid plans. We are in-network with major carriers and handle the entire insurance process including verification of benefits, pre-authorization, and claims submission. Before starting services, our insurance specialists will check your specific coverage, explain your benefits, copays, and any deductibles. We'll also help you understand how many hours are covered and whether any out-of-pocket costs apply. Most families find that their insurance covers the majority or all of their ABA therapy costs.

Question 5

What age should my child start ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy can benefit children as young as 18 months old, and research strongly supports starting as early as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning intervention immediately after an autism diagnosis, ideally before age 4, when a child's brain is most adaptable and responsive to learning. Early intervention during these critical developmental years leads to better long-term outcomes in communication, social skills, and independence. However, it's never too late to start ABA therapy. Children, teens, and even adults with autism can benefit from ABA services tailored to their age and developmental level. At Hannah's Gift, we serve children ages 2-18 and customize our programs based on each child's unique needs, whether they're learning first words, developing social skills, or preparing for independence in adulthood.

Question 6

How many hours of ABA therapy does my child need per week?

Accepted Answer

The recommended hours of ABA therapy depend on your child's individual needs, age, and goals. Research shows that intensive ABA therapy of 25-40 hours per week produces the most significant gains, especially for young children with newly diagnosed autism. However, many children benefit from fewer hours, typically 10-25 hours per week, depending on their skill level and other therapies they're receiving. Your child's BCBA will conduct a comprehensive assessment and recommend an appropriate number of hours based on their specific needs and treatment goals. As your child makes progress, therapy hours may be adjusted up or down. Insurance coverage also plays a role, as most plans authorize a specific number of hours based on medical necessity. At Hannah's Gift, we work closely with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits while ensuring your child receives the intensity of services they need to thrive.

Question 7

What happens during ABA therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy sessions are engaging, playful, and tailored to your child's interests and goals. A typical session includes structured teaching activities mixed with natural environment learning. The therapist (Registered Behavior Technician or RBT) works one-on-one with your child using evidence-based techniques like discrete trial training, natural environment teaching, and positive reinforcement. Activities might include practicing communication skills, working on social interactions, developing daily living skills like getting dressed or brushing teeth, reducing challenging behaviors, and playing games that teach turn-taking and sharing. Everything is broken down into small, achievable steps with lots of positive reinforcement and rewards. Sessions are fun and motivating while systematically teaching new skills. Your child's BCBA supervisor observes sessions regularly, reviews data, and adjusts the treatment plan to ensure continuous progress. Parents are encouraged to observe and participate so they can use the same strategies at home to reinforce learning.

Question 8

How do I know if my child needs ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or shows developmental delays in communication, social interaction, or behavior, they may benefit from ABA therapy. Common signs include limited or no spoken language by age 2, difficulty making eye contact or engaging with others, repetitive behaviors or intense interests in specific topics, challenges with transitions or changes in routine, difficulty following directions or completing tasks, tantrums or meltdowns that are frequent or intense, limited play skills or preference for playing alone, difficulty with self-care tasks like dressing or toileting, and sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, or lights. If you've noticed any of these signs, talk to your pediatrician about a developmental screening. Even if your child hasn't been formally diagnosed with autism, early intervention services including ABA can help address developmental delays. At Hannah's Gift, we can connect you with diagnosing physicians who can complete an evaluation within 10 days, so you can get answers quickly and start services without delay.

Question 9

What is a BCBA and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is a graduate-level professional who has completed extensive education and training in behavior analysis and passed a rigorous certification exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). BCBAs have at least a master's degree in psychology, education, or a related field, plus 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience. They are the qualified professionals who design, supervise, and modify ABA therapy programs. Having a BCBA oversee your child's treatment is crucial because they ensure the therapy is evidence-based, individualized, and effective. BCBAs conduct comprehensive assessments, develop treatment goals, train and supervise therapy technicians, analyze data to track progress, and make adjustments to maximize outcomes. At Hannah's Gift, all programs are supervised by BCBAs who meet with families regularly to review progress and answer questions. This level of professional oversight is what makes ABA therapy both safe and effective, and it's a requirement for insurance coverage.

Question 10

How long is the waitlist for ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

At Hannah's Gift, there is NO waitlist. This is our revolutionary difference. While traditional ABA providers have waitlists of 3-6 months or even longer, we've eliminated wait times entirely. From your first call to your child starting therapy takes just 3 weeks on average. Here's our timeline: within 24 hours of contacting us, you'll speak with our intake coordinator; within 10 days, we can arrange an autism evaluation if needed; within 2 weeks, we'll complete insurance verification and match you with a provider; within 3 weeks, your child begins ABA therapy sessions. We accomplish this through our innovative network model that connects families directly with available ABA providers in their area. We believe every child deserves immediate access to life-changing therapy, which is why we've built a system that prioritizes speed without compromising quality. No more watching your child miss critical developmental windows while sitting on a waiting list. With Hannah's Gift, you can start today.

Question 11

Can ABA therapy be done at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and in fact, in-home ABA therapy is one of the most effective service delivery models. At Hannah's Gift, we specialize in bringing ABA therapy directly to your home. In-home ABA therapy offers several advantages: your child learns in their natural environment where they spend most of their time, making it easier to generalize skills to daily routines; therapy can be integrated into everyday activities like meals, playtime, and bedtime routines; parents can easily observe and participate, learning strategies to use throughout the day; it's more convenient for families, eliminating travel time and stress; and therapists can address real-life challenges in the actual settings where they occur, like getting dressed in your child's bedroom or practicing mealtime skills at your dining table. In-home therapy is particularly beneficial for young children who may be overwhelmed by clinical settings. We provide all necessary materials and toys, and our therapists adapt to your family's schedule and home environment. Many insurance plans fully cover in-home ABA therapy services.

Question 12

What is the difference between ABA and other therapies?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy differs from other interventions in several key ways. Unlike speech therapy or occupational therapy which focus on specific skill domains (communication or sensory-motor skills), ABA is a comprehensive approach that addresses all areas of development including communication, social skills, academics, daily living, and behavior reduction. ABA is unique because it's based on the science of learning and behavior, using data collection and analysis to guide every decision and ensure progress. While other therapies might work on skills in isolated sessions, ABA teaches skills systematically and works to generalize them across people, settings, and situations. ABA also stands out for its intensity, with many children receiving 25-40 hours per week compared to 1-2 hours for other therapies. That said, ABA works best when combined with other services. Many children receive ABA alongside speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. At Hannah's Gift, we collaborate with your child's other providers to create a coordinated treatment plan that addresses all their needs. Each therapy brings unique value, and together they create a comprehensive support system for your child's development.

Question 13

Will ABA therapy help with my child's challenging behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, reducing challenging behaviors is one of ABA therapy's primary strengths. ABA therapists are specifically trained to understand why challenging behaviors occur and how to replace them with appropriate alternatives. The ABA approach to behavior involves conducting a functional behavior assessment (FBA) to identify what triggers the behavior and what your child gains from it (attention, escape from demands, sensory stimulation, or access to items). Once we understand the function, we teach replacement behaviors that serve the same purpose but are socially appropriate. For example, if a child tantrums to escape difficult tasks, we teach them to request breaks using words or pictures. We also modify the environment to prevent behaviors before they start and use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate behavior. Common challenging behaviors that ABA successfully addresses include tantrums and meltdowns, aggression toward others, self-injurious behavior, elopement or running away, property destruction, and non-compliance with instructions. Most families see significant reductions in challenging behaviors within the first few months of consistent ABA therapy, as their child learns better ways to communicate their needs and cope with frustration.

Question 14

Do you offer services in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hannah's Gift offers bilingual services in both English and Spanish. We understand that receiving services in your preferred language is crucial for effective communication and family involvement. We have Spanish-speaking BCBAs, therapists, and intake coordinators who can provide services entirely in Spanish if that's your preference. All of our forms, parent training materials, and progress reports can be provided in Spanish as well. Research shows that children learn best when therapy incorporates their family's primary language, so we work with each family to determine the best language approach for their child's program. Some families prefer therapy in English to support school readiness, while others prefer Spanish, and many benefit from a bilingual approach. Our team will discuss your preferences during intake and match you with providers who speak your language. Additionally, our website and all communication materials are available in Spanish to ensure every family can access our services comfortably.

Question 15

What states does Hannah's Gift serve?

Accepted Answer

Hannah's Gift currently serves families in four states: Colorado, Maryland, Utah, and Ohio. In Colorado, we serve the Denver metro area including Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster, and Colorado Springs, as well as Fort Collins, Boulder, and surrounding communities. In Maryland, we serve the Baltimore metro area, Annapolis, Silver Spring, Rockville, and surrounding regions. In Utah, we serve Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and the greater Wasatch Front area. In Ohio, we serve Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo, and surrounding communities. We're rapidly expanding to serve more families across the country. Our unique network model allows us to scale quickly while maintaining our commitment to zero wait times and high-quality, BCBA-supervised care. If you're located outside these areas, contact us anyway - we may be able to connect you with trusted providers in your region or let you know when we're expanding to your state. We're on a mission to eliminate ABA therapy waitlists nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Therapy