Resources
Everything you need to know about ABA therapy, from getting started to reinforcing skills at home.
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-backed approach to understanding and improving behavior. It is widely recognized as the most effective evidence-based treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
ABA therapy focuses on increasing desired behaviors and reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning and daily living. Therapists work on a wide range of skills including functional communication, coping skills, daily living skills, imitation, social skills, and more.
At Adventure ABA, we use a combination of proven approaches including:
- Natural Environment Training (NET) — Teaching skills in everyday settings and during natural interactions
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT) — Structured, step-by-step teaching of specific skills
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT) — Targeting pivotal areas of development to produce broad improvements
- Verbal Behavior Model — Focusing on teaching language through functional communication
- Parent Training — Empowering parents with strategies to reinforce skills at home
- Community-Based Intervention — Practicing skills in real-world settings
Your ABA Care Team
Your child's ABA team will consist of a BCBA, RBT/BT, and sometimes an assistant supervisor working together to provide the best possible care.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
A BCBA has undergone Master-level training in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. BCBAs develop each child's treatment plan, oversee direct implementation, and ensure that therapy goals are being met. They supervise the entire care team and make data-driven adjustments to maximize progress.
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)
A BCaBA assists BCBAs with managing their caseload. They work closely on all cases and help support the BCBA to make sure all cases receive the attention they need. BCaBAs provide an additional layer of supervision and clinical support.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) / Behavior Therapist (BT)
RBTs and BTs are the individuals responsible for the direct implementation of a client's treatment plan. They work 1:1 with each client during therapy sessions and are a crucial part of each care team. RBTs/BTs become a huge part of each child's life and build meaningful relationships that support growth and development.
Getting Started with ABA Therapy
From your first call to ongoing progress, here is what the process looks like.
- 1
Contact Us
Reach out by phone at (623) 693-2954 or through our website contact form. We will gather basic information about your child and your family's needs.
- 2
Insurance Verification
We verify your insurance benefits and handle prior authorization on your behalf. We will let you know exactly what your coverage includes so there are no surprises.
- 3
BCBA Assessment
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst conducts a comprehensive assessment of your child's current skills, strengths, and areas for growth. This evaluation forms the foundation of the treatment plan.
- 4
Treatment Plan Development
Your BCBA creates an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals tailored to your child. You will review and collaborate on the plan to make sure it reflects your family's priorities.
- 5
Therapy Begins
Your child is matched with a dedicated therapy team and sessions begin in the setting that works best for your family, whether that is at home, in our clinic, or at school.
- 6
Ongoing Progress
Your BCBA tracks progress through data collected during every session, adjusts goals as your child grows, and provides regular updates and parent training so you can reinforce skills at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often from families.
A typical ABA session involves one-on-one work between your child and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Sessions include a mix of structured activities and natural play, targeting specific goals from your child's treatment plan. Your BCBA designs each session to balance skill-building with fun, using techniques like Natural Environment Training and Discrete Trial Training. Sessions typically last 2 to 4 hours, depending on your child's individual plan.
The duration of ABA therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some children make significant progress within several months, while others benefit from ongoing support for a few years. Your BCBA will regularly assess progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. The goal is always to build skills that lead to greater independence, and therapy hours are reduced as your child meets milestones.
Yes, most major insurance plans in Arizona cover ABA therapy for individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Adventure ABA is in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Mercy Care, and Banner Health. We handle insurance verification and prior authorization so you can focus on your child. Contact us and we will help you understand your specific coverage.
In-home ABA takes place in your home, allowing your child to learn skills in their natural environment with familiar routines. Clinic-based ABA provides a structured setting with opportunities for peer interaction and access to specialized materials. School-based ABA supports your child in their educational environment, helping them succeed in the classroom. Your BCBA will recommend the best setting based on your child's goals, and many families use a combination of settings.
ABA therapy can benefit individuals of all ages. Research shows that early intervention, ideally before age 5, often leads to the most significant outcomes. However, older children, teens, and adults can also make meaningful progress with ABA. Adventure ABA provides services to both children and adults. The best time to start is as soon as you have a diagnosis and are ready to begin.
Your BCBA conducts a comprehensive assessment when therapy begins, evaluating your child's current skills and areas for growth. Based on this assessment and your family's priorities, the BCBA creates an individualized treatment plan with specific, measurable goals. Progress is tracked through ongoing data collection during every session. Your BCBA reviews this data regularly, adjusts goals as your child progresses, and shares updates with you.
Parents play a critical role in ABA therapy. Your BCBA will provide parent training so you can reinforce skills and strategies at home between sessions. Consistency across environments helps your child generalize new skills. You will also collaborate with your BCBA on setting goals, reviewing progress, and adjusting the treatment plan to reflect your family's priorities.
Yes, a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional, such as a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychiatrist, is typically required before ABA therapy can begin. This diagnosis is also necessary for insurance authorization. If your child does not yet have a diagnosis, your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist for an evaluation.
Getting started is simple. Contact us by phone at (623) 693-2954 or through our website contact form. We will verify your insurance benefits, schedule a BCBA assessment, and develop a personalized treatment plan for your child. Most families can begin services within a few weeks of their initial contact.
We understand that life happens. We ask that you provide as much notice as possible when canceling or rescheduling so we can adjust your child's therapy schedule. Consistent attendance is important for progress, and your BCBA can work with you to find a schedule that fits your family's needs.
ABA Glossary
Common terms you may encounter during your ABA therapy journey.
- ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- A scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. ABA uses evidence-based techniques to increase helpful behaviors and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning.
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
- A master's-level professional certified by the BACB who designs and supervises ABA treatment plans. BCBAs conduct assessments, set goals, and oversee your child's therapy team.
- BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)
- A written plan developed by a BCBA that outlines strategies for addressing challenging behaviors. The BIP is based on the results of a Functional Behavior Assessment.
- Chaining
- A teaching method that breaks a complex task into smaller steps and teaches them in sequence. For example, teaching hand-washing by linking each step from turning on the water to drying hands.
- DTT (Discrete Trial Training)
- A structured teaching method where skills are broken into small, distinct steps. Each trial includes a clear instruction, the child's response, and a consequence such as praise or a reward.
- Extinction
- A procedure where reinforcement for a previously reinforced behavior is discontinued, which over time reduces that behavior. This is always done under the guidance of a BCBA.
- FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment)
- An assessment conducted by a BCBA to understand why a behavior occurs. The FBA identifies what triggers the behavior and what reinforces it, guiding the development of an effective treatment plan.
- Generalization
- The ability to use a learned skill in different settings, with different people, or with different materials. For example, a child who learns to greet their therapist also greeting family members and peers.
- Manding
- A request or demand. In ABA, teaching manding helps children learn to communicate their wants and needs using words, signs, pictures, or a communication device.
- Maintenance
- The continuation of a learned behavior over time, even after direct teaching has been reduced. The goal is for skills to become part of everyday life.
- NET (Natural Environment Training)
- A teaching approach that uses everyday activities and the child's natural interests to teach new skills. Learning happens during play, meals, outings, and other daily routines.
- Prompting
- Assistance given to help a child perform a skill correctly. Prompts can be verbal (telling them what to do), gestural (pointing), physical (guiding their hand), or visual (showing a picture). Prompts are gradually faded as the child becomes more independent.
- RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
- A trained and certified professional who works directly with clients to implement the treatment plan designed by the BCBA. RBTs work one-on-one with your child during therapy sessions.
- Reinforcement
- A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior happening again. Positive reinforcement, such as praise, tokens, or preferred activities, is a cornerstone of ABA therapy.
- Shaping
- A teaching technique that reinforces successive approximations of a target behavior. For example, if the goal is to say 'water,' a therapist might first reinforce 'wa,' then 'wah-ter,' and finally 'water.'
- Tacting
- Labeling or naming things in the environment. Teaching a child to tact helps them identify and describe objects, actions, and emotions around them.
- Task Analysis
- Breaking a complex skill into smaller, teachable steps. For example, 'brushing teeth' might be broken into 10 individual steps from picking up the toothbrush to rinsing.
- Token Economy
- A reinforcement system where a child earns tokens (stickers, points, check marks) for demonstrating target behaviors. Tokens are later exchanged for a preferred item or activity.
- Visual Schedule
- A series of pictures or words that shows a child the sequence of upcoming activities or steps. Visual schedules help with transitions and predictability throughout the day.
Tips for Reinforcing Skills at Home
Simple ways to support your child's progress between therapy sessions.
Keep Routines Consistent
Children thrive on predictability. Work with your BCBA to establish consistent daily routines at home that mirror therapy strategies. Use the same language and expectations your therapist uses during sessions.
Use Visual Supports
Visual schedules, choice boards, and picture cues can help your child understand expectations and transition between activities. Ask your BCBA for templates you can use at home.
Reinforce Positive Behaviors
When you see your child using a skill they have been working on in therapy, acknowledge it right away. Specific praise like 'Great job asking for help!' is more effective than general praise like 'Good job.'
Communicate with Your BCBA
Share observations from home with your therapy team. Let them know about new challenges, successes, or changes in routine. This information helps your BCBA fine-tune the treatment plan.
Celebrate Small Wins
Progress in ABA therapy often comes in small, incremental steps. Every new word, every successful transition, and every moment of eye contact is worth celebrating. Focus on growth over perfection.
Practice in the Community
Take opportunities to practice skills in real-world settings like grocery stores, parks, and family gatherings. Generalization, using skills in different environments, is a key part of lasting progress.
Understanding Insurance for ABA Therapy
Most major insurance plans in Arizona are required to cover ABA therapy for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Coverage details, including authorized hours, copays, and deductibles, vary by plan. Adventure ABA handles insurance verification and prior authorization so you can focus on your child.
We are currently in-network with:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Mercy Care
- Banner Health
Questions to ask your insurance company:
- Does my plan cover Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- How many hours of ABA therapy per week are authorized under my plan?
- Is prior authorization required, and if so, what is the process?
- Are there any age limits or session caps on ABA coverage?
- What is my copay, coinsurance, or deductible for outpatient behavioral health services?
- Are out-of-network ABA providers covered, and at what rate?
Not sure about your coverage? Contact us and we will verify your benefits at no cost.
Arizona Resources
Local organizations and state programs that support families in Arizona.
Trusted Organizations
National organizations providing reliable information about autism and ABA therapy.
Have Questions?
We're happy to answer any questions about ABA therapy and how it can help your family.
Contact Us