ABA Therapy

Imagine your child is thirty minutes into an ABA therapy session. You are in the kitchen making dinner while the therapist practices turn-taking with your child in the other room. All of a sudden, you hear it: the tell-tale, high-pitched whine that precedes a meltdown. Your grip on the spoon in your hand tightens, and…

When parents first hear the recommended number of hours of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, they are often quite taken aback. Hearing that your young child needs 20, 30, or even 40 hours a week feels overwhelming. For many families, just squeezing four or five hours out of their schedule per week seems impossible. Parents may…

The world of applied behavior analysis can be a strange one if you are new to it- and I say that as a practitioner of applied behavior analysis. Your child gets a new diagnosis, maybe autism or ADHD, and suddenly a healthcare professional is telling you they need 15 hours of therapy a week, and…

Unless you already have personal or professional experience in pediatric therapy, an Applied Behavior Analysis session can be a peculiar experience. Depending on the client, their specific program, and the skill being addressed, sessions may seem- well, boring, to be blunt. Parents and caregivers watching home sessions can feel like the therapist is stuck on…

The process of Applied Behavior Analysis relies on the last word of the term: analysis. While perhaps not the most riveting topic for most people (unless you’re a scientist or a behavior analyst), the analysis of data is the cornerstone for effective behavior therapy. ABA practitioners collect and analyze data so that the decisions we…

Before starting my career in behavior analysis, I was sweeping p-ways and helming a naval ship. I’ve lived a lot of lives. There were many popular quotes thrown around and heard while I was in the U.S. Navy, one of which I am reminded of pretty often now that I’ve put down the binoculars and…

Behind every child’s ABA success story there’s a web of complex administrative processes, the bureaucratic mess of the modern healthcare system, and a family’s hope that their child will benefit from services.  When things go smoothly, families don’t see much of the insurance side, and the bulk of the administrative work falls to the ABA…

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate information regarding North Carolina insurance mandates as of 2026, coverage varies significantly between individual plans, employers, and providers. We make no guarantees regarding specific claim approvals. Always verify your specific benefits,…

Families who receive news of an autism diagnosis suddenly face a world in which everything feels unfamiliar: the terminology, the recommendations, and the “What if?” questions can be overwhelming.  Then, on top of a life-changing diagnosis, many parents are told their child will likely need 40 hours of therapy a week. Immediately, the overwhelm multiplies…

Whether you are a parent looking into therapy options after your child has received an autism diagnosis, an advocate for neurodiversity, or a prospective practitioner of Applied Behavior Analysis, you will come across articles and research on the ethics of ABA.  A quick search will surface passionate arguments on all sides, some praising ABA as…

Manding is often one of the first skills targeted in early intervention programs because it gives a reliable way for a child to communicate wants and needs. For many learners with little to no language, manding may be the first time they discover an easier way to connect with caregivers. When a child reaches out—through…

Telling people that I work with children on the spectrum often triggers their need to share opinions on how kids should be raised. Many people think that gentle parenting is the cause of everything wrong in the world and that discipline is the golden standard for raising children. The “back in my day” lectures that…

We spend our days noticing, processing, and then responding to countless cues and signals in our environments. We pick up a vibrating phone to answer whoever is on the other end, press our foot on the brake when the light is red at an intersection, and open the front door when the doorbell rings. All…

When a child engages in challenging behaviors such as head-banging, physical aggression, or prolonged tantrums, caregivers may struggle to manage them safely and productively. Functional Communication Training (FCT) is a widely used, evidence-based ABA intervention that aims to reduce challenging behavior by teaching the child an alternative, effective way to communicate. Teaching functional communication reduces…

One thing I’ve learned over the years while working in the field of applied behavior analysis is that I have been engaged in it my whole life. When you learn the basic principles, you quickly start recognizing them at work. Speeding tickets, red lights, my maps search to the closest Taco Bell after I hear…

Have you ever watched a toddler interact with something they haven’t seen before? Last week, I dropped a roll of tape on the ground, and my 15-month-old picked it up. She held it in both hands, gently turning it around, picking at the loose end, looking through the center of it. Soon, she was sliding…

When your child starts Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, you’re probably excited and eager to see your child’s progress during ABA sessions. You might not realize that your lead therapist, usually a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst—an expert trained to design and oversee ABA programs), will also offer parent training as part of your child’s…

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is an evidence-based approach to understanding and changing human behavior. It can be used in a home, clinic, school, and community settings. School-based ABA focuses on applying these principles in a student’s educational environment. When a student struggles to succeed at school, the family or school team may bring in…

A token economy is a structured system in which a learner earns tangible “tokens” when they perform a specific behavior. One of the first well-documented uses of a token economy occurred in a classroom in the early 1800s. In the early 1800s, educator Joseph Lancaster used a token economy to motivate large groups of students…

The building blocks of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are the environmental events surrounding an individual’s behavior. Antecedents, or the events that occur immediately before an individual’s response, and consequences, or the events that occur immediately after an individual’s response, set the stage for behavior to be modified. A schedule of reinforcement is a set of…

Parents in ABA therapy often face challenges like school issues, buy-in, and burnout—but clear communication and teamwork can help families stay on track. It’s no secret that I am a believer in applied behavior analysis. I have my bachelor’s in psychology and my master’s in ABA. I started as a behavior technician years ago and…

ABA, or applied behavior analysis, is a branch of psychology that encourages positive behavior changes. In therapy sessions, the therapist focuses on developing important skills, such as communicating needs, using the bathroom independently, having conversations, and expressing preferences. ABA isn’t just for autism, but doctors often recommend it for children diagnosed with autism due to…

Tacting is really just a fancy behavioral term for labeling things, actions, or events in an environment, but it is one of the most important verbal skills targeted in ABA therapy. When a child says “dog” after seeing a dog, or “wow, it’s raining” when looking outside, those are two perfect examples of tacting in…

In ABA therapy, “priming” means preparing learners for upcoming events, new environments, transitions, or tasks. When used correctly, priming helps learners focus on tasks, everyday activities, or expectations. Priming can also play a role in helping prepare a child for unfamiliar environments or events, which in turn may alleviate anxiety about the future while simultaneously…

ABA therapy is one of the most evidence-based treatments for autism, with decades of research showing strong success rates when therapy is consistent and individualized to each child’s needs. ABA can also be used to address a variety of other unique needs: developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, mental health conditions, etc. In this article, we’ll explore…

BCBA salaries in North Carolina average $80K–$90K in 2025, and can generally earn more by switching city or employer type, adding experience & credentials. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional, graduate-level supervisor who is credentialed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). To become a BCBA, the candidate requires a higher education…

Soon after a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, pediatricians will often give parents a range of treatment options, one of which is applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA therapy is one of the most widely recognized and empirically backed treatments for autism spectrum disorder. Still, it is also relatively unknown to those who are…

After an ASD diagnosis, one of the most important steps parents can take is to begin considering behavioral interventions for their child. Behavior therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can improve learning, communication, and adaptive skills in children with ASD. ABA is highly effective at reducing challenging behaviors and replacing them with more functional…

Applied behavior analysis is one of the most commonly recommended behavioral therapies for children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. But what makes it so popular? How can it be so easily trusted when there is so much misinformation out in the world relating to autism, its causes, and its treatment? Many hail it…

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) sounds… intense. If I had never heard of anything related to behavior analysis and someone told me that my child needed EIBI, I would probably panic.  As someone who has worked in applied behavior analysis (ABA) for many years now, I can say that EIBI is much, much less scary…

Receiving a diagnosis of Autism for your child comes with a flood of different emotions and may make you feel overwhelmed or unsure of what the future will hold. However, there are many different resources available to help you through this time.  Acting on a diagnosis early is very important to improve outcomes, but this…

Errorless learning is a type of teaching commonly used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). An errorless learning procedure is designed to ensure that when a child is learning a new skill, they make no mistakes along the way. To do this, therapists will initially use prompting for every step for the student to respond correctly,…

Many ABA sessions focus on building social skills, learning to communicate, completing activities of daily living, and other foundational skills essential for learning. For some children, there may also be a bit of focus on behaviors that others may find unsafe or otherwise concerning. This is where Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) come into play. A…

Data collection is the backbone of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Behavior analysts rely heavily on data to do, well… everything! Data and data collection help to guide treatment, understand behaviors, evaluate progress, make informed decisions, determine if goals are met, ensure teaching is effective, pretty much every step of a behavior analyst’s job requires looking…

I recall sitting in my psychology statistics class years ago, stressing over experimental types and the complex math involved in calculating p-values. All of the focus in my undergraduate statistics classes was on group experimental designs, and professors typically glazed over single-case designs (SCEDs), because they were “not as common” and that we weren’t likely…

In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), operational definitions are key to any successful program. A reliable and precise definition results in accurate data collection, which is the driving force behind the development of effective and ethical interventions.  In this article, we’ll discuss what operational definitions are, why they are important, and how to write concise, clear…

Parents of newborns often learn to recognize the small differences in their baby’s cry. One cry might mean that they are hungry, another cry might mean they want to be held. They can interpret their baby’s behavior to determine why the baby is engaging in a particular behavior.  Similarly, behavior analysts are trained to “listen”…

After a series of appointments, evaluations, and assessments with various doctors and developmental professionals to get an autism diagnosis, parents may be a bit confused as to why an ABA therapy assessment is necessary.  However, this specific assessment is a very important step in creating a treatment plan for therapy that is unique to each…

If you have been considering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, you’ve likely heard of Behavior Technicians (BT). But what exactly do they do, and how do they support your child’s development? BTs play a crucial role in implementing ABA therapy, helping children with autism build essential life skills, improve communication, and manage challenging behaviors. Knowing…

So much of our life is measured. When I drive to work, my speed is measured by my car. When I have a doctor’s appointment, they check my weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. My smart watch measures my daily steps and notifies me if I’ve been sitting for too long. While in school, my…

Stimulus control is a key concept in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) that explains how behavior can be influenced by the presence or absence of specific stimuli. When a behavior consistently occurs in the presence of a particular stimulus and not in its absence, that stimulus has “control” over the behavior. In ABA, the goal is…

In the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one concept plays a vital role in understanding and shaping behavior: Motivating Operations (MOs). Whether you’re a parent looking to better support your child or an aspiring ABA practitioner seeking to deepen your knowledge, understanding MOs can significantly enhance your approach to behavior change. Let’s explore what…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most widely implemented and empirically-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder. It can help to improve social skills, daily living skills, adaptive behaviors, and more. Whether therapy sessions are conducted within the client’s home or in an autism clinic, ABA has been shown to make significant changes…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of the most commonly used interventions to treat children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental issues. ABA is based on behavioral science and examines how the environment can affect learning and behavior. An ABA therapist will help examine why a child’s behaviors occur, under what circumstances, and…

There are two main types of ABA Therapy professionals: Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Both play important roles in supporting individuals with autism and work very closely with the families they serve. However, there are significant differences in their responsibilities, education, and scope of practice. I have practised as both a…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA), as its name suggests, focuses on behavior. It is a therapeutic approach that utilizes science and behavioral principles to enhance the lives of others. Children with autism are the most common recipients of ABA therapy since it is one of the most common and empirically backed treatments for autism spectrum disorder.…

Arizona Medicaid, managed by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), provides coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for eligible members, particularly for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other diagnoses where therapy is deemed medically necessary. Recently, there have been updates in Medicaid coverage of ABA treatment in Arizona. One such…

Texas Medicaid began covering Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in February 2022 for children and young adults under 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To qualify, the child must have a recent ASD diagnosis and a physician’s referral. ABA therapy is offered in various settings, including homes and clinics, and is part of a larger…

In autism care, behavior is everything. It’s the main indicator for diagnosis and one of the main areas of focus for treatment. Autistic children engage in many different behaviors, and we as professionals take note. Indirect assessments in ABA therapy (and outside therapy) also play a key role in this process. They offer a way…

I remember my first virtual Telehealth appointment. I was breaking out, and my skin seemed extra sensitive, so I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist. It felt awkward at first, as most social interactions did in 2020, but I quickly realized how easy and helpful it was. There are benefits to in-person appointments, of course,…

Indiana Medicaid’s policy on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is designed to support children and young adults with autism and other behavioral conditions, but it has seen recent updates that could affect access to care. These updated policies have raised concerns due to specific changes to reimbursement rates, which could mean limited access to therapies…

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is usually known by parents as a whole package, but its value is most certainly the sum of its parts. It’s an overall practice that uses many methods and principles to achieve its aims. While parents don’t necessarily always need to know the intimate details of the theories and practices…

There are two main teaching methodologies used in ABA therapy: Discrete trial training (DTT) and Naturalistic teaching, also called Natural Environment Teaching (NET). Where DTT is a highly structured approach, typically table-based, during which targets are presented in a fast-paced, repetitive manner, NET is more flexible, focusing on play and naturally occurring situations to teach…

The short answer is yes. ABA therapy is scientifically proven to help with speech and language development in children with ASD. In this article, we will go in-depth into how ABA therapy can help develop and expand language and communication skills in children with autism, including how it integrates with other therapies and how parents.…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is most known for its treatment in autism spectrum disorder. That’s not surprising, considering how commonly it is recommended to families with children who have been diagnosed and how established ABA research is in the field of autism. The truth is, ABA can be (and has been) applied in many, many…

Applied Behavior Analysis, known as ABA therapy by most, is a highly researched and widely used method for helping individuals learn important skills and behaviors. Most commonly, ABA is used in treating autism spectrum disorder, but it also has applications in fields such as sports, medicine, education, and workplace efficiency. In the treatment of autism,…

Nearly 91% of children with autism have a co-occurring condition, such as epilepsy, ADHD, anxiety disorders, OCD, intellectual disability, etc. In this article, we are going to focus on anxiety, which estimates predict is present in 11%-84% of children and adolescents with autism. In a study using parental reports, most parents felt that their autistic…

Arizona hosts approximately 1,000 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), a number that has doubled since 2021. This number only continues to grow as more children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. According to the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program (ADDSP), it is estimated that about 1 in 36 children (around 2.7%) have autism. With a…

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that is characterized by challenges with speech, non-verbal communication, and social interaction, as well as repetitive behavior and obsessive interests. With newer and more sensitive screening methods, autism is being diagnosed earlier, with the CDC stating that autism can be diagnosed at 18 months of age or…

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website, there are nearly 4000 BCBAs that are certified in the state of Texas as of May 2024. This number has continued to rise as the need for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services has continued to grow. Texas has one of the largest populations of autistic adults in…

ABA therapy for autism is often covered by insurance, but not always. Families can find themselves facing a series of challenges when it comes to coverage, especially in places such as Indiana. State laws, complexities of insurance policies, provider networks, out-of-pocket costs, and other bureaucratic hurdles are common. Families must learn to navigate the healthcare…

Despite the different ways that it can look in people, there are some common signs of autism that can often be observed in children by the age of three. Key indicators of autism at age 3 include social struggles, language delays, repetitive actions, and sensitivity to routines or changes in environment, although the intensity and…

The difference between Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) can be confusing, with some interchanging terms. However, DTT and ABA are not synonymous, rather DTT is a teaching technique based on the principles of ABA and is often used during various therapies and in the educational setting. This article will take a…

If there is one thing that behavior analysts know, it is that behaviors always happen for a reason. While stopping at a red light or reaching into a cookie jar may be pretty straightforward, the behaviors of children, especially those with autism spectrum disorder, can be more challenging to figure out. When these challenging behaviors…

Securing insurance coverage for certain therapies often requires justifying the need for such services. Despite Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy being a well-established evidence-based treatment approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders, insurance companies still require justification due to its intensity and costs. The justification can be claimed in a…

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can benefit from different types of early intervention. Two treatment approaches commonly recommended for ASD are Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Speech Therapy. While ABA primarily focuses on increasing adaptive behaviors and teaching life skills, it can also encompass communication. On the other hand, Speech therapy directly helps…

Children can be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as early as 18 months old. For many children, they receive a diagnosis soon before they start preschool or kindergarten. A diagnosis made at any time can be stressful, but it can be especially tough for caregivers when they have to choose between school options and ABA…

The most important thing to understand about ABA therapy goals is that they are tailored to your child’s unique strengths and needs. There is no standardized set of goals that ABA Therapy will expect your child to achieve. Instead, ABA therapy begins with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assessing your child to determine where…

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is characterized by extreme and persistent resistance to fulfilling typical demands or expectations from authority figures. PDA is largely driven by anxiety, and the resulting behaviors appear to be abnormal and excessive. These behaviors are not a choice, but a pattern of behavior specific to the child’s profile. PDA is closely…

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are both evidence-based best practice treatments for Autism. While there is some overlap in their approaches, there are key differences. In the most general sense, ABA therapy builds communication and daily living skills in younger children, while CBT helps teens manage anxiety and emotions. ABA focuses…

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) stands acknowledged as a scientifically sound and efficient method for imparting skills and addressing behavioral challenges linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nonetheless, within the realm of ABA, an enduring discourse revolves around the ethical considerations of the practice. The history of ABA includes examples of intensive, repetitive intervention, overuse of…

ABA therapy can begin in early childhood and continue through adolescence or adulthood, with age limits guided by individual needs and research evidence. ABA is most beneficial for children with Autism when initiated early. However, its principles can be adapted and applied to individuals of varying ages. The key is to tailor interventions to each…

If you’ve recently received an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for your toddler, you may feel overwhelmed by the choices for treatment options. While sifting through the seemingly endless amount of information available to you, one treatment that will frequently surface is applied behavior analysis (ABA). You might find yourself grappling with the decision of…

It is assumed by many that applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a treatment for younger children, typically around the ages of 2 to 5. While ABA therapy can make considerable improvements as an early intervention for those whose autism was recognized early on in life, the assumption that it is only for children is untrue.…

Specialized therapies are used to minimize the symptoms and maximize the abilities of persons with developmental, emotional, and cognitive issues. Occupational Therapy (OT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are commonly used therapies that are specifically designed to not only reduce symptoms of various developmental disorders but also teach new skills that will increase a person’s…

Examples of ABA therapy include singing songs, role-play, puzzles, and sensory play—each helping children build communication, social and daily living skills. In the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), many evidence-based techniques discreetly come into play to teach individuals with autism spectrum disorder how to navigate the world around them. Some goals of ABA therapy…

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental challenges, mastering social interaction skills can be particularly complex and lead to difficulties in many areas of their lives. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is one way these children can build lifelong social skills in areas such as social communication, emotional understanding, and creating connections…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely used therapeutic approach for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. ABA therapy uses the science of learning and behavior to improve socially significant behaviors. When children are diagnosed with autism, parents and caregivers are faced with many decisions regarding their child’s care plan. While ABA is…

One of the essential roles within ABA therapy is that of the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Working under the supervision of a BCBA, an RBT provides direct care for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. The following information will guide you in understanding what an RBT is and the way it makes a difference…

As a parent of a child with autism, navigating the world of therapy can be overwhelming. Among the various therapeutic approaches, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has emerged as a widely recognized and evidence-based method, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder. In this guide, I aim to introduce you to a key player in ABA…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of therapy that is often used with children with autism. The goal of ABA therapy is to modify behaviors and teach new skills to improve one’s quality of life. It is not, however, without criticism. Let’s review a few advantages and disadvantages of ABA therapy to help…

ABA therapists seek to teach new skills and modify behaviors that are interfering with learning or quality of life. There are many therapeutic techniques used in ABA. We’ll review some of the most common therapy techniques that you may encounter, to give you some familiarity with the term and how you may observe it applied…

One of the most important aspects of applied behavior analysis (ABA) is positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a vital component of effective behavior change and skill development. The correct use of positive reinforcement can result in your child learning new skills and increasing adaptive behaviors. Let’s discuss what exactly positive reinforcement is and how it’s…

Parents are frequently asking: how do I find ABA therapy that accepts Medicaid near me? At Blue ABA, we have you covered: What is Medicaid? Medicaid is a healthcare program funded jointly by the federal and state governments. It provides healthcare coverage to millions of people across the United States. Medicaid is available for low-income…

Fun activities for kids with autism include games like Red Light Green Light, sensory play, play-doh, or music to build skills while keeping learning engaging. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to play activities, consider the following fun activities for kids with autism to encourage sensory exploration and the development of social and communication skills…

ABA therapy is widely considered the most effective treatment for children with autism. It is evidence-based, highly individualized, and uses each child’s unique strengths and interests as motivation to continue learning and growing. The acronym ABA stands for applied behavior analysis. When ABA is conducted in-home, it offers a particular level of individualization to ensure…

When considering ABA providers for your child, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of available information. You want the best for your child and therefore you want to be sure that the provider you choose can provide quality care. You ask yourself (and Google): what is the best ABA therapy near me? This…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of therapy available to children with autism and other developmental needs. ABA is based on decades of research on the science of behavior and learning and is often considered the gold standard of care. Through ABA therapy, children develop communication skills, learn self-advocacy, social skills, and more.…