Understanding ABA Therapy in Queens

Raising a child with autism is an experience that’s difficult to capture in words unless you’ve been through it. Every milestone in your child’s life comes with its own questions and forks in the road.

If your child is young, you probably have several questions about the path ahead and what kind of support will have the most positive impact on their development. Luckily, there’s no shortage of guidance out there, and the right kind can make all the difference.

If you’ve done any research up to this point, you’ve likely come across ABA therapy. It’s considered by many to be the gold standard for behavioral therapy, and in this guide, we want to answer any questions you might have as a parent considering enrolling your child in one of these programs.

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based style of behavior therapy that is meant to help people with autism develop helpful behaviors, while mitigating those that may interfere with learning or daily living. It’s most commonly used for children with autism.

In practice, it focuses on reinforcing correct behaviors and social skills using positive reinforcement. A clinician will gather data on a child’s skills and behaviors, and based on how they progress with different methods or techniques, the plan can be continually adjusted.

It’s especially wonderful for children with baseline adaptive levels, as it’s a highly personalized form of treatment that works as a supplement to traditional schooling. The therapist you work with will create a plan that takes each element of your child’s personality and developmental status into account.

The literature on the efficacy of ABA has exploded over the past decade, and now more than ever, there are numerous intervention styles based on the practice.

Who Is ABA Therapy For?

There are many different models of ABA, which can vary based on the clinician and company, though at its baseline, the practice is used for young children and teens diagnosed with autism. Many patients who work with ABA clinicians have ADHD, ODD, and other overlapping conditions as well.

While autism can be detected in children as young as one year, most children do not enter treatment until they’re between the ages of 2 and 6. With that said, it’s never too late to get started. There are many valuable skills to be developed through ABA programs.

The Difference Between a BCBA and Behavior Technician

When you start an ABA program, you’ll often work with two kinds of professionals: Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT).

BCBAs are licensed clinicians with either a master’s degree in behavior analysis or some related field, who will evaluate your child’s needs to create a treatment plan. They’ll also oversee the therapy as your child moves through the program. All BCBAs must pass a national certification exam before taking the role.

Underneath the training and supervision of the BCBA, you’ll find the RBT. They’ll take the plan created by the BCBA and implement it with your child.

What Does ABA Therapy Look Like? (In-Home vs. Center-Based)

There are two main ways to enroll in an ABA program. It can either take place at your home or at a clinic. Neither one is better than the other, though there are some advantages and disadvantages to note.

With in-home ABA therapy, a BCBA will come to your home and work through your child’s therapy plan. One of the main benefits of this style of ABA is comfort. Your child can get right into treatment without needing to adapt to a new space. Plus, the BCBA can observe how they feel and behave in their everyday environment.

As an added benefit, it’s more convenient for busy families and allows parents to get involved more easily.

Typically, this style of ABA is used to address behaviors at home, such as toilet training, mealtime, bedtime routines, and more.

With center-based ABA therapy, children have fewer familiar distractions, giving them a dedicated space to work towards their goals. They also get access to several BCBAs at once, who can share data and observations, and discuss opinions in real-time.

Working at a center is a great way for a child to transition to more traditional learning environments, like public school classrooms, as it gives them a chance to interact with new peers and adults in a structured format.

There’s no reason you can’t do both, either! It truly depends on your child’s needs and what available services are in your area.

Finding ABA Services in Queens

While Queens has long been under fire for its lack of access ot mental health providers, there are a growing number of ABA therapy providers, and we have the high level of state support and growing autism awareness to thank for it.

Start by speaking with your pediatrician or developmental specialist for referrals. From there, do your own research to find the best fit. Some places to look include:

• New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
• Autism Speaks Resource Guide
• Local school district resources

Keep in mind that many providers only serve specific neighborhoods, so it’s best to look in your surrounding area if you’re considering in-home therapy.

Insurance and Coverage in New York

New York State mandates that most private insurance plans cover medically necessary ABA therapy for children who have received an autism diagnosis. This goes for many of the popular insurers that cover ABA in Queens, including Cigna, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and UnitedHealthcare.

Before you begin looking into ABA programs, it’s worth getting hold of your insurance provider to ask about in-network providers in your area, whether or not referrals or prior authorization are needed, and if there are hourly limits per week.

What to Look for in a Provider

While credentials are certainly important, there’s more to look for when finding the right provider.

Some of the few things you might consider looking for when searching for ABA autism therapy in Queens include:

• The level of experience the BCBA has with children similar in age and needs to yours
• How much you’re involved in the process
• What types of strategies they use and how effective those strategies are
• How progress is measured
• What the ultimate goals are

You may also consider looking for someone who’s better aligned with the language you speak or the cultural values your family follows.

The beauty of ABA lies in its uniqueness and flexibility, so taking the time to find the perfect fit is well worth the extra effort. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts when finding the right professional to work with your child.