aba services

The purpose of ABA is to improve and increase desired behaviors while decreasing maladaptive and unwanted behaviors. ABA therapy will address the developmental deficiencies identified during an initial assessment of your child’s functioning across dozens of areas.

This often includes areas of verbal communication, like the ability to converse with parents and peers, requesting items, and communicating emotions and needs.

Nonverbal communication, like making gestures and understanding social cues, can also be developed.

Other important target areas of ABA include social skills, play skills, potty training, self-care skills (brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.), and day-to-day living skills (getting dressed, table manners, etc.).

Most insurance plans in Idaho are now required to cover ABA services (there are some exceptions).

In order to qualify for ABA services through private insurance, the participant must have an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Medicaid also covers behavior modification services when the participant has a Serious Emotional Disturbance diagnosis. (see more information about financial options below)

Simply put: the sooner the better. The right age for a child to begin an ABA program is as soon as he or she shows signs of Autism or is diagnosed with a developmental disorder. 

ABA programs are tailored to individual needs and every program is different. Programs generally range anywhere from 5 hours a week to 30+ hours a week, depending on the participant’s level of need and availability for services.

ABA sessions are usually 1.5 to 3 hours and can take place in the home, community or clinic.

The behavior technician’s role is to engage children while teaching them necessary skills and rewarding appropriate behavior. Programming and skills are broken down into manageable teaching moments to help ensure child success. 

ABA programs are supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA).

A BCBA is a graduate-level professional who is certified to provide behavior analytic services and is also responsible for supervising BCaBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT).

A BCaBA is an undergraduate-level professional who is certified to provide behavior analytic services and supervise RBTs, but must work under the direct supervision of a BCBA.

A RBT is a certified paraprofessional that provides behavior analytic services under the close supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA. 

To get started, contact Community Partnership's ABA department.

Once you have decided to start services, CPI will collect your insurance and diagnostic information and work with your insurance carrier to obtain an authorization for services.

Services will start with an assessment conducted by a BCBA to develop a treatment plan. The assessment will consist of parent interviews, observations, and direct evaluations, as well as report review and writing. Your child’s treatment plan will be submitted to your insurance with a request to authorize ongoing services.