What Happens Before
Day One.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy approach based on the science of learning and behavior. It teaches the skills your child needs day to day and reduces the behaviors that get in the way, by working out what a behavior is for and teaching a better way to get there. It's the most researched intervention for autism, with decades of peer-reviewed evidence behind it.

ABA therapy is most commonly used for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, especially during the early childhood years (ages 2–6). It can also be appropriate for some children with ADHD, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and other developmental conditions. The best way to find out if it's right for your child is to call us. If ABA isn't the right fit, we'll say so.

Recommended intensity varies by child, age, and the goals being targeted. Many programs run between 4-8 hours per week, though this is determined individually during the assessment process. No matter what, your child’s plan will be tailored to your families life.

There's no universal answer. Some children meet their goals and finish within a year or two. Others need longer. We review the plan regularly, and we'll tell you when your child's goals are met and what, if anything, should come next.

Sessions for young children are naturalistic and play-based - they feel more like engaged play than formal "therapy." The therapist works one-on-one with your child in the environments and routines of your home, while coaching you on strategies as they work. Sessions are typically 2–4 hours, depending on your child's program and insurance authorization.

Most private insurance plans and Medicaid programs are required by law to cover ABA therapy when it is medically necessary for a child with an autism diagnosis. Coverage specifics vary by plan. Call us and we'll verify your benefits for free. It's one of the first things we do.

Insurance typically requires an autism diagnosis before authorizing ABA services. If your child doesn't have one yet, we can help. Our ADOS-certified clinician can run a diagnostic observation to help your child's physician make a diagnosis sooner, instead of waiting the two to three years that is typical in rural Tennessee.

This depends entirely on your specific plan: your deductible, co-pay or co-insurance, and any annual out-of-pocket maximum. We will verify all of this before services begin and explain it clearly so there are no surprises. Families on Medicaid (TennCare) typically have little to no out-of-pocket costs for covered services.

A prior authorization is approval from your insurance company before ABA services can begin. It requires documentation of your child's diagnosis and the clinical justification for therapy. We handle the entire prior authorization process on your behalf. You don't need to deal with it directly. We'll keep you updated and let you know when approval is received.

You don't need a referral. Call, text, or email us directly. We'll guide you through the rest, including any documentation your insurance company asks for.

From your first call to your child's first therapy session, the process typically takes 4–6 weeks. Most of that time is insurance verification and prior authorization, which are largely out of our hands, but we move through every step we control as quickly as possible. We'll keep you informed throughout.

The assessment happens in your home over two or three sessions. Our BCBA watches your child play, talks with you and anyone else who cares for them, uses a few standardized tools, and works with you on the goals that matter most. That becomes the foundation of your child's individualized treatment plan.

Life happens. If you need to pause, reduce hours, or stop services for any reason, just let us know as early as possible and we'll work with you. We'll also make sure you have what you need to support your child's progress during any gap in services.