Common Questions Parents Ask About ABA Therapy

Parents ask us the same handful of questions on almost every first call. Here are straight answers to the ones that come up most, so you can get your bearings before you pick up the phone.

If your question is not covered here, call us at 1-833-879-4274. There is no charge for asking, and you do not need a diagnosis in hand to start a conversation.

What is ABA therapy, in plain terms?

ABA therapy teaches skills by breaking them into small steps and reinforcing progress along the way. Applied Behavior Analysis looks at what a child can already do, what gets in the way of the next step, and what support helps them get there.

In practice, that means working on things that matter in daily life: asking for what you need, handling a change in routine, joining other children in play, getting through a meal or a bedtime. The goals come from your child and your family, not from a standard checklist.

How do I know if my child needs ABA therapy?

ABA therapy is for children diagnosed with autism, and the decision to start usually follows an evaluation and a referral from your pediatrician or a diagnosing provider.

Families often reach out when they notice their child is having a hard time communicating what they want, struggling with transitions, or falling behind peers in play and social skills. If you are unsure, a conversation with your pediatrician is the right first step. Our team can also walk you through what an assessment involves.

How many hours a week will my child need?

Hours vary widely by child, usually somewhere between a few hours a week and a full-day schedule, and the recommendation comes from a clinical assessment rather than a set formula.

Younger children working on foundational communication and play skills often receive more hours. Older children working on a narrower set of goals often receive fewer. Your insurance plan also weighs in, since authorization is tied to what the assessment recommends. Your Board Certified Behavior Analyst will explain the reasoning behind the number and revisit it as your child progresses.

What does an ABA session actually look like?

Most sessions look like structured play. A behavior technician works one-on-one with your child on specific goals, using activities your child enjoys as the vehicle for practice.

A session might involve floor play with preferred toys, practicing a request, taking turns with a peer, or working through a daily routine like handwashing or cleaning up. Progress is tracked throughout so your team can see what is working. For a fuller walkthrough, read our guide on what to expect when you start ABA therapy.

Where does therapy take place?

Therapy can happen in a clinic, in your home, at school, or out in the community, and many children receive a mix depending on their goals.

Clinic sessions offer a structured space with other children nearby for social practice. In-home sessions build skills into the routines where they actually need to work: mealtimes, mornings, bedtime. School and community support helps skills carry over into the places your child spends the rest of their week. Our post comparing in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy goes deeper on the tradeoffs.

Does insurance cover ABA therapy?

Most California insurance plans cover medically necessary ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism, including commercial plans, Tricare, Medi-Cal, and Regional Center funding.

What varies is the authorization process, the number of hours approved, and your out-of-pocket share. Accepted plans also differ by clinic, so confirm coverage at the specific location you plan to visit. Our full guide on whether insurance covers ABA therapy breaks this down plan by plan, and our intake team can verify your benefits for you.

How long before we see progress?

Most families notice small changes within the first couple of months, though meaningful progress on bigger goals usually takes longer and does not follow a straight line.

Early wins tend to be small and specific: your child asks for something instead of melting down, or tolerates a transition that used to be hard. Those add up. Your BCBA will review progress data with you regularly so you can see movement even in weeks that feel slow.

What is my role as a parent?

You are part of the team, and the work carries over faster when you are involved. Caregiver training is a standard part of ABA therapy, not an add-on.

That means your team shows you the strategies they are using so the same approach holds up at home. Parents often tell us this is the part that changes daily life the most, because a strategy that only works in a therapy room does not help you at 7 a.m. on a school morning.

Real talk about starting ABA therapy

A few things families deserve to hear up front.

• Getting started takes time. Assessment scheduling and insurance authorization usually mean a few weeks between your first call and your first session. We keep you updated, but we cannot make an insurer move faster.
• Progress is uneven. Children have hard weeks. A plateau is not a failure, and a good team adjusts rather than pushing harder.
• ABA therapy is not a cure, and we do not describe it that way. The goal is to help your child communicate, participate, and do more of what they want to do.
• Fit matters. If a provider is not right for your family, it is fair to say so and look elsewhere. Our guide to choosing an ABA therapy provider covers what to ask.

Getting started

If you are ready to talk it through, call 1-833-879-4274 or reach out through our contact page. We will answer your questions, verify your insurance benefits, and help you find the location that works for your family.

Alongside ABA serves families across Southern California, with clinics in San Diego (Mission Valley), La Mesa, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Van Nuys, Temecula, and Lancaster, plus in-home, school, and community services.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a diagnosis before calling?

No. You can call with questions at any point. To begin services, an autism diagnosis and a referral are typically required, and we can explain how to get there.

Can my child receive ABA therapy and other therapies at the same time?

Yes. Many children also receive speech or occupational therapy. Your BCBA can coordinate with those providers so goals line up rather than compete.

What age should a child start ABA therapy?

Earlier is generally better, and many children start between ages two and six. That said, ABA therapy benefits older children and teens as well, with goals matched to their stage.

Will my child be in therapy forever?

No. Hours typically decrease as skills develop, and services end when goals are met. The aim is independence, not indefinite therapy.

What if we need to change locations or schedules?

Let your team know. Schedules can be adjusted, and if your family moves, we can help transfer services to another Alongside location where available.