Starting ABA Therapy with Behavior Basics
ABA Services – Family Quick Start & Intake Guide
Hello and welcome to Behavior Basics!
Thank you for contacting us regarding ABA therapy services. We appreciate your interest in our program and look forward to partnering with your family to support your child’s development and success.
Starting services can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we have created this guide to clearly explain the process, expectations, and next steps.
Please begin the intake process here:
Text us at 772-463-0444 for a quick link to complete intake packet documents OR click this link.
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence‑based therapy that helps children learn new skills and reduce behaviors that interfere with learning or daily life.
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Communication and language
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Social interaction
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Emotional regulation
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Daily living skills
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Reducing challenging behaviors
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Increasing independence
Each child receives an individualized treatment plan developed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Who Benefits from ABA?
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Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
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Children with developmental delays
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Children with mental health or behavioral health diagnoses that affect functioning
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Children needing support with communication, social skills, or behavior regulation
Parent & Caregiver Participation
Caregiver participation is an essential part of successful ABA therapy. Caregivers work with the supervising BCBA to learn strategies that support their child’s progress at home.
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Minimum caregiver training requirement
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At least 2 hours per month with the supervising BCBA
Some treatment plans may recommend additional caregiver training hours depending on your child’s needs.
Insurance Documentation Requirements
Insurance providers require specific documentation before ABA services can begin. These requirements determine medical necessity and must be completed before authorization can be requested. While these steps can sometimes feel frustrating, please know that these requirements are determined by insurance carriers—not by Behavior Basics.
Our role is to help guide you through the process so that we can submit the necessary documentation to request authorization on your behalf.
Required Documents Checklist – What you need to send us
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE)
Please note that a CARS report alone is not sufficient for Medicaid-funded plans. The documentation must be a full comprehensive diagnostic report.
A CDE typically includes:
Parent or caregiver interviews- Teacher or school input when available
- Diagnostic tools (such as ADOS-2, CARS2, M-CHAT-R, CSBS)
- Hearing and vision screenings
- Genetic or neurological testing if recommended
CDE evaluations are typically completed by qualified professionals such as:
- Developmental pediatricians
- Child neurologists
- Child psychologists or psychiatrists
The report must include:
- Background and presenting concerns
- Clinical findings
- Diagnostic tools used
- Diagnostic recommendations
- Summary and next steps
- Treatment recommendations (including ABA therapy)
- Diagnosis code (F-code)
- Physician or clinician signature (MD, PsyD, or PhD)
Prescription for ABA Therapy signed by an MD/DO
Prescription states ABA services are medically necessary
Diagnosis included in prescription
Insurance information
Developmental and medical history records
Most recent pediatric visit summary
Behavior Basics cannot contact your physician or evaluator to request documentation. The legal guardian must obtain and submit these records.
Waitlist Information
Due to high demand for ABA services, there may be a wait before therapy can begin. At times, wait times may be up to 12 months.
Staffing availability- Location of services
- Scheduling availability
Because these factors change frequently, we are unable to provide exact wait time estimates.
Important: Your child cannot be added to the waitlist until all required documentation has been received.
Steps to Starting ABA Services
Referral Received
Submit Required Documentation
Child Added to Waitlist
Important: Your child cannot be added to the waitlist until all required documentation has been received, step 2 above.
Staffing Match Becomes Available
Insurance Authorization Requested
BCBA Assessment Scheduled
Authorization granted following assessment
ABA Services Begin
Questions?
If you have questions or need assistance with the process, our intake team is happy to help.
Behavior Basics
Supporting families and helping children build meaningful life skills.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Whether you are a parent seeking services, a referral partner, or an organization exploring strategic consultation, BBI can help you find the right next step.