Frequently asked questions

ABA is a science-based therapy that uses learning principles to build useful skills (communication, social, daily-living) and reduce behaviors that get in the way of learning. Programs are individualized, data-driven, and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Yes. ABA is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Surgeon General as an evidence-based treatment for autism. Decades of research support its use for children with autism spectrum disorder.

No. ABA is not a cure, and we don't frame it that way. ABA teaches skills and reduces behaviors that interfere with daily life; autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, and high-quality ABA respects that.

Children and adolescents ages 2 to 18. Most ABA research supports the strongest gains from early intervention, but ABA remains effective into the teen years for the right goals.

It depends on your child's individualized assessment. Typical ranges are 10 to 40 hours per week. Your BCBA will recommend hours based on a comprehensive assessment and ongoing progress data.

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) holds a master's degree and national certification, designs your child's treatment plan, and supervises sessions. An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is the front-line therapist who implements the plan day-to-day, supervised by the BCBA.

Some members of the autism community have raised valid concerns about historical ABA practices. Modern, ethical ABA — what we practice — focuses on building meaningful skills, respects the child's autonomy, involves families in goal-setting, and avoids coercive or aversive procedures.

A diagnostic evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that uses standardized tools (such as the ADOS-2 and ADI-R), caregiver interviews, and direct observation to determine whether your child meets criteria for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

Our diagnostic team uses gold-standard instruments including the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition) and structured caregiver interviews, paired with developmental history and direct observation.

Evaluations typically take place across one or two appointments, followed by a feedback session where we walk you through the written report and recommended next steps.

Yes. Insurance coverage for ABA — both commercial plans and HUSKY — requires an official autism diagnosis. Our diagnostic team can complete the evaluation if your child doesn't yet have a diagnosis.

For children under 3, you can also access free evaluation and early-intervention services through the Connecticut Birth to Three System (1-800-505-7000). We work alongside Birth to Three when appropriate.

A diagnosis opens the door to ABA therapy, OT, speech, social skills groups, school-based supports under IDEA, and insurance-covered services. We sit with you, explain the results in plain terms, and help your family plan next steps.

Yes. Connecticut's Public Act 09-115 (2009) requires fully-insured commercial health plans to cover behavioral therapy — including ABA — for individuals with autism. The 2014 update removed dollar and age caps.

Yes. HUSKY covers ABA therapy for children under 21 with an autism diagnosis. As of October 1, 2025, HUSKY covers all bands (A, B, C, and D) for ASD services.

We work with a wide range of Connecticut insurance carriers and HUSKY/Medicaid. The fastest way to confirm coverage is to share your insurance information with our intake team — we'll verify in-network status with your specific plan before your first visit.

Most insurers require a prior authorization before they will cover ABA therapy. Our intake team handles the prior-auth process for you — we submit the documentation your insurer requires and follow up on approvals.

You have appeal rights under Connecticut law. The CT Office of the Healthcare Advocate can help you with internal appeals and external reviews. Our team can also provide documentation to support your appeal.

Connecticut removed age caps on commercial ABA coverage in 2014. A 2025 state law extended private autism therapy coverage up to age 26. HUSKY covers ABA for members under 21.

Contact us through our intake form or by phone at (860) 421-4052. We'll verify your insurance, walk you through what we need, and schedule your child's first assessment.

Wait times vary by service and insurer. ABA waitlists across Connecticut typically range from 3 to 6 months, though they can be longer. We built our own software — CollabWait — so you can see your waitlist position, our availability, and updates in real time.

CollabWait is software we built to give families clarity on the waitlist. You see your position, our agency's availability, and important updates as they happen — no more guessing. Visit www.collabwait.com to learn more.

At minimum: your insurance card, your child's autism diagnosis report (if completed elsewhere), and any prior evaluations or IEP/504 documents. Our intake team will tell you exactly what your specific insurer requires.

Yes. We partner with Interpreters & Translators, Inc. so that requests for translation services in any language can be accommodated. Equitable access to ABA services is a core commitment.

Both. We offer center-based therapy at our Middletown clinic, in-home ABA, and community-based services. Your BCBA will recommend the setting (or mix) that best supports your child's goals after the initial assessment.

In-home ABA happens in your child's natural environment and can target real-life routines (transitions, sibling interactions, mealtimes). Clinic-based ABA happens in a structured, controlled setting that supports focused skill-building and peer interaction. Both are evidence-based; the right choice depends on the child.

Yes. Unlike many ABA-only providers, we have in-house occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, plus social work case management. Children can receive coordinated, interdisciplinary care under one roof.

A small-group session facilitated by our social work team where children practice age-appropriate peer interactions and coping skills. Groups are organized by age (ranging from 3 to 17) and developmental level.

Sessions where our clinicians teach you the strategies in your child's treatment plan so you can support their progress at home and across settings. Parent training is one of the most-researched predictors of long-term ABA outcomes.

770 Saybrook Road, Unit B4, Middletown, CT 06457. We serve families across Connecticut — see our service-areas page for the towns we cover most often.