ABA Therapy Questions, Answered Honestly
At Believing is Achieving, our mission is simple: to inspire families across Chicagoland to believe in their child's potential by providing exceptional in-home therapy that transforms behaviors once thought impossible to change.
We know choosing ABA therapy is a big, emotional decision. This page is meant to give you real answers, not sales language — so you can feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
General ABA Therapy Questions
What is ABA therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a personalized, evidence-based approach to helping children build meaningful life skills. At its core, ABA is about understanding why behaviors happen and using positive, respectful strategies to teach new skills that support independence, communication, and confidence. At Believing is Achieving, ABA is never rigid or robotic. Therapy is individualized, relationship-based, and designed to work within your child's real life — not to force your child to fit a system.
Who is ABA therapy for?
ABA therapy is for children with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis who are working toward goals in communication, daily living skills, social and play skills, emotional regulation, or safety. It is not limited to any one presentation or severity. Whether ABA is the right fit for your child is something we talk through honestly during your consultation with Mariah.
When is the best time to start ABA therapy?
There is no single right age. Many families start after a recent diagnosis, but children benefit at a range of ages and stages, and starting later does not mean starting too late. What matters more is that the goals are meaningful for your child right now and that your family is ready. We will give you our honest read rather than pressure you toward a timeline.
How is ABA different from speech or occupational therapy?
ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy address different but overlapping areas, and many children receive more than one. Broadly, speech therapy focuses on communication and language, occupational therapy on motor, sensory, and daily-function skills, and ABA on understanding why behaviors happen and teaching skills across all of those areas. We coordinate with your child's other providers so everyone is working toward the same goals.
Is ABA therapy evidence-based?
Yes. ABA is recognized as a leading treatment approach for autism by the CDC and the U.S. Surgeon General, backed by decades of research.
What does a typical ABA session look like?
Sessions are engaging, interactive, and centered on building trust and confidence. Therapy often includes play-based learning, practicing communication and social skills, working on daily routines, and natural teaching within your home environment. Nothing about it is rigid or robotic.
Child & Family Questions
How do I know if my child would benefit from ABA therapy?
The honest answer is that a conversation and an assessment tell you far more than a website can. If your child is struggling with communication, daily routines, transitions, safety, or behaviors that are hard for your family to manage, ABA is worth exploring. Your consultation is with Mariah, our founder and a BCBA, and she will tell you plainly if she thinks we are not the right fit.
What age can my child start ABA therapy?
We work with children across a range of ages. Insurance coverage under the Illinois mandate applies to individuals under age 21. The right starting point depends on your child's goals and your family's situation rather than on a fixed age cutoff, and we will talk it through with you directly.
How many hours of ABA therapy does my child need?
There is no standard number. We never recommend excessive therapy simply because insurance allows it. Recommendations are based on your child's needs, your family's capacity, and what is realistic and sustainable. Your wishes always matter in that decision.
What is the parent's role in ABA therapy?
Parents are essential partners. We provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and support so strategies fit naturally into your routines. You are never expected to be the expert — that's our role. An adult must be present in the home, but you don't need to actively participate in every session.
How are challenging behaviors handled?
We start by understanding why a behavior is happening rather than simply trying to stop it. Behaviors usually serve a purpose for a child — getting something, avoiding something, or communicating a need — and the work is teaching a skill that meets that need in a way that works better for your child. Strategies are positive and respectful, and we explain them to you rather than applying them behind a closed door.
Diagnosis & Assessments
What does the initial ABA assessment involve?
An assessment includes parent interviews, direct observation of your child, skill assessments, and a review of developmental history. Mariah or one of her BCBAs completes it in your home. Once it's complete, the BCBA reviews the findings with you and recommends individualized goals.
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to receive ABA therapy?
Insurance companies typically require a formal autism diagnosis for coverage. If you're unsure where to start, we can help guide you through the next steps.
Can ABA begin before a diagnosis?
In some cases families begin the assessment process or parent support while waiting for a diagnosis — coverage varies, and we'll explain it honestly.
Insurance & Funding
Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?
Yes, in most cases. Most insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis, and Illinois law requires state-regulated plans to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism including ABA. We're in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum. We verify your benefits, explain your coverage clearly, and handle authorizations for you.
What's the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers?
In-network providers typically mean lower out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-network can offer more flexibility. We'll help you understand which makes more sense for your family.
How does authorization work?
Once your assessment is complete, we submit the treatment plan to your insurance company for authorization. We manage the process and keep you informed at every step. You don't chase anyone.
In-Home ABA Therapy
Why does Believing is Achieving only offer in-home ABA therapy?
Because children learn best where they feel safe, and skills practiced in real routines are the skills that stick. In a clinic, a skill has to transfer home. At home, it starts home. In-home ABA isn't easier and it isn't the most profitable — but it produces the highest-quality outcomes, which is what we care about most.
Is parent presence required during in-home therapy?
An adult must be present in the home, but you don't need to actively participate in every session.
Will the same therapists work with my child?
Yes. Your child will have designated staff who build real relationships and understand your family. We do not send unfamiliar therapists into your home. Consistency matters, and we treat it as a standard rather than a courtesy.
Providers & Team
What's the difference between an RBT, BCaBA, and BCBA?
A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) delivers therapy sessions directly with your child under supervision. A Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) holds an undergraduate-level certification and works under the supervision of a BCBA. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) holds a graduate-level certification and is responsible for assessment, program design, supervision, and clinical decisions. At Believing is Achieving, your RBT runs sessions and your BCBA oversees the program.
How often does a BCBA supervise therapy?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst oversees your child's program — supervising sessions, reviewing data, updating goals, and meeting with you. Supervision follows best practices and exceeds minimum standards wherever possible.
Progress & Results
How is progress measured?
Progress is tracked continuously using data collected during sessions. Goals are reviewed and adjusted as your child grows and changes.
How often will I receive updates?
You'll receive regular updates through meetings, reports, and ongoing conversations — and you can reach our team the same day.
When will we start seeing results?
Honestly, it varies, and anyone who gives you a guaranteed timeline is overselling. Progress depends on your child's goals, starting point, and how the program fits into your family's routines. What we can promise is that progress is tracked with real data from the start, so you will see what is changing rather than having to take our word for it.
What if therapy doesn't seem to be working?
Tell us, and we will look at the data with you. Goals are reviewed and adjusted as your child grows, and a program that isn't producing progress needs changing rather than defending. Because the owner of this practice is a BCBA, the person who can actually change your child's program is the person who will take your call.
Service Availability & Access
Will my family be placed on a waitlist?
No. Believing is Achieving does not use waitlists. When families reach out, we respond quickly and intentionally, and services begin when you're ready.
What does it mean that you're not owned by private equity?
It means we have no private equity sponsor, no venture capital investors, and no corporate parent. We are independently owned by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Our clinical decisions answer to families, not to a growth target or an eventual sale.
Ready to take the next step?
Our goal is for you to feel absolute confidence in your choice. Through compassion, consistency, and high-quality care, we strive to create an experience where you feel supported, informed, and at peace.
Contact Believing is Achieving today to schedule a consultation or ask questions.
You don't have to navigate this alone — and your child is capable of more than you may have been told.
Not sure where to start? Neither were most of the families we work with.
Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with Mariah. You'll get straight answers about ABA, your insurance, and whether in-home therapy is right for your child.