What is Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that now effects 1 in 48 children in the United States, as estimated by the CDE. An individual with autism shows has difficulty with social communication and has repetitive or inflexible behaviors.

What is ABA

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a treatment method that involves applying research-based, behavioral methods to improve behavior, for example, by increasing appropriate behaviors and decreasing problem behaviors. ABA treatment programs involve motivating and rewarding clients with autism in order to increase prosocial behaviors, such as joining play or having a conversation. On the other hand, in an ABA treatment programs, problem behaviors, such as non-compliance or aggression, would not be reinforced, so that they would decrease in the future.

Current Funding

• Health Plans & Managed Care Organizations: ABA treatment for autism is now mandated to be funded by most health plans in (#) states.
• School Districts: Students who are eligible for special education may be eligible to receive ABA services as a “related service” through their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Regional Centers (CA-Only): Regional Centers continue to fund for consumers to receive ABA services when other funding sources are not required to do so. For example, they may fund for ABA when consumers have self-funded health plans or are over the age of 21.

Qualified Practitioners

Research-based ABA programs follow a Three-Tier model of service delivery, as follows:

• Top Tier: Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® (BCBA) or other Licensed/Certified Provider with ABA and Autism in his/her scope of practice
• Middle Tier:
• Bottom Tier: Paraprofessional; Behavior Technician