Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA Therapy)

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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy approach that focuses on teaching meaningful skills and reducing behaviors that interfere with learning, safety, or daily life. ABA uses evidence-based strategies to help individuals build communication, social, self-care, academic, and behavioral skills.

ABA therapy is highly individualized and data-driven. Goals are based on the child’s specific needs and are regularly reviewed and adjusted over time.

ABA is most commonly associated with autism, but the strategies themselves can be used to support a wide range of developmental and behavioral needs.

ABA therapy may focus on skills such as:

• Communication and language 
• Social interaction 
• Play and learning skills 
• Daily living skills (toileting, dressing, feeding) 
• Safety skills 
• Emotional regulation 
• Reducing behaviors that interfere with learning or participation

 ABA therapy can be delivered in different settings, depending on the child’s needs, family preferences, and funding source. Common settings include:

• Clinic-based ABA centers 
• In-home ABA therapy 
• Center-based programs such as EIDT clinics (when ABA is offered) 
• School or community settings (in some cases)
   

Each setting has different benefits, challenges, and eligibility requirements, which are explored in more detail in the Choosing a Setting section.

 ABA services are typically overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Therapy sessions are often carried out by trained technicians or therapists under the BCBA’s supervision.

The BCBA is responsible for:

• Assessments 
• Treatment planning 
• Ongoing data review 
• Adjusting goals as progress is made

 Medicaid Coverage for ABA in Arkansas

In the state of Arkansas, Medicaid coverage for ABA therapy is diagnosis-specific.

• To receive ABA therapy paid for by Medicaid, a child must have a formal autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. 
• Developmental delay alone (such as speech delay, motor delay, or global developmental delay without autism) does not qualify for Medicaid-funded ABA. 
• The autism diagnosis must meet Medicaid criteria and be documented for ABA services to be authorized.
   

Families may still qualify for other therapies (such as speech, occupational, or physical therapy) through Medicaid without an autism diagnosis, depending on medical necessity.

 In Arkansas, the Autism Waiver is another pathway that may support access to ABA-related services.

• The Autism Waiver is designed to provide supports for individuals with autism who meet waiver eligibility requirements. 
• Waiver services may help cover certain supports, services, or interventions related to autism, depending on the individual’s plan and availability of waiver slots. 
• The Autism Waiver operates separately from traditional Medicaid and has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and waitlist considerations.

 Many private insurance plans cover ABA therapy, but coverage varies widely.

Private insurance plans may differ in:

• Diagnostic requirements 
• Authorized hours 
• Co-pays or deductibles 
• Provider networks
   

Families should contact their insurance provider directly to confirm ABA coverage and documentation requirements.

It’s helpful to understand the difference between:

• Using ABA-based strategies, and 
• Billing services as ABA therapy
   

Some programs (such as classrooms) may use behavioral strategies informed by ABA principles. However, services are only billed as ABA when Medicaid, waiver, or insurance requirements are met.

ABA can be highly effective for many individuals with autism, but it is not the only therapy option. The best therapy plan depends on:

• The child’s strengths and needs 
• Family priorities 
• Tolerance for structure and repetition 
• Setting and scheduling needs 
• Funding and eligibility factors
   

Many children receive ABA alongside other therapies such as speech, occupational, or physical therapy.

 We’re building detailed guides to help families understand:

• ABA clinic-based therapy 
• In-home ABA therapy 
• ABA within EIDT programs 
• How to choose the right setting for your child
   

👉 Learn more about ABA therapy settings

We’re currently building provider pages to help families compare ABA providers by:

• Location 
• Services offered 
• Accepted funding sources 
• Program focus
   

ABA provider listings coming soon.