Having your child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be overwhelming. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services include an evaluation, treatment plan, progress reports and evidence that the individual’s condition is improving. Research shows the best outcomes are achieved when children with ASD receive early, intensive programs 25-40 hours per week, every week, for up to three years.  Early intervention ABA programs are designed to begin before age 4. That's why the Key Learning Autism Clinic (KLAC) is targeting children ages 2-8 to provide early, intensive intervention. The intervention is individualized and the child's age and current skills will help the Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) set treatment goals and number of hours recommended weekly.  This quality ABA treatment program has been difficult to find because there are so few BCBAs.  Parents have had to settle for significantly less ABA daily or weekly hours than recommended for successful treatment.   Due to the high demand for BCBA's providing ABA therapy they typically are offering only monthly or weekly visits, often for as little as 30 minutes to 1 hour per week. This smaller amount of prescribed hours (10-15 hours per week) is typically used with children 8 years old and above, or for those who've already received early and intensive ABA therapy in the past. Another factor contributing to children with ASD receiving less than the 25-40 hours of weekly treatment recommended for progress is the expense.  Private health insurance, CHIPS or Medicaid will pay for at least some of the ABA therapy but the remaining costs at 25-40 hours a week for three years can add up. One option to offset those costs is keeping your existing employer sponsored health insurance for your family but purchasing additional Marketplace health insurance plan for your child with autism. Although the price of dual coverage for a child or a child only insurance plan is challenging for families behavioral intervention is crucial.  

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It can be exhausting figuring out the logistics of financing 25-40 hours of ABA therapy and fitting it into your busy schedule. You can't afford to "wait and see". The 25-40 hours a week of early intervention ABA therapy is effective and changes lives for families and children with ASD. ABA is widely accepted by health care professionals, schools, the American Academy of Pediatrics and US Surgeon General just to name a few. Additional organizations that endorse ABA are linked here: https://appliedbehaviorcenter.com/aba-endorsements/ .