Empowering Families with Autism Support

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is influenced by the environment. ABA is often considered the gold standard in autism therapy because of its decades of research-backed success in helping individuals learn essential skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and improve overall quality of life.

ABA therapy is highly individualized — each child’s program is designed around their unique needs, strengths, and family goals. Therapy may focus on a wide range of skill areas, including:

• Communication (verbal, nonverbal, AAC use)
   
• Daily living skills (dressing, hygiene, mealtime routines)
   
• Social interactions (playing with peers, taking turns)
   
• Emotional regulation (managing frustration, anxiety)
   
• Safety skills (crossing streets, responding to emergencies)
   

🧩 ABA in Arizona: Covered by AHCCCS & DDD

In Arizona, ABA services are funded through a combination of:

• AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid program)
   
• DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities)
   

To receive ABA through AHCCCS/DDD, your child must:

1. Have a qualifying diagnosis (typically autism spectrum disorder)
    
2. Be evaluated by a licensed provider who recommends ABA
    
3. Receive prior authorization through your child’s Medicaid health plan
    

ABA therapy must be delivered by trained professionals under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Support staff, often called Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), work directly with the child to implement strategies designed by the BCBA.

What sets ABA apart is its emphasis on collaboration. Parents, caregivers, and sometimes teachers are actively involved. Caregivers are often taught the same strategies used in therapy so that skills can be practiced at home, school, and in the community. This ensures consistency and helps your child generalize what they learn to real-life settings.

ABA therapy can take place in a variety of settings:

• In-home: Ideal for incorporating learning into familiar routines
   
• Clinic-based: Structured environments with trained staff and resources
   
• Community-based: Learning happens during outings or in public settings
   
• School-based: Support within or alongside the educational environment
   

Therapy may be:

• Naturalistic: Play-based and child-led, embedded into daily routines
   
• Structured (Discrete Trial Training - DTT): Highly focused learning opportunities
   
• A mix of both, depending on your child’s needs and what helps them thrive
   

While ABA is highly effective for many children, each family should make informed decisions about their child’s care. The best ABA providers will work with you to develop a plan that honors your child’s personality, preferences, and pace of learning.

ABA aims to:

• Increase adaptive skills (daily living, communication, social interaction)
   
• Teach new skills using reinforcement-based strategies
   
• Address behaviors that are harmful or limit learning
   
• Help children reach important milestones toward independence
   

ABA services are always tailored and overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with implementation by trained behavior technicians under BCBA supervision azahcccs.gov.

1. Securing a Referral
    
   • Typically from a pediatrician, DDD Support Coordinator, or developmental pediatrician.
      

1. Confirm Eligibility
    
   • ABA is covered through AHCCCS/DDD for children diagnosed with ASD or with therapist-justified need
      
   • Must be enrolled in an AHCCCS health plan (e.g., Arizona Complete Care, Mercy Care, United Community).
      

1. Prior Authorization Required
    
   • The provider submits a PA to the AHCCCS health plan for approval before starting services .
      

1. Assessment & Treatment Plan
    
   • BCBA conducts both standardized and custom assessments to create a treatment plan with clear goals and measurable objectives .
      

1. Therapy Delivery
    
   • Sessions may happen in-home, in-clinic, or in community settings.
      
   • Data is tracked continuously, with adjustments based on progress .
      

1. Ongoing Coordination
    
   • BCBAs train caregivers and collaborate with your child’s team to generalize skills into real-life routines .
      

• Scientific approach: ABA uses behavior science to understand how learning occurs in real-world settings.
   
• Data-driven adjustments: Frequent reviews ensure therapy is effective and adaptive.
   
• Whole-child focus: Services include caregiver training, community integration, and long-term skill maintenance.
   

• Location & setting: Is in-home essential, or are clinic appointments fine?
   
• Insurance & network status: Verify AHCCCS or private insurance coverage.
   
• Accreditation: Look for BHCOE or state-level recognition.
   
• Therapy style: Do they accommodate your child’s personality and needs?
   
• Caregiver training: Ensure providers offer parent coaching.
   
• Data & progress reporting: Confirm they use objective tracking methods.
   

1. Gather referrals & provider info
    
2. Contact each provider to ask about availability, insurance acceptance, and evaluations
    
3. Set up assessments (BCBA-led), followed by individualized plans
    
4. Track caregiver support and data collection
    
5. Review progress and adjust regularly
    

Parent Pathways is here to help you through every step—referral letters, insurance navigation, provider choice, goal-setting, and ongoing advocacy. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s partner together to ensure your child gets the best possible ABA support.

Choosing an ABA provider is a deeply personal decision. The right provider will feel like a supportive partner in your child’s growth — someone who listens, collaborates, and honors your family’s values and goals.

Here are key factors to consider when evaluating ABA providers:

✅ Are services overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)?
✅ Do direct therapists hold certification as Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)?
✅ Does the agency provide ongoing training and supervision?

Why it matters: ABA should always be led by credentialed professionals who are trained in ethical and evidence-based practices.
 

✅ Are you included in planning and goal-setting?
✅ Does the provider offer parent training or coaching sessions?
✅ Are you regularly updated on your child’s progress?

Why it matters: ABA is most effective when families are actively engaged and supported in learning the same strategies used during therapy.
 

✅ Do they offer therapy in settings that match your needs (home, clinic, community, school)?
✅ Can they explain the structure of sessions (e.g., naturalistic play vs. discrete trial training)?
✅ Is the environment sensory-friendly and welcoming?

Why it matters: A comfortable and appropriate setting makes it easier for your child to engage, learn, and feel safe.
 

✅ Are therapy goals tailored to your child, not copied from another child’s plan?
✅ Do they use assessments and data to measure progress?
✅ Will the plan grow and change as your child makes gains?

Why it matters: One-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. Your child deserves a plan that evolves with them.
 

✅ Can they explain their process in parent-friendly language?
✅ Do you feel heard and respected during conversations?
✅ Are you told clearly about cancellation policies, expectations, and insurance processes?

Why it matters: Trust and open communication are essential for a strong, lasting partnership.
 

✅ Do they accept AHCCCS/DDD or your private insurance?
✅ Do they have availability for new clients?
✅ Is their location or schedule realistic for your family?

Why it matters: Consistency is key in ABA — it needs to be accessible and sustainable for your whole family.
 

You are the expert on your child. If something doesn’t feel right — whether it’s how staff speak to your child, the goals being proposed, or how progress is tracked — you have every right to ask questions, request changes, or explore other options.