Frequently Asked Questions About Autism

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy is an evidence-based therapy in which behavior modifications are consistently applied and rewarded to make a meaningful change in overall behavior.

During ABA Therapy, skills are broken down into small, easy-to-learn steps. Positive reinforcement is used to motivate the child, and data is continuously collected to measure the child's progress and modify their personalized treatment plan. ABA Therapy is the single most effective treatment for children with ASD and the only treatment shown to lead to substantial, lasting improvements in the lives of children with autism. Over 1,000 peer-reviewed, scientific autism articles describe ABA Therapy successes, leading to the National Institute of Health and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment to endorse the method, along with the U.S. Surgeon General.

The signs of autism vary from child to child, as does the timing of those signs. The following are core signs, symptoms and behaviors of children affected by autism.

• Impaired Social Communication Skills
• Impaired Communication Skills
• Repetitive or Restricted Behaviors
• Other Behaviors of Concerns

Autism is a Spectrum Disorder, which means that it affects each child differently. Every child has a unique set of characteristics, and each child's ability to communicate, process, socialize and manage behavior will vary.

Unfortunately, not. Your Behavior Technician is permitted to transport the child for a therapy session, but no other family members.

Indirectly, yes. While we cannot teach school subjects like math or science, your BCBA can implement a program to work on skills that support completion of homework. For example, we cannot "teach" long division; however, we can work on tolerating a difficult task, asking for help, or remaining seated for a specified duration while completing non-preferred tasks. These skills are taught by using tasks such as homework and chores.

No they can not. However, your BCBA can provide information related to programs/skills being addressed in ABA therapy sessions, data related to those programs, and information regarding how various programs are ran. For example, if we are working on tolerating a difficult task for a specified duration, your BCBA can speak to the procedure used during ABA therapy to accomplish this. Your BCBA cannot instruct or provide any direct guidance on implementing programs or managing behavior within the classroom.

There is no single test for autism; for example, there is no blood test or brain scan that will tell you if someone has autism.
However, there are typically two stages involved to an autism diagnosis that both involve screening. The most common validated screening tool is called the M-CHATTM
Another form of screening is the ADOS, or Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule

There are 5 typical steps in order for a child to receive ABA therapy. Life Skills Autism Academy can help you navigate this process and support you along the way.

Step 1: Screening

A screening, like the M-Chat ®, can help identify the likelihood that your child may have autism. Screenings are not a formal diagnosis and should be used in conjunction with a formal diagnosis appointment.

Step 2: Diagnosis

Working with a medical professional who can provide a formal diagnosis, such as a pediatrician or licensed psychologist, you and your child will complete a diagnostic test to determine if a child has an official diagnosis of ASD.

Step 3: Insurance Navigation

Working with your insurance provider, we will help navigate the process to verify if coverage is provided. In addition, we will help you submit all the necessary paperwork to obtain an authorization from your provider to receive ABA therapy as a covered benefit.

Step 4: Assessment

A Life Skills Autism Academy Supervising Clinician will meet with you and your child to complete an assessment, which is a series of tests that determine what therapy level is recommended. Also known as "treatment intensity", the dosage recommendation of ABA therapy is commonly prescribed in hours per week.

Step 5: Treatment Planning

Once your insurance provider approves the assessment and therapy hours, a Life Skills Autism Academy Supervising Clinician will sit down with you and your child to discuss an individualized, child-centric treatment plan. This plan will be centered around the needs of your child, unique to your child, and with your input.

Behavior Analysis has been studied for decades, however ABA Therapy has been growing for approximately 40 years.

ABA Therapy is the single most effective treatment for children with ASD and the only treatment shown to lead to substantial, lasting improvements in the lives of children with autism. Over 1,000 peer-reviewed, scientific autism articles describe ABA Therapy successes, leading to the National Institute of Health and the Association for Science in Autism Treatment to endorse the method, along with the U.S. Surgeon General. Read more about this on our ABA therapy page.

Yes, if you wish. The Behavior Technician can provide assistance with behavior management, following directions, social interactions, etc. during these appointments. The individual providers may require you to sign a release for the Behavior Technician to be in the room based on their policies.

No. The Behavior Technician is not able to go on vacations or trips. There are resources available that provide respite services that you might be eligible for.

Possibly. This depends on the programming needs of your child, as well as the policies/ guidelines of the daycare.

Life Skills Autism Academy focuses on early-intervention. Our ABA Program is specially designed for children ages 2-6. 

Life Skills has a team of Supervising Clinicians and Behavior Technicians who are fluent in English, Spanish and Arabic. Depending on your insurance and the specific needs of the client and/or family, Life Skills can often identify and leverage translation companies to accommodate most languages.

Life Skills Autism Academy is currently located in 4 states and growing! To find out if we have services in your area, please visit our Locations page.

Yes, you will! Life Skills Autism Academy's Board Certified Behavior Analysts will work with you to schedule monthly ABA training sessions. These parent and family training sessions are important because they will help you learn the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis so that your child's treatment can extend beyond just the hours of therapy.