Can My Child Start ABA Therapy Without an Autism Diagnosis?

Although research has documented the benefits of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, is it available for those children without an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis? If you suspect your child may have autism, are awaiting a formal diagnosis, or believe ABA therapy could help your child with another developmental delay or learning disability, you might wonder whether ABA therapy is an option without an autism diagnosis.

Understanding ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence based practice that concentrates on altering behaviors and or skills based on learning theory. The treatment plan used in this study is an individualized therapy which targets on the needs and goals of each child in order to improve their communication, social, and daily living skills as well as decreasing maladaptive behaviors.

While ABA therapy is most often linked in connection with autism treatment, it is actually applicable to people with other developmental and behavioral issues. ABA therapy can help create positive developmental and behavioral changes, whether or not a child has an autism diagnosis.

You don’t need an autism diagnosis to benefit from ABA therapy. Studies have shown that ABA can treat a whole host of developmental delays, learning disorders and even traumatic brain injuries. If you are thinking about ABA therapy, contact a diagnostic professional to give you information on what services are right for your child.

Accessing ABA Therapy Through Insurance

If you are looking to try home based ABA therapy you should know how it works with insurance coverage. To approve ABA therapy service many insurance providers require a formal autism diagnosis.

Champions ABA, as other ABA providers often do, requires a formal diagnosis before starting therapy. This will allow families to better understand insurance coverage, eliminating financial barriers to care. Additionally, knowing that distinction helps BCBAs create individualized treatment plans for each and every child.

Some providers may accept private payments or provide a discount for those families who cannot afford insurance or those who have no insurance at all. Although such possibilities exist, having a professional diagnosis makes it easier to get a more extensive range of services.

Obtaining an Autism Diagnosis

If you suspect your child might have autism, obtaining a diagnosis is a critical first step in accessing ABA therapy. Here’s what the diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Consultation
   The first thing you need to do is see a qualified healthcare professional including a pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or neurologist. This appointment allows you to bring your worries about your child’s development and behavior to be discussed.Comprehensive Assessment.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
   Typically part of the evaluation process is interviewing the parents, observing the child directly, developmental screenings, and standardized assessments that give a complete picture of the child’s strengths and weaknesses.
3. Collaboration
   Parents are involved throughout the process and provide input for the assessments and are also involved with the diagnostic team. The benefits of open communication is that it leads to better diagnostic prognosis and current planning of the treatment.

Helping Your Child Through the Diagnostic Process

The diagnostic process can feel overwhelming for both parents and children. Here are some tips to support your child during this time:

• Provide Reassurance
  Let your child know you’re there to help them. Reassure them that the process is meant to provide answers that will make things better.
• Prepare Your Child
  Depending on their age and developmental level, explain the evaluation process in simple terms. Emphasize that the professionals they’ll meet are there to support them.
• Maintain Routine
  Stick to regular routines as much as possible to provide stability during a potentially stressful time.

It is also important to take care of oneself in this process of change as well. Turn to your peers, or loved ones, or support groups to help you through the process of getting a diagnosis. For information and help, please contact Champions ABA to get the information needed for your family.

Why Champions ABA Requires a Diagnosis

At Champions ABA, a formal diagnosis is a prerequisite for initiating ABA therapy.

This policy assures that children get the best, most specific care that can be given to them. A diagnosis enables clinicians to develop specific plans of management and also enables families to claim insurance services. Champions ABA works closely with diagnostic professionals and is with the families every step of the way to ensure the best care for each child.

An autism diagnosis is the first major step towards getting your child what they need and what they deserve. When done correctly and with collaboration, ABA therapy can be very effective in helping your child thrive.