Frequently Asked Questions
We know navigating autism therapy can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to the most common questions families ask us.
The Big Three
What exactly is ABA therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that uses proven techniques to help individuals build useful life skills, reduce harmful behaviors, and learn to navigate their world more independently. It focuses on positive reinforcement and breaking down tasks into small, teachable steps.
Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?
Yes, ABA therapy is typically covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. In California, state law mandates insurance providers to offer coverage for behavioral health treatments, including ABA therapy, for individuals with autism.
What programs does B.E.S.T. offer for my child?
B.E.S.T. provides a variety of behavior analytic services tailored to your child's needs. These include Comprehensive ABA, Focused ABA, a Mock Preschool and Kindergarten readiness program, extensive Parent Training workshops, and Clinical Consultation services.
The Science and the Sessions
Does ABA therapy actually work?
Yes. ABA therapy is an evidence-based treatment for autism that has passed rigorous scientific tests of its usefulness and effectiveness. Research shows it leads to significant gains in communication, social, and daily living skills.
Will ABA therapy cure autism?
There is no cure for autism, and our intention is not to find one. Our goal is to help children build practical, everyday skills, support families, and give children the tools they need to reach their own goals and access the same opportunities as their neurotypical peers.
What does a typical ABA session look like?
A session varies widely based on your child's specific goals. It often includes practicing communication, learning self-care tasks, and playing social games to improve sharing and turn-taking. Therapists use methods like Natural Environment Training, modeling, and positive reinforcement.
Does ABA use punishment to change behaviors?
No. Punishment should never be used as a tool to draw out a desired behavior. Positive reinforcement and repetition are the main tools of our ABA practitioners. Unwanted behaviors are generally ignored and the person is redirected toward the practice skill.
What are "pivotal skills" and why do you focus on them?
Pivotal skills are core foundational skills like social reciprocity, self-management, and joint attention. When children master these, it creates a positive ripple effect that accelerates learning across all other areas of development and helps generalize skills not specifically targeted in training.
How long does a child usually stay in ABA therapy?
The duration and intensity depend entirely on the child's specific needs. Comprehensive programs might involve 10 to 40 hours per week, while Focused ABA is tailored to address very specific, targeted behaviors over a varying timeframe.
Our Specialized Care
What is Comprehensive ABA?
Comprehensive ABA is an intensive treatment model that addresses multiple developmental domains simultaneously for infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents to close developmental gaps.
What is Focused ABA and how is it different?
Unlike Comprehensive ABA, Focused ABA involves providing direct services that target only one or two specific behaviors for acquisition or reduction, such as maintaining a conversation or improving safety compliance.
Where do the therapy sessions take place?
We offer flexible service delivery. Depending on the child's needs and program, therapy is provided at our centers, directly in your home, at schools, or out in the community.
What is the Mock Preschool program?
Our Mock Preschool is a year-round practice environment run similarly to a private preschool. Children learn routines, transitions, and rules alongside community peers (neurotypical children) who typically make up 50% or more of the class.
Do you offer summer programs for school readiness?
Yes, during the summer, children preparing for Kindergarten or first grade can attend a specialized mock class focused on the skills needed for those specific grades.
Do you provide services for adults over 21?
Typically, insurance does not cover ABA services for individuals over 21 years old. Adult services are usually accessed by contacting your local Regional Center.
What kind of training do B.E.S.T. behavior technicians receive?
All our Behavior Technicians undergo rigorous paid training and must become a Board Certified Autism Technician (BCAT) within 90 days of hire. They also receive ongoing supervision from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Empowering Caregivers
How will our family be involved in the therapy?
At B.E.S.T., we consider parents to be essential partners. We offer personalized parent training sessions and monthly workshops, and caregivers actively participate in generalization sessions to transfer skills to the home.
What is "Phase 3 Generalization"?
Phase 3 is the final phase of skill acquisition where target skills previously mastered in the clinic are systematically generalized to different environments and presented by different people. Parents play a key role in assisting this transfer into real-world settings.
Do you offer training specifically for parents?
Yes. We offer a comprehensive eight-hour hands-on workshop that demonstrates basic behavior analytic strategies for home and community use, utilizing videos and collaborative problem-solving activities.
Are the parent training workshops free?
Yes, our 1 to 2 hour evening, topic-specific workshops held at the Modesto center are completely free for families receiving comprehensive services, and we even provide complimentary childcare during the sessions.
Getting Started
What insurance plans do you accept in California?
We accept many insurance plans in California, including Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna, Cigna, and Health Net.
Does Medi-Cal cover ABA therapy?
Yes, Medi-Cal may cover ABA therapy for children under 21 who are diagnosed with autism and meet medical necessity criteria.
How do we start the intake process?
You can fill out our online contact form or call our administrative office. We will help verify your insurance and schedule a clinical assessment with a BCBA to build a customized treatment plan
Do I need an official autism diagnosis before starting?
Yes, getting an official autism diagnosis from a qualified provider, such as a pediatrician or psychologist, is usually required by most insurance companies before ABA therapy can commence.
How do you measure and report my child's progress?
Progress is measured by collecting data in each therapy session. Families receive detailed progress reports containing data, visual graphs, and updated clinical recommendations from the supervising behavior analyst.