Blog Articles
Expert insights, personal stories, and practical advice from our autism care community
What Documents Are Needed to Start ABA Therapy?
Starting ABA therapy shouldn’t feel confusing—but for many families, it does. A big reason is missing or unclear documentation. Let’s be direct about what’s typically required so you can move forward without delays. The Short List (What You Actually Need) In most cases, four core documents are required to start ABA therapy:
Frank Herrera
President
Will Insurance Approve ABA and Other Related Services Without a CDE?
Most insurance companies will not approve ABA therapy—and often speech, occupational therapy, or other related services—without a valid CDE (Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation). There are rare exceptions, but you should not plan on them.
Frank Herrera
President
Who Can Perform a CDE? (Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation)
One of the biggest—and most damaging—misconceptions parents hear is this: “Only a neurologist can do the evaluation.” That’s wrong. Let’s clear it up, plainly. The short answer A CDE (Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation) can be performed by multiple qualified professionals, as long as they are licensed, trained, and working within their clinical scope.
Frank Herrera
President
What is a Comprehensive Diagnostic Exam (CDE)?
A CDE (Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation) is a thorough, multi-part clinical assessment used to determine whether a child meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or another developmental diagnosis. It’s not a quick screening. It’s the real deal.
Frank Herrera
President
Your RBT Is Not a Babysitter — and Treating Them Like One Hurts Your Child’s Progress
When ABA therapy starts, an RBT often becomes a regular presence in your home. They’re there multiple times a week. They interact closely with your child. They help manage behaviors and routines. And sometimes, without anyone meaning harm, a line gets blurred. An RBT is not a babysitter.
Frank Herrera
President
BCBA vs. RBT: Understanding the Difference in Your Child’s ABA Team
When families begin ABA therapy, two roles come up almost immediately: BCBA RBT Parents often see both working with their child — but they are not interchangeable, and their responsibilities are very different.
Frank Herrera
President
What Is an RBT — and What Do They Actually Do?
When ABA therapy begins, the person you see most often is usually the RBT. They’re the one sitting with your child. They’re the one running sessions. They’re the one in your home, clinic, or school multiple times a week. So it’s fair for parents to ask: What exactly is an RBT? What are they responsible for? And what are they not responsible for?
Frank Herrera
President
What Is a BCBA — and What Is Their Job, Really?
When families start ABA therapy, they often hear the title BCBA right away. But many parents quietly wonder: Who is this person, really? What do they actually do? And why does their role matter so much? Let’s clear this up.
Frank Herrera
President
You May Have the Option to Change Insurance Companies — and It’s Okay to Consider It
For many parents, insurance feels like a fixed reality. You have the plan you have. You deal with the denials. You work around the limitations. And often, no one tells you this simple truth: In some situations, you may have the option to change insurance plans if your current one is not meeting your child’s needs.
Frank Herrera
President
Red Flags to Watch for in a ABA Therapy Company
Finding an ABA therapy company can feel like winning the lottery—especially after months of waiting. So when a provider finally says “We have availability,” many families say yes without asking questions. That’s understandable. It’s also risky.
Frank Herrera
President
ABA Therapy Provider Interview Checklist
Use this to choose the right ABA therapy company for your child You are not interviewing to be accepted. You are interviewing to decide if this provider is the right fit.
Frank Herrera
President
How to Choose the Right ABA Therapy Company for Your Child
When parents finally hear, “Your child qualifies for ABA therapy,” there’s often a rush to act. Waitlists are long. Providers are scarce. And the pressure to “just get started” is real.
Frank Herrera
President
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