What is ABA Therapy? | Guidepost ABA
Understanding ABA Therapy

What is ABA
Therapy?

A warm, evidence-based program that helps children with autism build meaningful life skills — one small step at a time.

Board Certified BCBAs
No Waitlist
Insurance Accepted
Child receiving ABA therapy at Guidepost ABA

ABA therapy, explained simply

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis — a research-backed therapy that uses the science of learning to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) build practical, everyday skills.

At Guidepost ABA, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) design a fully individualized plan for each child. Our skilled therapists then work one-on-one using positive reinforcement, structured teaching, and natural play — so every session moves your child closer to their goals.

"ABA is not about changing who your child is — it's about giving them more tools to communicate, connect, and thrive in the world around them."


How does ABA therapy help?

ABA helps children develop meaningful skills across every area of life, while also reducing behaviors that get in the way of learning and safety.

🗣️

Communication

Verbal and nonverbal skills — speaking, gesturing, eye contact, and understanding others.

🤝

Social skills

Turn-taking, starting conversations, peer play, and forming lasting relationships.

🎒

School readiness

Imitation, matching, categorization, and following directions for classroom success.

🧼

Self-care

Daily routines like handwashing, dressing, and potty training for independence at home.

😌

Behavior support

Replacing unsafe behaviors with safer, more effective ways to express needs.

🏠

Family confidence

Parents learn strategies to reinforce skills at home, not just in the therapy room.

Two teaching methods we use

Our BCBAs and therapists blend two core ABA methods — both backed by decades of research — to match how your child learns best.

Structured 📚

Discrete Trial Teaching

Skills are broken into small, manageable steps. Each trial involves a prompt, your child's response, and positive reinforcement. Great for introducing new skills step by step.

Play-based 🎮

Natural Environment Teaching

Learning happens through play and activities your child already enjoys. Therapists create teaching moments in real-life situations — so skills generalize beyond the therapy setting.

Real, practical goals

Every child's goals are personalized and developed together with your family. Here are examples of real goals your child might work toward:


What a Typical Day of In-Home Therapy Looks Like

One of the questions we get most from new families is: what actually happens during a session? Here's an honest look.

1

Before We Arrive

You don't need to do anything to prepare. We come in already knowing where your child is and what we're working on — and if something happened that morning, just let us know at the door. It helps more than you'd think.

2

We Start By Joining In

We don't walk in and get straight to business. If your child is playing with LEGOs, we're playing with LEGOs. That connection piece is how we earn the trust that makes everything else in the session actually work.

3

The Therapy Part (Which Doesn't Always Look Like Therapy)

Goals get woven into whatever's already happening — a snack, a game, a walk outside. Parents sometimes tell us they couldn't tell when the "therapy" started. Honestly, that's the goal.

4

You're Part of It Too

We'll pause to show you what we're doing and why — not in a lecture-y way, more like "here's what's been working, try it at dinner tonight." The more you're in the loop, the more progress carries over between sessions.

5

How We Wind Down

We give your child a heads-up before wrapping up, because transitions are something we practice, not spring on them. Before we leave, we'll give you a quick rundown of how things went.

6

After We Leave

Your BCBA reviews session data regularly and adjusts goals based on what's working. You'll hear from us — not just when there's a concern, but when there's something worth celebrating too.

Every kid is different, and every session reflects that. What doesn't change is that we're always following your child's lead.

Backed by decades of research

ABA is the most studied, most endorsed therapy for autism — recognized by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association as an evidence-based practice.

📖 40+
years of peer-reviewed research
💳 90%
of insurance plans cover ABA
🧑‍🏫 1:1
therapist to child ratio

Common questions from parents

Is ABA therapy only for young children?
ABA therapy is most effective when started early, but children of all ages can benefit. Guidepost ABA works with children from 18 months through school age, tailoring every program to each child's current level and needs.
Will my child just sit at a table all day?
Not at all. While structured table work supports school readiness, most learning at Guidepost ABA happens through movement, play, and exploration. Our goal is to make every session engaging and motivating for your child.
Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?
Yes — ABA therapy is covered by most private health insurance plans in the US. Our admissions team will verify your benefits, explain your out-of-pocket costs, and handle all the paperwork so you can focus on your child.
How are parents involved in ABA therapy?
Families are a critical part of the team. Every child's program includes regular Family Guidance sessions with their BCBA — where we set home goals, share evidence-based strategies, and make sure progress carries over into daily life.
How do I know if ABA is right for my child?
If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ABA is widely recommended as a first-line treatment. Our team will conduct a full assessment to understand your child's unique strengths and needs before starting any therapy.

Help your child thrive with expert care.

Taking the first step is often the hardest. Our team is here to listen, support, and guide you through the process of starting ABA therapy.
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