FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based approach that uses principles of learning and behavior to help individuals develop meaningful skills and increase independence. Treatment is individualized based on each learner’s strengths, needs, and goals.
Where does THRIVE ABA NY provide services?
THRIVE ABA NY primarily provides ABA services in the learner’s home and natural environment. Providing services where everyday routines occur allows skills to be practiced in meaningful, real-life situations and supports generalization across people and settings.
What ages does THRIVE ABA NY serve?
THRIVE ABA NY provides services to children and adolescents based on clinical need, insurance eligibility, and the availability of appropriate services. Families are encouraged to contact us so we can determine whether THRIVE is an appropriate provider for their child.
What insurance plans does THRIVE ABA NY accept?
THRIVE ABA NY participates with several insurance plans, including New York State Medicaid and select commercial and managed-care plans. Because participation and benefits may change, families should contact us to verify current network participation and their individual ABA benefits.
How do I get started?
The first step is to complete our Client Intake Packet and provide the requested insurance and diagnostic information. Our team will review the information and begin the insurance verification process.
What happens after I submit the Client Intake Packet?
Once the required information is received, THRIVE will verify insurance benefits and determine the next steps required by the family’s health plan. Depending on the insurance plan, authorization may be required before an initial ABA assessment can be completed.
What happens during the initial ABA assessment?
A BCBA gathers information about the learner’s strengths, needs, current skills, behaviors, daily routines, and family priorities. The assessment may include caregiver interviews, direct observation, record review, and standardized or criterion-referenced assessment tools when clinically appropriate.
The information gathered is used to develop individualized treatment recommendations and, when appropriate, a treatment plan for submission to the learner’s insurance plan.
How soon can ABA services begin?
The timeline varies based on insurance authorization, completion of the assessment and treatment plan, the learner’s clinical needs, family availability, and appropriate staffing. A specific start date cannot be guaranteed until the necessary steps have been completed.
What is the role of the BCBA?
The BCBA is responsible for the clinical direction of the learner’s ABA treatment. This may include assessment, treatment planning, developing and modifying programs, analyzing data, supervising and coaching Behavior Technicians, monitoring progress, and providing caregiver training.
What is the role of the Behavior Technician?
Behavior Technicians provide direct ABA services under the supervision of a BCBA. They implement individualized treatment programs, collect data, support skill development, and follow treatment and behavior-support procedures developed by the supervising BCBA.
Will the BCBA continue to be involved after treatment begins?
Yes. ABA treatment at THRIVE is BCBA-led. The supervising BCBA continues to monitor treatment, review data, observe sessions, provide clinical guidance and technician supervision, make program modifications when appropriate, and collaborate with caregivers throughout treatment.
How are caregivers involved?
Caregiver collaboration is an important part of treatment. BCBAs provide caregiver training and coaching to help families understand treatment strategies and support meaningful skills during everyday routines. Caregiver involvement also helps promote consistency and generalization beyond direct ABA sessions.
What types of skills may be addressed through ABA?
Treatment goals are individualized and based on clinical need. Depending on the learner, ABA may address functional communication, social interaction, daily living and self-help skills, independence, transitions, safety skills, play and leisure skills, and behaviors that interfere with everyday functioning.
THRIVE does not use a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Goals are selected based on the individual learner and family priorities while remaining clinically appropriate and medically necessary.
Does THRIVE provide academic tutoring?
THRIVE ABA NY provides medically necessary ABA treatment rather than academic tutoring. Treatment may support skills that help a learner participate more independently across environments, but ABA services are not intended to replace educational instruction or school-based services.
Does a caregiver need to be present during in-home sessions?
A responsible adult must be available in accordance with THRIVE ABA NY policies and the requirements of the learner’s treatment and insurance plan. Specific caregiver participation expectations are reviewed with families before services begin.
What if I have questions before getting started?
Families can contact THRIVE ABA NY at info@thriveabany.com with questions about services, insurance, or the intake process.