In-Home ABA Therapy in Des Moines, Iowa
Achieving Stars Therapy brings BCBA-led, play-based ABA therapy to homes in Des Moines for ages 18 months to 15, with no waitlist. Iowa Medicaid and most insurance plans accepted.
Can Toddlers Start ABA Therapy in Des Moines?
Yes. Achieving Stars Therapy starts in-home ABA therapy from 18 months.
Early ACCESS, Iowa's free program for children under 3, runs through Heartland AEA. Families can use it alongside ABA.
What Do In-Home ABA Therapy Services Include?
In-Home Sessions, 8am to 8pm
A therapist comes to your home anywhere in Des Moines and Polk County.
A BCBA-Led Team
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) writes an individualized treatment plan. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) runs each session.
Toddlers, 18 Months to 5 Years
Play-based sessions build communication skills, play and daily-living skills.
Children 6 to 15
Social skills, emotional regulation, challenging behaviors and self-advocacy.
Parent Training
Parents and caregivers learn the therapist's strategies, so progress continues between sessions.
Does Iowa Medicaid or Insurance Cover ABA Therapy?
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Yes, with an autism diagnosis. Iowa Medicaid covers ABA through age 20, and Achieving Stars Therapy takes all three plans: Iowa Total Care, Molina and Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup).
For large-employer plans renewed from January 1, 2026, Iowa law dropped the age-19 limit and dollar caps on ABA. Check your insurance coverage free at (833) 666-3115.
How Do You Start ABA Therapy in Des Moines?
No waitlist. Most families with private insurance start in 1 to 2 weeks; Iowa Medicaid takes longer for plan approval.
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Step 1: Call
Call (833) 666-3115 or email info@achievingstarstherapy.com.
Step 2: Benefits Check
Share your child's diagnosis. Achieving Stars Therapy checks benefits and gets the plan's approval, for up to six months at a time on Medicaid.
Step 3: Home Assessment
A BCBA visits your home and sets the first goals.
Step 4: Therapy Begins
Sessions start, and the BCBA updates the plan as your child progresses.
Where Can Des Moines Families Get an Autism Diagnosis?
Achieving Stars Therapy does not diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). UnityPoint Health Blank Children's Psychology in West Des Moines (515-224-3399) evaluates ages 3 to 16 with a provider's referral.
For children under 3, the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development (319-353-6900) evaluates from 18 months.
We proudly provide
in-home ABA therapy
Des Moines Resources for Families of Children with Autism
Des Moines Public Schools Special Education
Ask about evaluations and IEP supports at your child's school.
Heartland AEA
Early ACCESS and special education support for Polk County. (515) 270-9030.
Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP)
Free University of Iowa help, including finding a diagnosis. 1-866-219-9119, ext. 2.
ASK Resource Center
Iowa's Parent Training and Information Center. 1-800-450-8667.
Questions Des Moines Families Ask About ABA Therapy
Does Achieving Stars Therapy have a clinic in Des Moines?
No. Achieving Stars Therapy works only in homes, so there is no drive.
Which towns near Des Moines does Achieving Stars Therapy serve?
All of the Des Moines metro, including:
- West Des Moines
- Ankeny
- Urbandale
- Waukee
- Johnston
- Altoona
- Clive
See also in-home ABA therapy across Iowa.
Does Hawki cover ABA therapy?
No. The Autism Support Program (515-725-3350) may pay for ABA for some children under 14 with no other coverage, while funding lasts.
What does play-based ABA therapy mean?
Evidence-based applied behavior analysis built around your child's interests and routines, instead of table drills. For children under 5, see early intervention ABA.
Who can diagnose autism in Iowa?
Licensed doctors, psychologists and some other licensed clinicians. Ask your health plan which ones it accepts.
Blogs Articles
What is ABA Therapy
Engaging, structured play sessions that build communication, social interaction, and independence in a natural and motivating way.
Types of ABA Therapy
Engaging, structured play sessions that build communication, social interaction, and independence in a natural and motivating way.
Understanding ABA Therapy
Engaging, structured play sessions that build communication, social interaction, and independence in a natural and motivating way.
Who Provides ABA Therapy at Achieving Stars?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst runs every program.
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