In-Home ABA Therapy in Iowa
Achieving Stars Therapy brings BCBA-led, play-based ABA therapy to homes across Iowa for ages 18 months to 15, with no waitlist and Iowa Medicaid accepted.
Which Iowa Cities Does Achieving Stars Therapy Serve?
All of Iowa. A therapist comes to families across the state.
Des Moines metro: Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Waukee
Eastern Iowa: Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Dubuque
Quad Cities: Davenport and Bettendorf
Western Iowa: Sioux City, Council Bluffs and the Iowa side of the Omaha metro
Central Iowa and small towns: Ames, Marshalltown, Newton and towns statewide
Can Toddlers Start ABA Therapy in Iowa?
Yes. Achieving Stars Therapy starts early intervention ABA at home from 18 months.
- Early ACCESS is Iowa's free early intervention program for children under 3, delivered through the Area Education Agencies.
- Most Early ACCESS toddlers are served at home: 2,914 of 3,033 (96%) on December 1, 2024, per the U.S. Department of Education.
- Early ACCESS and ABA therapy are separate, so a family can ask for both.
What Does In-Home ABA Therapy Include?
In-Home Sessions, 8am to 8pm
Therapy happens at home, on your family's schedule.
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 and self-advocacy for everyday life.
Parent Training
Parents learn the therapist's strategies, so progress continues between sessions.
A BCBA-Led Team
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) writes an individualized plan. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) runs sessions.
Does Iowa Medicaid or Insurance Cover ABA Therapy?
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Iowa Medicaid does, and so must large-employer insurance plans. Achieving Stars Therapy accepts all three Iowa Medicaid health plans and most major insurance plans, with a free benefits check at (833) 666-3115.
Iowa Medicaid: covers ABA for members 20 or under. Achieving Stars Therapy takes Iowa Total Care, Molina and Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup); the plan approves the treatment plan for up to six months at a time.
Private insurance: for large-employer plans renewed from January 1, 2026, Iowa law dropped the age-19 limit and dollar caps. Plans can still require prior approval and copays.
Hawki: does not cover ABA. The Autism Support Program (515-725-3350) may pay for ABA for some children under 14 with no other ABA coverage. Funding is limited.
How Do You Start ABA Therapy in Iowa?
No waitlist. Most families with private insurance start within 1 to 2 weeks; Iowa Medicaid takes longer while the health plan approves.
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Step 1: Call
Call (833) 666-3115 or email info@achievingstarstherapy.com.
Step 2: Diagnosis and Benefits Check
Coverage needs an autism diagnosis. Achieving Stars Therapy checks benefits and requests the plan's approval.
Step 3: Home Assessment
A BCBA visits, sees where your child is starting and sets the first goals.
Step 4: Therapy Begins
Sessions start, and the BCBA updates the plan as your child progresses.
In-Home or a Clinic: Which Fits Your Family?
At home: therapy fits into daily routines, with no drive. It suits families who live far from a clinic.
At a clinic: a set room, other children and a drive there and back.
Achieving Stars Therapy works only in homes, anywhere in Iowa.
We proudly provide
in-home ABA therapy
Iowa Resources for Families of Children with Autism
Early ACCESS
Free early intervention for children under 3. 1-888-IAKIDS1 (1-888-425-4371).
Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP)
Free University of Iowa care coordination for children with autism up to 21, including help finding diagnostic services. 1-866-219-9119, ext. 2.
University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Autism Center
Team evaluations for autism. The center says autism "can be reliably diagnosed as early as 18 months of age."
ASK Resource Center
Iowa's Parent Training and Information Center. 1-800-450-8667.
Questions Iowa Families Ask About ABA Therapy
My toddler is not talking yet. Where do we start?
Call Early ACCESS. A developmental delay can qualify a child under 3, with no diagnosis needed. Ask your doctor about an autism evaluation too.
Who can diagnose autism in Iowa?
Licensed doctors, psychologists and some other licensed clinicians. Ask your health plan which ones it accepts.
What is BHIS on my Iowa Medicaid plan?
Behavioral Health Intervention Services, the Iowa Medicaid benefit that includes ABA therapy.
Does Achieving Stars Therapy serve Council Bluffs and the Omaha area?
On the Iowa side. Achieving Stars Therapy serves Council Bluffs and nearby Iowa towns, with sessions at home.
What does play-based ABA therapy mean?
Evidence-based applied behavior analysis built around your child's interests and routines, such as snack time and outdoor play, instead of table drills.
Blogs Articles
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Engaging, structured play sessions that build communication, social interaction, and independence in a natural and motivating way.
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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.
Your next step is simple
Let's have a quick, friendly call. We'll help you decide if in-home ABA Therapy is right for your child. No pressure. Just clarity and next steps.
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