Who We Help: ABA Therapy for Children with Autism Across All Ages

1. Who Qualifies for ABA Therapy at Achieving Stars

ABA therapy is designed for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To start services with Achieving Stars Therapy, your child needs a formal ASD diagnosis from a qualified professional.

We accept diagnoses from licensed psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or psychiatrists. The diagnosis must be documented and shared during intake so our authorization team can submit it to insurance.

If your child doesn't have a diagnosis yet, we can guide you toward assessment options. Diagnostic services like the ADOS-2 assessment or the M-CHAT screening are often the first steps.

2. ABA Therapy by Age: What to Expect at Each Stage

ABA therapy adapts to where your child is developmentally. Younger children focus on foundational communication and play skills, while older kids work on social interactions, self-regulation, and independence.

Research suggests earlier intervention tends to be more effective, but it's never too late to start. Teens and older children still show meaningful progress in adaptive behavior, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.

Toddlers (18 months–3 years)

• Primary focus: Early language development, joint attention, imitation, basic play skills
• Common goals: Responding to name, pointing to request items, parallel play with peers
• Session structure: Play-based, naturalistic teaching in the home environment
• Parent involvement: High—caregivers learn strategies to reinforce skills throughout the day

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

• Primary focus: Expressive language, following multi-step directions, social initiation, toilet training
• Common goals: Asking questions, sharing with others, tolerating transitions, reducing meltdowns
• Session structure: Mix of structured tasks and naturalistic opportunities
• Parent involvement: Weekly or biweekly guidance sessions to align strategies

School-Age Children (6–12 years)

• Primary focus: Academic readiness, peer relationships, self-regulation, following classroom routines
• Common goals: Turn-taking in games, managing frustration, completing homework independently
• Session structure: In-home or in-school depending on where behaviors occur
• Parent involvement: Collaboration with teachers and regular progress updates

Teens (13–18 years)

• Primary focus: Life skills, vocational readiness, community navigation, emotional regulation
• Common goals: Using public transportation, managing a budget, job interview skills, conflict resolution
• Session structure: Real-world practice in community settings when appropriate
• Parent involvement: Focus shifts toward teen independence while keeping parents informed

Learn more about age-specific approaches on our play-based ABA therapy and ABA therapy for teens pages.

3. Children with Dual Diagnoses: ASD + ADHD, Down Syndrome, and More

Many children we work with have autism alongside other diagnoses. This is common and doesn't disqualify them from ABA therapy—in fact, our BCBAs routinely design treatment plans that account for multiple conditions.

Dual diagnoses require more nuanced assessment and flexibility in treatment approach. A child with both ASD and ADHD might struggle with attention and impulse control on top of social communication challenges, so the BCBA adjusts session structure and reinforcement strategies accordingly.

Common Dual Diagnoses We Support

• ASD + ADHD: Addressing hyperactivity, attention span, and executive function alongside autism-specific goals
• ASD + Down syndrome: Adapting communication methods, pacing instruction to match cognitive processing
• ASD + anxiety disorders: Gradual exposure to feared situations, teaching coping mechanisms
• ASD + Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Managing defiance and non-compliance through behavioral interventions (see our ABA therapy for ODD page)
• ASD + speech/language delays: Coordinating with speech therapists to reinforce communication across settings

During the initial assessment, your BCBA will ask detailed questions about all diagnoses and observed behaviors. This ensures the treatment plan addresses your child's full profile, not just the autism diagnosis.

4. Early Intervention: Why Starting Young Matters

Brain plasticity is higher in early childhood. Kids who start ABA therapy between ages 2 and 5 often make faster gains in language, social skills, and adaptive behavior compared to those who start later.

That said, "early" doesn't mean a hard cutoff. Families who begin services at age 7, 10, or even 15 still see meaningful progress—it just looks different depending on the child's baseline and goals.

Signs That Warrant Early ABA Assessment

• Limited or absent eye contact by 12–18 months
• Not responding to their name by 12 months
• Delayed speech or loss of previously acquired words
• Repetitive behaviors (hand flapping, lining up toys, spinning objects)
• Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
• Limited interest in peers or parallel play

If you're noticing these signs, screenings like the M-CHAT or CAST can help determine if a full diagnostic evaluation is needed. Once you have a diagnosis, Achieving Stars Therapy starts services immediately—no waitlist.

5. School-Age Children: Academic and Social Skill Development

School-age children face new demands: following classroom routines, interacting with multiple peers, managing homework, and regulating emotions during transitions. ABA therapy at this stage focuses on bridging the gap between what's expected at school and what the child can currently do.

We offer both in-home and in-school ABA services. In-school sessions let the BCBA observe the child's actual environment and work directly on classroom-specific challenges like raising their hand, asking for help, or handling peer conflict.

Common Goals for School-Age Kids

• Academic readiness: Sitting for instruction, following multi-step directions, completing assignments
• Social skills: Initiating conversations, reading social cues, joining group activities
• Emotional regulation: Identifying feelings, using calming strategies, reducing meltdowns
• Independence: Morning routines, packing backpack, managing personal belongings

Our BCBAs collaborate with teachers and school staff when appropriate. This ensures strategies are consistent across home and school, which accelerates progress.

6. Teens with Autism: Building Independence and Life Skills

Teenagers with autism benefit from ABA therapy that prioritizes real-world skills. At this age, the focus shifts from foundational behaviors to functional independence—managing money, navigating public spaces, preparing for employment, and handling social nuances.

ABA for teens looks different than it does for younger children. Sessions might involve practicing job interview skills, learning to use a bus schedule, or working through conflict resolution scenarios. The goal is to prepare them for adulthood, not just manage immediate behaviors.

What Teens Work On in ABA Therapy

• Vocational skills: Following workplace instructions, accepting feedback, time management
• Community navigation: Using public transportation, ordering food, shopping independently
• Self-advocacy: Asking for accommodations, expressing needs clearly, problem-solving
• Social complexity: Understanding sarcasm, managing group dynamics, dating etiquette
• Emotional regulation: Coping with rejection, frustration tolerance, anxiety management

Teens are often more self-aware and can participate in setting their own goals. Our BCBAs involve them in the treatment planning process when developmentally appropriate, which increases motivation and buy-in.

See our dedicated ABA therapy for teens page for more on this age group.

7. How We Assess Your Child's Needs

Every child who starts with Achieving Stars Therapy goes through an initial assessment conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This assessment determines which skills to target and how to structure sessions.

The BCBA chooses assessment tools based on your child's age and the concerns you've shared during intake. Common tools include the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS-R), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.

What Happens During the Initial Assessment

• Parent interview: The BCBA asks about your child's strengths, challenges, daily routines, and priority concerns
• Direct observation: The BCBA watches your child in their natural environment (home or school)
• Skill testing: Depending on the tool, the BCBA may test specific skills like following instructions, requesting items, or imitating actions
• Behavior tracking: If there are challenging behaviors (tantrums, aggression, self-injury), the BCBA collects baseline data

After the assessment, the BCBA writes a comprehensive treatment plan. You'll meet with them to review the plan, ask questions, and make sure you understand what's being recommended before it's submitted to insurance for approval.

Learn more about diagnostic tools on our diagnostic services page.

8. Getting Started: Timeline and Insurance

Achieving Stars Therapy operates with no waitlist. Once you complete the intake packet and your insurance authorizes services, we start immediately—usually within 1 to 14 days depending on how quickly insurance responds.

Step-by-Step Onboarding Process

1. Initial contact: Our intake team reaches out to answer your questions and gather basic information
2. Complete intake packet: You'll provide your child's ASD diagnosis, insurance information, and consent forms
3. Insurance authorization: Our team submits to insurance for approval of the initial assessment (typically 1–14 days)
4. Meet your BCBA: Once authorized, you're introduced to the BCBA who will conduct the assessment
5. Initial assessment: The BCBA completes the evaluation and develops the treatment plan
6. Treatment plan review: You meet with the BCBA to review goals and ask questions
7. Start services: Insurance approves the treatment plan, and direct therapy begins

Insurance and Cost

Most families in Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Kansas, and Ohio qualify for Medicaid coverage. If you're unsure about your insurance, our intake team can verify benefits during your initial call.

To explore all our services and specialties, visit our services overview page.