Question 1

What is applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy is a gold standard approach for helping children with autism learn and meet milestones. This evidence-based therapy method helps children reduce target behaviors through play, positive reinforcement, and other ABA techniques.

Question 2

Who provides ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy at Buzz ABA is provided by trained professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). The care your child receives is driven by research and supervised by clinical experts.

Question 3

How does ABA therapy help children with autism?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy uses positive reinforcement and play-based activities to help children reach milestones and learn new skills. Our programming is tailored to each child's needs and is designed to produce results you can feel good about. Our BCBAs work with each family to determine goals for ABA therapy. Some children need help learning new skills, like talking and increasing eye contact. Other children may need support decreasing self-injurious or other target behaviors.

Question 4

How frequent are ABA therapy sessions, and how long do the sessions last?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy usually happens 20 to 40 hours a week for several hours each session. How long a child participates in therapy depends on their unique needs, but it can go on for several months or years. The therapy plan is adjusted as the child makes progress to help them reach their goals.

Question 5

How does Buzz ABA coordinate care for my child?

Accepted Answer

With your permission, your child's Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will collaborate with your child's entire support team. This may include pediatricians, speech therapists, occupational therapists, or other medical professionals. By keeping everyone on the same page, we ensure that all diagnoses and goals are considered when developing your child's individualized ABA therapy plan.

Question 6

Can my child receive other therapies at a Buzz ABA center?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To make accessing services easier, we maintain a list of approved speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapy providers that we work with. These professionals can deliver sessions at our centers during the therapy day, so your child can receive multiple therapies in one familiar setting without extra transitions or travel.

Question 7

How can I know if my child needs an autism assessment?

Accepted Answer

Early signs of autism can include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, repetitive behaviors, and speech delays. Screening tools like the M-CHAT-R and the CAST can help identify your child's autism risk based on these specific signs. If these tools indicate that your child may have autism, additional assessments like the ADOS-2 can provide a more thorough evaluation.

Question 8

How do I get my child tested for autism?

Accepted Answer

If your child is showing early signs of autism, complete an online autism screening. If the screener indicates that your child is at risk for autism, the next step is to complete an in-person autism assessment, like the ADOS-2. Contact us, and we'll help you schedule a no-cost ADOS-2 autism assessment near you.

Question 9

What is the M-CHAT-R?

Accepted Answer

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a screening tool that parents can use to identify early signs of ASD in younger children. It consists of questions parents answer about their child's development. If a child receives a high-risk score, they should receive further evaluation by an autism specialist.

Question 10

What is the CAST?

Accepted Answer

The Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) is a 39-item questionnaire for parents that focuses on behaviors and abilities that can indicate ASD in older children. It can help identify children who may benefit from further evaluation and intervention.

Question 11

What is the ADOS-2 assessment?

Accepted Answer

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a leading diagnostic tool clinicians use to evaluate for possible ASD. During this natural, play-based assessment, our experts work with children to observe their communication, social skills, and behaviors.

Question 12

Who can diagnose autism in children?

Accepted Answer

Only a qualified healthcare provider, like a developmental pediatrician or a pediatric neurologist, can make an official autism diagnosis. Screeners like the M-CHAT-R and CAST can highlight autism risk, but receiving a formal diagnosis requires participating in a more thorough assessment like the ADOS-2.

Question 13

What should I do if my child is diagnosed with autism?

Accepted Answer

If your child is diagnosed with autism, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to support your family. Start by connecting with your child's pediatrician to discuss the diagnosis and develop a plan. Early intervention services, including ABA therapy, have been proven to help children develop essential life skills.

Question 14

Will my insurance cover the cost of ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Each insurance plan differs in terms of how many hours of ABA therapy are covered after a thorough assessment of the child's needs. Our team of insurance specialists is happy to navigate the insurance verification process on your behalf and provide you with specific information about your plan's benefits.

Question 15

Does insurance cover ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Most health insurance plans cover ABA therapy, and we are proud to be in-network with the largest health insurers in our service areas. At Buzz ABA, our insurance specialists handle the details, so you don't have to. We verify your child's ABA therapy coverage, complete any necessary pre-authorization paperwork, and directly bill the insurance company for services.

Question 16

How much does ABA therapy cost?

Accepted Answer

All private commercial health insurance companies in the United States and Medicaid cover ABA therapy to some degree. Health insurance can be a tricky road to navigate, which is why our staff will check your insurance eligibility for you. We will provide you with information regarding out-of-pocket costs, how many hours of ABA therapy your insurance covers, and how many hours we recommend your child needs.

Question 17

Do you offer financial assistance for ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

We believe all children should have access to life-changing ABA therapy regardless of their family's financial situation. That's why we offer sliding-scale options so families can pay an amount that aligns with their income. If you're concerned about the cost of ABA therapy, we're happy to discuss your insurance benefits and explore ways we can help reduce the financial burden.

Question 18

Can I just make a copay for ABA therapy like I do at the doctor's office?

Accepted Answer

If you have a copay or coinsurance, you can pay online through our easy-to-use patient portal. During the admissions process, we will provide you with a fee schedule and an estimate of your anticipated out-of-pocket expenses for ABA therapy.

Question 19

How do I get started with Buzz ABA?

Accepted Answer

Fill out our simple contact form, and we will call you to discuss your family's needs. Next, we'll schedule you and your child for a visit to our ABA therapy center near you. We can also schedule an ADOS-2 or other Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE), if necessary. After completing intake paperwork, you and your child will meet their Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to set therapy goals.

Question 20

Is ABA therapy right for my child?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy is effective for children of all ages and skill levels on the autism spectrum. Our free consultation will help determine if our approach is the right fit for your child's specific needs.

Question 21

What is the ideal age to begin ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Early ABA therapy typically starts between ages 2 and 5, during a child's most flexible developmental phase. This timing increases the effectiveness of skill-building and behavior shaping.

Question 22

How long does ABA therapy take?

Accepted Answer

Treatment duration varies based on individual needs and goals. Many children show significant progress within 6-12 months, with some requiring longer-term support for complex skills.

Question 23

How often should ABA sessions be scheduled?

Accepted Answer

The frequency varies depending on the child's needs, but many programs recommend 10 to 40 hours per week. A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can guide the appropriate schedule.

Question 24

What does 'school readiness' mean at Buzz ABA?

Accepted Answer

At Buzz ABA, we consider school readiness to be a child's ability to participate in a general education classroom with some independence. This means they can join classroom activities and follow routines with less support.

Question 25

How do you measure school readiness?

Accepted Answer

Our team uses a mix of tools to check school readiness. We look at how a child is doing on their individualized goals and use special assessments to help guide our decisions.

Question 26

What steps do you take to help children get ready for school?

Accepted Answer

We have a clear process for helping children prepare for school. This includes using tools to track progress, making changes to their ABA therapy schedule, and helping them spend more time in school or group settings as they get closer to transitioning.

Question 27

Can ABA therapy help with nonverbal children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, ABA techniques can be adapted for nonverbal learners using tools like sign language, communication devices, and picture systems to improve expression and understanding.

Question 28

Does ABA therapy take place only in clinics?

Accepted Answer

No, ABA can occur in various settings such as homes, schools, or community environments to increase the relevance and generalization of skills.

Question 29

How is progress measured in ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapists track specific behaviors and skill milestones over time, using data-driven methods to adjust teaching strategies and ensure continuous improvement.

Question 30

Are therapy goals created for each child?

Accepted Answer

Every ABA plan is customized to fit the child's individual needs, with goals developed through assessments and family input to ensure targeted progress.

Question 31

What role do parents play in ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Parental involvement is key, with regular communication, training, and feedback loops that help carry over learning into daily life.

Question 32

What's the difference between in-home and clinic therapy?

Accepted Answer

In-home therapy provides personalized attention in a familiar environment, while clinic therapy offers specialized equipment and social opportunities. Many families benefit from a combination of both.

Question 33

Does NH Medicaid cover ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, New Hampshire Medicaid fully covers ABA therapy for children with autism. There are no copays or deductibles for Medicaid recipients receiving autism services. Buzz ABA accepts NH Medicaid.

Question 34

What is Katie Beckett Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

Katie Beckett (also called TEFRA) is a special Medicaid program that allows children with significant disabilities to qualify based on their disability level, regardless of family income. Even families earning $100,000+ may qualify. Contact NH DHHS at (603) 271-5034 to learn more.

Question 35

Where can I find a free IEP advocate in NH?

Accepted Answer

The Parent Information Center (PIC) at (603) 224-7005 offers free IEP training and advocacy support. NH Family Voices and the Disability Rights Center - NH also provide free advocacy resources. Visit our Advocate Referral page for a complete list.

Question 36

What local agencies help families with autism in NH?

Accepted Answer

Key agencies include: NH Bureau of Developmental Services (state coordination), Area Agencies (10 regional offices), NH Family Voices (family support), Parent Information Center (IEP help), Disability Rights Center - NH (legal advocacy), and the Autism Society of NH (support groups).

Question 37

How do I apply for NH Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

You can apply online at nheasy.nh.gov, call NH DHHS at (603) 271-9700, or visit your local DHHS office. Be sure to ask about Katie Beckett if your child has significant support needs, as it has different eligibility criteria than regular Medicaid.

Question 38

Is ABA therapy available for teenagers in NH?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Buzz ABA offers ABA therapy for children ages 2-18, including specialized teen programs focused on independence, social skills, and life skills. It's never too late to start ABA therapy.

Question 39

Where can I get my child diagnosed with autism in NH?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic services are available through Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Riverbend Community Mental Health, Lakes Region Mental Health, and private developmental pediatricians. Buzz ABA does not provide diagnosis but can help after your child is diagnosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

ABA Therapy Basics

Autism Screening & Diagnosis

Insurance & Financial Support

Getting Started

Specialized Programs

NH Local Resources & Financial Help

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