Frequently Asked Questions About Autism and ABA Therapy

An autism diagnosis comes with a lot of questions. Looking for answers can feel overwhelming, and there is plenty of conflicting information out there. At The Autism Therapy Group, we put families first. Below are the questions we hear most often, answered clearly and honestly.

If you do not see your question here, our team is ready to talk. Reach out anytime.

Understanding autism spectrum disorder

What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

ASD is a developmental disability that can cause behavioral, social, and communication challenges. People with autism spectrum disorder are wired differently. They are not broken or sick. They may need some support learning how to communicate, behave, care for themselves, and interact with others. Some need very little support, while others need a great deal.

What are the signs of autism spectrum disorder?

ASD presents differently in every person. In general, people on the autism spectrum have different ways of learning, reacting, behaving, and communicating. Common signs include:

• Difficulty relating to others
• Avoiding eye contact
• Trouble expressing needs using typical words
• Repeating actions or phrases over and over
• Difficulty adapting to new routines, people, or places
• Unusual reactions to tastes, smells, sounds, textures, or sights
• Interest in people but uncertainty about how to interact with them
• Trouble understanding or talking about feelings
• Does not engage in pretend play
• Does not look at objects when others point to them
• Sensitivity to sound, crowds, or textures

When can my child be diagnosed with ASD?

There is no medical test for ASD, which makes diagnosis challenging. The most reliable approach is observing your child’s behavior and tracking how they progress through developmental milestones. Children can receive an autism diagnosis as young as 18 months old. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner your child can begin benefiting from ABA therapy. Talk to your pediatrician, use our autism screening tool, or contact ATG to get started.

Are ADHD and ASD the same thing?

No. ADHD and ASD are different conditions. Many of their symptoms overlap, which can make it difficult to get the right diagnosis. Both are neurodevelopmental disorders, but they are distinct in important ways. If you believe your child has been misdiagnosed, keep advocating for them. Our clinical team is happy to help you find the right path forward.

About ABA therapy

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy?

ABA therapy is widely regarded as the most effective, evidence-based treatment for autism. It is the most studied approach to helping children with autism learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Learn more about ABA therapy and how it works.

How can ABA therapy help my child?

ABA therapy helps children develop the skills they need for daily life, including social and communication skills, reading and adaptive learning, fine motor skills, and grooming, hygiene, and domestic skills. It also helps reduce unsafe or challenging behaviors. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) use learning tools and positive reinforcement to build these skills consistently over time. See a full overview of ATG’s ABA services.

What is an IEP?

An IEP is an Individualized Education Program. It defines a child’s special education instruction, supports, and services so they can succeed in school. IEPs are available in public schools from preschool through grade 12. Your child’s therapy team can help you understand how ABA therapy and an IEP can work together.

ATG’s services and locations

Where is The Autism Therapy Group located?

ATG has clinic locations across three states:

• Illinois: Lombard, Naperville, Itasca, Rockford, and Springfield
• Texas: Universal City, with in-home therapy available near San Antonio and Del Rio
• Wisconsin: Brookfield, with in-home therapy available near Kenosha

Find a location near you.

What ABA therapy services does ATG offer?

ATG offers high-quality ABA therapy in two primary settings: in-home and clinic-based. ATG also offers a hybrid approach that combines both. Each option has real advantages depending on your child’s needs and your family’s situation.

Does ATG offer in-home ABA therapy?

Yes. ATG has offered in-home ABA therapy since the beginning. Your child’s RBT comes to your home and provides therapy in the environment where your child is most comfortable. ATG takes a personalized approach to every child. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. From your first call through discharge planning, we focus on what is right for your child specifically. Learn more about in-home therapy.

Does ATG have restrictions on client ages or hours?

ATG does not set blanket restrictions on age or hours. Every child’s program is built around their individual needs. As children grow and make progress, insurance carriers often authorize fewer hours, and in many cases that reduction is appropriate. When a child would benefit from continued high-intensity care, we work with families to find the best path forward.

ATG’s clinical standards

Do all of ATG’s therapists hold RBT credentials?

Yes. Every newly hired therapist at ATG is required to earn their RBT certification within 90 days of their start date. ATG provides the training and resources needed to achieve this nationally recognized credential.

Earning an RBT certification requires meeting age and education requirements, passing a background check, completing a 40-hour training program, passing a competency assessment, and passing a comprehensive final exam. Certified RBTs must also follow a strict code of ethics covering responsible conduct, client care, and professional standards.

RBT training covers measurement, assessment, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, documentation, reporting, and professional conduct. This certification is ATG’s promise to every family: your child’s therapist meets the highest clinical standards in the field.

How many clients do ATG’s BCBAs supervise?

ATG’s BCBAs carry clinically responsible caseloads. Therapist burnout is a serious problem in this industry, and one of its main causes is being assigned more clients than any one person can serve well. When therapists burn out, families see constant turnover, and children lose progress.

ATG is committed to sustainable caseloads because it is the right thing for our team and for our clients. This approach lets our therapists focus on what is best for each child. It also allows ATG to attract and retain strong clinical talent, which means more stability and better outcomes for your family.

Paying for therapy

Will insurance cover ABA therapy?

Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Many providers do cover ABA therapy. Contact us and we will verify your benefits at no cost to you. Get started here.

Does ATG offer financial assistance or counseling?

Yes. ATG believes financial barriers should not stand between a child and the care they need. We provide free insurance verification, dedicated financial consultations, insurance advocacy, and grant application assistance to all families at no cost.

In states that participate in a Health Insurance Marketplace (Affordable Care Act), ATG can connect you with a directory of insurance specialists, attorneys, and clinicians who can help your child qualify for care.

Still have questions?

Our team is ready to walk you through everything. No scripts. Just a real conversation with someone who has helped families navigate this before.