ABA therapy helps children with autism learn the skills they need for daily life, like social skills, communicating, following routines, and handling change. Because early support is widely recommended for children with autism, many families begin ABA therapy at a young age or soon after diagnosis to help build communication, social, behavior, and independence skills during important stages of development.
With the right support, children can begin to express their needs more clearly, participate more fully in daily activities, and build greater independence over time. At Arluna, therapy is designed to fit into real life, with skills practiced during everyday moments so children can use what they learn at home, at school, and in their community.
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, an evidence-based and well-researched* therapy based on the science of behavior. ABA focuses on understanding how behavior works, including what triggers behaviors, what reinforces them, and how behavior changes over time.
For children with autism, ABA therapy uses this understanding to teach meaningful skills and reduce barriers to learning and daily life. Therapy is structured, individualized, and focused on helping children build skills they can use in real-world situations. Children work one-on-one with trained, experienced clinicians, on a schedule and plan that best serve the child’s needs. Therapists use clear guidance, repetition, and positive reinforcement to help children learn new skills and reduce problematic behaviors that may interfere with learning and participation in home, school and community settings.
Every child’s goals are individualized, but children with autism often need support developing skills that other children may learn more naturally. ABA therapy focuses on building these skills in a structured, supportive way. Focus areas are likely to include:
Communication & Language:
Requesting needs, expressing emotions, using words, signs, or AAC
Social Skills:
Turn-taking, joining peers, greetings, reading social cues
Play Skills:
Independent play, pretend play, joint attention, sharing toys
Daily Living / Self-Help Skills:
Dressing, toileting, hygiene, eating, grooming
Emotional Regulation & Coping:
Identifying feelings, calming strategies, tolerating frustration
Behavior Support:
Replacing challenging behavior with safer, more functional skills
Learning Readiness:
Sitting for instruction, following directions, attending to tasks
School Readiness:
Group routines, classroom expectations, peer learning
Adaptive & Independence Skills:
Following routines, problem-solving, navigating new environments
Safety Skills:
Responding to name, staying close, road safety, accepting medical care
Self-Advocacy:
Identifying emotions, requesting accommodations, voicing preferences (in older children/teens)
ABA therapy can take place in different settings depending on what works best for your child and family. Each environment offers opportunities to practice skills in real, meaningful ways.
Building routines and independence in daily life.
Supporting learning and participation in the classroom.
Practicing social and group skills.
Flexible, guided support from home.
Not all children need the same level of support. Some benefit from early, focused guidance, while others may need more structured and consistent therapy to build foundational skills. At Arluna, we offer care in a variety of ways, including several specialized programs to best meet the needs of your child.
Support for young children during a key stage of development, focusing on communication, play, and early routines.
Higher-frequency, structured support for children who need help with foundational skills, behavior challenges, or daily functioning.
No two children learn in the same way. Therapy is built around each child’s strengths, challenges, and goals, with a focus on helping them grow without changing who they are.
Families are an essential part of the process. You know your child best, and your insight helps guide therapy in a way that fits your routines, values, and priorities.
Parents are never expected to figure things out alone. Along the way, you’ll receive clear training and instruction on all therapy-based cues, activities and strategies to support your child’s individual goals.
This might include:
ABA therapy is designed for children with autism, especially when extra support is needed to build communication, behavior, and daily living skills. Many families begin after a diagnosis, but support can also start when concerns first come up.
If your child has an autism diagnosis, ABA therapy may help build important skills. Contact your child’s pediatrician if you are unsure.
This depends on your child’s needs. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will complete an assessment and recommend a plan that fits your child.
Many insurance plans cover ABA therapy. We accept several private insurance carriers, as well as Medicaid. Our team can help guide you through the process.
Therapy length varies. Some children need shorter-term support, while others benefit from longer, ongoing services through their teenage years.
We are accepting new clients! Complete our secure, HIPAA-compliant intake form to tell us about your child’s needs. Our intake team will review your information and reach out to discuss how therapy can support your child’s development.