Getting started
What is ABA therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children build communication, social, play, and daily living skills. At Side by Side, treatment is individualized, play-based, and designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) around each child’s strengths and interests.
Is a diagnosis required to begin services?
You do not need a diagnosis to reach out. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, require an autism diagnosis before they authorize ABA services, and our team can guide you through that process. We will explain the steps, connect you with a qualified diagnostic provider, and coordinate the referral with your pediatrician.
Is there a cost to speak with your team?
Not at all! Speaking with our team is always free, and we’re happy to answer any questions you have.
How soon can services begin?
Timelines depend on your insurance authorization and staff availability in your area. During your first call, our intake team will give you a realistic estimate and keep you informed at every stage.
What should we have ready for our first appointment?
If available, please have your insurance card, your child’s diagnostic evaluation report, and any recent school or IEP documents. If you do not have every item, that is perfectly fine. Our team will help you gather what is needed.
Insurance & costs
Does insurance cover ABA therapy?
Maryland Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA services for eligible children, and many commercial insurance plans also include ABA coverage. We verify your benefits and explain any costs before services begin.
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We work with Maryland Medicaid and with commercial insurance plans. Because networks vary by plan, please contact our team for a current list of accepted plans and a review of your benefits.
Will we have out-of-pocket costs?
This depends on your plan. Commercial plans may include copays, coinsurance, or a deductible, while Medicaid members typically have little or no out-of-pocket cost for covered services. We explain any expected costs before services begin, so there are no surprises.
Therapy & care
What happens during the initial assessment?
A BCBA meets with your family to learn about your child’s history, strengths, and your priorities, then observes your child and completes standardized assessments. The results guide an individualized treatment plan, which we review with you before submitting it for authorization.
How many hours of therapy will my child need?
Recommended hours are individualized. Your BCBA bases them on your child’s assessment results, clinical needs, and your family’s schedule, and adjusts them as your child progresses.
Where do sessions take place?
Sessions take place in your home and community, where new skills are most meaningful in everyday life. We also coordinate with your child’s school and IEP team to support consistency across settings.
Who will work with my child?
Your child’s care is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). One-on-one sessions are provided by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who receive ongoing training and regular supervision. All clinical staff complete background checks, and we work to keep a consistent team with each family.
What skills does ABA therapy address?
Goals are tailored to each child and may include communication, social and play skills, daily living skills such as dressing and toileting, safety skills, and school readiness.
How do you support challenging behaviors?
We begin by understanding the purpose a behavior serves for your child. From there, we teach meaningful replacement skills using positive, compassionate strategies, and we develop every plan in partnership with your family.
How is your approach different from traditional ABA?
ABA has evolved significantly over the years. We practice modern, assent-based ABA: therapy is play-based and built on trust, your child’s comfort and choices are respected, goals focus on quality of life rather than appearing “typical,” and hours are individualized. Families are partners at every step.
Can ABA be provided alongside speech and occupational therapy?
Yes. With your permission, we coordinate with your child’s speech therapist, occupational therapist, and medical providers so that everyone works toward shared goals.
Progress & partnership
What role do caregivers play in treatment?
Caregivers are essential members of the treatment team. Caregiver training is included in every treatment plan, and families participate in goal-setting and progress reviews. Families are always welcome to observe sessions.
How is progress measured?
Data is collected during every session, and your BCBA reviews progress with your family on a regular basis. Treatment plans are formally reassessed at least every six months.
How long will my child receive ABA services?
The length of services varies for each child. Progress is reviewed regularly, and transition planning begins early, with the goal of gradually reducing support as your child meets their goals.