FAQs

A typical ABA session at ABI New England is a dynamic blend of structured learning and play-based intervention. Each session is led by a Behavior Technician (BT) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who follows a customized Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP). This process is overseen by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The session involves working on specific goals such as communication, social skills, and daily living skills using positive reinforcement. Our clinicians alternate between focused “table-top” work and natural play to keep the child engaged and motivated throughout the duration of the visit.

We utilize industry-standard assessments like the VB-MAPP and ABLLS-R to create a baseline for your child’s unique skill set. These tools allow our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to identify specific deficits in language, social interaction, and daily living skills, ensuring that every goal we set is both developmentally appropriate and functional for your family’s life. Rather than relying on clinical intuition alone, we use these evidence-based frameworks to build a roadmap that targets the “whole child,” from basic communication to complex social play. To ensure this roadmap stays on track, our Behavior Technicians (BTs) collect data during every therapy session. Every success and every challenge is logged and graphed immediately, allowing our clinical team to monitor progress daily. This data-driven approach means we can pivot quickly; if the data shows a child has plateaued on a specific task, we modify our teaching strategy or break the goal down into smaller, more achievable steps. This level of precision ensures that your child is always moving forward and that our interventions remain as effective as possible.

All ABI programs are designed and supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), who hold Master’s or Doctoral degrees and are licensed in Massachusetts (LABA). Direct 1:1 therapy is provided by Behavior Technicians (BTs), many of whom have earned the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential. All staff undergo rigorous background checks and receive ongoing training in clinical best practices and safety protocols.

We believe that families are not just a support system, they are a critical part of our program. Research consistently shows that family involvement is a primary driver of successful outcomes in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Our goal is to bridge the gap between clinical sessions and daily life, ensuring that the progress your child makes in our center translates to lasting success at home and in the community. If a parent has something they value or is important to them, we want to know and incorporate that into a session.

We work with a wide range of insurance providers to ensure access to ABA therapy including Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Magellan, Optum Health, United Behavioral Health, Fallon, Beacon Value Options, Tufts Health Plan, Tufts Public Health Plans, Cigna, and Aetna. Because every plan is different, we recommend reaching out to our intake team to confirm.