What is ABA therapy and how does it help children with autism?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a research-backed approach that helps children with autism and other developmental conditions build communication, social, and daily living skills. At Reach Therapy, we create personalized plans designed to support your child’s unique strengths and challenges through positive reinforcement and structured learning techniques.

Is ABA therapy effective?

Yes. ABA is one of the most widely studied and effective therapies for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When delivered consistently by trained professionals, ABA therapy can lead to significant improvements in language, behavior, and social functioning—especially when started early.

What does a typical ABA session look like at Reach Therapy?

Each session is tailored to your child’s goals. A typical in-home ABA therapy session may involve play-based learning, skill-building activities, and behavior management techniques. Sessions are led by a trained Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Do you offer in-home ABA therapy?

Yes! Reach Therapy specializes in in-home ABA therapy services across North County San Diego. These include most cities in the region including Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas and beyond. We bring therapy directly to your home so your child can learn and grow in a familiar, comfortable setting.

Do you offer ABA therapy in Spanish?

Yes, Reach Therapy proudly offers Spanish-speaking ABA therapy services to better support our bilingual and Spanish-speaking families. We have RBTs and BCBAs fluent in Spanish who can communicate directly with both children and parents, ensuring clear understanding and comfort throughout the therapy process. If you prefer services in Spanish, please let us know during your consultation so we can match you with the right team.

At what age should my child start ABA therapy?

ABA therapy can benefit children at nearly any age, but research shows that early intervention—especially before the age of 5—has the greatest long-term impact. If your child has received a diagnosis or is showing early signs of developmental delays, we recommend scheduling a consultation as soon as possible.

How many hours of ABA therapy does my child need per week?

The number of ABA therapy hours depends on your child’s needs and assessment results. Some children benefit from 10–15 hours weekly, while others may need 25–40 hours for comprehensive support. Our BCBA will design a custom plan after your intake and assessment.

What insurance plans do you accept for ABA therapy?

We are currently in-network with major commercial insurance providers, including Aetna, United Healthcare, San Diego Regional Center, Molina and Community Health Group. We’re happy to verify your benefits and guide you through the insurance process. Learn more on our Insurance & Billing page.

Does my child need a diagnosis to receive ABA services?

Most insurance plans require a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to authorize ABA therapy. If you don’t yet have a diagnosis, please give us a call and we can support you in the process.

How long does it take to start services with Reach Therapy?

Once your intake form is submitted and insurance benefits are verified, we can typically begin services within a week. We are committed to having no waitlists for our ABA services. Our team is committed to making the onboarding process smooth and supportive every step of the way.

Where does Reach Therapy provide services?

We currently provide ABA therapy services in North County San Diego including Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas and beyond. We offer both in-home and virtual therapy options.

Who will work with my child?

Your child will be supported by a team of trained professionals, including:

• A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) who develops and supervises the treatment plan
• An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) who delivers one-to-one sessions in-home

All staff are fully credentialed and passionate about helping children thrive.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Get started here or contact our team at (626) 390-3759 to speak with an intake coordinator.