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Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating the world of autism therapy can be overwhelming. We're here to provide clear, honest answers to help you make the best decisions for your family.

Understanding ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science-based therapy that helps children learn new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. At Brightwork, we use a naturalistic, play-based approach. This means instead of rigid drills at a table, we follow your child's lead, turning their interests into learning opportunities. We break down complex skills—like communication, social interaction, and daily living tasks—into small, manageable steps and use positive reinforcement to encourage growth.

Yes. ABA is widely considered the gold standard for autism treatment and is endorsed by the US Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association. Decades of research show that consistent ABA therapy can significantly improve communication, social relationships, and independence. Our data-driven approach ensures we can track your child's specific progress and adjust our strategies in real-time.

Absolutely not. Our goal is never to 'fix' a child or make them act 'neurotypical.' We believe in neurodiversity-affirming care. We focus on giving your child the tools they need to navigate the world safely and happily while celebrating their unique strengths, interests, and personality. We want them to shine their way, not someone else's.

In-Home Therapy takes place in your natural environment, which is excellent for working on daily routines (like mealtime or bedtime) and family dynamics. Clinic-Based Therapy (at The Bright House) offers a structured social environment where children can practice peer interaction, school readiness, and explore our sensory garden. Many families benefit from a hybrid model that includes both.

Getting Started & Logistics

Research supports Early Intervention, suggesting that starting therapy as early as possible (often between ages 2-6) yields the best long-term outcomes. However, ABA is effective at any age. We work with toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents, tailoring the curriculum to their developmental stage.

There is no 'one size fits all.' A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will conduct a comprehensive assessment to recommend a schedule based on your child's needs. Comprehensive programs often range from 10 to 30 hours per week, while focused programs for specific goals might be fewer. We work with your family's schedule to find a balance that works.

You are the captain of the ship; we are the navigators. Parent involvement is critical. We provide regular parent training sessions to empower you with the strategies we use. This ensures consistency between therapy sessions and daily life, helping your child generalize skills faster.

We strive to keep our waitlists as short as possible because we know every day counts. Please contact us for the most current availability in your specific area of the South Bay.

Insurance & Costs

Yes, most major health insurance plans cover medically necessary ABA therapy for autism. We are in-network with many major providers, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Optum/UnitedBH, and others. We also accept Tricare and some managed Medicaid plans.

Yes! We have a dedicated team to handle benefit verification, authorization, and billing. We will contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and explain any copays or deductibles before services begin, so there are no surprises.

To access insurance-funded ABA therapy, a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is typically required from a psychologist, neurologist, or developmental pediatrician. If you suspect your child may be on the spectrum but haven't been diagnosed, we can refer you to trusted diagnostic partners in the South Bay.

Still have questions?

Every child is unique, and so are your questions. Our clinical team is ready to chat about your specific situation.