Anonymous
Post 06/01/2026 22:41     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
I would try social skill groups, and you can also advocate for less hours.
Anonymous
Post 06/01/2026 22:40     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Anonymous wrote: Are you sure ABA is what your ds needs? It sounds like maybe a counselor or an executive coach might have some good stratigies for him. How about a social skills group?

I am good with ABA, but it's not for all kids-my own dc is considered high functioning and it's not really a good fit for them. We did try at one time, actually the place we tried only recommended 12 hours a week. 3 weeks in, covid came and that ended that and we never restarted.

Of course they are going to ask about insurance. They have to make sure that they accept yours.


ABA can work on excecutive functioning skills, it just has to be within the BCBA's scope of practice. Unstuck and OnTarget groups are great. That being said, most BCBAs I know will not work on lining or stimming. Unless the stim is a form of self harm (hitting head, biting nails till it bleeds, playing with fecal, etc). Vocal stimming is like singing.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2026 11:15     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Anonymous wrote:Didn’t y’all read the NYTimes story on ABA?? Demanding a huge number of hours and asking about insurance is 100% the current corrupt private equity scam business model.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/23/health/autism-therapy-clinics.html

That said I am a big believer in behavioral modification approaches for problematic behavior, as well as for how to teach skills that are harder to pick up every for higher functioning kids (who often lag in “activities of daily learning” even with high IQs and good social skills). But these skills do NOT required 15 or even 5 hrs/week, and certainly do not required ABA. You can get guidance from OTs, psychologists, etc. And the key is for the parents to learn how to set up the learning systems.

Also the things OP notes are not going to be addressed by ABA - and other than organizing don’t seem to be an issue at all.

You’re conflating issue with private equity (which I agree with) with problems with aba in general. For some kids that amount of time is also appropriate and it depends on the setting (15 hrs at home is different than 15 in clinic) etc. I’ve also found that if your kid has aggression there are very limited things available besides aba
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2026 08:23     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Pp, you don't get to tell a parent of a dc with ASD what isn't an issue. That's not your call.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2026 08:13     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Didn’t y’all read the NYTimes story on ABA?? Demanding a huge number of hours and asking about insurance is 100% the current corrupt private equity scam business model.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/23/health/autism-therapy-clinics.html

That said I am a big believer in behavioral modification approaches for problematic behavior, as well as for how to teach skills that are harder to pick up every for higher functioning kids (who often lag in “activities of daily learning” even with high IQs and good social skills). But these skills do NOT required 15 or even 5 hrs/week, and certainly do not required ABA. You can get guidance from OTs, psychologists, etc. And the key is for the parents to learn how to set up the learning systems.

Also the things OP notes are not going to be addressed by ABA - and other than organizing don’t seem to be an issue at all.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2026 07:18     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What are his behaviors?


Some stimming at home and out of the house (humming, lining up stuff mostly), hyper focus on stuff that may not be of interest to others but there are kids and adults who he engages with well about, and disorganization at school (forgetting homework but when he's on task his grades are great). He's doing well socially overall, has hobbies, and good sense of humor.


ABA is risky. There are situations where it may be warranted, because the behavior is heavily impacting quality of life, and then parents should be careful about choosing providers and monitoring closely but what you describe is not a situation where the risks of ABA are justified.
Anonymous
Post 05/31/2026 07:13     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Are you wanting to pay with insurance or can you afford self-pay?


I’m fine paying for it with insurance. What’s raising little red flags for me is that these ABA providers all ask about insurance within literally five seconds of picking up the phone. And without even reading an evaluation describing my child, they’re “requiring” at least 15 hours per week. Are they milking the insurers even if it’s not necessary?



NP, parent of a similar dc. I think they ask upfront about insurance to make sure they take your kind-I don't see that as a red flag.

I do see the requirement, right off the bat, of 15 hrs a week as a red flag. I mean, my dc started ABA at age 5 and they and I agreed that 12 hrs was plenty (she started in Feb 2020 so...yeah, it was a nice 3 weeks, ultimately due to exposure concerns regarding my elderly parents we did not resume). I've actually considered ABA again now that dc is 11 and having similar challenges as your ds-I haven't persued it yet but 15 hrs is way more than I'd consider.

Like some other PPs have suggested, maybe try finding a private provider? I may try that at some point.
caleb377
Post 05/31/2026 02:54     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Same here. Clinics just wanted insurance info and 15 hours of ABA. Gross.

Used Autism 360 App at home. Helped with the after-school meltdowns (used to be 2 hours of crying) and made mornings possible.

Not perfect. But he's not miserable anymore. Worth checking out
Anonymous
Post 05/22/2025 20:49     Subject: Navigating autism and ABA
Which provider did you use?