Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about ABA therapy, our services, insurance, scheduling, and what to expect at Key Autism Services.
Have Questions? We Have Answers
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is categorized as a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and includes limited and/or repetitive behavior. It is referred to as a spectrum because there is a wide range of how the disorder can impact an individual.
For more information on ASD please see the links below:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
What is ABA?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that focuses on human behavior. ABA focuses on increasing the desired behavior and decreasing challenging or unwanted behavior.
What is a BCBA?
BCBA stands for Board Certified Behavior Analyst. BCBAs are master's level clinicians. A BCBA is responsible for developing and overseeing the individual’s treatment in partnership with the family.
What is a RBT/ BT (Registered Behavior Technician/ Behavior Technician)
A BT is an individual who has completed our behavior analytic training, has at least a high school diploma and is responsible for working directly with the individual client. A RBT is an individual who meets the above requirements but also has completed an additional 40 hours of training and passed a credentialing exam to be registered with a credentialing board.
What is Parent Training?
Parent training is an opportunity for the BCBA and family to meet together. During this time, they discuss current progress, any questions or concerns the family might have, and how to implement the goals outside of session with the BT. Collaboration is key!
What is an Initial Assessment?
An initial assessment is done by the BCBA to determine the strengths and areas of growth for the individual. In collaboration with the family, the BCBA develops a treatment plan to target the areas of growth and continue to foster the areas of strength. The assessment will determine how many hours of therapy per week is recommended.
How many hours/week is ABA Therapy?
The recommended number of hours is prescribed by the BCBA based on the results of the initial assessment. This typically ranges from 10-40 hours a week. Our recommendation is that families commit to a minimum of 75% of their prescribed treatment hours.
What does a typical ABA Therapy session look like?
The science behind ABA is growing every day. It is still new compared to typical psychological branches and that means adjustments have to be made. We encourage families to ask questions and be actively involved in the planning and sessions.
Does KEY also perform Diagnosis for ASD?
While we do not perform diagnostic testing, we do partner with Diagnostic Providers and would be happy to send you referrals.
Do I need an Autism Diagnosis to receive ABA Therapy?
Most insurance providers do require an autism diagnosis in order to receive services. There may be exceptions in certain states. Please reach out to us with any questions.
What will you work on with my child?
Common skill domains which we address include but are not limited to, communication, activities of daily living, pre-academic, social, behavior, executive functioning and home skills.
What ages do you services?
We serve early learners to teens or 0-18 years old.
Does KEY service adults?
We service clients until age 18 at this time.
Can you service my child in their public school?
This is on a case-by-case basis depending on approvals from your school and insurance provider.
Is there a waitlist for services? If so how long?
Unfortunately, we are unable to determine how long the wait will be in a particular region or center. Openings are based on staff availability. We contact the next client in line as soon as a spot becomes available.
How long will it take to start services?
Depending on your insurance provider, this can take between 3-4 weeks with our client onboarding process + assessment authorization approvals. Upon completion of the initial assessment, we are typically able to schedule Parent Training right away, as we build the full treatment team which includes a Behavior Technician.
Are you able to service clients outside in the community?
Yes! Our clinicians and behavior technicians are able to join your child on community outings with approval.
Do you accept my insurance?
Please find a list of insurance providers we accept here: https://www.keyautismservices.com/key-autism-services-accepts-all-major-insurance-carriers/
Do you take private pay?
We operate through insurance at this time.
Will I need to pay a co-pay for each session?
This depends on your specific insurance provider and plan. We will complete a complimentary benefits verification during the client onboarding process to verify this.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Yes! We accept Medicaid.
How many service hours will we be approved for?
We will submit the treatment plan to your insurance provider and they will let us know what is covered. On average, approved hours range from 10-40 hours based on medical necessity.
Can we be on the waitlist for both center and in-home?
While we can add your child to the waitlist for multiple service locations, we will need to determine and provide services at one location once we have an opening.
Do clients get to nap at the center?
Yes, for clients 4 years old and under that are in the center for more than 6 hours daily.
What are the current service hours?
Current services hours for in home services are 8AM-7PM. Center services are 8AM-6PM
How do you determine in-home vs. center services?
This will be based on the initial assessment and treatment plan determined by your clinician. We base this on behaviors and goals to work on. The center may be more appropriate for individuals working on social skills, while in home would be better for individuals working on daily living skills.