FAQs
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the leading approach to improving the developmental deficiencies associated with autism. ABA therapy is likely able to improve the quality of life of your child and help them reach their full potential. Endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, ABA therapy focuses on human behavior and is able to increase desirable behavior and minimize unwanted behaviors.
How will ABA therapy help my child?
ABA therapy will address the developmental deficiencies identified during our initial assessment of your child’s functioning across many areas. With children on the autism spectrum, this often includes areas of verbal communication, like the ability to converse with parents and peers, request items, and communicate emotions and needs. Nonverbal communication, like making gestures and understanding social cues, can also be developed.
Other important target areas of ABA include social skills, play skills, potty training, self-care skills (brushing teeth, washing hands, etc.), and day-to-day living skills (getting dressed, table manners, etc.).
Our doctor said that my child was a little slow in developing and that I should just wait. Is that ok?
It is possible that your child will develop in their skills and overcome their developmental deficiencies, but time in precious when it comes to overcoming the disabilities associated with autism. A child that begins therapy young (2-5 years old) while still in the traditional “brain development” stage will have a higher likelihood of achieving full developmental capability than a child that starts therapy at a much later age. There’s no strict rule of thumb on age other than starting early intervention as soon as possible.
What do we need to start our child in ABA services?
Most insurance funders require a referral from the primary care provider or pediatrician and an autism diagnosis that includes an ADOS or similar assessment.
Are your employees Board Certified Behavior Analysts?
Impact employs Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and RBT/BT’s who are completing their Bachelors and/or Masters Degrees in Behavior Analysis or a related discipline. BCBAs are required to have a Masters Degree and complete thousands of hours of supervision.
What are your RBT/BT’s qualifications?
Our direct therapists are required to have completed their high school diploma, have successful experience working with children, and complete 40 hours of training with our staff before working with clients. Many of our staff are continuing on with their education and training to move forward within the field.
Do you perform background checks on your RBT/RBT’s in Training?
Every employee of Action Behavior is required to complete and pass a variety of background checks, assessments, a multi-stage interview process, and reference checks.
What is the age range of children you serve?
Treatment Center Clients: 18 months to 14 years old
Is your therapy one-on-one with the children?
Therapy is one-on-one: one child, one therapist.
Do you offer parent training?
Yes. Parental involvement in treatment is crucial for any client who is participating at any of our Early Intervention Centers. All parents with children in our program will attend recurring parent training meetings and complete several hours of online training videos.
I want to bring my child to the center, but they attend school during the day. I know they need ABA therapy, but doesn’t the law say that if they are over six years old they have to be in school?
In 2009, HB (House Bill) 192 was placed into effect which allows families who have children that are over 6 and enrolled in school to access services (off campus).
What if my family speaks a language other than english?
We’ll provide translation services through Telelanguage to ensure communication works for everyone involved. Translation services are available in 200 different languages.
What if I need to make a complaint about services?
We’d love the opportunity to talk with you. To start this process, please click here to fill out the form.
Insurance Questions:
Will my insurance cover ABA therapy?
Each insurance plan is different and must be thoroughly evaluated to determine whether or not coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis is provided. Our staff is happy to navigate the insurance process and provide you with specific information on your plan’s benefits & eligibility. Read more about Insurance.
Are you in-network with any insurance companies?
We are a contracted in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tri-Care, Aetna, Dakotacare, and CIGNA. We are in the process of becoming a network provider for additional networks and encourage you to contact us for the latest information.
If you are not in-network with my insurance company, do I have to wait in order to get insurance benefits?
We do accept out of network insurance and we do not require patients to pay out of pocket and submit to their insurance.
My spouse is in the military. Are you approved with Tricare?
Yes, we are in-network providers for Tri-Care and the Autism Care Demonstration.
Do you take Medicaid plans or CHIP?
South Dakota Medicaid does provide coverage for ABA therapy for children with autism. Impact Learning & Development is in-network with South Dakota Medicaid. With that being said, we only accept 10% of our clients as primary Medicaid funders due to the low reimbursement rates to ABA providers.
Can I just make a co-pay like I do at the doctor’s office?
All clients of insurance companies we work with (Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.) will need to pay any co-pays and co-insurance required by your plan. We will guide the process to make sure it’s easy and straightforward.
During the admissions process, we’ll provide a fee schedule with an estimate of your expected out-of-pocket expense for ABA therapy. Our experience working with insurance companies will give you an advantage in understanding up front what to expect with your deductible, maximum out-of-pocket expense, and co-pays. We work with families to create payment plans that work with their budget.