FAQ's

Believing is Achieving – In-Home ABA Therapy

At Believing is Achieving, our mission is simple:

To inspire families across Chicagoland to believe in their child’s potential by providing exceptional in-home therapy that transforms behaviors once thought impossible to change.

We know choosing ABA therapy is a big, emotional decision. This page is meant to give you real answers, not sales language — so you can feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

General ABA Therapy Questions

  • What is ABA therapy?

    Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a personalized, evidence-based approach to helping children build meaningful life skills. At its core, ABA is about understanding why behaviors happen and using positive, respectful strategies to teach new skills that support independence, communication, and confidence.

    At Believing is Achieving, ABA is never rigid or robotic. Therapy is individualized, relationship-based, and designed to work within your child’s real life — not force your child to fit a system.

  • Who is ABA therapy for?

    ABA therapy can help children develop skills across many areas, including:
    ● Communication and language
    ● Social skills and play
    ● Emotional regulation
    ● Daily living skills (toileting, dressing, hygiene)
    ● Following routines and transitions
    ● Reducing unsafe or disruptive behaviors

    Goals are always meaningful, functional, and chosen with your family’s priorities in mind.

  • When is the best time to start ABA therapy?

    Early support can be incredibly helpful, but there is no “too late.” If behaviors are interfering with your child’s ability to learn, communicate, or participate in daily life, it may be the right time to explore ABA. Trust your instincts — if you’re wondering, it’s worth a conversation.

  • How is ABA different from speech or occupational therapy?

    Speech and occupational therapy typically focus on specific skill areas. ABA therapy focuses on how skills are learned, practiced, and generalized across everyday life.

    Many children benefit from receiving ABA alongside speech or OT, and we collaborate whenever possible to support well-rounded progress.

  • Is ABA therapy evidence-based?

    Yes. “Evidence-based” means ABA strategies have been extensively researched and proven effective over decades of studies. ABA is recognized by the CDC and U.S. Surgeon General as a leading treatment approach for autism.

    More importantly, we believe evidence-based care should still feel human, compassionate, and flexible — not clinical or cold.

  • What does a typical ABA session look like?

    Sessions vary by child, but therapy often includes:
    ● Play-based learning
    ● Practicing communication and social skills
    ● Working on daily routines
    ● Natural teaching within your home environment

    Sessions are engaging, interactive, and centered around building trust and confidence.

Child & Family Questions

  • How do I know if my child would benefit from ABA therapy?

    If your child is struggling with communication, behavior, routines, or emotional regulation — and it’s affecting daily life at home or school — ABA may be helpful. A comprehensive assessment allows us to determine whether ABA is the right fit.

  • What age can my child start ABA therapy?

    Children can begin ABA therapy as early as toddlerhood, and services can continue through adolescence when appropriate. Programs are always tailored to your child’s developmental level and needs.

  • How many hours of ABA therapy does my child need?

    There is no standard number of hours. At Believing is Achieving, we never recommend excessive therapy simply because insurance allows it. Recommendations are based on:
    ● Your child’s needs
    ● Your family’s capacity
    ● What is realistic and sustainable

    Your desires always matter in this decision.

  • What is the parent’s role in ABA therapy?

    Parents are essential partners in the process. We provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and support so strategies can naturally fit into your daily routines.

    You are never expected to be the expert — that’s our role. We walk alongside you.

  • How are challenging behaviors handled?

    We view challenging behaviors as communication. Our team focuses on understanding why behaviors occur and teaching safer, more effective ways for your child to express their needs.

    We use positive, respectful strategies and never rely on punishment-based approaches.

Diagnosis & Assessments

  • What does the initial ABA assessment involve?

    An assessment is completed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and includes:
    ● Parent interviews
    ● Direct observation of your child
    ● Skill assessments
    ● Review of developmental history

    This allows us to create a treatment plan that is personalized, thoughtful, and realistic.

  • Does my child need an autism diagnosis to receive ABA therapy?

    Insurance companies typically require a formal autism diagnosis for coverage. If you’re unsure where to start, we can help guide you through next steps.

  • Can ABA begin before a diagnosis?

    In some cases, families may begin the assessment process or parent support while waiting for a diagnosis. Coverage options vary, and we help you navigate this process clearly and honestly.

Insurance & Funding

  • Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?

    Most insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. We verify benefits, explain coverage clearly, and help handle authorizations.

  • What’s the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers?

    In-network providers typically result in lower out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-network providers may offer more flexibility. We help families understand what makes the most sense for them.

  • How does authorization work?

    Once the assessment is completed, we submit the treatment plan to your insurance company for authorization. We manage this process and keep you informed every step of the way.

In-Home ABA Therapy

  • Why does Believing is Achieving only offer in-home ABA therapy?

    We believe children learn best in the environments where they live, play, and grow. In-home therapy allows skills to generalize naturally and supports the whole family.

    We are intentionally not a large, clinic-based corporation. We are committed to being the best — not the biggest — and we will never quietly shift your child into a clinic model for convenience or profit.

  • Is parent presence required during in-home therapy?

    An adult must be present in the home, but you do not need to actively participate in every session. We collaborate with you regularly while respecting your time and routines.

  • Will the same therapists work with my child?

    Yes. Consistency matters. Your child will have designated staff who build real relationships and understand your family. We do not send unfamiliar therapists into your home.

Providers & Team

  • What’s the difference between an RBT, BCaBA, and BCBA?

    ● RBT (Registered Behavior Technician): Works directly with your child during sessions
    ● BCaBA: Supports program development and supervision
    ● BCBA: Oversees assessments, treatment plans, and progress

  • How often does a BCBA supervise therapy?

    BCBAs regularly supervise sessions, review data, update goals, and meet with families. Supervision follows best practices and exceeds minimum standards whenever possible.

Progress & Results

  • How is progress measured?

    Progress is tracked continuously using data collected during sessions. Goals are reviewed and adjusted as your child grows and changes.

  • How often will I receive updates?

    Communication is never an afterthought. Families receive regular updates through meetings, reports, and ongoing conversations. You can always reach our team the same day.

  • When will we start seeing results?

    Every child’s timeline is different. Some changes appear quickly; others take time. Our focus is steady, meaningful progress — not quick fixes or inflated promises.

  • What if therapy doesn’t seem to be working?

    If progress stalls, we reassess strategies, goals, and intensity. ABA should evolve with your child. If something isn’t working, we address it — openly and collaboratively.

Service Availability & Access

  • Will my family be placed on a waitlist?

    No. Believing is Achieving does not use waitlists. When families reach out, we respond quickly and intentionally.

  • What does it mean that you’re not owned by private equity?

    It means our decisions are guided by what’s best for your child — not outside investors or growth targets. We are family-focused, values-driven, and here for the long term.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our goal is for you to feel absolute confidence in your choice. Through compassion, consistency, and high-quality care, we strive to create an experience where you feel supported, informed, and at peace.

📞 Contact Believing is Achieving today to schedule a consultation or ask questions.

You don’t have to navigate this alone — and your child is capable of more than you may have been told.

CONTACT US

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