Yes, you can do ABA therapy without an autism diagnosis. However, most insurance companies require a diagnosis before they will cover an evaluation, consultation, or sessions.
Navigating through the processes for an autism diagnosis, insurance, and ABA therapy can be a lot for a person to handle on their own—which is why we’ve created this simple guide.
Understanding Diagnosis Requirements for ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is a multifaceted solution for developmental delays or disabilities, which is why you get conflicting answers to “Can you start ABA therapy without a diagnosis?”
Recommended: ABA Terms: Applied Behavior Analysis Glossary
When ABA Therapy Can Be Started Without an Autism Diagnosis
ABA therapy doesn’t only help those with autism. ABA can help with:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Techniques such as Discrete Trial Training (DTT), reinforcements, and repetition can help clients better manage their impulsivity, improve their focus, and better connect with their peers.
- Anxiety disorders: ABA therapy is a great tool for those with anxiety because it can help them build healthy coping skills. Once the situation or stimuli that trigger anxiety are discovered, many ABA strategies offer a step-by-step guide for managing fear, communicating needs, and building confidence.
- Behavioral disorders: ABA can be used as an intervention strategy for behavioral disorders, since some techniques focus on reducing maladaptive behaviors and replacing them with more positive ones through positive reinforcement, visual aids, or role-playing.
- Developmental delays: Some young children experience developmental delays without an official diagnosis. ABA can address these general delays through strategies such as positive reinforcement, visual aids, and Discrete Trial Training (DTT).
- Eating disorders: ABA therapy will identify what stimuli cause the disordered eating behavior and work to redirect that behavior into better outcomes. Strategies like positive reinforcement and developing new coping mechanisms for emotional triggers can help clients break out of the negative cycle they are in.
- Intellectual disabilities: ABA can help specifically with skill development, ranging from daily living tasks to communication to social skills. It can also help recognize what may be causing maladaptive behaviors and guide the client into more positive ones.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): ABA can help those with OCD by identifying triggers and helping the client change how they respond to the trigger. This may happen through positive reinforcement, working together to stop compulsive thought cycles, and exposing the client to triggers in short bursts.
Why Most Families Still Need an Autism Diagnosis First
An autism diagnosis is required for a few reasons. As already mentioned, most insurance companies require a diagnosis before agreeing to cover any ABA services.
Other than that, an autism diagnosis can ensure you get a more precise intervention plan. A diagnosis will tell an ABA therapist what your exact needs are and can help them better target those needs in their care.
A diagnosis does not replace an assessment.
Finally, an official diagnosis can open pathways to other support services such as school accommodations, the Self-Determination Program, financial assistance, and community programs.
What Can You Do While Waiting for a Diagnosis?
While waiting for an autism diagnosis, you have options.
- Pay out of pocket for ABA services: While this isn’t necessarily an option for everyone, you can pay for services without insurance. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get reimbursed once there is a diagnosis.
- Early intervention programs: If you’re waiting for a diagnosis for your child who’s under three years old, they may be eligible for services through different providers, such as the Regional Center.
- Talk to your doctor: While waiting for a diagnosis, your doctor (or pediatrician) may have suggestions for support organizations that can help you.
- Parent training: Some ABA centers, like Spectrum Behavioral Therapies, offer parent training that teaches caregivers how to better interact with and support their child. This training can be for any condition that ABA therapy can help with.
Can ABA Providers Diagnose Autism?
No, ABA providers cannot diagnose autism. Only medical professionals such as pediatricians, psychologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists can make an official diagnosis.
ABA providers may find potential autism symptoms while performing an assessment and make the suggestion to get a diagnosis.
How ABA Therapy Works After a Diagnosis
After an autism diagnosis, an ABA assessment is needed—if one hasn’t already been performed. Once that is completed, the ABA team will create a customized plan for your needs.
To implement that plan, your ABA therapist may use a variety of techniques such as:
- Natural environment learning: Essentially, this is learning through play. In an environment familiar to the client, the ABA therapist would naturally build up skills in ways that the client wouldn’t realize they are learning.
- Positive reinforcement: A strategy that focuses on rewarding positive behavior instead of punishing maladaptive behavior. Over time, it helps clients understand that positive behaviors are better for them, and they will maintain the behaviors without reinforcements.
- Prompt fading: This is where prompts or reinforcements are slowly removed so the client will perform certain behaviors or actions on their own.
- Discrete trial training (DTT): This technique breaks down large or complex ideas/tasks into smaller pieces. This allows clients to practice certain skills or behaviors without getting overwhelmed. As they accomplish one small task, the ABA therapist will add another.
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): This involves finding different ways to communicate with the client, such as pointing at things, writing, drawing, etc.
How often the ABA therapy sessions will occur will depend on the client’s needs.
Our Services
How Spectrum Behavioral Therapies Supports Families Before and After Diagnosis
If you are in the process of getting a diagnosis, are unsure whether you or your child needs one, or need help post-diagnosis—Spectrum Behavioral Therapies can help you.
Our empathic care covers all aspects of clients’ needs from beginning to end. We can help you while you wait for a diagnosis by performing an assessment or parent training. If you need a professional opinion, request an assessment from us.
And, of course, we can create a customized ABA plan after a diagnosis is made (we accept most insurance plans!).
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
FAQ's
When should you start the ABA therapy process?
You should start the ABA therapy process as soon as possible. Early intervention has been proven to show significant positive results in children with autism.
Can I get ABA therapy without insurance?
Yes, you can get ABA therapy without insurance, but you will have to pay the full price of the services.
How long does it take to get a diagnosis?
It’s hard to say how long it takes to get a diagnosis because each situation is unique. For some people, it may only be a few months, while other people have waited years to receive one.
