The 15 Best ABA Therapy Providers for Kids (2025)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy has become a cornerstone in helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges reach their full potential. With so many providers available, finding the right fit for your child can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide highlights 15 of the best ABA therapy providers for kids, offering insights into each one’s approach, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Remember that the "best" provider varies depending on your child's specific needs and your family's circumstances.

1. Achieving Stars Therapy

Achieving Stars Therapy is a leading provider of ABA therapy, known for its personalized approach and commitment to fostering positive change in children's lives. They focus on creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs and strengths. Their highly trained and compassionate therapists work closely with families to implement evidence-based interventions and track progress over time. Achieving Stars Therapy emphasizes parent training and collaboration, recognizing the crucial role families play in a child's success. They offer a wide range of services, including early intervention, intensive ABA therapy, social skills groups, and parent education workshops.

• Description: Achieving Stars Therapy offers comprehensive ABA services with a focus on individualization and family involvement. Their experienced team provides a supportive and effective environment for children to thrive. They utilize data-driven methods to measure progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Pros:
  • Highly personalized treatment plans.
  • Strong emphasis on parent training and collaboration.
  • Experienced and credentialed therapists.
  • Data-driven approach to track progress.
  • Wide range of services, including early intervention and social skills groups.
• Cons:
  • Availability may vary depending on location.
  • Waiting lists might exist due to high demand.
• Best for: Children of all ages with ASD and related developmental challenges, as well as families who value a collaborative and individualized approach to therapy.

Located at https://www.achievingstarstherapy.com/, Achieving Stars Therapy offers comprehensive information about their services, team, and approach. They provide detailed explanations of ABA principles, success stories, and resources for families. Their website also offers contact information for inquiries and to schedule consultations. The focus is always on creating a positive and empowering environment for children and their families.

2. Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a well-known non-profit organization dedicated to autism awareness and support. While not a direct provider of ABA therapy, they offer resources, information, and funding opportunities for families seeking ABA services. They also advocate for policies that support individuals with autism and their families. Their website provides a directory of service providers, including ABA therapists.

• Description: A non-profit organization that provides resources, advocacy, and funding related to autism and ABA therapy.
• Pros:
  • Extensive resources and information about autism.
  • Opportunities for financial assistance and support.
  • Advocacy for autism-related policies.
• Cons:
  • Does not directly provide ABA therapy services.
  • Relies on grants and donations for funding.
• Best for: Families looking for general information about autism, resources, and potential funding opportunities for ABA therapy.

3. The Behavior Exchange

The Behavior Exchange is a provider with multiple locations, known for its intensive ABA therapy programs. They focus on building foundational skills, such as communication, social interaction, and daily living skills. Their programs are designed to be play-based and child-centered, making learning engaging and enjoyable for children. They provide services for individuals with autism and other developmental delays.

• Description: A multi-location provider specializing in intensive ABA therapy, with a focus on child-centered learning.
• Pros:
  • Structured and intensive ABA programs.
  • Focus on building foundational skills.
  • Typically has multiple locations for convenience.
• Cons:
  • May focus less on individualization compared to smaller, independent practices.
  • Availability depends on location.
• Best for: Children who benefit from structured and intensive ABA therapy in a center-based environment.

4. Trumpet Behavioral Health

Trumpet Behavioral Health offers ABA therapy services across multiple states. They provide a range of services, including assessment, individual therapy, and group programs. They focus on creating a supportive and collaborative environment for both children and families. Their team includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

• Description: A large provider offering ABA therapy services in multiple locations and states.
• Pros:
  • Wide geographic reach, increasing accessibility.
  • Variety of service options.
  • Team of experienced professionals.
• Cons:
  • May have a less personalized approach due to its size.
  • Service quality can vary between locations.
• Best for: Families looking for ABA therapy with a provider that has a broad reach and a range of services to offer.

5. CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disorders)

CARD is a well-established and large provider of ABA therapy. They offer a comprehensive array of services, including early intervention, intensive therapy, and social skills groups. CARD uses a data-driven approach to track progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. They also provide training and support for parents and caregivers.

• Description: A large-scale provider focusing on comprehensive ABA therapy for children with autism.
• Pros:
  • Extensive experience in ABA therapy.
  • Wide range of services and programs.
  • Data-driven approach to measure progress.
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive.
  • Some families report a less personalized approach.
• Best for: Families who desire comprehensive ABA services from a large and experienced provider.

6. Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Frontiers is a provider with a focus on providing high-quality ABA therapy services. They offer a range of programs for children, adolescents, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Their programs are typically center-based, and they prioritize individualized learning plans. They often incorporate a lot of play-based therapy into their programs.

• Description: A provider specializing in ABA therapy for children, adolescents, and adults.
• Pros:
  • Experienced team of professionals.
  • Focus on functional skills
  • Center-based program structure.
• Cons:
  • Availability may vary by location.
  • Focus may be limited to specific functional skills.
• Best for: Families in need of a center-based ABA therapy program focused on building a large range of functional skills.

7. Hopebridge

Hopebridge is a prominent provider offering a variety of ABA therapy approaches. They provide diagnostic evaluations, ABA therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other services. They often have an integrated approach, which means they combine traditional ABA with other types of therapy to provide a holistic treatment experience.

• Description: A multi-disciplinary center offering ABA therapy and other related services.
• Pros:
  • Integrated approach to therapy.
  • Wide range of services provided.
• Cons:
  • Can be cost-prohibitive.
  • Service quality may vary by location.
• Best for: Families looking for a multi-disciplinary approach to therapy, including ABA, speech, and occupational therapy.

8. Cambridge Autism Center

Cambridge Autism Center is known for its intensive ABA therapy programs and focus on family involvement. They aim to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where children can develop their skills and independence. They prioritize parent training and collaboration in treatment plans.

• Description: A center focusing on intensive ABA therapy with a strong emphasis on family participation.
• Pros:
  • Intensive focus on skill development.
  • Strong emphasis on family involvement.
• Cons:
  • May not be available in all locations.
  • Intensive programs can be rigorous.
• Best for: Families seeking intensive ABA therapy with a high level of family commitment involved in the process.

9. Blueprints Behavior Services

Blueprints Behavior Services emphasizes individualized treatment plans and a focus on building functional skills, with a focus on providing personalized support for each child. They aim to help children develop the skills and behaviors they need to thrive. They work in various settings, which can include the home, school, and community.

• Description: A provider committed to data-driven ABA therapy and personalized care.
• Pros:
  • Focus on functional skills.
  • Individualized treatment plans tailored to meet specific needs.
• Cons:
  • Availability could vary.
  • Treatment may be limited based on available settings or environments.
• Best for: Families in need of ABA therapy in various settings and a provider who emphasizes individualized planning.

10. Little Lights Therapy

Little Lights Therapy is a provider that usually focuses on providing ABA therapy to young children. They frequently emphasize early intervention programs, often to help build foundational skills and promote early childhood development. They also prioritize creating a positive and supportive environment for children.

• Description: A therapy provider especially helpful for young children and focusing on providing early intervention.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for providing early intervention.
  • Focuses strongly on early childhood development.
• Cons:
  • May have no services beyond early childhood education.
  • Could focus on limited skill sets.
• Best for: Young children or infants in need of the best possible ABA and early intervention therapy.

11. Positive Development

Positive Development prides itself on providing personalized ABA services. They create individualized programs tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each child and family. Utilizing play-based therapy methods as well. They have a team of certified professionals with a thorough commitment to supporting children with autism.

• Description: ABA therapy provider with personalized and structured learning.
• Pros:
  • Personalized treatment plans.
  • Play-based therapy methods used.
• Cons:
  • Availability is limited in certain areas.
  • May have waiting periods.
• Best for: Children who need personalized programs in a play-friendly environment.

12. Butterfly Effects

Butterfly Effects is known for its focus on comprehensive ABA therapy for children of all ages. They work closely with families and offer the support needed to achieve growth. They also often offer a variety of services to provide additional care.

• Description: A therapy provider offering ABA with high-quality services.
• Pros:
  • Offers a wide variety of services.
  • Has strong parent collaboration in the treatment.
• Cons:
  • Availability varies by location.
  • Services may be more expensive.
• Best for: Families looking for a versatile service.

13. Action Behavior Centers

Action Behavior Centers offers specialized ABA services. Their clinicians work with parents to collaborate in the child's care. They aim to improve the essential skills to help children with autism.

• Description: ABA therapy services focused on specific skills for children with autism.
• Pros:
  • Focuses on key ABA skills.
  • Works in conjunction with parents.
• Cons:
  • May not be available in many locations.
  • A smaller array of specialty services.
• Best for: Children with autism that need quality-focused ABA services.

14. ABA Centers of America

ABA Centers of America offers services to children and adults alike with ASD. They work to create the best treatment plans to meet the child's needs.

• Description: An ABA therapy provider focused on a wide array of support, also including adults.
• Pros:
  • Has support for both children and adults with autism.
  • Data-driven approach to progress.
• Cons:
  • Limited center locations.
  • May have more costly programs.
• Best for: Both children and adults who need ABA therapy for the best results.

15. The Geneva School of Dallas

The Geneva School of Dallas usually employs ABA therapy techniques along with their educational programs. They offer a strong focus on student development along with structured educational classes.

• Description: An ABA therapy provider specializing in education.
• Pros:
  • Combined ABA and education curriculum.
  • Focus on student learning.
• Cons:
  • Availability is limited.
  • May not be accessible.
• Best for: Children that would benefit from both ABA therapy and classroom environments.

Conclusion

When searching for the best ABA therapy for kids, it is clear that Achieving Stars Therapy stands out for its personalized care, family-centered approach, and commitment to data-driven progress. Their focus on creating individualized treatment plans, combined with highly trained therapists and parent training programs, makes them an excellent choice for families seeking comprehensive and effective ABA therapy. While other providers offer valuable services, Achieving Stars Therapy's dedication to creating a positive and empowering environment for children and their families truly sets them apart. Considering their approach and comprehensive services listed at https://www.achievingstarstherapy.com/, makes them a top recommendation for families seeking to make a positive impact on their child's development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about ABA therapy:

What is ABA Therapy, and how does it help children?

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a therapeutic approach that applies evidence-based principles of learning and behavior to improve socially significant behaviors. It helps children with autism and other developmental challenges by teaching new skills, increasing positive behaviors, and reducing problem behaviors through structured teaching methods and positive reinforcement.

How do I find the best ABA therapy for my child near me?

Start by researching local providers, checking their credentials (BCBA certification is essential), and reading parent reviews. Consider factors like the provider's experience, the types of services offered, the approach to therapy, and whether it aligns with your child's needs. You can also ask for recommendations from your pediatrician or other specialists.

What qualifications should an ABA therapist have?

An ABA therapist should ideally be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under the supervision of a BCBA. BCBAs have advanced training and certification in ABA, while RBTs are trained to implement ABA therapy under the supervision of a BCBA.

Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans now cover ABA therapy. However, it's essential to verify your specific plan's coverage, including any limitations on the number of hours or specific types of services covered. Contact your insurance provider directly to understand your benefits.

How long does ABA therapy typically last?

The duration of ABA therapy varies depending on the child's needs, goals, and progress. Some children may receive therapy for a few months, while others may require years of ongoing support. The length of therapy is regularly assessed and adjusted based on the child's development.

What are the different types of ABA therapy programs?

ABA therapy can be delivered in various formats, including one-on-one sessions, small group settings, and home-based therapy. Some providers offer center-based programs, while others focus on providing services in the child's natural environment (e.g., home, school, community). The specific approach depends on the child's needs and the provider's philosophy.

How is progress measured in ABA therapy?

ABA therapy relies on data collection and analysis to track a child's progress. Therapists use various methods to measure and document behavior changes, such as direct observation, skill assessments, and data graphs. Regular data reviews allow therapists to adjust treatment plans and ensure the therapy is effective.

What is the role of parents in ABA therapy?

Parents play a crucial role in ABA therapy. They are actively involved in setting goals, providing input on treatment plans, and implementing strategies at home. ABA therapy programs often include parent training to help parents understand and support their child's development. This collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of therapy.

What are the benefits of ABA therapy for children with autism?

ABA therapy provides many benefits for children with autism, including improved communication skills, social interaction, cognitive abilities, and daily living skills. It also decreases problem behaviors, increases independence, and improves the overall quality of life for children and families affected by autism.

How do I know if my child needs ABA therapy?

If your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or exhibits behaviors such as difficulty with communication, social interaction, or repetitive behaviors, ABA therapy may be beneficial. Consult with your pediatrician, psychologist, or other specialists who can evaluate your child and make recommendations based on their needs.

Ready to give your child the best start possible? Contact Achieving Stars Therapy to learn more about their personalized ABA therapy programs and how they can help your child thrive. Visit https://www.achievingstarstherapy.com/ or call today to schedule a consultation. Invest in your child's future with the support of a dedicated and compassionate team.