The 8 Best ABA Therapy Providers for Kids in 2025

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized and effective approach to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. Finding the right provider is crucial for your child's progress and overall well-being. This list highlights some of the leading ABA therapy providers, with a focus on their strengths and areas for consideration. Choosing the right provider is a critical step in supporting your child’s development, focusing on structured, data-driven approaches designed to enhance social skills, communication, and independence.

1. Achieving Stars Therapy

Achieving Stars Therapy stands out as a leading provider of ABA therapy, known for its comprehensive approach and dedication to individualized care. They prioritize creating personalized treatment plans in tandem with parental input. The team consists of highly qualified and experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who are committed to providing the highest quality of care. Their philosophy centers on building a strong rapport with both the child and family to create a supportive and engaging therapeutic environment. Focusing on data-driven interventions, Achieving Stars Therapy measures and tracks progress diligently, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure optimal outcomes.

• Description: Achieving Stars Therapy offers a full spectrum of ABA services, including early intervention, intensive behavioral therapy, social skills groups, and parent training. They provide services in various settings, including homes, clinics, and schools, accommodating the unique needs of each child. Their programs are designed to address a wide range of skill deficits and behavioral challenges, promoting independence and a better quality of life for children and their families. Their team emphasizes continuous professional development, ensuring the implementation of the latest evidence-based practices.
• Pros:
  • Highly individualized treatment plans.
  • Experienced and certified staff (BCBAs and RBTs).
  • Comprehensive service offerings (early intervention, intensive therapy, parent training).
  • Data-driven approach to track progress and adjust strategies.
  • Services provided in multiple settings (home, clinic, school).
• Cons:
  • Availability may vary depending on location.
  • Waiting lists could be present.
• Who it's best for: Children of all ages with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays. Families seeking a comprehensive, individualized, and data-driven approach to ABA therapy, with a strong emphasis on parental involvement. Suitable for those looking for services in multiple settings.

2. Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a well-known organization providing resources and support for families affected by autism. While not a direct provider of ABA therapy, they offer a vast network of information and tools to help families find suitable providers and understand the nuances of ABA therapy. Their website offers guides, webinars, and directories to help families navigate the complexities of autism care.

• Description: Autism Speaks provides a wide array of educational resources, advocacy tools, and support programs. They offer information on various therapies, including ABA, and help families connect with local resources. They are not direct providers of ABA therapy, but a great resource to learn about autism and ABA.
• Pros:
  • Extensive educational resources and information on autism.
  • Support for families, including webinars and guides.
  • Directories to help find local ABA therapy providers.
• Cons:
  • Does not directly provide ABA therapy services.
  • Some information can be overwhelming for new families.
• Who it's best for: Families new to autism and ABA therapy who need initial guidance and resources. Those seeking to understand autism and find local providers in their area.

3. Behavior Frontiers

Behavior Frontiers is another large provider offering ABA therapy services across multiple states. They focus on delivering evidence-based interventions in a variety of settings, with a strong emphasis on staff training and clinical supervision. They have a well-structured approach to therapy and offer comprehensive programs that address a range of developmental goals.

• Description: Behavior Frontiers provides ABA therapy to children and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Their services include comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring of progress. They specialize in early intervention and intensive behavioral treatment.
• Pros:
  • Experienced staff and a well-structured therapy approach.
  • Comprehensive programs for early intervention.
  • Services in multiple settings (clinic, home, and school).
• Cons:
  • Availability may be limited in some regions.
  • Focus may be primarily on intensive therapy models which may not suit every child.
• Who it's best for: Families seeking intensive ABA therapy and early intervention programs. Children and young adults who benefit from structured and consistent therapeutic environments.

4. Trumpet Behavioral Health

Trumpet Behavioral Health is a provider with a broad reach, known for its comprehensive ABA therapy services. They offer individualized treatment plans, focusing on improving social, communication, and daily living skills. Their approach involves a strong emphasis on data collection and analysis to track progress and make data-driven decisions about the child's therapy plan.

• Description: Trumpet Behavioral Health delivers ABA therapy, and focuses on creating personalized programs to address each child’s unique challenges. They offer services in various settings and incorporate parent training into their intervention approach.
• Pros:
  • Focus on individualized treatment planning.
  • Comprehensive services for early intervention and support.
  • Emphasis on data-driven approach to measure progress.
• Cons:
  • Waiting lists could be long, depending on location.
  • Availability varies by location.
• Who it's best for: Children and families needing a highly personalized ABA therapy approach, with a focus on data and collaboration.

5. CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disorders)

CARD is a well-established and long-standing provider of ABA therapy, known for its structured programs and comprehensive approach to intervention. They offer a wide array of services including early intervention, intensive behavioral therapy, and parent training. CARD has a reputation for delivering consistent and structured therapeutic services.

• Description: CARD provides comprehensive ABA therapy services to children with autism and related disorders. They offer a highly structured approach to therapy and have established programs and curricula.
• Pros:
  • Structured and consistent approach to therapy.
  • Extensive service offerings and programs.
  • Well-established organization with experience.
• Cons:
  • May need to travel to a clinic setting.
  • Can sometimes be less flexible in program adjustments.
• Who it's best for: Families who thrive on a structured, established therapy environment. Children who benefit from consistent schedules and clearly defined behavioral goals.

6. Butterfly Effects

Butterfly Effects is another provider with a broad reach offering ABA therapy services. They provide a range of services, including in-home and clinic-based therapy. They emphasize a collaborative approach with families to develop individualized treatment plans that target specific goals and improve overall quality of life.

• Description: Butterfly Effects offers ABA therapy services in multiple settings. They focus on providing personalized treatment and support for children.
• Pros:
  • Flexibility with services in multiple settings.
  • Strong focus on collaboration with families.
• Cons:
  • Service availability may vary depending on their resources.
• Who it's best for: Families seeking in-home or clinic-based ABA therapy with flexible settings.

7. Hopebridge

Hopebridge is a prominent provider of ABA therapy, known for its focus on multi-disciplinary care. They often integrate other therapeutic modalities like speech therapy and occupational therapy to provide a holistic approach to treatment. Their centers are designed to be child-friendly environments, fostering a supportive atmosphere for learning and growth.

• Description: Hopebridge provides comprehensive ABA therapy, incorporating speech therapy and occupational therapy. Their integrated approach aims to address multiple aspects of a child's development.
• Pros:
  • Integrated approach with multiple therapies.
  • Child-friendly environment.
• Cons:
  • Focus primarily in-clinic settings.
• Who it's best for: Children who can benefit from an integrated approach to therapy, including multiple disciplines. Families seeking a center-based environment.

8. Verbal Beginnings

Verbal Beginnings provides ABA therapy with a heavy emphasis on communication and social skills development. They use evidence-based practices to improve communication abilities and help children build social relationships. Their approach is focused on functional communication training and empowering children to express their needs and desires.

• Description: Verbal Beginnings offers ABA therapy with a focus on communication and social skills. They develop programs to help children develop functional communication skills and social interactions.
• Pros:
  • Expertise in aiding communication skills.
  • Strong focus on social skills development.
• Cons:
  • Service areas could be limited.
• Who it's best for: Children who most need help with communication and social interactions. Families who would like to support children's use of functional communication.

Conclusion

While many providers offer quality ABA therapy for kids, Achieving Stars Therapy stands out for its commitment to individualized care, experienced staff, and comprehensive service offerings. Their data-driven approach, their flexibility, and their emphasis on parental involvement create an environment where children can thrive. When selecting an ABA therapy provider, it’s essential to consider your child's specific needs, your family’s resources, and the provider’s overall philosophy. The providers on this list are all well-regarded in the field, but Achieving Stars Therapy offers a particularly strong commitment to creating a nurturing and effective therapeutic experience.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about ABA therapy for kids:

1. What is ABA therapy?

ABA therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis) is a form of therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It focuses on how learning takes place and seeks to improve specific behaviors such as social skills, communication, and daily living skills.

2. Who is ABA therapy for?

ABA therapy is primarily used to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. It benefits children by improving a range of skills and decreasing problematic behaviors.

3. How does ABA therapy work?

ABA therapy works by breaking down complex skills into smaller, manageable steps. Therapists use various techniques, such as positive reinforcement, to teach these skills and encourage desired behaviors.

4. What skills can ABA therapy help with?

ABA therapy helps children with a wide range of skills including communication, social interaction, daily living, academic performance, and reducing problem behaviors.

5. Where is ABA therapy delivered?

ABA therapy can be delivered in various settings including homes, clinics, schools, and community settings. Many providers offer a range of these setups to cater to each child’s needs.

6. What are the qualifications of an ABA therapist?

ABA therapists often include Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). BCBAs have advanced degrees and supervise therapy sessions, and RBTs implement the therapy under supervision.

7. How long does ABA therapy last?

The duration of ABA therapy varies depending on the child's needs and goals. Many children require several hours per week for months or even years to see improvements.

8. How is progress measured in ABA therapy?

Progress in ABA therapy is measured using data collection. Therapists track a child’s progress on specific goals and make adjustments to the therapy plan based on the data.

9. How can I choose the best ABA therapy provider for my child?

To choose the best provider, consider the provider’s experience, qualifications, treatment approach, and the setting of the services. Also, consider the specific needs of your child and what your priorities are, such as parent training.

10. Is ABA therapy covered by insurance?

Yes, in many regions, ABA therapy is covered by insurance, as well as state-provided assistance. Check with your insurance company to understand your coverage options and requirements.

11. What is the role of parents in ABA therapy?

Parents play a crucial role in ABA therapy. They are often involved in creating treatment plans, receiving training, and carrying out strategies, as needed, at home. Their active participation is critical to their child’s success.

12. What is early intervention ABA therapy?

Early intervention ABA therapy is provided to very young children (typically preschool-aged) who are at risk. Early intervention helps with the rapid improvement of skills, and may reduce the need for further intervention later in life.

For more information on the best ABA therapy options in your area, and to discuss how Achieving Stars Therapy can help support your child, visit https://www.achievingstarstherapy.com/ today.