Center-Based ABA Therapy
At Action Behavior, we provide center-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to support children ages 18 months to 8 years old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our center-based ABA services are delivered in an exciting environment designed for learning.
Center-based ABA gives children a dedicated place to work one-on-one with their therapy team while practicing communication, social interaction, and independence skills. Each child’s therapy plan is individualized around their unique needs and goals and developed in collaboration with families.
Families love working with Action Behavior Center
This place is a heaven sent! My son was diagnosed with autism 3 years ago. And he is 6 and now has graduated from this wonderful place! Now heading to first grade! Our son and family has always felt supported here. He never wanted to miss a day! We are definitely going to miss this place! Thank you to the ABC Staff for all that you’ve done for my son! If you’re looking for ABA therapy for your loved one look no further, this is the place to go!
Very happy with ABC and all the therapists. They are all so sweet and nice, always willing to help in any way they can. My son loves going to "school" everyday and loves his therapists so much. I always leave with a peace of mind knowing they are taking good care of him and as a parent, that is the most important thing. We are so lucky to be part of the ABC family. I cannot recommend this place enough, absolutely happy with everyone here.
Center-based ABA therapy is best for children who:
- Need consistent therapy to reach specific behavioral or developmental goals
- Benefit from an environment that is distraction-free and tailored to their needs
- Thrive with one-on-one, personalized attention from trained professionals
Because every child is different, the right ABA therapy setting depends on their individual needs, goals, and family circumstances.
Center-based therapy
Ages:
18 months – 8 years
Location:
Nationwide
Center-based ABA therapy takes place in bright, engaging environments led by dedicated therapists.
ABC at Home
Ages:
18 months – 13 years
Location:
Select regions in Texas
Children receive the same evidence-based therapy and compassionate care while learning skills that carry over naturally into daily routines.
ABC Academy
Ages:
5 – 12 years
Location:
Arizona, Colorado, & Texas
A continuation of care program for children who are in school part-time or full-time but could still benefit from extra support.
What does a typical day of center-based ABA therapy look like?
At Action Behavior Centers, center-based ABA therapy is engaging, playful, and tailored to each child’s individual needs and goals. Early sessions focus first on helping your child feel happy, relaxed, and engaged with their therapy team.
Building trust and learning what motivates your child builds the foundation for future therapy sessions.
Throughout the day, children move between therapy rooms, play, activities, different therapists, and everyday routines. Each part of the day provides opportunities to work toward their personalized goals while practicing skills in different ways.
1. MORNING CHECK-IN
Children are greeted by their therapists and helped into their daily routines.
2. One-on-one therapy time
Children work alongside a therapist in their therapy space, playroom, or another area of the center toward the individualized goals in their treatment plan. Therapists also document progress throughout sessions so the clinical team can follow a child’s progress and adjust their therapy plan as needed.
3. Real-time progress tracking
Therapists keep detailed records of how your child is reaching therapy goals. For example, a goal like responding to their name may start at 20% success and gradually increase over time.
4. Therapist rotation
Children rotate among therapists on their team to help them practice what they are learning with different people. This supports the ability to use developing skills across different people and settings rather than only during a specific activity or with one therapist.
5. Ongoing parent updates
Caregivers receive secure photos and written updates highlighting their learning moments, play, and progress so families can stay connected to their child’s day.
6. Pick-up time
At the end of the day, children are released to an approved caregiver. Proper identification is required for anyone picking up a child from an ABC center.
Is ABA therapy all table work?
Not at ABC! Table-based activities may be one part of ABA therapy, particularly when children are working on certain school-readiness skills; however, learning also happens through play, movement, routines, and hands-on activities.
ABC centers provide different spaces where children can practice developing skills in engaging ways, including:
- "Eats & Crafts" rooms for mealtime routines, creativity, and sensory activities
- Circle Time zones for singing and dancing
- Sensory rooms to help build coordination and focus
Moving between activities and environments also gives children opportunities to practice what they are learning in different contexts throughout their day.
Family involvement in center-based ABA therapy
At Action Behavior Centers, caregivers are important partners in their child’s care. Twice-a-month Family Guidance sessions are included as part of each therapy plan and are led by your child’s BCBA.
During Family Guidance, families can:
- Set 2–4 personalized goals that matter to your family
- Share strategies for common challenges like potty training, mealtime, and transitions
- Teach simple ways to apply ABA techniques at home
- Empower you with autism resources to help your child grow outside of center-based ABA
Families also receive ongoing updates so the skills children are working on at the center do not feel disconnected from everyday life at home.
How to enroll in center-based ABA therapy near you
Action Behavior Centers has a growing network of ABA therapy centers, helping more families access center-based care close to home. With hundreds of center locations across multiple communities, families can connect with an ABC team and explore center-based ABA therapy available in their area.
Contact us
Start by contacting an Action Behavior Center location near you. We will learn more about your child’s diagnostic status and help schedule a center tour.
Verify insurance & complete paperwork
ABC can help verify your insurance benefits and guide your family through the paperwork needed to begin ABA therapy. Check your coverage online in minutes.
Begin center-based therapy
Once the necessary paperwork and insurance steps are complete, your child can begin center-based ABA therapy and start working toward their individualized goals.
Frequently asked questions
Does insurance cover center-based ABA therapy?
Are parents involved in center-based ABA therapy?
Absolutely! Parents and caregivers play a huge role in their child’s success. Although ABA therapy takes place at the center, we offer many ways for families to stay involved:
- Join twice-a-month Family Guidance meetings with your child’s BCBA
- Learn helpful strategies to practice at home
- Participate in local center and community events
- Receive regular communication and progress updates
The goal is to help families understand what their child is working on and support skill development beyond the autism therapy center.
How long will my child need center-based ABA therapy?
Every child is different, so the length of therapy depends on their individual needs, strengths, goals, and progress. ABC continually monitors each child’s progress and updates their therapy plan as needed. Learn more about how long ABA therapy lasts here.
How is play-based early intervention used in center-based ABA therapy?
Play-based early intervention is incorporated into center-based ABA therapy at ABC. Therapists use engaging activities to help young children practice communication, social, and cognitive skills.
Play-based activities may include:
- Building with blocks
- Pretend play, like cooking or grocery shopping
- Matching and sorting games
- Interactive storytime
- Turn-taking games such as rolling a ball or playing “Simon Says”
How do I know if my child is making progress in center-based ABA therapy?
ABC monitors progress through data collected during therapy sessions, digital tracking tools, behavior charts, assessments, and skill evaluations.
Families stay informed through:
- Written progress reports
- Visual graphs showing skill growth
- Progress meetings
- Family Guidance sessions
- Direct communication with their child’s clinical team
A child’s therapy plan can evolve based on their progress and changing needs and goals. Learn more about our ABA therapy outcomes here.
What types of positive reinforcement are used in center-based ABA therapy?
Positive reinforcement is personalized around what motivates each child. At ABC, examples may include praise and encouragement, high fives, time with a favorite toy or activity, and stickers or tokens that can be earned toward a reward. ABA therapists use positive reinforcement to help children stay engaged while working toward individualized goals.
Help your child thrive with ABA therapy.
Complete our online interest form to get matched with a center. We will be in touch soon!
