ABA Therapy in New Jersey
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding and improving behavior. ABA therapy focuses on teaching essential skills, reducing challenging behaviors, and creating meaningful, lasting change in individuals’ lives. This therapy is effective for people of all ages and can be implemented in various settings, including schools, homes, and communities, to support independence and growth.
Looking for ABA Therapy for Adults?
At Graham Behavior Services, we provide ABA therapy services beyond age 18, supporting adults in building independence, daily living skills, social interactions, and vocational abilities tailored to their needs.
What's the best therapy for autism?
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is the only scientifically validated treatment for individuals on the autism spectrum. It uses evidence-based techniques to increase positive, socially significant behaviors and decrease undesirable behaviors, helping individuals develop skills for a better quality of life.
“The goal of ABA is two-fold: to increase useful behaviors that improve quality of life and decrease those that are harmful or interfere with learning or relationships. It is a structured teaching approach that can be implemented in many settings to teach skills from many domains (communication, self-care, academic, play/leisure, social skills, etc.). It involves understanding patterns of behavior and examining the influence of environmental factors including what happens before and after the behavior”
Who’s involved in ABA therapy?
ABA therapy is provided by a team of trained professionals:
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs): These are highly trained experts who design and oversee therapy plans, as well as supervise other team members.
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs): These professionals work under the supervision of a BCBA to assist in implementing therapy plans.
- Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs): RBTs are paraprofessionals who carry out the direct implementation of therapy under the supervision of a BCBA or BCaBA.
At Graham Behavior Services, our behavior therapists typically have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and one year of ABA experience, and many are certified teachers, social workers, or graduate students studying behavior analysis.
What ages do you service?
We provide ABA therapy for individuals of all ages, starting as early as 12 months through adulthood. Early intervention is especially impactful, as research shows that children who receive intensive therapy before age 5 often make significant developmental gains. ABA therapy can even influence brain development and improve social, communication, and behavioral skills.
While early intervention is critical, ABA remains highly effective for individuals over age 5, including teens and adults. Consistency in therapy is essential for success—just like physical therapy after an injury, regular sessions are needed to achieve lasting progress.
Where does therapy occur? What skills are taught?
ABA therapy takes place in various settings to best support your child’s needs. Therapy is most commonly provided in the home, school, and community, ensuring skills are learned and applied in real-life situations. Depending on the goals, sessions may involve structured table work, play-based learning, or outings to practice skills in different environments. Some skills may start in one setting before being generalized to others.
ABA therapy focuses on developing essential skills tailored to your child’s needs. These may include:
- Communication & Social Skills – Improving interactions and expressive language
- Self-Care & Daily Living – Toileting, dressing, feeding, and sleep routines
- Academic & Play Skills – Learning, problem-solving, and structured activities
- Job & Independence Skills – Preparing for work and daily responsibilities
- Behavior Management – Reducing challenging behaviors and increasing tolerance
How much does autism therapy cost? Why is it so expensive?
The cost of ABA therapy depends on several factors, including your insurance plan and the number of services required. ABA therapy can be costly, as most clients need a significant number of hours—often between 25-40 hours per week, based on research for individuals with autism.
However, under the 2009 New Jersey Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities insurance mandate, individual and small employer health benefits carriers are required to cover ABA therapy for autism treatment. While insurance typically covers a large portion, families may still be responsible for certain costs, such as deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance.
At Graham Behavior Services, we work with you to thoroughly understand your insurance benefits and ensure transparency regarding your costs before starting services. If you have any questions or need clarification about your benefits, please click below to fill out our contact form and someone will reach out to you within one business day.
