Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps children improve communication, social skills, and daily living abilities — while reducing behaviors that get in the way of learning. At Exelixis ABA, every program is individualized to your child’s unique strengths and needs.

Every session is different depending on your child’s goals, but most follow a natural, play-based rhythm. A Behavior Technician arrives at your home and works one-on-one with your child using activities and games that feel fun — not clinical. Skills like communication, turn-taking, or daily routines are practiced in the moment, in the environment where they actually matter.

Your BCBA designs the session plan and reviews data regularly to make sure every activity has a purpose. Parents are encouraged to observe and ask questions — you’re a key part of the process.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a licensed clinician with advanced training in behavior analysis. At Exelixis ABA, your BCBA leads everything: they conduct your child’s initial assessment, design the treatment plan, supervise the Behavior Technician during sessions, and meet with your family regularly to review progress and adjust goals. Think of them as your child’s clinical lead — the person accountable for outcomes.

Early intervention makes a significant difference. Many children begin between ages 2–5, but ABA therapy can be beneficial at any age. If you’re wondering whether now is the right time, contact us and we’ll help you figure out the best path forward.

Some common signs include:

• Delayed speech or communication
• Difficulty with social interaction
• Repetitive behaviors
• Challenges with daily routines or transitions

If you’re noticing any of these, an assessment with a BCBA is a great next step.

In most cases, yes — insurance providers typically require a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to approve ABA therapy. If your child hasn’t been diagnosed yet, we can guide you through the next steps to get there.

Yes. Many children we work with have co-occurring diagnoses such as ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, or developmental delays alongside their autism diagnosis. Our approach is individualized, so we design each program around your child’s full profile — not just a single label.

Yes. Most sessions are one-on-one with a trained Behavior Technician, supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This individualized attention allows us to tailor every session to your child’s current goals.

Duration is different for every child. We continuously monitor progress and adjust goals as your child develops new skills and grows in independence. There’s no fixed endpoint — therapy evolves with your child.

Traditional ABA can be compliance-heavy. We don’t do that. Our therapy is neuroaffirming, flexible, and focused on real-life outcomes — not on making a child appear “typical.” We prioritize functional communication, independence, and quality of life.

Neuroaffirming therapy respects each child’s individuality and supports neurodiversity. Instead of trying to “normalize” behavior, we focus on building meaningful skills, supporting communication, and promoting your child’s autonomy and well-being.

Assent-based therapy means we actively look for signs that your child is willing and comfortable participating. If a child shows distress or withdrawal, we pause, adjust our approach, and respect what they’re communicating. This creates a more effective — and more humane — learning environment.

Absolutely. Your child’s safety and comfort are our first priority — always. We use assent-based, trauma-informed practices that respect your child’s boundaries and never use aversive or punitive techniques. All Behavior Technicians are trained, background-checked, and supervised by a licensed BCBA. If something doesn’t feel right to your child, we stop and adjust. Full stop.

We track progress through data collected during every session, so decisions are always evidence-based — not guesswork. Your BCBA will meet with you regularly to review your child’s progress, share what the data shows, and update goals accordingly. You’ll see clear milestones, and we’ll celebrate them with you. If progress stalls, we adjust the approach — we don’t wait for problems to become obvious.

The relationship between your child and their Behavior Technician matters enormously — we take that seriously. If the fit isn’t right, tell us. We’ll work to find a better match. A strong therapeutic relationship is part of what makes therapy effective, and we’d rather get it right than push forward with the wrong pairing.

We support all forms of communication, including speech, gestures, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices. Every child deserves a reliable way to express their needs and preferences — we meet them where they are.

Family involvement is one of the most important factors in a child’s progress. We ask parents to be present and engaged — not because it’s required, but because it works. Your BCBA will show you strategies to use between sessions so skills carry over into everyday life. That said, we understand every family’s schedule is different, and we’ll work with you to find a level of involvement that’s realistic and sustainable.

Yes. We provide in-home ABA therapy throughout Essex County, NJ — including West Orange, Montclair, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange, and surrounding areas. In-home therapy helps children learn in a familiar environment, generalize skills to real life, and keeps families actively involved in the process.

This depends on your child’s needs, clinical recommendations, and insurance approval. After a full assessment, your BCBA will provide a personalized treatment plan with a recommended number of hours.

We move as quickly as we can — we know families aren’t looking to wait. After your initial consultation, we’ll begin the insurance verification and intake process right away. Once authorization is in place, we’ll schedule your child’s assessment with a BCBA and get therapy started. We’ll keep you informed at every step so there are no surprises.

Yes. Most major insurance plans in New Jersey cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. We help families verify benefits, obtain authorizations, and understand their coverage — so you can focus on your child, not the paperwork.

Absolutely. We follow all HIPAA regulations to protect your child’s personal and medical information. We use secure systems and only share information with your consent, or as required for treatment and insurance purposes. View our Privacy Policy →

It’s simple:

• Contact us to schedule a free consultation
• Complete intake forms
• Receive a full assessment from a BCBA
• Begin therapy on a schedule that works for your family

We’ll guide you through every step.