A full clinical picture of where your child is, written for you and your insurance.
Before treatment can start, your child needs a comprehensive assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The assessment is not a test for your child. It is how we get to know your child clinically — what skills are emerging, what skills are not yet there, what behaviors are getting in the way, and what your child's strengths and interests are. The assessment produces a written treatment plan that goes to your insurance for prior authorization and to your family as your roadmap.
We sit with you and ask structured questions about your child’s development, daily routines, communication, social interactions, and what brought you to ABA.
Your BCBA observes your child in play and structured activities, taking notes on skills and behaviors. This usually takes one to three sessions of 60 to 90 minutes each.
We use validated assessment instruments including VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, AFLS, or PEAK depending on your child’s age and needs.
If your child has behaviors that are getting in the way of progress, we do a functional analysis to understand what is driving them and how to address them.
The assessment was the first time someone described our child accurately, in writing.
— The Kim family, Bay Area
Every child entering ABA with us. Assessment is the first clinical step for every family we serve. No exceptions.
Children with an autism diagnosis. Our assessment builds the ABA treatment plan after diagnosis. We do not do diagnostic assessment ourselves — your pediatrician or psychologist makes the diagnosis.
Children of any age in our age range. Assessment tools are adapted for toddlers, school-age children, and teens. Same process, different content.
Family interview and first observation.
Direct skill assessment across one to three sessions.
Functional behavior assessment if needed.
BCBA writes the treatment plan.
Treatment plan reviewed with you.
Plan submitted to insurance for prior authorization.
from your last assessment session to a written treatment plan in your hands — not weeks of waiting.
Comprehensive assessment is covered by Medicaid and commercial plans in all four states, and is typically the first authorized step. Specific notes:
Coverage details current as of 2026 and subject to your specific plan. We verify your exact benefits before you commit.
Your written treatment plan includes your child’s clinical goals, the specific skills being targeted, the strategies your BCBA recommends, the hours of ABA recommended per week, and a six-month review timeline. You receive a copy. Your insurance receives a copy. We use it to guide every session.
A Maryland family arrived with a six-month-old autism diagnosis but no clear plan. Their pediatrician had said “find ABA” and that was all. Their BCBA spent three sessions assessing in their home. The written plan came back ten pages long with specific goals, specific hours, and specific strategies.
When the mom showed the plan to her husband he said it was the first time anyone had described their daughter accurately in writing. Prior auth came back approved in seven days.
This is not a diagnostic assessment and it does not replace a psychological evaluation. We do not diagnose autism — your pediatrician, psychologist, or developmental pediatrician does that, and insurance requires it before our assessment can begin.
If you do not yet have a diagnosis, that is the step that comes first, and we can refer you to a diagnostic partner. Our assessment picks up after the diagnosis to build the ABA treatment plan around your specific child.
Yes. Insurance requires an autism diagnosis from a licensed psychologist or developmental pediatrician before we can assess for ABA. If you do not have one, we can refer you to a diagnostic partner first.
Your BCBA is trained to move at your child’s pace, often starting with play and following your child’s lead. The assessment can span a few shorter sessions so your child stays comfortable. There is no pass or fail.
Yes, and often that is the best setting because your child is most themselves there. We can also assess virtually if you prefer. Your BCBA will recommend what fits your child.
You do not need to coach or prep them — we want to see your child as they are. Just keep the day normal and let them know a friendly new person is coming to play. We handle the rest.
Then we tell you honestly, and we help point you toward what would serve your child better. We only recommend ABA when the clinical picture supports it.
Yes. We review the full plan with you before submission, walk through every goal and recommendation, and answer your questions. It is your roadmap as much as the insurer’s.
No waitlist. No runaround.
Call 305-209-3144 or email intake@houseofheartsaba.com. Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM.
