Question 1

What is ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

ABA — Applied Behavior Analysis — is therapy that uses what we know about how behavior works to help kids learn skills, communicate, and reduce behaviors that get in their way. Our version is collaborative, individualized, and built around what your family actually wants to work on.

Question 2

Is ABA evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ABA is one of the most heavily studied therapies for autism — decades of research show real gains in communication and daily living skills, especially when it starts early and is done well. The American Academy of Pediatrics and most state Medicaid programs treat ABA as evidence-based.

Question 3

Is modern ABA different from older versions of ABA?

Accepted Answer

Yes — really different. The field used to lean on rigid compliance and aversive techniques. The version we practice — and what most modern, neuro-affirming clinics practice — is built on assent, individual goals, and respect for how your kid's brain works. We don't use aversives. We don't teach masking. We don't make kids look more 'typical.'

Question 4

How do I know if my kid needs ABA?

Accepted Answer

The best answer is a 15-minute conversation with a BCBA. We'll ask about your kid — what's going well, what's hard — and tell you straight up whether ABA makes sense. If it doesn't, we'll point you somewhere better. Most families think about ABA when their kid could use support around communication, daily living, regulation, or learning routines.

Question 5

What ages do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We work with kids from early intervention age (around 2) through adolescence. [Confirm with brother: do we extend into adult services?] Programs are tailored by developmental stage rather than age alone — what your kid is working on matters more than the number on their birth certificate.

Question 6

Do you take insurance? Which?

Accepted Answer

We're in-network with [pending brother — Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UHC, Horizon NJ Health, Magellan as the working list]. ABA is covered by most commercial plans and Medicaid in New Jersey. We'll verify your benefits before you commit so you know exactly what's covered and what your out-of-pocket looks like.

Question 7

Where do sessions happen?

Accepted Answer

Three places, often in combination: at our Morganville clinic, out in the community (parks, libraries, real-world spots), and on video for parent coaching. The right mix comes out of your assessment, not a brochure.

Question 8

How long does ABA therapy last?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your child and your goals. Some families work with us for a few months on a focused skill set. Others work with us for years through major developmental shifts. The goal is always for your kid to need us less over time, not more. We update goals continuously and end services when it makes sense — we don't keep families on for the sake of keeping them on.

Question 9

How is ABA different from speech therapy or occupational therapy?

Accepted Answer

ABA targets behavior and learning broadly — including communication, daily living, social skills, and regulation. Speech-language pathology (SLP) targets communication specifically, including articulation, fluency, language, and feeding. Occupational therapy (OT) targets sensory processing and the motor side of daily living. Many kids benefit from a combination. Speech Castle is built so you don't have to chase ABA and speech across two practices — they're under the same roof here.

Question 10

Are you neurodiversity-affirming?

Accepted Answer

Yes — concretely. We don't teach masking. We don't target stimming for reduction unless it's actively harming your child. Goals come from your family, not from a checklist that measures how 'typical' your kid looks. Assent matters — your child gets a real say in what happens. We use reinforcement and environmental design, not punishment.

Question 11

What's the difference between a BCBA and an RBT?

Accepted Answer

A BCBA — Board Certified Behavior Analyst — is a master's-level clinician who designs and supervises your child's program. An RBT — Registered Behavior Technician — is the person delivering most of the direct session hours, supervised by the BCBA. Think of the BCBA as the architect and the RBT as the builder. Both are essential.

Question 12

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Send us a note through the contact form or give us a call. We'll ask about your kid, walk you through how we work, and check your insurance. If it sounds like a fit, we move into assessment. Most families go from first message to first session in a couple of weeks.

Questions parents actually ask.

Let's talk about your kid.