A Washington Parent's Checklist for Starting ABA Therapy

Why a Checklist Matters

Starting ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for your child in Washington can feel overwhelming-between diagnosis, insurance, provider options, and waiting lists, it's easy to get lost. This checklist breaks down the process into clear, manageable steps. By following it, you'll move from confusion to action, ensuring your child gets the BCBA-led, evidence-based support they deserve. Remember, Get ABA Therapy is a free service that can match you with vetted providers across the state, so you don't have to do it alone.

🔗 Related reading: ABA Therapy & High Deductibles: What to Do · Local ABA Therapy

Step 1: Secure an Official Autism Diagnosis

Who Can Diagnose in Washington?

ABA therapy almost always requires a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In Washington, this typically comes from a licensed developmental pediatrician, child psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or neurologist with expertise in autism. Some families also obtain diagnoses through the University of Washington Autism Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, or local developmental clinics in Spokane, Tacoma, and Vancouver.

Tips for the Diagnostic Process

• Bring records: School reports, previous evaluations, and videos of behaviors can help the clinician.
• Ask about ADOS-2: The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule is a standard tool; verify your evaluator uses it.
• Insurance pre-authorization: Some plans require a diagnosis before they'll cover evaluation costs. Check with your insurer.
• Early Intervention if under 3: Washington's Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program can provide free developmental evaluations and connect you with ABA providers.

Step 2: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Private Insurance in Washington

Washington state law mandates that large group health plans cover ABA therapy for autism, up to age 21. Many plans require you to use in-network providers or obtain pre-authorization. Contact your insurance company directly: ask about ABA coverage, annual visit limits, co-pays, and whether you need a referral from a primary care doctor. Also verify that the provider you choose is BCBA-led (board-certified behavior analyst) and accepts your plan.

Apple Health (Medicaid)

If your child is covered by Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program), ABA therapy is a covered service under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. Coverage includes assessment, treatment planning, and direct ABA services. You may need prior authorization, but there is typically no cap on medically necessary ABA for children under 21. Managed care plans (e.g., Coordinated Care, Molina, Community Health Plan of Washington) all must offer ABA. Call the member services number on your insurance card to confirm the process.

Tricare and Other Plans

Military families using Tricare have ABA coverage through the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD), but providers must be Tricare-authorized BCBAs. Check the Tricare West Region website for participating WA providers.

🔗 Related reading: ABA vs Speech Therapy First for a 3 Year Old: Parent Guide · Nearby ABA Therapy

Step 3: Find BCBA-Led ABA Providers

What to Look For

ABA therapy is most effective when led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who designs and supervises the treatment. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) deliver direct therapy under the BCBA's guidance. Look for providers that:

• Are BCBA-led and licensed in Washington.
• Accept your specific insurance plan (or offer sliding-scale for uninsured families).
• Offer services where you need them: in-home, in-clinic, in-school, or in the community.
• Provide a parent training component-an essential part of ABA.

Free Matching Service: Get ABA Therapy

Searching for the right provider across Washington's many cities (Seattle, Bellevue, Spokane, Tacoma, Olympia, etc.) can be exhausting. Get ABA Therapy is a free matching service that connects you with vetted, BCBA-led providers in your area. You simply share your child's age, diagnosis, insurance, and location, and they shortlist providers who have immediate availability. This saves weeks of phone calls and ensures you're matched with quality providers who meet your needs.

Step 4: Prepare for Initial Intake and Assessment

Once you've chosen a provider, they will schedule a comprehensive assessment-often called a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). This typically involves:

• Interviews with you and other caregivers.
• Direct observation of your child in natural settings (home, school, daycare).
• Standardized tools like VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment) or ABLLS-R.

The BCBA will use the assessment to create a personalized treatment plan with goals tailored to your child. Ask questions: How many hours per week is recommended? How will we track progress? When will the plan be shared with you and your school or early intervention team?

Step 5: Coordinate with Schools and Early Intervention

For Children Under 3

The ESIT program provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. If your child qualifies, your service coordinator can include ABA-related supports in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Providers often collaborate with ESIT to align ABA goals with other therapies (speech, OT).

For Children Ages 3-22 (School-Based Services)

Many school districts in Washington provide special education services, including ABA, through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If ABA is part of the IEP, the school district is responsible for providing or funding it. However, many families supplement with private ABA after school. The BCBA-led provider should communicate with the school team to ensure consistency across settings.

Step 6: Navigate Waiting Lists and Start Services

Depending on where you live in Washington, wait times for ABA can vary-Seattle may have longer lists than smaller cities. To shorten waits:

• Apply to several providers simultaneously.
• Consider a mix of in-home and clinic-based services.
• Use a matching service like Get ABA Therapy to identify providers with openings.

Once services begin, expect a period of adjustment. The BCBA will regularly update the treatment plan and share data with you. In Washington, many providers offer telehealth supervision, which can provide more flexibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting for a diagnosis: Start early intervention (ESIT) while waiting for a formal ASD diagnosis. Delaying can miss crucial developmental windows.
• Not verifying insurance coverage upfront: Always ask the provider to verify benefits before starting. Some families receive surprise bills.
• Ignoring parent training: ABA is most effective when parents reinforce skills at home. Insist on regular parent coaching as part of the plan.
• Choosing a provider without BCBA oversight: Unqualified staff may provide low-quality services. Always ask: "Who is the supervising BCBA, and how often do they meet with my child?"
• Not coordinating with school or ESIT: Disjointed care can confuse your child. Share the ABA plan with your child's school team and request a release of information.

Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

Washington offers strong supports for families of children with autism, from Apple Health coverage to robust early intervention programs. But navigating the system requires patience and organization. Use this checklist as your roadmap. And remember, Get ABA Therapy is here to help-free of charge-to match you with a vetted, BCBA-led provider in your community. Take the first step today.