Center Based ABA




Center-Based ABA Therapy
At the Applied Behavior Center for Autism, our center-based ABA therapy programs provide children with a structured, supportive environment where they can build important life skills, improve communication, and become more independent.
Children in our center-based ABA therapy programs receive individualized one-on-one support while also having opportunities to build social, communication, and play skills with peers throughout the day. Every child receives a personalized treatment plan designed around their strengths, developmental needs, and long-term goals.
We offer both full-time and part-time center-based ABA therapy programs, helping families find the right level of support for their child’s needs and schedule.
Why Families Choose Center-Based ABA Therapy at ABC
- Individualized one-on-one ABA therapy sessions
- Structured clinic environments designed for learning and growth
- Opportunities for peer interaction and social development
- Collaboration between ABA, speech, and occupational therapy teams
- Daily progress tracking and family communication
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- Multiple Indiana locations for easier access to care
- In-network with most major insurance providers and most Medicaid networks
What Is Center-Based ABA Therapy?
Center-based ABA therapy is a type of ABA therapy that takes place in a structured clinic setting rather than in the home.
Many families choose center-based ABA therapy because it gives children access to specialized therapy spaces, structured routines, social opportunities, and learning environments specifically designed to support developmental growth.
Children can practice important skills throughout the day in spaces designed for communication, play, sensory regulation, group learning, daily living activities, and individualized instruction.
Our centers are designed to help children feel comfortable, engaged, supported, and motivated to learn.
Individualized One-on-One Care
Every child in our center-based ABA therapy program works one-on-one with a trained Behavior Technician for a significant portion of the day.
This individualized support allows children to receive focused attention while working on goals that are meaningful to them and their families. Therapy sessions are guided by a personalized treatment plan developed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Your child’s therapy team closely monitors progress and adjusts goals as needed to help your child continue developing new skills over time.
Family Involvement and Ongoing Support
Family involvement is an important part of the therapy process. Your child’s Behavior Analyst will meet with you regularly to review progress, answer questions, discuss goals, and provide support for challenges that may arise at home.
Parents also receive access to our digital tracking system, which is updated daily and allows families to stay informed about their child’s therapy sessions, progress, goals, and achievements.
We believe therapy is most effective when families feel informed, supported, and actively involved throughout the process.
Skills Developed Through Center-Based ABA Therapy
Children in our center-based ABA therapy programs work on a wide range of developmental skills based on their age, current abilities, and individualized goals.
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Communication and Language Skills
Language and communication development are often major areas of focus. Children may work on:
- Expressing wants and needs
- Following directions
- Answering questions
- Labeling objects and actions
- Improving conversation skills
- Developing social communication
For children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, therapy may also include alternative communication methods and communication devices.
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Adaptive and Daily Living Skills
Children may also work on self-care and independence skills, including:
- Toileting
- Hygiene routines
- Dressing
- Feeding skills
- Cleaning up after activities
- Completing simple chores
These adaptive skills help children become more independent at home, school, and in the community.
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School Readiness Skills
Many children benefit from goals that help prepare them for classroom environments and school routines.
School readiness goals may include:
- Participating in group instruction
- Following classroom routines
- Transitioning between activities
- Completing structured tasks
- Improving attention and focus
- Learning pre-academic concepts
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Sensory and Coping Skills
Some children may work on coping and tolerance goals related to sensory sensitivities, flexibility, and emotional regulation.
Therapy may help children learn how to:
- Tolerate changes in routine
- Improve flexibility with foods and activities
- Handle grooming tasks like haircuts or nail trimming
- Prepare for dental or medical visits
- Manage frustration and transitions more successfully
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Play and Social Skills
Play and leisure development are also important parts of center-based ABA therapy.
Children can practice:
- Independent play
- Turn-taking
- Sharing
- Requesting toys or activities
- Participating in games
- Engaging with peers appropriately
Older children and teens may also work on life skills and pre-vocational goals that support long-term independence.
Social Interaction in a Structured Environment
Although center-based ABA therapy includes a large amount of one-on-one instruction, children also have opportunities to interact with peers throughout the day.
- Group activities
- Playtime
- Meals and snacks
- Arts and crafts
- Structured lessons
- Recreational activities
- Sharing and taking turns
- Responding to peers
- Starting conversations
- Participating in group activities
- Playing cooperatively
- Building friendships
- Understanding emotions and social cues
- Building confidence in social situations
Children who need additional support with communication, peer interaction, or emotional understanding can continue working on these goals through their individualized ABA treatment plans.
A Team Approach to Autism Services
At the Applied Behavior Center for Autism, center-based ABA therapy is often combined with other services to help children make progress across multiple areas of development.
Depending on your child’s needs, they may also benefit from Speech Therapy to improve communication or Occupational Therapy to support sensory regulation, motor skills, and independence.
Our therapy teams work closely together to ensure services are coordinated and aligned with your child’s overall goals.
We are in-network with most major insurance providers and most Medicaid networks. Our administrative team can help verify benefits, explain coverage, and guide families through the enrollment process.
If your child does not yet have a formal autism diagnosis, we may also recommend starting with Diagnostic Testing before beginning ABA therapy services.
Insurance and Enrollment Information
Get Started With Center-Based ABA Therapy
If you are interested in center-based ABA therapy for your child, our team is here to help. We can guide you through the enrollment process, review insurance coverage, discuss scheduling options, and help determine whether center-based ABA therapy is the right fit for your child and family. Learn more about Our Process, Diagnostic Testing, and Funding or contact us today to get started.
Specialized Programming
L.I.F.E. PROGRAM (AGES 10 & UP)
- L.I.F.E. = Learning in Functional Environments
- Evidence-based approach to functional and adult daily living skills (Hygiene, food preparation, etc)
- Focus on functional language and social skills development