ABA Therapy for Children With Autism in Westminster, CA

What ABA therapy is

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an approach to learning that looks closely at what happens before and after a behavior, then uses that understanding to teach new skills. The CDC describes ABA as a widely used, evidence-based behavioral approach for autistic children. In practice, good ABA is individualized, positive and built around goals that matter in a child’s daily life.

At United Autism Therapy, ABA is not a one-size-fits-all program. Every child who starts with us has a plan designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) around their strengths, challenges and your family’s goals. If you are new to ABA, our parent’s guide to what ABA therapy is is a good place to start.

Skills ABA can help your child build

Goals are different for every child. Some of the areas families most often ask us to focus on include:

• Communication — requesting, answering questions, expressing needs with words, signs, pictures or a device
• Social and play skills — taking turns, joining play, sharing attention with a parent or peer
• Daily living skills — routines like dressing, handwashing, mealtimes and toileting
• Flexibility and coping — handling transitions, waiting, and changes to routine
• Safety — responding to their name, staying with a caregiver in public places
• Learning readiness — following directions, attending to an activity, working through a task

We also look at behaviors that make learning or daily life harder, such as meltdowns during transitions. The goal is never to make a child “look typical.” It is to understand what a behavior is communicating and teach a more effective way to meet that need. You can read more in how ABA therapy works.

How we deliver ABA

Most of our families receive ABA at home. Your child can receive ABA in the setting that fits their goals, and many families combine more than one:

• In-home ABA — our core service — throughout Westminster and Orange County, so your child learns during real family routines.
• Center-based ABA at our location on Beach Blvd in Westminster, with a structured environment and chances to practice skills near peers.
• School-based ABA to support routines, transitions and participation in the classroom, where the school permits.

Not sure which is right? Our article comparing center-based and in-home ABA walks through the trade-offs.

Our approach

• Designed and supervised by BCBAs. A BCBA assesses your child, writes the treatment plan, supervises sessions and reviews progress data.
• Delivered with RBTs. Registered Behavior Technicians work one-on-one with your child under that supervision.
• Positive and play-based. We use positive reinforcement and your child’s interests to make learning motivating.
• Respectful of your child. We watch for your child’s assent — signs that they are comfortable and willing — and adjust when they are not.
• Family-centered. Parent training is part of every program, so skills carry over into everyday life.
• Measured. Progress is tracked with data and reviewed with you, and the plan changes as your child grows.

Getting started

1. Free consultation. Call us or request a consultation. We listen to your concerns and explain how our programs work.
2. Insurance and paperwork. We help you understand your coverage. Many plans, including Medi-Cal, cover ABA for children with an autism diagnosis. See insurance & Medi-Cal.
3. Assessment. A BCBA gets to know your child and your family’s priorities.
4. Treatment plan. You review the recommended goals, setting and schedule with your BCBA.
5. Therapy begins. Sessions start, and you receive regular updates and coaching.

Every child progresses at their own pace, and no provider can promise specific results. What we can promise is an individualized plan, clear communication and a team that treats your child with warmth and respect.