Steps To Starting ABA Therapy
Starting ABA therapy can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. At Behavioral Solutions, we work closely with families, caregivers, schools, and community agencies to ensure support is coordinated, consistent, and meaningful across all settings in your child’s life.
Step 1: Understanding Your Child’s Needs and Obtaining a Diagnosis
Before beginning ABA therapy, most children need a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a qualified medical or clinical provider. If you have concerns about your child’s development, such as delays in communication, social skills, or challenging behaviors, your first step is to talk with your pediatrician or family doctor. They can help guide you toward an appropriate diagnostic provider.
For families seeking an autism diagnosis for their child, finding the right provider is an important first step. Autism evaluations are comprehensive and thoughtful processes that may include developmental history, parent interviews, direct observation, and standardized assessment tools. There is no single test that determines an autism diagnosis. Providers use a full picture of your child’s development, behavior, and experiences to ensure accuracy and appropriate recommendations.
Research shows that early identification and intervention, especially between the ages of 2 and 5, can have a meaningful impact on developmental outcomes. If you are unsure where to start, we are happy to help guide you through this process.
Virtual Diagnostic Options
For families looking for convenient, remote evaluation services, As You Are is a virtual diagnostic provider. They offer virtual autism assessments conducted by licensed professionals for children aged 16 months to 10 years old. No referrals are required. Families work with the same dedicated Board-Certified Physician throughout the evaluation process. All appointments are conducted via telehealth from the comfort of home, and most insurance plans are accepted.
How It Works:
Families schedule the first of three appointments with their dedicated physician.
Families complete an online questionnaire sharing information about family history, development, and health.
During the third appointment, the physician reviews results and shares the diagnosis with the family.
Families receive guidance and support to help navigate accessing appropriate care and resources after diagnosis.
For additional details, call 866.219.8595 or email Support@AsYouAre.com.
To schedule an evaluation, visit their Getting Started page.
In-Person Diagnostic Resources in Virginia
Below is a list of in-person diagnosing providers in Virginia who specialize in autism evaluations:
Kennedy Krieger Institute – Virginia Campus: Comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments.
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) Autism Diagnostic Center: Diagnostic testing and behavioral assessments.
Virginia Institute of Autism: Autism testing and early intervention support.
Step 2: Initial ABA Consultation Evaluation and Assessment
Our journey together starts with a conversation. We take time to sit down with you in person, by phone, or virtually to hear your story, learn about your child’s developmental history, and understand your specific concerns. Your observations, experiences, and insights are deeply valued and play an important role in shaping the evaluation process.
Next, our ABA clinicians spend time getting to know your child in a gentle, play-based environment. Using the latest, research-supported assessment tools, we interact with your child in ways that feel fun, natural, and engaging. This may look like playing games, exploring toys, or having simple conversations, all while making sure your child feels safe, supported, and comfortable.
Through these interactions, we observe how your child communicates, connects with others, and navigates their world. This helps us gain a complete and accurate understanding of your child’s unique strengths, needs, and learning style.
As part of this process, we may also explore:
Your child’s skills in areas such as communication, social interaction, daily routines, and self-care
How your child functions in familiar environments, such as home or school, when appropriate
Any challenging behaviors, to better understand why certain behaviors occur, what your child may be communicating, and how we can best support them
Families are active partners throughout this step, and your input helps ensure that the support we recommend is meaningful, individualized, and aligned with your family’s goals.
Step 3: Individualized Treatment Planning and Skill Development
Once the evaluation is complete, we create an individualized ABA treatment plan designed specifically for your child. This plan is based on assessment results, your family’s priorities, and your child’s strengths, interests, and learning style.
The treatment plan focuses on building meaningful skills that support everyday life, including:
Communication skills (verbal, nonverbal, and alternative communication)
Social interaction and play skills
Adaptive and daily living skills
Self-regulation and coping strategies
Independence and functional life skills
Goals are thoughtful, realistic, and meaningful, helping your child make progress in ways that matter most to your family. Every plan is flexible and evolves as your child grows and develops. Families are actively involved in reviewing goals, providing feedback, and celebrating progress along the way.
Ongoing Therapy, Family Coaching, and Coordinated Support
ABA therapy begins with a strong focus on collaboration and consistency. Our therapists work directly with your child using supportive, play-based, and evidence-based strategies that promote learning while honoring your child’s comfort, voice, and dignity.
We work closely with families, caregivers, schools, and community agencies to ensure cohesive, coordinated, and sustainable support across all settings. This team-based approach helps skills generalize beyond therapy sessions into daily routines at home, school, and in the community.
Family coaching and caregiver training are an essential part of our services. We provide practical guidance, modeling, and ongoing support so families feel confident using strategies in everyday life. Regular progress monitoring allows us to adjust goals and strategies as needed, ensuring your child continues to receive effective, meaningful support.