ABA Therapy · Evidence-Based Care
What Is ABA Therapy?
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It is the most researched and widely recommended therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder — recognized by pediatricians, school districts, and insurance companies alike.
BCBA-supervised programs
Ages 18 months through adolescence
In-center, in-home & school
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The Science
How ABA Therapy Works
ABA is built on one central idea: behavior that is rewarded is more likely to happen again. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) identifies which skills your child needs to build — and which behaviors are making daily life harder — then designs a treatment plan specific to your child. No two plans look the same.
Every session follows the ABC framework — a structured way to understand why a behavior is happening and what will change it.
A
Antecedent
What happens just before a behavior. A verbal request, a specific toy, a sound in the room. Understanding the trigger is the first step to changing the response.
B
Behavior
What your child does in response. The observable action — what you can see, hear, or measure. BCBAs track behaviors precisely so they can tell whether the plan is working.
C
Consequence
Good behaviors get quick, meaningful praise or a reward. Behaviors being reduced are simply ignored — never punished.
Why it works
Repetition and consistency make a real difference. Children progress faster when therapy, home, and school all follow the same plan. That is why Intercare trains parents and caregivers as partners from day one.
Day to Day
What an ABA Session Looks Like
Sessions happen wherever works best for your child — our center, your home, or school. A trained interventionist works directly with your child on their individual goals while a BCBA supervises and adjusts the program.
Sessions are structured but not rigid. They include direct instruction, play-based learning, and real-world practice — because a skill learned in a therapy room only matters if it works at the dinner table, on the playground, and in the classroom.
Parents and caregivers are an active part of the process. Your team will teach you what to do between sessions so your child can practice skills throughout the day, not just during therapy hours. Research shows children make faster progress when families are involved.
Every session includes
Direct, individualized instruction
Goal by goal, step by step
Play-based learning
Skills practiced in natural contexts
Session-by-session data
Progress tracked every visit
BCBA oversight
Clinical decisions made by a certified analyst
Assessment
How Your Child's Treatment Plan Is Built
Every Intercare ABA program starts with a thorough evaluation. Your child's BCBA observes them directly, reviews their history, and uses proven assessments to find strengths and areas to work on across five areas:
Communication
Socialization
Independent living skills
Challenging behaviors
Community integration
Once the evaluation is complete, your BCBA works with you to set priorities. Goals are written in plain, trackable terms so you can see exactly how your child is doing — and the plan changes as your child grows.
Optional Add-On
ADOS-2 Diagnostic Evaluation
The most trusted autism assessment available. If your child doesn't have a diagnosis yet, our team can run an ADOS-2 before ABA starts — so everything is in place for insurance.
Learn about evaluations →
Family-centered from day one
Parents, teachers, and caregivers play a pivotal role in ABA therapy. You receive training and regular updates so you can support your child's goals at home, at school, and in the community.
Eligibility
Who Is ABA Therapy For?
ABA therapy is for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Intercare accepts referrals from 18 months through adolescence.
Starting early — typically before age six — gets the best results. The earlier a child begins, the more time they have to build the skills that carry them through school and everyday life. Read more about ABA therapy for toddlers.
That said, ABA therapy works at any age. Older children and teens benefit from programs focused on independence, social skills, emotional regulation, and academic support.
AGES 0-6
Intercare Early
Core skills: talking, playing, connecting with others, and learning — in a safe, structured setting.
School Age – Adolescence
Intercare Beyond
Independence, emotional regulation, social skills, academic support, and daily living. Built around what your child needs to thrive.
programs
ABA Programs at Intercare
Four programs designed to meet your child at every stage — plus one that comes to you.
In-center
Intercare Early
For ages 0–6. Focused on the skills that matter most in the early years: communication, social interaction, play, and early learning — delivered in a structured, supportive environment with intensive BCBA supervision.
Learn more →
In-center
Intercare Beyond
For school-age children and adolescents. Emphasizes independence, self-control, social skills, school support, and daily routines. Built around your child.. Goals are built around what your child needs to thrive at home, school, and in the community.
Learn more →
IN-HOME
In-Home ABA
The same BCBA-supervised, personalized therapy — brought to your home and community. Ideal for families who prefer home-based therapy or whose child benefits from practice in their natural environment.
Learn more →
SCHOOL
School Services
Our BCBAs work alongside school teams to align therapy goals with classroom learning — attending IEP meetings, observing classrooms, and coordinating with teachers. Intercare holds a direct contract with LAUSD.
Learn more →
Find your nearest center →
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
AD
REVIEWED BY OUR CLINICAL TEAM
Ashley Drag, BCBA
Ashley is Intercare's Sr. VP of School and Behavioral Health Operations and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over a decade of clinical leadership experience. She reviewed this page to make sure it accurately reflects how Intercare designs and delivers ABA therapy. You can verify her certification on the BACB Registry.
Last reviewed June 3, 2026
