ABA Therapy in Farmington, CT

Welcome to Farmington

Welcome to Farmington, a town that beautifully balances New England history with modern innovation. Whether you were drawn here by the historic charm of the Village, the scenic beauty of the Farmington River and Winding Trails, or the top-tier reputation of the Farmington Public School district, you know that this community is a wonderful place to raise a family. We have access to world-class healthcare right in our backyard at UConn Health and a community that generally values education and support. However, for families navigating a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the scenic views of the Metacomet Ridge can sometimes feel overshadowed by the complexities of finding the right care for your child.

If you are reading this guide, you are likely at the beginning of a new journey or looking to pivot your current approach to your child’s development. You are not alone. Farmington is home to a diverse and growing community of families walking this same path, seeking the best outcomes for their neurodiverse children. While the initial diagnosis can feel overwhelming, living in the Farmington Valley places you in a strategic location. You are situated in a state with robust insurance mandates and near a hub of medical and therapeutic professionals in the Greater Hartford area.

One of the most effective, evidence-based interventions available to you is Applied Behavior Analysis, commonly known as ABA therapy. This guide is designed specifically for Farmington families to demystify the process. We want to help you move from a place of uncertainty to a place of empowerment. ABA therapy is not just a medical prescription; it is a pathway to helping your child unlock their potential, improve their communication, and navigate the world with greater independence. Whether you live near Unionville, the Highlands, or the town center, this guide will serve as your roadmap to understanding and accessing the best ABA services our region has to offer.

Understanding ABA Therapy

To advocate effectively for your child, it is essential to move beyond the acronym and understand the mechanics and philosophy of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). At its core, ABA is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It is currently recognized by the Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association as an evidence-based best practice treatment for autism. But what does that actually look like for a child living in Farmington?

ABA is not a "one size fits all" methodology. It is a flexible framework that seeks to understand why a behavior happens and how the environment affects that behavior. The therapy operates on the "ABC" model: Antecedent (what happens right before a behavior), Behavior (the action the child takes), and Consequence (what happens immediately after). By analyzing these three components, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) can identify why a child might be struggling to communicate or why they might engage in maladaptive behaviors like tantrums or self-injury.

The primary goal of ABA is to increase helpful behaviors and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning. This is achieved largely through Positive Reinforcement. When a behavior is followed by something the child values—a specific toy, praise, or access to a favorite activity—that behavior is more likely to be repeated. For example, if a child is learning to ask for "juice" instead of crying for it, the therapist will immediately provide the juice and specific praise when the child attempts the word or uses a picture card. Over time, this positive association builds lasting skills.

Modern ABA has evolved significantly from the rigid "table time" of the past. While Discrete Trial Training (DTT)—which breaks skills down into small, "discrete" components—is still used, many Farmington providers now emphasize Natural Environment Training (NET). NET takes place in the natural flow of the child's day. This might look like practicing social skills while playing quietly at the Farmington Library, learning to transition smoothly between activities at a local park, or practicing daily living skills like brushing teeth or tying shoes at home.

The effectiveness of ABA lies in its data-driven nature. It is not based on guesswork. Therapists continuously collect data on your child’s progress. If a child isn't mastering a skill, the data will show it, and the BCBA will adjust the teaching strategy immediately. This adaptability is crucial because every child on the spectrum is unique. One child may need intensive focus on verbal communication, while another may need support with social cues and emotional regulation.

Furthermore, ABA focuses on "generalization." It is not enough for a child to perform a skill for their therapist in a clinic room. They must be able to perform that skill with their parents, their teachers at school, and out in the community. A successful ABA program ensures that the skills learned translate to real-world environments, helping your child participate more fully in family life and the Farmington community.

Insurance & Coverage in CT

Navigating health insurance is often the most stressful part of securing therapy, but families in Farmington have a significant advantage: the State of Connecticut has some of the strongest autism insurance mandates in the country. Understanding how these laws apply to your specific situation is critical to minimizing out-of-pocket costs while maximizing the care your child receives.

The Connecticut Autism Insurance Mandate Connecticut state law requires that fully insured group health plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This mandate is expansive. It classifies ABA therapy as a form of behavioral therapy that is medically necessary. Crucially, the state law prohibits insurers from placing annual or lifetime dollar limits on coverage for ASD treatment. It also prevents insurers from setting limits on the number of visits, provided the treatment is deemed medically necessary. This means that if a BCBA determines your child needs 20 hours of therapy a week, the insurance company cannot arbitrarily cap you at 10 hours based on a policy limit.

Types of Insurance Plans It is vital to check what kind of plan you have.

1. State-Regulated Plans: If you work for a smaller local company or purchase insurance through the Access Health CT exchange, your plan is likely state-regulated and fully subject to the CT mandate.
2. Self-Funded Plans: Many Farmington residents work for large corporations in the Hartford area (like major insurance carriers, aerospace companies, or large healthcare systems). These large employers often use "self-funded" insurance plans, which are regulated by federal law (ERISA) rather than state law. While ERISA plans are not strictly bound by the CT mandate, the vast majority of large employers voluntarily cover ABA therapy because it is the standard of care. However, they may have different copay structures or authorization requirements.
3. HUSKY Health (Medicaid): Connecticut’s Medicaid program, HUSKY, covers ABA therapy for members under the age of 21. This coverage is comprehensive. For families who qualify for HUSKY A, C, or D, ABA services are covered with no copays. Even for families with private insurance, HUSKY B can sometimes serve as a secondary insurance to pick up costs that the primary insurance does not cover, depending on income levels and the child’s specific needs.

The Concept of Medical Necessity Regardless of your provider (Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, ConnectiCare, or HUSKY), coverage hinges on "Medical Necessity." This is determined by the initial assessment conducted by a BCBA. The insurance company will review the treatment plan to ensure the goals are specific, measurable, and relevant to the core deficits of autism. They are looking for therapy that addresses health and safety, communication, and functional living skills. They generally do not cover services that are purely educational (which are the responsibility of the school district) or recreational.

Cost Sharing Even with the mandate, you are likely subject to your plan’s deductibles and copayments.

• Deductible: You must pay this amount out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. If your plan starts in January, expect high bills for the first month or two of the year.
• Copays/Coinsurance: Some plans charge a flat copay per session (e.g., $30), while others charge a percentage (e.g., 20%). Since ABA is often administered daily, daily copays can add up to hundreds of dollars a month.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Once you hit this limit, insurance pays 100%. For families with children in intensive ABA, you will likely hit this maximum fairly early in the year.

Always call the member services number on the back of your card and ask specifically: "Does my plan cover Applied Behavior Analysis (CPT codes 97151-97158)? Is there a pre-authorization requirement? What is my out-of-pocket maximum?"

Finding the Right Provider

Once you understand the financial landscape, the next step is selecting a provider. In the Farmington Valley and the surrounding Greater Hartford area, there is a high concentration of ABA agencies. This choice is a luxury, but it requires due diligence. You are not just hiring a service; you are inviting a team of people into your child’s life and often into your home.

Home-Based vs. Center-Based The first decision is the setting.

• Home-Based: Therapists come to your house. This is excellent for working on daily routines (getting dressed, mealtime, sibling interactions) and allows you to be intimately involved. It requires you to have a dedicated space in your home and to be comfortable with staff presence.
• Center-Based: You drop your child off at a clinic. These centers are often set up like classrooms or playrooms. This offers high social interaction with peers and gives parents a respite. Many centers are located along Route 6, Route 10, or near the office parks in Farmington and Avon.
• Hybrid: Many families choose a mix, perhaps doing center sessions in the morning and home sessions in the afternoon.

Credentials Matter Ensure the agency is led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Connecticut. The BCBA designs the program and supervises the staff. The person working directly with your child daily is usually a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). When interviewing providers, ask about the supervision rate. How often will the BCBA see your child? The industry standard is roughly 10-20% of therapy hours, but more is often better.

The "Vibe" and Philosophy Interviewing a provider is like interviewing a partner. Ask them about their philosophy on "maladaptive behaviors." You want a provider who focuses on proactive strategies (preventing the behavior by meeting needs) rather than reactive punishment. Ask them how they handle a child who is crying or refusing to work. The answer should involve empathy, redirection, and lowering demands, not forcing compliance through tears.

Staff Turnover and Training The ABA field suffers from high turnover. Ask agencies directly: "What is your average staff tenure?" and "What happens if our RBT leaves?" Consistency is key for children with autism. Agencies that invest in their staff, offer benefits, and provide ongoing training usually have better retention rates, which translates to better care for your child.

Parent Training A quality provider will insist on parent training. They shouldn't just want to "fix" your child; they should want to empower you. If an agency says parent training is optional or rare, view that as a red flag. You should be meeting with the BCBA regularly to learn the techniques they are using so you can apply them when the therapists aren't there.

Waitlists Due to high demand in Connecticut, many top-tier agencies have waitlists. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Contact 3-4 providers in the Farmington/West Hartford/Avon area. Get on multiple waitlists if necessary. It is better to decline a spot later than to be stuck waiting for months for a single agency.

Getting Started with ABA Therapy

Taking the leap from "researching" to "starting" involves a specific sequence of logistical steps. Understanding this timeline helps manage expectations, as the process from the initial phone call to the first day of therapy can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

Step 1: The Referral and Intake Your journey usually begins with a referral from your pediatrician (often required by insurance) or a direct call to an ABA agency. During the intake call, the agency will gather your insurance information to verify benefits. They will also ask for your diagnostic report—the formal paperwork from a psychologist or developmental pediatrician stating your child has ASD. Have these documents digitized and ready to email.

Step 2: The Assessment Once insurance clears the intake, a BCBA will schedule an assessment. This isn't a test your child can "fail." It is a skills inventory. Common tools used include the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) or the ABLLS-R. The BCBA will observe your child playing, test their communication skills, and interview you about your goals and family struggles. This usually takes 1-2 sessions.

Step 3: The Treatment Plan and Authorization The BCBA writes a detailed report proposing a treatment plan. This document outlines specific goals (e.g., "Client will identify 10 common objects," "Client will wait for 1 minute without protesting"). It also recommends a number of hours per week (dosage). This plan is sent to your insurance company for authorization. This review process can take up to 15 business days.

Step 4: Scheduling and Staffing Once authorized, the agency must staff your case. This is often the bottleneck. They need to find RBTs whose availability matches your schedule and location in Farmington. Be as flexible as possible with your availability in the beginning; restrictive schedules (e.g., "only Tuesdays and Thursdays after 4 PM") make it much harder to staff your team.

Step 5: The First Few Weeks When therapy starts, the first phase is "pairing." The therapists will not place heavy demands on your child immediately. Their goal is to become the giver of good things—fun, toys, and snacks. They need your child to like them and trust them. Parents often worry, "They are just playing!" during these first two weeks. This is intentional. Once the rapport is built, the actual work begins. Be prepared for an adjustment period; sometimes behaviors get slightly worse (an "extinction burst") before they get better as the child tests the new boundaries. Trust the process and keep communication open with your BCBA.

Local Resources & Support

Living in Farmington means you are surrounded by a wealth of resources specifically designed for the special needs community. Beyond private therapy, connecting with state and local organizations can provide layers of support for your child and your mental health as a parent.

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Every family in CT with an autism diagnosis should apply for eligibility with the DDS, specifically the Division of Autism Spectrum Services. While there are waitlists for waiver funding, being in the system is crucial for accessing future resources, family grants, and eventual adult services. They can provide case management and help navigate the complex state system.

Farmington Public Schools - Special Services If your child is school-aged (or approaching age 3), you will work with Farmington Public Schools. The district is known for having robust Student Services. Contact the Special Services department to discuss an Individualized Education Program (IEP). While ABA is medical and school is educational, the two should communicate. You can request that your private BCBA observe your child in school (with permission) or attend PPT (Planning and Placement Team) meetings to ensure consistency across environments.

CPAC (Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center) Located nearby, CPAC is a statewide nonprofit that offers information and support to families of children with any disability or chronic illness. They are an invaluable resource if you feel lost in the IEP process or need help understanding your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They offer workshops and one-on-one assistance.

ASRC (Autism Services & Resources Connecticut) Based in Wallingford but serving the whole state, ASRC is a pillar of the CT autism community. They organize the annual "Walk for Autism" and provide recreational and social groups. They also maintain a comprehensive provider directory and offer training for families.

Recreation in the Valley Look for adaptive programs in the area. Winding Trails often has inclusive programming. Additionally, check with the Farmington Recreation Department for adaptive sports or sensory-friendly events. Nearby in West Hartford, "Miracle League" baseball offers a wonderful opportunity for children of all abilities to play sports in a supported environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many hours of ABA therapy does my child need? There is no single answer, but research and assessments generally dictate the "dosage." For early intervention (ages 2-5), comprehensive programs often range from 20 to 40 hours per week to maximize neuroplasticity. For school-aged children, focused ABA programs might range from 10 to 15 hours per week, taking place after school. It is important to balance therapy with downtime. Your BCBA will recommend hours based on the assessment, but as a parent, you have the right to discuss what is sustainable for your family life.

2. Can my child receive ABA therapy at school in Farmington? This is a common point of confusion. Schools provide services based on "educational necessity," while private ABA is based on "medical necessity." Farmington Public Schools may use ABA methodologies in their special education classrooms, and they have BCBAs on staff. However, it is rare for a school to allow your private RBT to act as a one-on-one aide in the classroom due to liability and union rules. However, collaboration is key. Your private BCBA can often consult with the school team to share what works at home.

3. Is my child too old for ABA? No. While "early intervention" gets the most attention, ABA is effective across the lifespan. For teenagers, the focus shifts from developmental milestones to functional living skills, social navigation, vocational training, and self-management. In Farmington, there are providers who specialize in older children and teens, focusing on community outings (like ordering food at a local cafe or shopping) and hygiene routines.

4. What if my child cries during therapy? It is difficult to watch your child get upset. However, distinguishing between a "tantrum" (crying to get something or escape a task) and genuine emotional distress is part of the process. A good therapist will never let a child cry it out without support. They should be teaching your child how to self-soothe or ask for a break. If you feel the therapy is too harsh or your child is consistently distressed to the point of fearing the therapist, schedule a meeting with the BCBA immediately. You are the ultimate expert on your child.

5. Why are the waitlists so long in Connecticut? Despite the high number of providers in Hartford County, the demand exceeds the supply. The "Autism Insurance Mandate" made therapy accessible to thousands of families who previously couldn't afford it, creating a surge in demand. Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified RBTs. To manage this, call providers frequently to check your status. Being flexible with your availability (e.g., accepting a morning slot even if you prefer afternoons) is the fastest way to get off a waitlist and into services.