ABA Therapy in Davie, FL

Welcome to Davie

Welcome to Davie, Florida—a town that uniquely blends a rich, western heritage with the cutting-edge educational environment of the South Florida university system. For families raising children here, Davie offers a distinct sense of community. Whether you are spending weekends exploring the trails at Tree Tops Park, visiting the Flamingo Gardens, or navigating the busy corridors near University Drive, you know that this town is more than just a suburb of Fort Lauderdale; it is a place where community matters.

However, for families who have recently received an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis for their child, the landscape of the town can suddenly feel different. The lush green spaces and equestrian trails may take a backseat to a new, more urgent map: a map of pediatric neurologists, speech pathologists, and behavioral therapists. If you are standing at this crossroads, feeling a mixture of overwhelm and determination, you are not alone. Davie is actually one of the most resource-rich environments in Florida for autism support, largely due to the presence of major educational institutions like Nova Southeastern University, which acts as a hub for research and clinical services.

This guide is designed specifically for you. Its purpose is to demystify Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is widely considered the gold standard for autism treatment. We understand that navigating the world of therapy while living in Broward County comes with its own set of questions regarding local school districts, Florida-specific insurance mandates, and finding the right clinical fit for your family.

ABA therapy is not a quick fix, nor is it a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a journey of skill-building, communication, and understanding behavior. As you read through this guide, know that there is a robust community of professionals and fellow parents in Davie ready to support you. From the initial assessment to the first breakthrough moment where your child communicates a need or masters a new skill, the path forward is paved with hope and evidence-based science. Welcome to the start of that journey.

Understanding ABA Therapy

To make informed decisions for your child, it is essential to move beyond the acronym and understand what Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy actually entails. At its core, ABA is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. It is not merely a set of drills; it is a systematic approach to understanding how behavior works, how it is affected by the environment, and how learning takes place.

The fundamental principle of ABA is that behavior is communication. When a child with autism engages in a behavior—whether it is a positive skill like pointing to a toy, or a challenging behavior like a tantrum—they are responding to their environment and seeking a specific outcome. ABA therapists act as detectives, using data to decode these behaviors. They utilize the "ABC" model: Antecedent (what happened right before the behavior), Behavior (the action itself), and Consequence (what happened immediately after). By analyzing these three components, therapists can identify why a behavior is happening and how to encourage positive changes.

One of the primary goals 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 that is valued (a reward), that behavior is more likely to be repeated. In a Davie-based clinic or home setting, this might look like a therapist giving a child immediate praise, a high-five, or access to a favorite toy immediately after the child successfully uses a picture card to ask for water. Over time, this reinforces the connection between communication and having needs met, reducing the frustration that often leads to meltdowns.

However, modern ABA is far more than just rewards. It involves Natural Environment Training (NET), where learning happens in real-life settings rather than just at a table. For a family in Davie, this might mean the therapist working with your child on social skills during a playdate at a local park or practicing safety skills in a parking lot. The goal is generalization—ensuring the child can use their skills not just in the clinic, but at home, at school, and in the community.

ABA is also highly individualized. There is no "standard" program. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will design a treatment plan specific to your child’s deficits and strengths. For one child, the focus might be entirely on verbal communication and toilet training. For another, it might be on advanced social skills, understanding sarcasm, or navigating peer pressure.

Furthermore, effectiveness is a key pillar of ABA. It is an evidence-based practice, meaning it is backed by decades of research showing it leads to significant improvements in communication, social relationships, and adaptive skills. The U.S. Surgeon General and the American Psychological Association both endorse ABA as a scientifically validated treatment. In Florida, the standards for practice are high, ensuring that the therapy provided is ethical, compassionate, and data-driven. The focus has shifted significantly in recent years towards "compassionate care," prioritizing the child's dignity and happiness above mere compliance.

Insurance & Coverage in FL

Navigating health insurance is often the most stressful part of starting therapy, but living in Florida provides you with specific protections and benefits that are important to understand. Florida has been a leader in mandating autism coverage, but the landscape can still be complex depending on whether you have private insurance, a self-funded plan, or Medicaid.

The Steven A. Geller Autism Coverage Act Florida Statute 627.6686, often referred to as the Steven A. Geller Autism Coverage Act, is a critical piece of legislation for families in Davie. This law mandates that fully insured health plans in Florida provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This includes ABA therapy. Under this mandate, insurers cannot deny coverage based on the diagnosis of autism, and they are required to cover medically necessary care.

However, there is a catch: this mandate applies to "fully insured" plans. Many large employers (corporations with hundreds of employees) use "self-funded" or ERISA plans. These plans are regulated by federal law, not state law, and are technically exempt from the Florida mandate. However, many large companies still opt to cover ABA therapy because it is the standard of care. It is vital to check your specific benefits booklet or call your HR department to confirm.

Medicaid and the AHCA For families in Davie utilizing Medicaid, coverage for ABA therapy is administered through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). In Florida, Medicaid covers ABA therapy for children under the age of 21 when it is deemed medically necessary. This was a hard-fought victory by advocates in the state. If your child is on Medicaid, you will need a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation from a neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or psychologist to unlock these benefits. The provider must then submit a detailed authorization request. While Medicaid covers the full cost without copays, the administrative approval process can sometimes be slower than private insurance, requiring patience and persistent follow-up.

Copays, Deductibles, and Out-of-Pocket Maximums If you are using private insurance (like Florida Blue, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, or Cigna), you will likely face three financial factors:

1. Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. If your plan has a high deductible (e.g., $5,000), you will be paying for the first few months of therapy entirely on your own.
2. Copay/Coinsurance: After the deductible is met, you might pay a flat fee (e.g., $30 per session) or a percentage (e.g., 20% of the cost). Since ABA is often prescribed for 10 to 40 hours a week, daily copays can add up tremendously.
3. Out-of-Pocket Maximum: This is your safety net. Once your total payments for the year reach this limit, the insurance pays 100%. Many families with children in intensive ABA hit this maximum by mid-year.

Authorization and "Medical Necessity" Regardless of your payer, the insurance company will require a treatment plan submitted by a BCBA every 6 months. They look for "medical necessity." This means the therapy must address deficits that impact the child's health, safety, or independence. They generally do not cover services that are purely educational (which are the school district's responsibility) or recreational.

Living in Davie, you are in a competitive market for providers, which usually means insurance networks are robust. However, always verify that your specific provider is "in-network." Going out-of-network can double or triple your costs. Before signing a contract with a clinic, ask their billing department to run a "verification of benefits" (VOB). This is a standard practice where they call your insurer and get a written breakdown of exactly what is covered and what your estimated monthly financial responsibility will be.

Finding the Right Provider

Selecting an ABA provider is one of the most significant decisions you will make for your child. In Davie, you are fortunate to have a high concentration of providers, ranging from large national chains to small, locally-owned boutique clinics. However, this abundance of choice can lead to "analysis paralysis." To find the right fit, you need to look beyond the glossy brochures and evaluate the clinical quality and cultural fit for your family.

The Clinical Team: BCBA and RBT First, understand who will be working with your child. The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is the "doctor" of the therapy team. They design the plan, analyze the data, and supervise the staff. The Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is the therapist who works directly with your child daily. When interviewing a provider in Davie, ask:

• "What is your caseload size for BCBAs?" If a BCBA is supervising 20+ children, they may not have enough time to give your child’s case the attention it needs. A caseload of 8-12 is generally considered ideal for high-quality supervision.
• "How much supervision do RBTs receive?" The BACB (certification board) requires 5%, but quality providers often aim for 10-20%. You want the BCBA to see your child frequently, not just once a month.

Clinic-Based vs. Home-Based vs. School-Based

• Clinic-Based (Center-Based): Davie has many clinics, particularly around the University Drive and Griffin Road corridors. Clinics offer a controlled environment, social opportunities with peers, and heavy supervision. This is often best for early learners who need intensive instruction or access to sensory gyms.
• Home-Based: The therapist comes to your house. This is excellent for working on daily living skills (brushing teeth, mealtime, bedtime routines) and sibling interactions. However, consider the logistics. Davie is geographically large; if you live in Western Davie, ensure the agency has staff willing to travel there reliably.
• School-Based: Some private schools in Broward allow RBTs to shadow students. Public schools generally do not allow private RBTs, relying instead on their own ESE staff. If your goal is school support, clarify if the provider has existing relationships with your child’s school.

The "Vibe" and Philosophy Visit the facility. Does it look chaotic or organized? Do the children look happy and engaged, or bored and distressed? Listen to the sounds of the clinic—you should hear laughter and praise, not just instructions. Ask about their approach to challenging behaviors. Avoid providers who rely heavily on punishment or stern protocols. Look for providers who emphasize "assent-based" practice—meaning they respect the child's willingness to participate and do not force compliance through tears.

Parent Involvement ABA is a team sport. If a provider says, "Drop your child off and we'll handle the rest," run the other way. Quality ABA requires Parent Training. You should be meeting with the BCBA bi-weekly or monthly to learn the strategies they are using so you can implement them at home. Ask prospective providers, "What does your parent training program look like?"

Staff Turnover The field of ABA has high burnout rates. Ask directly: "What is your staff turnover rate?" Constant changes in therapists can be regressive for a child with autism who relies on routine and rapport. Agencies that invest in their staff, pay them well, and provide benefits tend to have lower turnover, resulting in more consistent care for your child.

Getting Started with ABA Therapy

Taking the first practical steps toward ABA therapy can feel like navigating a maze. However, breaking the process down into a linear timeline can make it manageable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get from "concern" to "first day of therapy" in Davie.

Step 1: The Diagnostic Evaluation Before you can access ABA therapy covered by insurance, you must have a formal medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A diagnosis from a school psychologist (educational eligibility) is usually not enough for medical insurance; you need a medical diagnosis. In the Davie area, this is typically done by a developmental pediatrician, a pediatric neurologist, or a clinical psychologist. Note: Waitlists for evaluations at major centers like the mailman center or NSU can be months long. It is advisable to get on multiple waitlists or seek out private psychologists who may have sooner availability.

Step 2: Obtaining the Prescription Once diagnosed, you need a prescription (or "script") for ABA therapy. This must come from a physician (MD or DO). It essentially reads like a prescription for medication but states "ABA Therapy - Evaluate and Treat."

Step 3: Contacting Providers and Intake With diagnosis and prescription in hand, start calling providers. You will go through an "intake" process. This involves filling out paperwork regarding your child’s medical history, your insurance details, and your availability. Tip: Be honest about your schedule. If you can only do therapy from 3 PM to 6 PM, state that upfront. Matching availability is often the biggest hurdle in staffing.

Step 4: The Initial Assessment Once a provider accepts your insurance and has availability, a BCBA will schedule an assessment. They will meet your child and use standardized tools (like the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, or Vineland) to measure their skill levels across various domains: communication, socialization, motor skills, and adaptive behavior. They will also likely ask you to complete questionnaires. This assessment is not a "test" your child passes or fails; it is a baseline to see where they are starting.

Step 5: Authorization and Treatment Plan The BCBA writes a comprehensive report detailing the goals for your child and the recommended number of hours per week (dosage). This is submitted to your insurance company. The insurance company reviews it to ensure medical necessity. This review period can take anywhere from 5 to 15 business days.

Step 6: Staffing and Scheduling Once insurance approves the hours (e.g., 20 hours a week), the agency assigns an RBT to your case. You will set a recurring schedule.

Step 7: The First Session The first few sessions are usually focused on "pairing." This means the therapist just plays with your child, offering treats and fun toys without placing any demands. The goal is to establish themselves as a giver of good things. Don't worry if it looks like they are "just playing"—building rapport is the foundation of all future learning.

Local Resources & Support

Living in Davie places you in the heart of Broward County’s autism support network. Beyond private therapy, there are non-profit and state-funded organizations specifically designed to help your family navigate life with ASD.

UM-NSU CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) This is arguably the most valuable resource for Davie families, and it is located right in your backyard at Nova Southeastern University. CARD is a state-funded organization that provides free consulting, training, and support to families. They do not provide direct therapy (like daily ABA), but they offer guidance on everything else: IEP advocacy, wandering prevention, social groups for teens, and parent support groups. Once your child is diagnosed, registering with CARD should be your immediate next step. They are a lifelong resource, supporting individuals from toddlerhood through adulthood.

Broward County Public Schools (ESE Department) If your child is school-aged (or turning 3), you will interact with the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) department. Broward Schools have a "Child Find" program to evaluate children for special education eligibility. While school-based services are different from medical ABA, they are crucial. Davie is home to several schools with specialized autism clusters and strong ESE programs. Connecting with other parents in the district is key to understanding which schools offer the best support for your child’s specific profile.

Recreational Resources Davie is known for its outdoor lifestyle, and many local organizations offer adaptive programs.

• Equine Therapy: Given Davie’s equestrian culture, there are several therapeutic riding centers (hippotherapy) in the area. Places like "Stable Place" or similar organizations often work with children on the spectrum to build core strength and emotional regulation through horse interaction.
• Sensory-Friendly Parks: Tree Tops Park and Vista View Park offer wide-open spaces that are less crowded than typical city playgrounds, allowing children to decompress.
• Museum of Discovery and Science (Fort Lauderdale): While just outside Davie, they offer "Sensory-Friendly Sundays" where the volume is lowered and lights are dimmed for children with sensory sensitivities.

Parent Support Groups Look for local chapters of "Autism Speaks" or smaller, community-led groups on social media (like "Broward County Moms of ASD Kids"). Connecting with parents who have "been there, done that" in the local area is invaluable for getting honest reviews of providers and emotional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many hours of ABA therapy will my child need? There is no single answer, as it is based on medical necessity. However, research generally suggests that "comprehensive" or intensive ABA for early learners (ages 2-6) is most effective when delivered between 25 to 40 hours per week. This allows for sufficient repetition and intensity to close the developmental gap. For older children or those with fewer deficits, "focused" ABA might be prescribed for 10 to 15 hours per week, concentrating on specific goals like social skills or hygiene. Your BCBA will recommend a dosage based on the assessment data.

2. Can my child do ABA and go to school at the same time? Yes, and this is very common in Davie. Many children attend school for a portion of the day and receive ABA therapy in the afternoons or evenings. Some children in VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten) might attend a clinic in the morning and school in the afternoon. While public schools in Broward generally do not allow private RBTs into the classroom, some private schools do. It requires coordination between your BCBA and the school administration to ensure the schedules align and the child is not overworked.

3. How long does it take to see results from ABA? ABA is a marathon, not a sprint. While you might see small wins (like better eye contact or following a simple instruction) within the first few weeks, significant behavioral changes and skill acquisition usually take months of consistent therapy. It is important to track the data your BCBA provides. If you do not see progress after 6 months, a meeting should be held to adjust the treatment plan or teaching strategies. Consistency is the biggest predictor of success; missing sessions frequently will delay results.

4. What is the difference between a "center-based" and "home-based" program? Center-based programs (clinics) provide a structured environment where your child can interact with other children, which is vital for social skills. They also have more immediate supervision from BCBAs. Home-based programs are conducted in your living space. They are superior for teaching daily routines (like sleeping in their own bed or eating dinner with the family) and involve the parents more directly. Many families in Davie opt for a hybrid model, utilizing both settings to ensure skills transfer across environments.

5. My child cries during therapy. Is this normal? It can be, but context matters. In the beginning, a child may cry because they are being challenged to communicate instead of using old behaviors (like grabbing or screaming). This is often an "extinction burst"—a temporary increase in behavior before it improves. However, therapy should not be traumatic. A child should never be restrained (unless there is immediate danger) or forced to work through extreme distress. If your child is consistently terrified or unhappy to see their therapist after the initial adjustment period, it is a red flag. Discuss this immediately with the BCBA; modern ABA should be built on rapport and fun, not fear.