Getting Started with ABA Therapy in Maryland

Finding out your child may benefit from ABA therapy can feel like standing at the base of a mountain — you know where you want to end up, but the path isn’t always clear. If you’re a Maryland parent just starting this journey, take a breath. This guide walks through the general steps most families go through, from diagnosis to your first therapy session, so you know what to expect.

Step 1: Start with (or continue) the diagnostic process

For most families, ABA therapy begins with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from a qualified professional — this might be a developmental pediatrician, a licensed psychologist, a neurologist, or another specialist trained in autism evaluation. If your child already has a diagnosis, you’re ready to move on to the next step. If you’re still waiting for an evaluation or are on a waitlist, it’s still worth reaching out to an ABA provider early. Many agencies, including Climbing Star, are happy to talk with you about the general process and answer questions while you wait.

A few things that can help during this stage:

• Keep copies of any developmental screenings, pediatrician notes, or prior evaluations.
• Write down specific behaviors or milestones that concern you — dates and examples are more useful than general impressions when you meet with a specialist.
• Ask your evaluator what documentation you’ll need for insurance purposes once a diagnosis is made.

Step 2: Understand your insurance and coverage options

Once your child has a diagnosis, the next practical step is figuring out how ABA therapy will be funded. In Maryland, families typically pursue one of a few paths:

• Private insurance. Most major insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis, though the specifics — required documentation, authorization steps, and any limits — vary by plan.
• Medicaid. Many Maryland families with Medicaid coverage are able to access ABA services as well, though the process for authorization can look different than it does with private insurance.
• A combination of both, depending on your household’s situation.

Because coverage details differ so much from one plan to the next, the most reliable step is to verify your specific benefits directly with your insurance company or through a provider who can check on your behalf. Climbing Star accepts most major insurances and offers a free consultation that includes help understanding what your plan covers — so you’re not left guessing.

Step 3: Choose a provider

Not all ABA providers operate the same way, so it’s worth asking a few questions as you compare options:

• Who designs the treatment plan? Look for a program overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with day-to-day sessions delivered by a trained Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under that BCBA’s supervision.
• Where does therapy happen? Some families want at-home sessions built around their daily routine; others want support built into the school day; many want both. Climbing Star provides both in-home and in-school ABA therapy across Maryland, so services can flex around what your family actually needs.
• How individualized is the plan? A good program is never one-size-fits-all — it should be built around your child’s specific strengths, needs, and goals.
• How is progress tracked and communicated to you? You should expect regular updates, not just a plan that runs in the background.

Step 4: The BCBA assessment

Before therapy begins, a BCBA will conduct an assessment to get to know your child. This typically involves direct observation, structured activities, and conversations with you about your child’s strengths, challenges, daily routines, and what matters most to your family — whether that’s communication, social connection, safety, independence with daily tasks, or reducing behaviors that get in the way of learning.

This assessment isn’t a test your child can fail. It’s information-gathering, and it’s the foundation for everything that follows.

Step 5: Building an individualized plan

Using what they learned in the assessment, the BCBA designs a treatment plan with specific, measurable goals. This plan should reflect your child as an individual — not a generic template. It will typically outline:

• The skills being targeted (communication, social skills, play, self-care, safety, and more)
• The teaching strategies being used, all grounded in positive reinforcement
• How many hours of therapy are recommended, and in what setting(s)
• How progress will be measured and reviewed over time

Because ABA is individualized, this plan is a starting point, not a fixed document — it gets adjusted as your child grows and meets goals.

Step 6: Starting sessions — at home, at school, or both

Once your plan is in place and any necessary insurance authorization is complete, sessions can begin. For many Maryland families, this looks like:

• In-home ABA, where an RBT works with your child in the comfort of your own home, incorporating your family’s routines and priorities.
• In-school ABA, where support is woven into your child’s school day, often in coordination with teachers and school staff.
• A blend of both, which many families find gives their child the most consistency across environments.

The first few sessions are often about building rapport — your child getting comfortable with their therapist — before diving fully into the plan’s goals.

Every family’s path looks a little different

Some Maryland families move through these steps in a matter of weeks; others take longer, especially while waiting on a diagnosis or insurance authorization. Both are normal. What matters most is that each step — assessment, plan, sessions — is built around your specific child, not a generic script. Providers like Climbing Star, which serve families across Maryland (and New York) with both in-home and in-school ABA therapy and accept most major insurances, generally start this whole process with a free consultation, which is often the easiest way to get oriented before anything else moves forward.

This article is for general informational purposes and is not medical or legal advice. Please verify your specific insurance coverage and consult with qualified professionals about your child’s individual needs.