Applied Behavior Analysis is the most researched and commonly practiced therapy for individuals with autism and has been respected as the gold standard treatment for decades.

Despite its proven history, some groups have questioned the efficacy of the therapy, the methods used (often citing practices no longer employed), as well as the role of private equity within the industry.

In casting doubt on ABA, some groups are creating an atmosphere of distrust for those who are already navigating a challenging path to quality treatment options and are ultimately jeopardizing the opportunity to significantly better the lives of those in need.

Now is not the time to reduce services and support for millions of American families living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Rather, now is the time to preserve and expand the autism community’s access to ABA. ABA providers, represented by NCAAS, are committed to addressing a growing need with individualized, compassionate care.

Prevalence of ASD is anything but declining, as every year, more and more children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In fact, the CDC now estimates that 1 in 44 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism. Furthermore, based on numbers from the CDC, the prevalence of autism has increased between 6-15% each year from 2002-2020. As the autistic community grows, so does the need for access to effective therapies like ABA, and NCAAS is fighting to preserve and expand these life-changing services.

ABA has been a trusted therapy for individuals with autism and their families for decades, with countless ABA clients, their families, and providers able to testify to the extraordinary success they have experienced. In addition to being a positive, effective, and trusted therapy, ABA is also well-recognized within the medical community.

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) both regard ABA as a safe and effective therapy for autism. The APA states, “applied behavior analysis is taught as a core skill in applied and health psychology programs. As such, the American Psychological Association (APA) affirms that the practice and supervision of applied behavior analysis are well-grounded in psychological science and evidence-based practice.”

Further research also states that “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) for autism are quite possibly the best examples of evidence-based behavioral health care.” NCAAS is dedicated to protecting this trust in ABA and maintaining the autism community’s faith in the treatment.

Coverage of ABA by health insurers was hard won by thousands of families working for decades to pass autism insurance reform state by state. Families have demanded and continue to want access to ABA therapy despite the views of a small but vocal group of voices trying to limit access to ABA treatment.

NCAAS recognizes the importance of meeting families where they are and individualizing therapy to ensure autistic individuals have every opportunity to achieve their best outcomes. ABA is an individualized and compassionate therapy treatment, and one’s access to it should not be determined by anyone other than relevant medical professionals.

Furthermore, the need for ABA far outpaces provider availability, and as such, more strategies and investment in the educational and provider infrastructure are needed to attract professionals to the field and continue to enhance treatment quality. In light of this, NCAAS is working to ensure that families can access their children’s clinically recommended levels of ABA therapy.

NCAAS members do more than just ensure access to ABA therapy to those who need it most, they also create rewarding and good-paying jobs. Whether it be entry-level positions or therapists with master’s or doctorate degrees, our members create thousands of new jobs every year. Finally, we believe that trusted clinicians, in consultation with families, should decide on the proper level of ABA care, not insurance companies. NCAAS is working to increase enforcement of federal and state laws that protect access to mental health services, including ABA.