FAQs

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically proven, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals—particularly those with autism—develop essential life skills. ABA focuses on improving communication, social interaction, and behavior while reducing challenges that may interfere with daily life.

At Affinity ABC, we take an individualized, play-based approach to ABA. Our therapy is designed to be engaging, effective, and tailored to each child’s unique needs, fostering meaningful growth in a way that feels natural and fun.

ABA therapy is recommended for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or those who experience delays in communication, social interactions, or daily living skills. If your child:

• Struggles with communication (verbal or nonverbal)
• Has difficulty with social interactions or making friends
• Exhibits repetitive behaviors or restricted interests
• Displays challenging behaviors, such as aggression or self-injury
• Has trouble with transitions or following routines

Then ABA therapy may be beneficial. If you’re unsure, our team can provide a consultation to assess your child’s unique needs.

ABA therapy can support children in various areas, including:

• Communication & Language – Encouraging verbal speech, nonverbal communication (gestures, signs, AAC devices), and social conversations.
• Social Skills – Teaching play skills, making friends, and understanding social cues.
• Behavior & Emotional Regulation – Helping children manage frustration, reduce tantrums, and develop coping strategies.
• Daily Living & Independence – Supporting self-care routines like dressing, brushing teeth, eating, and toilet training.
• Academic Readiness – Building attention, following instructions, and participating in structured activities.

Every ABA session is customized to fit your child’s goals and learning style. Our therapists use structured activities, play-based learning, and positive reinforcement to teach and strengthen important skills. A session may include:

1. Greeting & Warm-Up – Establishing rapport with fun and engaging activities.
2. Skill Development – Working on individualized goals through play, structured learning, and interactive tasks.
3. Breaks & Reinforcement – Ensuring motivation with fun breaks and rewards based on your child’s preferences.
4. Parent Involvement & Training – Keeping parents informed and providing guidance on how to support learning at home.

Sessions may take place in the home, clinic, school, or community settings based on your child’s needs.

Affinity ABC provides in-home ABA therapy across New Mexico, including Los Lunas, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Sandia Park, and Santa Fe. In areas where in-person BCBA supervision is not available, we offer remote supervision while maintaining local RBTs to ensure daily, one-on-one support.

Yes! In-home ABA therapy allows children to learn in a familiar environment, making skill development more relevant to their daily lives. This approach helps with:

• Generalizing skills to real-life situations
• Supporting family involvement and collaboration
• Reducing barriers like travel time and scheduling conflicts

The duration of ABA therapy varies depending on each child’s needs and goals. Some children benefit from short-term therapy focusing on specific skills, while others require long-term support to build a broader range of skills. After an initial assessment, our team will develop a personalized plan and recommend an appropriate schedule.

Yes, ABA therapy is covered by most insurance plans in New Mexico. We work with families to navigate the insurance process and ensure coverage for necessary services. Our team can assist with verifying benefits, obtaining authorizations, and handling paperwork.

No, ABA therapy benefits individuals of all ages! While early intervention (starting before age 5) is highly effective, older children, teenagers, and even adults can benefit from ABA. Our programs are adapted to meet the needs of each individual, whether they are learning foundational skills or working on independence and transition-to-adulthood goals.

At Affinity ABC, we stand out by prioritizing:

• Individualized & Compassionate Care – We focus on each child’s strengths, interests, and unique learning style.
  
• Play-Based Learning – We believe children learn best when they are engaged and having fun!
  
• A Family-Centered Approach – Parents and caregivers are an essential part of the therapy process.
  
• Flexible Service Models – We offer in-home, school-based, and community-based therapy to best support your child’s needs.
  
• Local Expertise & Support – Our team includes local BCBAs and RBTs who are dedicated to serving the New Mexico autism community.

ABA therapy focuses on behavior, communication, and social skills by breaking down complex skills into manageable steps and reinforcing positive behaviors. While speech therapy (SLP) helps with language development and occupational therapy (OT) focuses on fine motor skills and daily living activities, ABA therapy integrates strategies that can complement both, helping children apply learned skills across different environments.

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) oversee your child’s therapy plan, conduct assessments, and make data-driven adjustments to ensure progress.
• Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work directly with your child, implementing the treatment plan under BCBA supervision.

At Affinity ABC, we ensure that every child is paired with skilled, compassionate professionals who are dedicated to their growth.

During the initial ABA assessment, a BCBA will:

• Observe your child’s behaviors, communication, and interactions.
• Ask about their strengths, challenges, and goals.
• Develop an individualized therapy plan based on their unique needs.

This assessment ensures that therapy is tailored to your child’s specific abilities and areas for improvement.

Absolutely! Parent involvement is crucial for success. We provide parent training and coaching so you can reinforce strategies at home, helping your child generalize skills in real-life settings. Your input is also valuable in setting therapy goals.

The recommended number of therapy hours varies based on your child’s needs, age, and goals:

• Comprehensive ABA (20-40 hours/week) – For early learners focusing on multiple developmental areas.
• Focused ABA (10-20 hours/week) – For children working on specific skills like communication or behavior regulation.
• Parent Training & Support (Flexible hours) – For families who need guidance on implementing ABA strategies at home.

After the initial assessment, our team will recommend an individualized therapy schedule that best suits your child.

Every child learns at their own pace, but many families see noticeable improvements within a few months. Consistency, parental involvement, and individualized goal-setting play key roles in success. Progress is continually monitored, and therapy plans are adjusted to ensure continued growth.

Yes! While ABA therapy is most commonly used for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can also help individuals with other developmental challenges, including:

• ADHD
• Intellectual disabilities
• Speech and language delays
• Social and emotional difficulties

Our approach at Affinity ABC is flexible and can be adapted to meet a variety of needs.

When your child has successfully met their therapy goals, we develop a transition plan to help them maintain their progress. This may include:

• Gradually reducing therapy hours
• Supporting school and social transitions
• Providing parent and caregiver strategies to continue skill development at home

Our goal is to equip children with long-term, sustainable skills so they can thrive independently.

We take a play-based, child-centered approach to ABA. Instead of rigid drills, we incorporate games, hands-on activities, and interests specific to each child. This makes learning enjoyable while keeping children motivated and engaged.

Yes! Many children receive ABA therapy before or after school, while others may benefit from school-based ABA services (depending on availability and school policies). Our team can coordinate with educators to ensure a consistent approach between home and school.

Yes! We offer social skills groups where children can practice communication, teamwork, and relationship-building in a structured but natural setting. These groups help children develop confidence in peer interactions and friendship-building.

To make the first ABA session a smooth experience:

• Talk positively about the therapist and explain that they are there to help.
• Allow your child to meet the therapist in a comfortable, familiar environment.
• Have their favorite toys or activities available to create a positive association with therapy.
• Expect an adjustment period—some children may take a few sessions to feel completely comfortable.

Every child is different, and our approach is flexible and adaptive. If a certain strategy isn’t working, we adjust the program to match your child’s learning style. Our priority is to create a supportive, comfortable learning experience tailored to their needs.

No! While ABA can help decrease challenging behaviors, it is primarily focused on building positive skills that enhance a child’s independence and quality of life. Our goal is to empower children with the tools they need to communicate, interact, and navigate the world confidently.

Getting started is simple! Here’s what to do:

1️⃣ Contact us for a free consultation – We’ll discuss your child’s needs and answer any questions.
2️⃣ Complete an initial assessment – Our team will evaluate your child’s strengths and challenges to create a personalized therapy plan.
3️⃣ Begin ABA therapy – We’ll match your child with a dedicated therapy team and start working toward their goals!

📞 Call us or visit our website to schedule your consultation today!