Behavior Therapy (ABA)
Our board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) use scientific principles of human behavior in everyday settings to positively impact your child’s behaviors. They begin with an assessment to determine your child’s behaviors and skills. When treatment begins, your child will work with a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) under the BCBA’s supervision. The BCBA will regularly analyze data to understand the root causes of challenging behaviors and collaborate with you to replace them with positive ones. We also provide ongoing caregiver training to ensure you’re supported throughout the process. Believing in the power of play, we strive to make this journey enjoyable and engaging for your child!
Our BCBAs specialize in building abilities like communication, social skills, attention to tasks, play and leisure skills, academic readiness, and self-help skills to help your child reach their fullest potential. Our therapy is evidence-based and results-driven, as we believe this is the foundation for valid interventions and facilitating optimal outcomes.
All of our RBTs and BCBAs have advanced professional training and experience in applying behavior principles. They are skilled in providing assent-led, compassionate, and trauma-informed care for a variety of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, developmental delays, interfering behavior, and more. Our team also collaborates with related services such as speech therapy (ST), occupational therapy (OT), and physical therapy (PT) to ensure comprehensive support for your child.
Behavior Therapy (ABA) Areas of Focus
- Reduce interfering behavior
- Learn new behaviors
- Teach communication skills
- Listening skills
- Toilet training
- Self-help skills
- Social/emotional learning
- Group learning
- Play skills
- School preparation
- Caregiver training
- Acceptance of no/waiting
- Adaptive skills
- Learn routines and structures
- Community Participation
- Safety skills
- Cognitive skills
- Motor skills
- Social skills
- Daily living routines
ABA FAQs
When we have an opening in your time block, we’ll reach out to confirm your interest. After confirmation, we’ll request insurance approval for an assessment, which can take up to 2 weeks. Following this, we conduct an evaluation with both caregiver and child to gather background information and assess behavior and skills. The BCBA then writes a plan of care and submits it for insurance authorization, which can take an additional 2 weeks. Overall, the process can take up to 6 weeks due to insurance timing, but we strive to move swiftly!
ABA differs from other therapies by focusing on understanding and modifying specific behaviors through data-driven techniques. While many therapies address broader emotional or developmental needs, ABA emphasizes skill acquisition and behavior change in everyday settings using structured interventions and positive reinforcement strategies.
ABA therapy is much more intensive than other therapies. Our BCBAs prescribe therapy hours based on the results of your child’s assessment, ranging from 10-30 hours per week, across multiple visits per week.
Typically, your child will work with 2 behavior technicians and will have one assigned BCBA supervisor. The number of technicians can vary depending on the prescribed hours of therapy for your child.
At Project Play Therapy, we love to PLAY! Our ABA sessions focus on making learning fun by incorporating your child’s interests into engaging, child-led activities. Each session is led by a consistent therapist and includes a mix of play-based and structured tasks to promote skill development, with frequent data collection to track progress. Activities may include floor play time, snack time for social skills, potty training, table work on pre-academic skills, gross motor activities, and functional communication training. Learning only occurs when children are happy, relaxed, and engaged, ensuring a positive experience while working on replacement behaviors and coping skills. Our approach mimics an age-appropriate school day schedule, with varied activities and plenty of play breaks!
Most sessions are conducted in the clinic. We offer in-home or in-school ABA therapy on a limited basis. Home or school services are typically available only after 6 months of therapy, based on the BCBA’s recommendation and your child’s specific needs.
Our goal is to provide scheduling options that meet all prescribed hours for your child. However, based on ABA treatment guidelines, we must at least meet 80% of the prescribed hours. Your child’s treatment is extremely important to us!
Blocks are offered Monday to Friday, with options for MWF or T/TR schedules. After-school sessions are available Monday to Thursday. All blocks can be adjusted within time parameters to match prescribed hours and may be slightly longer or shorter.
Available time slots include:
- 8 AM to 12 PM
- 1 PM to 4 PM
- 10 AM to 3 PM
- 8 AM to 3 PM
- 3 PM to 6 PM (typically best for social skills only with low behavior rates).
*If school scheduling is a barrier, and families are willing to adjust, let us know so the Director of Clinical Behavior Services can assist in navigating this discussion when a spot becomes available!
For Tennessee Medicaid, we accept all United Health Care, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Managed Care partners.
For Commercial insurance we accept most Blue Cross Blue Shield policies, United Health Care, Optum, Wellpoint/Amerigroup, Aetna, and Cigna/Evernorth plans.
* Coverage varies based on individual policies and diagnosis. PPT will assist in verification of benefits prior to the start of therapy.
Reach Out for ABA Therapy in Nashville and Beyond
ABA therapy can break the cycle of interfering behavior. To determine whether behavior therapy is available on-site at your child’s school, contact your administrator. For more information about our clinic-based services and appointment availability, submit a contact form. We’re ready to help your child thrive!