Question 1

What is the intake and enrollment process? How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Fill out our intake form or call or text (856) 484-5535, and a care coordinator will guide you through each step and match your child with a dedicated clinical team: 1) we verify your ABA benefits (about 3–5 days; we’ll need a copy of your insurance card); 2) we request approval for the first assessment (about 5–14 days; we’ll need the intake packet, a script for ABA and a copy of your child’s diagnosis); 3) a BCBA assesses your child and writes a treatment plan (about 15–20 days); 4) your insurance approves the treatment plan (about 15 days); 5) services begin once the plan is approved and your child’s team is in place. From your first call to your child’s first session with a behavior technician usually takes 4–8 weeks.

Question 2

What Is ABA Therapy?

Accepted Answer

ABA (applied behavior analysis) is a science-based therapy that helps children learn new skills and change behaviors in ways that matter to them and their family. It uses what we know about how children learn, so the goal is real, lasting change in everyday life. Because every child is different, ABA is always individualized. At GentleCare, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) builds a plan around your child’s interests, strengths and needs, and your child’s behavior technician collects data at every session so the BCBA can track progress and adjust the plan as your child grows. Learn more about ABA therapy at GentleCare.

Question 3

What are the diagnosis requirements?

Accepted Answer

For ABA services to be covered by your insurance in New Jersey, your child will need a diagnosis of autism from a qualified health professional. We will need a copy of the comprehensive evaluation and a script referring your child for ABA services. See the main plans we work with on our Enrollment page, or call us to check your plan.

Question 4

What insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

GentleCare is in-network with most major New Jersey and Pennsylvania health plans, including NJ FamilyCare. The main plans we work with include AmeriHealth New Jersey, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Horizon NJ Health, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and Independence Blue Cross. We don’t currently accept Pennsylvania Medicaid plans, and we’re not in network with Community Behavioral Health (CBH). Our care coordinators verify your benefits before anything starts and help you through your coverage, so you know where you stand. Not sure about your plan? See our Enrollment page or call or text (856) 484-5535.

Question 5

What happens in an ABA therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Every ABA therapy session is different! Since every child has unique interests and needs, there is not a standardized plan or structure for ABA therapy. Instead, each child will work towards their individual goals with the support of an ABA therapist.

ABA therapy sessions are carefully designed to be fun and engaging for the child while also incorporating effective, evidence-based strategies that will help the child learn new skills in a supportive and caring environment. Your child’s ABA therapist will track how your child is progressing towards their goals by collecting data during each therapy session.

During ABA therapy sessions, teaching can happen during more structured, therapist-led activities (often referred to as DTT, or discrete trial teaching) and during less structured, child-led activities. The combination of teaching approaches, procedures, and tools that are used in an ABA therapy session will be identified based on each child’s needs.

Question 6

Do you provide ABA therapy at my child’s daycare or preschool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As part of our community-based services, GentleCare provides ABA therapy in daycares and preschools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With your consent, your BCBA can work with your child’s teachers so everyone uses consistent approaches. Call or text our care coordinators at (856) 484-5535 to ask about your child’s daycare or preschool.

Question 7

Who comes to my home for in-home ABA sessions?

Accepted Answer

A Behavior Technician works 1:1 with your child, guided by supervision from your child’s BCBA. Your BCBA also provides caregiver training so you can use the same strategies between sessions.

Question 8

Why is ABA therapy recommended as an autism intervention?

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy is often recommended as an autism therapy option because it is “evidence-based.” This means that, through extensive scientific research over the last several decades, ABA-based strategies have resulted in improved outcomes for people with autism. Because of the large amount of research supporting ABA as a therapeutic approach to autism, ABA therapy is often covered by health insurance companies and recommended by medical providers who diagnose autism.

ABA therapy is also recommended as an autism treatment option because of the individualized approach that is used. Every child with autism will have different strengths and goals, and ABA therapy can be tailored to focus on the unique strengths and goals of each child.

Question 9

How long should a child receive ABA therapy? How many hours of ABA therapy should a child receive each week?

Accepted Answer

Every child’s hours, and how long they stay in ABA, depend on their individual needs, not just their age or past therapy. After a comprehensive assessment, your BCBA recommends how many hours of 1:1 therapy your child would benefit from each week, and our care coordination team works with you on a schedule that fits your family.

Our Gibbsboro center is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM. In-home and community sessions are available on weekdays until 8 PM and on weekends.

Question 10

What types of behaviors does ABA therapy address?

Accepted Answer

Typically, behaviors addressed during ABA therapy sessions fall into two broad categories – behaviors to develop, increase, or sustain and behaviors to decrease.

ABA therapy can help teach many different types of new skills, such as self-care skills, communication, social interaction skills, academic readiness skills, job-related skills, and instruction-following skills.

ABA therapy can also help to reduce behaviors that may be dangerous or harmful, prevent a child from engaging in their preferred activities or daily routines, or otherwise cause discomfort or distress to the child. Some examples of behaviors that might be targeted for reduction in an ABA therapy program include aggression, self-injurious behavior, and tantrums.

Question 11

How are parents/guardians involved in ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

You’re a key part of your child’s team, and your involvement makes a real difference in how your child progresses. You’ll share what you know about your child’s strengths, challenges, likes and dislikes, and your family’s values and culture, and your BCBA builds that into the plan. You may observe sessions and take part in assessments, and your BCBA provides caregiver training, with a few family goals of your own, so you can use the same strategies between sessions. With your consent, your BCBA can also work with your child’s teachers, doctors and other therapists, and can support you at IEP meetings.

Question 12

Do you provide Early Intervention services?

Accepted Answer

We provide EI services throughout the Philadelphia area. We don't provide EI services in NJ. Learn more about our Early Intervention services in the Philadelphia area.

Question 13

What areas do speech therapists treat?

Accepted Answer

Speech therapists work with: articulation (speech sounds, intelligibility), language (expressive, receptive), augmentative and alternative communication (communication devices), pragmatics (social language), stuttering/fluency, and feeding (oral-motor, swallowing, sensory, picky eating).

Question 14

What is the difference between school-based speech therapy services and private speech therapy services?

Accepted Answer

School-based speech therapy is provided within the school setting, typically by a speech-language pathologist employed by the school district. The primary focus is on helping students improve their communication skills to succeed academically and socially within the school environment. Therapy goals are often related to the educational curriculum, addressing issues such as articulation, language development, social communication, and fluency as they impact the student’s ability to learn and interact at school. Services are usually delivered in small groups or individually during school hours, with frequency and duration determined by the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Private speech therapy is offered outside of the school environment, usually in clinics or private practices. This type of therapy provides a more individualized and intensive approach, addressing a broader range of speech and language issues, including those not directly related to academic performance. Goals are tailored to the client’s specific needs and may cover specialized and targeted intervention areas such as apraxia, dyslexia, voice disorders, and feeding/swallowing disorders. Sessions are typically one-on-one and scheduled flexibly, based on the client’s progress and needs. More frequent assessments can be conducted to track progress and adjust therapy plans. Private speech therapy is often funded by the client’s family or through insurance, offering personalized and comprehensive intervention.

Question 15

What is the difference between speech and language?

Accepted Answer

Speech refers to the physical production of sounds and words, encompassing articulation (how speech sounds are made using the tongue, lips, jaw, and mouth) and/or coordination, voice (use of vocal cords and breathing to produce sound), and fluency (rhythm and flow of speech).

Language includes vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to understand and produce sentences. Language can be divided into receptive language (understanding what others say) and expressive language (using words and sentences to communicate thoughts). It can also include social communication and pragmatic language skills.

While speech focuses on the mechanics of producing sounds, language encompasses the ability to understand and express language.

Question 16

What should I expect when my child has a speech evaluation? Will I receive a report?

Accepted Answer

During the evaluation, the assessment may include a medical records review, parent report, standardized testing, observation through play, and dynamic assessment. Following the evaluation, it will be determined if treatment is necessary. You will receive a copy of your child’s evaluation within 7 days of the evaluation.

Question 17

Where do speech sessions occur?

Accepted Answer

Speech therapy evaluations and sessions take place at our clinic in Gibbsboro, NJ.

Question 18

How often is speech therapy?

Accepted Answer

Your speech pathologist will provide recommendations for therapy frequency following the initial speech evaluation. Therapy appointments typically occur in recurring timeslots 1-2 times per week for 30 minutes. There may be additional and more intensive services recommended. Frequency is determined by numerous factors, such as the type of disorder, current skill set, severity of disorder, age, and comorbidities.

Question 19

How long are your speech sessions?

Accepted Answer

One hour for initial evaluations and 30 minutes for therapy sessions.

Question 20

Does my child require an autism diagnosis to receive speech therapy?

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 21

When should I expect speech services to begin?

Accepted Answer

Speech services will begin a minimum of 14 days after the initial evaluation, pending insurance approval.

Question 22

How do you involve caregivers in the treatment process?

Accepted Answer

Caregivers are an integral component of the team. Caregivers are invited into the treatment room in the administrative wing to observe therapy and/or participate when deemed appropriate. Home programs may be provided to increase carryover in all settings. If caregivers are not physically present during the session, they can request completion of a speech therapy session note for details regarding the session.

Question 23

Why does speech progress feel so slow?

Accepted Answer

There is no one-size-fits-all or quick fix to therapy. Each child develops and progresses at different rates. It may take several months, or years, to see progress. With consistency, progress and meeting goals are possible. Parental involvement, such as practicing at home, can accelerate progress. It is important to note that progress may be impacted by a child's motivation, incorrect practice or unrealistic expectations and/or demands placed on the child.

Question 24

How much of my child’s speech should I be able to understand?

Accepted Answer

For young children, unfamiliar listeners should be able to understand 25% of speech by age 1, 50% of speech by age 2, 75% of speech by age 3 and 100% by age 4.