Helping children grow, sidebyside.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children build communication, social, play, and daily living skills. At Side by Side, treatment is individualized, play-based, and designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) around each child’s strengths and interests.

You do not need a diagnosis to reach out. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, require an autism diagnosis before they authorize ABA services, and our team can guide you through that process. We will explain the steps, connect you with a qualified diagnostic provider, and coordinate the referral with your pediatrician. In New Mexico, Medicaid may also cover services for some toddlers at risk for autism before a formal diagnosis.

No. There is never a cost to speak with our team, and we are always glad to answer your questions.

Timelines depend on your insurance authorization and staff availability in your area. During your first call, our intake team will give you a realistic estimate and keep you informed at every stage.

If available, please have your insurance card, your child’s diagnostic evaluation report, and any recent school or IEP documents. If you do not have every item, that is perfectly fine. Our team will help you gather what is needed.

Maryland and New Mexico Medicaid both cover medically necessary ABA services for eligible children, and many commercial insurance plans also include ABA coverage. We verify your benefits and explain any costs before services begin.

We work with Maryland and New Mexico Medicaid and with commercial insurance plans. Because networks vary by plan, please contact our team for a current list of accepted plans and a review of your benefits.

This depends on your plan. Commercial plans may include copays, coinsurance, or a deductible, while Medicaid members typically have little or no out-of-pocket cost for covered services. We explain any expected costs before services begin, so there are no surprises.

A BCBA meets with your family to learn about your child’s history, strengths, and your priorities, then observes your child and completes standardized assessments. The results guide an individualized treatment plan, which we review with you before submitting it for authorization.

Recommended hours are individualized. Your BCBA bases them on your child’s assessment results, clinical needs, and your family’s schedule, and adjusts them as your child progresses.

Sessions take place in your home and community, where new skills are most meaningful in everyday life. We also coordinate with your child’s school and IEP team to support consistency across settings.

Your child’s care is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). One-on-one sessions are provided by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) who receive ongoing training and regular supervision. All clinical staff complete background checks, and we work to keep a consistent team with each family.

Goals are tailored to each child and may include communication, social and play skills, daily living skills such as dressing and toileting, safety skills, and school readiness.

We begin by understanding the purpose a behavior serves for your child. From there, we teach meaningful replacement skills using positive, compassionate strategies, and we develop every plan in partnership with your family.

ABA has evolved significantly over the years. We practice modern, assent-based ABA: therapy is play-based and built on trust, your child’s comfort and choices are respected, goals focus on quality of life rather than appearing “typical,” and hours are individualized. Families are partners at every step.

Yes. With your permission, we coordinate with your child’s speech therapist, occupational therapist, and medical providers so that everyone works toward shared goals.

Caregivers are essential members of the treatment team. Caregiver training is included in every treatment plan, and families participate in goal-setting and progress reviews. Families are always welcome to observe sessions.

Data is collected during every session, and your BCBA reviews progress with your family on a regular basis. Treatment plans are formally reassessed at least every six months.

The length of services varies for each child. Progress is reviewed regularly, and transition planning begins early, with the goal of gradually reducing support as your child meets their goals.