The Orchid Way

ABA Therapy in Washington

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA therapy at Orchid ranges from 4-6 focused hours a week to a full 30-40, with your BCBA recommending the right number after an assessment.

At Orchid, ABA works alongside other therapies. Dr. Flick and the Orchid team have spent years developing a blend that combines ABA with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialized interventions, so learners make progress in communication, motor skills, social engagement, and academic readiness as well as behavior.

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A child engaged in an ABA therapy learning activity at Orchid Academy in Washington.

ABA Therapy Built Around Your Child

A child playing on the floor during an ABA therapy session.

Why ABA Matters

At Orchid Academy, we use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) because it helps children with autism make measurable progress. Here's what it offers:

Skill Development: ABA helps children build communication, social, and daily living skills, with goals set for each child.
Evidence-Based Practices: We use research-backed techniques and track data to check that each intervention is working.
Holistic Approach: Our ABA programs work alongside other services, such as speech and occupational therapy.
Building Independence: ABA teaches children skills they can use on their own at home, at school, and in the community.

What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding and improving behavior. ABA focuses on how behavior works in real-life situations and uses evidence-based techniques to teach new skills, improve communication, and reduce behaviors that might interfere with learning or quality of life.

In ABA, we focus on:

Data-Driven Decisions: ABA uses data to track progress and adjust strategies in real-time.
Skill-Building: We teach practical skills that help individuals live more independently, from communication to problem-solving.
Behavioral Support: ABA helps reduce challenging behaviors by understanding what triggers them and teaching positive alternatives.

What does an ABA session look like at Orchid?

An ABA session is structured but flexible, and it's built around each learner's goals. Here's what a typical session might include:

Warm-Up & Rapport Building: The session often starts with a quick check-in, allowing the learner to settle in comfortably. We might play a preferred game or engage in a brief, fun activity to build rapport and ease into the session.
Goal-Oriented Activities: Each session is driven by specific goals, whether it's improving communication, fine motor skills, social interaction, or another targeted skill. Activities are practical and built around the learner's interests to keep them motivated. For example, if a goal is to improve communication, we might use PECS or Proloquo2Go to encourage requesting or labeling items. If the focus is on social skills, we might role-play social scenarios or engage in group activities to practice turn-taking and sharing.
Positive Reinforcement & Compassionate Support: Throughout the session, we reinforce desired behaviors with rewards and with kind, thoughtful support. That might be verbal praise, a favorite activity, or a comforting gesture, so learners feel valued and understood as they work toward their goals.
Modern Data Collection: We collect data throughout the session, noting how the learner responds to different activities and interventions, so we can adjust the approach in real time as their needs change.
Parent Collaboration: At the end of the session, we often collaborate with parents to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps. We share strategies that can be reinforced at home and celebrate any achievements, big or small.
Fun & Engagement: We teach through play, so every ABA session at Orchid should feel natural and enjoyable. We might use art, building blocks, or outdoor activities to keep the learner engaged.

How ABA Hours Are Set

There is no one-size-fits-all number. Your BCBA recommends hours after a personalized assessment. Comprehensive programs, especially for early intervention, are typically 30-40 hours per week, the intensity best supported by research. Learners working on focused goals like social skills may need as little as 4-6 hours per week.

How many days a week your child attends and how long each session runs follow from that plan. Our guides cover each question: how many hours of ABA therapy your child may need, how long ABA therapy sessions run, and how long ABA therapy lasts.

Understanding How ABA Helps: The 5 E's

Some behaviors feel manageable early on, especially in safe, supportive environments. As children grow and expectations increase, gaps in communication or coping can become more visible. Planning ahead helps reduce stress later. The 5 E's are how we plan:

A colorful infographic outlines five steps for supporting children's skills development. The steps include Envision, Equip, Expand, Endure, and Empower, each with a brief description emphasizing a holistic approach to child growth and independence.

Key Elements and Philosophies in ABA

There are many ABA-related philosophies and techniques, and families may hear different terms. Here's how Orchid uses each one:

Discrete Trial Training (DTT): Structured, repetitive teaching with immediate reinforcement. Our Approach: Used selectively for learners who benefit from clear structure, often within playful contexts.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET): Teaching in real-life situations to support skill generalization. Our Approach: A core part of our program, so learners practice skills in everyday settings.
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT): It focuses on motivation and choice, as well as rewarding attempts. Our Approach: Ideal for learners who need motivation and prefer learner-driven activities.
Skills-Based Treatment (SBT) and Practical Functional Assessment (PFA): Compassionate approaches for understanding the root of challenging behaviors. Our Approach: Foundational to our practice, so behavior change happens in a safe, supportive environment.
Floor Time (DIR): Emphasizes play and emotional connection. Our Approach: Integrated for learners who thrive with relationship-based, play-oriented learning.
Verbal Behavior (VB): Focuses on the functional use of language. Our Approach: Embedded in communication goals to promote meaningful language use.
Behavior Skills Training (BST): Involves modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. Our Approach: Used for teaching complex behaviors and social skills, with practice and feedback until the learner masters them.

What ABA is NOT: Debunking Myths about ABA Therapy

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy has changed a lot over the years, but some misconceptions persist, and many families come to us with concerns based on outdated or inaccurate views of ABA. This chart lists common myths next to how we practice, which we call "The Orchid Way": positive reinforcement, respect for each learner as an individual, and families involved at every step.

Comparison chart contrasting ABA therapy myths with the Orchid Way, highlighting benefits such as compassion and positive reinforcement, empowerment, individualized support, skill building beyond behavior, respect for neurodiversity, and active family involvement.

Orchid Academy Programs

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Full-Time

Our Full-Day Program offers intensive support and a broad curriculum for learners who benefit from more hours each week.

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Part-Time

A flexible starting point for families new to our approach. Many families later move to our Full-Day Program.

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In-Home

A good fit for families just starting with us. Our In-Home/Community Services let your child build foundational skills in a familiar setting, with a focus on direct skill development.

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After School

Our after-school program covers social skills, academic support, and recreational activities in a structured, fun setting.

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Where Orchid Academy Offers ABA Therapy in Washington

Explore related services & family guides

ABA is the core of Orchid's care, and these pages help families match the right program, setting, and next step.

Insurance Orchid Academy Accepts for ABA Therapy

Orchid Academy is in network with Premera Blue Cross, Regence, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Medicaid (Washington Apple Health), Molina Healthcare, Asuris Northwest Health, Personify Health, TRICARE.

Not sure if your plan is covered? We'll verify your benefits and explain your coverage before services begin, at no cost to you.

Insurance can feel overwhelming, so bring your questions. We'll walk you through what your plan covers and what you may owe before care starts.

Verify My Insurance →

Call (425) 699-7164 to check your plan, or compare carriers in the insurance guide.

Insurance participation varies by location and individual plan. Contact our team to confirm your specific benefits at hope@orchidacademy.com.

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