Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Therapy
Your Questions Answered: Navigating Autism with Orchid Academy
We are here to help!
Below you'll find how ABA therapy works at Orchid, how enrollment and insurance work, and what happens at your child's first visit.
These are the questions families ask us most. If yours isn't here, please contact us.
What services does Orchid Academy provide for children with autism?
Orchid Academy offers several services for children with autism, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, social skills groups, and functional academics such as reading, writing, and math. We also provide speech and occupational therapy (OT) through partnerships with local providers.
How do I enroll my child in your programs?
To enroll your child, please contact us to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your child's needs and determine the best program for them. You can reach us by phone or through our website's contact form.
What is ABA therapy and how does it benefit my child?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically validated approach that focuses on improving specific behaviors, such as social skills, communication, and adaptive learning skills. ABA therapy benefits children with autism by providing structured techniques to reinforce desired behaviors and reduce problematic ones. Learn more about ABA therapy at Orchid and Orchid Academy's unique approach.
How do I know if my child needs ABA therapy?
ABA therapy helps many children with autism. If your child struggles with communication, social skills, or behavioral challenges, they may benefit from ABA therapy. An initial assessment with our team can help determine if ABA is the right fit for your child.
What is "The Orchid Way" and how does it differ from other approaches?
"The Orchid Way" is our philosophy of individualized care, trauma-informed practices, and a family-centered approach. We want sessions to be joyful, relationships to be strong, and growth to keep going, and we plan for the needs of the whole family as well as the child with autism. Learn more about Orchid's approach.
How can I get started with a new diagnosis of autism for my child?
If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, the first step is to contact us for an initial consultation. We will discuss your child's diagnosis, explain our services, and develop a personalized plan to support your family. Visit our Contact Us page and First Steps Page: Your Comprehensive Guide to Navigating a New Autism Diagnosis.
What resources are available for siblings of children with autism?
Our Autism Resource Navigator blog has posts on including siblings in family life, such as handling conflicts and feelings of favoritism so every child feels valued. We can also tailor support during ABA sessions to your family's needs.
How does Orchid Academy support parents and caregivers?
Orchid Academy provides various support services for parents and caregivers, including educational workshops, parent mixers, and one-on-one coaching. You get the tools and knowledge to support your child at home and in the community. Learn more about parent and family training.
What insurance plans do you accept and how do I navigate the insurance process?
We accept a variety of insurance plans, including Cigna, Premera, BlueCross Blue Shield of Illinois, Regence, Aetna, and First Choice Health. Our team will assist you in understanding your coverage, selecting ABA-friendly plans, and preventing billing errors. Start with our ABA therapy insurance guide for Washington, and browse insurance articles on the blog.
What should I expect during my child's first visit?
During your child's first visit, we will conduct an initial assessment to understand their needs and strengths. This involves meeting with you and your child, discussing their history, and observing their behavior. We'll have many of your child's favorite things available. Many parents come in worried about the first day, and almost every family finds that their child jumps right in. Learn more about our approach.
How can I track my child's progress in your programs?
We provide regular updates on your child's progress through detailed reports, parent meetings, and communication with your child's therapist.
What are your staff's qualifications and training?
Our staff are trained and certified professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and they receive ongoing training and professional development. Learn more about your team.
How can I be involved in my child's therapy and progress?
Parents are part of the team. We encourage you to participate in therapy sessions, attend parent workshops, and collaborate with our team to reinforce strategies at home.
What support do you offer for transitioning between different types of care or educational settings?
We provide transition support services to help your child move smoothly between different types of care or educational settings. This includes developing transition plans, coordinating with other providers, and preparing your child for new environments.
How do I access community resources and support groups through Orchid Academy?
We connect families with local community resources and support groups tailored to their needs. Our Autism Resource Navigator blog also provides information on various community resources that are available to you.
What measures are in place to ensure my child's safety and well-being?
We maintain strict safety protocols, ongoing staff training, and individualized care plans so every child has a safe, supportive environment.
What should I do if I have concerns about my child's progress?
If you have concerns about your child's progress, please contact us immediately. We will schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns, review your child's plan, and make any needed adjustments.
How can I stay informed about the latest news and updates from Orchid Academy?
Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter, following our blog, and connecting with us on social media. We regularly share updates, news, and helpful resources for families.
Helpful pages
Jump to the guides and services families ask about most.
- Understanding autism
Early signs, diagnosis paths, and what autism is not.
- New autism diagnosis guide
First steps after a diagnosis for Washington families.
- Washington IEP guide
Washington eval clocks, advocacy, and school plus clinic in one week.
- Insurance coverage
Carriers, authorizations, and what plans usually cover.
- ABA therapy hours
Comprehensive vs. focused plans, the 5-40 range, and school weeks.
- Autism schools in Washington
School options, ABA day academies, and how to choose.
- ABA therapy
How sessions work and what children learn at Orchid.
- Early intervention
Intensive support for young children building foundational skills.
- Parent & family training
Coaching so skills transfer from session to home.
- Locations
Find an academy, school partnership, or in-home program.
Still have questions?
Reach out and our team will get back to you.