Autism ABA Services
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
ABA is a therapy that helps individuals learn important skills and reduce behaviors that may make learning or daily life more challenging. ABA focuses on teaching communication, social skills, daily living skills, and independence in ways that are meaningful and practical for each person.
ABA is widely recognized as the single most effective treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder and the only treatment shown to lead to substantial, lasting improvements in the lives of individuals with Autism.
Who can benefit from ABA therapy?
ABA therapy can help children, teens, and young adults build skills, increase communication, and manage behaviors that may make daily life challenging. It’s most often used for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it can also support those with other developmental or behavioral needs.
ABA can assist with communication, social skills, daily routines, emotional coping, and reducing unsafe or challenging behaviors. Because every program is personalized to each child’s strengths, needs, and goals, ABA can help individuals learn, grow, and thrive at any age or stage.
What does an ABA therapy session look like?
ABA sessions are tailored to each child’s goals, skills, and age, so no two sessions look exactly the same. Sessions usually include one-on-one work with a trained therapist, and skill-building activities for communication, social skills, daily routines, and behavior support.
Behavior Therapists use positive reinforcement to celebrate progress, and learning often happens in play, routines, or everyday situations to help skills stick. Sessions for younger children are often play-based and engaging, while older children focus on functional life skills. The goal is to help your child learn, practice, and use skills in meaningful ways, so they can feel confident and successful in daily life.
Who provides ABA therapy?
ABA therapy is delivered by a team of trained professionals, all working under the guidance of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Your BCBA/BCaBA is responsible for assessments, developing an individualized treatment plan, and monitoring progress to make sure therapy meets your child’s goals.
Sessions are typically carried out by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) or Behavior Therapists, who work directly with your child. Every member of our team receives specialized ABA training, Safety Care training, and follows high ethical and professional standards to provide safe, evidence-based, and supportive care for your child.
How many hours of ABA are required?
Every child is unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. At Dominion Care, we don’t require a set number of therapy hours each week. Instead, your child’s BCBA or BCaBA will work with you to determine an appropriate amount of ABA therapy based on your child’s needs, strengths, and goals.
How long does it take to see progress?
Every child progresses at their own pace. Some skills may show improvement quickly, while others take more time to develop. Your BCBA/BCaBA will regularly track your child’s progress and update you with results and next steps. Ultimately, the focus is on meaningful, lasting growth.
What does caregiver involvement look like?
Caregivers are an essential part of ABA therapy! You’ll have opportunities to observe sessions, practice strategies, and receive guidance from your child’s therapist. This ensures that skills learned in therapy can carry over into everyday life, supporting consistency and long-term progress. We see caregivers as partners every step of the way.
What insurances do you take?
We currently accept all Virginia Medicaid plans, most Commercial plans, and Tricare East.
How do I get my child started?
To get started, please complete our short request more information questionnaire, and we will be in touch! Please be prepared to provide your child’s diagnostic evaluation paperwork, insurance card(s), and immunization record/exception form.
Community Based Mental Health
What are the eligibility requirements?
MENTAL HEALTH SKILL BUILDING SERVICES (MHSS):
- Individuals who qualify for MHSS are generally 21 years of age or older, have a mental health diagnosis, have a history of hospitalization, and currently take or have previously been prescribed psychotropic medication.
INTENSIVE IN-HOME (IIH):
- IIH serves children and adolescents ages 4-21 who are at risk of being placed outside the home. Families must participate in a minimum of 3 hours of services per week, and an adult must be present during each session. The child or adolescent must also be enrolled in or willing to participate in outpatient and family counseling. On average, the counselor meets with the child and family for 3-6 hours per week.
PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION (PSR):
- PSR is available to adults who have a mental health diagnosis, require continued support and intervention, have limited social supports, and wish to participate in a center-based day program.
LIFE SKILLS BUILDING (LSB):
- LSB serves transition-age youth ages 16-29 who are currently or were previously involved in foster care and require assistance with independent living skills and enhanced care coordination.
- LSB may also serve pregnant individuals identified as high-risk and postpartum individuals with a mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder.
What insurance details should I know about?
MENTAL HEALTH SKILL BUILDING SERVICES (MHSS), INTENSIVE IN-HOME (IIH), AND PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION (PSR):
- Most Medicaid insurance plans cover these services. Please contact your insurance provider to confirm eligibility and coverage.
LIFE SKILLS BUILDING (LSB):
- Life Skills Building is currently covered by Aetna Medicaid and Anthem Medicaid only.
- Anthem Medicaid is currently the only participating insurance plan that covers services for transition-age youth.
Educational Services
What is a one-to-one Behavior Aide?
Behavior Aides work under the supervision of the classroom teacher to provide one-to-one support to a child (ages 2-22). Staff members help implement behavioral and academic goals in adherence with the student’s Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
What population do you serve and where?
Students with an IEP and significant behavioral concerns in both public and private schools.
How do I get this type of accommodation/service for my child?
Services are secured through your school system’s exceptional education department after the child has been observed by a behavior specialist and a behavior plan has not been successful due to significant behaviors or safety concerns.
How is this service funded?
Funding comes through the school locality or FAPT (Family Assessment and Planning Team).
Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services
How do I get a waiver?
Contact your local Community Services Board (CSB) and request a waiver screening. More information can be found on the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services website.
What waivers do you accept?
We work with the Community Living Waiver (previously known as the Intellectual Disabilities Waiver), the Building Independence Waiver (previously known as the Day Support Waiver), and the Family and Individual Supports Waiver (previously known as the Developmental Disabilities Waiver). Unfortunately, at this time, we do not work with EDCD waiver.
What are the eligibility requirements?
GROUP DAY SERVICES:
- Ages 18+. Individuals diagnosed as ID or DD.
RESIDENTIAL:
- Ages 18+. Individuals diagnosed as ID or DD.
IN-HOME SUPPORTS:
- Ages 6+. Individuals diagnosed as ID or DD.
Outpatient Therapy
What is the difference between an outpatient therapist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
Psychologists provide psychological testing to diagnose mental health disorders and learning disabilities. Psychiatrists provide medical evaluations and prescribe medication to treat mental health disorders. Outpatient therapists provide counseling sessions to assist with managing the symptoms of mental health disorders, trauma, behavioral difficulties, interpersonal problems, and many other stressors.
What if I need to cancel my appointment? What is your practice’s attendance policy?
If you need to cancel your appointment, please provide 24 hours’ notice. If you do not attend or cancel 3 appointments without 24 hours’ notice, you will be discharged from Dominion Outpatient Services. This can mean no more refills of any medication and/or discontinuation of services. (If you cancel an appointment without providing 24 hours’ notice, you can be subjected to a $50.00 late cancellation fee.)
Will my doctor or outpatient therapist write a letter for me for school or court?
Clinical documentation (written by a doctor or licensed mental health provider) can be prepared for our clients at the discretion of our clinical personnel. ALL requested clinical documentation needed for our clients will be charged $20.00 per page and requires a minimum of 14 business days preparation time. (IE: letters for school, court, or attorneys). However, this does NOT include doctor’s notes for attending appointments at Dominion Outpatient Services.
How do I get a refill of my medication once it is prescribed?
Please have your pharmacy fax us a medication request. Request this one week before you run out of your medication. Refills require a minimum of 72 hours’ processing time.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Ages 4-65. We take private pay, sliding scale, Medicaid, and most private insurance.
Private Day School
How long are students typically enrolled at Dominion Academy?
There is no set amount of time for a student to participate in the program. Some students are successful right away and return to public school in a short period of time, others need longer. Progress is greatly helped by frequent contact between parents, the referring school division, and Dominion Academy.
Is there a summer program?
Yes, our Extended School Year (ESY) program must be approved by each student’s IEP team and currently runs for seven weeks in the summer, five hours per day, four days per week.
Will my high school aged child earn credit at Dominion Academy towards graduation?
Yes, all courses at Dominion Academy are aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning and students will be given credit for coursework completed while at Dominion Academy.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Tuition is typically paid by the local county that refers the student to Dominion Academy. Usually families will attend a meeting of the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) in their county of residence.
Referrals should be received from the public school division where your child is registered to attend – contact the special education department of the school division for your child or contact your child’s IEP case manager to request an IEP meeting.