From Psychological Assessment to ABA Services: A Guide for Families Raising Autistic Children

Navigating the journey from an initial autism diagnosis to receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services can feel overwhelming for families. At ABS Kids, we strive to make this transition seamless by providing clear guidance and compassionate support every step of the way. This blog will guide you through the process from your child’s psychological assessment to their first ABA therapy session, ensuring you understand how to access the care your child needs. 

Why an Autism Diagnosis Matters 

An official autism diagnosis is often the first step toward accessing essential therapies and services. The earlier a child receives an autism diagnosis opens the door to early intervention therapy—the most effective approach for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during critical stages of development. Our team of psychologists is dedicated to providing accurate and timely diagnoses through psychological evaluations. 

Step 1: The Initial Referral and Intake 

The process begins when you contact ABS Kids, or a healthcare provider refers your child for a psychological evaluation. Here’s what happens next: 

• Psychological Intake Consultation: Our intake team reaches out to gather initial information about your child, their developmental history, and any concerns you and your family may have. 

• Paperwork and Insurance Verification: Families complete intake forms, and we verify insurance coverage to ensure transparency regarding service options and costs. 

• Scheduling the Assessment: Once intake forms are signed and insurance is confirmed, we schedule a psychological assessment with one of our clinical psychologists. 

Step 2: The Psychological Evaluation 

While the psychological evaluation is generally completed in a single session, it is a multi-step process designed to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide the best course of treatment.  It includes: 

• Intake: The psychologist meets with your family to understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and developmental history. 

• Testing: The examiner will observe your child complete a variety of tasks in order to assess symptoms consistent with ASD. The examiner will also complete formal questionnaires with your family to further assess your child’s development and abilities.  

• Feedback: The psychologist reviews the results with you, providing a diagnosis, and discussing next steps. 

If the psychologist determines that ABA therapy is appropriate, they initiate an in-house referral to our ABA services team. 

Step 3: Referral to ABA Services 

If a child is recommended for ABA therapy, our referral specialist takes over to ensure a smooth transition. The steps include: 

• Verifying the Diagnosis Report: The referral specialist ensures the psychologist’s report is on file and updates your child’s profile in our system. 

• Reassigning to ABA Processing: The case is transferred to the state-specific ABA Processing Department, which contacts your family to discuss interest in services and next steps. 

Step 4: Beginning ABA Therapy 

Once your family confirms ABA services are the right fit for you, our team begins the onboarding process: 

• Behavioral Assessment: A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) conducts a comprehensive assessment to create an individualized treatment plan. 

• Insurance Authorization: We work with insurance providers, including Medicaid, to obtain approval for ABA therapy sessions. 

• Therapist Matching and Scheduling: Your family is matched with an ABA team, and therapy sessions are scheduled based on availability and your family’s preferences. 

The process for selecting care can take time. It is ok to slow down and process each step along the away before moving forward to the next.   

Why Choose ABS Kids? 

At ABS Kids, we understand that navigating autism care can be challenging. Our commitment to families includes: 

• Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis to treatment, we guide you through every step of the process. 

• Expert Care: Our team of clinical psychologists and BCBAs use evidence-based practices tailored to your child’s needs. 

• Family-Centered Approach: We involve the caregivers in every stage of therapy to ensure you feel empowered and supported. 

Start Your Journey with ABS Kids Today 

By providing a clear path from diagnosis to treatment, we ensure that every child has access to the high-quality care they deserve. ABS Kids is accredited by the Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) for its dedication to the continuous improvement of ABA therapy. 

If you suspect your child may have autism, ABS Kids is here to help. Autism diagnosis is provided for all ABS Kids’ locations via telehealth or in person in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina: Rock Hill and Columbia, South Carolina: Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah: as well as in all California locations. Find a location and schedule an appointment that is convenient for you.  

Let our team be your partner in your child’s growth and success.