Starting ABA therapy is an important step in your child’s journey, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Use this guide to understand what to expect when seeking a clinical autism assessment and partnering with Star Spectrum.
Getting Started
First Contact
When you first reach out to Star Spectrum, you’ll connect with our friendly intake team. We’ll take time to learn about your child’s strengths and needs, answer questions about ABA therapy, and gather the essentials to begin. From there, we’ll start insurance verification and schedule your child’s clinical assessment ensuring a seamless transition into services.
Insurance Verification
Our team works directly with your insurance provider to:
- Verify ABA therapy coverage
- Explain your benefits in clear, family-friendly terms
- Review any copays or deductibles
- Handle prior authorizations and required paperwork
Clinical Assessment
Your child’s initial assessment with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a comprehensive evaluation designed to understand current skills and support needs. Clinical autism assessment typically takes up to two hours. During this time, we’ll:
- Discuss your family’s priorities and goals
- Observe communication, social, and daily living skills
- Identify areas for growth and recommend the most effective therapy approach and schedule
Starting Therapy
Creating Your Treatment Plan
Following the assessment, your BCBA will develop a personalized autism spectrum treatment plan that reflects your child’s unique profile and your family’s goals. The plan outlines:
- Specific skill objectives
- Teaching strategies and supports
- Recommended therapy hours and schedule
- How progress will be measured
- Parent training components for carryover at home
First Week of Therapy
As services begin, you can expect:
- Introductions to your child’s therapy team
- Orientation to our clinic environment
- Review of daily routines and what to bring
- Set up your preferred communication methods
Parents are welcome to observe sessions and visit the clinic before services begin. It isn’t necessary to remain on-site during sessions you’re welcome to drop off at the start and pick up at the end, confident your child is supported by our team throughout.
Daily Therapy Experience
Clinic Environment
Our treatment plans for autism are thoughtfully designed to help children learn, grow, and thrive. We provide a structured, school-like setting with safe spaces for focused learning and playful exploration. Children follow consistent daily routines and have natural opportunities to interact with peers, building confidence and independence.
Session Structure
Each therapy session includes:
- One-on-one work with trained Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) under BCBA supervision
- Play-based learning activities
- Social skill-building opportunities
- Regular breaks and smooth transitions
- Ongoing data collection to track progress and mastery
Ongoing Support
Regular Communication
Clear, consistent communication is key to your child’s success. You’ll receive:
- Daily session notes and updates
- Monthly team meetings with your BCBA
- Written progress reports at regular intervals
- Parent training and resources to support learning at home
Progress Monitoring
We continuously track development to guide next steps:
- Regular skill assessments
- Data-driven decision making
- Goal updates and program adjustments
- Celebrations of growth big and small
Family Resources
Parent Training
Supporting your entire family is central to our approach. Through ongoing training, we’ll share strategies to help your child generalize skills across home, school, and community. We’ll collaborate closely to understand your routines and provide practical tools that fit your life.
Looking Ahead
As your child progresses, we’ll regularly review and refine the treatment plan to keep pace with evolving needs. Through careful data analysis and ongoing dialogue with your family, we’ll update goals, adjust programs, and celebrate achievements keeping the path forward clear and encouraging every step of the way.
Star Spectrum offers compassionate ABA therapy and autism support services across North Carolina.