ABA Therapy

ABA Therapy at Siskin Children’s Institute

Siskin Children’s Institute is a Chattanooga-based nonprofit serving children with special needs since 1950, providing evidence-based diagnosis, therapy, and support services. We offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy as a patient-centered autism treatment, combining evidence-based practices with assent-based care to provide effective support that promotes meaningful outcomes and helps children develop essential skills to thrive in daily life.

Our center-based ABA therapy is provided at our clinic in Chattanooga, Tennessee and serves families throughout the Greater Chattanooga area, including Cleveland and North Georgia. Our experienced team of ABA providers and specialists works closely with families to create personalized programs and goals that align with each child’s unique needs and abilities.

Learn more about our ABA therapy services and how to get started. Call 423-490-7776.

We accept ABA Therapy referrals for ages 2 – 6 years at our Chattanooga, TN clinic.

What Is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is an evidence-based approach to autism treatment that recognizes the diversity of autism experiences. Because every child is unique, ABA providers create customized plans that promote beneficial behaviors and reduce maladaptive behaviors that interfere with learning and daily routines.

ABA therapy can help children develop skills in areas such as:

Language and communication

Social skills, such as understanding social cues

Daily life skills, such as hygiene and eating

Academic skills, such as reading and writing

Play and motor skills, such as coordination

Memory & focus

Organization

Behavior management

Emotion regulation

Family involvement is a crucial part of ABA therapy. Siskin’s ABA providers collaborate with caregivers by including them in the assessment process, setting goals together, and offering training on how to apply ABA principles at home. We also offer a variety of resources for families and can help connect you with other families in your community who are on similar journeys for support.

FAQs About Siskin's Pediatric ABA Therapy Program

What ages does Siskin’s ABA therapy serve?

ABA therapy is not limited to young children and is effective for children of all ages. The Siskin Children’s Institute ABA therapy program serves children ages 2 to 12 years.

Where are Siskin’s ABA therapy sessions held?

Siskin Children’s Institute offers center-based ABA therapy at our downtown Chattanooga Clinic, providing a convenient location for families throughout the region. The address is 1101 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37402.

Who provides ABA therapy? What qualifications do Siskin’s ABA therapists have?

ABA therapy at Siskin Children’s Institute is provided by a team of certified professionals. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are ABA experts who design and supervise personalized behavior intervention plans and deliver therapy. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are ABA paraprofessionals who work one-on-one with children under the supervision of a BCBA. RBTs implement behavior intervention plans, teach new skills, and monitor progress. Together, BCBAs and RBTs ensure a coordinated, evidence-based approach to ABA therapy that helps improve the quality of life for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

What kind of skills are developed through ABA therapy?

ABA therapy at Siskin Children’s Institute is designed to help children communicate effectively while developing social and daily living skills used in routines, natural environments like school, and preferred activities. Skill areas our ABA therapists target include:

Functional communication: Expressing wants and needs, asking for help, and making choices
Social skills: Understanding social cues, sharing, and interacting with peers
Daily living skills: Hygiene, eating, and other essential routines

In addition to these skills, our ABA therapists support development in areas such as behavior management, emotional regulation, and more.

How do you assess a child and determine if they qualify for ABA therapy?

At Siskin Children’s Institute, we complete a comprehensive evaluation at intake that includes a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a skills assessment. This evaluation helps identify what may be contributing to challenging behaviors and areas that may affect participation in school and community settings. The FBA looks at patterns in what happens before and after a behavior to better understand its purpose. The skills assessment reviews a child’s current strengths and areas of need across communication, social skills, daily living skills, and other developmental areas. Together, these evaluations help determine whether ABA therapy is recommended and guide the development of an individualized treatment plan.

What can families expect during ABA therapy sessions?

At Siskin Children’s Institute, our ABA providers will work with your child and:

Identify behaviors that need to be improved or developed
Set personalized goals and expected outcomes
Establish data-driven ways to measure progress
Evaluate current strengths while addressing areas of need
Teach new skills to avoid negative behaviors
Regularly review progress
Adjust treatment plans as needed to support continued growth

How many hours of ABA therapy are needed per week?

While research suggests that 15-35 hours of ABA therapy per week is often recommended for optimal outcomes, the ideal amount varies based on your child’s skill level, behavioral needs, and family preferences. At Siskin Children’s Institute, a BCBA helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your child.

What is the typical length of treatment for a child in ABA therapy?

The length of treatment varies based on each child’s individual needs and progress. Many children at Siskin Children’s Institute participate in ABA therapy for 6 months to 1 year, a timeframe often recommended to support measurable outcomes.

What role do parents play in ABA therapy?

Parents and caregivers play an integral role in their child’s success with ABA therapy. Because children spend most of their lives outside of a therapeutic environment, family involvement is important for reinforcing progress.

At Siskin Children’s Institute, our team provides training and guidance to help caregivers understand and apply prompting, reinforcement, communication, and behavior intervention techniques. By educating, supporting and empowering families on evidence-based practices, caregivers are better equipped to incorporate these strategies into daily routines and help their child achieve the best possible outcomes.

Are Siskin’s ABA therapy sessions 1:1 or group-based?

Siskin Children’s Institute offers one-on-one sessions in order to meet each child’s unique needs and goals.

What makes Siskin’s ABA services unique?

The ABA therapists at Siskin Children’s Institute create personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and each family’s specific goals. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, we partner closely with families to provide support in a way that works best for them and is most beneficial for the child. This individualized, collaborative approach supports meaningful progress and positive outcomes in autism treatment as well as for other developmental disabilities.

How does ABA therapy differ from other therapies offered at Siskin?

ABA therapy at Siskin Children’s Institute is primarily for children with autism and focuses on understanding behavior while teaching new communication, social, and daily living skills. Other therapies at Siskin, such as speech, occupational, feeding, and physical therapy, target more specific skills and may serve both autistic and non-autistic children.

Is Siskin’s ABA therapy evidence-based? What does that mean?

At Siskin Children’s Institute, we take an evidence-based approach to ABA therapy by combining the latest research, each child’s unique needs and family context, and our providers’ professional expertise to create personalized, clinically informed treatment plans.

Is Siskin’s ABA therapy assent-based? What does that mean?

At Siskin Children’s Institute, we combine evidence-based practices with assent-based care to provide effective ABA therapy that supports meaningful outcomes. Assent-based care ensures that children who cannot provide legal consent are still able to express their voluntary willingness to engage, whether verbally or nonverbally. By recognizing both assent and assent withdrawal, we create a learning environment where children feel supported, respected, and empowered in their progress.

Is Siskin’s ABA therapy covered by insurance?

ABA therapy at Siskin Children’s Institute is covered by many insurance plans, including options for families seeking ABA therapy that accepts Medicaid. We work with a wide variety of commercial insurance providers, and you can find a complete list on our billing and insurance page.

I have a referral from my child’s physician. What’s the next step?

Once we receive a referral, Siskin Children’s Institute will contact you to schedule a personalized assessment. During this visit, a BCBA will review your child’s behaviors, evaluate their skills, and use that information to create a tailored treatment plan.

How do I get started with Siskin’s ABA therapy?

Request a referral from your child’s physician or contact our team to schedule a phone consultation.

What Our Families Say About Siskin’s ABA Services

“We are so grateful for the amazing team at Siskin! Everyone is so kind, supportive, and dedicated. We’ve already seen such a positive impact from ABA therapy for my son, and it means the world to us. Thank you to everyone here for the incredible work you do for children and families in our community!” -Melissa Morales

“Siskin has been in my experience a game changer and a life saver in many ways to my son and family! They have gone above and beyond for children in their care. I pray they continue the good work they’re doing!” -Amanda Smo

“Our experience with Siskin has been nothing short of amazing. The staff is incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable. Every therapist we’ve encountered has been so supportive and truly invested in our daughter’s progress.” -Carter & Sarah Griffin

“My daughter receives therapy with Siskin. Within just a few sessions we have already made progress. Our therapist is knowledgeable in how to help delayed little ones. She explains everything thoroughly so I can implement her advice day-to-day.” – Dallas

Talk With Our Team About ABA Therapy

FAQs About ABA Therapy as an Autism Treatment

What is the goal of ABA therapy?

The goal of ABA therapy is to help children develop meaningful skills that increase their independence, quality of life, and ability to participate in their communities while respecting each child’s unique strengths, preferences, and needs. ABA therapy teaches skills that support communication, relationships, emotional regulation, learning, and daily living. The ultimate aim is not to change who a child is but to empower children with autism to navigate their world and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Why early intervention matters

Early intervention can make an important difference for young children with autism and other developmental differences. During the early years, children are developing foundational skills at a rapid pace, and individualized support can help them build communication, social, learning, and everyday life skills.

At Siskin Children’s Institute, we believe early intervention is about meeting each child where they are, building on their strengths, and giving children and families the tools and support they need to thrive.

Why Early Timing Matters
A Time of Rapid Development Young children’s brains are developing rapidly, creating many opportunities for learning. Early, individualized intervention can help children develop skills that support communication, relationships, independence, and participation in everyday activities.

Building Skills for the Future
When children receive support early, they have more opportunities to practice and strengthen foundational skills over time. ABA therapy can be individualized to help each child make meaningful progress based on their unique needs, strengths, and goals.

Supporting Everyday Success
Early intervention can help children develop skills that support participation at home, in childcare or school, and in their communities. Goals may include communication, social interaction, play, following routines, self-help skills, and learning to navigate everyday situations.

How Early ABA Can Help

Communication and Connection
ABA can help children develop ways to communicate their needs, wants, and interests. Depending on the child, this may include spoken language, gestures, sign language, pictures, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Learning New Skills
ABA uses individualized strategies to help children learn and practice their skills in meaningful ways. Therapy may focus on social interaction, play, following directions, self-care, learning, and participating in everyday routines.
Understanding and Supporting Behavior
Behavior is a form of communication. ABA can help families and providers understand what may be contributing to a child’s behavior and teach skills that give children more effective ways to communicate, cope, and participate.
Partnering With Families
Families play an essential role in a child’s development. Siskin works alongside parents and caregivers to share practical strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines, helping children practice and build skills beyond the therapy setting.
Every Child’s Path Is Different
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to early intervention. Each child has different strengths, needs, interests, and goals. At Siskin Children’s Institute, our goal is to provide individualized, evidence-based support that helps children build meaningful skills, strengthens families, and creates opportunities for children to reach their full potential.

What makes ABA therapy effective?

ABA therapy is effective because it uses evidence-based strategies that are supported by research and tailored to each child’s individual strengths, needs, and goals. Early intervention, consistency across environments, and active parent involvement all contribute to positive outcomes. Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) regularly collect and review data to track progress, understand what strategies are working, and adjust the treatment plan as a child’s needs change. This ongoing, individualized approach helps ensure that therapy remains meaningful, effective, and responsive to both the child and family.

How long has ABA been recognized as an effective therapy?

ABA therapy has been widely studied since the 1960s and is recognized as a proven, evidence-based approach for children with autism. Decades of research and clinical practice have revealed its effectiveness in helping children develop skills and reach their full potential, and it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What does Autism Speaks say about ABA therapy?

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. Autism Speaks advances their mission through advocacy, research and innovation, services, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.

Autism Speaks emphasizes:

Ensuring access to reliable information and services across an autistic individual’s lifespan
Supporting research and innovation to improve quality of life and well-being for individuals with autism
Leveraging advocacy, partnerships, and collaboration to support, extend, and bring together the work of service providers
Addressing quality of life needs across the lifespan, including transition to adulthood, employment, housing, and health and wellness
Living and promoting diversity, equity, access, and inclusion inside and outside of the organization

As part of this mission, Autism Speaks recognizes ABA therapy as an evidence-based approach that helps children with autism develop essential skills and lays a strong foundation for their future learning, independence, and overall quality of life.

ABA Therapy at Siskin Children’s Institute

What Is ABA Therapy?

FAQs About Siskin's Pediatric ABA Therapy Program

Get Started With Siskin’s ABA Therapy Program

What Our Families Say About Siskin’s ABA Services

FAQs About ABA Therapy as an Autism Treatment

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