ABA Therapy in Dallas, Texas

It depends on your child. Your BCBA recommends a specific weekly hour range based on your child's assessment, age, and goals — most children receive between 10 and 40 hours per week. Younger children or those with more support needs often benefit from higher intensity, while older children may do well with focused, lower-hour plans. Your BCBA adjusts the schedule over time as your child progresses. Start a free assessment to get a personalized hour recommendation.

Most families notice small changes within the first few weeks: better eye contact, fewer meltdowns, or new words. Clearer communication and daily-routine progress usually become visible within 3 to 6 months. Bigger gains in social skills and independence typically build over 6 to 12 months of consistent therapy. Every child is different, and your BCBA tracks progress with session data so you can see exactly how your child is doing over time. Get matched with a BCBA to begin tracking progress.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps autistic children build communication, social, and daily living skills. Modern ABA is play-based and child-led, focusing on what motivates your child rather than forcing compliance. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) designs the program, and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) works directly with your child during sessions. Get matched with a BCBA to start.

Modern ABA therapy is not harmful when delivered by a qualified, neurodiversity-affirming provider. Early ABA practices from the 1960s-70s used aversive techniques that are no longer part of the field. Today's ABA is play-based, child-led, and focused on building skills rather than eliminating behaviors. A good provider will never force compliance, suppress stimming, or prioritize making your child appear neurotypical — ask any provider about their approach before starting. Meet Alpaca Health's network of neurodiversity-affirming BCBAs.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a master's-level clinician who designs your child's therapy plan, sets goals, and supervises treatment. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is the therapist who works directly with your child during sessions, implementing the plan the BCBA designed. Both work as a team, and every Alpaca Health family gets both. Get matched with a BCBA and RBT team through Alpaca Health.

ABA sessions blend structured learning with play. Your RBT follows the plan your BCBA designed, practicing skills like communication, social interaction, or daily routines through activities your child actually enjoys. Sessions include natural environment teaching — using toys, books, and real-life moments as learning opportunities — and the RBT collects progress data throughout. Parent involvement is encouraged so strategies carry over between sessions. Schedule a first session today to see what ABA looks like for your child.