Frequently Asked Questions

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of therapy that helps children learn new skills and positive behaviors while reducing behaviors that may get in the way of learning or daily life. It’s based on understanding how behavior works and what motivates it.

In ABA, therapists use fun, structured activities to teach things like communication, social skills, following directions, and daily routines. Progress is tracked step-by-step, and each child’s program is personalized to fit their unique strengths and needs.

While most clients receive ABA therapy in one of our 8 clinic locations, we also offer ABA services in home, school, and community settings.

Please Note: Home, school, and community services are not available in some service areas and situations. Your child's BCBA will be able to provide more detail.

Currently offered in Nashville, our Early Intervention Social Skills and School Readiness program is offered to children with autism between the ages of 3-5. This program is designed to replicate school-like experiences and help prepare children for future success in a classroom setting.

Children are grouped with 6-8 peers allowing for meaningful peer interaction and learning. Each group is led by a group leader and supported by Behavior Technicians or Registered Behavior Technicians, who work individually with your child under the direction of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

The program takes place between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M. Monday-Friday and follows a preschool style flow that includes:

1️⃣Free Play

2️⃣Circle Time

3️⃣Arts and Crafts

4️⃣Music

5️⃣Snack and Lunch

6️⃣Discrete Trial Training (DTT)

7️⃣Rest or Nap Time (Age-Dependent)

8️⃣Motor Room Activities

Once a child has been diagnosed with autism, we strive to have clients through the admissions process and started in services within 60 days of starting the ABA admissions process.

A Behavior/Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a trained professional who works directly with children or individuals receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. RBTs help teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors by following treatment plans created by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Behavior/Registered Behavior Technicians work one-on-one with clients to support goals such as communication, social skills, daily routines, and independence. RBTs use positive reinforcement and other evidence-based techniques during play, learning activities, and everyday routines.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional who specializes in understanding behavior and how learning happens. They create and oversee individualized ABA therapy programs to help children build skills like communication, social interaction, and independence, while also reducing challenging behaviors.

The BCBA assesses each child’s needs, sets goals, designs treatment plans, and trains and supports the RBTs who work directly with the child.

Yes! We offer autism evaluations completed by a team of Licensed Clinical Psychologists for children up to 12 years of age who live within 15 miles of one of our 10 service areas in Tennessee who are suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our evaluations focus specifically on areas related to ASD and assess a child's skills across multiple areas of development including communication, social skills, and cognitive abilities. Autism evaluations are not currently offered in Kentucky.

There are a variety of signs that could indicate a child might have Autism Spectrum Disorder, although signs of autism vary from child to child. Core signs include things like:

• Limited eye contact or rarely looks at people’s faces

• Doesn’t respond to their name consistently

• Delayed speech or loss of words they once used

• Prefers to play alone or doesn’t show interest in other children

• Repeats words, phrases, or actions (echolalia or repetitive movements)

• Has strong reactions to certain sounds, textures, or lights

• Lines up toys or focuses on parts of objects (like wheels)

• Has trouble with changes in routine or transitions

• Doesn’t use gestures like pointing or waving

• May not show typical facial expressions or emotions

It's important to understand what typical motor, communication, social/emotional, and cognitive/play development looks like in order to set your child on a path toward success. Below are example developmental milestones children should be reaching:

9–12 Months

Motor Skills:

• Sits without support

• Crawls or scoots

• Pulls to stand and may take first steps

• Picks up small objects with thumb and finger (pincer grasp)

Communication:

• Understands “no”

• Babbles (“mama,” “dada”)

• Responds to name

• Imitates simple sounds or gestures

Social/Emotional:

• Shows attachment to familiar adults

• May be shy or anxious around strangers

• Enjoys peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake

Cognitive/Play:

• Looks for hidden objects

• Explores by shaking, banging, or throwing things

12–18 Months

Motor Skills:

• Walks independently

• Climbs onto low furniture

• Begins to use utensils or drink from a cup

Communication:

• Says several single words

• Points to objects they want

• Follows simple directions (“come here”)

Social/Emotional:

• Shows affection to caregivers

• Imitates others’ actions (sweeping, talking on phone)

Cognitive/Play:

• Engages in simple pretend play (feeding a doll)

• Enjoys exploring and cause-and-effect toys

18–24 Months

Motor Skills:

• Runs short distances

• Kicks and throws a ball

• Starts climbing stairs with help

Communication:

• Uses 2-word phrases (“more milk”)

• Knows familiar names of people and objects

• Points to body parts when asked

Social/Emotional:

• Shows independence (“no!”)

• Begins parallel play (plays near other children but not with them)

Cognitive/Play:

• Begins sorting shapes and colors

• Understands simple routines and rules

2–3 Years

Motor Skills:

• Walks up and down stairs with support

• Jumps with both feet

• Begins to pedal a tricycle

Communication:

• Uses short sentences (2–4 words)

• Follows two-step directions

• Asks simple questions (“what’s that?”)

Social/Emotional:

• Copies actions of adults and friends

• Shows a wide range of emotions

• Begins to take turns in play

Cognitive/Play:

• Engages in make-believe play

• Matches objects and pictures

• Can complete simple puzzles

3–4 Years

Motor Skills:

• Climbs well and runs easily

• Hops and stands on one foot

• Draws simple shapes and people

Communication:

• Speaks in full sentences

• Tells short stories

• Understands most of what is said to them

Social/Emotional:

• Enjoys playing with other children

• Cooperates and shares (sometimes!)

• Shows concern for others’ feelings

Cognitive/Play:

• Plays pretend with more imagination

• Understands the idea of counting and time

• Sorts items by color, shape, or size

If your child is displaying any sign of developmental delays when comparing to their expected milestones, it's important to speak to your child's primary care provider as diagnostic testing for autism or other developmental differences may be necessary.

Our operating hours are 8:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Monday-Friday and 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, local time.

GBE Alliance offers autism evaluations for children up to 12 years old. ABA therapy is offered in our clinics for children up to 12 years old. School, home, and community based therapy is available for children and young adults up to 21 years old.

GBE Alliance can accommodate families with diverse language needs. While the most common languages spoken are English, Spanish, and Arabic, our team is able to work with families who speak other languages through the use of a HIPAA compliant medical interpretation service.

The best way to stay up to date on things like delays, closures, new offerings, and other important updates is to follow us on social media. We have a Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn page.

Yes! GBE Alliance is passionate about expanding access to quality ABA services to as many families as possible. We proudly accept Medicaid insurance along with most major commercial insurance plans.