Question 1

What is ABA Therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What settings does GBE Alliance offer services in?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the Early Intervention Social Skills & School Readiness Program?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

How long will it take for my child to start ABA therapy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is a Behavior/Registered Behavior Technician?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Does GBE Alliance offer autism evaluations?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What are signs my child might have autism?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What milestones should my child be reaching?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What are GBE Alliance's Hours?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What ages does GBE Alliance serve?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What languages can GBE Alliance provide ABA therapy in?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How can I stay up to date on things like delays, closures, and other important updates?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Does GBE Alliance accept Medicaid Insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Frequently Asked Questions