Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about in-home ABA therapy, assessments, insurance and getting started.
What is ABA therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is an evidence-based approach that uses learning principles to build useful skills and reduce barriers to participation. Treatment is individualized and may focus on communication, social interaction, play, daily living, safety, learning and behavior.
What ages do you serve?
WonderKids Behavioral Services serves children and adolescents ages 2 through 18.
Do you provide therapy in the home?
Yes. Our primary service is in-home ABA therapy, allowing children to learn and practice skills within familiar routines and environments.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve families in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Perris, Wildomar and Lake Elsinore, subject to clinician availability.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept Aetna, Medi-Cal and multiple other insurance plans. Coverage depends on your specific plan, eligibility and authorization requirements. Contact us for current benefit verification.
How do I know whether my child may benefit from ABA?
Families often seek ABA when a child needs support with communication, social skills, independence, daily routines, learning readiness, safety or challenging behavior. A qualified clinician can help determine whether ABA is appropriate.
How many hours of ABA therapy will my child need?
Recommended hours vary based on age, strengths, needs, family priorities, medical necessity and payer requirements. Recommendations are made after assessment and should be individualized.
What happens during an initial assessment?
The clinician gathers information about your child’s strengths, needs, routines and goals. This may include caregiver interviews, observation and skill-based measures. The assessment is used to create individualized treatment recommendations.
What is a Functional Behavior Assessment?
An FBA is a process for understanding why a behavior occurs. It examines patterns, triggers and consequences so that effective prevention, teaching and response strategies can be developed.
Do parents participate in therapy?
Yes. Parent and caregiver participation is an important part of treatment. We provide education, modeling, coaching and practical strategies that can be used between sessions.
Can you collaborate with my child’s school or teacher?
With appropriate authorization, we can collaborate with teachers and other professionals to promote consistency. School-based services and attendance at meetings may depend on payer authorization and service agreements.
How quickly can services begin?
Timing depends on intake completion, insurance authorization, assessment scheduling and clinician availability. Contact us for the most current timeline.
Is PECS the same as ABA?
No. PECS is a picture-based communication approach that may be used as one tool within a broader treatment plan when clinically appropriate. ABA is the larger evidence-based framework used to assess, teach and support behavior change.
How is progress measured?
Therapists collect data on treatment goals and review trends regularly. Goals and teaching strategies are adjusted based on the child’s response and clinical judgment.
How do I get started?
Call (951) 538-7451, email info@wonderkidsbehavioral.com or complete our contact form. We will discuss your needs, verify service area and explain insurance and intake steps.