Scheduling your child's first ABA assessment is a brave and important step. It's also natural to feel nervous about what to expect. At Nūr Behavioral Health, we've designed our assessment process to be thorough yet comfortable for both you and your child. Here's a complete walkthrough of what happens before, during, and after the evaluation.

Before the Assessment: Getting Ready

Before your child's assessment, our intake team will work with you to gather background information. This typically includes your child's developmental history, any previous evaluations or diagnoses, current medications, school reports, and your specific concerns and goals. Don't worry about having everything perfectly organized — our team will guide you through the paperwork and answer any questions along the way.

We also recommend preparing your child for the visit. Keep the explanation simple and positive: "We're going to meet someone new who wants to play and learn about you." Bring along your child's favorite toy, snack, or comfort item to help them feel at ease.

During the Assessment: What Happens

The assessment is conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and typically takes between two to four hours, sometimes split across multiple sessions to prevent fatigue. The BCBA will observe your child in various activities — playing, interacting with you, following instructions, communicating, and navigating transitions. They may use standardized assessment tools like the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) or the ABLLS-R (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills).

Throughout the process, the BCBA will also spend time talking with you. Your insights as a parent are invaluable — you know your child better than anyone. The BCBA will ask about your child's strengths, challenges, interests, daily routines, and what behaviors you'd most like to address.

After the Assessment: The Treatment Plan

Within one to two weeks after the assessment, your BCBA will develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This document outlines your child's current skill levels, specific goals for therapy (short-term and long-term), the recommended number of therapy hours per week, and the strategies that will be used to achieve each goal. At Nūr Behavioral Health, we review this plan with you in detail and make sure you fully understand and agree with every aspect before therapy begins.

What About Insurance?

Our intake team handles insurance verification and prior authorization before the assessment even begins. Most major insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. We'll verify your specific benefits, explain any copays or deductibles, and handle all the paperwork so you can focus on your child.

Common Questions Parents Ask

"Will my child be upset?" Most children find the assessment enjoyable because it involves play-based activities. Our BCBAs are skilled at building rapport quickly and making children feel comfortable.

"Do I need a diagnosis first?" While many insurance plans require an autism diagnosis for ABA coverage, we can help guide you through the diagnostic process if you haven't received one yet.

"How soon can therapy start?" Once the assessment is complete and insurance authorization is received, therapy can typically begin within one to two weeks.