IN-HOME AND CENTER-BASED ABA THERAPY

NORTHWEST INDIANA & MICHIANA AREA-BASED ABA THERAPY

Life Strategies provides compassionate, evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children and teens with autism throughout Northwest Indiana and the Michiana region. Since 2011, we’ve partnered with families to help children build communication, social, daily living, and independence skills that support success at home, school, and in the community. As an ACQ-accredited organization, we’re committed to exceptional clinical quality and ethical, family-centered care.

With locations in Chesterton, Crown Point, and South Bend, every child receives an individualized treatment plan developed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and implemented by highly trained Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Services are available in our Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers, in your home, and throughout the community—wherever your child can learn and thrive. Our mission is to help every child reach their fullest potential while supporting families every step of the way.

INSURANCE & MEDICAID COVERAGE

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment for children and teens with autism. ABA services are covered by Indiana Medicaid and many major commercial insurance plans when medical necessity and eligibility requirements are met.

Understanding insurance benefits, referrals, and prior authorizations can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our team will help verify your benefits, explain your coverage, and guide you through the authorization process, making it as simple as possible to get your child started with services.

Have questions about insurance, Medicaid, or getting started? We’re here to help.

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ABA RESEARCH FOR AUTISM

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based approaches for supporting children and teens with autism. Decades of research have shown that ABA helps children develop communication, social, learning, adaptive, and daily living skills while addressing behaviors that may interfere with safety, independence, and everyday success.

At Life Strategies, we combine the science of ABA with compassionate, individualized care. Every treatment plan is developed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), guided by ongoing assessment and measurable progress, and tailored to each child’s unique strengths and goals. Our focus is simple: helping children build the skills they need to thrive at home, at school, and in their community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA)

🧩Understanding Autism

What is autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, and experiences the world. Autism is called a “spectrum” because every child has unique strengths, challenges, and support needs.

Children with autism can learn, grow, and thrive with the right supports. Early identification and individualized intervention can make a meaningful difference in helping children build important life skills.

What are the early signs of autism?

Every child develops at their own pace, but some early signs of autism may include delayed communication, limited eye contact, difficulty with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, intense interests, or differences in play and sensory processing.

Not every child will show the same signs. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talking with your pediatrician or requesting an evaluation is an important first step.

How is autism diagnosed?

Autism is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals, such as developmental pediatricians, child psychologists, pediatric neurologists, or other specialists experienced in diagnosing autism.

The evaluation may include developmental history, observations, standardized assessments, and input from parents or caregivers to better understand your child’s strengths and support needs.

My child was just diagnosed—what should I do next?

Receiving an autism diagnosis can bring many emotions, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Start by talking with your child’s healthcare providers about recommended services, learning about available resources, and contacting your insurance company to understand your benefits.

If ABA therapy has been recommended, our team can help guide you through the next steps, including insurance verification, the intake process, and beginning services. We’re here to answer your questions and support your family from the very beginning.

🧠Understanding ABA Therapy

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children and teens with autism build important life skills. Every program is individualized to help children strengthen communication, social interaction, learning, daily living, and independence while reducing barriers that may interfere with success.

At Life Strategies, every treatment plan is developed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and tailored to your child’s unique strengths, goals, and support needs.

Why is ABA recommended for autism?

ABA is one of the most extensively researched and evidence-based therapies for autism. Decades of research have shown that individualized ABA can help children develop meaningful skills while improving independence and participation at home, school, and in the community.

Because every child is different, ABA programs are personalized and continuously adjusted as children learn and grow.

Is ABA therapy right for every child?

Every child with autism has unique strengths, challenges, and goals. ABA is highly individualized and may benefit children who need support with communication, social skills, behavior, daily living, learning, or independence.

The best way to determine whether ABA is appropriate is through a comprehensive evaluation. Our team works closely with families to recommend services based on each child’s individual needs.

What skills does ABA help develop?

ABA focuses on teaching practical skills that improve everyday life. Goals may include communication, social interaction, play, emotional regulation, self-care, daily living, school readiness, safety awareness, and independence.

Every child’s treatment plan is personalized, with goals selected to support meaningful progress at home, school, and in the community.

Is ABA play-based?

Yes. Effective ABA is engaging, positive, and designed around each child’s interests and developmental level. Many skills are taught through play, everyday routines, and motivating activities that make learning enjoyable and meaningful.

As children grow, therapy activities evolve to match their age, goals, and learning style while continuing to build skills they can use in everyday life.

📝 Your Child's ABA Program

What happens during an ABA intake?

Your child’s journey begins with a comprehensive intake conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The intake includes conversations with your family, observations, and standardized assessments to better understand your child’s strengths, needs, and goals.

Using this information, your BCBA develops a personalized treatment plan with recommendations for therapy goals, service hours, and the most appropriate treatment setting.

What does a typical ABA session look like?

Every ABA session is individualized and designed around your child’s goals, interests, and learning style. Therapy may include play-based activities, communication practice, social interaction, daily living skills, and positive reinforcement to encourage learning.

Sessions are engaging, structured, and adjusted as your child develops new skills and reaches milestones.

Where does ABA therapy occur?

ABA services can take place wherever your child learns best. Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may be provided in your home, at one of our Blooming Potential Autism & Learning Centers, at school when appropriate, or in the community.

Providing therapy across multiple environments helps children build confidence and successfully apply new skills in everyday life.

How many hours of ABA will my child need?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Therapy recommendations are based on your child’s age, developmental needs, goals, and clinical evaluation.

Your BCBA will recommend the appropriate number of therapy hours and will review those recommendations regularly as your child makes progress.

How is my child’s progress measured?

Your child’s progress is tracked throughout therapy using ongoing observation and objective data collected during each session. BCBAs regularly review this information to evaluate progress, celebrate successes, and adjust treatment goals as needed.

We believe families are an important part of the process and provide regular updates so you can see how your child is growing and developing over time.

👨‍👩‍👧 Why Families Choose Life Strategies

Why choose Life Strategies?

Since 2011, Life Strategies has provided individualized, evidence-based ABA services to families throughout Northwest Indiana. As an ACQ-accredited organization, we’re committed to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and partnering with families every step of the way.

Who provides my child’s therapy?

Your child’s program is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and delivered by highly trained Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). Together, they work closely with your family to support your child’s growth and success.

What is a BCBA?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a master’s- or doctoral-level clinician with specialized training in Applied Behavior Analysis. Your BCBA conducts assessments, develops your child’s treatment plan, oversees therapy, and monitors progress.

What is an RBT?

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) is a trained professional who works one-on-one with your child during therapy sessions. RBTs implement your child’s treatment plan under the supervision of a BCBA while building positive, supportive relationships with children and families.

How do parents participate in ABA?

Parents are an essential part of the ABA team. We provide ongoing communication, parent coaching, and practical strategies to help families support their child’s progress at home and in everyday life.

💳 Insurance & Getting Started

Does insurance cover ABA therapy?

Yes. ABA therapy is covered by Indiana Medicaid and many major commercial insurance plans when medical necessity and eligibility requirements are met. Our team will help verify your benefits and explain your coverage.

Does Indiana Medicaid cover ABA?

Yes. Indiana Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA services for eligible children with autism. We can help verify eligibility and guide you through the authorization process.

How long does insurance approval take?

Approval timelines vary by insurance plan and whether additional documentation is required. Our team works closely with your insurance provider to help move the process forward as quickly as possible and will keep you informed along the way.

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy. Contact our team to discuss your child’s needs, verify your insurance benefits, and schedule an initial ABA intake. We’ll guide you through each step of the intake process.

How soon can my child begin services?

The timeline depends on insurance authorization, clinical evaluation, and provider availability. Once these steps are complete, we’ll work with your family to begin services as soon as possible.

Still Have Questions?

Choose the option that’s right for you:

📞 Contact Us
We’re here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you take the next step with confidence.

📝 Schedule an Intake
Begin your child’s personalized ABA journey with a comprehensive evaluation.

💳 Verify Insurance
We’ll help you understand your benefits and guide you through the insurance process.

👶 Refer a Child
Providers, physicians, schools, and community partners can easily submit a referral to our team. Healthcare providers, schools, and community partners can submit referrals quickly and easily.

Contact Us or call 219-359-3272. Our office staff is available Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.