If your child was recently diagnosed with autism, or you are still waiting on an evaluation, you have probably come across the term ABA therapy more than once. It can sound clinical and a little intimidating at first. The reality is warmer and more practical than the name suggests. At Golden Moon ABA, we work with families across Silver Spring and Montgomery County, and this guide walks through what ABA actually looks like day to day, so you can decide what feels right for your child.
What ABA therapy actually is
ABA stands for applied behavior analysis. In plain terms, it is a way of teaching helpful skills and reducing behaviors that get in your child’s way, using patient, positive, well-tested methods. A good program is not a set of rigid drills; it is built around your child’s interests and everyday life. The goals usually center on communication, play, daily living skills like getting dressed or sitting for a meal, and social connection with the people they love.
ABA is one of the most studied approaches for autism. University clinics that specialize in this work, such as the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, describe it as a best-practice, evidence-based approach for supporting children with autism and other developmental differences.
Why more families are hearing about autism
If it feels like autism comes up more often than it used to, that is because identification has genuinely risen over the past two decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks this through its monitoring network, and the numbers have climbed steadily as awareness and screening have improved.
Children aged 8 identified with autism, per the CDC monitoring network
Source: CDC, Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Chart by Golden Moon ABA.
Higher identification is not a reason to panic. It reflects earlier, better recognition, which is a good thing, because starting support early tends to help. What matters most now is knowing what quality support looks like and how to reach it.
What a typical ABA program includes
Every child is different, so every plan is different, but most quality programs share the same building blocks. It starts with an assessment by a board certified behavior analyst who gets to know your child and what you hope for as a family. From there, you and the analyst set individual goals, break them into small, reachable steps, and use positive reinforcement to encourage progress. Your child’s team collects simple data along the way, so everyone can see what is working and adjust when something is not.
One of the most important ingredients is you. Programs that teach and coach parents tend to see skills carry over into real life, which is why parent training and coaching is a core part of what we offer. Respected university programs build caregiver coaching right into their model; the UC Davis MIND Institute, for example, offers structured training that helps parents use these techniques during everyday routines at home.
Where ABA happens: home, school, and beyond
ABA is not tied to one location. Many families in Montgomery County start with in-home ABA therapy, because home is where children are most comfortable and where daily routines like mealtimes, bath time, and play naturally become teaching moments. Support can also extend into school settings and the wider community as your child grows. Academic centers that focus on autism, including the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, publish free family resources that reinforce this idea of teaching skills across the settings where a child actually lives and learns.
Local support for Montgomery County families
Maryland families have real resources to lean on. The state runs a Medicaid program specifically for children with autism, described on the Maryland Department of Health Autism Waiver page, which can help eligible children receive services in their home and community. Closer to home, the Montgomery County developmental disabilities services office coordinates local support and can point you toward programs in your area. You can learn more about how we fit into this local picture on our about us page.
How to take the first step
You do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out. A first conversation is simply a chance to describe your child, ask questions, and hear what options might make sense. Whether you are just starting to look into services or you already have a diagnosis in hand, the team at Golden Moon ABA is glad to walk you through what comes next at a pace that feels comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can my child start ABA?
Children can begin ABA as toddlers, and many families start soon after a diagnosis. That said, ABA can help at a range of ages; the right starting point depends on your child, not a strict cutoff.
Will ABA change my child’s personality?
No. The goal is to help your child communicate, connect, and navigate daily life more easily, while keeping everything that makes them who they are. A quality program works with your child’s interests, not against them.
How many hours per week does ABA take?
It varies widely based on your child’s needs and your family’s goals. Your behavior analyst will recommend a schedule after the initial assessment, and it can be adjusted over time.
Does insurance cover ABA in Maryland?
Many plans cover ABA, and Maryland has programs designed to help eligible families. Coverage details differ, so it is worth confirming the specifics for your situation; we are happy to help you sort through it.