Communication & Language
From first words and requests to back-and-forth conversation — so your child can tell you what they need and how they feel.
A Parent's Guide
What is ABA therapy, really?
If you're new to all of this — the diagnosis, the acronyms, the appointments — take a breath. Here's a plain-language guide to Applied Behavior Analysis and how it helps kids grow.
The Basics
The science of learning, powered by encouragement
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy built on the science of how people learn. The core idea is simple: behavior that gets celebrated gets repeated. ABA uses positive reinforcement — praise, play, and the things your child loves — to teach meaningful skills one achievable step at a time.
ABA is widely recognized as an evidence-based best practice for children with autism and other developmental differences, backed by decades of research. But what matters most: it's individualized. There's no one-size-fits-all program — your child's plan is built around their strengths, needs, and personality.
At Kori's, ABA never looks like a clinic drill. It looks like play, movement, and celebration — because that's how kids actually learn.
Learning through play
How ABA Helps
Skills that change daily life
Social Skills & Play
Taking turns, joining a game, reading faces, making friends — practiced in real settings with real peers.
Independence & Life Skills
Toileting, dressing, feeding, following routines — the everyday skills that build confidence and lighten the load at home.
Fewer Challenging Behaviors
Tantrums, aggression, and self-injury usually communicate something. ABA finds the "why" and teaches a safer, easier way to say it.
School Readiness
Sitting for circle time, following instructions, transitioning between activities — the skills that make classrooms work.
Confidence — For Everyone
Every mastered skill is a win your child feels. And with parent training, you gain confidence too. Progress is a family sport.
Every child is different
Is ABA Right for My Child?
Signs your child may benefit
You know your child better than anyone. If some of these feel familiar, it may be worth a conversation:
- Delayed speech, or losing words they used to say
- Big reactions to transitions or changes in routine
- Limited eye contact, pointing, or interest in playing with others
- Repetitive movements or intense, narrow interests
- Frequent tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior
- Struggles with toileting, dressing, feeding, or sleep routines
A checklist can't diagnose — only a professional evaluation can. But a free phone consultation is an easy, no-pressure first step, and we'll point you in the right direction either way.
Why Start Early?
"Young brains are incredibly adaptable. Research consistently shows that the earlier a child starts, the bigger the gains — which is why we serve children as young as age 1. But it's never too late: we help clients make real progress all the way to age 21."— The clinical team at Kori's Behavioral Center
Behind the Door
What a session actually looks like
Less "clinic," more "the best playdate of the week" — with a plan behind every game.
Warm-up & connection
Sessions start with your child's favorite things — building trust so learning feels safe and fun.
Skill-building through play
Goals from the treatment plan are woven into games, crafts, movement, and everyday routines.
Data on every goal
Your therapist tracks progress in real time, and a supervising BCBA reviews and adjusts the program regularly.
You're in the loop
Regular parent check-ins and training mean you always know what we're working on — and how to keep it going at home.
Common Questions
ABA questions, answered
In California, most health plans are required to cover medically necessary ABA therapy for autism. We accept most major plans (not LA Care or Optum) — and we verify your benefits for you, free.
It depends entirely on your child. After the assessment, your BCBA recommends weekly hours based on your child's goals, age, and your family's schedule — and adjusts as your child progresses.
No — the goal of ABA is independence, not dependence. As skills are mastered and generalized, hours are reduced. Success looks like your child needing us less and less.
Yes! Parent participation is one of the strongest predictors of progress. Parent training is built into every Kori's program, so the skills keep growing between sessions — no degree required.
Call us anyway. We'll listen, explain the evaluation process, and point you toward the right next step — even if that step isn't with us. Getting answers early is what matters.
Still have questions? That's normal.
One free phone call with our Clinical Director can answer more than an evening of googling.