Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers on what ABA is, what it costs, and how families pay for it.
What Can We Do While We Wait for OAP Core Funding?
Our While You Wait program is built for that wait: a weekly live coaching call with an RBA/BCBA, eight modules covering communication, behaviour, sleep, feeding, toileting, routines and screens, school and IEPs, and funding navigation, plus a monthly funding clinic. It starts at $149 a month, with a founding rate of $99 for the first 30 families and sponsored seats funded through Embers for Access. It is caregiver education and coaching rather than a funded core clinical services plan, and whether OAP core funding can pay for it is not yet confirmed, so ask your care coordinator before you count on it. See /while-you-wait/.
What Is ABA?
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a systematic approach to understanding human behaviour. It involves studying the relationship between behaviours and their environment, with the goal of promoting positive behaviours and reducing challenging ones. ABA is widely used in various fields, including education, therapy, and special needs support.
What Is an RBA or BCBA?
A Registered Behaviour Analyst is a master educated professional who specializes in Applied Behaviour Analysis. RBAs use ABA principles to assess, design, and implement behaviour intervention plans, primarily to support individuals with autism and other developmental or behavioural challenges. They ensure evidence-based, effective, and ethical treatment.
What Is ESDM?
The Early Start Denver Model is an evidence-based early intervention program for children with autism spectrum disorder. It combines behavioural and developmental strategies to support social, communication, and cognitive skills. ESDM is designed for young children and involves play-based, structured interactions in natural settings.
What Is NET or NDBI?
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) or Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is an approach used to support individuals with autism or developmental challenges. It integrates natural settings and everyday activities to teach communication, social, and adaptive skills, in a context that is relevant and functional for the individual.
How Much Do Services Cost?
Our costs are intentionally set below market value. ABA with a Registered Behaviour Analyst or BCBA (RBA/BCBA) is $150 per hour, and ABA with a Supervised Behaviour Clinician (SBC) is $85 per hour. Every ABA program also includes a mandatory weekly clinical supervision fee of $77.50, which covers RBA oversight of your child's program. Our Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Maurice Feldman, is $250 per hour. Which clinician your child works with depends on the support they need, and we'll explain that on the discovery call.
How Much Do Social Groups Cost?
It depends on how you are funding the place, and groups are booked as a term block rather than session by session. The current programme guide lists every group with its term, day, ages and fees, and you can read it on our groups page. Ask us on the discovery call and we will walk you through what applies to your family.
What Does RBA Owned and Operated Mean for Me?
A business led by an RBA owner and operator puts the focus squarely on the wellbeing of clients rather than on profit margins. That perspective prioritizes high-quality services and lets us set prices below market value.
How Can I Pay for Services?
Services can be covered through private pay, the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), Special Services at Home (SSAH), and various tax credits and extended health benefits including Manulife, Canada Life, Industrial Alliance, Green Shield and Blue Cross. Speech-Language Pathology services are covered by extended health benefits. Contact our office and we'll help you work through the options.
Do I Need a Diagnosis?
No. Services are accessible without a diagnosis. However, having a diagnosis can open opportunities for funding support to cover those services.
Do I Need a Speech-Language Pathologist?
Collaboration between Speech-Language Pathologists and Behaviour Analysts benefits children with speech and communication challenges. It combines expertise in behaviour and language development for more comprehensive support. We have both a CDA and an SLP on our team for ease of collaboration.
Do I Need an Occupational Therapist?
Collaboration between Occupational Therapists and Behaviour Analysts offers a holistic approach. OTs focus on fine and gross motor skills, sensory regulation, and daily living activities, complementing behavioural intervention.
Do You Collaborate with Other Professionals?
Yes. An RBA leads the multidisciplinary team and coordinates with speech therapists, occupational therapists, educators and other professionals to ensure a cohesive approach to individualized care.
Still Working It Out?
Our funding and fees page sets out what services cost and which funding applies.
Start with a Call. We'll Take It from There.
Tell us about your child and your family. We'll explain your options, what funding covers, and what happens next.