How to Get ABA Therapy in Minnesota: 5 Steps to Start Services (Easy Guide for Parents)
You have decided to explore ABA therapy for your child, and now you are wondering how it actually begins. The paperwork, the terms, the phone calls. It can feel like a lot, especially on top of everything else you are already doing. Here is the good news: getting started is a process, and it is one you can absolutely handle. This guide breaks it into five clear steps.
The 5 steps at a glance
Before we dive in, one gentle reminder: acting early helps. The CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." program has found that the sooner children receive support, the more room they have to grow. But there is no deadline where it becomes too late. Wherever you are starting from today, that is the right place to begin.
Reach out and start the conversation
The first step is simply making contact. You do not need a referral letter in hand or a list of perfect questions. You just need to say you are interested.
When you reach out to a provider like Minnesota Behavioral Specialists (MBS), you can expect a warm conversation about your child, their age, their diagnosis status if they have one, and what you are hoping for. From there, the team explains the next steps and what documents would be helpful, such as any existing evaluations or reports from your child's school or physician.
If you already know you want to begin, the MBS intake page is the simplest place to start. And if you would rather talk it through first, a phone call works just as well.
Good to know
Already have a diagnosis from another provider? An evaluation can often be confirmed or updated rather than repeated from scratch, which can save you time.
Schedule a comprehensive autism assessment
Every child needs an assessment before services begin. At MBS, that means a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CDME), completed by a licensed mental health professional.
Here is what it involves: an in-office interview and observation, and in some cases a second observation at your child's home or school. The team coordinates with your child's school and physician so everyone is working from the same picture. The goal is simple: to diagnose or confirm Autism Spectrum Disorder and understand your child's specific strengths and needs.
If you are still gathering information about autism itself, the National Institute of Mental Health offers trustworthy background, and Autism Speaks has practical parent guides worth bookmarking.
Build your child's Individualized Treatment Plan
Once the assessment is complete, the results come together in an Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP). Think of it as your child's personal roadmap, not a template.
ABA programs at MBS focus on three areas: social and communication skills, adaptive skills like fine motor work, daily routines, tolerance, and potty training, and challenging behaviors. When challenging behaviors are part of the picture, the team completes a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), a careful look at why a behavior happens, and builds a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) to teach better ways to meet that same need.
You will be part of shaping this plan. Your priorities as a family matter, and a good team asks about them directly.
Sort out insurance and authorization
This is the step parents dread most, and it is more manageable than it looks, because a good provider does most of the heavy lifting for you.
In Minnesota, many children qualify for coverage through private insurance or Minnesota Medical Assistance. The state also offers the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) benefit through the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which supports medically necessary services for children with autism. Your provider's team will help identify which path fits your family and handle the authorization paperwork.
Key takeaway
Ask providers directly: "What help do you offer with insurance and authorization?" At MBS, this support is a standard part of intake, and the team is happy to walk you through it.
Meet the team and begin therapy
Once the plan is set and authorization is in place, therapy begins. Your child is matched with trained specialists, and at MBS, every specialist completes two to three weeks of intensive hands-on training before working with children.
Sessions might happen at the center, in your home, or a mix, depending on the schedule you choose. MBS offers part-time programs of 10 to 20 hours per week and full-time programs of 25 to 40 hours per week, plus weekly Family Skills Therapy with one-on-one training for parents and caregivers, in the center or at home. Group Skills sessions pair your child with peers to practice turn-taking, sharing, communication, cooperation, and problem-solving, and telehealth is available for family training, assessments, and treatment planning when it makes life easier.
Early sessions focus on building trust and comfort. It is normal for the first weeks to feel like a gentle on-ramp rather than a sudden start.
A quick note for parents who are still deciding
If your child is very young and you are noticing differences in communication or play, you do not need to wait for certainty to ask questions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends talking with your child's doctor early, and reaching out to a provider for information costs nothing. Curious questions are always welcome here.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to start ABA therapy?
It depends on a few moving parts: the assessment, insurance authorization, and scheduling. Families who already have a diagnosis sometimes move faster. The most reliable answer comes from a quick call to a provider's intake team, who can estimate the timeline for your specific situation.
How much does ABA therapy cost in Minnesota?
Costs vary by insurance plan, hours authorized, and the type of coverage your child has. Many Minnesota children are covered through private insurance or Medical Assistance, including the EIDBI benefit. Providers typically verify your coverage before services begin, so you will know what to expect rather than being surprised later.
What if my child does not have a diagnosis yet?
That is a common starting point. Providers like MBS offer autism assessments that can diagnose or confirm Autism Spectrum Disorder as the first step, so you do not have to find a separate path on your own.
Can therapy happen at our home, or does it have to be at a center?
Both options exist, and many families use a blend. In-home therapy builds skills in your child's everyday environment, while center-based programs offer a dedicated therapy space and peer interaction. The right mix depends on your child's needs and your family's routine.
Ready to take step one? It is smaller than it feels.
Get Started TodayCall 651-900-2210 or email info@mnbehavioral.com. The MBS team is happy to walk you through it, at whatever pace feels right for your family.
Minnesota Behavioral Specialists provides one-on-one ABA therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bloomington, Eagan, and communities across the Twin Cities. Explore our services, read our FAQ, or contact us with questions.