Frequently Asked Questions

What can be targeted during 1:1 ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy is highly individualized, meaning each learner’s program is tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and goals. There is a wide range of skills that can be targeted, and no two programs are exactly the same. While the possibilities are nearly endless, some of the most commonly targeted areas include:

• Receptive Language – Understanding and following instructions.
• Expressive Language – Labeling, commenting, and using language to communicate.
• Pre-Academics & Academics – Skills like printing, reading, writing, and basic math.
• Attending Skills – Building focus, attention span, and task engagement.
• Functional Communication – Requesting, expressing needs, and using AAC if needed.
• Imitation Skills – Including gross motor, fine motor, and vocal imitation.
• Self-Help Skills – Dressing, tooth brushing, toileting, and other daily routines.
• Reducing Challenging Behaviours – Addressing behaviours that interfere with learning or daily life.
• Self-Regulation & Emotional Expression – Recognizing and managing emotions, calming strategies.
• Social Skills – Play, turn-taking, greetings, conversations, sharing, and understanding social cues.

These are just examples — our team works closely with families to create meaningful goals and build a personalized plan to help each learner grow and succeed

Getting started with ABA therapy – what to expect?

Intake Call – We begin with a phone call to gather important background information, discuss your child’s needs and goals, and talk about your schedule preferences. This helps us create a plan that fits your family.

Consent & Service Agreements – After the intake, we send consent forms and service agreements for parents or guardians to review and sign.

Initial Assessment – In many cases, we start services with an initial assessment. This helps us understand your child’s current skills, strengths, and areas for growth.

Start of Services – Once the assessment is complete, we begin regular sessions tailored to your child’s individual goals.

How many hours?

The number of ABA therapy hours recommended varies based on each individual’s unique needs, goals, and progress. Some learners thrive with fewer hours per week (with a minimum of 6 hours), while others benefit from a more intensive plan of 20–30 hours per week.

The recommended hours will also depend on whether your child is receiving Focused ABA or Comprehensive ABA:

• Focused ABA targets a few specific goals or skill areas.
• Comprehensive ABA addresses multiple areas of development at once, such as communication, social skills, self-regulation, and daily living skills.

At Nurturing Behaviours Inc., a minimum of 6 hours per week is required for 1:1 ABA services.

Contact us today for a free consultation to explore the best approach for your child!

Tell me about session locations, and time?

ABA sessions at Nurturing Behaviours Inc. are flexible and can be held in a variety of settings to best support your child’s learning — including your home, our centre, and community locations. Many families choose a combination of settings (e.g., Mondays at home, Thursdays at the centre) to meet their child’s needs across environments.

Sessions follow a consistent weekly schedule, with set days and times to support routine and predictability. While session lengths can vary based on the learner’s age, goals, and attention span, the average session is approximately 3 hours long. Some younger learners may begin with shorter sessions, while others may benefit from extended or full-day sessions.

Session times depend on current staff availability. Common session blocks include:

• 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Full day: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

These are just examples — we’re happy to work with you to find a schedule that fits your family!

Funding options?

We’re committed to making our services accessible to as many families as possible. Our services are eligible under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and we accept funding through all OAP models, including Legacy Funding, Interim One-Time Funding, and Core Clinical Services.

We also accept Jordan’s Principle funding, which supports First Nations children in accessing the services they need. If you’re applying through Jordan’s Principle, please reach out to us directly—we’re happy to provide a detailed quote for your submission.

In addition:

• Social Work services may be covered under private insurance depending on your plan.
• Respite services can be funded through Special Services at Home (SSAH).

If you’re unsure what funding applies to your situation, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help guide you through the process!

Are you a registered OAP provider?

Yes, our services are an eligible OAP expense & we are on the OAP approved provider list.

Will you collaborate with other professionals on my child’s team?

Absolutely — we love collaboration! We believe that working together with other professionals helps create the most effective and well-rounded support for your child. Whether the professionals are part of our team or from outside organizations, we’re more than happy to communicate and collaborate to ensure consistency, share insights, and align goals across all areas of your child’s development.