Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Gentle ABA is an approach that prioritizes connection, communication, emotional safety, and dignity over compliance.
    It uses evidence-based ABA strategies in a way that feels:

    • Collaborative

    • Respectful

    • Flexible

    • Culturally responsive

    The goal is not to “fix” behaviors but to understand needs, build skills, and reduce stress for the whole family.

  • Parent-Led ABA is a model where caregivers are coached weekly to use ABA strategies during everyday routines — meals, play, bedtime, transitions, community outings.

    Traditional 1:1 ABA = RBTs doing most of the direct work
    Parent-Led ABA = Parents learn the tools with BCBA support

    Benefits include:

    • More consistency

    • Less turnover

    • Reduced burnout

    • Better generalization across settings

    • Flexible scheduling

    Both models are evidence-based and effective.

  • Yes. Parent-Led ABA is covered by most major insurance companies, including:

    • Community Health Group (CHG)

    • Aetna

    • Evernorth / Cigna

    • Magellan

    • San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)

    Coverage varies by plan; I will help you navigate the process.

  • I support:

    • Toddlers under age 3 (Early Intervention)

    • Children ages 3–12

    • Teens and young adults

    • Adults (including ADHC programs)

    Services are always tailored to developmental level, cultural needs, and family priorities.

  • Early Intervention focuses on developmental foundations through:

    • Play-based learning

    • Early communication

    • Joint attention

    • Social engagement

    • Emotional regulation

    • Routines (meals, bath time, sleep transitions)

    It is caregiver-centered and gentle.
    Insurance typically covers Early Intervention ABA with a qualifying diagnosis or documented concerns.

  • This depends on your goals and availability.
    Typical options include:

    • Weekly 60–90 minute parent sessions

    • Biweekly coaching

    • 1–3 direct sessions per month (hybrid model)

    No family is ever required to do 20–40 hours of ABA.

  • Yes!
    Services are available:

    • In your home

    • In the community (parks, stores, appointments)

    • At daycare/school (with permission)

    • Via telehealth

    • At partnered ADHC programs

    • At your office space if applicable

    We choose the setting that matches your goals.

  • The process is simple:

    1. Contact me

    2. I verify insurance benefits

    3. We schedule an intake and assessment

    4. I submit your treatment plan for approval

    5. We begin coaching and support

    I guide you through every step.

  • Common goals include:

    • Communication (gestures, words, AAC)

    • Social and play skills

    • Waiting and taking turns

    • Coping with frustration

    • Routines (mealtime, getting dressed, bathing)

    • Toilet training

    • Emotional regulation

    • Daily living skills

    • Safety

    • Reducing challenging behaviors

    For adults, goals may include:

    • Money management

    • Household routines

    • Community navigation

    • Vocational skills

    • Social interaction

  • FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment)
    A school or BCBA assessment that identifies why behaviors occur and suggests supports.

    IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation)
    A parent-requested evaluation conducted by an outside professional (like me) when families disagree with the school’s assessment.

    IEEs include:

    • Record review

    • Observations

    • Interviews

    • Data analysis

    • Recommendations for the IEP

    They offer a deeper and more parent-centered perspective.

  • Yes. I can participate:

    • Virtually

    • As a consultant

    • To help advocate for appropriate supports

    • To align ABA goals with educational needs

    I aim for collaboration, not conflict, and support families with a warm, professional presence.

  • I am currently contracted with:

    • Community Health Group

    • Aetna

    • Evernorth / Cigna

    • Magellan

    • San Diego Regional Center

    • Legacy Care ADHC

    • Coronado Unified School District

    • Red House Behavior Resources

    Private pay options are also available.

  • Yes — small, gentle, structured groups focusing on:

    • Social play

    • Waiting and sharing

    • Turn-taking

    • Emotional regulation

    • Conversation skills (as developmentally appropriate)

    Groups are typically parent-supported for best generalization.

  • Yes.
    Adult services focus on:

    • Daily living

    • Emotional regulation

    • Money management

    • Cooking and home skills

    • Social engagement

    • Community safety

    • Vocational readiness

    I also work with ADHC programs, such as Legacy Care ADHC.

  • Yes.
    I provide culturally respectful services for families from diverse backgrounds and can collaborate with interpreters when needed.

    Materials can be written in:

    • Simplified English

    • ESL-friendly versions

    • Visual/emoji support

    • Bilingual options upon request

  • Most insurance plans require:

    • An autism diagnosis, or

    • Documented developmental or behavioral concerns

    SDRC may approve services before a diagnosis for children under 3.

    I can help you navigate this process.

  • All documentation is:

    • Easy to understand

    • Parent-friendly

    • Functional

    • Respectful

    • Written in plain language

    • Focused on meaningful outcomes

    No jargon-heavy, compliance-based goals.

  • My practice is built on:

    • Gentle, respectful ABA

    • Parent empowerment

    • Cultural responsiveness

    • Flexibility

    • Consistent BCBA-level support

    • Low caseload for high-quality care

    • Creativity and warmth

    • Advocacy for ethical, modern ABA

    Families feel supported, not overwhelmed.