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FAQs
About FriendshipABA
Why choose Friendship ABA? We are a people-first nonprofit which combines clinical excellence with community connection. Friendship ABA has built trust and connection in the community through world-class social skill programs fro 20+ years. FriendshipABA blends research-based ABA therapy with the supportive environment of Friendship Circle to teach life skills in real-world social settings, surrounded by peers, mentors, and caring professionals.
What makes you different from other ABA providers? Advanced Clinical Approach – Our team is trained in Verbal Behavior Development Theory (VBDT) from Columbia University, a research-based framework that helps children build communication and social skills faster and more naturally. Community Integration and Family Support – Therapy is woven into the Friendship Circle network, giving each child real-world opportunities for social growth and connection. Parents receive ongoing guidance and wraparound support. Mission-Driven and People-First – As a nonprofit with over 20 years of impact, Friendship ABA puts people before profit. Your child’s progress and well-being are our highest priority, guided by uncompromising clinical excellence.
Do you accept children of all backgrounds? Yes, every family is welcome. We have a variety of programs. Our ABA and social skills programs are open to all. We also offer an inclusive Hebrew School and Jewish holiday events for clients from the Jewish community.
What ages do you serve? Early childhood through adolescence. Our daytime early childhood program is for ages 2-6. We have social skills and school-based support programs for children up to 13 years of age.
About ABA Therapy
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? A scientific, positive approach to learning. ABA helps children develop meaningful life skills while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning and relationships. It relies on positive reinforcement—teaching and rewarding the behaviors we want to see more of—and on data-driven decision-making, so every strategy is guided by measurable progress. To learn more about ABA, visit the Cleveland Clinic’s overview of Applied Behavior Analysis.
What skills does ABA address? Communication, social, and daily living skills. ABA therapy targets the areas that matter most for your child’s independence and happiness. These may include: Building communication and language Learning to share, play, and take turns Strengthening emotional regulation and coping strategies Developing self-help and daily living routines (dressing, brushing teeth, organizing materials) Improving attention, flexibility, and problem-solving Every treatment plan is individualized to your child’s abilities and family goals.
Who provides therapy? A collaborative team guided by a BCBA. ABA therapy involves several key people working together: Parent or Caregiver – You are the expert on your child. Your participation ensures therapy is aligned with your family’s values and routines. Child – The focus of the entire process. We build trust, motivation, and joy in learning. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) – The RBT works 1:1 with your child, implementing skill-building programs and collecting data during sessions. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) – The BCBA designs and oversees the entire program. They analyze data, adjust goals, coach families, and train the RBT.
What goes into ABA therapy? Each therapy plan combines direct teaching, supervision, and family involvement to create meaningful progress. Services include: 1:1 Therapy with an RBT – Focused teaching sessions built around communication, play, and life skills. Ongoing BCBA Supervision – Continuous oversight to ensure programs remain effective and individualized. Treatment Planning and Program Adaptation – Regular updates to keep goals relevant and challenging as your child grows. Family Support and Parent Coaching – Training caregivers in the same strategies used during sessions, so skills carry over at home and in the community.
How many hours per week are typical? Most children receive between 10 and 30 hours per week of ABA services, depending on assessment results, insurance approval, and family priorities. Some children start with more intensive programs, while others attend shorter, focused sessions for targeted goals.
Getting Started with ABA
Please go to our page: How to Begin ABA
Assessment and Planning
How do you determine what my child needs? We begin with a thorough intake and assessment led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The process includes observing your child, interviewing caregivers to understand strengths and challenges, and completing standardized questionnaires to identify learning goals. The BCBA then develops a personalized treatment plan that outlines specific, measurable objectives in areas such as communication, play, behavior, and social interaction. Every plan is data-driven and tailored to your child’s individual profile.
Do parents participate? Yes—family involvement is a cornerstone of our approach. From the first meeting, we invite parents to share their insights and priorities, helping shape the treatment plan. Once therapy begins, we schedule regular parent coaching sessions to teach ABA strategies that can be applied at home and in the community. This ensures that progress continues between sessions and that parents feel confident supporting their child’s growth.
How do you measure progress? We collect and review data every day. During each session, your child’s RBT records data on the goals outlined in the plan of care. The supervising BCBA reviews this data weekly to track trends and make updates as needed. Parents receive consistent updates and are part of the decision-making process as goals evolve. This ongoing review ensures that therapy stays focused, effective, and transparent.
How are therapists trained? RBTs receive extensive, ongoing training. All staff are certified, supervised, and coached regularly to ensure high-quality care.
How do you ensure cultural and religious sensitivity? Programs align with each family’s values. Our staff understands and honors community customs, dietary needs, and observance schedules.
Therapeutic Interventions
Personalized Treatment Plans
Educational Interventions
Individualized Care for I.E.P. Goals
Play-Based Behavioral & Social Programs
Promote Social Skills & Well-Being