ABA Therapy in Indiana: Who Qualifies & How to Apply

Key Points:

• ABA therapy in Indiana is available to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically requires medical documentation for eligibility.
• Most families access services through Medicaid or private insurance, but navigating the process can be complex.
• Understanding the application process, including evaluations, referrals, and pre-authorizations, is key to securing timely care.

Getting access to ABA therapy in Indiana can feel overwhelming for parents who are just starting out. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you're looking to change providers, the road to therapy often includes insurance questions, clinical evaluations, and a surprising amount of paperwork. But you're not alone—and knowing what to expect can help you get the care your child needs sooner rather than later.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly who qualifies for ABA therapy in Indiana, how to apply, what to prepare, and what to expect along the way.

What is ABA Therapy—and Why Is It So Widely Recommended?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a structured approach that focuses on understanding and improving behavior. It’s often recommended for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to help them develop skills related to communication, daily living, self-regulation, and more.

The key strength of ABA therapy lies in its individualization. Each therapy plan is custom-built around a child’s unique strengths and needs. For many families in Indiana, ABA becomes a central part of early intervention and long-term development.

ABA therapy in Indiana is provided across home, clinic, school, or community settings. It’s typically delivered by a team led by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), supported by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs).

Who Qualifies for ABA Therapy in Indiana?

Before jumping into the application process, it’s important to understand if your child is eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• Formal Autism Diagnosis: Your child must have a medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This is typically given by a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or neurologist.
• Documentation Requirements: Most providers and insurance companies require a written diagnostic report, often including standardized assessments such as the ADOS-2 or Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.
• Age Requirements: There is no strict age cutoff, but early intervention is often emphasized. Some insurance policies prioritize children under age 21, especially under Indiana Medicaid.
• Functional Need for Services: Insurance companies often require documentation that ABA therapy is "medically necessary." This typically means a BCBA must perform an initial assessment showing that therapy is needed to support skill development or reduce challenging behaviors.

How to Apply for ABA Therapy in Indiana: Step-by-Step

Once you’ve confirmed your child qualifies, the next step is understanding how to access services. This process can vary depending on whether you're using Medicaid, private insurance, or a combination of both.

1. Get a Diagnostic Evaluation

The first step is securing a written autism diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. This report will form the foundation of your ABA therapy application.

Tips:

• Save both printed and digital copies.
• Make sure the report includes specific language confirming the ASD diagnosis and level of support needed.

2. Choose a Provider

After diagnosis, the next step is choosing an ABA provider that accepts your insurance. In Indiana, many reputable providers offer in-home, clinic-based, or hybrid models.

What to look for in a provider:

• Experience with children of similar age or profile
• Insurance acceptance
• Short waitlists or timely intake processes
• Transparent communication and parent involvement

Total Care ABA is one provider that offers personalized, data-driven ABA therapy with a focus on compassionate support for families navigating autism care in Indiana.

3. Insurance Verification and Authorization

Once a provider is chosen, their team typically helps verify insurance and obtain prior authorization for ABA services. This means:

• Reviewing your child’s benefits
• Submitting clinical documents to the insurance
• Waiting for approval (which can take 1–4 weeks)

Common insurances accepted in Indiana:

• Anthem
• UnitedHealthcare
• Medicaid (including managed care plans like MDwise, MHS, and CareSource)

Medicaid in Indiana covers ABA therapy under EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) guidelines, which guarantee medically necessary care for individuals under 21.

4. Clinical Assessment by BCBA

Before therapy begins, a BCBA will conduct a comprehensive skills assessment. This may include interviews, observation, and standardized tools to identify behavior goals and skill deficits.

This evaluation is what forms the basis for your child’s individualized treatment plan (ITP)—a roadmap that the RBTs and supervising BCBA will follow during therapy.

5. Begin Services

After approval, your child will be matched with an RBT and begin therapy based on the schedule that works for your family. The therapy plan will include specific goals around behavior, language, self-care, or social interaction depending on your child’s needs.

What Services are Included in ABA Therapy?

ABA therapy isn’t just one-size-fits-all instruction. It involves multiple layers of support and treatment elements personalized to the child. Here are some of the most common services included:

• Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs): Identifies the reason behind specific behaviors and how to address them effectively.
• Skill Acquisition Programs: Targets life skills like brushing teeth, using a communication device, or engaging in peer play.
• Parent Training & Coaching: Empowers caregivers to reinforce behavior strategies at home.
• Data Collection & Progress Monitoring: Every session is documented in real time to measure growth and adjust strategies as needed.
• Behavior Reduction Plans: Address challenging behaviors like aggression, self-injury, or elopement in a safe, ethical manner.

Challenges Families May Face—and How to Navigate Them

While the system is improving, families in Indiana still face challenges accessing ABA therapy. These might include long waitlists, confusing insurance terms, or difficulty finding providers in rural areas.

Practical tips to overcome common barriers:

• Stay proactive: Apply to multiple providers to minimize wait time and ask if they offer temporary parent coaching while you wait.
• Ask detailed questions: Understand what each provider offers (e.g., in-home vs. clinic-based therapy, hours per week).
• Leverage Medicaid: If your private insurance denies services or coverage is limited, Indiana Medicaid can serve as secondary coverage or standalone support.
• Document everything: Keep all diagnostic reports, progress notes, and insurance letters organized.

Having the right provider can make this process much smoother. Total Care ABA, for example, walks families through the application process step-by-step, helping with paperwork, insurance calls, and onboarding.

Final Thoughts: Getting Help That Grows With Your Child

The path to ABA therapy in Indiana isn’t always straightforward—but it’s worth every step when you start seeing progress. From early communication breakthroughs to better social functioning, ABA therapy helps children with autism reach milestones that truly matter.

If you're ready to begin the process or still exploring options, we encourage you to reach out to a provider who prioritizes compassionate care and family involvement. Total Care ABA is one of the providers offering ABA therapy in New Mexico, Georgia, Tennessee, Arizona, North Carolina, Maine, and Utah—helping families navigate the system with less stress and more clarity.

Your child’s growth is a journey, and ABA therapy can be a powerful part of that path. Reach out, ask questions, and take the next step when you’re ready.