Autism Services · ABA Therapy
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
Maximum Potential uses ABA and other evidence-based therapies to deliver client- and family-centred programs and support — with an interdisciplinary team that includes a Speech-Language Pathologist.
No diagnosis required to begin · SLP-guided language programming
The Basics
What is ABA?
Applied Behaviour Analysis is an application of principles based on the science of learning and teaching. Practitioners observe how a learner’s environment influences their behaviour — their learning and their responding.
By understanding those influences, practitioners can increase or decrease behaviours — breaking skills into smaller, easier-to-learn steps and pairing them with reinforcers that reward new skills.
The Evidence
Is ABA effective?
40+ years of research
Improvements in 7 of 8 outcome categories
OAP core clinical service
ABA as a treatment for autism has more than 40 years of research behind it, making it one of the most studied and widely recognized approaches for supporting autistic children and youth. Research has consistently shown that intensive ABA can lead to meaningful improvements in intellectual functioning, language development, daily living skills, and social communication.
Peer-reviewed research has consistently supported these outcomes — including a large scoping review that examined ABA studies across seven major research databases and found improvements in seven of eight outcome categories, covering cognitive, language, social/communication, adaptive behaviour, and problem-behaviour areas.
In Ontario, ABA is designated as a core clinical service under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), the province’s primary public funding framework for autism services. Its structured, data-driven approach — focused on individualized skill-building rather than a one-size-fits-all program — sets it apart from less rigorously studied alternatives.
Common Questions
ABA, answered
How can ABA help my child?
We use each individual’s strengths and challenges to individualize programming that will make the most impact on their life. Many behaviours and milestones that have been missed can be targeted and built into the learner’s program so they can achieve their full potential.
Will ABA help my child communicate?
Yes. ABA has been shown to be very effective at teaching and increasing communication skills in autistic learners. Communication is a priority skill and is included from the beginning of each individualized program. Our interdisciplinary team includes a Speech-Language Pathologist who guides all language programming.
What skills will my child develop?
It depends on the goals you and your child want to achieve. Skills can include attending and cooperation, imitation, communication and language, functional skills (eating/feeding, toileting, dressing), visual, fine and gross motor, pre-academic and academic, group, social, vocational, and community goals.
Does ABA address challenging behaviours?
Yes. ABA can improve functional behaviours while decreasing challenging ones by teaching alternatives. Programming can include parent coaching, academic modifications, building communication skills to reduce challenging behaviour, and using visual supports or coping strategies.
What are the steps to sign up?
First, we meet with you — in person or by video — to discuss your child, the services we offer, your goals, and the recommended intensity. If you’d like to move forward, we provide an individualized quote covering the baseline assessment, weekly therapy hours (a 9-hour weekly minimum), supervision intensity, and all fees.
Next, we review the service agreement and intake forms. Once signed, we begin assessment and goal-setting. Parent participation is integral — all programs are approved by parents before they’re added to your child’s programming.
Does my child need a doctor’s referral or assessment?
No — there are no prerequisites, and no formal diagnosis is required to begin. Every learner is assessed by a behaviour analyst before therapy starts, so you understand where your child is functioning, the recommended intensity, and the programs suited to their needs.
What are the therapists’ qualifications?
All of our behaviour technicians have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in a related field and complete the 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician training. Each also receives in-house training, shadows a senior technician, and has regular, ongoing coaching from a behaviour analyst.
Can I be present during sessions?
Absolutely — we love when parents and caregivers take part. You’re always welcome to observe and to be incorporated into your child’s programming.
How do you keep therapy positive and respectful?
We keep services positive, fun, and client-focused by following the learner’s lead and incorporating their preferences. Each technician is supervised by a behaviour analyst, and we ensure 15–20% of all sessions are supervised to maintain our standards.
How do I find a qualified ABA therapist?
Qualified professionals can be found on the Ontario Provider List and the regulatory health college register. It’s important to ask each provider about their education and experience treating children like yours — their diagnosis, age, and challenges.
Does insurance cover ABA therapy?
In Ontario, ABA can be covered through a few sources. The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) covers core clinical services (ABA, psychology, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology) once your child has progressed through intake. You may also have extended health benefit coverage through your employer — check your plan’s limits, session maximums, and required therapist credentials.
How often will my child need sessions?
Intensity should be confirmed after a detailed assessment of baseline skills. Generally, the further a child is functioning below their age level, the more intensive the recommended services. Young children with significant needs have shown the greatest benefit at intensities above 21 hours per week.
Fees
What ABA costs
Behaviour Analyst / BCBA
$150–$230 / hr
Assessment, supervision, and individualized program design.
Behaviour Technician
$50–$85 / hr
Direct 1:1 therapy hours. 15–20% supervision at the analyst’s rate is recommended.
Package (tiered)
$85–$125 / hr
“All-in” tiered service delivery. Billing is itemized per Ontario regulatory standards.
Other fees may apply for travel time and distance, report writing, assessments, meetings, and before/after-therapy care. Your contract and invoicing will detail all costs (line-item billing) as required by Ontario’s regulatory bodies.
Ready to get started with ABA?
Book a free consultation — no diagnosis or referral needed to begin.