Here you will find answers to general questions about Paving Pathways and Applied Behavior Analysis. Please see our ABA Therapy Process page for information about program design and implementation. Feel free to contact us here or at 571-357-5582 with any questions.

What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science that explains behavior. ABA uses scientifically proven techniques, based on observable data, to teach individuals new skills or change behaviors. This methodology is effective regardless of the individual’s starting point or diagnosis. For more information on ABA, please visit our Why ABA? page.

Who is ABA for?
ABA is for anyone who wants to learn a new skill or change a behavior. ABA can create lasting change in any area including, but not limited to: speech/communication, academics, social skills/interactions with others, challenging or disruptive behavior, and life skills. It is most commonly used in therapeutic intervention for children with autism, PDD, ADD, and related disabilities, but is effective regardless of diagnosis.

What is the Paving Pathways In-Home ABA Therapy Program?
It is an individualized ABA therapy program implemented in your child’s natural environment, your home. It involves one-on-one sessions with your child as well as training for parents and caregivers. At times, this service can extend to after school programs, sports camps, music lessons, and other environments in which your child regularly spends time. For more information on this program, please visit our In-Home ABA Therapy page.

What is the ABA School Shadow Program?
This program consists of a RBT attending school with your child and implementing an individualized ABA in-school therapy program designed by an BCBA. For more information about this service, please visit our ABA School Shadow Program page.

Do all of Paving Pathways ABA Services begin with an interview/evaluation?
Yes, we begin every program with an interview/evaluation because every ABA therapy program is designed to address the specific needs of the child. This interview/evaluation lasts about two hours and includes a conversation about goals with the parent/caregiver and/or teacher and school when applicable. We also meet with your child and perform a skills evaluation using the VBMapp, AABLS-R, and the Socially Savvy evaluation systems, as well as testing proprietary to Paving Pathways. Please see our ABA Therapy Process page for information about program design and implementation.

What are the VBMapp, AABLS-R, and Socially Savvy skills evaluation systems?
The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program, or VBMapp is an assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skill-tracking system designed for children with autism and other individuals who demonstrate language delays. It was created by Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA. Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised, or ABLLS-R is an assessment tool, curriculum guide, and skills-tracking system used to help guide the instruction of language and critical learning skills for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Socially Savvy is a curriculum and assessment guide designed to break down broad areas of social functioning into concrete skills. It was created by James T. Ellis, Ph.D, BCBA-D and Christine Almeida, Ms.Ed., BCBA.

Where are Paving Pathways ABA services available?
Paving Pathways ABA services are available throughout northern Virginia. Our service area extends as far south as Stafford, as far east as Arlington and Alexandria, and as far west as Fairfax. If you have a child in need within our service area, do not hesitate to contact us here or by phone at 571-357-5582.

How many ABA In-Home Therapy service hours does a client receive each week?
Paving Pathways In-home ABA Therapy programs start at a minimum of two sessions per week. Sessions are typically one-and-a-half to three hours in length. For children already enrolled in an in-school ABA program, we recommend two to four sessions per week. For children not currently enrolled in any ABA program, we recommend three to six sessions per week. We will be able to make a specific recommendation for your child after our initial interview/observation.

How many ABA therapy hours do School Shadow Program clients receive?
This varies greatly depending on your child’s needs and your school’s requirements and regulations. To speak with us about your child’s specific situation, please contact us here or by phone at 571-357-5582.

What are your rates for ABA In-Home Therapy?
Paving Pathways rates for BCBAs are $140 per hour. For RBTs, our rate is $75 per hour. There is a one-time $200 materials fee at the onset of services. This fee covers the VBMapp and all assessment tools, program book and materials, an initial set of reinforcers, and any other materials necessary throughout the contract year. We offer sliding-scale rates based on income for self-pay clients with a family income level of less than $300,000 per year. Please do not hesitate to contact us here or at 571-357-5582 for more information about our rates.

What are your rates for your ABA School Shadow Program?
If a Paving Pathways RBT is utilized, School Shadow programming is $560 per month, plus $65 per hour for a Paving Pathways RBT. If a RBT not employed by Paving Pathways is utilized, ABA School Shadow programming is $960 per month. For more information about the structure of this program, please visit our ABA School Shadow Program page. Do not hesitate to contact us here or at 571-357-5582 for more information about our rates.

With which insurance companies is Paving Pathways in-network?
Paving Pathways is in-network with Aetna, Anthem, Carefirst, Medicaid, Tricare, and all Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. We also are able to set up single case agreements with United Healthcare and GEHA. If you have an insurance company not listed here we can work with you to gain pre-authorization for out-of-network services if they are available under your plan. We offer sliding-scale rates based on income for self-pay clients.