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ABA therapy for autism in Virginia

Virginia kids are becoming the stars they were always destined to be

Every child in Virginia deserves the chance to grow into who they're meant to be. Your child's abilities are already there. We bring the expertise, the consistency, and the partnership with you to unlock them.

What is ABA therapy for autism

What exactly is ABA therapy and how does it work?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most researched approach to helping children with autism build actual skills for actual life. It's not complicated—it's about understanding why your child does what they do, and then building better skills from there. ABA therapy helps your child develop communication, independence, and confidence. Unlike therapies that only happen in an office, ABA happens where your child actually lives—at home during breakfast, in the classroom during lunch, at the park. That's what makes progress stick.


According to the Centers for Disease Control, ABA is evidence-based and has the strongest research support of any autism intervention. The National Institutes of Health confirms it's among the most effective approaches for building functional skills in children with autism.

ABA therapy services built for Virginia families

Here's how we show up for you

You're part of every goal, every decision, every step forward

Weekly check-ins with your BCBA. Real coaching during the moments that matter—breakfast, bedtime, getting ready. Written strategies you use at home, not just theories. You're not watching from the sidelines. You're the expert on your child, and we train you on everything we're doing.

Progress is built for everyday life, not just the therapy session

Your child learns skills in the places they actually use them. In-home therapy happens during the moments that matter. School-based therapy happens in the classroom, at recess, during transitions. That's where growth happens.

We coordinate with Virginia schools so progress happens everywhere

Your child's BCBA works with classroom teachers and attends IEP meetings with you. We make sure the strategies that work at home also work at school. Everyone pulls in the same direction, and your child feels that.

A drawing of a swirl with a star on a white background

What ABA therapy helps Virginia children achieve

Everything changes (in the best way)

Communication

Finding words. The confidence to use them. Asking for help instead of screaming. The child who couldn't tell you what they wanted suddenly asks for snacks, tells you about their day, participates in conversations.

Independence

Doing more, needing less help. Getting dressed without a battle. Brushing teeth when asked. Following routines without constant direction. Everyday wins that make family life manageable.

Social connection

Playing with other kids instead of next to them. Making friends. Joining group activities without meltdown. Belonging.

Self-regulation

Fewer meltdowns. Tools to handle hard moments. Smoother transitions. Less frustration, more control.

Daily routines

Mornings that don't feel like battles. Mealtimes without chaos. Bedtime that actually happens. The rhythms of family life that just work.

Family life

Less crisis management. More peace. More laughter. More time to just be together.

ABA therapy services in Virginia

Therapy that meets your child where they are

Your child doesn't learn in one place, so neither do we.

Therapy happens during the moments that matter. Breakfast, getting dressed, playtime with siblings, bedtime routines. Your child learns in the space they know best, surrounded by people they trust. You learn alongside them and get strategies you can use the moment our therapist leaves. This is where progress happens because life doesn't happen in a clinic.

Your child's therapist walks into the classroom with them. During lessons, recess, lunch, transitions—we're there helping them navigate what happens at school. We coordinate with teachers so the strategies that work at home work in the classroom too. Consistent support in both places changes everything.

Sometimes a structured clinical environment is exactly what a child needs. Our center-based program provides focused therapy in a calm, controlled setting. Works well for children who need that structure, or as a complement to in-home services.

Daycare ABA therapy

Your child's therapist meets them where they already spend their day. We work within the daycare setting to support sharing, transitions, routines, and play. Your child progresses within their natural community, not pulled out or separated.

You're the expert on your child. Through weekly coaching, live support during real moments, and written strategies, we hand you the tools to keep progress going long after we leave. Parent training is how progress becomes permanent.

Weekend ABA therapy

Progress doesn't take weekends off. Weekend sessions fit busy Virginia families—your child keeps moving forward without anyone falling behind.

The earlier we start, the more we build. For young learners (birth to age 3), early ABA focuses on communication, connection, and foundational skills. Small steps now, big difference later.

A child's ABA journey in Virginia

What progress actually looks like: Mason's story

01

Month

Mason is 4. He lives in Arlington with his mom and dad. They're exhausted in a way that only parents of non-speaking children understand. He melts down during transitions. Mornings are chaos. His pediatrician mentioned ABA. His mom called us on a Tuesday afternoon, and you could hear the desperation in her voice. Not panic—just exhaustion. Like she'd been holding her breath for four years.


Jennifer, his BCBA, came to their home for the assessment. She watched him during breakfast, while his mom got him dressed, during playtime. She asked his parents questions—not clinical ones, but the kind that showed she actually cared what their life was like. David, his therapist, came three days a week. During breakfast. During bedtime. His parents learned what he was doing and why. It felt small at first. Just another person in the house.

02

Month

Mason said "milk" one morning at breakfast. His mom called us crying. Not "milk" like they made him say it. Just—he wanted milk, and he asked for it. Two words came next: "more juice." His therapist was using the same strategies at his preschool. The teacher agreed to try them. His mom slept through one night without waking up at 3 AM worried.

03

Month

His dad noticed Mason was lining up his toys less. Actually playing with them more. Actually wanting to play near his little sister instead of just tolerating her. School reported that mornings were getting easier. His therapist David started feeling like part of the family. Mason got excited when he arrived. His parents stopped white-knuckling through bedtime.

04

Month

Mason put words together. Real two-word sentences. Not scripted. Just his own thoughts. "More play." "Daddy help." His mom said something she hadn't said in years: "I want to tell him something without worrying it'll trigger a meltdown." His dad started taking him to the park on weekends. Actually enjoying it instead of just managing it.

05

Month

He went to a birthday party. No meltdown. He participated in circle time at school. He helped set the table for dinner. His communication was still developing, but he was trying. His mom said something that broke everyone's heart a little: "I feel like I have my son back. Not that anything was wrong with him—but I have my relationship with him back. I'm not just managing him anymore. I'm his mom again."

06

Month

Mason still has hard days. Still has challenges. But his family is living differently because he's learning differently. His mom doesn't dread school drop-offs. His dad takes him places on purpose. His sister has a brother who plays with her. That's what progress actually is.

ABA therapy coverage in Virginia

We handle insurance. You watch your child grow.

All Star ABA accepts Virginia Medicaid  (Cardinal Care) and works with the state's managed care plans: Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons, Sentara Health Plans, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan — along with major commercial insurers. We verify your coverage, manage authorizations, and explain your benefits in plain language. Most Virginia families pay little to nothing out of pocket.  Virginia law is on your side. Under § 38.2-3418.17 of the Code of Virginia, insurers must cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder — including ABA therapy — with no visit limits. Autism services are also covered under Virginia Medicaid for eligible children. The CDC provides guidance on insurance coverage and how to access ABA services through your health plan.


We do the insurance work. You focus on your child.

Virginia autism resources and support

Resources that help your family

Getting a diagnosis

The Virginia Department of Education and Autism Speaks both provide information on how to get an autism diagnosis and what the evaluation process looks like. Your pediatrician can also refer you for a formal assessment.

Understanding early intervention

For children under 3, the Virginia Department of Health oversees early intervention services.

School support and IEPs

The Virginia Department of Education provides guidance on special education services, IEP meetings, and school-based accommodations for children with autism.

Virginia autism resources and support

Four steps to getting your child started

Call us at (410) 541-1316 or schedule a free consultation. We listen. We ask questions. We figure out what your family actually needs.

Reach out

We verify your Virginia Medicaid or insurance coverage, explain what's covered, and walk you through next steps. No guessing. No surprises.

Insurance verification

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst meets with your family, observes your child in their natural environment, and builds a personalized therapy plan based on what you actually need.

BCBA assessment

Your child starts working with their therapist—at home, at school, in the community. Progress tracking starts from day one. You're part of every decision.


Most Virginia families start within 2-4 weeks. We don't have waitlists.


Therapy begins

Virginia families sharing their story

What families are saying

"Within two weeks, I saw a difference"


The therapists at All Star are amazing. They've helped our son learn new ways to communicate and cope with frustration. His behavior has improved so much. We feel so lucky to have found them.


— Marcus T., Arlington

"They didn't talk down to us"


From the moment we got in touch, we felt a weight was lifted. They're there for you—kind, knowledgeable, and they actually listen to what you're saying. They partnered with us instead of just telling us what to do.


— Haiden C., Richmond

"Progress at school and home happened at the same time"


All Star coordinated with our son's school and made sure everyone was using the same strategies. We finally saw consistent progress both places. That changed everything for us.


— David K., Alexandria

"Our daughter looks forward to her sessions"


I can't recommend this team enough. Our daughter actually looks forward to sessions—that tells you everything. From day one, the intake coordinator walked us through everything with care and clarity. The whole experience has been a bright spot for our family.


— Zevi H., Charlottesville

"They put my child first"


I went through other ABA agencies before I found one that truly puts its patients first. I'd recommend All Star to anyone looking for a company that will do whatever it takes.


— Samuel S., Hampton

"We actually trust them"


Exceptional service. Reliable, dedicated therapists you can count on. They're organized, efficient, and they genuinely care about the families they work with.


— Devoiry S., Roanoke

"Within two weeks, I saw a difference"


The therapists at All Star are amazing. They've helped our son learn new ways to communicate and cope with frustration. His behavior has improved so much. We feel so lucky to have found them.


— Marcus T., Arlington

"I Feel Like a Real Parent Again"

"For so long, I felt like I was failing him every day. Now I feel like the parent I always wanted to be—strong, capable, and completely in sync with my child."


— David, dad of 5-year-old

"I Finally Trust Myself"

"I used to call my mom, my sister, and Google every time something went wrong. Now I know I can handle whatever comes up because I understand my daughter better than anyone."


— Maria, mom of 6-year-old with autism

"I'm Not Embarrassed Anymore"

"Public outings used to terrify me. Now when my son needs support, I help him confidently. Other parents actually come up and ask for advice!"


— James, dad of 4-year-old

"My Child Looks to Me for Everything"

"The most amazing thing is how my daughter seeks me out when she needs help now. She trusts that I'll understand and know what to do. That trust is everything."


— Sarah, mom of 8-year-old

"I Feel Like a Real Parent Again"

"For so long, I felt like I was failing him every day. Now I feel like the parent I always wanted to be—strong, capable, and completely in sync with my child."


— David, dad of 5-year-old

"I Finally Trust Myself"

"I used to call my mom, my sister, and Google every time something went wrong. Now I know I can handle whatever comes up because I understand my daughter better than anyone."


— Maria, mom of 6-year-old with autism

ABA therapy locations across Virginia

We're in your community

Don't see your city? Reach out — we're expanding across Virginia.

Chesapeake

Chesapeake

Arlington

Arlington

Norfolk

Norfolk

Richmond

Richmond

Newport News

Newport News

Alexandria

Alexandria

Hampton

Hampton

Suffolk

Suffolk

Roanoke

Roanoke

Portsmouth

Portsmouth

Lynchburg

Lynchburg

Dale

Dale

Centreville

Centreville

Reston

Reston

Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg

McLean

McLean

Leesburg town

Leesburg town

Tuckahoe

Tuckahoe

Blacksburg town

Blacksburg town

Ashburn

Ashburn

Charlottesville

Charlottesville

Lake Ridge

Lake Ridge

Burke

Burke

Linton Hall

Linton Hall

Manassas

Manassas

Woodbridge

Woodbridge

Annandale

Annandale

Danville

Danville

Mechanicsville

Mechanicsville

Oakton

Oakton

Fair Oaks

Fair Oaks

South Riding

South Riding

Petersburg

Petersburg

West Falls Church

West Falls Church

Hampton Roads

Richmond

and surrounding areas.

Central & Southwest Virginia

Join the All Star ABA team in Virginia

We're hiring RBTs and BCBAs

Behind every breakthrough is someone like you. If you're an RBT or BCBA looking for real supervision and work that matters, we want to meet you.

Virginia ABA therapy questions, answered

Frequently asked questions

  • What is ABA therapy and how does it help children with autism in Virginia?

    Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most-researched approach to helping children with autism build real-life skills: communication, independence, and self-regulation. In Virginia, we deliver it where your child actually lives: at home, in the classroom, and in the community, so progress sticks.

  • Is ABA therapy covered by insurance in Virginia?

    Yes. Under Virginia law (§ 38.2-3418.17), insurers must cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, including ABA therapy, with no visit limits. All Star ABA also accepts Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care). We verify your coverage and handle authorizations for you, and most families pay little to nothing out of pocket.

  • Does Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) cover ABA therapy?

    Yes. ABA therapy is covered under Virginia Medicaid for eligible children. We work with Cardinal Care managed care plans including Aetna Better Health, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Humana Healthy Horizons, Sentara Health Plans, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

  • How quickly can my child start ABA therapy in Virginia?

    Most Virginia families start within 2–4 weeks. We don't have waitlists. Once your coverage is verified and the BCBA assessment is complete, therapy begins.

  • What ages do you serve?

    We serve children from infancy through age 21, including early intervention for young learners (birth to age 3), when starting early makes the biggest difference.

  • Will I be involved in my child's therapy?

    Always. You get weekly check-ins with your BCBA, live coaching during real moments, and written strategies you use at home. You're the expert on your child, and we train you on everything we do.

  • Which type of ABA therapy is right for my child — in-home, school, or center-based?

    It depends on where your child needs support most, and many families combine a few. Here's how our Virginia services compare:

    • In-home ABA — our core service. Therapy happens during the moments that matter, from breakfast to bedtime, in the space your child knows best. Best for building everyday skills and involving the whole family.
    • School-based ABA — your child's therapist supports them in the classroom, at recess, and during transitions, coordinating with teachers and IEP goals. Best for kids who struggle most during the school day.
    • Center-based ABA — focused therapy in a calm, structured clinical setting. Best for children who thrive with more structure, or as a complement to in-home work.
    • Daycare ABA — support within your child's daycare to help with sharing, transitions, and play, so they progress alongside their peers.
    • Weekend ABA — flexible weekend sessions that keep progress going for busy families.
    • Parent training & early intervention — coaching that hands you the tools to reinforce progress at home, plus early support for young learners (birth to age 3).

Not sure which fits? Reach out — your BCBA will recommend the right mix during your free consultation.

Your child's potential is waiting

Ready to get started?

Every day counts. Virginia families are already seeing their children communicate, learn, and thrive.


Your child could be next.