FOR PROFESSIONALS
Built for the Professionals Who Refer Families to ABA
This page is for pediatricians, developmental specialists, speech and occupational therapists, school personnel, and other professionals connecting young children with ABA therapy. Effective Family Support provides BCBA-led ABA therapy at home, at school and in the community for children ages 2 through 7 across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County.
WHEN TO REFER
Is This Family a Good Fit?
Refer a family when the following apply:
- The child is between 2 and 6 years old.
- The child has an autism diagnosis or is in the process of getting one. Most insurance plans require a diagnosis for ABA coverage.
- The family has private insurance we accept: Aetna, Florida Blue, Cigna, Magellan Health, ComPsych, Humana Military / TRICARE or Curative. We also accept Step Up For Students (FES-UA) and private pay.
- The family lives in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach County.
- The child has communication, behavior, social or daily living needs that affect home, school or community life.
Working with an older child? Early intervention is our specialty, but we don’t want to turn families away. Call us to talk through the child’s needs and whether we’re the right fit.
Please note: we do not accept Medicaid at this time.
Not sure whether a family qualifies? Give us a call before referring and we can clarify in a few minutes.
HOW IT WORKS
What Happens After You Refer
1. Share our information
Give the family our phone number, our contact form, or a direct link to our online intake form so they can get started right away.
2. We connect with the family
Once the family reaches out, a member of our team gets back to them within 24 hours.
3. Free consultation call
We learn about the child, answer the family’s questions about ABA, and confirm we serve their area.
4. Benefits verification
We contact the family’s plan directly and give them a written estimate before anything begins.
5. Assessment and treatment plan
A BCBA meets the family, observes the child and builds an individualized plan, which we review with the family before submitting it for insurance authorization.
6. Sessions begin
Therapy starts at home, at school, in the community or a combination, under BCBA supervision, with regular progress updates and parent coaching.
DOCUMENTATION
What Helps Us Get Started
Helpful for intake:
- Diagnosis report, or a note that the diagnostic process is underway
- Insurance information (plan name and member ID)
- Parent or guardian contact information
Helpful but not required:
- Recent psychological or developmental evaluations
- IEP, 504 Plan or current school accommodations
- Speech, OT or other therapy evaluations
- Prior ABA records, if any
Missing documents should not stop a referral. We help families gather what their insurance requires.
PRIVACY
Working With You, With the Family’s Consent
With the parent or guardian’s written consent, we can confirm that the family connected with us and coordinate with the child’s pediatrician, therapists or school to support continuity of care. We do not share protected health information without a signed release.
Please do not send protected health information (diagnosis details, medical records or evaluations) by regular email or through our website contact form. Call us to arrange a secure way to share records.
Ready to Refer a Family?
We appreciate the professionals who trust us with the families they serve. Reach out any time with questions.