ABA Therapy Across Virginia
Where You Need Us, When You Need Us
Kennedy ABA brings exceptional autism therapy to your doorstep in Virginia. Having Kennedy at your side means consistent support from a team that matches your child’s determination.
- ABA Therapy where your child is most comfortable
- No long waitlists—start in 2–4 weeks
- Insurance handled upfront
- Medicaid and most major plans accepted
You Know Your Child Works Harder Than Anyone Sees
The meltdown at the grocery store that took everything out of them. The morning routine that requires constant prompting. The way they push through overwhelming situations while everyone else thinks it should be easy.
You see the effort. You live it every day.
Kennedy ABA meets your child exactly where they are and gives them tools to navigate their world—without trying to change who they fundamentally are.
How Kennedy ABA Supports Families in Virginia
What ABA Therapy Actually Looks Like
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We Come to You
Our therapists work with your child at home or school—the places where skills actually need to stick. No driving across town. No waiting rooms. Just consistent support where your child lives and learns. -
Your Child Gets the Same Team
Same BCBA. Same therapist. Every session. We don't rotate staff because we can't help your child if we don't actually know them. -
You're Part of It
We teach you what works so you can reinforce progress between sessions. You're not watching from the sidelines—you're part of the team making it happen. -
Skills That Transfer
Morning routines. Mealtimes. Transitions. Communication. We focus on the skills that change your daily life, not just what looks good in our notes.
Getting Started Is Simpler Than You Think
First, We Talk
You call or fill out the form. We verify your insurance, explain your coverage, and handle the paperwork. You don’t chase anything down.
Then, We Assess
One of our BCBAs meets with your family and gets to know your child. We build a therapy plan around them specifically and get it approved by your insurance.
Then, Therapy Begins
Your child starts working one-on-one with their therapist. Your BCBA supervises, adjusts the plan as your child progresses, and keeps you in the loop every step of the way.
Why Families Across Virginia Choose Kennedy
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We See Strengths, Not Just Deficits
Your child who lines up all their toys by size? We see organizational skills. The one who memorizes entire movie scripts? We see focus and pattern recognition. We build therapy around what your child is already good at. -
Progress Shows Up at Home First
You'll see your child using words instead of melting down. Following directions without a fight. Playing with a sibling for the first time. These aren't just data points—they're moments that change your day. -
Caseloads Stay Small
We limit how many families each BCBA and therapist works with. Your child isn't one of 15 kids on a caseload. They're one of a few, which means they actually get attention.
Hear It From Virginia Families
Timeline For ABA Therapy Progress: What to Expect
Having a child with autism is challenging no matter where you live. The good news? Charlotte has a solid network of resources beyond ABA therapy, from diagnosis centers to parent groups where you can actually talk to people who get it.
Weeks 1–2: Relief
Someone finally gets it. Your therapist doesn’t judge the hard days. They just start helping.
Months 1–3: Wins Start Adding Up
Your child uses a new word. Sits through dinner. Handles a change in routine without a meltdown. You start to believe things can actually get better.
Months 4–6: People Notice
Teachers mention improvements. Family sees the changes. Your child is still completely themselves, just with better tools to navigate their world.
Month 6+: A New Normal
Skills are sticking. Your child surprises you with independence. Outings are manageable again. Life feels different.
“The best part?” her mom said. “Emma’s calmer. Happier. She can tell us what she needs now. She’s not trapped in constant frustration anymore.”
We Serve Families Across Virginia
We serve families across the state:
Autism support and resources across Virginia
Beyond ABA therapy—Virginia resources for families
Raising a child with autism in Virginia means accessing more than just therapy. The Commonwealth offers diagnosis centers, parent support groups, advocacy organizations, and educational resources that strengthen what ABA therapy provides.
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Center for Autism and Related Disorders - Fairfax
Comprehensive autism evaluations and diagnostic services. One of Northern Virginia's leading centers for early diagnosis. -
Commonwealth Autism - Richmond
Research-based treatment, parent training programs, and community education throughout Virginia. -
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
State resources for autism services, Medicaid waivers (DD Waiver, Family and Individual Supports Waiver), and family support. -
Children's Hospital of Richmond Autism Center
Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Coordinates with schools and community providers. -
Regional Virginia Autism Support Groups
- Autism Society of Northern Virginia
- Roanoke Valley Autism Parent Support
- Lynchburg Area Autism Connection
- Shenandoah Valley Autism Network
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Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
Free training for Virginia parents navigating special education, IEPs, and educational rights.
ABA therapy insurance coverage in Virginia
What Virginia law requires insurance to cover
Virginia has strong autism insurance protections. If you have health insurance in Virginia, ABA therapy is likely covered—but understanding the details helps you advocate for your child.
Virginia requires all health insurance plans to cover autism services, including ABA therapy, for individuals up to age 10. Coverage includes:
- Up to $35,000 per year for ABA therapy and related autism treatments
- Diagnosis and assessment
- Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy related to autism
- Applied Behavior Analysis delivered by qualified providers
Virginia’s mandate covers children through age 10. However, many insurance plans voluntarily extend coverage beyond this age. Kennedy ABA works with families to verify what your specific plan covers, regardless of your child’s age.
- Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
- Ages 2 through 10 (mandated coverage)
- Enrolled in fully insured health plans (employer plans, individual plans)
Medicaid and state waiver programs in Virginia
What about Virginia Medicaid?
Virginia Medicaid covers ABA therapy through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program for children under 21. There is no annual dollar cap on medically necessary services, and coverage extends beyond age 10.
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
Virginia’s DD Waiver provides home and community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. Covers ABA therapy, respite care, day support, and other services. Waitlist times vary by region.
Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver
Supports families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities at home. Provides funding for ABA therapy, respite, and family training. Shorter waitlist than DD Waiver.
Self-funded employer plans
Large employers who self-insure are not required to follow state mandates. However, many choose to cover ABA therapy. Kennedy ABA verifies benefits upfront so you know what’s covered.
How Kennedy ABA handles Virginia insurance
We verify your benefits, submit prior authorizations, and handle all the paperwork. You’ll know your coverage and costs before your child’s first session.
How Kennedy ABA handles Virginia insurance
We verify your benefits, submit prior authorizations, and handle all the paperwork. You’ll know your coverage and costs before your child’s first session.
Most Virginia families pay little to nothing out of pocket for ABA therapy under age 10. For children over 10, Medicaid or voluntary commercial coverage often continues. We make sure you get what your plan offers.
Questions Virginia Parents Ask About ABA Therapy For Autism
Will this change who my child is?
No. Your child’s personality, interests, quirks—that all stays. We teach skills that help them express who they are more effectively, not become someone different.
How will I know it's working?
You’ll see it at home before you see it in our data. Your child asking for help instead of melting down. Bedtime getting easier. Transitions without a fight. The changes show up in your daily life.
What if my child doesn't like their therapist?
We find a better match. We pair therapists with kids based on personality and interests, but if it’s not clicking, we switch. Your child should look forward to sessions, not dread them.
How many hours per week will my child need?
It depends on your child. Most kids receive between 10 and 30 hours per week. Your BCBA will recommend a schedule after the assessment based on your child’s specific needs and goals.
How quickly can we start?
Most families begin therapy within two to four weeks of their first call. We verify insurance upfront, schedule assessments quickly, and don’t drag out the process.
Does Kennedy work with teenagers?
We typically serve children ages 2 through 12, but every situation is different. Contact us, and we’ll let you know if we’re a good fit for your child.
What's the difference between a BCBA and an RBT?
A BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst—they assess your child, design the therapy plan, and supervise treatment. An RBT is a Registered Behavior Technician—they work directly with your child during sessions, implementing the plan.
Will my child's therapist change constantly?
No. Your child works with the same BCBA and therapist every session. Consistency matters. If something isn’t working, we’ll find a better match—but we don’t rotate staff randomly.
Can I be involved in sessions?
Yes. Parent involvement is part of how this works. You’ll learn strategies to reinforce your child’s progress throughout the day, not just during therapy hours.
What if my child already receives speech or OT?
That’s common. We coordinate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and schools to make sure everyone’s aligned and working toward the same goals.
Will insurance cover this?
Most Virginia insurance plans are required to cover ABA therapy for autism. We handle the paperwork and prior authorizations so you don’t have to chase it down. We’ll verify your benefits before you commit to anything.
Is there a waitlist?
It depends on your location and therapist availability. Most families start within two to four weeks, but we’ll give you an honest timeline upfront so you know what to expect.
What if we need to change our schedule?
Life happens. We work with families to adjust schedules when needed. Consistency matters for progress, but we’re not rigid about it.
Can therapy happen at my child's school?
Yes. We coordinate with schools across Virginia to provide therapy during the school day when it makes sense for your child. We work with teachers to make sure your child is supported in the classroom.
We're Hiring in Georgia
Looking for BCBAs and RBTs who want to do meaningful work with real support. Competitive pay, manageable caseloads, and a team that has your back.
If You're in Virginia, We Want to Hear From You
Kennedy ABA. Making progress possible.
Your child is already working harder than most people realize. They just need the right support to keep building on what they’re already doing. They need Kennedy ABA.
You’ve been figuring this out alone long enough.