10 Best ABA Therapy Providers in Silver Spring, MD (2026)
Compare 30 ABA providers serving Silver Spring. Explore the full ranked list and find a provider that feels right for your child.
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Other ABA Providers in Silver Spring
Acorn Health - Silver Spring
ListedOur Silver Spring center serves Montgomery County communities including Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Wheaton and White Oak. applied behavior analysis (ABA) is available in the center and in the home. Treatment is individualized for each child, and families take part in planning and supporting goals across everyday routines. The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Coverage and referral requirements depend on the health plan.
- Center-based
- In-home
- Medicaid
- Telehealth
Applied ABC Silver Spring
ListedAt our Silver Spring center, we provide center-based ABA therapy in full-day or shorter sessions, along with after-school activities and in-center social-skills groups. Full-day services are arranged in eight-hour blocks between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.; shorter sessions are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The after-school program runs from 1:30 to 6 and includes reading, games, science activities, and other ABA activities. In summer, the center offers themed therapy, games, and events Monday through Saturday. We also provide home-based ABA in Maryland and parent training. The center is at 1386 Lamberton Drive, Silver Spring.
- Center-based
- In-home
- Medicaid
- Telehealth
Behavioral & Educational Solutions (BES)
ListedBehavioral & Educational Solutions provides ABA and autism diagnostic testing at its Silver Spring practice on Spring Street. For school-aged children, our hybrid ABA model combines home, school, and clinic-based services. We also offer clinic-based ABA and individual and family counseling for autism-related support.
- Center-based
- In-home
- Medicaid
- Telehealth
Center for Autism Support and Training
ListedThe Center for Autism Support and Training in Silver Spring serves children and adults with autism through waiver-funded supports such as intensive individual assistance, respite, family consultation, and adult life planning. Programs aim to build independence inside real homes and neighborhoods, not only inside a single classroom. Eligibility often flows through Maryland's Autism Waiver, which pays for comprehensive services when families meet state criteria. The center keeps ratios small and works closely with caregivers so plans match day-to-day realities. Choose this organization when you need long-horizon community supports, caregiver relief, and waiver navigation rather than a short-term ABA-only clinic model.
Gold Standard ABA
ListedGold Standard ABA provides in-home ABA therapy for children with autism across Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Montgomery County. Care is built around an individualized, BCBA-supervised plan and delivered one-on-one in the home, with parent training and autism assessment available. The focus is on communication, social skills, and independence in everyday settings.
- In-home
- Medicaid
- Parent training
Helping Hands Family - Silver Spring
ListedHelping Hands Family provides child-led, play-based, center-based ABA therapy and early intervention for children ages 2 to 6 in Silver Spring, including its Little Hands full-day program. The clinic features a dedicated sensory space, gross motor gym, and occupational therapy room, and serves Montgomery County communities including Wheaton, White Oak, Takoma Park, and Glenmont. Helping Hands accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, Medicaid, Optum, Tricare, and UnitedHealthcare.
- Center-based
- Medicaid
- Early intervention
- Parent training
Little Leaves Behavioral Services, Silver Spring
ListedLittle Leaves Behavioral Services runs a Silver Spring center for children ages 1 to 6 with autism, using a preschool-inspired layout so therapy feels like a structured early-learning day rather than a sterile clinic. Individualized ABA can reach up to 40 hours per week when medically necessary, with BCBAs and RBTs implementing plans focused on communication, social engagement, and positive behavior. Caregiver training helps you reinforce new skills during meals, play, and transitions at home. Families often pick Little Leaves when they want a single team, high dosage options, and a nurturing environment that still tracks measurable milestones. Ask intake for current availability and insurance pairing for your plan.
Proud Moments ABA
ListedProud Moments ABA offers dedicated Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy tailored specifically for children diagnosed on the autism spectrum in Silver Spring, MD. Our child-centered approach focuses on developing essential skills while fostering a nurturing environment. With therapeutic services provided in-home, at school, or within our clinic, we collaborate deeply with families to ensure individualized care that truly suits each child's unique needs. Parents witness meaningful progress, with a focus on enhancing language, communication, and social skills through engaging and effective strategies.
- In-home
- School-based
- Medicaid
- Skill Development
Shining Star Clinic
ListedOur Silver Spring clinic provides one-to-one, center-based ABA for children with autism. BCBAs develop individualized programs focused on communication, social skills, and independence, and parents take part in the work so strategies carry into home routines. The clinic serves families in Montgomery County. Maryland Medicaid is accepted.
- Center-based
- Medicaid
Move Up ABA
ListedMove Up ABA delivers in-home and school-based ABA therapy for children with autism across the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. Each child receives an individualized, BCBA-supervised plan focused on communication, social skills, and independence, with assessments and parent training included. Sessions take place where children spend their day so progress generalizes across settings.
- In-home
- School-based
- Medicaid
- Parent training
Actify ABA Therapy
ListedActify provides in-home ABA centered on Olney with outreach to Brookeville, Ashton, Sandy Spring, Cloverly, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, and Bethesda. There is no center to tour; BCBAs and RBTs work in your home and community. Because therapy happens in your space, caregivers see goal updates firsthand and can practice the same prompts and reinforcement the team models. Intake regularly coordinates benefits with Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, Amerigroup, Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Priority Health, and UnitedHealthcare. Employer tiers and county rules still vary, so confirm network status before you start services.
- In-home
- Medicaid
- Telehealth
- Family-centered autism care
All Star ABA
ListedAll Star ABA provides transformative ABA therapy tailored for children with autism, empowering families in Catonsville and the Greater Baltimore area. With a compassionate and individualized approach, our experienced team focuses on fostering essential skills that help children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Our BCBAs and RBTs deliver therapy in home-based, center-based, and community settings, ensuring a comprehensive support system that accommodates each child's unique needs. We understand that early intervention is crucial and are committed to building strong foundations for brighter futures. Join us in creating a personalized path for your child's growth and development. From improving communication to enhancing daily living skills, All Star ABA is dedicated to empowering children and their families every step of the way.
- In-home
- Center-based
- Medicaid
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
Behavioral Framework
ListedBehavioral Framework offers in-clinic, in-home, and community-based ABA therapy for children with autism in Rockville and across Montgomery County. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst designs an individualized plan for each child, with autism diagnostic evaluations, early intervention, and school support available. Families can choose the setting that fits, with parent involvement throughout.
- Center-based
- In-home
- Medicaid
- Evaluations
Helping Hands Family
ListedHelping Hands Family offers one-to-one, center-based ABA therapy at its South Baltimore clinic for children approximately ages 2 through 6. Individual learning blocks are paired with small-group play and classroom-like routines to support communication, behavior, social participation, independence, and kindergarten readiness. The Little Hands day program provides an extended daytime schedule with peer activities layered into individualized care.
- Center-based
- Early childhood ABA
- School-readiness support
Helping Hands Family
ListedHelping Hands Family provides personalized ABA therapy for children aged 2 to 6 in Lanham, MD. Our dedicated approach focuses on understanding each child's unique needs, creating tailored treatment plans that aim to improve communication, enhance social skills, and build independence. With a strong emphasis on early intervention, our experienced team works collaboratively with families, ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive before entering kindergarten. At our center, we utilize a child-led, play-based learning approach, transforming therapy into engaging activities that promote skill development in a safe and nurturing environment. Our goal is to empower children affected by autism through compassionate and effective treatment, guiding them toward meaningful and lifelong success.
- Medicaid
- Child-led Learning
- Positive Reinforcement
- Individualized Treatment Plans
Helping Hands Family
ListedHelping Hands Family offers personalized ABA therapy services in Bowie, MD, aimed at enriching the lives of children with autism aged 2 to 6. Our engaging therapy clinics provide a nurturing environment where children can thrive through tailored, play-based programs. Each child benefits from individualized attention, blending one-on-one lessons with interactive group activities, designed to promote developmental growth and joy in learning. Our evidence-based approach focuses on improving communication, behavior, and social skills using methods that are child-led and adaptive to their unique abilities. With a commitment to family collaboration, we ensure open communication with parents at every step of the therapy process. Our empowering strategies aim not only to enhance outcomes for children but also offer valuable support and insights for families to integrate ABA principles into daily routines. We understand the importance of creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
- Center-based
- In-home
- Developmental Support
Helping Hands Family
ListedHelping Hands Family's Gaithersburg clinic offers center-based ABA for ages 2 to 6 with goals around communication, regulation, peer play, and routines that match preschool or kindergarten. One-to-one blocks alternate with small-group practice in the same building. A BCBA supervises each plan. Enrollment can confirm whether your policy matches the Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Highmark, or UnitedHealthcare contracts billed most often. Other Maryland clinics, including Baltimore-area sites, give you continuity if you move counties.
- Center-based
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Early Childhood ABA
Helping Hands Family
ListedHelping Hands Family offers compassionate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in North Bethesda, MD, for children ages 2 to 6 diagnosed with autism. Our dedicated team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) collaborates with families to create personalized therapy plans tailored to each child's unique needs. We focus on essential skills such as motor development, functional communication, and behavioral modification through a blend of fun activities and positive reinforcement. We recognize that family involvement is key to successful outcomes. Parents are encouraged to be active participants in the therapy journey, helping integrate learned skills into daily routines for maximum effectiveness. With our nurturing approach and focus on early intervention, we aim to foster significant improvements in cognitive function, socialization, and communication for all our young clients engaged in ABA therapy.
- In-person
- Telehealth
- Early intervention
Proud Moments ABA - Woodbridge
ListedProud Moments ABA - Woodbridge offers center-based ABA therapy in Woodbridge, VA for children with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental needs. The center serves families across Prince William County, including Woodbridge, Dale City, Lake Ridge, Manassas, and Lorton, with a structured clinic environment built for communication, social skills, behavior support, and daily independence. Each child’s care plan is individualized after assessment and guided by Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Licensed Behavior Analysts. Services include one-to-one ABA therapy, social skills groups, caregiver collaboration, parent training, and ongoing progress monitoring so families can carry therapy goals into everyday routines. The Woodbridge center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and accepts Medicaid plus several major insurance plans. Families comparing ABA therapy providers near Woodbridge can use the intake process to discuss availability, coverage, clinical fit, and next steps with the Proud Moments ABA team.
- Center-based
- Medicaid
- Communication Skills
- Social skills
Silver Spring family guide
ABA Therapy in Silver Spring, MD: What Families Should Know
ABA therapy for autism in Silver Spring comes as in-home sessions across downcounty Montgomery County, clinic programs within reach of the Beltway and the Red Line, and parent coaching by video. Maryland Medicaid pays for ABA for children under 21 through Carelon Behavioral Health, and Maryland-issued private plans must cover it under Insurance Article § 15-835, while many federal and self-funded employer plans set their own terms. Children younger than 34 1/2 months start with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program, and preschoolers from age 3 get a free MCPS Child Find screening.
ABA therapy options in Silver Spring
In-home ABA
Home programs spare you the Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue rush, but staffing varies by neighborhood. Ask whether a technician already works in your ZIP, from downtown Silver Spring and Long Branch out to White Oak and Colesville, and how the team handles a small apartment.
Center-based ABA
Clinics give your child peers, a structured room, and a BCBA on site. Families here often compare centers toward Wheaton, Kensington, and Rockville, so time the drive on I-495 at your actual session hour, or ask whether the clinic sits near a Metro or Ride On stop.
School and daycare support
Some providers observe or coach at a preschool or child care center with the program’s permission. If your child has an MCPS IEP, sign a release so the BCBA and the school team can line up goals instead of working in parallel.
Telehealth parent coaching
Video sessions let a BCBA coach you between home visits, which helps when a technician cancels or the commute stalls. Ask for parent training goals written into the treatment plan, not just offered as an extra.
Autism evaluations
Children’s National runs autism center sites in Rockville, in Lanham, and at the Takoma Theatre just across the D.C. line, all reached through one intake form. Submit it as soon as autism is a concern, and ask your pediatrician about other qualified diagnosticians at the same time.
How to start ABA therapy in Silver Spring
- 1
Confirm the diagnosis and coverage
Insurers and Maryland Medicaid authorize ABA after a licensed physician or psychologist diagnoses autism. Call the member number on your card and ask whether ABA needs prior authorization.
- 2
Compare Silver Spring providers
Use the provider list on this page to check settings, ages served, and insurance. Shortlist two or three that fit your schedule and location.
- 3
Ask the intake questions that matter
Ask about current intake timing, in-network status for your exact plan, who writes the treatment plan, and how parent training works.
- 4
Get matched if you want help
Tell us your child's age, coverage, and preferred setting. We share options in and around Silver Spring that fit. It is free for families.
Does insurance cover ABA therapy in Silver Spring?
Medicaid in Montgomery County
Maryland Medicaid covers ABA for members under 21 through its EPSDT benefit, but your child’s HealthChoice plan does not manage it. Carelon Behavioral Health, the state’s behavioral health administrative services organization, authorizes ABA, and Medicaid pays providers fee-for-service. Every ABA service needs prior authorization: a qualified clinician completes a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and refers for ABA, then a BCBA or psychologist writes a treatment plan, and approvals last up to 180 days. In Montgomery County, every HealthChoice MCO except Kaiser Permanente is open to new enrollment. Call Maryland Health Connection at 855-642-8572 to check or change plans, and Carelon at 800-888-1965 with ABA questions.
Private insurance
Maryland Insurance Article § 15-835 requires insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and HMOs that issue plans in Maryland to cover habilitative services for children until at least the end of the month they turn 19, and state regulation COMAR 31.10.39 applies that rule to ABA for autism. Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA rules, and federal employee plans follow federal rules, so Silver Spring families with D.C. or federal jobs should ask the plan directly.
Plans Silver Spring families often ask about:
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Kaiser Permanente
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans
- Maryland Physicians Care (HealthChoice)
- MedStar Family Choice (HealthChoice)
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland
Maryland’s habilitative services law (Insurance Article § 15-835)
What state-regulated insurers cannot do
- Refuse to cover habilitative services, including ABA for autism, for a child on a plan issued or delivered in Maryland, until at least the end of the month the child turns 19.
- Deny ABA on the grounds that it is experimental or investigational.
- Deny coverage based only on the number of hours prescribed, up to 25 hours a week for children from 18 months to age 6 and up to 10 hours a week for children 6 through 18.
- Deny payment only because a treatment goal names a school or other educational setting as the place of service.
- Use review criteria that are stricter than Maryland’s autism habilitative services regulations.
What still applies
- A plan can require a comprehensive evaluation by your child’s primary care provider or a specialty physician, a prescription with specific treatment goals, and an annual review.
- Plans can approve more hours than the protected minimums when they are medically necessary, and can manage the benefit through prior authorization.
- Plans do not have to pay for habilitative services delivered through early intervention or school services.
- Self-funded employer plans and federal employee plans follow federal rules instead of Maryland law.
Getting an autism diagnosis in Silver Spring
Silver Spring families usually run two tracks at once. A child under 34 1/2 months goes to the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program for a free developmental evaluation, while a medical autism diagnosis, which Medicaid and private plans need before approving ABA, comes from a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or similar specialist. Maryland Medicaid accepts a diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician, pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, child psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, or nurse practitioner trained to diagnose autism.
Under age 3
Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program
Serves children from birth to 34 1/2 months who have a 25 percent delay in one area, atypical development, or a condition likely to cause delays. All services are free. Refer by phone or online at referral.mditp.org. Office at 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, Rockville.
Evaluation
Children’s National Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Rockville
Describes itself as the D.C. region’s largest multidisciplinary pediatric autism program; the Rockville site is at 15245 Shady Grove Road, Suite 350. It accepts intakes for children when autism is a concern but not yet confirmed; start with the online intake form. Appointments: 888-884-2327.
Evaluation
Children’s National Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Takoma Theatre
A second center site at 6833 4th St. NW, just over the D.C. line from downtown Silver Spring. Use the same intake form and ask which location can see your child first.
Evaluation
Kennedy Krieger Institute Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI)
Interdisciplinary autism evaluations at 707 North Broadway in Baltimore. An intake form is required before the first visit; referral specialists also take calls at 443-923-9400, option 1.
School districts serving Silver Spring families
Public schools evaluate children from age 3 at no cost through Child Find. ABA providers can coordinate with your child's IEP team. Compare special needs schools in Silver Spring too.
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Montgomery County Public Schools Child Find (ages 3 to kindergarten)
MCPS Child Find gives free developmental screenings from age 3 until kindergarten at English Manor, 4511 Bestor Drive in Rockville. Call the intake line at 301-947-6080 or the office at 240-740-2170 (ChildFind@mcpsmd.org), and send the Child Find questionnaire with proof of residency.
-
Montgomery County Public Schools (kindergarten to age 21)
For students in kindergarten through age 21, request an evaluation from your neighborhood school, in writing and dated. Parents of students placed in private schools call 240-740-3855 for a Child Find referral packet.
Autism in Silver Spring by the numbers
- 1 in 31
- 8-year-olds identified with autism across 16 CDC monitoring sites
- About 7,840
- Estimated autistic children in Montgomery County
- 18,119
- Children under 18 living in Silver Spring
- 3.9%
- Silver Spring children under 18 with a disability
- 98.8%
- Silver Spring children under 19 with health insurance
- 21.9%
- Silver Spring residents age 5 and up who speak Spanish at home
- $99,860
- Median household income in Silver Spring
- 16.2%
- Silver Spring children under 18 living below the poverty line
CDC Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 2022 data published in 2025.
An estimate: 243,139 county residents under 18 divided by 31, not a count of diagnoses.
Census disability questions cover hearing, vision, cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living, so this is broader than autism.
Ask providers whether they have Spanish-speaking BCBAs or technicians.
Many of these children qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, which cover ABA.
Sources: CDC ADDM Network (2022 surveillance year, MMWR April 2025); U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates (tables B01001, B18101, B27010, C16001, B19013, B17020) for Silver Spring CDP and Montgomery County. The county autism figure is an estimate, not a count.
Silver Spring local numbers
What ABA therapy costs in Silver Spring
Private-pay ABA in Maryland typically runs $130 to $200 an hour. The table multiplies that range by weekly hours (hours x 52 weeks / 12 months) to show a monthly bill before insurance. This is an illustration, not a quote: your bill depends on authorized hours, the mix of technician and BCBA time, and what your plan pays.
| Hours per week | At $130/hr | At $200/hr |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $5,633/mo | $8,667/mo |
| 20 hours | $11,267/mo | $17,333/mo |
| 30 hours | $16,900/mo | $26,000/mo |
Estimate your cost with insurance using your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.
Maryland Medicaid ABA rate
Maryland Medicaid pays an ABA provider $19.17 for each 15-minute unit of technician-delivered ABA (CPT 97153), or $76.68 an hour, and $38.34 per unit when a BCBA or other qualified professional adjusts treatment (CPT 97155). This is what Medicaid pays providers, not a price families pay.
- 97153 per 15 minutes (RBT or BT)
- $19.17
- 97155 per 15 minutes (Psychologist, BCBA-D, or BCBA)
- $38.34
- Effective
- Feb 1, 2026
Fee-for-service rate from the Maryland Medicaid ABA Provider Manual fee schedule. Managed care plans negotiate their own rates with providers. Compare states in our Medicaid ABA spending and rates by state report.
How long is the ABA wait in Maryland?
In January to March 2022, TRICARE families in Maryland waited an average of 48 days from a verified referral to their first ABA appointment, 20 days longer than TRICARE's 28-day access standard for specialty care. This figure covers military families only, comes from one 2022 snapshot, and does not promise a wait for any family today. See every published ABA wait time.
Source: Defense Health Agency, TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration report to Congress, Table 3 (April 2023; data January 1 to March 31, 2022).
Silver Spring kids compared with Maryland and the US
| Measure | Silver Spring | Maryland | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children under 18 with a disability | 3.9% | 4.4% | 4.9% |
| Children under 19 with health insurance | 98.8% | 95.6% | 94.5% |
| Children under 18 below the poverty line | 16.2% | 11.5% | 16.1% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates (ACS 2024 5-year), tables B18101, B27010, and B17020, via Census Reporter. Census disability questions cover hearing, vision, cognitive, mobility, self-care, and independent living, so the disability rate is broader than autism.
Maryland autism identification vs the US
Maryland public schools served 14.70 children per 1,000 ages 5 to 21 under the IDEA autism category in 2024-25, about 1 in 68, below the national rate of about 1 in 64. School identification counts only children served in special education under the autism category, so it runs lower than the CDC's clinical estimate of 1 in 31 eight-year-olds. Compare autism rates in every state.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, IDEA Section 618 child count, school year 2024-25, divided by Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population ages 5 to 21.
Silver Spring autism resources for families
Advocacy & navigation
The Parents’ Place of Maryland
Maryland’s federally designated Parent Training and Information Center. Free help with IEPs, Child Find, and special education rights for families of children from birth through 26. Toll free 800-394-5694.
Early intervention
Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program
Free early intervention for Montgomery County children from birth to 34 1/2 months. Refer by phone or at referral.mditp.org.
Autism support
Pathfinders for Autism
Founded by parents in 2000, it describes itself as Maryland’s largest autism organization. Its Resource Center answers family questions personally and keeps a searchable provider and services database.
Autism support
Montgomery County DHHS Autism Waiver Service Coordination
Coordinates home and community services for Montgomery County children approved for Maryland’s Autism Waiver. To get on the waiting list, call the Autism Waiver Registry at 866-417-3480.
Medicaid
Carelon Behavioral Health Maryland
Administers Maryland Medicaid’s ABA benefit for members under 21 and grants prior authorization for every ABA service.
Medicaid
Maryland Health Connection
Medicaid enrollment and eligibility. Call to check which HealthChoice MCO your child is in or to change plans.
Developmental disabilities
DDA Southern Maryland Regional Office
The Developmental Disabilities Administration office for Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, at 312 Marshall Ave. in Laurel. Toll free 888-207-2479.
More questions about ABA therapy in Silver Spring
My Silver Spring family has a D.C. employer or federal health plan. Does Maryland’s ABA law apply?
Only if the plan was issued or delivered in Maryland by an insurer, nonprofit health service plan, or HMO. Many Silver Spring parents carry coverage from a D.C. employer, a self-funded company plan, or a Federal Employees Health Benefits plan, and those follow their own contract and federal rules. Ask the plan for its written ABA policy, the weekly hours it authorizes, and whether providers on both sides of the D.C. line are in network.
Can my child keep Montgomery County early intervention while we wait for an autism evaluation?
Yes. The Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program does not need an autism diagnosis; a 25 percent delay, atypical development, or a high probability condition qualifies a child under 34 1/2 months, and services are free. Start that referral and the Children’s National intake form the same week. Early intervention coaching keeps skills moving while you wait for the diagnosis that Medicaid and private plans need before approving ABA.
What does Maryland’s Autism Waiver add for a Silver Spring child?
The Autism Waiver pays for home and community supports such as respite, family consultation, and after-school Therapeutic Integration programs. Children qualify from age 1 through the semester they turn 21 if they have an autism diagnosis or an educational autism classification, meet the waiver’s level of care and Medicaid financial rules, and have an IFSP, a preschool or kindergarten IEP, or from first grade an IEP with 15 or more weekly hours of services or one-to-one adult support. Slots open only as others leave, so call the registry at 866-417-3480 early. Montgomery County DHHS coordinates services once a child is approved.
How many hours of ABA therapy does a child need each week?
It depends on the treatment plan. Focused programs that target a few skills often run 10 to 25 hours a week, while comprehensive programs for young children can run 30 to 40 hours. The supervising BCBA recommends hours after an assessment, and your insurer or Medicaid plan authorizes them.
What is the difference between a BCBA and an RBT?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) holds a graduate degree, assesses your child, writes and adjusts the treatment plan, and supervises the team. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) delivers most one-to-one sessions under that BCBA's supervision.
How long does ABA therapy take to show results?
Families often see early changes in the first few months, and the BCBA reviews progress data against goals at least every six months, which is also when most insurers reauthorize hours. Ask any provider how they share progress data with parents.
Do I need a referral to start ABA therapy?
Most plans require an autism diagnosis and a prescription or referral for ABA from a physician or psychologist, followed by prior authorization. Some commercial plans skip the referral step, so check your policy before your first intake call.
Reviewed 2026-10-22 against linked state and provider sources.
Nearby therapy options
Compare ABA therapy near Silver Spring
Families often compare nearby cities when commute, availability, services, or age fit differ.
Planning guides
Plan your next ABA provider call in Silver Spring
Use these guides before you ask about intake, insurance, school coordination, parent training, or waitlists.
Maryland ABA therapy guide
Compare ABA settings, Medicaid and insurance notes, and Maryland provider starting points.
Maryland Autism Waiver guide
Who qualifies, what it covers, the waitlist, and how to join the registry.
How to choose an autism therapy center
Questions to ask about BCBA supervision, intake, setting, parent training, and waitlists.
ABA therapy cost by state
Private-pay ranges, insurance mandates, and current Medicaid ABA rules for every state.
IEP process guide
Use this when therapy decisions overlap with school evaluations, supports, or placement.
Working in ABA?
See current ABA therapy jobs in Maryland on Special Needs Jobs, our job board for RBTs, BCBAs, and behavior technicians.
Why Choose ABA Therapy in Silver Spring?
Silver Spring borders Washington, D.C., and families looking for ABA therapy for an autistic child here compare providers across downcounty Montgomery County, Takoma Park, Wheaton, and nearby Prince George's County. ABA depends on steady weekly hours, so Beltway and Georgia Avenue travel shapes the choice.
Comprehensive Autism Therapy Services in Silver Spring
Children under 34 1/2 months start with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program. From age 3, MCPS Child Find screens preschoolers, and the neighborhood school handles evaluations from kindergarten. Maryland Medicaid covers ABA for members under 21 through Carelon Behavioral Health with prior authorization. Children's National runs autism evaluation sites in Rockville, in Lanham, and on the D.C. side of Takoma.
When exploring special needs educational programs alongside behavioral therapy, families in Silver Spring often find that coordinated services produce the best outcomes.Understanding Insurance Coverage for ABA Therapy in Silver Spring
Maryland's habilitative services law, Md. Code, Insurance § 15-835, requires insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and HMOs that issue individual or group coverage in Maryland to cover habilitative services for children until at least the end of the month they turn 19. Maryland Insurance Administration regulations (COMAR 31.10.39) make clear that, for a child with autism, this benefit includes behavioral health treatment such as applied behavior analysis, along with psychological and therapeutic care. A plan may not deny ABA as experimental. It also may not deny coverage based only on the number of prescribed hours when the request is 25 hours a week or fewer for a child from 18 months to age six, or 10 hours a week or fewer from age six until 19. Plans may require a comprehensive evaluation, a prescription with treatment goals, and an annual review, and normal copays, deductibles, and network rules still apply. Plans do not have to pay for services delivered through early intervention or school programs. Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA rules rather than Maryland law. Maryland Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA for members under 21 who have an autism diagnosis from a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. The child is referred to the state's behavioral health administrative services organization, which manages and authorizes ABA services.
Maryland Autism Support Programs and Regulations
The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program, led by the Maryland State Department of Education, serves children from birth to age three with developmental delays or disabilities through a local program in every county and Baltimore City. Anyone, including a parent, doctor, or child care provider, can make a referral, and services are free to families. At age three, families of children who qualify for preschool special education can move to an IEP through the local school system or choose the Extended IFSP Option, which continues early intervention until the start of the school year after the child's fourth birthday. The Autism Waiver, which the State Department of Education runs for Medicaid, serves children with an autism diagnosis from age one until the end of the school year in which they turn 21. A child must need an institutional level of care and have an IEP or IFSP with at least 15 hours a week of services, and only the child's own income and assets count. Services include intensive individual support, respite, and family consultation. Families join the Autism Waiver registry and wait for an opening. When exploring specialized educational programs to complement ABA therapy, Silver Spring families have access to a comprehensive network of support services.
Selecting the right ABA therapy provider in Silver Spring is an important decision that can significantly impact your child's progress. The 30 therapy providers serving the Silver Spring area each bring unique strengths, from specialized early intervention programs to school-based services and intensive behavioral support. Many Silver Spring providers offer comprehensive parent training, ensuring that therapeutic strategies extend seamlessly into daily life. With Maryland's strong insurance protections and regulatory framework supporting autism treatment, families in Silver Spring can confidently access high-quality, evidence-based ABA therapy services designed to help children reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Therapy in Silver Spring
What does applied behavior analysis look like for kids in Silver Spring?
How do ABA wait lists work for Silver Spring families?
Does Maryland Medicaid cover ABA for a Silver Spring child?
What should a Silver Spring family ask a private plan about ABA?
Where can a Silver Spring family get an autism diagnosis?
How does early intervention work for a Silver Spring child under 3?
How do MCPS evaluations work for Silver Spring children over 3?
Is in-home or clinic ABA easier from Silver Spring?
Silver Spring ABA therapy guide
Where can you get ABA therapy in Silver Spring, MD?
ABA therapy in Silver Spring, MD serves children with autism through center-based clinics, in-home programs, and parent training, supervised by a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and delivered by registered behavior technicians. Montgomery County families comparing Silver Spring ABA providers usually weigh setting (center, in-home, or both), the waitlist and intake timeline, and accepted funding. Maryland Medicaid covers medically necessary ABA for children through EPSDT, and many commercial health plans cover ABA under Maryland's autism insurance mandate, so confirm coverage and network status with each clinic. Start with the Silver Spring providers below, then request information to compare availability and fit.
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