Boca Raton has a lot of choices, and that can make it harder to know where to start. If your child could use more support, here is how ABA therapy works, which free local resources to use, and how our bilingual team can help.
Serving Boca Raton from Greenacres
Our office is in Greenacres, and Boca Raton is at the southern end of our area, beyond Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. Travel time varies with the hour and with I-95 and Turnpike traffic. We serve families here and will tell you plainly on the first call how scheduling would work for your address.
Sessions take place at home or at school, so your child practices skills where daily life happens.
What ABA looks like for a Boca Raton family
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It teaches skills one small step at a time and builds on what your child already enjoys. For a child with autism it can mean more words, easier routines, calmer transitions and more play with others.
An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) works one-on-one with your child, and a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) designs the plan and supervises. You are part of the team. Part of our staff is bilingual, so English, Spanish or both are fine.
From Mizner Park to west Boca
Boca Raton stretches from the beach and the downtown area around Mizner Park and Glades Road to the Town Center area and the communities of west Boca, out toward State Road 7. Families across the city are in our service area.
Autism help with a Boca Raton address
Florida Atlantic University's main campus, at 777 Glades Road, is home to a regional office of FAU CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities). CARD offers free consultation, training, developmental screenings and referrals to families across Palm Beach County. It does not provide therapy or diagnosis, but it is a strong first call while you wait for an evaluation.
Public schools here are part of the School District of Palm Beach County. The district's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program serves students with autism from Pre-K through high school, and what it looks like depends on each child.
If your child is already enrolled, start with the school's ESE coordinator. If your child is about 3 to 5 and not in public school, FDLRS Alpha Child Find offers free developmental screenings without a doctor's referral or insurance. For a child under 3, the program is Treasure Coast Early Steps from Easterseals Florida, and parents can refer.
More free or low-cost help
Other resources worth knowing:
- The 2-1-1 Special Needs Helpline can point you to services for children up to age 22.
- The county's Glades Road Branch (20701 95th Avenue South) and West Boca Branch (18685 State Road 7) belong to the county library system, which runs Sensory Friendly Browsing Hours. The city's own Boca Raton Public Library is separate, so check both calendars.
- Red Reef Park, on the beach, is a place to burn energy. Go at a quiet time of day if crowds are hard for your child.
What the first BCBA visit is like
The BCBA visit is a getting-to-know-you, not a test. The analyst spends time with your child and with you, notices what your child does well first and what is hard second, and listens to what matters most at home. From that conversation come goals you can see and celebrate, such as a first request with words, a calmer bedtime or sitting through a family dinner.
Bring your questions, your child's favorite toy and any reports or school papers you already have. Nothing is wrong if you have none.
Coverage in plain language
Florida Medicaid generally pays for ABA for children under 21 when it is medically necessary. Florida also requires many private health plans to cover ABA for children with an autism diagnosis. Paramount serves Medicaid members of Molina Healthcare, Sunshine Health, Children's Medical Services Health Plan and Community Care Plan. Plan rules for new families can change, so call us to check your plan and we will tell you where things stand.
Taking the first step
One: a free consultation, booked as soon as you call. Two: we check your plan with you. Three: a BCBA meets your child and learns what they love and what is hard. Four: sessions start. We have no waitlist: we have openings. What usually sets the pace after that is the paperwork (the doctor's order, the diagnostic evaluation and the insurance or Medicaid authorization) and your family's schedule.
Ready to begin? Fill in the quick request form or call (561) 421-0047.
How soon can ABA start in Boca Raton?
We have no waitlist: we have openings, and we schedule the initial consultation as soon as you call. What usually sets the pace after that is the paperwork (the doctor's order, the diagnostic evaluation and the insurance or Medicaid authorization) and your family's schedule.
What if my child has no diagnosis yet?
Most plans ask for an autism diagnosis before ABA begins. Call anyway, and we will talk about the next steps. FAU CARD and Child Find can also help with screening.
Is the first BCBA visit a test for my child?
No. It is a chance for the BCBA to get to know your child, strengths first, and to hear your goals. There is nothing to pass or fail.
Can the therapist speak Spanish with my child?
Yes. Part of our team is bilingual, and sessions can be in Spanish or in both languages.