If a doctor, a teacher or your own gut told you your child could use more support, Boynton Beach has real help close by. Here is how in-home ABA therapy works, who else can help, and how to get moving without a long wait.
What ABA therapy means for a Boynton Beach family
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. In plain words, it is a method for teaching skills one small step at a time, rewarding effort, and keeping learning fun. For a child with autism it can mean more words, fewer meltdowns around transitions, easier meals and more play with others.
With Paramount Behavior, an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) comes to your home and works one-on-one with your child. A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) designs the plan and supervises the RBT. You are part of the team. Part of our staff is bilingual, so English, Spanish or both are fine.
Covering Boynton Beach, east to west
Boynton Beach stretches from the old downtown around Ocean Avenue to the neighborhoods near Jog Road and beyond I-95. We serve families in places such as Lake Boynton Estates, and along Congress Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard. Lantana and Hypoluxo are next door to Boynton Beach, and we serve Lantana too.
Our office is in Greenacres, so the trip to many Boynton Beach homes is straightforward. If you are unsure whether your address is in our range, ask us during the first call.
Schools and the district in Boynton Beach
Public schools here, such as Boynton Beach Community High School and Congress Middle School, 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.
While you wait: things that help now
A diagnosis or a start date can take time. These resources are free or low cost and available while you work through it:
- FAU CARD offers free developmental screenings, consultation, training and referrals for families in Palm Beach County. It does not provide therapy or diagnosis.
- The 2-1-1 Special Needs Helpline can point you to services for children up to age 22.
- The West Boynton Branch library, at 9451 Jog Road, and the Canyon Branch, at 8915 Senator Joe Abruzzo Avenue, belong to the county system, which runs Sensory Friendly Browsing Hours. The city's own Boynton Beach Public Library is separate, so check both calendars.
- Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park is a good 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 actually see and celebrate, such as a first request with words, a calmer bedtime or sitting through a family dinner.
Bring questions, your child's favorite toy and any reports or school papers you already have. Nothing is wrong if you have none.
Understanding coverage
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. We accept Florida Medicaid, including Molina Healthcare, Sunshine Health, Children's Medical Services Health Plan and Community Care Plan, and we can check your benefits with private plans such as Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue and UnitedHealthcare. Send us your insurance details and we will find out what your plan covers, at no cost to you.
A clear path from call to first session
One: a free consultation, booked as soon as you call. Two: we check your insurance for free, usually the same day. Three: a BCBA meets your child and learns what they love and what is hard. Four: sessions start at home. There is no waitlist: we have openings. What sets the pace after that is the paperwork (the doctor's referral, a diagnostic evaluation, and 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 Boynton Beach?
There is no waitlist, and we book the free consultation as soon as you call. The exact start date depends on the paperwork (the doctor's referral, a diagnostic evaluation, and insurance or Medicaid authorization), your family's schedule and the availability of a therapist for your area.
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.