Delray Beach is known for Atlantic Avenue and the beach, but for a family with a child who needs more support, what matters is who shows up and how soon. Here is how ABA works, what free help exists nearby, and how to begin.
An honest word about distance
Our office is in Greenacres, and Delray Beach is farther south, past Boynton Beach. The drive depends on the time of day and on I-95 and Turnpike traffic. We serve families here, and we will tell you plainly on the first call whether your address works and how we would schedule around it.
Sessions can take place at home or at school, so your child is learning where daily life happens.
What ABA looks like for a Delray Beach child
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It teaches skills in small steps, notices effort and builds on what your child loves. 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. A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) writes the plan and supervises. You learn the same tools and are part of the team. Part of our staff is bilingual, so English, Spanish or both are fine.
From downtown to west Delray
Delray Beach runs from the beach and the Atlantic Avenue downtown, with the Pineapple Grove arts district and the Old School Square area, to the newer communities in the west, around Lake Ida Road and Hagen Ranch Road. Families across the city are in our service area.
Schools and early help
Public schools in Delray Beach 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.
Free local help worth knowing about
While you work through a diagnosis or a start date, these are free or low cost:
- FAU CARD offers free developmental screenings, consultation, training and referrals. Its Boca Raton office, at 777 Glades Road, serves 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 county's Hagen Ranch Road Branch library, at 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, belongs to the county system, which runs Sensory Friendly Browsing Hours. The city's own Delray Beach Public Library is separate, so check both calendars.
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.
Paying for ABA in Delray Beach
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.
What happens when you call
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 Delray Beach?
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.