Jupiter is at the northern edge of Palm Beach County, and families here often feel far from services. If your child could use more support, here is how ABA therapy works, the free help close to you, and how to start.
An honest word about distance
Our office is in Greenacres, and Jupiter is at the far northern end of our area, past Palm Beach Gardens. The drive depends on the hour and on 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 Jupiter family
ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis. It teaches skills in small steps 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, and a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) designs 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.
Communities we serve in Jupiter
Jupiter includes the area around the Jupiter Inlet and the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, the Loxahatchee River, and Abacoa, home of Roger Dean Stadium and the Florida Atlantic University Jupiter campus. Families across Jupiter are in our service area.
Schools and early help
Public schools in Jupiter 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 has an office on the FAU Jupiter campus, at 5353 Parkside Drive, and serves Palm Beach County. It offers free developmental screenings, consultation, training and referrals. It does not provide therapy or diagnosis. Call the main line first to ask how to reach the Jupiter office.
- The 2-1-1 Special Needs Helpline can point you to services for children up to age 22.
- The county's Jupiter Branch library, at 705 Military Trail, belongs to the county system, which runs Sensory Friendly Browsing Hours. The county library system calendar lists what is on.
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.
Insurance without the guesswork
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.
Your first 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 Jupiter?
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.