The summer gap for Bergen County families, and how to plan around it

Practical steps for Bergen County families to keep ABA therapy going when school ends. Learn about insurance, PerformCare, ESY, and local providers.

Published September 5, 2026 · Bergen County, New Jersey

Why the summer gap matters

If your child receives ABA therapy through their school district in Bergen County, those services typically stop when the school year ends. The same is true for many clinic based programs that follow a school calendar. For a child with autism, a two month break can mean lost progress. But you do not have to go without help. With some planning, you can keep therapy going through the summer.

Step one: Check your insurance coverage

Start by calling your insurance plan. In New Jersey, most plans cover ABA therapy for autism. If your child is on NJ FamilyCare (the state Medicaid and CHIP program), your plan is one of these: Horizon NJ Health, Wellpoint, Aetna Better Health of NJ, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Ask your plan these questions:

• Does my plan cover ABA therapy during summer months?
• Is there a limit on the number of hours or sessions per year? If so, how many have we used so far?
• Do I need a new prescription or referral from a doctor for summer services?
• Can I use any provider in the network, or do I need prior authorization for a specific one?

Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke to. If the answer is unclear, ask to speak to a supervisor or a case manager.

Step two: Contact the right state agency for your child's age

New Jersey has different systems depending on how old your child is.

Under age 3

Contact the New Jersey Early Intervention System. They can evaluate your child and provide services, including ABA, through a family service plan. Ask them about summer options and whether they can increase hours during the break.

Ages 3 through 21

Call PerformCare. This is the single access point for the Children's System of Care in New Jersey. They can help you find providers, check eligibility, and coordinate funding. Tell them you are looking for summer ABA therapy. They may connect you with a care manager who knows the local landscape.

After age 21, contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). They have their own process, so start early if your child is approaching that age.

Step three: Talk to your school district about Extended School Year (ESY)

Some children qualify for ESY services, which can include ABA. ESY is not automatic; the school district must decide that your child is at risk of losing critical skills over the break. Ask your child's case manager or IEP team about ESY eligibility. If your child qualifies, the district must provide services, but those services may not be the same as the full ABA program during the school year. Be specific about what you want and ask for it in writing.

Bergen County has many school districts, including Alpine, Bergenfield, Bogota, Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Dumont, Edgewater, and Elmwood Park. Each district handles ESY differently, so contact your district's special education office directly.

Step four: Find a provider that works in summer

Bergen County has 108 ABA providers registered on the federal NPPES registry. Not all of them offer summer programs, but many do. The towns with the most providers are Hackensack (12), Montvale (9), Fair Lawn (8), Englewood (6), Mahwah (5), and Teaneck (5). Start your search there. Of the county's 70 municipalities, 45 have at least one provider in the town itself, and every town has a provider within 7 miles. So you likely have options nearby.

When you call a provider, ask:

• Do you accept my insurance plan?
• Do you have openings for summer? If so, what days and times?
• Can you work with my child's school district to coordinate a transition back in the fall?

Keep a list of providers you contact and what they say. Some may have a waitlist. Do not assume a provider is full just because they are busy; ask to be put on a cancellation list.

Step five: Plan for funding gaps

If your insurance does not cover summer ABA, or if you have a high deductible, ask about other options. NJ FamilyCare may cover children whose families meet income guidelines. If you are already on NJ FamilyCare, your managed care plan should cover ABA. If you have private insurance, check if your plan has an out of network benefit. Some families pay privately for a few hours a week to maintain skills. There is no set price; each provider sets their own rates. Ask upfront about cost and payment plans.

Also ask your school district if they can provide any summer services outside of ESY, such as a social skills group or a summer camp that includes ABA support. Some districts partner with local agencies.

Step six: Prepare paperwork early

Summer planning should start by March or April. You will need up to date prescriptions, a current behavior plan, and a copy of your insurance card. If your child is under 3, have the Early Intervention evaluation ready. If over 3, have the most recent IEP and any ABA treatment plans. Providers will ask for these before they can start.

If you are working with PerformCare, they may require a new assessment. Ask them what documents they need and how long the process takes. Wait times vary; do not wait until June.

What if you cannot find a provider?

It is possible that all nearby providers are full or do not accept your insurance. In that case, ask your current school or clinic if they offer summer sessions. Some private ABA agencies run summer camps or intensive programs. You can also ask your child's current BCBA if they have any recommendations for summer coverage. Sometimes a BCBA will work with you directly on a limited basis.

If nothing works, focus on maintaining skills at home. Ask your child's therapist for a simple summer plan with a few daily activities. Even 15 minutes of structured play can help.

The summer gap is real, but with early planning and the right questions, you can keep your child's progress moving forward. Start now, call the right people, and do not be afraid to ask again if you do not get a clear answer.