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Getting ABA started in
Bergen County

From diagnosis to first session, in the order that moves fastest.

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Free for families NJ FamilyCare and commercial plans Bergen County only

A child painting at an easel while an adult steadies the paper
A parent and child laughing together over a picture book on the sofa

  1. Get the diagnosis in writing

    ABA is funded against a written autism diagnosis from a pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, neurologist or psychologist. If you do not have one yet, that is the appointment to book first.

  2. Work out which door you go through

    Under 3, that is New Jersey Early Intervention. Age 3 and up on NJ FamilyCare, it is PerformCare, the single access point for the Children's System of Care. On a commercial plan you approach providers directly.

  3. Ask for the assessment, not the therapy

    No provider can quote hours before a BCBA has assessed your child. Booking that assessment is what starts the clock, and it is what the waiting list is actually for.

  4. Apply to several providers at once

    Waits in Bergen County vary by town and by plan. Families who apply to three or four start months sooner than families who wait on one.

What slows families down

  • Applying to one provider and waiting. Nothing costs more time. Apply to several and take the first workable start date.
  • Waiting for the diagnosis letter by post. Ask the diagnosing clinician for a copy on the day, or a PDF by email.
  • Asking for therapy instead of the assessment. The assessment is the bookable thing. Hours are set after it.
  • Not checking whether the plan is self-funded. It changes which rules apply, and HR can answer it in a sentence.

What to have ready

  • The written diagnosis, with the date and the clinician's name.
  • Your insurance card, both sides.
  • Recent evaluation reports, including anything from school.
  • The hours and days you could realistically commit to.

Find ABA providers near you

Tell us what you need. We will point you to providers covering Bergen County, and what to expect on cost and waiting.

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Common questions

How long does it take from diagnosis to first session?

It depends on funding route and provider capacity rather than anything you can push. Families who apply to several providers at once start considerably sooner than families who queue at one.

Can we start before the diagnosis is finalized?

Funded ABA needs the diagnosis. Children under 3 can be evaluated by Early Intervention without one, and some providers will begin parent training privately while an authorization is pending.