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Advocacy

5 Questions to Ask During Your ABA Insurance Benefits Check in 2026

A benefits check is often the first real step in getting your child started with ABA therapy — but it’s easy to walk away from that call with more questions than answers. Insurance rules affecting autism coverage have shifted heading into 2026, so it’s worth knowing exactly what to ask. Here are five questions that will get you the clearest picture. 5 Questions to Ask 1. Is my plan fully insured or self-funded? This distinction matters more than most families

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What Horizon NJ Health’s New 2026 ABA Policy Means for Your Child’s Coverage

If your family has ABA therapy authorized through Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey or Horizon NJ Health, there’s an important update you need to know about. As of January 1, 2026, Horizon rolled out revised medical policy guidelines for Applied Behavior Analysis services — and they change how ongoing coverage gets evaluated. Here’s what parents and caregivers need to understand, in plain language. What Changed Horizon’s updated policy applies to ABA authorization requests for members on Horizon

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AGBS Navigating School & ABA Therapy: How to Get Them Working Together for Your Child

Navigating School & ABA Therapy: How to Get Them Working Together for Your Child

If your child receives ABA therapy at home and also has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school, you may feel like you’re managing two separate worlds. Different goals, different strategies, different teams — and you in the middle, trying to make sense of it all. The good news: these two worlds can — and should — work together. When your child’s school team and ABA team are aligned, your child gets a consistent, reinforcing experience across every environment they

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“Respond and Expand”: A Simple Way to Boost Communication in Children with Autism

What Is Caregiver Skills Training (CST)? Caregiver Skills Training (CST) is a program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help parents and caregivers of children with developmental delays or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) build essential skills to support their child’s communication, social, and emotional development. Unlike traditional therapy sessions that take place a few hours a week, CST empowers caregivers to embed learning into everyday routines—like playtime, mealtime, or getting dressed. The goal is to help children grow

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Parents Advocating for Their Autistic Child in New Jersey: A Guide for the School Year Ahead

As a parent of an autistic child, you’re your child’s best advocate. The school year can bring excitement—but also uncertainty. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process confidently, using available New Jersey resources. 1. Understand and Navigate Special Education Rights (IDEA & IEP) New Jersey public schools are required to provide services under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) determines their learning supports—such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, aides,

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Navigating Autism in New Jersey: Challenges for Parents Raising Children on the Spectrum

Raising a child with autism presents significant challenges no matter where you live—but for parents in New Jersey, there are unique obstacles and systemic hurdles that can make the journey even more complex. From navigating school services to accessing therapy and understanding the state’s insurance and Medicaid policies, New Jersey families often find themselves in a maze of paperwork, waitlists, and inconsistent support. Challenges for Parents Raising Children on the Spectrum: Raising a child with autism presents significant challenges no

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AGBS ABA THERAPY IN-HOME NJ

Medicaid Cuts Could Impact Autism Services for Families

For many families of children with autism, Medicaid is a lifeline, providing essential services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and more. If the government cuts Medicaid funding, these families could face serious challenges in accessing the support their children need to thrive.  How Medicaid Cuts Could Impact Autism Services for Families:  1. Reduced Access to Therapy Medicaid covers various therapies that help children with autism develop critical skills. If funding is cut, families may experience

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Can AI Empower Children with Autism? A New Frontier in Support and Therapy

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing nearly every aspect of our lives—from personalized healthcare to adaptive learning. One area where its promise is particularly exciting is in supporting children with autism. As our understanding of autism evolves, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance early diagnosis, tailor interventions, and foster social and communication skills. Understanding Autism and Its Unique Challenges Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions. Every child with autism is

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The Eagles’ Autism Sensory Room: A Pioneer in NFL Stadiums

The Philadelphia Eagles, a renowned NFL team and now Super Bowl contenders, have once again proven their commitment to their fans by creating an Autism Sensory Room at Lincoln Financial Field. This groundbreaking initiative not only underscores their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility but also sets a benchmark for other sports organizations. Congratulations to the Eagles for reaching the Super Bowl—a remarkable achievement for a team that continues to excel on and off the field! Why Sensory Rooms Are Crucial

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Are There any Autism-Related Benefits or Tax Breaks You Can Claim?

Raising a child with autism comes with unique challenges, and navigating the financial implications is often a significant concern for families. Fortunately, there are various benefits and tax credits available to help lighten the load. Understanding these opportunities can make a big difference in managing your family’s financial well-being. Disability Tax Credits The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit designed to help individuals with disabilities or their caregivers. To qualify, you must have a medical practitioner certify

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