PEDIATRIC ABA THERAPY · HOSPITAL-PARTNERED

We handle everything
but the hugs.

Hospital-partnered ABA therapy that fits your child's whole world.

✓ No Waitlist·✓ Medicaid Accepted·✓ Insurance Accepted·✓ Ages 18mo–6yr
Now accepting new families
In partnership with

Schedule Your Center Tour

See our sensory-friendly centers, meet our team, and explore how we can support your family.

No Waitlist. Immediate Enrollment Available.
🔒 We'll never share your information
⏱️ Average response time: under 2 hours
Family Stories

Families Choose Us for Care That Feels Supportive From Day One

★★★★★

I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have Morgan as my son's BCBA. Her dedication over the past year and a half has been nothing short of transformative. She goes above and beyond with resources and support.

HC
New Jersey · Google Review
★★★★★

The staff here is amazing. They care about the families and children. They are attentive, forthcoming, and aware of your child's care at all times. I would recommend this center 1000 times over.

S
New Jersey · Google Review
★★★★★

This place has been a God send. The care is very specific and tailored to exactly what each kid needs. My child's therapists even attended his birthday party. They have truly become a reliable source for care.

Amina Hammond
New Jersey · Google Review
★★★★★

My son was very well received in this place, and his autism treatment has been well followed. The teamwork is nice and able to handle your child needs.

Vanessa Ervin
New Jersey
★★★★★

If you're looking for an ABA place this is the place to take your child! I have been taking my child here for almost a year and let me tell you how PROFESSIONAL, WONDERFUL and LOVING the staff is.

Keysha Baez
New Jersey
★★★★★

We are so incredibly grateful for the team at Children's Specialized ABA! From day one, we've felt supported, heard, and truly cared for.

Ashley London
New Jersey
Start Your Child's Journey
A TYPICAL DAY

What Your Child's Day Looks Like

MORNING

Arrival & warm-up

Greeted by their therapist, sensory check-in, and a smooth transition into the day's first session.

MID-MORNING

Structured ABA sessions

Play-based, 1-on-1 therapy targeting your child's individual goals. Speech or OT sessions woven in as scheduled.

MIDDAY

Lunch & social time

Meals with peers, guided social practice, and sensory breaks in our gym or sensory room.

AFTERNOON

Skill building & wrap-up

Group activities, life skills practice, parent handoff with a quick update from your child's RBT.

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

Take a Look Inside Our Center

Sensory rooms, indoor play areas, and therapy spaces designed to feel like home.

Classroom with cubbies, play tunnel, and activity table Sensory room with fiber optic lamp, LED light board, and bean bags Gym with climbing wall, sensory swing, and balance equipment Play area with slide, foam stairs, and movement equipment Circle time room with colorful mural, cubbies, and bean bags Play kitchen and reading corner with shapes rug Children's Specialized ABA center building exterior Classroom with cubbies, play tunnel, and activity table Sensory room with fiber optic lamp, LED light board, and bean bags Gym with climbing wall, sensory swing, and balance equipment Play area with slide, foam stairs, and movement equipment Circle time room with colorful mural, cubbies, and bean bags Play kitchen and reading corner with shapes rug Children's Specialized ABA center building exterior
Why Families Choose Us

Why Families Choose Children's Specialized ABA

Your child's therapy is backed by the same institutions that run the region's leading children's hospital.

Children's Specialized Hospital

Children's Specialized Hospital

Every clinical program reviewed by the same Quality Committee that oversees pediatric hospital care.

RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health

Direct access to one of the region's largest health systems, with neurology, nutrition, and specialist referrals built in.

Hospital-Grade · Quality Committee Reviewed · Research-Backed

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Amanda Zahlmann - Regional Clinical Director, NJ
YOUR CHILD'S CARE TEAM

Led by clinicians who've seen it all, and stayed anyway.

Amanda Zahlmann, M.S., BCBA, LBA-NJ

Regional Clinical Director, New Jersey

Amanda oversees clinical operations across New Jersey, helping children unlock their potential through science-backed care. With a Master's in Psychology (ABA concentration) from Purdue Global University and over 10 years as a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst, she brings deep expertise and a heartfelt approach to every family she serves. A fierce advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration, Amanda believes a child's progress accelerates when clinicians work together to prioritize functional communication.

  • M.S. in Psychology (ABA), Purdue Global University
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) & Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA-NJ)
  • 10+ years in ABA therapy and clinical leadership
  • Champion of functional communication and multidisciplinary care
  • Based in Monmouth County, NJ — deeply rooted in the local community
COVERAGE

Insurance & Medicaid

Most major insurance plans cover ABA therapy for children with an autism diagnosis. We handle verification, billing, and all the paperwork so you can focus on your child.

Medicaid Accepted

We accept Medicaid in all states where we operate. No out-of-pocket cost for qualifying families.

Private Insurance

We work with most major carriers including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and more.

We Handle Billing

Our team verifies your benefits, obtains authorizations, and manages all insurance paperwork.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ABA therapy? +

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is an evidence-based therapy that helps children with autism develop communication, social, and daily living skills. Our BCBAs create individualized plans using positive reinforcement, play-based learning, and data-driven strategies tailored to your child's strengths and needs.

What ages do you serve? +

We work with children from 18 months through 18 years. Our early intervention programs (18 months to 4 years) focus on the critical developmental window, while our school-age and adolescent programs build independence, social skills, and transition readiness.

Do you accept Medicaid? +

Yes. We accept Medicaid and most major insurance plans across all four states we serve (NJ, MD, NC, AZ). Our team handles insurance verification, pre-authorization, and all the paperwork so you can focus on your family.

Is there a waitlist? +

We offer immediate enrollment availability at most of our centers. After your initial call, a care coordinator reaches you within 24 hours to begin the intake process.

What makes you different from other ABA providers? +

We're the only ABA provider in the region partnered with Children's Specialized Hospital and RWJBarnabas Health. That means hospital-grade quality standards, access to neurology and psychology referrals, and clinical programs reviewed by a hospital Quality Committee.

What does a typical day look like? +

Your child's day includes a mix of one-on-one therapy, small group activities, and structured play. Sessions target communication, social skills, self-care, and behavior goals. Our sensory-friendly centers include dedicated rooms for movement breaks, calm-down time, and hands-on exploration.

Does my child need a formal diagnosis to start ABA therapy? +

In most cases, yes. A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically required for insurance or Medicaid to cover ABA therapy. If your child doesn't have a diagnosis yet, we offer autism evaluations at our NJ and NC locations, or we can help connect you with a qualified diagnostician in Maryland.

What does the first session look like? +

The first session is an assessment, not therapy. Our BCBA will observe your child, interact with them through play-based activities, and talk with you about your goals and concerns. This helps us build a treatment plan specific to your child. It usually takes 1-2 hours and feels relaxed, not clinical.

How involved are parents in the therapy process? +

Very involved. You'll receive regular updates from your child's BCBA, including progress reports and data reviews. We also offer parent training sessions so you can reinforce skills at home. Our goal is to make sure therapy gains carry over into everyday life, not just at the center.

What's the difference between ABA and speech therapy or OT? +

ABA focuses on behavior, communication, and daily living skills using reinforcement-based strategies. Speech therapy targets language, articulation, and social communication. Occupational therapy works on fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care. At our center, all three disciplines work together on your child's goals.

Will my child be in a group or one-on-one? +

Both. Each child is assigned a dedicated therapist for one-on-one sessions, but we also incorporate small group activities throughout the day. Group time is where children practice social skills, turn-taking, and communication with peers in a structured, supported environment.

What progress should I expect, and how soon? +

Every child is different, but most families see noticeable improvements within the first 2-3 months. Early gains often include better eye contact, following directions, reduced tantrums, and emerging communication. We track progress with data at every session and review goals with you regularly.

INSURANCE & COVERAGE

We accept Medicaid and most major insurance.

Our team handles verification, pre-auth, and paperwork. You focus on your family.

📞 Check Your Coverage - Call Now

No insurance? Ask about our payment options.

Start Here

Your child's journey starts here.

Expert care, warm hearts, a team that celebrates every milestone alongside you.

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