Challenges of finding ABA therapy in Manassas, VA, and our support for familiesIf you’re raising a child between 18 months and 10 years old in Manassas, Virginia, and looking for ABA therapy, you’ve likely already experienced the struggle: long waitlists, complicated insurance approvals, and limited local providers.
As part of the autism support community in Northern Virginia, we want to acknowledge these challenges—and share how families in our area are finding more clarity, more consistency, and faster paths forward.
One of the most common concerns we hear from families is how long it takes to actually start therapy. Even after receiving a diagnosis, the gap between inquiry and service can stretch into months. Some clinics advertise “no waitlists,” but the intake, paperwork, and insurance steps still add up.
“We got a call back in a week, but therapy didn’t actually start for almost three months,” shared one Manassas-area parent.
At Behavioral Innovations’ Manassas center, we’ve simplified the enrollment process to help families begin services as quickly as possible—often within weeks. We specialize in ABA therapy for children 18 months to 10 years old, focusing on communication, play, and behavior skills during the most critical stages of development.
ABA therapy can be expensive—costing between $17,000 and $35,000 per year, depending on hours and intensity. While Virginia law requires many plans to cover autism treatment, there are limits, and the approval process isn’t always clear.
For families with Medicaid, the journey can be even more complex due to waiver programs, paperwork, and limited provider availability.
Our Manassas center accepts a broad range of private and Medicaid plans, including:
We’ve worked hard to make sure families don’t have to navigate these processes alone. Our intake team helps with verification and authorizations so care can begin without added stress.
Another friction point? Inconsistent staffing. We’ve heard from many families who experience gaps in service because a therapist leaves or there aren’t enough qualified staff to cover all scheduled hours.
At our Manassas center, we emphasize staff stability and consistency. Our team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work closely with families to build rapport and provide continuity of care. For children under 10, consistency is key to making real progress.
Virginia’s Medicaid waiver system is an important support option—but also a major source of confusion. Many families aren’t sure how to apply, how long they’ll wait, or what services are actually covered.
As of mid-2024, Virginia supports:
Even so, many families remain on waitlists. And while new rules increased Medicaid reimbursement for ABA by 10%, not all providers have adapted to the change[2].
We encourage families to contact the Prince William County Community Services Board early and apply for waivers proactively. If your child already qualifies for Medicaid, reach out—we may be able to help.
After an autism diagnosis, families are often handed a checklist and left to figure it out on their own. It’s not just about therapy hours—it’s about knowing what to do next.
We don’t just offer therapy—we provide guidance. From intake to progress tracking, we work with families every step of the way. We believe in transparency, regular communication, and parent partnership, because therapy only works when families feel supported and informed.
We know that accessing ABA therapy in Manassas isn’t always easy. But we also know that families are resilient—and that, with the right support, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Our goal is simple: to help your child get the care they need, when they need it—without the wait, confusion, or overwhelm. If you’re looking for a local partner who understands what matters most to your family, we’re here.
Sources:
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services – DD Waiver Slot Allocations
Virginia Mercury – Medicaid Rate Increase for Behavioral Health