The ABA assessment in Union County, step by step

A practical guide for Union County families seeking an ABA assessment for an autistic child, with NJ-specific steps and local provider info.

Published October 5, 2026 · Union County, New Jersey

Before you start: know your child's age

In New Jersey, the system for getting an ABA assessment depends on your child's age. If your child is under 3, you go through the New Jersey Early Intervention System. If your child is 3 or older, you go through PerformCare, the single access point for the Children's System of Care. For children under 21, most insurance coverage for ABA therapy comes through NJ FamilyCare (the state Medicaid and CHIP program) or a commercial plan. After age 21, the Division of Developmental Disabilities takes over, but this guide focuses on children.

Step 1: Get a diagnosis or a referral

Before an ABA assessment can happen, your child needs a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. If you already have one from a doctor, psychologist, or developmental pediatrician, you are ready. If not, ask your pediatrician for a referral to a specialist. In Union County, many families start with their pediatrician or a local hospital system. The diagnosis must be on record before an ABA provider will schedule an assessment.

Step 2: Identify your insurance and coverage

ABA therapy is a covered service under NJ FamilyCare and most commercial plans in New Jersey. If your child is on NJ FamilyCare, your plan is managed by one of these: Horizon NJ Health, Wellpoint, Aetna Better Health of NJ, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Call your plan and ask: "What is the process for an ABA assessment? Do I need a prior authorization?" Each plan has its own rules. If you have private insurance, ask your HR department or call the customer service number on your card. Be honest: you may need to make several calls. The answer can vary by plan and by year.

Step 3: Choose an ABA provider in Union County

Union County has 52 ABA providers registered on the federal NPPES registry. Of the county's 21 municipalities, 17 have at least one provider in the town itself, and every town has a provider within 7 miles. The towns with the most providers are Union (9), Cranford (7), Clark (6), Westfield (6), Elizabeth (4), and Linden (4). You can search the NPPES registry online by entering your zip code and the taxonomy code for behavior analyst (103K00000X). Or ask your insurance for a list of in-network providers. Some providers may have a waitlist; you can call several to compare availability. The assessment itself is usually a few hours long and may happen at the provider's office, your home, or your child's school.

Step 4: Schedule the assessment

Once you have a provider that accepts your insurance and has an opening, you will schedule an initial assessment. The provider will ask for your child's diagnosis, insurance information, and a brief history. They may also ask for any previous evaluations or IEPs if your child is in school. The assessment is typically conducted by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). During the assessment, the BCBA will observe your child, interview you, and use standardized tools to identify your child's strengths and needs. The goal is to create a treatment plan with specific goals for ABA therapy.

Step 5: Get insurance authorization

After the assessment, the provider will write a report and submit it to your insurance for authorization. This step can take time. How long? It varies. Some plans respond in days, others in weeks. You can follow up with your insurance company and ask for a status update. If you are on NJ FamilyCare, you may also need approval from PerformCare (for children 3 and older) or the Early Intervention System (for under 3). The provider's billing department usually handles this, but it helps to know the process. Ask your provider: "Who will submit the authorization? What is the typical timeline?"

Step 6: Start therapy

Once authorization is approved, the provider will schedule ongoing ABA sessions. The number of hours per week depends on the assessment and insurance limits. Therapy can happen at home, in a clinic, or in a community setting. Your child's BCBA will supervise the therapy and adjust goals over time.

What if you hit a roadblock?

If you have trouble finding a provider or getting authorization, contact PerformCare (for ages 3 and up) or the New Jersey Early Intervention System (for under 3). They can help with referrals and advocacy. You can also reach out to your child's school district. In Union County, school districts include Berkeley Heights, Clark, Cranford, Elizabeth, Garwood Boro, Hillside, Kenilworth, Linden, Mountainside, and Plainfield. The district may have a child study team that can support you, especially if your child has an IEP. Note that school-based ABA is separate from medical ABA, but the team can point you to resources.

A note on uncertainty

Every family's experience is different. Wait times, insurance approvals, and provider availability change. The facts in this guide are based on county-level data, but your specific situation may vary. Always confirm directly with your insurance, provider, and state agencies. This site does not provide therapy, diagnoses, or bill insurance. It is a free, independent local guide.