How is the School-Age Program different?

It focuses on independence, emotional regulation, social communication, daily living skills, and school participation. Sessions are fewer and more targeted, typically 1–2 per week, with a strong emphasis on parent coaching. You are with your child every day, so the strategies work best when you use them too.

Will you check my insurance benefits for me?

Yes. After your consultation, you can complete our separate secure OON benefits form. Within 1–2 business days of receiving it, we call your insurer and record your deductible, reimbursement terms, and any authorization requirements, along with the representative's name and a reference number.

We then explain what we learned and your estimated cost. Verification is not a guarantee that your insurer will pay a particular claim.

What does GEMS stand for?

GEMS stands for Growing Engagement through Meaningful play and Social connection. It reflects what families tell us they want most: for their child to play, communicate, and connect with others.

What is ABA therapy? I've heard bad things about it.

That's a fair concern. ABA is the science of how children learn new skills through motivation and positive experiences. Some older approaches used punishment and pressure, and autistic self-advocates rightly spoke out against them. Our practice looks nothing like that.

We use positive reinforcement only, with no punishment and no aversive procedures. Sessions follow your child's interests and respect their comfort and dignity. If anything ever feels wrong to you, tell us right away.

What are JARs, and what do sessions look like?

Sessions look like play. Joint Activity Routines (JARs) are simple back-and-forth activities, such as bubbles, songs, blocks, snack time, or pretend play, where your child and the BCBA share attention and take turns.

Each routine follows four steps: Join your child's interest, Add a new action, sound, or word, Wait for your child to communicate, and Celebrate by keeping the fun going.

For example, the BCBA blows bubbles, then pauses and waits. When your child looks, points, makes a sound, or says "more," the bubbles come right back. In that one moment, your child practices requesting, sharing attention, imitation, and turn-taking.

Do I need to be present during sessions?

Not for the whole session. We ask that you be available for the last 20–30 minutes for parent coaching, because that part is essential. For the rest, some children do better with a parent nearby and some with a little more space. We'll find what works for your child.

What should we do between sessions?

Each session ends with a practical strategy you can use during everyday routines like meals, bath time, and bedtime, with no extra "therapy time" needed. By the end of the first month, you'll have a written home practice plan.

What does "BCBA-direct" mean?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) holds a graduate degree and board certification in behavior analysis, and in New York is also licensed as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). BCBA-direct means the same person assesses your child, writes the treatment plan, and delivers every session. Your child builds one consistent relationship, and clinical decisions are made in the moment by the person who knows your child best.

What does a 90-minute session look like?

Minutes 0–5: Parent check-in on the week and on home practice.

Minutes 5–65: Play-based teaching. The BCBA follows your child's lead and builds communication, imitation, social, and play goals into each routine.

Minutes 65–80: Parent coaching. The BCBA shows a strategy, you practice it with your child, and you get specific feedback.

Minutes 80–90: Wrap-up with one key data point, one home practice strategy, and the next session confirmed.

What does a school-age session look like?

Minutes 0–10: Parent check-in on the week.

Minutes 10–65: Direct work with your child on their goals, built into real activities such as social situations, daily routines, and practicing calming strategies.

Minutes 65–85: Parent coaching. You observe, practice, and leave with one clear strategy for home.

Minutes 85–90: Wrap-up and home practice confirmed.

Does my plan require pre-authorization?

Some plans require an assessment report and treatment plan to be submitted before they will reimburse out-of-network ABA claims. This is a paperwork requirement for reimbursement, not permission to treat.

We check for this when we verify your benefits. If your plan requires it, we submit the report before services begin, so you don't find out months later that claims were denied.

What needs does GEMS support?

We support children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, social communication difficulties, sensory processing differences, and related behavioral and developmental needs.

What is the difference between ABA and ESDM?

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is the science of how behavior works and how skills are learned. ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) is a play-based, relationship-centered approach built on ABA principles and developed at the UC Davis MIND Institute for young children.

Our Early Childhood Program is ESDM-informed: sessions are child-led, built into everyday routines, and involve parents throughout.

What is a superbill?

A superbill is a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement. It lists the information insurers typically request: provider credentials and NPI, billing and diagnosis codes, date and place of service, units, and fee.

We provide superbills on request. You upload the superbill to your insurer’s member portal to submit your claim. How much you’re reimbursed depends on your plan, and we’ll explain what your insurer tells us during your benefits check.

Do you offer services in Russian?

Yes. Every part of our services, including sessions, parent coaching, assessment feedback, and all communication, is available in English and Russian.

How many sessions per week does my child need?

We recommend hours after the Comprehensive Assessment, based on your child's needs, never a set formula. We also plan around what your family can realistically keep up, because a schedule you can maintain for a year does more than an intensive one you have to stop after a few months.

Which daily living skills do you work on?

Goals are chosen from your child's assessment, based on what will most increase their independence. Common targets include hygiene, dressing, helping with meals, household tasks, staying organized, and morning and bedtime routines. Everything is practiced at home, where your child actually uses these skills.

Does my child need a diagnosis to start?

Not to reach out or begin with an assessment. If you have concerns about how your child communicates, plays, or takes part in daily life, that is reason enough to contact us. Our assessment shows whether and how we can help, and we’ll give you an honest recommendation. If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, many insurers require a diagnosis for reimbursement. We’ll check this during your benefits check.

How will I know if it's working?

After every session, we share a key data point. Each month you receive a written progress update, and every 6 months we complete a formal reassessment. If progress slows, we tell you honestly and adjust the plan.

My child doesn't talk yet. Can ABA still help?

Yes. ESDM-informed teaching is well suited to children who are not yet speaking. No one can promise spoken language, and we won't. What we will do is help your child communicate as effectively as possible, whether with words, signs, pictures, gestures, or a communication device. When children have a reliable way to communicate, frustration often decreases.

What ages does GEMS serve?

Children ages 1–12, through two programs. The Early Childhood Program (ages 1–6) is play-based and ESDM-informed, and is our primary program. The School-Age Program (ages 7–12) is in a limited launch and is accepting a small number of families.

How does payment work?

A credit or debit card is kept securely on file, collected during intake. Payment is processed automatically on the day of each session, so there is nothing to pay manually.

Do I need to understand ABA to take part?

No. We explain everything in plain language. You will always know what we are working on, why it matters, and how you can help at home. If something doesn't make sense, just ask.

How do you support success at school?

We work on the skills your child needs in the classroom: following routines and transitions, working in groups, following instructions, asking for help, and handling frustration and unexpected changes. On request, we can also coordinate with your child's school and provide consultation or coordination letters.

How long will my child need services?

It varies. Some families reach their goals in 6–12 months; others benefit from longer support. At each 6-month reassessment, we give you an honest view of whether continued services are needed.

Where does GEMS provide services?

In your home, across Brooklyn, NY. Contact us to check availability in your neighborhood.

What if I disagree with a goal or strategy?

Tell us. You are a partner in your child's plan. If a goal doesn't feel right or a strategy doesn't fit your family's values or culture, we'll talk it through and adjust.

What makes GEMS different from other ABA providers?

Your BCBA delivers every session personally, with no technicians or rotating staff. Every program is built from your child's own assessment, never a template. And each visit combines focused direct work with parent coaching, so progress continues between sessions.

What if my child needs time to warm up to a new person?

That's very common. The first sessions focus on getting to know your child: playing with their favorite toys and activities and building a positive connection before we start working on goals. Throughout every session, we follow your child's cues and give them a break whenever they need one.

How do we get started?

1. Free consultation. Send us a brief inquiry, and we'll schedule a free 15-minute call to answer your questions and see whether GEMS may be a good fit.

2. Onboarding packet. If we're a fit and have availability, you complete and e-sign our secure New Client Intake & Onboarding Packet. If you plan to use out-of-network benefits, you can also complete our separate OON benefits form.

3. Comprehensive Assessment. This may include play-based observation, a caregiver interview, and a review of records. We then go over the written report and proposed treatment plan with you.

4. Treatment begins only after you understand and approve the plan.

When we have availability, the assessment can usually begin within 2–3 weeks of your first call.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and missed sessions are charged at the full session rate to the card on file. We apply this with compassion, and it keeps the schedule reliable for every family.

Do you work with my child's other providers?

Yes. With your consent, we coordinate with your child's speech, occupational, and physical therapists, pediatricians, psychologists, and school team, so everyone works toward the same goals.

Can we pause or stop services?

Yes, at any time. If you decide to pause or end services, we'll share what your child accomplished, what to keep practicing at home, and any helpful referrals.

Can a doctor, therapist, or school refer a family?

Yes, and we welcome referrals. Providers can use the short form on our For Providers page, and we usually contact the family within 1–2 business days. No diagnosis is needed to refer.