Frequently Asked Questions
Information about autism
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. As children impacted by autism become adolescents and young adults, they may have difficulties developing and maintaining friendships, communicating with peers and adults, or understanding what behaviors are appropriate or expected in school or on the job.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder.
What are common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects brain development, impacting how children perceive the world and interact with others. Researchers have made strides in identifying various symptoms; however keep this in mind that symptoms of autism in children present differently in everyone. Avoid comparing your child’s symptoms to another child’s, and speak with a licensed physician or psychiatrist.
Social Behaviors
Your child may avoid looking at you, not enjoy interacting with you, or dominate conversations on subjects they are interested in. They may feel uncomfortable initiating conversation or not pick up on how others feel.
- Makes little or no eye contact
- Doesn’t respond when someone calls their name or speaks to them
- Doesn’t speak or has delayed speech
- Speaks in an unusual tone of voice, such as sing-song or flat and robot-like
- Lacks facial expression or makes facial expressions that don’t match the situation
- Fails to point or show objects to others
- Has difficulty starting or holding a conversation
- Enters conversation inappropriately, i.e., with aggressive or disruptive behavior
- Has difficulty recognizing and responding to nonverbal cues, i.e., other’s facial expressions or posture
Restrictive Behaviors
Another defining characteristic of autism is restrictive, repetitive behaviors and interests. Children diagnosed with autism may be insistent on sameness, such as completing the same tasks in the exact same order every time. They may feel anxious or frustrated if something breaks their routine. These behaviors can be problematic in everyday life and affect their ability to engage in social and leisure activities.
- Making repetitive movements (spinning, rocking, flapping hands)
- Performing self-harming behaviors such as biting or head-banging
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
- Demonstrating an intense interest in certain topics such as mechanics or an era in history
- Being overly focused on certain objects, such as moving or spinning parts of a toy
- Getting upset by a change in routine, even if it seems small
- Being more or less sensitive than others to light, sound, touch, and temperature
- Only eating specific foods or refusing to eat foods with a certain texture
Difficulties with Speech and Language
Many children diagnosed with ASD struggle to express their thoughts and feelings and to communicate with others. Similar to difficulties with social behavior, speech and communication problems can cause a child great frustration.
Sensory Problems
Although sensory problems are not part of autism’s official diagnostic criteria, many children experience sensitivity to outside stimuli, making them feel uncomfortable, anxious, or afraid.
How early can a child be diagnosed with autism?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be screened for autism between 18 and 24 months to benefit from early intervention therapies, like ABA therapy. Parents may notice atypical behaviors or developmental delays just a few months into a child’s life; however, many children are not diagnosed until they present more obvious symptoms around the age of 18 months or older.
How do I know if I should get a diagnosis?
If you believe your child is not reaching their milestones, the recommended first step is having them screened by a medical professional to check for developmental delays. A screening is not a diagnosis, but can show whether a child is on the right development track. If a screening identifies an area of concern, a formal developmental evaluation may need to be performed by a trained specialist, such as a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or clinical psychologist. The results and diagnosis will help you understand whether your child needs special treatments or early intervention services.
Know that an autism diagnosis will not change who your child is. It is simply a way of helping you understand your child and how to best support them.
What are early intervention services?
Early intervention refers to services provided to very young children—typically from birth to age six—who are diagnosed with or at risk for developmental delays. These services are designed to support critical growth in communication, behavior, and daily living skills during a child’s most formative years.
At Opya, we specialize in early intervention through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. ABA is an evidence-based approach proven to help young children with autism build foundational skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Starting ABA therapy early can lead to significant improvements in a child’s long-term development and independence.
About Opya
What is Opya?
Opya specializes in providing early intervention ABA therapy for children diagnosed with autism, ages 18 months to 6 years old. Research shows that early, intensive intervention using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most effective ways to improve communication, social skills, adaptive behavior, and overall functioning in young children with autism.
Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and family. Through individualized ABA therapy plans and dedicated support from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), we help children make meaningful progress toward developmental goals. We also offer parent and caregiver training as part of our program, empowering families to support their child’s growth at home and beyond.
Opya is proud to have earned a 3-year Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) accreditation. We are committed to transforming how early autism care is delivered.
What makes Opya’s ABA therapy approach unique and effective?
At Opya, we specialize exclusively in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism. Our approach is grounded in clinical best practices and tailored to each child’s unique needs. By focusing solely on ABA, our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) can deliver high-quality, consistent care that supports meaningful skill development and long-term progress.
What does an ABA therapy program entail?
Early intervention ABA therapy at Opya is completely individualized. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan because each child is different and unique. Each treatment plan is written to meet the needs of the child. A board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) will design and oversee the plan to address the child’s skill needs, deficits, interests, as well as family preferences. These are all used to determine treatment goals in different skill areas. We use multiple assessment tools to ensure that programming is progressing. Goals are adjusted as the child progresses, and the BCBA will meet regularly with the family for parent/caregiver training.
Where does Opya provide services?
Opya is actively serving families in Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area, Greater Sacramento Area, and Central Valley) and in Southern California (Orange County, Los Angeles County). Click here to see if we’re currently providing services in your area.
How do I get started?
Begin your child’s autism therapy journey in just a few steps:
Step 1: Our Getting to Know Your Child and Intake Completion
Speak with our Client Services team to determine if your child would benefit from our early intervention autism therapy model. Complete our intake process, which includes a courtesy check on your insurance coverage to ensure treatment is covered.
Step 2: Assessment and Treatment Plan Creation
One of our board-certified clinicians will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your child to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Step 3: Care Team Assignment and Ongoing Treatment
Receive a therapy schedule for your child, meet your clinical care team, and begin daily treatment sessions. We will also provide regular parent training and resources to support you in your child’s treatment journey.
Reach out today using our online form or call us at (888) 300 – OPYA (6792) to get started today.
Does Opya offer therapy services in languages other than English?
All individuals receiving treatment have the right to access treatment in their primary language. When possible, Opya will assign a clinical team that can communicate with the client and family in their primary language. Please let us know your preferred language for oral and written communication. Translation services are provided through your healthcare plan in any language, and when requested, Opya will work with your payor to provide interpreter/translation services.
Insurance Coverage
What insurance plans do you accept?
Opya is in network with most major commercial payors and some Medi-Cal plans. Check here to see if we accept your health insurance plan.
Are autism therapies covered by insurance?
Our Intake team can help you understand your insurance benefits and determine what coverage is available to you. In California, there is a specific autism insurance mandate that requires certain health plans to cover treatment for autism spectrum disorder.
This includes coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is recognized as a medically necessary and evidence-based treatment for autism. While coverage varies by insurance provider and plan, most plans that include hospital, medical, or surgical benefits are required to cover ABA services.
We’re here to help you navigate the process and verify your eligibility for coverage.