What Is ABA Therapy and Why Does It Matter?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the most extensively researched treatment for autism spectrum disorder. Endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and required to be covered under New York's autism insurance mandate, ABA uses the principles of learning science to help children build communication, social, daily living, and academic skills — while reducing behaviors that interfere with learning and safety.

The earlier a child begins ABA therapy, the better the long-term outcomes. Research consistently shows that children who receive intensive early intervention — ideally before age five — make significantly more progress than those who start later. This makes finding a qualified provider quickly one of the most important things a parent can do.

Why Finding ABA Therapy in New York Is So Hard

The Challenge

High Demand, Limited Supply, Long Waitlists

New York has one of the highest autism diagnosis rates in the country and one of the most complex service delivery systems. In New York City alone, tens of thousands of children are on waitlists for ABA therapy at any given time. Outside the city, families in suburban and upstate communities often find that qualified BCBA-supervised providers are scarce or travel distances are significant.

Many families spend months calling provider after provider, only to learn the practice isn't taking new clients, doesn't accept their insurance, or has a 12-month waitlist. This is the problem Match Care ABA was built to solve.

ABA Therapy Is Covered by Insurance in New York

Good news for NY families: New York state law requires all commercial insurance plans to cover ABA therapy for children with autism. NY Medicaid (including Managed Care plans like HealthFirst, MetroPlus, Fidelis Care, and Affinity) also covers ABA for eligible children. Child Health Plus provides coverage as well. New York was one of the first states to pass an autism insurance mandate, and the coverage is among the strongest in the nation.

How Match Care ABA Helps New York Families

Benefit 1

Completely Free for Families

Our matching service costs families nothing — ever. We are funded by ABA providers in our network, so you never pay a fee to find or connect with a provider. There are no hidden costs, no subscriptions, no referral charges.

Benefit 2

Verified, Currently-Accepting Providers

We only match families with providers who are actively accepting new clients. We verify this before we connect you — so you don't waste time calling practices with 12-month waitlists. Every provider in our network is BCBA-supervised and credentialed.

Benefit 3

Matched to Your Insurance

We confirm insurance acceptance before making a match. Whether you have NY Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or a commercial plan through Aetna, Empire BCBS, United Healthcare, Cigna, or another carrier, we find providers already in your network.

Ready to find a New York ABA provider? Fill out our short form and we'll do the searching for you — no phone trees, no dead ends.

Get Matched Now

Areas We Serve in New York

Match Care ABA connects families with providers across New York State, including:

What to Expect After You Submit Your Information

  1. Submit a short form. Tell us your child's age, your location, your insurance plan, and what you're looking for in a provider. It takes about five minutes.
  2. We find your matches. Our team identifies ABA providers in your area who are verified, currently accepting new clients, and in-network with your insurance.
  3. We connect you directly. Matched providers reach out to you — no repeated retelling of your child's story, no middleman delays.

Our service is 100% free for families. We are funded by ABA providers in our network, so there is no cost to you at any step. Whether your child has a formal autism diagnosis or you are still in the evaluation process, we can help you find a provider who is the right fit for your family.