Frequently Asked Questions

ABA uses positive reinforcement and data-driven decisions to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. At BIG, BCBA/ BCaBAs design each treatment plan and line therapists deliver daily instruction.

BIG is the only CABAS® accredited learning center in the Gulf South, blending research-driven teaching with full-day immersive classrooms where children learn alongside typically developing peers. Our BCBAs maintain small caseloads and make data-based adjustments in real time, while families receive a comprehensive support experience that goes beyond the classroom. That combination of rigorous science, genuine compassion, and a 1:1 child-to-therapist ratio yields faster learning and smoother transitions to school.

Start by calling us or filling out our online contact form. We’ll verify your insurance coverage, send you an intake packet, and schedule an assessment and tour. Once we receive authorization, your child joins our program and begins therapy.

We use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) guided by the CABAS® methodology. Each child’s program starts with an assessment, then a BCBA crafts individualized goals. Line technicians implement one-on-one lessons, and we collect data every session. BCBAs review that data daily and refine teaching strategies to ensure steady progress.

School readiness varies for each child when they complete our program. Our clinical model facilitates a child to move through different learning environments that evolve as they acquire skills. Children initially learn in a classroom where they focus on the foundational skills 1:1 with their line therapist. Once they are ready, they move to a hybrid classroom where they learn higher level skills including group skills and classroom routines with 1:1 support from their line technician. We also have an inclusion Preschool classroom that provides the children who are ready with the opportunity to learn skills alongside typically developing peer models. The goal is to provide children with the necessary learning experience to allow them to successfully transition into kindergarten or first grade.

If your child has social, communication, or behavior challenges, an ABA assessment will show whether they benefit from a structured, data-driven teaching approach. We offer an initial interview and assessment to help you decide. ABA is considered the most research-proven treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Throughout a child's progression at BIG, we shift treatment goals to include school routines and pre-academic skills such as sitting in groups, raising hands, and following schedules — practicing them daily alongside peer models. We track readiness milestones to guide each child's transition planning.

The length of time it takes for a child to begin from the first contact differs, usually ranging from 4-8 weeks, depending on staff availability. Various elements, including the timeliness of submission of the necessary paperwork, determines the time it takes for the authorization by the insurance company, as well as the availability of staff.

ABA therapy is typically covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary. Many insurance plans in Louisiana offer coverage for ABA therapy including both private insurance and Medicaid. Coverage will depend on the specifics of your plan. We will assist you in learning the ABA coverage details for your plan.

A formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from a licensed diagnostic professional is typically required for insurance to authorize ABA therapy. There may be other diagnoses that deem ABA medically necessary. We can work with families to determine if this is the case for their child.

Schools for children with autism spectrum disorder specialize in teaching children using methods proven to build social, communication, play, and academic skills. At BIG, we serve children 18 months to age 7 with autism and related developmental challenges by providing an intensive, full-day ABA program in a classroom environment.

ABA therapy can be started at any age, but research has shown that it is best to start as early as possible. BIG specializes in early intervention ABA therapy.

A formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from a licensed diagnostic professional is typically required for insurance to authorize ABA therapy. There may be other diagnoses that deem ABA medically necessary. We can work with families to determine if this is the case for their child.

Line technicians implement daily lessons under the direction of BCBA/BCaBAs who maintain low caseloads to monitor each child’s progress closely.

Each classroom is different. Depending on the classroom, they typically start in 1:1 sessions or group instruction. Mid-day includes play time and lunch. The 1:1 session or group instruction resumes in the afternoon. Children typically have morning and afternoon recess on the playground.

Our full-day model uses breaks, play periods, and group work to keep energy high. We build endurance gradually. Children adapt quickly when lessons feel fun and varied.

Unlike general early childhood settings, BIG's full-day program targets specific skills through one-on-one ABA instruction using research-proven methods. We complement individualized teaching with structured group activities, peer models, visual schedules, and research-backed teaching stations — gradually blending one-on-one learning into more traditional classroom routines to build social, pre-academic, and independence skills.

We collect session-by-session data on each objective. The trends are analyzed following each session and adjustments are made as necessary.

CABAS® research began over four decades ago and has been refined by scientific studies ever since. Thousands of students nationwide benefit from CABAS® each year.

CABAS® ensures each teaching step is evidence-based, data-driven, and sequenced for fast mastery. That means children learn new skills more quickly and generalize them across settings.

Yes. Every line technician, BcaBA, and BCBA at BIG completes initial CABAS® training and continues through a professional development pipeline to earn rank and master data-based teaching skills.

Absolutely. Schools and clinics across the world use CABAS®. Our CABAS® accreditation signals to physicians and insurers that we meet the highest standards.

We use CABAS® rank advancement, ongoing supervision, mentorship, BCBA collaboration, and monthly professional development. Pay raises coincide with skill mastery to reward growth and competency.

Parents receive daily progress notes, routine updates, as well as quarterly progress meetings with their Classroom BCBA. Parents participate in 1-2 hours of Caregiver Guidance sessions each month to assist with any issues or concerns occurring in the home or community. Parents are also given the opportunity to participate in BCBA-led group parent training where a particular topic is discussed.

Families get daily updates through our secure portal, plus quarterly progress meetings with their BCBA. We offer parent training workshops monthly and one-on-one care guidance sessions so you can carry over teaching strategies at home.

Yes, the caregivers of all children who receive ABA services at BIG are required to attend 1 hour of caregiver guidance per month. Consistent goal collaboration and training typically leads to more meaningful outcomes for the family.

Caregivers are given a variety of ways to participate in their child's ABA program. We encourage caregivers to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible. If you are unsure of which will be the most beneficial, you can ask us!

Absolutely! We encourage active communication and collaboration with your BCBA regarding your goals and/or concerns. What is important to you is important to us.

BIG was founded and is run by BCBAs Cassie Bradford and Renee Cole. Cassie and Renee continue to strive to provide children with autism with a learning environment that will foster fast, effective learning so that children may have the most successful transition when they leave BIG.

Each Classroom BCBA oversees a classroom which includes assessing each child, writing individualized goals, reviewing daily data, training therapists, and guiding program adjustments to maximize learning.

A BCaBA performs the same duties as the BCBA, but it is under the direction and supervision of his/her assigned BCBA.

A line technician is a trained staff member who delivers one-on-one ABA instruction under BCBA supervision. They complete hands-on CABAS® training, and work directly with a child every day to teach targeted skills.

Yes! Through our mentorship program we offer high-quality, BACB-compliant supervision with structured feedback, skill-building opportunities, and diverse client experiences to support you through your fieldwork journey. Our mentorship program is specifically designed for employees actively seeking fieldwork supervision through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) with the intention of obtaining certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

BIG offers a variety of rewarding career pathways, from entry-level roles like Registered Line Technician (RLT) to advanced positions such as BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst), BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), or even a shift into an administrative support role. ‍ BIG offers a professional development pipeline to grow within the company including mentorship, leadership training, and continuing education support. We're deeply committed to promoting from within, recognizing and nurturing the talent already on our team. By investing in our staff, we create clear pathways for advancement and ensure that our leadership reflects the values and culture that make our work meaningful.