Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability characterized by delays in social communication, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and/or sensory sensitivities. Autism effects different people in different ways.

If you suspect that your child may have autism, or another related condition, here are some ways to get a diagnosis:

• Complete our intake form - our team will reach out to you to set up your child’s Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE) and/or diagnostic assessment, to determine eligibility for ABA services.

• Consult your pediatrician or request a referral. Screening tools, such as the ASQ, are often included in your child’s Well Child Checks, and can be a first step to identifying learning delays. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist to conduct a full diagnostic assessment.

• See our ‘local resources’ page for a list of diagnostic resources.

Next Steps

• If diagnosed, the specialist will provide recommendations for therapy and interventions, such as:

  • Speech Therapy

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA therapy is funded through most common insurance providers, including Minnesota Medicaid. Talk to your insurance provider to see if your plan covers ABA therapy. If your child has an autism diagnosis, they may be able to enroll in Minnesota Medicaid.  

Please see our ‘Local Resources’ page for more information on enrolling in MN Medicaid.

We are currently accepting Minnesota Medicaid insurance plans.

Early intervention of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA, is often recommended for children diagnosed with autism because research shows that starting therapy at a young age can significantly improve communication, social skills, play skills, independence, and improve behavioral patterns. Here’s why early intervention, particularly ABA, is commonly used:

1. Brain Plasticity & Early Learning

• Young children’s brains are more adaptable, meaning they can learn new skills more easily. Early intervention helps build foundational skills for communication, social interaction, and behavior regulation.

2. ABA is Evidence-Based

• ABA is one of the most researched and widely used therapies for autism. Studies suggest that early ABA therapy can improve language, adaptive behavior, and cognitive functioning.

3. Focuses on Functional Skills

• ABA helps children learn everyday skills like following instructions, sharing, and playing with others. It can reduce challenging behaviors by teaching alternative, appropriate responses.

4. Helps with Communication & Socialization

• Many children with autism struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication. ABA teaches them to express needs and interact with others. This can reduce frustration-related behaviors like tantrums or self-injury.

5. Can Be Personalized

• ABA programs are tailored to fit each child’s needs, focusing on their strengths and challenges. Therapy sessions may involve structured teaching, play-based learning, or natural environment training.

An ABA session varies based on the child's individual goals, but generally, it includes a mix of structured and play-based learning just like a school setting. Here’s what a typical session might look like:

1. Check-in & Rapport Building

• The therapist greets the child and engages in a preferred activity (e.g., playing with a favorite toy) to establish a positive connection. This helps the child feel comfortable and ready to learn.

2. Structured Learning

• The therapist introduces specific skills throughout the sessions and follows the child’s classroom schedule to assist with learning opportunities, transitions, and tasks. If the child struggles, the therapist may provide assistance (prompting) and then gradually reduce help as they improve over time.

3. Natural Environment Teaching

• Learning happens in a natural setting, like playing with toys or engaging in pretend play. Instead of sitting at a table, the therapist follows the child’s interests and embeds learning opportunities into play.

4. Behavior Management & Social Skills Practice

• If challenging behaviors occur (e.g., tantrums, hitting), the therapist uses (positive) techniques like redirecting, reinforcement, or teaching alternative behaviors.

• If the child struggles with social interaction, they may practice skills like greeting others, sharing, or turn taking.

5. Communication & Functional Skills

• The therapist helps promote communication (e.g. verbal, sign language, or using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices). For example, if the child is nonverbal, they may learn to use pictures or gestures to request common items.

6. Wrap-Up

• At the end of the session, the therapist graphs the child’s progress, challenges, and strategies via an online data-collection portal, which is accessible to the child’s caregiver. Caregiver(s) will also receive family guidance on how to reinforce learning at home via Family Therapy session that occur on a biweekly basis.

• Children typically attend ABA for 6-8 hours per day, rotating between staff every 1-3 hours.

• Therapy sessions will occur daily, Monday through Friday, for intensive learning and to meet your child’s authorized treatment hours.

• Early Intervention ABA typically involves 2-4 years of treatment.

Little River Autism Services is located in Duluth, MN. We serve children from Duluth, Hermantown, Cloquet, Two Harbors, and the surrounding areas.

We highly recommend that children continue to participate in speech therapy, occupational therapy, or any other service that has been medically recommended. We will work with your family and other service providers to establish a schedule that works with your family.

Children cannot be engaged with CTSS services at the same time as ABA therapy. Children can only be enrolled with one ABA agency, per insurance requirements.