Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BCBA, and how is this different from a typical ABA company?
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a licensed clinician trained in applied behavior analysis. Unlike larger ABA agencies where most hours are delivered by technicians, every session and evaluation at AME Behavior Consulting is led directly by a BCBA. Our approach is also intentionally different in philosophy, not just structure: we build plans around what the individual wants to work on and what improves their quality of life, not compliance, and not making autistic traits less visible.
Is your approach neurodiversity-affirming?
Yes. We start from the position that autism and other forms of neurodivergence are differences to understand and support, not deficits to correct. That means: we don't use compliance-based or punishment-based procedures; we don't target self-regulation strategies like stimming unless they pose a real safety concern; and we treat the individual's own willingness to participate (their assent) as just as important as a parent or guardian's consent. We also follow your family's - or your own, if you're an adult client — language preferences; some prefer identity-first language (“autistic person”), others prefer person-first (“person with autism”). We ask, and we follow your lead.
Do you accept insurance?
No — we operate as a private-pay practice. This lets us stay flexible and design services around your actual goals rather than what a specific insurance code allows. Many families and individuals use other funding sources instead (see below).
Can I use my Regional Center or SDP budget to pay for services?
Many of the individuals and families we work with use their Regional Center Self-Determination Program (SDP) individualized budget to fund our services. We work closely with your Financial Management Service (FMS) and Independent Facilitator to provide the documentation typically needed to include our services in your spending plan. If you're not sure whether this applies to you, reach out and we can talk through it.
What ages and populations do you work with?
We work with individuals from early childhood through adulthood (ages 3–21+), including children, teens, young adults, and adults working on transition-age, vocational, and independent-living goals. Our practice today is especially focused on transition-age and adult clients, building adaptive living skills, vocational readiness, and community independence, while continuing to support younger children on foundational needs like communication and daily routines. If you're unsure whether you or your family are a fit, reach out, we're happy to talk it through before you commit to anything.
Where do sessions take place?
We provide in-home and community-based sessions throughout our service area (see the homepage for coverage), as well as Telehealth sessions statewide across California.
Which assessment is right for me?
We offer focused and comprehensive assessment options, each suited to a different purpose and scope. Not sure which applies to you? Reach out — we'll help you determine the right fit during an initial consultation before anything is finalized.
What happens after the evaluation?
This depends on which service you chose. Many families and individuals move into ongoing support (our Applied Mentorship Program) to help put recommendations into action, though this isn't required.
How does the Applied Mentorship Program connect to an assessment?
Applied Mentorship is designed to pick up where an assessment leaves off, much like the natural progression you'd see at a larger agency, where an assessment is completed first, recommended hours are set, and ongoing direct support or consultation follows though continuing is always optional, never required.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Appointments canceled with less notice, including no-shows, are billed at the full session rate. Full details are provided in your Service Delivery Agreement.
Is my family's information confidential?
Yes. We follow HIPAA guidelines and will provide a Notice of Privacy Practices when you begin services. The limited exceptions required by California law (such as mandated reporting) are outlined in your Service Delivery Agreement.
Do you offer services outside your listed service area?
Locations outside our standard service area may be considered on a case-by-case basis, and a travel fee may apply beyond a certain distance. Reach out and we can confirm whether we're able to serve your location.
Do you work with businesses or facilities, not just individual families?
Yes. We offer general staff and caregiver training — autism awareness, proactive strategies, de-escalation approaches — billed directly to your business or organization, no individual client involved. See our Staff & Caregiver Training section for details, or reach out directly to talk through your facility's needs. Inquire for Availability.
How do I get started?
Reach out through our contact and we'll schedule a short introductory call to talk through your needs and answer any questions before you commit to anything.