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Frequently asked questions

Questions, answered.

Honest answers to what parents and physicians ask us most. Search below, or open the bilingual Astra Assistant to ask in your own words.

About ABA therapy

ABA (applied behavior analysis) is a well-established, evidence-based approach that helps children build communication, social, and daily-living skills. At Astra, it's warm, play-based, and built around each child – not drills or pressure.

Every child is different, so your child's in-home program is built around their needs. We focus on the skills that matter day to day – communication, behavior, social interaction, independence, and everyday routines – and we set meaningful goals together with your family.

Trusting someone with your child is a big decision. Our team works with compassion, respect, and professionalism, and we build a real relationship with your family – so you feel heard, supported, and included.

It's a fair question, and we'll answer it honestly. Older, rigid forms of ABA earned criticism, and that history matters. Modern, neuro-affirming ABA – the kind we practice – is different: it follows the child's lead, respects how they experience the world, and focuses on skills that help them thrive on their own terms.

We're neuro-affirming, play-based, and child-centered. Care happens in your home, designed and supervised by a BCBA, and shaped around your child's strengths and your family's goals.

A trained therapist works with your child in your home, often through play and everyday routines. Sessions are relaxed and individualized – the goal is real skills in real life, not performance.

A minimum of 15 hours per week, individualized above that based on your child's treatment plan. Your BCBA will recommend what's right for your child.

Yes. Care happens in your home and we welcome family involvement – in fact, parent participation helps skills carry over into daily life.

About autism / ASD

Signs vary widely, but can include differences in communication, eye contact, play, repetitive movements, or strong reactions to sensory input. No single sign means autism – a professional evaluation looks at the whole picture.

Many signs can appear in the toddler years (around ages 1–3), though some children are identified later. If something feels off, it's always okay to ask – earlier support tends to help more.

Autism is diagnosed by a qualified professional – such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist – through observation, developmental history, and standardized assessments.

Clinicians use validated tools and observation-based assessments. Some insurance plans require specific diagnostic tools – if yours does, we'll let you know exactly what's needed.

Insurance & getting started

In North Carolina, most Medicaid and private plans cover medically necessary ABA for a child with an autism diagnosis. We verify your specific benefits before anything begins – and we handle the paperwork.

Yes. From the moment you reach out, a dedicated bilingual team handles the insurance and paperwork with you – we verify your benefits, submit for authorization, and follow up, in English or Spanish.

Yes – we accept NC Medicaid, including the state's managed-care health plans. On a commercial plan? We very likely work with it too; send your info and we'll confirm.

Your insurance card, a physician referral or prescription for ABA, your child's autism diagnosis, and a short signed intake and consent packet. Don't have everything? We'll help you gather it.

Authorization typically takes 2–7 days after we receive your documents. We submit and follow up for you.

There's no waitlist. Once we have your documents and insurance authorization is approved – typically within 2–7 days – your child's initial assessment can begin.

For physicians

Use the referral form on our For Physicians page or call 919-200-0240. You can attach a diagnostic evaluation, or send the basics and we'll request records directly.

We confirm receipt within 24 hours, contact the family for documents, verify insurance and handle authorization, complete a BCBA assessment, and let you know once your patient is enrolled.

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Try a different word, or ask the Astra Assistant – it's bilingual.

Clinically reviewed by

Tzvi Mitzman, BCBA, LBA

Tzvi Mitzman, BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst, who grew from RBT to BCBA and mentor. He reviews the clinical guidance on this page.

Read full bio →
Still have questions?

We're glad to help – really.

Ask the bilingual Astra Assistant, call us, or send a message. No question is too small.

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