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The Demand for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy

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The Demand for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Neel Bhargava shares a downloadable PDF on how secular industry trends help drive growth of the market for ABA therapy services, which help treat autism in children and young adults. 

Executive Summary

ABA Therapy market is a highly attractive area to invest considering its favorable growth outlook, supply/demand imbalances, and industry structure.

Tailwinds in the industry, including the increasing incidence of autism in the US, have created a largely underserved market that is growing very rapidly.

Excess demand for ABA therapy has continued to grow, as ABA has demonstrated the highest levels of efficacy while current supply of clinicians are still insufficient.

Industry is very fragmented with only a few larger players. Continues to be opportunity to drive consolidation and create regional leaders through M&A and de novo expansion.

However, given increased consolidation in the industry and rising valuations, finding an appropriate starting platform investment is challenging.

Overview of ABA Therapy Industry

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy utilizes basic behavioral practices (positive reinforcement, discrete trial teaching, programming for a natural environment, and outcome-based decision-making) to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and aid the development of positive life skills.

Who Provides Services?

School-based providers:

Offer services in the classroom alongside teachers or in stand alone centers, as well as in outpatient facilities where patients can seek supplemental services

Typically paid by local school system funding

Community-based providers:

Deliver treatment in brick and mortar setting and patient’s homes

Commercial insurance companies are the primary payors

What Services Are Included?

Consultation and Assessment:

Understand child’s strengths, abilities, and challenges

Observe behavior, communication, and skills

Plan Development and Execution:

Create formal plan for therapy with concrete treatment goals

Monitor progress and analyze which strategies are working vs. require different treatment tactics

What Is the End Goal?

Improvement in skill deficits:

More effective communication with others

Increased focus in school

Demonstrating more interest in people around them

Learning to ask for things they desire clearly and specifically

Reduction in problem behavior:

Less likelihood of aggression or sudden unexpected outbursts

Reduced self-injurious behavior

 

Key points include:

  • Positive industry catalysts
  • Increased insurance coverage
  • Demand for ABA therapy services

Download the full PDF, ABA Therapy Industry, on NBGroupInsights.com.