FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

Contact Encourage

Phone: 616-530-2224

Email: [email protected]

or our contact us form

1. Initial intake and conversation
2. Insurance coordination
3. Comprehensive assessment
5. Treatment plan review
6. Therapy begins
7. Ongoing review and adjustments

What is NDBI?

Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) bring together the best of both worlds: the structure and evidence base of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the relationship-focused principles of developmental approaches. Rather than relying on highly structured drills or unstructured play alone, NDBIs use intentional, evidence-based teaching strategies within meaningful, everyday interactions.
In practice, this means we follow your child’s interests, build on their strengths, and embed skill-building into play, routines, and social experiences. Goals are targeted thoughtfully and systematically—like in ABA—but taught in ways that feel natural, engaging, and connected to real life.
NDBIs serve as a bridge between behavioral and developmental models, creating an approach that is structured yet flexible, data-informed yet child-led. The result is learning that is purposeful, relationship-centered, and more likely to generalize across home, school, and community settings.

What does an ABA session look like?

ABA services are individualized, so what a session looks like will vary based on the learner’s age, needs, goals, and service location.

For a typical early learner to school-age, center-based program, sessions often include a combination of:

Play-based and naturalistic teaching
Structured and unstructured learning opportunities
Skill building across communication, social, and early academic areas

For in-home services, sessions may include similar components, but programming is often more individualized to the home environment. This may involve:

Play-based learning
Daily living skills relevant to the home setting
Family routines
Community outings when appropriate

For in-home sessions, a designated adult must be present. For center-based services, parents or caregivers are not required to remain on site during sessions.

Teen and adult programs also vary by individual, with a strong emphasis on:

Community participation
Independence
Functional daily living skills
Vocational and life skills when appropriate

What is developmental therapy?

Developmental therapy supports children in building skills across key areas of development, such as communication, social interaction, play, motor skills, and emotional regulation. Therapy is child-led and relationship-based, meeting children where they are developmentally and using everyday interactions and play to support growth in a natural and meaningful way.

What is ABA?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a research-based approach that helps children, teens, and adults build important life skills. These skills may include communication, learning, social interaction, and independence. ABA focuses on understanding why behaviors happen and how the environment can support positive growth. Using encouragement and positive reinforcement, new skills are taught in ways that are meaningful and practical for everyday life.

At EnCourage Institute, ABA is always personalized to your child and family. Services are developmentally appropriate and thoughtfully coordinated with educational and therapeutic goals to support long-term success.

ABA is backed by decades of research and is widely recognized as an effective approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Surgeon General, and the American Psychological Association support ABA for its ability to improve communication, social skills, and learning.

Because ABA can address many different skill areas, family input is essential. Parents and caregivers play an important role in identifying goals that matter most to their child and family, both during initial treatment planning and as services continue.

What insurance is accepted?

Currently we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna and Priority Health. If we currently do not accept your insurance a Single Case Agreement might be an option.

Is caregiver training available?

Yes. Caregiver training is an integral part of the Encourage process and overall progress. Caregivers receive guidance and support to better understand treatment goals, learn effective strategies, and practice skills that can be used during daily routines. This collaboration helps promote consistency across environments and supports meaningful, long-term progress.

What is an educational therapist?

An educational therapist helps children and adults build learning, organization, and problem-solving skills using individualized strategies. They collaborate with families, teachers, and other professionals to support success across home, school, and daily life.