ABA Therapy Under Fire: Why States Are Cutting Autism Care
It's the 'Gold Standard' in Autism Care. Why Are States Reining It In?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, hailed as the gold standard for autism treatment, is facing severe cutbacks across states due to budget crises and nearly $1 trillion in federal Medicaid reductions from recent legislation[2][3]. Families relying on this intensive intervention for essential skill-building now confront slashed hours and reimbursements, threatening hard-won progress[3].
State Budget Strains Spark Drastic Measures
North Carolina imposed a 10% cut on ABA providers, far exceeding the 3% for other services, while Nebraska slashed rates by up to 50%, prompting major providers like Above and Beyond Therapy to exit Medicaid[1][3]. Colorado targets group therapy with 40% reductions and added reviews, deemed unfair under federal parity laws[1][5]. These moves stem from skyrocketing Medicaid costs driven by autism therapy demand[5].
Families and Providers Fight Back
Parents report children losing preschool readiness and social gains after hours dropped from 30 to 15 weekly[3]. Advocates, including Autism Speaks, battle proposed caps like Indiana's 30-hour weekly and three-year limits[2][4][6]. Providers sue, warning of access collapse, as states prioritize fiscal balance over vulnerable kids' futures[1].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is a major U.S.-based nonprofit focused on autism research, advocacy, services and public awareness, founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright after their grandson was diagnosed with autism[2][3]. The organization mobilized substantial private funding at launch (including a $25 million gift) and merged with three established autism groups—ACRE, NAAR and Cure Autism Now—creating one of the largest autism-focused organizations in the world[2][1]. Early work emphasized large-scale biomedical research into causes and treatments, high-profile awareness campaigns (notably the “Light It Up Blue” initiative and a UN-recognized World Autism Awareness Day), and national policy advocacy to expand insurance coverage and federal funding for autism services[3][4]. Autism Speaks used the founders’ media and donor networks to scale quickly and to influence legislation and research funding; the organization notes it and predecessor groups helped shape federal investments now totaling billions for autism research, services and training since 2006[4]. Key achievements include raising global awareness of autism, driving state-level insurance reforms for autism care, funding genetics and clinical research that advanced understanding of autism heterogeneity, and building family support resources and toolkits for diagnosis, transition, employment and housing[2][4]. The group also launched signature communications and fundraising platforms that broadened public engagement with autism issues[3]. Autism Speaks’ history is marked by controversy: critics from autistic self-advocates and some researchers challenged early messaging (including language suggesting a “cure”), representation of autistic people, and program priorities—pressures that led the organization to remove “cure” from its mission language and to revise outreach and research priorities toward quality-of-life and inclusion[1][4]. Today Autism Speaks positions itself on lifespan supports, adult services (employment, housing, health), equity and community collaboration while continuing to fund research and
Above and Beyond Therapy
**Above and Beyond Therapy** is a prominent provider of **Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy** services, specializing in support for children aged 1-21 diagnosed with **Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)**. The organization delivers customized, research-based treatment plans to improve communication, social skills, academics, and challenging behaviors, offered in home, community, school, or center-based settings.[1][2][5] Headquartered in **Lakewood, New Jersey**, it operates across multiple states including **Virginia, Utah, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Nebraska**, reflecting rapid expansion in the behavioral health sector.[2][4] Key leaders include **Eli Dunoff (VP Operations)**, **Amy Johnson (Director of Clinical Operations)**, and **Yehuda Bromberg (State Director of Operations)**, underscoring a strong operational backbone.[1] Financially robust, the company boasts an **estimated annual revenue of $144.4 million** and **428 employees**, with a remarkable **51% employee growth** in the past year—signaling aggressive scaling amid rising demand for autism services.[1] While specific founding details remain undocumented in available data, its multi-state footprint and service model position it as a market leader, contrasting smaller peers with revenues under $5 million.[2] Achievements highlight its impact: a dedicated team of skilled therapists drives measurable progress for families, earning recognition as a "leading provider" through field-tested methodologies.[1][5][6] The focus on **360° care**—emphasizing compassion, expertise, and comprehensive support—differentiates it in a competitive landscape.[3] No recent news on funding, acquisitions, or challenges is reported, indicating stable operations as of late 2025. For business watchers, Above and Beyond Therapy exemplifies tech-infused healthcare growth, leveraging data-driven ABA protocols to tap a burgeoning $2B+ U.S. autism therapy market. Its scalability offers lessons in regional expansio
