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Understanding Autism

Learn about autism spectrum disorder and how we support families on their journey.

Insurance & Funding

Explore insurance coverage and Minnesota funding pathways with culturally responsive guidance.

Culturally Responsive ABA

Family-centered ABA therapy that aligns care with language needs, values, and daily routines.

Blog

Insights, tips, and stories to support your family's autism journey.

Services
Center-Based ABA Therapy

Structured therapy in a supportive clinical environment designed for learning and social growth.

In-Home ABA Therapy

Evidence-based, 1:1 support delivered in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.

EIDBI Services

Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention for children and young adults.

Contact Us

Get in touch with our team and ask questions about services, next steps, or enrollment support.

Referral

Refer a client or learn how our streamlined intake process gets families started quickly.

Careers

Join a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in children's lives.

Areas We Serve

BloomingtonHopkinsEden PrairieEdinaSt. PaulMinnetonkaPlymouth
Dakota Autism Center
(612) 284-5382Contact
Dakota Autism Center

Dakota Autism Center is a center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our centers are run in a preschool-like setting and our programs are designed to assist with social communication, emotional regulation, school readiness, and transitioning skills.

Resources

  • Understanding Autism
  • Insurance & Funding
  • Culturally Responsive ABA
  • Blog

Services

  • Center-Based ABA
  • In-Home ABA
  • EIDBI Services

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Referral
  • Careers

Areas We Serve

  • Bloomington
  • Hopkins
  • Eden Prairie
  • Edina
  • St. Paul
  • View All →
Headquarters

331 2nd Ave S,
Suite 436 Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone(612) 284-5382
Fax(612) 284-5080
Emailinfo@dakotaautismcenter.com

© 2026 Dakota Autism Center. All rights reserved.

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Therapist guiding children through a table activity in a structured learning setting
Center-Based ABA Therapy

Center-based ABA therapy in Minnesota for communication, social growth, and school readiness.

Our center-based program blends evidence-based ABA therapy with a warm, preschool-like setting designed for meaningful progress. Children receive personalized care from BCBAs and RBTs while practicing peer interaction, daily living routines, and classroom-ready skills.

Get StartedExplore Daily Program
Therapist guiding children through a table activity in a structured learning setting
What Makes It Effective

Built for meaningful growth, every single day

We combine intentional program structure with compassionate care so children can develop practical life skills and confidence across environments.

Evidence-Based Structure

Our programs are built on proven ABA principles, ensuring every activity promotes meaningful skill acquisition and retention.

Naturalistic Learning

We embed learning trials into play and daily routines, making therapy feel like fun rather than work.

Social Connection

Small groups and peer dyads provide safe opportunities to practice greetings, sharing, and cooperative play.

School Readiness

From circle time to lining up, we practice the essential classroom behaviors that prepare children for school success.

Holistic Development

Beyond behavior, we focus on communication, adaptive living skills, and emotional regulation for a well-rounded child.

Family Empowerment

We don't just work with your child; we partner with you, providing the tools and strategies to support growth at home.

Daily Rhythm

A predictable flow designed for progress

Consistent routines reduce anxiety, improve transitions, and help children generalize new skills. Our teams use visual supports and positive reinforcement to create a day that feels both structured and joyful.

  • Frequent opportunities for communication practice
  • Embedded social learning with peer models
  • Built-in movement and sensory regulation supports
Teacher leading a structured group learning activity with children in a therapy center classroom
8:30 AM

Arrival & Warm Welcome

Children transition into the center with visual schedules, sensory supports, and a soft start to the day.

9:15 AM

Morning Circle & Social Time

A group gathering to sing songs, review the day's schedule, and practice greeting peers.

9:45 AM

Individual Learning Blocks (1:1)

Focused sessions targeting personalized goals in communication, cognition, and adaptive skills.

11:00 AM

Movement & Sensory Play

Structured gym time or outdoor play to support gross motor skills and regulation.

12:00 PM

Lunch & Daily Living Skills

Practicing self-feeding, opening containers, and social conversation during mealtime.

1:00 PM

Rest or Quiet Activities

A calm period for napping or low-stimulation activities to recharge for the afternoon.

2:00 PM

Social Skills & Group Games

Cooperative play, turn-taking games, and peer interaction facilitated by therapists.

3:30 PM

Departure & Family Handoff

Reviewing the day with parents and transitioning home with success stories.

Inside Our Center

Designed to feel calm, colorful, and supportive

Our environment is intentionally crafted to reduce overwhelm while encouraging exploration. Every room, material, and transition has a purpose: helping children feel secure while building real-world skills.

Get in touch
01

Sensory-Friendly Spaces

Calm colors, flexible seating, and quiet corners help children regulate and stay engaged.

02

Clinical + Play Balance

Structured skill building is paired with joyful, child-led moments to keep learning meaningful.

03

School Readiness Focus

Pre-academic routines, communication practice, and transition skills support kindergarten readiness.

04

Safe & Secure Environment

Secure entry systems and monitored spaces ensure your child's safety is our top priority.

Children and instructor engaged in collaborative activities inside a calm classroom
Expected Outcomes

Skills that transfer beyond the center

Communication

Targeted goals and consistent collaboration help children carry these gains into home and community routines.

Daily Living

Targeted goals and consistent collaboration help children carry these gains into home and community routines.

Social Engagement

Targeted goals and consistent collaboration help children carry these gains into home and community routines.

School Readiness

Targeted goals and consistent collaboration help children carry these gains into home and community routines.

Who Thrives Here

Is center-based ABA the right fit?

Families often choose center-based care when they want a structured environment, peer opportunities, and focused preparation for school transitions.

Discuss Your Child's Fit
Children gathered near bookshelves during a guided school-readiness learning moment

Early Learners (Ages 2-6)

Great for children building foundational communication, play, and classroom-style routines.

Peer Interaction Goals

Ideal when your child benefits from practicing turn-taking, joint attention, and social flexibility.

School Readiness Focus

Best for families preparing for kindergarten routines, transitions, and group learning.

Consistent Clinical Team

A strong fit when you want frequent BCBA oversight and collaborative therapist support in one place.

Transition and Routine Support

Helpful for children who benefit from practicing transitions between activities with visual schedules and predictable cues.

Group Learning Readiness

A great option when your child is ready to build attention, flexibility, and participation in guided small-group settings.

Compare Therapy Settings

Center-based ABA vs. in-home ABA

Both models are evidence-based. The strongest outcomes come from choosing the setting that matches your child's current goals and your family's routine.

Center-Based

In-Home

Learning Environment

Structured, school-like setting with reduced distractions and predictable routines.

Familiar home environment with naturally occurring daily opportunities.

Social Practice

Built-in peer interaction and guided small-group learning each week.

Social skill practice is coached around family and community activities.

Family Participation

Frequent parent updates, coaching sessions, and coordinated home carryover plans.

Parents can observe sessions directly and receive in-the-moment coaching.

Best Fit

Children who thrive with routines, transitions, and school-readiness goals.

Children who need support in home routines and prefer familiar spaces.

Explore In-Home ABA Therapy
Enrollment and Funding

A clear path from first call to first session

We guide families through assessment, scheduling, and funding steps so care can start with less stress and more confidence.

  • Support with private insurance verification and authorization steps
  • Guidance for Minnesota families navigating EIDBI-related pathways
  • Collaborative BCBA planning with measurable progress milestones
  • Regular parent coaching to strengthen carryover at home
Verify Coverage

Step 01

Initial Family Consultation

Share your child’s strengths, concerns, and priorities with our intake team.

Step 02

Clinical Assessment

A BCBA completes a comprehensive assessment and drafts an individualized treatment plan.

Step 03

Insurance + EIDBI Review

We verify benefits, explain Minnesota EIDBI pathways, and handle authorization support.

Step 04

Start Center Services

Your child begins a structured program with clear goals, progress tracking, and family coaching.

Center-Based ABA FAQs

What parents ask before enrolling

Answers to the most common questions families have when comparing center-based ABA options in Minnesota.

6 questions answered

Recommendations are individualized after assessment. Many children in comprehensive center-based programs receive 20-40 hours per week, while others benefit from a focused part-time schedule.

Most insurance plans require a formal autism diagnosis for ABA coverage. If your family is still navigating diagnosis, our team can help guide next steps and local referral options.

Parents are active partners through regular updates, goal reviews, and coaching sessions. You receive practical strategies to support carryover at home and in community routines.

Our clinical team collects session data daily, reviews trends with BCBA oversight, and updates goals based on outcomes. Families receive clear progress reports and recommendations.

Many private plans and public funding pathways can cover ABA services when criteria are met. We support families through benefit verification, authorization requirements, and EIDBI-related steps.

Both can be effective. Center-based is often preferred for school-readiness and peer goals, while in-home can be ideal for daily routine generalization. We help families choose based on child profile, goals, and logistics.

Parent Resources

Helpful guides for families exploring ABA therapy

Therapist and young child playing with colorful shape-sorting blocks during an early intervention session
Early Intervention

Autism Early Intervention in Minnesota: Why Starting Early Changes Everything

Discover why early intervention is the most powerful step you can take for a child with autism, how to recognize the earliest signs, and how Minnesota families can access services like ABA therapy and EIDBI.

Read the full guide

Ready to explore center-based ABA therapy for your child?

Meet with our team to discuss your child's strengths, needs, and how our center program can support your family's goals.

Start Enrollment ConversationCall (612) 284-5382
Get in Touch

Help your child thrive with ABA therapy.

Complete our online interest form to get matched with a center. We will be in touch soon to discuss your child's unique needs and how we can support your family.

Call Us

Mon-Fri from 8am to 5pm.

(612) 284-5382

Email Us

We'll respond within 24 hours.

info@dakotaautismcenter.com