Skip to main content
Home
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.

Privacy PolicyTerms of Service

Designed by Mali Design WorksMali Design Works

Therapist engaging with a young child through play-based learning in a warm, comfortable home setting
In-Home ABA Therapy

Meaningful progress, right where life happens.

Our In-Home ABA therapy brings evidence-based, 1:1 support into the comfort of your home — where your child feels safest, and where real-life skills are built naturally through everyday moments.

Start Your Child's JourneySee How It Works
Therapist engaging with a young child through play-based learning in a warm, comfortable home setting
Child engaged in play-based learning activities at home with a therapist, building skills through everyday moments
What Is In-Home ABA?

Therapy that fits your family's life — not the other way around

In-Home ABA therapy delivers the same gold-standard treatment used in clinical settings, but within the comfort and familiarity of your own home. We bring the support to you, using positive reinforcement and play-based strategies to build meaningful skills.

Because learning happens where your child lives, eats, and plays, skills generalize faster and more naturally. Parents become active participants — learning techniques that extend therapy's impact into every moment of your family's day.

Personalized Goals
No Commute
Family Participation
Flexible Scheduling
Start Your Journey
What You'll See

Real progress you can see and feel at home

ABA therapy delivers measurable results. Here's what families experience when therapy happens right where it matters most.

Communication

85%improvement in communication skills

Listen as your child communicates their needs clearly during everyday moments — asking for a snack, requesting a favorite toy, or telling you about their day.

Daily Living

88%improvement in daily living skills

Watch as your child gains independence in everyday tasks — brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and following morning routines without constant prompting.

Social Skills

75%improvement in social interactions

See your child take turns during play, share toys with siblings, and engage with peers — building friendships that bring joy to your whole family.

Behavior

58%decrease in problem behaviors

Notice challenging behaviors decrease as your child learns new ways to express frustration, cope with changes, and manage transitions throughout the day.

A Session in Your Home

What a typical therapy session looks like

Each 2–3 hour session follows a purposeful rhythm designed to maximize engagement, learning, and your involvement as a parent.

A therapist and child working together on an activity in a home living room during an ABA session
Before we start

Comprehensive Evaluation

A BCBA visits your home to understand your child’s unique strengths and needs, creating a personalized roadmap for their growth.

Understanding the 'why' behind every behavior.
01
First 15 mins

Warm-Up & Connection

We start with joy. Your therapist arrives and engages in your child's favorite activities to build trust and readiness to learn.

It doesn't look like therapy yet—it looks like fun.
02
45–60 mins

Skill Building (DTT)

Focused, 1:1 learning moments. We break big goals into small, achievable steps, celebrating every win along the way.

Learning new words, matching colors, or practicing patience.
03
Break & Transition

Movement & Regulation

Kids need to move! We incorporate sensory breaks, gross motor play, or a snack to keep energy high and regulation balanced.

Regulating bodies to ready minds.
04
30–45 mins

Natural Environment (NET)

Moving learning into real life. We practice skills during snack time, play, or daily routines where they matter most.

Asking for a snack, washing hands, or playing with a sibling.
05
Last 15 mins

Parent Partnership

We don't just leave—we empower. We share what worked, what to practice, and celebrate the day's progress with you.

You're the expert on your child; we're the experts on the strategy.
06

Translating "Therapy Speak" to Real Life

We focus on skills that make your daily life easier.

Clinical Goal

Mand Training

Real World Result

Asking for juice instead of crying

Clinical Goal

Tact Training

Real World Result

Pointing at a plane and saying "Look!"

Clinical Goal

Social Skills

Real World Result

Taking turns with a sibling

Clinical Goal

Daily Living

Real World Result

Brushing teeth without a struggle

Is In-Home Right for You?

In-Home ABA may be the perfect fit if…

Every family is different. In-Home ABA therapy works especially well for children and families who value learning in a natural, comfortable environment with high caregiver involvement.

Talk to a Specialist
Therapist and child engaged in play-based learning with colorful building blocks during an ABA therapy session at home

Young Learners

Children under 5 who benefit most from early intervention delivered in a comfortable, familiar environment — where they feel safe to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

Sensory-Sensitive Children

Kids who are easily overwhelmed by new settings, loud sounds, or unfamiliar faces thrive with the predictability and comfort of learning in their own home with a consistent therapist.

Busy Families

Families juggling multiple schedules who value the convenience of no commute, no drop-off, and flexible session times that work around naps, school, and daily routines.

Daily Living Focus

Children who need to build real independence in self-care, mealtime, toileting, and household routines — skills that are best practiced right where they happen every day.

Rural Communities

Families located far from a therapy center who deserve the same quality of evidence-based ABA services — delivered directly to their doorstep without long commutes or wait times.

Involved Parents

Caregivers who want to actively participate in their child's therapy, observe sessions firsthand, and learn proven strategies they can reinforce between sessions throughout the week.

Compare Options

Finding the right setting for your child

Both in-home and center-based ABA therapy are effective. The best choice depends on your child's needs and your family's situation.

In-Home ABA

Center-Based ABA

Learning Environment

Your child's familiar home — where they feel safest and most comfortable

A structured clinical setting designed for therapy and peer interaction

Skill Generalization

Skills are learned where they'll actually be used — during meals, bedtime, and play

Skills may need additional practice to transfer to home and community settings

Family Involvement

Parents and siblings participate actively, learning strategies in real time

Families receive regular updates and periodic parent training sessions

Social Opportunities

Focus on family and community-based social interactions

Built-in peer interactions and group social skills activities

Schedule Flexibility

Highly flexible scheduling that adapts to your family's routine

Structured hours within the center's operating schedule

Not sure which is right? Our team will help you find the best fit during your free consultation.

Your Therapy Team

Trusted professionals in your home

Every family deserves to feel safe and confident with the professionals who enter their home. Our therapy teams are carefully vetted, extensively trained, and deeply committed to your child's growth.

BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)

A master's-level clinician who designs your child's treatment plan, sets goals, analyzes data, and provides weekly supervision to ensure the highest quality care.

RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)

A trained and certified therapist who delivers the day-to-day sessions, building rapport with your child and implementing the treatment plan with compassion and skill.

A BCBA and RBT therapy team collaborating to support a child during an in-home session

Background Checked

Comprehensive screening for every team member

Ongoing Training

40+ hours of initial training plus continuing education

Weekly Supervision

BCBA oversight ensures treatment fidelity

Consistent Team

The same therapist works with your child each session

Getting Started

Four simple steps to begin

We make starting therapy as straightforward as possible. From your first call to your child's first session, we guide you every step of the way.

Step 01

Reach Out

Contact us by phone or through our form. We'll answer your questions and discuss your child's needs.

Step 02

Assessment

A BCBA conducts a comprehensive evaluation in your home to understand your child's strengths and create a tailored plan.

Step 03

Insurance Authorization

We handle the insurance process for you — verifying coverage, obtaining authorization, and managing paperwork.

Step 04

Begin Therapy

Your child's therapy team begins sessions in your home, building skills and confidence from day one.

Helpful Tips

Preparing your home for therapy

A few simple adjustments can make a big difference. Here's how to set your child and therapist up for success.

Create a Dedicated Space

A quiet corner or room with minimal distractions where your child and therapist can work comfortably.

Minimize Distractions

Turn off background TVs during sessions and let siblings know therapy time is happening.

Keep Reinforcers Ready

Have your child's favorite items accessible — snacks, toys, or activities that motivate them.

Maintain Consistency

A regular session schedule helps your child anticipate and prepare for therapy — reducing anxiety.

Insurance & Funding

Therapy your family can access

We believe every child who needs ABA therapy should be able to receive it. Our team handles the insurance and authorization process so you can focus on what matters most — your family.

  • Most private insurance plans accepted
  • Medicaid and Medical Assistance covered
  • Minnesota EIDBI program eligible
  • We verify benefits and handle authorizations
  • No hidden fees or surprise costs
Verify Your Coverage

We make it simple

1

Share your insurance information during your first call

2

We verify your benefits and confirm coverage details

3

We submit for authorization on your behalf

4

Therapy begins once authorization is approved

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to the questions families ask us most.

12 questions answered

Session frequency is based on your child's individualized assessment. Most children receive 10–25 hours per week, though this can range from a few focused hours to a more intensive program depending on needs and goals.

Yes, a caregiver should be present in the home during sessions. This ensures safety and allows you to participate in parent coaching, observe techniques, and reinforce skills between sessions.

We provide In-Home ABA therapy for children from 18 months through 21 years old. Early intervention is most effective before age 5, but individuals of all ages within this range benefit significantly from ABA therapy.

Data is collected during every session and reviewed weekly by your BCBA. You'll receive regular progress updates and formal quarterly reports showing your child's growth across all goal areas.

Yes. Most private insurance plans, Medicaid, and Minnesota's EIDBI program cover ABA therapy. We verify your benefits and handle the authorization process so you can focus on your family.

A BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) is a master's-level clinician who designs the treatment plan and oversees your child's program. An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is a trained therapist who delivers the day-to-day therapy sessions under BCBA supervision.

Many families notice initial improvements within the first few weeks — especially in communication and compliance. Significant, sustained progress typically becomes evident within 3–6 months of consistent therapy.

Yes! While sessions are primarily home-based, therapists can also work with your child in community settings like parks, grocery stores, or playgrounds to practice skills in real-world environments.

Difficult days are a normal part of therapy. Our therapists are trained to read your child's cues and adjust the session dynamically — shifting to lower-demand activities, preferred play, or sensory breaks when needed. The goal is always to end sessions on a positive note. Your BCBA will also review any patterns and update the treatment plan accordingly.

Siblings can actually be a wonderful asset! Our therapists are skilled at including siblings in natural play scenarios to build social and turn-taking skills. We work with your family to create a session structure that works for your whole household, not just your child receiving therapy.

Transitions are planned collaboratively. Your BCBA will work with you and any school or center team to ensure goals are aligned, strategies are shared, and your child experiences a smooth handoff. We can also coordinate directly with teachers and special education staff to support continuity.

Telehealth can be used to supplement in-home therapy — particularly for parent coaching sessions, BCBA supervision check-ins, and goal review meetings. Direct, hands-on therapy with your child is most effective in person, but telehealth offers flexibility for consultations and caregiver training components.

Parent Resources

Helpful guides for families exploring in-home ABA therapy

Father and young son building with colorful blocks together on the floor during a play-based therapy activity
Myth Busting

Is ABA Therapy Harmful? Myths, Facts, and What Minnesota Parents Should Know

Explore the real evidence behind common concerns about ABA therapy, understand how modern practices have evolved, and learn what to look for in a quality provider in Minnesota.

Read the full guide
Start Today

Ready to bring therapy home?

Take the first step toward meaningful progress for your child. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you explore if In-Home ABA therapy is the right fit for your family.

Begin Your Child's JourneyCall (612) 284-5382

Explore related services

Center-Based ABA TherapyInsurance and Funding
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