Frequently Asked Questions
About Our ABA Services

Traditional ABA therapy often follows a 2 or 3-tier model where a behavior therapist (BT) works directly with the child under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). While effective, this model places the therapist at the center of the child's learning.

At SoPo Behavior, we use a hybrid caregiver-led model: our BCBA works closely with both the child and at least one parent or caregiver simultaneously. You won't just observe — you'll learn individualized, evidence-based ABA strategies that you can use throughout your everyday routines, whether that's during dinner time, chores, play, or community outings.

Absolutely not. You don't need any clinical background to participate — just a willingness to learn and show up for your child. Our BCBA explains strategies in clear, everyday language and builds your confidence step by step.

We meet families where they are. Whether you're brand new to ABA or you've had prior therapy experience, our training is tailored to your child's specific goals and your family's unique routines and dynamics.

At least one caregiver is required to be present and actively participating during sessions. The number of sessions per week or month is determined through your child's individualized assessment and care plan developed by our BCBA.

One of the key benefits of our model is that the strategies you learn are designed to be woven into daily routines — not added on top of your already-busy schedule. You'll practice them during moments that are already happening: playtime, transitions, mealtimes, and more.

Sessions are warm, collaborative, and naturalistic — not clinical or scripted. Our BCBA may observe your child in their natural home environment, model specific strategies for you, then coach you as you practice those strategies with your child in real time.

We use a play-based, naturalistic approach, which means we build on what your child is already interested in and motivated by. Sessions are individualized to your child's treatment goals and your family's priorities.

We serve individuals from toddlers (as young as 1), school-aged children, teenagers, and young adults. Our BCBA adapts treatment goals and caregiver strategies to match each individual's developmental stage — whether that means building foundational communication skills in a 2-year-old or supporting independence and social skills in a young adult.

Yes! We welcome any consistent caregiver in a child's life — grandparents, foster parents, step-parents, aunts, uncles, and others. The more adults who are equipped with the right strategies, the more consistent and effective the support will be for your child across all the environments they spend time in.

We are based in San Leandro, CA and provide home-based, in-person sessions for families throughout the East Bay and surrounding communities.

We also offer telehealth caregiver training sessions statewide across California, making our services accessible to families wherever they are in the state.

Research supports telehealth as an effective delivery model, particularly for caregiver training and parent coaching. Because our model focuses on empowering you as the primary support for your child, telehealth can be a highly practical option — especially for families with busy schedules or those located outside the East Bay.

Our BCBA will work with you to determine the best service delivery format for your child's individual needs and goals.

Yes! We are currently in-network with the following insurance providers:

• Alameda Alliance for Health
• Anthem Blue Cross
• Aetna
• Cigna

We also accept Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) funding — learn more at rceb.org — and Self-Determination Program (SDP) funding — learn more at dds.ca.gov. Private pay options are also available.

The Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) is a California state-funded nonprofit that provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. If your child has an RCEB service coordinator, they may be eligible to receive ABA services funded through Regional Center — often at no cost to your family.

SoPo Behavior is a registered RCEB vendor. If your child is not yet connected to Regional Center, we can help point you in the right direction. Visit rceb.org to learn more.

The Self-Determination Program (SDP) is a California initiative that gives Regional Center consumers and their families greater choice and control over how their services are funded and delivered. Under SDP, families receive an individual budget and can choose their own approved service providers — including SoPo Behavior.

If you're currently enrolled in SDP or curious whether it's right for your family, we're happy to walk you through how our services fit within an SDP budget. Learn more about SDP at dds.ca.gov.

Getting started is simple. We offer a free 30-minute consultation with our BCBA to learn more about your child and family, answer your questions, and help determine if SoPo Behavior is a good fit for your needs.

To schedule your consultation, you can:

• Fill out our Client Services Request Form on our website
• Email us at info@sopobehavior.com
• Call, text, or leave a voicemail at (510) 858-9010

A new diagnosis can feel overwhelming — and you are not alone in that feeling. The good news is that early intervention through ABA therapy is one of the most well-researched and effective approaches available for children with autism, and starting sooner generally leads to better outcomes.

We warmly welcome families who are brand new to ABA. Our BCBA will explain everything clearly, answer all your questions, and build a plan around your child's strengths and your family's goals. Reach out for a free consultation — no commitment required, just a conversation.