GETTING STARTED
Getting started with Blaze ABA
Starting ABA can feel like a maze of referrals, evaluations and insurance forms. You don't have to figure it out alone. Here's exactly what happens, and what we take care of for you.
From first call to first session
Reach out
What you do: Call (239) 465-8663, email Connect@blazeaba.com or send the intake form. A few basics are enough to start: your town, your child's age and your insurance.
What we do: A real person on our team gets back to you, answers your questions and explains what comes next. No call center, no script.
We check your benefits
What you do: Send photos of your insurance or Medicaid card (front and back), plus your child's diagnosis or Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE) report if you have it.
What we do: We verify your benefits, explain what your plan covers and tell you exactly which documents are still missing. When your plan requires prior authorization, we prepare and submit the request.
Assessment
What you do: Tell us what your child loves, what feels hard right now and what would make everyday life easier for your family.
What we do: A behavior analyst spends time with your child and talks with you, to understand strengths, needs and the goals that matter most to you.
Your plan begins
What you do: Review the plan with us, ask anything and help choose the first goals. You know your child best.
What we do: We build an individualized plan with your input, line up your child's team and start sessions at home or in the community, plus at school where that has been arranged.
What you'll need
- Your child's autism diagnosis or Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE) report
- Your insurance or Medicaid card (front and back)
- A physician referral or prescription, if your plan requires one
- Your child's recent IEP or school reports (optional)
- Any previous therapy reports (optional)
Don't have everything yet? Reach out anyway. Part of our job is telling you what's missing and how to get it.
No diagnosis yet?
In Florida, ABA covered by Medicaid requires a Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation (CDE) and prior authorization before therapy begins, and most private plans require an autism diagnosis too. If your child hasn't been evaluated yet, you can still call us. We'll explain how the evaluation process works, suggest questions to bring to your child's pediatrician, and stay in touch while you wait.
Families in Lake County can also reach out to UCF CARD (the University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) for free support and information during the evaluation process.
How long does it take?
Timelines depend mostly on your insurance and how long its authorization takes. We'll give you an honest estimate on the first call and keep you updated at every step, so you're never left wondering where things stand.
Common questions about getting started
Do I need to have all my paperwork before I call?
No. Call or send the intake form with whatever you have. We'll tell you what's still needed and help you gather it.
Where do sessions happen?
Most sessions happen in your home and out in the community, and we can talk with you about school support. We serve families in Leesburg, Tavares, Eustis, Mount Dora, Lady Lake and Clermont. See all Lake County locations.
How involved will I be?
Very. Parents and caregivers are part of every plan. Your child's behavior analyst reviews goals and progress data with you, and shows you strategies you can use between sessions.
What if my insurance isn't listed on your site?
Call (239) 465-8663. We'll check your plan, and if we can't help, we'll tell you who might. You can also review the plans we accept.
Let's talk about your child.
Tell us a little about your family and we'll walk you through coverage, timing and next steps — no pressure, no jargon.