ABA Therapy in Mount Lebanon, PA
Information
Hours
- Monday through Friday: 8:30AM-6PM
- Saturday: 8AM-2PM
- Sunday: By Appointment Only
Clinic Director: Kristy Benigni, M.Ed, BCBA
Education
- Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Applied Developmental Psychology
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) Early Intervention with a Specialization in Autism at University of Pittsburgh
Experience
- Years of Experience: 16
Kristy has been in the field since 2009, when she graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and has spent many years working in ABA and Special Education. Her favorite part of her current role is conducting intake assessments with clients and their families and watching them progress throughout their time in ABA. She also values working alongside her clinic team and playing a part in their professional growth.
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Autism services available for children ages 2 to 6 .
HHF Autism Treatment Approach
ABA therapy in Mount Lebanon at Helping Hands Family is designed to help children grow, learn, and build lasting skills. Our autism services are available for children ages 18 months to 6 years.
We use evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to create individualized treatment plans that support each child’s strengths and needs. Because we serve children ages 18 months to 6 years, our ABA therapy for toddlers and young children focuses on building a strong foundation during the years when learning takes root most effectively. This helps children grow in key areas, including:
- Independent daily functioning
- Positive behavior development
- Social and emotional skills
- Ability to learn and focus
We focus on understanding each child as an individual by learning their:
- Strengths
- Needs
- Interests
- Motivations
This allows our clinical team to create an autism treatment plan that truly works for your child. Our sessions are guided by trust, play, and positivity. By offering choices and following your child’s lead, we make learning more engaging and meaningful.
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a proven, evidence-based approach that helps children with autism learn new skills, improve behavior, and gain independence. ABA works by breaking down tasks into manageable steps and teaching them through repetition, positive reinforcement, and consistent support. Our center-based ABA therapy delivers sessions in a structured clinic setting built specifically for learning, and each program is tailored to your child’s needs.
Our ABA therapy approach is built on three core principles:
- Play-Based Learning – Our tools are toys and games. We use engaging activities to teach important skills and keep your child motivated.
- Positive Reinforcement – We use rewards and celebrations to encourage progress, including helpful behaviors and new achievements.
- Child-Led Sessions – Our clinicians follow your child's lead and cater to their interests to keep them motivated and encourage natural learning.
Personalized Autism Treatment Plans in Mount Lebanon, PA
At Helping Hands Family, we tailor every autism treatment plan to your child’s needs and strengths. Our ABA services in Mount Lebanon include:
- Step-by-step guidance through the intake process
- Thorough initial assessments with licensed professionals
- Customized behavior plan development
- Ongoing support and parent training for your family
Once we’ve confirmed your child’s autism diagnosis and insurance coverage, our Care Coordination Team connects you with one of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) for an initial assessment. This meeting helps us understand your child’s needs and your family’s goals. This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about ABA therapy.
We believe in partnering with parents throughout autism treatment. You’ll receive regular progress updates and parent training so you can learn practical strategies to use at home. Parent involvement helps reinforce the skills your child is building in our clinic.
Helping Children Thrive Through ABA Therapy
At Helping Hands Family, we create a supportive, welcoming environment where children can enjoy the process of learning and growing. Our autism services in Mount Lebanon use a compassion-first approach, combining play-based learning, engaging activities, and positive reinforcement to make therapy both effective and enjoyable.
Through our individualized ABA therapy, children can achieve meaningful progress in areas such as:
- Building daily life skills and independence
- Improving motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Increasing communication and socialization
- Developing healthy responses to stress and new situations
By turning challenges into opportunities for growth, we help children work steadily toward their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About ABA Therapy in Mount Lebanon, PA
What ages does Helping Hands Family serve in Mount Lebanon, PA?
Our Mount Lebanon clinic works with children ages 18 months to 6 years. This age range reflects the strong body of evidence behind early intervention, which shows that ABA therapy started in the toddler and preschool years tends to produce the most durable gains in language, behavior, and social skills.
What should I expect during my child’s first visit to your Mount Lebanon clinic?
The first visit is centered on getting to know your child. A BCBA observes how your child plays, communicates, and responds, then uses those observations to shape an initial treatment plan. This relaxed, low-pressure introduction provides a walkthrough of the plan, where you can ask questions to our clinical team before regular sessions start.
Do you accept my insurance at your Mount Lebanon location?
We are in-network with most major insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Horizon, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Highmark, and ComPsych. Before therapy begins, our Care Coordination Team confirms exactly what your plan covers. We can also offer some out-of-network options. Reach out, and we’ll verify your specific benefits for you.
How is center-based ABA therapy different from other treatment settings?
Center-based ABA therapy takes place in a clinic designed specifically for learning, with dedicated therapy rooms, structured routines, and built-in opportunities to practice social skills alongside peers. This consistent environment helps many children focus and progress. It gives our clinical team the tools and space to deliver therapy effectively.
Access Supportive Autism Services in Mt. Lebanon, PA Today
If your child has recently received an autism diagnosis, our experienced and compassionate team is here to help. We’ll guide you from understanding ABA therapy to starting services that meet your family’s needs. For parents looking up an “autism specialist near me” in the Pittsburgh area, our Mount Lebanon clinic offers credentialed clinical care close to home.
Have questions about our ABA therapy in Mt. Lebanon? Our team is ready to provide answers and help you get started with confidence. If Mount Lebanon is out of range, we offer ABA therapy in McCandless with the same care and dedication.
In-Network Insurance
*We also have out-of-network and private pay options. Contact us to verify your insurance benefits today!