ABA Therapy in Deptford, NJ
If you are wondering whether your child needs an evaluation, or you just got a diagnosis, here is how Deptford families go from first concern to first session.
Deptford families can start ABA therapy with Innovative ABA at home or at our center at 1939 NJ-70 in Cherry Hill, about 10 miles away. After an autism diagnosis, a BCBA assesses your child and builds a treatment plan. Call (732) 691-1299 for a free consultation and insurance benefits check.
Clinically reviewed by Charles Knoppel, BCBA · Updated October 2026
At a glance
| Nearest center | 1939 NJ-70, Cherry Hill: about 10 miles away |
|---|---|
| Primary service here | In-home ABA; center-based days available |
| Ages | Toddlers through school age |
| Insurance | Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Tricare, UnitedHealthcare & most major plans; free benefits check |
| Clinical lead | Charles Knoppel, BCBA |
I think my child might be autistic. What should I do first?
Trust what you are noticing and talk to your pediatrician. Common early signs include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, little pointing or gesturing, delayed speech, repetitive movements and strong reactions to small changes. None of these alone means autism, but they are worth a closer look.
Your pediatrician can screen and refer you for a full evaluation, usually with a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist or similar specialist. Autism is common: the CDC's monitoring network identified about 1 in 31 eight-year-olds in its most recent report, and New Jersey has consistently had some of the highest identification rates. If your child is under 3, you can also contact New Jersey's Early Intervention System while you wait.
What happens after a diagnosis in Deptford?
Once you have a diagnosis report, ABA can usually move forward. We check your insurance benefits for free, then a BCBA meets your child for an assessment. That includes looking at communication, play, self-care and social skills, and a functional behavior assessment if behaviors like aggression or self-injury are a concern.
The BCBA turns the assessment into a written treatment plan with specific goals and recommended hours, which goes to your insurance for authorization. Very young children may start with our Early-Stage Support & Prevention program, while older children follow ABA Therapy for Children.
The first few weeks of therapy are about building trust and learning your child. Your RBT will spend time playing and finding out what motivates your child before structured teaching ramps up. Parents often notice that this early pairing makes therapy something their child looks forward to.
- Diagnosisfrom a qualified evaluator, required by most plans
- Benefits checkfree, so you know your coverage up front
- Assessmentskills plus behavior, done by a BCBA
- Treatment plangoals, hours and setting, sent for authorization
- First sessionsthe RBT builds rapport before teaching begins
Will my Deptford child do ABA at home or at the center?
At about 10 miles from our Cherry Hill center, Deptford is far enough that most families start with In-Home ABA Therapy. I-295 runs through the township, so families who want a few center days a week can reach Cherry Hill without much trouble, and some do.
Your BCBA will help you weigh it. Home is often the easier start for young children and families with busy schedules. The center adds peers and a full team in one place. Families in nearby Washington Township face the same choice, and our Gloucester County page covers the rest of the area.
Whatever you choose, Deptford is in Gloucester County, and the county seat, Woodbury, sits right next door. Your local school district's Child Study Team handles IEPs from age 3, while Early Intervention covers children under 3.
What should I ask an ABA provider before I choose one?
You are allowed to interview providers. Ask who will design the plan and how often that BCBA will actually see your child. Ask how many children each BCBA supervises, and whether your child will have the same therapists over time. Ask how you will see progress data and how often the plan is updated.
Ask about parent involvement too. A strong program will teach you the strategies, not just send a therapist. At Innovative ABA, our answers come from how we are built: low BCBA caseloads, consistent RBTs and a Clinical Director, Charles Knoppel, BCBA, who oversees every plan. Parent training is part of every family's care.
ABA programs for Deptford
Full-Day Center-Based ABA
Structured, full-day programming at our Cherry Hill center, with school-readiness built in.
Learn more →ABA Therapy for Children
One-on-one, play-based ABA that builds communication, social and daily-living skills.
Learn more →In-Home ABA Therapy
Therapy in your home, where routines like meals, bedtime and play happen.
Learn more →Early Intervention ABA
Support for toddlers and preschoolers during the years skills grow fastest.
Learn more →School & Community-Based ABA
Help carrying skills into classrooms, playgrounds, stores and outings.
Learn more →Social Skills Development
Turn-taking, conversation, play and friendship skills, practiced with peers.
Learn more →Feeding Therapy (ABA)
Help with picky eating, food selectivity and mealtime behavior, coordinated with your child's doctors.
Learn more →More Gloucester County communities we serve
Innovative ABA – Cherry Hill, NJ
Innovative ABA
1939 NJ-70
Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08003
(732) 691-1299
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
On Route 70 on the east side of Cherry Hill, near the Marlton line. Center-based care happens here; our in-home and community team travels across South Jersey and the Philadelphia area.
Charles Knoppel, BCBA
Clinical Director — Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Charles leads our clinical team and oversees every child’s treatment plan. He reviewed this page for clinical accuracy in October 2026. Meet our team →
Frequently asked questions
Who can diagnose autism for a child in Deptford?
A developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, child psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist can usually diagnose autism spectrum disorder. Your pediatrician can refer you. Check your insurance plan, since it may require the diagnosis to come from a specific type of provider before it covers ABA. If you are unsure, our team can explain what your plan accepts during the free benefits check.
Can we start ABA while waiting for an evaluation?
Most insurance plans will not authorize ABA without a diagnosis, so the evaluation usually comes first. You can still call us now. We will check your benefits for free and explain what your plan needs, so you can start quickly once the diagnosis report is ready.
What is a functional behavior assessment?
It is a structured way to figure out why a behavior happens. A BCBA observes your child, talks with you and looks at what happens right before and after the behavior. The results guide a plan that teaches a better way to meet the same need. Families are part of that process from the start.
How far is Innovative ABA from Deptford?
Our only center is at 1939 NJ-70 in Cherry Hill, about 10 miles from Deptford. Most Deptford families receive in-home ABA, and some add center-based days. Our team travels to homes across Deptford. Some families also choose a few center-based days a week as children approach school age.
Will ABA change who my child is?
No, and it should not. Good ABA builds on your child's strengths and interests and focuses on skills that make life easier and safer, like communicating needs, handling change and joining in with family. You help choose the goals, and the BCBA explains every part of the plan.
What does it cost to start?
The consultation and insurance benefits check are free. Your costs for therapy depend on your plan's deductible, copays and coverage, which is exactly what our benefits check is designed to explain before any services begin. Reach us through our contact page. We will never start services without explaining what your plan covers.
Is ABA therapy only for children with severe autism?
No. ABA can help children across the autism spectrum, from children who are not yet speaking to children who talk easily but struggle with friendships, flexibility or emotional regulation. The goals are what change. A BCBA builds a plan around your child's specific strengths and needs, and you help decide what matters most.
Take the first step
Whether you have a diagnosis or just a concern, call (732) 691-1299. We will explain your options in plain language.