The world of autism care looks very different from what it did just a few years ago. Demand continues to surge, technology is reshaping service delivery, and applied behavioral therapy (ABA) practice owners face rising operational complexity. If you own or manage an applied behavioral analysis practice, now is the time to review your ABA insurance and make sure it reflects how your business has evolved.
As innovation accelerates, many owners ask: What insurance coverage do ABA providers need in 2026? The answer depends on how your practice is growing, hiring, and integrating new technology.
How Is Autism Therapy Changing in 2026?
Autism therapy is expanding at a remarkable pace. The broader autism therapy market was valued at $3.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $6.1 billion by 2033, reflecting steady growth and increased demand for services.
In parallel, diagnoses continue to rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports increasing prevalence rates, which directly impact demand for early intervention and ongoing behavioral therapy.
Care delivery is also becoming more technology-driven. Recently, providers began integrating therapy tools driven by artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality programs for social skills training, telehealth platforms, wearable behavior-monitoring devices, and adaptive neurodiverse education apps.
Telehealth continues to reshape behavioral health. Providers can deliver live virtual sessions, remote parent coaching, and digital behavior tracking. Growth creates opportunity, but it also increases exposure. When your team delivers services across state lines, stores sensitive health data in multiple systems, or supervises staff remotely, your liability profile changes.
What New Risks Are Emerging for ABA Providers?
Innovation improves outcomes, but it introduces new layers of risk that many practice owners underestimate. Many owners assume that improving services reduces risk. In reality, growth amplifies exposure. More clients, more staff, and more technology increase the number of potential failure points.
Telehealth Liability
Supervising registered behavior technicians through virtual platforms requires clear documentation, consistent protocols, and compliance with multistate licensing rules. A gap in supervision can lead to allegations of professional negligence.
Cyber Exposure
ABA providers collect and store protected health information, behavior data, and video recordings. As digital platforms expand, so do the risks of ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. Without dedicated cyber liability insurance, a single breach can disrupt operations and erode family trust.
Employment Risks
Rapid hiring to meet demand often leads to training gaps, burnout, and turnover. Employment practices liability insurance helps protect your organization against claims involving wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.
Professional Liability Expansion
When clinicians rely on AI-informed recommendations or wearable data, plaintiffs’ attorneys may scrutinize how those tools influenced treatment decisions. Your professional liability insurance must reflect evolving standards of care.
Is Your ABA Insurance Structured for Growth?
Before you expand locations, increase headcount, or invest in new tech platforms, review your coverage structure with a broker who understands the ABA space. Key policies to evaluate include:
- Professional liability insurance for treatment-related claims
- General liability insurance for third-party bodily injury or property damage
- Workers’ compensation insurance for staff, especially those working in clients’ homes
- Cyber liability insurance for data breaches and digital threats
- Employment practices liability insurance for employee claims alleging wrongful acts, such as discrimination and retaliation
Coverage limits should align with your current revenue, number of clinicians, and geographic footprint. A policy that worked when you had five employees may fall short when you manage 40 across multiple states.
At Olson Duncan Insurance, we focus heavily on supporting ABA providers nationwide while continuing to serve California-based businesses across commercial lines. We understand that your employees work inside the homes of autistic children, navigate unpredictable environments, and manage behavioral escalations in real time. Generic coverage does not account for those realities.
Growth Should Strengthen Your Practice, Not Expose It
The ABA industry has entered a new phase defined by technology, expansion, and heightened expectations from families and regulators. Market growth, AI integration, and telehealth adoption will continue to shape how services are delivered.
Growth should build stability, not create blind spots. A proactive review of your ABA insurance helps protect the progress you have worked hard to achieve.
If your practice plans to hire, expand, or integrate new technology in 2026, contact us to schedule a coverage review tailored specifically to ABA providers. Let’s make sure your insurance evolves as quickly as your practice does.
FAQ About ABA Insurance
What insurance coverage do ABA providers need in 2026?
Most ABA providers need professional liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, cyber liability, and employment practices liability insurance. Practices using telehealth or AI-driven tools should confirm their policies address technology-related exposures.
Does telehealth increase liability for ABA practices?
Yes. Telehealth can introduce risks related to supervision, documentation, and multistate compliance. Your insurance should explicitly address services delivered virtually and any cross-state regulatory considerations.
When should I review my ABA insurance?
Review your policies before expanding services, hiring additional staff, opening a new location, or implementing new digital platforms. Rapid growth often outpaces outdated coverage limits.
About Olson Duncan
Established in 1945, Olson Duncan Insurance has more than 70 years of experience serving the insurance and risk management needs of California residents and businesses. During our seven decades, we’ve earned the trust of our clients and the outstanding reputation of professional integrity by consistently offering individuals and businesses quality insurance products at fair, competitive prices, backed by exceptionally responsive service.