Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is most commonly associated with early childhood, but many providers support clients well into adolescence and adulthood. Each developmental stage introduces new behavioral goals, unique therapy environments, and evolving risks — which means your ABA insurance strategy should evolve, too. Whether your team is engaging in play-based sessions with toddlers or community-based behavior support with adults, your liability exposures shift along the way.
So, what types of insurance coverage do ABA therapy providers need when working with children, teens, and adults? That depends on where services take place, how behaviors manifest, and who is delivering care.
Why Age Matters in ABA Risk Management
Client age impacts every aspect of ABA delivery, from the techniques used to the supervision required. Younger children may need intensive one-on-one support with basic life skills, including feeding and toileting. As clients grow older, sessions may involve navigating public environments, managing transitions, or de-escalating aggression and self-injurious behavior. Each of these scenarios introduces different levels of liability.
Research shows that autism itself evolves with age. Early intervention with comprehensive treatment models (CTM) like ABA can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Some children may even outgrow their diagnosis, but many will continue to need support into adolescence and adulthood. The CDC notes that adolescents diagnosed with autism at an early age are significantly more likely to experience physical and mental health conditions — including anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sensory processing difficulties — as they age.
For example, therapists working with toddlers might face a higher injury risk from physically supporting or redirecting clients. Adolescents, especially those in school-based settings, may require behavior intervention plans that involve physical prompting or restraint, increasing exposure to potential allegations. Adults with autism may participate in job coaching or community-based programs, which carry new risks related to supervision, transportation, and third-party interaction.
What Coverage Should Grow With Your ABA Services?
As client needs change, so should your insurance protections. The foundational policies for any provider include general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation — but how they’re structured matters.
General liability should account for the environments where services are rendered. In-home therapy for toddlers requires different protections than community programs for adults. Professional liability, or ABA liability insurance, should address allegations tied to your clinical care, especially when behaviors escalate.
If your staff includes newer RBTs working under the guidance of BCBAs, supervision protocols become part of your risk landscape. Coverage should reflect that dynamic — especially in higher-risk age groups. Don’t overlook workers’ compensation either. Physical strain, emotional stress, and workplace injuries increase as staff manage more complex behavioral needs.
Mistakes ABA Providers Make When Scaling Services
Many growing ABA businesses make critical missteps as they expand.
- Overlooking behavioral complexity: Elopement, outbursts, and aggression become more difficult and riskier as clients get older. Insurance policies must reflect those exposures.
- Failing to reassess coverage: Extending services into schools or community programs without updating your insurance is a liability gap waiting to happen.
- Not adapting internal protocols: Staff training, documentation, and supervision processes should shift alongside client growth. If your operations evolve but your protections don’t, coverage gaps may result.
Stay Protected as You Support Your Clients’ Growth
Your mission is to support every client’s progress across their lifespan. Olson Duncan’s mission is to support you while you do it. With adaptable ABA insurance solutions tailored to the real-world risks of your settings, we help you protect your business, your team, and your clients at every stage.
Learn more about customized ABA coverage solutions from Olson Duncan Insurance.
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.