Child Autism Therapy Support & Behavioral Care with IU Health Bloomington & UNIFI
Partnering for Whole-Child Autism Care
UNIFI Autism Care was honored to partner with IU Health Bloomington for the presentation Behavioral Health Therapy to Children with Autism, featuring Dr. Breanne Hartley, UNIFI President, Chief Clinical Officer, and Co-Founder and Dr. Steven Merahn, UNIFI Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder. Together, they highlighted how child autism therapy support such as behavioral health therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA) can transform outcomes for children with autism and their families. The discussion emphasized not only the science of ABA but also the importance of collaboration between pediatricians, specialists, and behavioral health professionals.
“We’ve been really happy to be able to adopt this whole-child health perspective within the way that we approach treatment.” – Dr. Breanne Hartley
Autism as Medical Complexity
Dr. Merahn explained why autism should be considered a form of medical complexity. Autism is lifelong and often co-occurs with other health challenges, requiring multidisciplinary support. Many children experience:
- Sleep difficulties
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Anxiety and depression
- ADHD and sensory sensitivities
“Children with autism by definition meet the definition of medical complexity.” – Dr. Steven Merahn
By reframing autism this way, healthcare providers can better advocate for integrated, whole-child care that supports both medical and behavioral needs.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Gold Standard for Child Autism Therapy Support
Dr. Hartley, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Chief Clinical Officer at UNIFI Autism Care, underscored the proven effectiveness of ABA therapy in Indiana. Dr. Hartley also addressed common misconceptions:
- ABA is not just for autism—it is also effective for ADHD, feeding disorders, and other behavioral health challenges.
- ABA is not one-size-fits-all—treatment must be tailored to each child’s unique strengths and goals.
- ABA is not rigid or outdated—modern ABA emphasizes compassionate, naturalistic, and person-centered care.
ABA therapy helps children gain essential skills in communication, social interaction, learning, and self-care, while also reducing challenging behaviors.
“Applied behavior analysis is about creating goals that are personal—goals that respect each individual’s uniqueness and make meaningful differences over the course of their life.” – Dr. Breanne Hartley
Why Early Intervention Matters
One of the strongest messages from the presentation was the value of early intervention in autism therapy. Developmental barriers such as limited joint attention, delayed speech, or difficulty with imitation can disrupt long-term progress. Early ABA therapy provides strategies that allow children to reconnect with their developmental trajectory and build lifelong independence.
Indiana has led the way in access to autism treatment. In fact, Indiana was the first state to enact insurance reform for ABA therapy in 2001, paving the way for families to access needed care.
“If we’re able to remove or attenuate the disruptive barriers, then we’re able to put this child back on a developmental trajectory that is unique to them.” – Dr. Steven Merahn
The Importance of Early Autism Diagnostics
Early intervention starts with early diagnosis. Autism evaluations are often the first step to accessing ABA therapy and other evidence-based supports. Yet, many families experience long wait times for diagnostic appointments, delaying care during a critical window of development.
Increasing access to timely autism diagnostics ensures children can begin therapy as soon as possible—when interventions are proven to be most effective. Screenings, comprehensive evaluations, and collaboration across providers all play a vital role in helping families start services without unnecessary delays.
Overcoming Barriers to Autism Care
While ABA therapy is widely recognized as the gold standard for autism treatment, many families still struggle to access the services their child needs. The journey from diagnosis to treatment can be overwhelming, and systemic barriers often add unnecessary stress during an already emotional time.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Limited availability of diagnostic evaluations – Families may wait months, or even longer, for a formal autism diagnosis, which is required before beginning ABA therapy.
- Prior authorization delays – Insurance approvals for both initial assessments and ongoing therapy can slow down the start of services.
- Provider waitlists – Many ABA centers operate at capacity, creating long waits for families seeking care.
- Rural access gaps – Families living outside major cities often have fewer options for high-quality autism services, leading to inequities in care.
These barriers can delay early intervention, which is critical for long-term developmental success. That’s why consistent support from healthcare providers makes such a difference. Families benefit when providers stay actively involved—checking in after referrals, making sure treatment plans align with family goals, and helping advocate for continuity of services.
By working together, providers and families can help bridge these gaps, ensuring children have access to timely, effective, and compassionate autism care no matter where they live.
Watch the full presentation below: Behavioral Health Therapy to Children with Autism in Partnership with IU Health
Learn More about ABA Therapy Support for Your Child
Whether you’re a parent seeking ABA therapy for your child, a provider looking to collaborate on whole-child care, or a community partner supporting families in Indiana, UNIFI Autism Care is here to help.
With locations in across Indiana, we provide evidence-based services including:
Our team is dedicated to delivering compassionate, personalized care that empowers children and strengthens families.
Ready to take the next step?
Get Autism Therapy Services Started for Your Child with UNIFI Autism Care
Contact us today by clicking the link below to get started or to give us a call to learn more about our services:
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