For many families raising neurodiverse children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a well-known, research-backed intervention. ABA helps children develop communication, daily living, and social skills through positive reinforcement and structured routines.
But, as effective as ABA can be, it’s not without limitations.
Between high costs, limited availability, and the reality that many children “age out” of services by the time they reach high school, families are often left wondering: What happens next? How do we continue to build on what ABA started?
That’s where visual support tools like MapHabit come in—not as a replacement for ABA, but as an accelerator, an extender, and for many families, a lifeline long after formal services end.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA breaks down skills, like brushing teeth, asking for help, or managing emotions, into small, manageable steps. Therapists use techniques like positive reinforcement to encourage helpful behaviors and reduce those that interfere with learning or daily life.
For example, a child might be rewarded with praise or a favorite toy for using words instead of gestures to request a snack. Over time, these small successes build into bigger gains in communication, independence, and social interaction.
ABA is widely considered the gold standard for autism-related interventions. It’s backed by decades of research, and studies have shown it can significantly improve learning, communication, and adaptive behavior. In fact, a meta-analysis found that children who received early intensive ABA therapy showed IQ gains of 15+ points over control groups on average.
However, the ABA model is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s not always accessible.
When ABA works, it’s great, but like any solution, it’s not without its downsides.
In short, ABA often builds foundational skills, but without ongoing structure, those gains can fade. That’s why families and providers are increasingly looking for tools that carry those lessons forward.
Visual aids have long been used in special education settings. Why? Because neurodivergent brains often process visual information more effectively than verbal instruction.
Research supports this. Visual schedules can increase independence and reduce challenging behaviors in children with ASD. And, picture-based prompts have been shown to help individuals learn daily living skills more efficiently than verbal reminders alone.
These tools help make abstract instructions more concrete, repeatable, and manageable—especially for those who struggle with executive functioning or working memory.
MapHabit is a visual support platform and assistive technology that allows caregivers, therapists, and individuals themselves to build step-by-step visual “maps” of daily routines, social scripts, or behavior protocols. These personalized guides can be accessed on a tablet or phone, with images, audio, and text tailored to each person’s needs.
Here’s how MapHabit works alongside ABA to reinforce and accelerate progress.
In ABA, skills are often taught in highly structured settings. The real challenge is applying those skills in the real world. With MapHabit, children can use maps to practice brushing teeth, managing emotions, or navigating social interactions in everyday settings, not just during a formal therapy session.
Parents and family members can easily build and customize visual maps, creating a collaborative environment where everyone is on the same page. That means ABA strategies don’t stop when the therapist leaves—they’re embedded in the child’s daily life.
Visual supports like MapHabit also make it easier for caregivers to reinforce what’s taught during therapy and promote consistency across environments—home, school, community, and beyond. That continuity is critical for generalizing skills and helping individuals become more independent over time.
ABA principles rely heavily on consistency. However, when a child is at school, home, work, or in the community at large, consistency can break down. MapHabit travels with the individual, providing continuity of support across all settings.
By providing step-by-step prompts, MapHabit empowers children to complete tasks without constant adult prompting, boosting both skill development and self-esteem.
In addition to its clinical value, MapHabit can support billable services for ABA providers, especially when integrated into parent training and therapy sessions.
ABA therapists can bill for structured, individualized sessions focused on caregiver education using CPT code 97156. According to Brellium, the rate is $30.73 per 15 minutes and includes:
Common use cases include:
MapHabit makes these sessions more effective and structured by offering a visual way to teach and track routines.
For individualized therapy delivered by a behavior technician, CPT code 97153 applies. This covers:
Rates typically range from $16.37 to $19.26 per 15-minute unit.
When to use this code:
When used alongside ABA, MapHabit helps technicians follow consistent visual routines, reinforces skill-building, and provides supporting data to track progress.
One of the most overlooked gaps in autism services is what happens after childhood. Studies show that nearly half of young adults with autism are not employed or in post-secondary education after high school. That’s not a reflection of capability—it’s often a reflection of a lack of ongoing support.
MapHabit fills this gap by offering lifespan visual supports that grow with the user.
For a teen, that might mean using maps to build a daily hygiene routine or navigate a part-time job. For a young adult, maps might include budgeting, medication reminders, or grocery shopping checklists. For older adults with cognitive decline or intellectual disabilities, MapHabit helps maintain routines, increase engagement, and reduce caregiver burden.
This kind of visual scaffolding is essential for lasting support. ABA builds essential skills, and then MapHabit can help them stick.
ABA therapy can be life-changing, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. With the right tools, families can extend those gains, reinforce routines, and support independence at every stage of life.
MapHabit isn’t a substitute for therapy, but it is a powerful ally. It’s a flexible, easy-to-use visual support system that helps individuals thrive not just during treatment, but long after it ends.
Neurodiverse individuals don’t stop developing at age 10 or 18, and their support tools shouldn’t either. Contact our team or visit our MapHabit funding page to learn more about how you can get state-funded access to MapHabit.