Compassionate ABA Therapy for Children with Autism in North Dallas, Texas

At PBW, we understand that every child is unique, and we celebrate neurodiversity by using an approach that is child-led, respectful, and play-based. We do not focus on compliance or “fixing” behaviors—instead, we honor each child’s natural way of learning and prioritize joy, autonomy, and meaningful engagement.

We know that many families are hesitant about ABA due to concerns about outdated, compliance-based methods. That’s why we do things differently: our therapy is relationship-driven, strengths-based, and affirming of each child’s communication style, sensory needs, and autonomy.

We provide services across North Dallas, including McKinney, Frisco, Plano, and the surrounding areas.

Our Approach to Therapy

We believe therapy should spark joy, nurture curiosity, and empower children. Our goal is to help each child build confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships—without forcing them to conform to neurotypical expectations.

Play-Based & Naturalistic

Play-Based & Naturalistic – We follow the child’s lead and embed learning into their everyday routines and interests. Our therapy integrates Natural Environment Teaching (NET), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) to create engaging, meaningful interactions.
 
 

Communication

We respect all forms of communication—spoken language, gestures, AAC, and scripting (gestalt language processing). We never force eye contact, verbal speech, or social interactions.

Emotional Regulation & Autonomy

Instead of focusing on “reducing behaviors,” we focus on understanding emotions, co-regulation, and self-advocacy. Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and empowered.
 
 

"We've had an incredible experience with Play-Based Wellness! Anna has a way of making therapy feel fun and natural for our son. I used to worry he wouldn’t like the sessions, but now he’s the one reminding me it’s 'Miss Anna day'! His social skills and ability to handle new situations have greatly improved. Couldn’t have asked for a better BCBA."

Laura M

Mother of Former Client

"PBW is fantastic! I was so nervous to start ABA, but Anna and her team made me feel comfortable right away. They explain everything clearly and always keep us in the loop about our son’s progress. Would highly recommend!"

Rachel S

Grandmother of Former Client

"Play-Based Wellness has been life changing for our family. My child is thriving in ways we couldn’t even imagine a year ago. Anna is compassionate, smart, and truly understands kids. She has our full trust."

Michael D.

Father of Current Client

Our Team

Anna Osipova, MS, BCBA, LBA
Founding Clinician

Alicia Barksdale, BA
Care Coordinator

Our Mission at Play-Based Wellness

At our BCBA-led practice, we dedicate ourselves to nurturing your child's growth through play-based learning. Our mission centers on prioritizing your child in all our efforts, employing effective interventions grounded in compassionate care to enhance their development, happiness and success. 

Our Services

At PBW, we offer a range of comprehensive and individualized services designed to support children with autism and their families.

One on One In-Home ABA Therapy

Our personalized in-home ABA therapy focuses on individual needs, promoting skill development in a familiar environment. We work closely with children to enhance communication, social, and behavioral skills through evidence-based interventions.

ABA Parent Training

Our ABA Parent Training empowers families with strategies to manage behavioral challenges at home. We offer practical tools and guidance to support your child's progress, ensuring consistency in their therapy journey.

Assessment

Our assessment process begins with a thorough evaluation of your child's strengths, needs, and areas of development. Led by our experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), we use a combination of standardized assessments, direct observation, and parent/caregiver input to gain a holistic understanding of your child's abilities and challenges.

School Based Services

Play-Based Wellness offers school-based ABA therapy specifically tailored for children in private schools, preschools, and daycares. Our interventions help students thrive in classroom settings by addressing behavioral challenges and reinforcing positive learning habits.

Insurance Coverage

We're In-Network Providers with

At Play-Based Wellness (PBW), we strive to make our services as accessible as possible for all families. We proudly accept insurance plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Baylor Scott & White, Cook Children's Medicaid, Aetna, and Cigna. Our team is dedicated to working closely with families to create flexible payment plan schedules for patient deductibles, ensuring that your child receives the care they need without financial stress. Our commitment is to support you every step of the way, providing high-quality, in-home ABA services tailored to meet your unique needs.

Our Therapy Approach: Learning Through Play, Connection, and Joy

At PBW, our approach is rooted in respect for each child’s individuality. We don’t believe in rigid, compliance-based therapy—instead, we focus on building relationships, fostering autonomy, and creating joyful learning experiences. Our therapy is child-led, play-based, and responsive, meaning we follow the child’s natural interests and communication style while embedding meaningful skill development into their everyday world.

One of the key models we use is the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a play-based, developmental approach that prioritizes social connection, engagement, and natural learning opportunities.

Why We Use ESDM: Research & Real-World Impact

ESDM is backed by strong research showing that naturalistic, relationship-based therapy leads to significant progressin young children. A randomized controlled trial led by Dr. Geri Dawson studied 48 toddlers with autism, comparing children who received ESDM with parent coaching and therapist-led play therapy to those who received community-based interventions (speech therapy, OT, and special education services).

After two years, the results were clear:

Better Outcomes

Children in the ESDM group gained an average of 17 IQ points, while children in the community-based therapy group gained only 6. By the end of the study, the ESDM group had an average IQ of 80—moving out of the intellectual disability range—while the other group had an average IQ of 66.

Language Skills

Language skills also improved significantly in the ESDM group, reinforcing that children learn best in a playful, socially rich environment rather than through isolated interventions.

Better Communication

Both groups received a similar number of therapy hours, yet the structured, naturalistic approach of ESDM led to far greater developmental gains. This aligns with what we see every day at PBW—children make the most progress when therapy feels engaging, connected, and affirming of their unique ways of learning.

How This Shapes Our Therapy at PBW

I take the principles of ESDM and integrate them into my broader approach, which includes:

Child-Led Learning – Therapy follows the child’s interests and motivations, not rigid adult-driven programs.
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) – Skills are learned through play and real-life experiences, not isolated drills.
Gestalt Language Processing Support – We honor all forms of communication—scripts, AAC, gestures, and spoken language—rather than forcing verbal speech.
Sensory & Emotional Regulation – Behavior is not about compliance; we focus on co-regulation, autonomy, and self-advocacy.
Parent Coaching & Collaboration – Parents are empowered as partners in their child’s growth.

At PBW, therapy isn’t about "fixing" children or forcing them to conform. It’s about building confidence, connection, and communication in a way that feels safe, joyful, and affirming. - Anna Osipova MS BCBA LBA

FAQ

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a scientifically validated approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. It focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors while reducing challenging ones. ABA therapy is highly individualized, targeting specific goals to improve skills such as communication, social interactions, and daily living activities.

We provide ABA therapy services to children aged 3 to 15 years old. Our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child within this age range, regardless of their developmental stage.

The duration of each ABA session can vary depending on the individualized treatment plan developed for your child. Typically, sessions last between one to three hours, and the frequency of sessions may vary based on your child’s needs and progress.

BCBA certification requires rigorous education and experience in applied behavior analysis. This includes completing a master’s degree, accruing 2000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience, passing a comprehensive examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and adhering to ongoing continuing education requirements.

Anna’s approach begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify your child’s strengths, challenges, and specific goals. As part of this assessment process, Anna utilizes various age-appropriate assessments such as the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, EDSM, PEAK, and the Vineland-3. Based on the assessment results and in collaboration with you, she develops a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs and preferences.

Parents play a crucial role in the ABA therapy process as they are essential partners in their child’s treatment journey. We encourage active participation and provide training and support to help parents reinforce skills learned during therapy sessions and generalize them to real-life situations at home and in the community.

To begin, please submit the contact form on our website, and our team will reach out to you promptly to schedule an appointment. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your child’s needs, goals, and preferences, and develop a plan tailored to meet their unique requirements. We look forward to partnering with you on this journey towards success!

Blog

Learn More About Our Approach

Our services are designed to promote meaningful progress, enhance quality of life, and empower families with the knowledge and tools they need for ongoing success.

The Role of Play in ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a well-established approach to improving various behaviors in children, particularly those with autism. One of the most effective and engaging approaches within ABA is a play-based approach. This approach utilizes the natural, enjoyable aspects of play to teach important skills and behaviors, making learning both fun and effective.





How Working with a BCBA Can Transform Parents' Lives

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), my passion lies in supporting families of children with autism to navigate the challenges they face and unlock their full potential. Through evidence-based interventions and personalized support, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact that working with a BCBA can have on parents' lives. In this article, we'll explore how partnering with a BCBA can lead to positive transformations for parents.

What Your Child Will Be Doing During Therapy: A Play-Based Approach to ABA

So, what will your child be doing during therapy? They'll be playing, learning, and growing in a supportive and nurturing environment. They'll be following a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs and goals. And most importantly, they'll be having fun while they do it.

Empowering Parents: A Guide to Parent Training in ABA Therapy

At PBW, we believe in the power of collaboration between parents and ABA therapists to support the growth and development of children with autism. Parent training is a crucial component of our therapy approach, as it empowers parents to become active participants in their child's journey towards progress and success. In this blog post, we'll explore what parent training looks like and how it benefits both parents and their children.





Exploring the Benefits of Play BasedWellness

Engaging in playful activities enhances emotional intelligence by promoting empathy, cooperation, and communication skills. Participants learn to manage emotions effectively and navigate interpersonal relationships with greater ease.

Play-Based ABA Therapy

We focus on nurturing play skills to bring joy and engagement back into your child's life.

Start a journey of

Better Future for your kids

Welcome to PBW, where we prioritize personalized care and specialized focus. As a clinicians, we maintain a smaller client caseload to ensure each child receives the attention they deserve. 

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Our Approach to Therapy

At PBW, we utilize play-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to create a fun and engaging learning environment.

Best Learning

We use evidence-based practices to provide the most effective things for your child.

Skill Development

Promoting positive social interactions and relationships with peers and adults.

Learning Plans

By individualized learning plans tailored to each child's specific needs, strengths, and goals.

Comprehensive Services at Positive Behavior Wellness

At Positive Behavior Wellness, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective services tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and family we serve. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 1:1 direct therapy sessions, parent training programs, and thorough assessment process.

Direct Therapy

Our team of highly trained and compassionate

Parent Training

that parents play in their child's therapy journey

Assessment

Our assessment process is thorough and holistic

Play-Based Learning

At Positive Behavior Wellness (PBW), we embrace play-based learning as a cornerstone of our approach to therapy. Through engaging and interactive activities, we foster a supportive environment where children can develop essential skills while having fun.

Engaging and Motivating

Engaging and Motivating

Play is a natural way for children to learn and explore their world.

Developmentally Appropriate

Developmentally Appropriate

We customize our play-based therapy sessions to suit each child’s unique strengths

Our Team

Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. Led by experienced Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and supported by skilled Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), we are committed to providing personalized and effective therapy.

Anna Osipova, MS, BCBA, LBA
Founding Clinician

Alicia Barksdale, BA
Care Coordinator

Insurance

Why Play-Based Wellness Is the Better Choice

Discover the benefits of play-based wellness and why it's an optimal approach for child development and therapy at Positive Behavior Wellness.

Insurance Verification

If you're considering using insurance to cover the cost of therapy, we'll handle the verification process to determine the extent of coverage for ABA services, alleviating any concerns you may have about the financial aspect. A financial counseling session will be had explaining any costs associated with therapy.

Gathering Information

Once we've connected, our team, led by our dedicated BCBA, Anna Osipova, will reach out to gather essential details about your loved one. This includes their name, age, any diagnosis they may have, insurance information, and of course, understanding unique strengths, challenges, and your aspirations for your child.

Why Play-Based Wellness Is the Better Choice

Discover the benefits of play-based wellness and why it's an optimal approach for child development and therapy at Positive Behavior Wellness.

Insurance Verification

If you're considering using insurance to cover the cost of therapy, we'll handle the verification process to determine the extent of coverage for ABA services, alleviating any concerns you may have about the financial aspect. A financial counseling session will be had explaining any costs associated with therapy.

Gathering Information

Once we've connected, our team, led by our dedicated BCBA, Anna Osipova, will reach out to gather essential details about your loved one. This includes their name, age, any diagnosis they may have, insurance information, and of course, understanding unique strengths, challenges, and your aspirations for your child.

Amazing Moments

Equip children with strategies for managing difficult emotions through emotional regulation, rather than mere compliance