Ask Dr. Doreen

Ask Dr Doreen: How does ABA effect high functioning teens?

June 2, 2026·59 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

On today's show autism expert Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh answers questions from viewers around the world about how ABA can be beneficial even for kiddos and teens who are considered "high functioning." 00:00 Welcome + Show Intro  04:01 California Autism Budget Changes Explained 05:03 Proposed ABA Limits (25 Hour Cap, Diagnosis Requirement, Transport Limits) 06:18 Why These Changes Could Harm Kids 08:10 Medicaid Fraud & Impact on ABA Services 08:44 Urgent Call to Action (Contact Governor) 10:02 How to Speak Up & What to Say 12:24 Topic: ABA for "High Functioning" Kids & Teens 13:18 Parent Question: Is ABA a Waste of Time? 14:07 Why ABA Is Essential (Even for Higher Functioning Kids) 15:21 Different ABA Approaches Based on Needs 17:27 Teaching Social, Communication & Executive Skills 19:01 Choosing the Right ABA Provider 21:05 Common Misconceptions About ABA 23:00 Is 13 Too Late for ABA? 23:45 Why Teens Still Benefit from ABA 26:07 Does ABA Make a Real Difference Long-Term? 27:49 Real-Life Outcome Comparison (With vs Without ABA) 28:43 Why Early Intervention Matters 30:01 "Compound Interest" of ABA Learning Explained 33:31 When Parents Disagree About ABA 34:42 Understanding Resistance & Fear Around Therapy 36:35 Talking to Other Parents for Perspective 40:35 Is ABA Only for Nonverbal Kids? 40:57 Advanced Skills ABA Can Teach 44:04 What ABA Actually Looks Like (In Home & Clinic)  44:56 Why Early Sessions Can Look Challenging 46:41 Behind-the-Scenes ABA Video Series Mention 49:30 Rethinking Assumptions About ABA 50:21 "What Happens If You Do vs Don't Try ABA?" 52:36 ABA Conference Highlights (San Francisco) 53:38 Importance of Intensity in ABA 55:05 Running a Quality ABA Program 56:21 Challenges Facing ABA Today 58:03 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude 59:06 Tomorrow's Topic: Water Safety 59:29 Outro & Weekly Schedule

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