(Toronto and Richmond, July 8, 2026) A new study, conducted by AnswersNow in partnership with the Clemson Center for Behavior Analysis (Clemson University) and published in JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting , finds that fully virtual applied behavior analysis (ABA) services delivered by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) are a feasible, well-received alternative to traditional in-person therapy for families affected by autism spectrum disorder. Among the 504 participants, 76% demonstrated measurable progress in adaptive functioning.
The study, " Fully Virtual, Focused Applied Behavior Analysis Services: Acceptability and Feasibility Study, " found that children with autism receiving focused ABA services delivered entirely online showed improvements in adaptive skills, behavior outcomes, and family quality of life. Caregivers also reported high levels of satisfaction with the virtual service model, with 95.1% of families reporting the services they received were effective.
As demand for autism services continues to grow across the United States, researchers are exploring new ways to improve access to care. Traditional ABA programs often require intensive, in-person support that can be difficult for some families to access due to geographic, scheduling, or resource barriers.
To investigate the efficacy of this digital model, researchers William H. Edwards of the Clemson Center for Behavior Analysis (Clemson University) and Brittany C. Wierzba of AnswersNow conducted a retrospective analysis of 504 children who received focused virtual ABA therapy, an average of 2.6 hours per week, delivered by a BCBA. In the largest study of its kind, they evaluated changes in adaptive behavior, maladaptive behavior, caregiver satisfaction, and quality of life measures over time.
Results showed positive trends across several key areas, including improvements in standardized assessments of daily living, adaptive skills, and child and family quality of life measures. Caregivers consistently reported strong satisfaction with the virtual services.
"Autism therapy is under immense pressure. Families, providers, and payors all need more flexible options to meet rising demand with fewer BCBAs," said Brittany Wierzba. "This study shows that virtual therapy, when led by BCBAs, can effectively bridge that gap to produce meaningful progress, avoid escalations in care, and support a stable quality of life for families."
These findings provide evidence that this innovative service model is both feasible to implement and acceptable to participating families. The study adds to a growing body of research examining how telehealth and virtual care can expand access to autism support services and contributes further support for lower-hours, BCBA-delivered care as an alternative service delivery model. For more details on this research, read the full study here.
