Give Your Child the Best Start

BCBA-led, evidence-based in-home ABA therapy right in Maryland. Compassionate. Professional. Trusted.

BHCOE Accredited
Kennedy Krieger Partner
CASP Member
Maryland Medicaid

Understanding ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is the gold-standard treatment for autism. It focuses on understanding behavior and using evidence-based strategies to help children learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

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Evidence-Based

Backed by decades of research and proven outcomes. ABA is recognized by the FDA and recommended by leading health organizations.

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In Your Home

Therapy happens where your child is most comfortable, in the environments where they spend their time, making skills more meaningful.

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Personalized Care

Every child is unique. Our BCBA-led team creates custom treatment plans tailored to your child's specific needs and goals.

Why Choose A Gem of Joy

✓ BHCOE Accredited

Independently recognized for meeting the highest standards of care, ethics, and quality in behavior analysis.

✓ Kennedy Krieger Partnership

Trusted partner with Johns Hopkins' leading autism research and treatment center, ensuring evidence-based excellence.

✓ Maryland Medicaid Accepted

We accept Maryland Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans, making quality care accessible to families.

✓ Family-Centered Approach

We partner with your family, not just the child. Your involvement and goals drive every aspect of the therapy plan.

Your Journey to Progress

1

Free Consultation

Chat with our team about your child's needs and goals. No pressure, just answers.

2

Comprehensive Assessment

Our BCBA conducts an in-depth evaluation to understand your child's strengths and opportunities.

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Custom Treatment Plan

We create a personalized ABA plan aligned with your family's goals and your child's needs.

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Therapy Begins

Professional, compassionate in-home therapy with ongoing monitoring and progress updates.

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Founded by Yaffa

Yaffa built A Gem of Joy on a simple belief: every child with autism deserves access to the best care, delivered with warmth and professionalism. With years of experience in ABA therapy and a deep commitment to Maryland families, Yaffa created a practice that combines clinical excellence with genuine compassion.

Our team shares that vision. We're not just behavior analysts. We're partners in your child's growth, advocates for your family, and believers in the incredible potential within every child we serve.

Your child isn't just a case. They're a gem, and they deserve to shine.

Serving All of Maryland

Baltimore

PG County

Montgomery

Howard County

Anne Arundel

Columbia

Silver Spring

Bethesda

Frederick

Rockville

Plus many more communities across Maryland. Call to confirm service in your area.

Insurance & Payment

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Maryland Medicaid

Covered in full. No hidden fees or surprises.

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Commercial Insurance

Most major plans accepted. We verify benefits before starting.

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Let's Talk

Call us about your specific plan. Our team makes billing simple.

Start Your Child's Journey

Complete this brief form and our team will reach out within one business day. Let's talk about how we can help.

Common Questions

Children can begin ABA therapy as early as age 2 or 3, and research shows that early intervention leads to the best outcomes. However, we provide effective therapy for children of all ages. Every child has potential at any age.

The duration depends on your child's needs and goals. Some children benefit from intensive early intervention over 1-2 years; others continue with ongoing support. Our BCBA will work with you to set realistic timelines and milestones, reviewing progress regularly.

While we specialize in autism, ABA is also effective for ADHD, anxiety, behavior challenges, and other conditions. If you're unsure whether ABA is right for your child, call us for a free consultation.

The first session is a free consultation. Your BCBA will listen to your concerns, ask about your child's history and goals, and explain how ABA can help. If you decide to move forward, we schedule a full assessment to build a custom plan.

No. In-home therapy is flexible and scheduled around your family's life. We work with your schedule, accommodate school commitments, and coordinate with other providers to ensure therapy enhances, rather than disrupts, your child's routine.

We track progress continuously using data. You'll receive regular updates, see progress reports, and participate in milestone reviews. Our goal is measurable improvement in the areas that matter most to your family.