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ABA Mission March 2025 Monthly Newsletter

1. Welcome & Introduction

Hi - I'm Scott Dickson the founder of ABA Mission, I bring extensive experience in ABA technology, operations, and data strategy. I have spent the last 6 years working closely with ABA providers, investors, and software platforms. My goal is to bridge the gap between technology and operational efficiency to drive sustainable growth.

Welcome to my first monthly ABA Mission Newsletter! This newsletter is designed to be a valuable resource for anyone in the ABA space looking to 'scale' their business—whether you’re a Provider expanding services, an Investor evaluating opportunities, or a Platform seeking to enhance industry impact.

Each month, I’ll share highlights from my experience, research, conversations with industry leaders, and real-world examples of innovation to help ABA businesses improve operations, increase efficiency, and stay ahead of the curve. I welcome your feedback and insights—let’s build a smarter, more connected ABA industry together.

2. Key Insights & Highlighted Platforms

This month’s top discussions and emerging platforms making waves in the ABA space: Click the Hints for more!

3. Industry Trends & Insights

  • ABA Reimbursement Pressures – Providers are using AI-driven claim review tools to push back against denials and improve approval rates. Recent Medicaid budget cuts, however, threaten reimbursement gains, creating uncertainty for providers reliant on these payors.
  • The Importance of the EHR in ABA M&A Activity – Merging ABA providers that use the same EHR simplifies integration. Hybrid EHR acquisitions remain an option for acquirers with strong operational and technical capabilities. (Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on this topic.)
  • AI in ABA – AI is no longer a 'tech' function. Dramatic improvements in Clinical and Administrative workflow are now 'expected' to be embraced by the entire C-Suite. You can go 'all-in' with a Data-centric approach or start simpler with a use case that documents and assesses your operations.

4. SCUBA Reports: Providers & Platforms

Our latest SCUBA reports highlight:

  • ABA Service Providers & Hiring Trends – Demand for ABA services is growing, leading providers to expand hiring. Hiring is up this month, but job postings are down. See the Top 20 ABA Service Providers and insights here.
  • Platform Vendors & Market Adoption – Some platform vendors are receiving major investments but have yet to gain traction with large ABA providers. Vendors offering seamless integrations and clearly demonstrating measurable and effective Clinical Outcomes will stand out. See the top ABA Platforms and insights here.

5. ABA Vendors by Category

A view of the ABA technology landscape:

  • All-Inclusive ABA Practice Management Platforms
  • ABA Practice Management Platforms Requiring Clinical Tools Integration
  • Clinical Tools
  • Assessment Tools
  • Revenue Cycle Management Vendors
  • Automation Tools
  • CRM (Customer Relationship Management) – See Scott's Deep Dive
  • Payroll & HR Management
  • Applicant Tracking Systems – See Scott's Deep Dive
  • Accounting & Financial Management
  • Service Ticketing
  • Performance Management
  • Employee Rewards

6. ABA Operator Spotlight

Frontera’s Session Analyzer & iPad Deployment

Frontera is leveraging its clinical staff in Colorado and New Mexico to refine its AI-powered Session Analyzer tool. Real world testing that is tied to care delivery allows Frontera to fine-tune their video documentation platform before scaling externally.

Frontera is also deploying iPads preloaded with their software, enabling providers to adopt asynchronous BCBA supervision—a trend offering greater flexibility and efficiency. Secured payor support reinforces this model’s viability for improving feedback and documentation.

7. How ABA Mission Can Support Your Growth

I bring deep expertise in ABA technology, operations, and investment strategy, and have:

  • Developed an Enterprise Data Repository for a leading, P/E backed ABA provider that centralized Practice Management with all other key software platforms, enabling enterprise KPI's
  • Overseen Technology for an award-winning ABA software company used by the largest ABA providers in the industry.
  • Provided strategic consulting to top private equity firms exploring ABA market investments.

Are you an Investor...

  • assessing an ABA platform for investment?
  • performing Due Diligence on an ABA Provider's operations, data and technology?
  • developing a plan for post-merger Provider operations and systems integration?

Are you a Provider....

  • looking to scale operations?
  • evaluate an ABA Platform vendor?
  • leverage AI and data?

Are you a Platform...

  • aiming to deliver the right capabilities?
  • land strategic Provider accounts?
  • enhance system integrations?
  • achieve scale?

Let’s connect to explore how we can support your growth.

I will be at the 2025 Autism Investor Summit and would love to connect!

8. Reader Questions & Feedback

Have a topic you’d like us to cover next month? Reply and let us know!

Q&A: What’s the biggest technology challenge you face in your ABA practice?

9. Closing & Call to Action

Thanks for reading this month’s ABA Mission Newsletter! If you found this valuable, please share it with your network. Stay tuned for next month’s insights!

📩 Subscribe & Stay Updated: If this was forwarded to you, sign up here to receive future editions.

See you next month! 🚀

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