The ABA Stack

The ABA Stack isn’t just a technology diagram—it’s a strategic framework for scaling autism service organizations with data at the core. By viewing operations through the lens of a connected stack, providers and investors can more effectively assess technology, services, and internal capabilities to drive alignment, growth, and long-term differentiation.

The ABA Stack Visual

The stack consists of four foundational layers:

Data Foundation — Aggregates signals from every platform and workflow, including outsourced services.
Integration Layer — The connective tissue: APIs, robotic process automation (RPA), manual workflows, and middleware that enable system interoperability.
Operational Capabilities — The tools and services that power day-to-day clinical care, operations, and administration.
Strategic Enablers — What the stack unlocks: measurable differentiation, real-time KPIs, and Agentic AI applications.

Capability Breakdown

A provider’s operations may appear complex, with overlapping workflows and handoffs across teams. But at their core, these operations can be broken down into discrete capabilities—each representing a fundamental function in the ABA provider model.

Many of these capabilities are delivered through dedicated software platforms or outsourced business services. When organized systematically, they form the operational core of the ABA Stack.

Practice Management (PM)

The core system for managing sessions, staff, documentation, and billing. Must interoperate with clinical and back-office tools to support scalability.

Clinical Tools

Tools for capturing, analyzing, and reporting therapy outcomes. Integration with PM and RCM systems is critical for data continuity.

All-in-One Platforms

Platforms that combine PM and clinical data collection, offering unified workflows across therapy, billing, and documentation.

Human Resources (HR)

Manages staff lifecycle including hiring, onboarding, credentialing, compliance training, performance tracking, and exit workflows.

Payroll

Platforms and services for wage calculation, tax compliance, benefits integration, and time tracking—often tied closely to HR and compliance systems.

Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)

Encompasses billing, claims submission, denials management, and payer reconciliation. May include clearinghouse integration, eligibility checks, and prior authorization tools.

Compliance & Risk Management

Tracks adherence to labor laws (e.g., breaks, drive time), licensing requirements, audit documentation, and proactive remediation of risk exposure.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Systems for managing intake, caregiver communications, marketing funnels, and cross-functional coordination of family-facing activities.

Credentialing

Supports verification of staff qualifications, licensing, and payer requirements—often integrated with HR and contracting systems.

Client Services

Oversees visit logistics, care team assignment, schedule management, and communication around service delivery and authorizations.

Contracting

Manages payer agreements, reimbursement terms, and contractual alignment with clinical and operational workflows.

Analytics & KPI Reporting

Transforms integrated data into real-time dashboards, benchmarks, and insights—supporting strategy, performance, and AI enablement.

Platform SCUBA

Each major ABA technology platform is tracked monthly through SCUBA—Scott’s Completely Unscientific Behaviorist Assessment—which captures signals such as hiring growth, funding activity, customer adoption, and product focus.

➡️ Explore the latest Platform SCUBA

Platform Cards

Dive into key platforms by capability:

Each card offers insights into platform capabilities, positioning, and integration strategy.

Full Platform Directory

Looking for a broader view of the ABA software landscape?

➡️ Browse the Full ABA Software Platform Directory

This expanded list includes all known vendors by category—including clinical tools, assessment platforms, HR systems, RCM services, and more.

🔎 For deeper dives into platform trends, visit the Platform SCUBA or subscribe to the ABA Mission Monthly Newsletter.