The predominant treatment for autism is based on the science and methodology of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is one of the few areas that attracts bipartisan political support and as of September 2018, 48 states in the U.S. mandate insurance coverage of autism services. Services are provided in the home, at center-based programs, at school, or in hybrid models that serve multiple locations. The National Research council recommends a minimum of 25 hours per week of student engagement.

With greater awareness, we are seeing the beginnings of a reduction in the social stigma of autism, developmental delay, and a formal diagnosis of autism leading more families to seek intervention and support. As funding for autism services and awareness of autism is expanding, more and more families are seeking services nationwide. Most providers report waiting lists for both assessment and diagnosis and intervention leading to rapid growth in this industry.

In smaller communities, the shortage of providers is especially acute. Other than a handful of large providers, such as PE-backed Trumpet Behavioral Health, CARD, Aveanna (previously Epic), Autism Learning Partners, and LEARN Behavioral, providers are mostly very small to medium-sized businesses resulting in a highly fragmented autism services provider market. ​The nine largest ABA therapy companies are estimated to generate less than a third of the total industry revenue​ leaving much room for growth and innovation of autism services.

The total annual costs for children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) in the United States were estimated to be between $11.5 billion and $60.9 billion — a significant economic burden. Many autism treatment organizations, and some of the largest competitors are located in California. This is due to the fact that funding for treatment programs has been in place there since the 1990s, prior to the insurance mandates that were later put into place.