Play-Based Therapy
Skill-building disguised as fun — because children learn best when they're engaged.
Why families across the Twin Cities choose Active Care Center for play-based therapy.
Active Care Center is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)–led ABA therapy clinic serving children, teens, and families in Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Savage, Bloomington, and the wider south metro Twin Cities, Minnesota community. Our play-based therapy program is grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis — the most extensively researched, evidence-based therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental delays.
Every play-based therapy plan we build is individualized: written by a BCBA, delivered by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) under close clinical supervision, and continually adjusted using session-by-session data. We accept most major Minnesota insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, Medica, UCare, and Minnesota Medical Assistance — and our intake team will help you verify coverage before your first appointment.
Whether your family is brand new to ABA therapy, transitioning from another provider, or looking to add play-based therapy to an existing care plan, our Burnsville autism therapy clinic offers a calm, sensory-friendly environment, compassionate clinicians, and the structured support children need to make meaningful, lasting progress.
What it is
Play-based therapy uses your child's natural interests as the engine for learning. We follow their lead, then layer in language, social, and problem-solving skills inside activities they already love.
Who it's for
Younger children and learners who do best with naturalistic, child-led teaching styles.
What to expect
- A warm, sensory-friendly therapy space
- Goals embedded in games, pretend play, and shared activities
- Frequent reinforcement and momentum-building
- Clear documentation of progress, even when it looks like play
Common questions about Play-Based Therapy at Active Care Center.
Is Play-Based Therapy right for my child?
Our BCBAs determine whether Play-Based Therapy is the right ABA therapy approach for your child during a free intake consultation. We review your child's developmental history, current goals, and any prior evaluations, then recommend the service mix that best fits their needs.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Active Care Center is in-network with most major Minnesota insurance plans — including Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, HealthPartners, Medica, UCare, PreferredOne, and Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA/Medicaid). Our team handles benefits verification and prior authorization on your behalf.
What ages do you work with?
We provide ABA therapy and related services for children, adolescents, and teens — typically from 18 months through 18 years old. Early intervention is a core focus, but it's never too late to start. Programs are tailored to your child's developmental stage and individual goals.
How quickly can we get started?
Most Burnsville-area families complete intake and begin services within two to four weeks of their initial inquiry. After insurance verification and a BCBA assessment, we'll schedule your child's first sessions and walk you through every step of the onboarding process.
Are sessions in-clinic, at home, or at school?
Active Care Center primarily delivers ABA therapy from our welcoming, sensory-friendly clinic in Burnsville, MN. We also coordinate with schools through our School Consults service and offer parent training so caregivers can extend progress into the home environment.
Who delivers the therapy?
Every program is designed and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Direct, day-to-day sessions are delivered by Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Behavior Technicians who complete rigorous training and ongoing competency reviews to ensure quality care.
Other services
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We'd love to hear about your child and answer any questions. Most families start with a short, no-pressure conversation.