Since 2021, ACES has maintained its designation as Aetna’s first Institute of Quality for Autism, reflecting five years of recognized clinical excellence and a shared commitment to advancing high-quality autism care.

For five years, ACES has been recognized as a preferred provider through Aetna’s Institute of Quality (IOQ) program for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. First receiving this designation in 2021, ACES has continued to uphold its commitment to delivering evidence-based autism care that prioritizes meaningful progress, measurable outcomes, and the needs of each child and family.

As Aetna’s first Institute of Quality for Autism, ACES established an important milestone in its longstanding mission to elevate the standards of autism care. Five years later, the designation continues to reflect ACES’ dedication to clinical excellence, continuous improvement, and helping children with autism develop skills that make a meaningful difference in their everyday lives.

What Is Aetna’s Institute of Quality Designation?

Aetna’s Institute of Quality (IOQ) program recognizes healthcare providers that meet established standards for specialized clinical services, quality, and cost efficiency.

Providers selected for the program demonstrate:

• Clinical excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.
• Continuous improvement: Ongoing efforts to enhance clinical practices and patient outcomes.
• Specialized expertise: Experience providing services tailored to individuals with specific healthcare needs.
• Quality and value: Meeting established standards for care quality and cost efficiency.

For families seeking ABA therapy, this designation helps identify providers recognized for their commitment to quality care.

Five Years of Recognized Excellence in Autism Care

ACES first earned Aetna’s Institute of Quality designation in August 2021, becoming the first ABA provider recognized through Aetna’s autism-focused IOQ initiative.

Maintaining this designation over the past five years reflects ACES’ continued focus on clinical quality and its commitment to helping children with autism make meaningful, measurable progress.

Since its founding in 1996, ACES has worked to advance the standards of autism care through research-informed practices, individualized treatment, and a focus on outcomes that matter to children and their families.

Today, ACES continues to build on that foundation by providing engaging, developmentally appropriate ABA therapy designed to strengthen communication, social, and everyday living skills while supporting each child's individual needs.

What This Means for Families

Choosing an ABA therapy provider is an important decision. Families want to know their child is receiving care that is effective, supportive, and grounded in established clinical practices.

ACES' longstanding Institute of Quality designation provides an additional measure of confidence for families exploring autism care.

Through its continued relationship with Aetna, ACES remains committed to:

• Expanding access to quality autism care for eligible families.
• Delivering individualized, evidence-based ABA therapy.
• Measuring progress and focusing on meaningful clinical outcomes.
• Supporting caregivers as active partners in their child's development.
• Continuously improving the quality and effectiveness of services.

Together, these priorities reflect a shared goal of making quality autism care more accessible and helping families receive the support they need.

Continuing to Raise the Standard for Autism Care

As ACES celebrates 30 years of serving the autism community in 2026, maintaining Aetna's Institute of Quality designation for five years represents another meaningful milestone in its history.

What began as a groundbreaking designation in 2021 has become a longstanding recognition of ACES' dedication to clinical excellence and its mission to help children with autism learn, grow, and thrive.

ACES remains focused on what matters most: delivering high-quality care, supporting families, and helping children make meaningful progress.

Get Started With ACES

Looking for high-quality ABA therapy for your child? ACES offers individualized, evidence-based autism care designed to support meaningful progress.

Whether you're exploring ABA therapy for the first time or looking for a new provider, our team is here to help you understand your options, navigate insurance coverage, and take the next steps.

Get Started With ACES to learn more about our services and find a location near you.